Blog Archives

OLD WORDS

9/26/2018

OLD WORDS are like old sneakers, they may be a bit tattered but they are oh so useful. Two old words are diligence and perseverance. Imagine how different our world would be if Thomas Edison (who invented the incandescent light bulb) or Douglas Engelbart (who gave us the computer mouse) had not practiced diligent perseverance. Their stick-to-it attitude makes this writing possible.

These two OLD WORDS are woven into the fabric sports today. A gritting commitment to practice (diligence) prepares a team for competition...

“It is the hard work you do in practice after you are “all in” that improves your condition. Force yourself when you are tired.” John Wooden

And not giving up when the chips are down (perseverance) has yielded more wins than can be counted. It takes diligent perseverance.

The apostle Paul recommends diligence and perseverance for great outcomes....

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

Let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued by all that is on our plate. Into our struggles God’s Word whispers this refreshing truth…

“Perseverance brings about character which, in turn, fosters genuine hope as the Holy Spirit pours God’s love and comfort into us.” Romans 5:4

PRAYER: You call me to DILIGENT PERSEVERANCE when I am questioning or exhausted. I trust you for the win - the blessing - the “well done”. It is by your strength and guiding hand that I move forward in hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

DO LIFE WITH DILIGENT PERSEVERANCE!

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

MOVED AROUND

9/19/2018

Our family is currently in the middle of being “MOVED AROUND”. Our daughter and her family have just moved from Oregon near us to Florida. One of our grandchildren is in college in Arizona. Another grandchild is in college in Oregon, and my husband and I will be moving to Florida next year. With our houses sold and new ones on the horizon we are definitely feeling the effects of pieces being put together.

Play adjustments and player rotations are a necessary part of team sports. These “MOVE AROUNDS” can be challenging for a player who has honed their skills for a certain position or for a team who has already adjusted to the play that is now being replaced. Coaches are responsible for these changes which are often critical to a team’s success. During this process patience is absolutely necessary both on the part of coaches and players.

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." John Wooden, highly esteemed UCLA basketball coach

As children of God we can trust Him to bring it all together when the pieces of our lives begin to move around. Two well-known verses of scripture come to mind...

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

PRAYER: As you move the pieces of my life around to fit your plan, please help me to trust your Word more completely, to accept your Word more readily, and to act on your Word more promptly, Thank you for being the author and finisher of my faith. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

OUR FAITH IS LIVED OUT...
DURING GOD’S “PIECE-WORK”!

©2018 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11562 SW Royal Villa Dr - .Portland, OR 97224

THE 12TH MAN

9/12/2018

Texas A&M University has a large sign in their football stadium that reads “HOME OF THE 12TH MAN”. Each team has only eleven players on the field at one time, so who is this 12th man? It is the A&M student fans who stand for the entire game in support of their team and cheering them on to the end of the game.

It all began in 1922 when the coach called a student from the stands to suit up and be ready to play if one of the team members was injured . The student was never called into the game, however his willing presence on the sideline greatly encouraged the team.

We have access to God’s willing presence. He is ready to go into action when we invite him into our game of life. His powerful love takes on our struggles, rejoices in our wins and encourages us through our defeats. Along with Him is a stadium of believers who are willing supporters and die-hard fans.

God sent Jesus as our 12th man giving us this promise...

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

We can count on Him to go into action when we call out His name. He will step into the middle of our circumstances as our 12th Man.

Cast all your care on him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:7

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I invite you to be the 12th man of my life. When I am injured you are ready and waiting to care for me. Thank you for your comforting Word that confirms your willing presence. It is in your name I pray, Amen.

MAY YOUR LIFE SIGN READ...
“HOME OF THE 12TH MAN – JESUS CHRIST."

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

PURSUE LOVE

9/5/2018

The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month is dedicated to our 2018 word for the year…PURSUE!

We are born pursuing love.

The first whimpers of a newborn baby are calmed by the loving arms of a mother. The longing to be loved is a natural desire of human beings no matter their age, language, color or place on this earth.

Athletes love to compete. This pursuit is absolutely necessary for them to excel in their sport. As a team member the practice, games, wins and losses bring about a deep bond of love between the players. Loving camaraderie happens as together they sacrifice themselves for the love of the game.

Although we naturally seek the love of people, it is God’s love that truly satisfies our soul. He willingly sacrificed His Son to die on the cross so we can be in relationship with Him.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son. John 3:16 KJV

When we accept this unconditional and pure love our longing for love is satisfied.

God is love...as we live in Him, our love grows more perfect. I John 4:16 & 17 NLT

Loving others becomes second nature to us as we pursue God’s love and allow it to envelop our soul. It then gracefully flows through us and into the world around us.

And we know and rely on the love God has for us. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:16 &19 NIV

PRAYER: I accept your perfect love for me today. May those who come my way feel your love. Thank you for pursuing me with your unwavering love. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

GOD PURSUES US WITH HIS UNWAVERING LOVE –
PAY IT FORWARD!

©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.

OLD WORDS

MOVED AROUND

THE 12TH MAN

PURSUE LOVE

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN