Blog Archives

SCURRIED HURRY

4/25/2018

The world we live in constantly pushes us toward hurry. “Do it now!” “Your last chance.” “Don’t miss out!” and “Hurry up!” are voices that permeate our mail, inbox, social media, television, etc. The ‘time is a-wastin’ voice of encouragement has turned into a “do-it-or-else” command. The result is running in a SCURRIED HURRY!

On the fields and courts of competition hurry is often important to reach a goal. Being quick and purposeful is necessary to wins. However, unbridled and untimely haste can easily bring unwanted losses if players give in to SCURRIED HURRY!

"Be quick...but don't hurry!" One of Coach John Wooden's on-the-floor coaching tips.

There is a way to avoid SCURRIED HURRY. The prophet Isaiah reveals the secret in this prayer...

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Success does not depend on how much and how fast we matriculate through life. Rather It is through constant and continual trust in our Heavenly Father which brings about purpose-filled routines and profound peace rather than SCURRIED HURRY!

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4 NIV

RUN FROM HURRY AND INTO STEADFAST PURPOSE!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

SEEING CLEARLY

4/18/2018

“Uh-oh, I can’t find my glasses!” is an exclamation quite common in my daily routine... and the search begins. First is the denial that they are anywhere other than where they belong. Next is the blame that someone else moved them. Finally the hunt begins and sure enough...they are always found exactly where I left them. Discovering where that is takes time, effort and persistence but it pays off in SEEING CLEARLY.

SEEING CLEARLY what a team may be capable of doing is basic to coaching. It requires a search of individual skill-sets...both strengths and weaknesses. Next, the players must submit themselves to the process of being scrutinized. Finally, a solid game plan emerges which will sustain the team through hours and hours of season competition.

Living our lives in synch with God’s plan also requires the on-going process of SEEING CLEARLY. In Psalm 139 we find King David putting himself before the Lord in his desire to clearly see himself.

First came THE SEARCH - allowing God to reveal his weaknesses and sensitizing him to his weaknesses...
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23a NIV

Next was THE SURRENDER – David opened his heart to change in order to move closer in relationship to his Heavenly Father and forward on his life path ...
...test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me... Psalm 139:23b-24a NIV

Finally, THE SALVATION came – David was sustained and overcame weakness as he trusted in the power of his Creator to lead him forward with insight and influence.
...and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24b

PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I open my heart to your search of both my strengths and weaknesses. I want to see clearly who I am through your eyes. Thank you for examples like David that show me how to persistently remain transparent before you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TO SEE YOURSELF CLEARLY...
LOOK THROUGH GOD’S EYES!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED

4/11/2018

To intercede on behalf of another can mean the difference between success and failure, hope and despair or even life and death. “Going to bat” for someone when they are caught in an impossible situation is not only a much-needed help but also a distinct privilege. Sometimes this process is interrupted by a positive turn of events. It is a welcomed outcome accompanied by surprise and ecstatic joy!

Members of a sport team can be powerful intercessors. By consistently speaking positively to the coach or others about a valued team member can make a huge impact particularly when that person is experiencing inadequacy. This intercession is happily interrupted when the player returns to the game with the same vigorous play he or she is known to possess.

Prayer for one another is called “intercession”. Holding someone before the Lord when that person cannot hold themselves up calls for a true intercessor. Fellow believers did that for Peter, a disciple of Christ. While he was in jail and about to be put to death they were holding him up in prayer…

Constant prayer was offered to God for him (Peter) by the church... Acts 12:5

These earnest prayers of intercession were suddenly set aside when Peter walked through the doors of the room where they were praying…INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED! A violent earthquake had loosened his chains and an angel of God had escorted Peter from the jail…unharmed and free. Next he went to be with his intercessors.

(Peter) went to the house...where many people had gathered and were praying... when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Peter...described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. Acts 12:12,16,17 NIV

Oh, that we would intercede on behalf of one another and experience divine intervention. What do you need to hold before the Lord on behalf of another? Have you been held before the Lord by a fellow believer?

PRAYER: Today, Lord, I intercede on behalf of (fill in the blank). Please provide them with (fill in the blank). Thank you for the privilege of being an intercessor and for those who have held me before you in times of great need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DIVINE INTERVENTION = ECSTATIC JOY!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE

4/4/2018

The first Wednesday of each month we focus on our word for the year - PURSUE.

Moving into a different home is often required when we need more space. We need more bedrooms or bathrooms, a bigger family room area or more yard space for the children to play. Pursuing a more SPACIOUS PLACE meets these needs.

All sports require plenty of space for competition and movement. Playgrounds, gyms, playing fields, and the great outdoors with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and oceans to explore all provide the space necessary to enjoy all kinds of sports in a SPACIOUS PLACE.

There are times when we need a place to stretch out our minds and bodies…a place to breathe away from the cares that can envelop us. The Psalmist, David, cried out for relief as he was being hunted down to be killed by his own father…

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a SPACIOUS PLACE. Psalm 118:5 NIV

It is in PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE of rest and comfort provided by our Heavenly Father that reveals and renews His perspective within us. He uses it both to ease and to remake our thoughts into the mind of Christ. (See Psalm 118:1-14)

“He lovingly uses our trials to grow our character into His likeness.” Joe Stowell

…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. Romans 5:3&4 NIV

PRAYER: As life bears in on me, dear Lord, I will cry out to you and rest in the SPACIOUS PLACE you have prepared for me. Thank you for your loving care and comfort as your Holy Spirit renovates my mind. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GOD HAS A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOU - PURSUE IT!

©2018 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.

SCURRIED HURRY

SEEING CLEARLY

INTERCESSION INTERRUPTED

PURSUING A SPACIOUS PLACE

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN