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FACE-WORDS

4/29/2015

The faces of our children tell us stories that spoken words may leave out. The caption on the photo inset is a perfect example of determination offering the kind of encouragement we may need. It reminds us to stay strong as the school year winds down.

I have often commented to my husband, Coach Brown, that he has his “GAME FACE” on. This face includes a very distant, blood-shot, and blank look in his otherwise very blue and engaging eyes. His jaw becomes set and an unnatural smile is formed but only when necessary. One look into this face and I know it’s a game day.

During a particularly stressful get-out-the-door-for-school moment when our children were young, I recall catching a glimpse of my face in the hall mirror. It spoke loudly to our girls saying, “I am not happy with you!” I gasped for breath when I realized the words my face shouted. With an apology, sweet kisses and a renewed resolve to see myself clearly, I sent them off to school that day with some kinder FACE-WORDS.

The face of God speaks to us. Through the weary and worn times of life like the end of a school year, we can look into His face for words of encouragement and comfort.

His face is there for us… My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8 NIV

His face is a place of solace and strength… Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. I Chronicles 16:11 NIV
His face is full of grace and power… …the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25 NIV

MAY OUR FACE-WORDS REFLECT GOD’S STRENGTH TODAY!

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

RULES OF REJECTION

4/22/2015

It isn’t a subject that is easily spoken or written about but it nevertheless is a reality of life…REJECTION. From not passing a driving test to the loss of a loved one, the result can easily be a feeling of rejection.

Making a certain sport team or gaining a starting position on a team are both commonly sought after dreams. Not being chosen can certainly bring on feelings of rejection. Knowing how to handle these times of disappointing re-direction is a fundamental learning curve for athletes.

REJECTION RULE #1: SEE IT AS YOUR OPPORTUNITY FOR SELECTION As the Disciples traveled from place to place with the Good News they visited many homes. If they sensed a lack of interest, they would quickly depart even shaking the dust from that home from their feet and move on to the next town.
So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. Acts 13:51 NLT

REJECTION RULE #2: BELIEVE IT IS FOR YOUR GOOD Job was a man whose life experiences are recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible. He lived through disaster after disaster experiencing God's re-direction again and again.
From one disaster after another [God} delivers you; no matter what the calamity, the evil can’t touch you… Job 5:19 The Message

REJECTION RULE #3: REMEMBER - THINGS ARE OFTEN NOT AS THEY SEEM Although the ultimate departure of Christ from this earth seemed like rejection, it was our saving grace…
God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:9 The Message

PRAYER: As I reflect on the past, Lord, it is evident that your re-directions have purposefully led me to where I was supposed to be. Thank you for loving me enough to lead me to those places. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOD PROMISES TO LEAD US…THE SECRET IS TO LET HIM.

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

AVOID TOTAL COLLAPSE

4/15/2015

The last few weeks of the school year bring exciting events and long-awaited accomplishments. It also brings tough final exams, an over-abundance of commitments, and tiring preparations. These must be managed in order to remain strong and AVOID TOTAL COLLAPSE.

During a sport season the unexpected regularly happens…a promising player out for the year due to severe injury, an outstanding player recovering from serious injury, a player not returning to play and so on. These storms require serious re-evaluation. Building a strong foundation means plans must be altered, expectations must be re-adjusted and fundamentals must be re-established in order to AVOID TOTAL COLLAPSE

As the school years ends, it is necessary to remain fundamentally sound in an effort to AVOID TOTAL COLLAPSE. In the scripture passage below Jesus encourages us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His teachings which will ensure our strength throughout the storms and stresses of life.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7: 24-27

There's no need to fear the wind if your haystacks are tied down. Irish Proverb

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your Word on which I can be secure. During these busy times, I will stand firm and strong as I trust in You. When the rains of disappointment come, when my soul floods with worry and when the winds of change beat against me, I will not fall because You are my foundation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

AVOID COLLAPSE – BUILD ON JESUS, THE SOLID ROCK!

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

WORST AND BEST

4/8/2015

"Orchids and Onions” is how the little summer church camp newspaper handled praising the good and revealing the bad events of the week. As a teen, we all looked forward to this daily review of camp life while hoping that our name was in the Orchid side of the day’s issue.

Local newspapers and sport reports always include a review of the best teams. Often a listing of the standings are included announcing not only the BEST but also the WORST teams in a sport. This revealing information can result in an on-slot of kudos for the best teams and a hidden world of humiliation for the worst.

Our recent celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection brings the cross into full focus revealing both the WORST AND BEST…

It was the WORST humiliation for Christ on the cross…
He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 NLT

It was God’s BEST outcome because of the cross...
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32. KJV

THE CROSS OF CHRIST REVEALS
MAN’S SIN AT ITS WORST…
AND GOD’S LOVE AT ITS BEST. *

PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to go through the worst for my best. In response I will humbly wade through the onions of life to get to the glorious orchids You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

*Dave Brannon, Our Daily Bread

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PAINFUL RESOLVE

4/1/2015

NOTE: The first issue of each month is dedicated to our word for the year - RESOLVE.

We have all known pain. Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, painful experiences can lead us to new accomplishments, new understanding and new insights…if we choose to let it.

New beginnings are the gift of painful endings.

In sports the “no pain-no gain” slogan is often heard. Pushed-to-the-limit practices, grueling training sessions and giving up of vacation time for team conditioning can be a PAINFUL RESOLVE. It's an investment made in pursuit of a league championship, a state tournament, a desired meet, or a place on the team.

Our salvation and eternal destiny depends upon Christ’s PAINFUL RESOLVE. Although we love, nurture, manage, organize, teach and serve others, none of these things can wipe away our sin. It was on a cross of pain and suffering that Christ remained resolved to accomplish the task before him that the price was paid for our sin. This ultimate sacrifice offers us…

A new beginning for our sins of the past – forgiveness!

A new beginning for our present shortcomings – grace!

A new beginning for our future perfection – hope!

Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. Romans 6:6-9 The Message

PRAYER: Dear Father, it is your son’s PAINFUL RESOLVE that brought you to me. Thank you for sending your only son to walk this earth and die on that cross for my sins. Your soft whisper saying, “I love you even more than you loved your sin*,” causes my otherwise painful endings to become new beginnings. I celebrate your son’s death and resurrection that provides me with new beginnings and promises me eternal life with you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

RESOLVE #4: CHRIST’S PAIN IS MY GAIN!

*quote from Dave Egner

©2015 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

As a veteran coach's wife, Janet invites you to join her in "Changing the world for Christ...one athlete at a time".Through the language of sports and life experiences, Janet uniquely exposes the character of God and His desire for "sportmoms" to WIN BIG in life. Her behind-the-bench view invites us into a world of triumphant wins and tragic personal loss.

LIFE EXPERIENCE

From being a mother of 2 to a spiritual mom to many, the road of life for Janet includes these hallmarks:

- Gave her "heart to Jesus" at 6 years old
.
- Studied Education/ Psychology at a Christian College

- Enjoyed earning her wings and flying as a Flight Attendant

- Is the wife of Coach Dave Brown since 1967.

- Involved in ministry to women for 30+ years including: Retreat Facilitator and speaker, Bible Study leader, National Women's Ministry Leader

- Held an executive position in the corporate world for 35 years.

- Developed and taught Pre-married and Marriage classes with her husband for 12 years.

Currently is a writer, grandmother to 4 and a coach's wife.

FACE-WORDS

RULES OF REJECTION﻿

AVOID TOTAL COLLAPSE

WORST AND BEST

PAINFUL RESOLVE

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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RULES OF REJECTION

About the Author...
JANET BROWN