Blog Archives

FLOODLIGHTS

10/29/2014

Rotating floodlights at a grand opening marked the way for shoppers. It was 1950 and as a five-year-old it was the first time I had seen anything like this. The rays of light dancing across the dark sky were mesmerizing drawing us to the light. As we came close to the source disappointment set in – it was like a great big flashlight that we couldn’t get near because of its extreme brightness. Expecting a carnival or some other playtime excitement, the beautiful attraction in the sky only drew our attention to a new store…not too thrilling for a child.

The floodlights of a sport stadium definitely draw the attention of the surrounding community. However, unlike the childhood floodlight, upon arrival a rousing competition awaits. The floodlights make it possible to see and enjoy this event even in the darkness as athletes display their abilities and fans cheer them on.

Our hearts are made to be filled with the floodlight of God’s glory…

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

Just as God provided the sun, moon and stars to light the earth, He also sheds His light into our very being. Wanting us to know Him, He displayed His light to our world in the face of Christ. We understand His light through the life, teachings and death of His Son, Jesus, that He sent to be the light of this world. This same light is ours today through the power of His Holy Spirit – a floodlight that shines brightly through us bringing others to Him.

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for the floodlight of your glory. I open the darkest parts of my heart to let your light shine in and through me. Let my face display You to my world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOLLOW THE FLOODLIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

HELP!!!

10/22/2014

The cry for help is often heard. Whether the soft whimper of a newborn baby or a panicked plea from a teenage son or daughter who just ran out of gas, it always initiates immediate response from parents or care-givers. The media is filled with commercials telling us about all the help we need whether we ask for it or not. Offering help is in our nature.

Asking for help can be difficult for athletes. They are taught to be tough, that they can do it and that it is all up to them. Although these can be useful, they need the balance of seeking and receiving help. A true mentor coach is ready and willing to offer help and will choose to give it when asked. Needing help and offering it is in our nature.

David, the Psalmist, penned his ever-present need for help with these words…

I will lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. Psalm 18:35

What do you need today? Have you offered a soft whisper of “help!” to the One who loves you most?

PRAYER: Oh, God my help in ages past, my hope for years to come. Please be my guide through stormy blasts and my eternal home. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A SINCERE CRY FOR HELP IS GOD’S SWEET SIGNAL TO OFFER IT!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PRAY BEFORE PLAY

10/15/2014

This photo of a sweet friend’s son recently came across my Facebook page. He and a high school team mate pause, take a knee and pray together before putting on their helmets to compete. On the field they will not only represent their public school but also Christ to their world. Although the game is most likely their passion, being a Christian is their purpose…they PRAY BEFORE PLAY.

How often do we take a knee before on-going events of our lives? Although we may be passionate about the new project at work, the new car we just bought or the coming trip we are about to take, it is the approach to the opportunities of life that make the difference. It requires remembering our God-given purpose and taking time to pray before we play.

That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Mark 11: 24 MSG

When we thank God in advance of enjoying our passionate interests it reveals our true purpose to live out God’s will in our lives…

In everything give thanks ..for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18 NET

TAKE A KNEE : Lord of my life, I give you (your passionate interest here). Please use it to bring others to you. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this opportunity as I live out your purpose for my life. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

TO PLAY WITH PURPOSE – PRAY WITH PASSION!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

IN DADDY'S SHOES

10/8/2014

Have you ever wondered if you could fill someone’s shoes? Perhaps it is a promotion at work, or a successful older sibling who just left home, or maybe it is just plain living up to the job at hand. The best way to start is by simply putting them on as any small child does when they slip their tiny feet into their parent’s big shoes. Then with shouts of encouragement spurring them on they even walk around in them and someday fit into them.

When sport teams follow past season champions, the shoes to fill may seem rather big and awkward. However, as each player slips into their position, their growing skills and abilities emerge and soon a new championship team is formed.

Hidden in the Old Testament writings of Haggai and Zechariah are nuggets of encouragement to an anointed leader named Zerubbabel. Slipping into the God-ordained big shoes of the job at hand, he completed the stalled work of rebuilding the temple one stone at a time. God himself offered the necessary encouragement through Haggai and Zechariah to spur him on…

‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:9 NIV

…‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel …and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:23 NIV

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 NIV

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. Zechariah 4:8 NIV

“Who dares despise the day of small things…” Zechariah 4:10 NIV

As small children, the tiny feet of our future athletes slip into the big shoes of their parents. We are their first and God-ordained mentors chosen to complete a special work of the Lord that may exceed our own accomplishments. Growing these tiny feet into Christ’s likeness is a tall order that requires divine guidance. To be up to this task we slip into the big shoes of Jesus knowing that it is not by our might nor by our power but by His Spirit that we will fill them.

STEP INTO BIG SHOES… ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GROW YOU INTO DADDY’S SHOES!

©2014 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

PURPOSEFUL ADORATION

10/1/2014

Note: The first SPORTMOM E-votional of each month is dedicated to our word-for-the-year...ADORE.

Purposeful living is a challenge we all face. Bunny trails of attention-getting distractions can mean great set-backs on the road of life. Books, classes, videos, television specials, talk show topics and other informational resources around us constantly encourage us to know the track we are on and to stay on it.

PURPOSEFUL ADORATION is a challenge when distractions come. It is often easy for coaches and players to see the weak points of a team or in other players. This is good if it brings them alongside of the need by building up and assisting. But if it causes the focus to be only on the problem with no intentional recognition of exemplary attributes then the bunny trail of distraction takes its toll. Finding the good and promoting it while acknowledging the weakness and working on it, is at the heart of purposefully adoring one another.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa

As His children, God calls us to remain “at attention” in our endless adoration of Him. When the bunny-trails of life take us through rough days, He reminds us to purposefully adore Him anyway. This choice in the face of heartbreak, disappointment or deep sadness creates endless echoes of praise to our Lord.

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. I Peter 3:14 The Message

Let's find the good and focus on it – let's take the bad and learn from it – let's choose to practice PURPOSEFUL ADORATION for the One who knows us best.

AT THE HEART OF WORSHIP IS ENDLESS ADORATION FROM THE HEART.

©2014 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.

FLOODLIGHTS

HELP!!!

PRAY BEFORE PLAY

IN DADDY'S SHOES

PURPOSEFUL ADORATION

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN