Blog Archives

DOUBLE THANKS

11/29/2013

We’ve heard it said, “Two is better than one.” Sometimes this is ever so true and other times we question that message.

A so-close-in-age sibling is something to be thankful for. However, that same closeness can also give rise to sibling rivalry. Although tough to handle, it instills strength and understanding in each child as they practice the life-required ability to cope. In the end it brings about a DOUBLE THANKS in the hearts of parents.

A strong “bench” is important to any sport team. Having a “double” ready to relieve or replace a starter is both comforting and necessary during grueling competition. A coach is always thankful for both strong starters and a strong bench…DOUBLE THANKS.

Our Creator also displays the “two is better than one” theory.

“God has two dwellings; one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.”
Izaak Walton

Taking residence in each place, God accomplishes His will both in our lives and in His forever dwelling place.

“…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 NIV

God’s will in heaven is up to Him. God's will on earth includes our participation. Evidence of His residency within us means…

Recognizing His provision – all we have and are come from Him.

Exercising humility - seeing others as better than ourselves.

The Apostle Paul summed it up this way…

And since virtually everything comes from God anyway, let’s quit going through these “who’s first” routines. I Corinthians 11:12 The Message

PRAYER: I thank you, Lord, for your dwelling place in heaven where you have promised a place for me. And second, for your other home in my heart bringing your kingdom to this earth. This brings me to my knees in DOUBLE THANKS as heaven meets earth.

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THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS

11/26/2013

A relay race requires an athlete to pass the baton to the next runner in the correct manner with perfect timing while keeping the pace. Each runner depends on the other to efficiently pass and receive the baton while keeping the pace. Success in passing of the baton is vital and must be accomplished in order to capture the prize.

In life, a helpful deed gives rise to a thankful heart which, in turn, helps another along the way… the passing of THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS. It is purposeful giving and grateful receiving that leads us to the prize of humble and fulfilled living.

RECEIVING THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS: Thankful living begins with an act of kindness bestowed upon us. Receiving help and care from another begins the thankfulness relay. Understanding where our ultimate help comes from is vital to winning the prize.

“My help and glory are in God —granite-strength and safe-harbor-God— So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him.” Psalm 62:7-8 The Message

PASSING THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS: A thankful heart passes their thankfulness on to on others and the relay of life continues…

“Let each of you look out not only for their own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

PRAYER: I recognize and thank you for your help, Lord. I want to pass THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS on to others. May this act of care lead others to You in the year ahead.

Blessings as you invest in others by passing THE BATON OF THANKFULNESS on to others because of what God has given you.

NOTHING COSTS AS MUCH AS CARING – EXCEPT NOT CARING!

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©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

WANT OR NEED

11/22/2013

The question of WANT OR NEED quite often takes front and center stage in the lives of our children. It’s very natural to hear them say that they want this or that When questioned .as to why they want it, they often go to an ‘I need it’ answer. Then the challenge is to assist them in determining which it is … a want or a need.

As a coach looks at his or her upcoming team, the “need” assessment may be long while the “want” list is even longer. Focusing on team needs is an ever-present process. Sometimes, however, the needs are not as apparent as the wants. There are times when new players arrive on the scene that a coach doesn’t think are needed. As preparation goes on and games begin it becomes surprisingly evident that, in fact, the team does need them…certainly an added blessing.

"My life was blessed, because I never needed anything until I had it." Rabbi Michal
-Chasidic, 18th century – spoken to his sons

Our all-knowing God is in the business of meeting our needs. Paul writes that He will “…supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Thanksgiving is a time of serious worship. Let’s respectfully set our wants aside and trust God to supply all our needs even before we know them, Then thank Him for what He has given, what He is giving and what He will give!

“…do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.” Hebrews 12 The Message

THANKS-LIVING MEANS SETTING WANTS ASIDE & THANKING GOD FOR NEEDS MET!

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©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

NEW UNIFORMS

11/19/2013

There is something satisfying about a new outfit. It may reflect the up-coming season or be purchased for a special occasion. No matter our size or shape, having a new set of clothes on our back brings about feelings of confidence, of refreshment, of purpose.

