Blog Archives

WINDING DOWN

5/29/2012

As this school year comes to a close, so do the SPORTMOM E-votionals for the summer break. Looking back on it brings a smile to my face and a tinge of emptiness to my soul. Tuesdays and Fridays just aren’t the same when 7:30 a.m. comes and it is time to post the day’s issue.

A coach once said, “Our team was surprisingly consistent this year. We closed with a seven-seven record. We lost seven at home, and seven on the road.”

It is with relief that we can say just the opposite…our sportmoms have been truly consistent this year. We close it out with a stellar record of hits on the website and many precious comments from you along the way. For these I am so very grateful.

Jesus left us with these words as He was WINDING DOWN His ministry …

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 NIV

Instead of a lose-lose report, Jesus gives us these comforting words of hope and encouragement. He leaves on a peaceful note reminding us that it will not come from this world. He also reminds us that we are in charge of our hearts with the “do not let” charge. Just like a coach who reminds his team that they can do it, so our Lord closes out his ministry with “you can do it” words for His followers.

May this school year begin WINDING DOWN with many wins remembered and cherished. And may your summer months bring a change of pace filled with a spirit of DELIGHT, not as the world gives but as Christ himself gives.

Blessings… as you wind down, close out, and rest in the promised peace Christ left for us.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

INQUIRE WITHIN

5/25/2012

The sign “HELP WANTED - INQUIRE WITHIN” can often be seen in store windows when a business is hiring. The intention is to attract job-seeking passer-bys that may be interested in working for the establishment. The first requirement for a potential employee is to take action by deciding to respond, then by stepping through the doors and finally, asking the responsible party about the job. From that point on the manager takes control…preparation for the selection, hiring and ultimate filling of the sought-after position.

When an athlete is considering involvement in a sport, much the same process occurs.:

1. Decide to INQUIRE about the sport.

2. Step through the doors of the athletic office and find out who is in
    charge of the sport…most likely  the Coach.

3. Ask the Coach for information about the sport.

From that point on the Coach will determine the placement, position, ability level, of the inquiring athlete.

In the store window of forgiveness hangs an “INQUIRE WITHIN” sign. The act of forgiving others requires some personal preparation for the often difficult job of forgiveness.

1.    DECIDE to forgive and not escalate. No matter what another has
       done forgiveness is my responsibility – develop an “it’s on me”
       attitude.

       Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my
       anxious thoughts.  Psalm 139:23 NIV

          LACK OF FORGIVENESS CAN EASILY BECOME A GREATER ISSUE
                                                 THAN THE ORIGINAL OFFENSE.

2.    STEP into the process by hanging out your own HELP WANTED
       sign and open your heart’s door to the One who knows all about it..

        Help me, LORD my God; … according to your unfailing love.         Psalm 109:25-27

3.    ASK the Great Supplier for direction and courage to accomplish the
       task at hand...always remembering how much He has forgiven you.

       Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as
       quickly and thoroughly just as God in Christ forgave you.
       Ephesians 4:32 The Message

Blessings…as you INQUIRE WITHIN then get on with the job of forgiving.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS...

5/22/2012

Have you ever been in ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS that you wish would end? These encounters can zap us of our energy let alone having with no resolution. Today we will look at ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS that are invigorating, re-vitalizing and that culminate in much-sought-after resolution.

There is no sweeter sound to a coach than a player or participant who eats, sleeps and drinks the sport. Talking incessantly about it to family, friends and fellow team members is one sign of a fully-committed player. Knowledge, gathered and applied, is the fuel for ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS on their favorite sport. Although some athletes may rarely discuss their sport, this kind of person discusses nearly nothing else but the sport and with great passion!

David was in constant communication about and with His Maker. Doing battle against the great Goliath, he took the giant out with some stones and a slingshot - his sport gear. It was with passionate intent that he showed up to defend against evil for the sake of the God of Israel. Rather than having ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS about how strong and terrible the giant was, he chose to continually comment on the awesome power and strength of his God.

“You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.” 1 Samuel 17:45

“No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God.” Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants

David went on to have a life of ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS about and with his God as we see in the Psalms that he wrote.

When we become fully-engaged with our Creator, we find ourselves in ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS about and with Him. It is these passionate, reverent, and focused communications that bring power to the challenges of life. May we endlessly proclaim…

                          My life is in you, Lord, My strength is in you, Lord...
                               My hope is in you, Lord…in You, it’s in You!

Blessings…as you find hope and strength through your ENDLESS DISCUSSIONS with our Lord.

