Blog Archives

GREATER THAN

10/26/2016

The exploitation of the GREATER THAN issue is all around us. Commercials constantly proclaim that a product or service is better than any other. Television programs like The Voice, American Idol and Rising Star pit singers against singers in an effort to discover who is greater than all the rest. America’s Got Talent does the same only with all types of skills and talents pitted against one another for the coveted who’s- the-greatest-of-them-all crown…and we wildly applaud!

Scores of athletic programs from four-year-old T-ball to the World Series compete for the coveted crown of greatness. From soccer, basketball and football programs for children and on to national and international competitions point toward who is GREATER THAN another…and we wildly applaud!

There is a GREATER THAN that reigns forever and stands eternally…our mighty God – Creator of the universe – Spirit of Truth. From the beginning of this world to the end of it He remains the-greatest-of-them-all and sends His spirit to dwell among us and in those who belong to Him. His Spirit cannot be replaced and is easily identified.

…test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus, is not from God and is the spirit of the antichrist. I John 4:1-3 NIV

Then John says it…

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is GREATER THAN the one who is in the world I John 4:4 NIV

PRAYER: Today I wildly applaud you, LORD as #1 – GREATER THAN all others and the greatest of all. Thank you for your presence wherever I go and in whatever I do – you are my comfort and security. I lift your name high above all others and humbly worship you. In Jesus Name, Amen

GOD’S SPIRIT IS GREATER THAN ALL OTHERS – WILDLY APPLAUD!

©2016 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

CALLED?

10/19/2016

We come into this world with certain unmistakable gifts and abilities. How we respond to these is what this life is all about…it’s doing what we are CALLED to do!

My husband was recently asked to speak at a Nike Basketball Clinic...the title was "WHAT I HAVE LEARNED AFTER 47 YEARS OF COACHING". From his longstanding career as a head basketball coach he referenced his calling this way...

COACHING IS A HIGH CALLING…NOT A JOB

I Began coaching at 12 years old – SOMEONE called me!
Was named Head Coach of Recreation Team at 16 – someone saw potential.
Coached H.S. Summer League at 20 -– someone trusted me.
Stepped into my first head coaching job at 28 - someone believed in me!

Discovering and doing what God has CALLED us to be and do is the most rewarding experience one can have. He has promised to lead us as we step into that destiny…

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. I Thess. 5:24

Do you know what you are CALLED to do and be by our Creator? Are you doing it? I pray that this will be your life experience as it has been ours.

PRAYER: It is my desire to be lost in your calling for my life, Lord. Please keep my eyes on you and my path in the direction you have planned. Thank you for your faithfulness to complete this in me. It is in your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

BEEN CALLED? DO IT!

©2016 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

FAIL SAFE

10/12/2016

As a high school student, pass-fail tests were a fairly common occurrence. This “do or die” approach to measuring my knowledge caused both a fair amount of anxiousness and a massive amount of motivation. Success or failure was at stake without a way to FAIL SAFE and with unyielding fear as the motivating factor.

Sport teams face this same dilemma during their respective seasons of play. Whether it is a match or game that must be won in order to take a tournament, league or state championship, success or failure is eminent. These competitions are both intense and invigorating without the option of entertaining fear.

“Show me a guy who’s afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time.” Lou Brock, Left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals – inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985

Our walk with God on this earth is plagued by the ever-present prospect of success or failure. Choices we make, bodies that wear out and hearts that are broken can carry a message that spells doom. BUT there is good news…

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

What a glorious thought! We can FAIL SAFE because of this “fail, but” truth. Our own strength is limited but resting in God’s mighty strength we are able to move through and beyond failure! It is this comforting, consoling and motivating truth pushes us fully into the strong arms of our Creator...the ultimate FAIL SAFE place.

PRAYER: Mighty Lord, it is by your strength alone that I face both the successes and failures of life. When I face unyielding fears, there is nothing more comforting than you so it is in you that I rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

ABOUND...in KINDNESS

10/5/2016

For some, kindness comes quite naturally. They seem to be born with the innate ability to treat others with a gentle and authentic spirit of caring. For others it is a learned skill often taught as they grew up with siblings and were encouraged by parents to “be nice” to them. No matter which course kindness takes, it is both becoming and necessary.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

On the courts and fields of sport, kindness is not an often-heard word. Coaches often encourage teammates to be kind to one another but generally do not use that word in relationship to their opponent. However, when integrity and good manners are taught, kindness naturally emerges. Even a tough and intense team can abound in kindness.

Our Heavenly Father lavishes us with underserved kindness. The Psalmist David expresses it this way…

“ For his merciful kindness is great toward us…”   Psalm 117:2 KJV

Because of His overflowing kindness, we are challenged to live it out…

“Don’t ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.” Proverbs 3:3 NCV

How do we then ABOUND IN KINDNESS?

“…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”   Ephesians 4:32 RSV

PRAYER: Thank you for your great kindness toward me, Lord. I will always remember it and willingly show it to others because you have placed it in my heart. Help me to have a tender heart and quickly forgive others just like you forgive me…let kindness abound in me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

   LEAVE FOOTSTEPS OF KINDNESS WHEREVER YOU GO!

©2016 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.

GREATER THAN

CALLED?

FAIL SAFE

ABOUND...in KINDNESS

About the Author... JANET BROWN

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JANET BROWN