When the time comes for a team to have NEW UNIFORMS it is always met with excitement and anticipation. How will the school colors be displayed this time? Will the cut and sizes be right? What will the fans think of them…especially Mom? The goal, of course, is to bring a freshly updated look to the team giving them a sense of pride, confidence and comfort as they represent their Alma Mater.

As followers of Christ we are encouraged to clothe ourselves with NEW UNIFORMS. They need to include an inner lining of certainty, an overall look that reflects the essence of Christ and pockets large enough to be filled with care and concern for others …

CONFIDENCE ...clothe yourself with strength! Isaiah 51:9 NIV

REFRESHMENT...clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14 NLT

PURPOSE ...clothe yourself in love. Colossians 3:14 NCV

GO SHOPPING FOR YOUR NEW UNIFORM AND WEAR IT WITH PRIDE IN CHRIST!

And don’t forget…you have an eternal uniform waiting for you - one that includes a whole new body!

We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.
2 Corinthians 5:2 NLT

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GO DEEP - GO WIDE

11/14/2013

♫♪ “Deep and wide, deep and wide there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide” ♫♪…this little song sung with hand motions was fun for me as a child in Sunday School. The problem was that I had no idea what it was talking about and it didn't occur to me to ask either!

Coaches will often urge a player to GO DEEP. This means, get out of your normal zone and go where the other team poses little threat in order to catch a pass or make a play that will take the ball to the desired goal. GO WIDE often means to cover your territory and beyond with availability thereby outflanking the opponent. These strategic moves force the opposing team to cover the entire field or court. Measurable advantage is gained by both going deep and going wide.

God's Word urges us to GO DEEP AND GO WIDE …

#GO DEEP God is deep into us with a love that penetrates our daily lives. The lake of His love is so deep that we cannot see the bottom of it. In the 107th Psalm David lists 12 instances of God’s deep and abiding love for His people. He closes with this statement…

“… it’s time you appreciated God’s deep love.” Psalm 107:43 The Message

CHALLENGE: “Plumb the depths” of God's love for you. (see Ephesians 3:19 in The Message)

#GO WIDE God’s love is so wide that it encompasses everyone – the good, the bad and the indifferent.

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NCV

CHALLENGE: “Experience the breadth” of God's love for those around you. (see Ephesians 3:19 in The Message)

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FOUNTAIN OF GOD’S LOVE – GO DEEP AND GO WIDE!

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©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

GATE OPEN?

11/12/2013

Opening a gate always leads to something. It can be a front door, a garden, a chicken pen, a football stadium, the trunk area of an SUV, a dip in a swimming pool or a long-awaited flight. Wherever the gate leads, beyond it holds amazing adventure and much sought-after excitement.

There is nothing more exhilarating than watching a sport team as they enter an arena with unyielding enthusiasm ready to confront and conquer while fans explode with applauding cheers! The determination and intense purpose the athletes exude as the gate to the facility is opened cannot be contained as they vigorously rush in igniting the crowd around them!

Jesus said, “I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” John 10:9 NLT

The gate of eternal life is wide open to us by believing in Jesus Christ as God’s Son as our Savior. We enter this gate with yielding enthusiasm which cannot be contained. It will bring adventure and excitement which, in turn, is sure to impact the crowd around us. What could be more purposeful? What could be more satisfying? What could be more eternal?

JESUS LEFT THE GATES OF HEAVEN WIDE OPEN TO US...LET'S LIVE LIKE IT!

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©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

FALL, FOG AND FEAR

11/8/2013

Fall is undeniably a gorgeous time of year. With it come fog-filled mornings and sometimes foggy nights…a weather condition that causes more than a bit of fear. Driving can be treacherous with familiar roads taking on a confusingly different appearances. Unless the trip is a must, staying out of it is a wise decision. Healthy fear is a good thing protecting us from harm.

It is that same healthy fear that makes athletes and sport teams strong and unaffected by troublesome opponents. A knowledgeable coach knows and respects the strengths of the opposition and prepares the team by not only warning them but giving them plays and laying plans to overcome the feared attack. Lacking healthy fear, the team and coach can be caught off-guard and defeated.

As Christians we are called to have a healthy fear of the Lord. When we walk through the “falls” of life and the “fog” of defeat envelopes our soul, it is this fear factor that turns us to our Lord in humble recognition of our misguided self-sufficiency. He responds to our dependence on Him by providing wisdom beyond our human understanding.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. Psalm 111:10 NIV

A healthy respect for our powerful God opens the door to unsurpassed knowledge and deep understanding. It is our “fear of the Lord” that carries us through …the healthiest fear-factor we can possess.

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Proverbs 19:23 NIV

MAY YOUR FEAR OF THE LORD BE THE FACTOR THAT LEADS TO CONTENTMENT!

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GRAB A GRATEFUL MOMENT

11/5/2013

November is here…the month for grateful living and thankful hearts. A time to reflect on the past year and it’s seasons of winter rest, spring preparations, summer growth and the culmination of it all with fall harvest…certainly a time to grab a grateful moment and express it.

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” G. B. Stern

When sport teams finish their season…it is time to GRAB A GRATEFUL MOMENT. No matter the season outcome, reflecting on how the season has prepared each team member for the future is both vital and encouraging. Grateful expressions from coaches, parents and family, their fellow team-mates and friends are invaluable to an aspiring athlete. Just as important as honing their sport skill, an aspiring athlete needs to develop the skill of both receiving and offering grateful expressions.

Whatever the occasion, take time to be grateful for the past accomplishments … it is the best preparation for future achievement.

UNEXPRESSED GRATEFULNESS IS LIKE WRAPPING A GIFT AND THEN NOT GIVING IT!

Expressing our gratitude to God is the most important part of our Thanksgiving season as well as each season of life. He revels in our gratefulness for we are His workmanship – created to reflect and honor Him. He knows our hearts but He loves to hear our voice.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! … Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
Psalm 107:1-2

Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! Psalm 30:4 TM

If you are looking for contentment in life, begin your search with gratitude…first to your Creator and then to those around you. Remember...It is not contented people who are grateful - rather it is grateful people who are contented!

FAMILY ACTIVITY: Place an empty jar in your kitchen with a pencil and small pieces of paper beside it. Ask your family members to record their grateful thoughts by grabbing a piece of paper, jotting down a few words that remind them of their grateful thought, signing it and placing it in the jar. At your Thanksgiving table (or whenever it is appropriate) pull those slips of paper out of the jar one by one, hand it to the one who wrote it, and they will then express their grateful thought aloud.

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©2013 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 11964 Elemar - Portland, OR 97224

REACH...FOR THE BREAD

11/1/2013

Please pass the rolls! Their rich, just-out-of-the-oven aroma fills the air! Reaching for the butter, a bounty will lay before us on our thanksgiving tables. Along with the golden brown turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, luscious gravy, colorful vegetables and other pleasing-to-the-palate dishes is this satisfying and essential staple - bread.

The bread of a sport team is players who possess passion. Without it a trained, skilled and functioning team easily and quickly becomes lack-luster. Interestingly, passion is released when a player decides to commit wholeheartedly to a sport. A conquering team is one built on the bread of passion…an essential staple for reaching consistent success.

Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." John 6:48

He is our essential staple for purposeful living. Interestingly, we choose whether to partake of it or not. Feeding daily on God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer and sharing the blessed bread of His love with others brings nourishment and meaning to life.

“Jesus doesn’t want to be an optional commodity in our diets; He desires to be the essential staple in our lives, our ‘necessary’ food.” Marvin Williams

Jesus also tells us this, “My purpose is to give you a rich and satisfying life.” (see John 10:10)

While reaching for the bread at our Thanksgiving tables, let’s re-commit ourselves to reaching for the Bread of Life each day. The result will be rich, satisfying and and abundant lives full of God Himself.

              PASSIONATELY REACH FOR THE BREAD OF LIFE…JESUS!

       NOTE: The first E-votional of each month is dedicated to our word for this year...REACH.
           "Reach out...Live full lives, full in the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19 The Message

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TO SIGN UP FOR DIRECT NOTIFICATION of the current SPORTMOM E-votional click on the SPORTMOMS & MORE tab at the top of this page and complete the E-SPONSE section selecting the receive notification box.

©2013 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