NOTE: Please feel free to post your comments by clicking on the word "Comment" at the top right of this text.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

IT'S YOU THAT KNOW

5/18/2012

The Portuguese language has an expression that came to my desk from a dear friend. As the daughter of a mid-century American missionary family to Brazil, she now tends to the needs of her aging father. With her permission, here are her thoughts…

“It has been a treat for me to learn things about Dad that I never knew, and see him in a new light in some ways. I have found one of his favorite ways of NEVER putting me on the spot, or imposing in ANY way, or putting himself first, or choosing instead of letting Me choose, is using a favorite Brazilian term that totally gets me off the hook..."VOCE QUE SABE”...or…it's you that know". Sheila Frush

A coach is thrilled when players demonstrate the “VOCE QUE SABE” attitude during season practice. This allows a teaching/learning environment between coach and player. But what is even more impacting is the moment that a trusting coach relinquishes the game to the players and in essence says, “VOCE QUE SABE…it’s you that know.”

WE SAY “VOCE QUE SABE” TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER...

As sportmoms committed to following Christ’s example, we most likely find ourselves praying the “VOCE QUE SABE” prayer. It is a beautiful prayer of submission letting our Heavenly Father know that we completely trust Him no matter the circumstance. Here are some examples from scripture:

Then Job replied to the Lord, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Job 42:2 (click on underlined scripture for Bible Gateway reference)

LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SAYS “VOCE QUE SABE” TO US...

The first time I began to understand that God trusts me came from this scripture verse:

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide thee with my eye. Psalm 32:8

When our children were very young I took them out to play on the swing set in our backyard. I stood next to the swing even holding on to them and it guarding against any falls. I also taught them how to hold on, how to get in and out of it and how to make it sail through the air. As they grew a little older I could stand at the kitchen window and watch them happily swing back and forth “guiding them with my eye.” I trusted them for they had learned how to swing … VOCE QUE SABE!

It is comforting to know that my God trains me up in His ways and I can depend on Him. But it is astounding to realize that He steps back saying “VOCE QUE SABE”… I trust you for you know my ways.

Blessings…as you live out a “VOCE QUE SABE” relationship with our Lord.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

BEYOND RELIEF

5/15/2012

It’s baseball season which can include “very long” games that test the arm of many-a pitcher and the back side of many-a spectator. Whether the game is long or short, relief pitchers play a necessary and important role providing much-needed arm rest for a starting pitcher and infusing the team with both new energy and opportunity.

All sports require “relief” time. For basketball, football, and soccer it is the end of each quarter and extended half time breaks. For baseball and softball it is between innings and, of course, at the 7th inning stretch (most likely designed for the fans). For track it is the time span between events. No matter the sport, these breaks are necessary for all-out competition.

In order to re-energize an athlete’s body and re-ignite the competitive spirit within, it takes more than the game breaks. A good night’s sleep following a strenuous competition is vital taking them BEYOND the RELIEF of game breaks. It restores their body and mind in preparation to once again play ball with victory as the goal.

God is in the business of providing us the BEYOND RELIEF opportunity of resting in Him! The challenges of daily living can zap us of the energy we need. Although we may find temporary relief in a latte, a short nap or a long night’s sleep, it is the revitalizing of our inner being that brings true rest. His Holy Spirit at work within us re-fuels our being, calms our soul, and prepares our spirits with the strength and courage that life demands.

BEYOND RELIEF MEANS A SPIRIT AT REST

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 NLT

“This kind of Jesus infusion brings a peacefulness to our being that doesn't just get our minds off of things, but captures our heart and sturdies our soul. It is true restoration.” P.J. Medart

It has been said that GOD SOMETIMES calms the storm…but SOMETIMES He allows the storm to rage and calms His child.

I am at rest in God alone, my victory comes from Him.
Psalm 62:1 NIV

Blessings...as you go BEYOND mere RELIEF and into our Father's victorious restoration.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

TO FIND OUT

5/11/2012

As mothers we regularly challenge our children to FIND OUT. Whether it is gathering particular information about something they want to do, something they need to know or if it is something we are encouraging them to do or know the key is always the same…TO FIND OUT.

We FIND OUT about people by observing their behavior, listening to what they say, hearing to what others say about them and by simply asking questions.

“There is one way to find out if a man is honest - ask him. If he says 'yes', you know he is crooked. “ Groucho Marx, entertainer and comedian

Scouting games that are being played by potential opponents is the FIND OUT factor for coaches. Watching actual game play as well as game film brings the game plan into focus. A constant effort to FIND OUT how to best incorporate each player into this plan is vital for a good outcome.

There is a very short scripture the Apostle Paul tucks into a passage he writes to the church at Ephesus. He teaches them about living as children of light and closes with this challenge…

“…find out what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10 NIV

Writing to the Church in Corinth Paul describes what "pleasing the Lord" looks like...

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

Pleasing God is the result of constantly finding out who He is and consistently choosing to be like Him. Through our Father-filtered words and deeds others FIND OUT who Christ is...this is pleasing to God.

PERSONAL PRAYER: To be the fragrant aroma of You is my heart’s desire. Please help me TO FIND OUT the words and thoughts that please you, Oh Lord my Rock and my Salvation.

Blessings … as you seek TO FIND OUT what pleases God and do it.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

W-O-R-R-Y

5/8/2012

Taking the “Hakuna Matata” approach to life (as expressed in the movie The Lion King) is our focus today. This “no worries” attitude can pave the way to great accomplishments.

Healthy concern and appropriate care are a necessity… particularly as sportmoms. When these nurturing characteristics escalate into being over-anxious or obsessively troubled we become a slave to worry.

          THE ABILITY TO CONQUER HAS NO ROOM FOR WORRY

For optimum performance, one thing must prevail in the hearts and minds of both coaches and players.  It is the “WE CAN DO THIS” attitude! Concern may be present but the underlying confident approach is what carries them to do their best. Anxious worry, on the other hand, paralyzes. So…

                  WHY OBSESS? RESIST ROBBING YOURSELF!

Worry can quite easily become an all-consuming past time. The Bible tells us that prayer is the answer to our anxious ways. Someone sarcastically asked, “Why pray when you can worry?” The real question is “why worry when you can pray?” Philippians 4:6 & 7 gives us profound yet simple steps to overcome worry…

REFRAIN: “Do not be anxious about anything…”

REQUEST: “…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present  your requests to God.”

RECEIVE: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your  hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Blessings…as you conquer troublesome worry through persistent prayer.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

HIDE AND SEEK

5/4/2012

The childhood game of “hide and seek” kept us busy for hours. The thrill of finding someone was both challenging and rewarding so the game was repeated in many different forms with neighbors, friends and family members. This game prepared us for life in numerous ways including finding a good place to hide when life hits us hard, searching relentlessly for something we really want, the hope of being sought after and believing that in the end we can find…great life lessons!

As spring comes into full blossom so does the baseball season. The “hide and seek” concept regularly reveals itself as the catcher hides his signs and the pitcher seeks to execute it. The goal? To deliver an unsuspected and perfect pitch that results in a strike for the batter.

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” Hank Aaron

There are also hidden signs from a base coach to the runners on base seeking to bring them safely home. Players who heed these hidden communications find satisfying success.

THE HIDE: Much like the game of hide and seek, we are looking for a place to hide safely away from the burdens and cares of life that seek to overtake us. Christ provides that hiding place …

For you died to this life, your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 NIV

SAFETY IS BEING HIDDEN IN CHRIST.

“Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee.” Augustus Toplady

Being hidden in Christ includes knowing the call. Just as the pitcher watches for the catcher’s call, we look for the directives that God gives us in His Word. Then we can say with the Psalmist, David…

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

THE SEEK: We are sought after by our Creator to bring us back into relationship with Him. What a secure feeling know that the Shepherd of our souls wants to find us, in fact is looking for us to be back with Him. Unlike the game of hide and seek, He wants to be found.

You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls. I Peter 2:25 TM

Knowing the ways of the greatest “base Coach” ever and living them out is also part of the seek…

Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. Matthew 6:33 NCV

Our relentless search for a life hidden in Christ brings all things into perspective…the eternal game of HIDE AND SEEK.

Blessings…as you hide and are found …seek and find safety in Christ.

©2012 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

MAY - DELIGHTFUL CALM

5/1/2012

The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month is dedicated to our WORD FOR THE YEAR   “DELIGHT”...

The cold snows of January, the pounding hail of February, the blustery winds of March and the lingering showers of April have brought us to the CALM of May. Leaves adorn the trees, garden flowers display their colors, sunny days break through the clouds and tender plantings of vegetable gardens quietly take root in the warm soil of spring. We take pure DELIGHT in the calming beauty that flourishes around us.

We often hear about “the calm before the storm” which prepares us. But there is also a quiet recluse after the storm that heals us.

“Calmness is always Godlike.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Then there are those who appear calm before, after and during a storm. Coach is one of these people…the tough skin of his English mind belies the intensity within. This quote says it all…

“The English have an extraordinary ability for flying into a great calm.”  Alexander Woollcott

A calming spirit is not always natural to us. Because He knows us, our Lord takes great satisfaction in easing our pain and stilling our souls.

“He will take great DELIGHT in you…He will calm you with His love…” Zephaniah 3:17 TM

With deep delight our Heavenly Father wraps us in His arms of love and gently warms our hearts. He soothes our spirits just as the spring sunshine warms the ground preparing it for plantings.

                                                   It's good to have a heart at peace,
                                                   It’s good to know the calm realease...
                                                   That comes when heav'n has filled the soul-
                                                    Has cleansed the heart and made it whole.

Blessings…as you bask in the DELIGHTFUL CALM of our Savior.

©2012 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.

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN