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THE "AWE" OF IT ALL

12/23/2020

The stands fill with shouts as THE AWE OF IT ALL ignites the crowd…the team has just pulled ahead on the scoreboard! As invigorating and captivating as those moments of wonder are, when troublesome times in a game come fear can take over both for the players and for the stands with a little less wonder and a little more fear.

THE AWE OF IT ALL happens each day of our lives. It comes when both fear and wonder take over simultaneously. Some things seem to be going great while others are challenging and we are awestruck by this dichotomy.

In the good and in the not-so- good circumstances, God’s Word encourages us to be filled with reverent and awe-filled worship before our Him.

The kingdom of God cannot be shaken so let us be thankful, and worship Him acceptably with reverence and awe! From Hebrews 12:28 NIV

Let us enter into these holy days of celebrating our Savior’s birth with reverence and awe…in fear and wonder! Then, with hearts of joy, we will shout “hallelujah” as we bow at the manger knowing His kingdom cannot be shaken.

“Shout Hallelujah…adore Him…He has never let you down, never looked the other way…He has been right there, listening.” Psalm 139:13-16 The Message

TURN “THE AWE OF IT ALL” INTO A HALLELUJAH!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

12/16/2020

As a new coach takes over a team, the very first words spoken are to assure the players that they are each important – already chosen for this team and for this time. For the players, a yet unknown future lies ahead with the nagging question, “How will this all work out?” The coach carefully lays out the practice plan affirming the players. The players, in turn, respond putting their trust in what they have been told…they BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING...and the coach continues to assure them that they are in this together.

In Luke chapter 1 a similar process takes place…

Verse 28: The angel went to Mary with these reassuring words, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Being greeted by an unexpected Angel of the Lord and told she was ‘highly favored’ must have been awesome as well as frightening for her.

Verse 29: Mary was greatly troubled at (the Angel’s) words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. Mary was now beyond wonder...she was “troubled” about what this meant.

Verse 31: The Angel explained to Mary what was about to happen, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” Mary took this in but was left with a nagging question.

Verse: 34: Mary then asks, “How can this be?” Mary can’t begin to comprehend how this can happen since she is a virgin.

Verse 35: The Angel reveals the plan to Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” Mary’s question was answered…she BELIEVED WITHOUT SEEING.

Verse 38: Mary’s humble response was, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled.” God’s perfect plan for our salvation begins to unfold. Verse 45:

The Angel affirmed Mary’s total trust with this blessing, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” God blesses those who BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING!

CHALLENGE: Is there a plan that has been put in your heart by our Heavenly Father? If so, you may have troubling questions about it. Ask Him the nagging question, “How can this be?” God will speak comfort and assurance to you about His plan and provide the information you need to…BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING.

PRAYER: I believe without seeing, I am yours and I am ready to serve. Let it be to me just as you have made known. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

NOTE: FOR AN INSPIRING STORY AND MUSIC GO TO YOUTUBE.COM AND ENTER CHRISTOPHER DUFFLY-OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART.

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ABIDE - ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

12/2/2020

Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5 NRSV

Our word for 2020 has been ABIDE. It certainly gave us an early glimpse into what we would need in order to face the challenges of this year. We can most likely all agree that 2020 has certainly been a year of having to “abide” many things that have been at the least uncomfortable and at the most catastrophic. In February of this astonishing year here on earth, the Sportmom E-votional closed with a passage that included this sneak peek and verse…

A sneak peek into the future...Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV

It certainly was preparing us for abiding the many unusual happenings that would astound us. It also reminded us of what we are to do during these challenging times….set our thoughts on Christ and only abide in Him.

ALL DAY- EVERY DAY we need to be constant and consistent in abiding in Christ more than ever before.

I will close out this year of E-votionals with these words from an old hymn song: “Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine. Constantly abiding - rapture divine. He never leaves me lonely, whispers oh so kind, “I will never leave you.” Jesus is mine.”

THE FRUIT WILL COME AS WE ABIDE IN CHRIST!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ABIDING WITH MEEKNESS

11/4/2020

2020 SCRIPTURE OF THE YEAR: I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NRSV

Meekness is not heard about much in today’s world even though it is the key to our future while we live here on this earth. ABIDING WITH MEEKNESS is practicing humble dependence upon the vine of Christ. Just as the branch receives life-giving nourishment from the vine, the power to bear much fruit lies in this connection. These words of Jesus confirm this truth...

God blesses those who are humble (meek), for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT

But those who think themselves great shall be disappointed and humbled; and those who humble themselves shall be exalted. Matthew 23:12 NIV

TRUE MEEKNESS IS POWER UNDER GOD’S CONTROL

Yielding to our Power Source is required – it is a moment by moment way of controlled living. A meek spirit is ours when we totally abide in Christ through all of life’s circumstances…not a selective abiding. He is Lord of all or He is not Lord at all!

These words to an old hymn say it all…

God’s way is best I will not murmur
Although the end I may not see…
Where He leads I’ll meekly follow
God’s way is best, is best for me.

CHALLENGE: Consider a “DAY OF MEEKNESS” and see what God can do…

Quickly give credit to others
Quickly thank the Lord for each good thing that comes your way
Quickly listen to an opposing view
Quickly do a job no one else wants to do

BE MEEK - BEAR FRUIT - BE BLESSED!

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

CONTINUE TO ABIDE

10/7/2020

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5 NRSV

As we work our way through 2020, “abiding” has become very challenging. Here are three reminders to spur us along toward the peace we are seeking…

CONTINUE TO ABIDE - MAINTAIN YOUR HEART CONNECTION TO CHRIST
More than wanting any work of our hands, Christ wants our hearts. There is immense value in simply abiding with our Heavenly Father – connecting with Him over and over again each moment of every day.
   …for apart from Christ we can do nothing!
ASK YOURSELF: Is my heart connecting with His purposes?

CONTINUE TO ABIDE - PRACTICE TOGETHERNESS WITH CHRIST
Abiding in Christ is not what we do for Christ but what we do with Christ. Doing this we are more than conquerors with the One wo loves us most.

…for apart from Christ we can do nothing!
ASK YOURSELF:   Am I doing life together with Him?

CONTINUE TO ABIDE - OPERATE IN GRACE FROM CHRIST
Don't let the works-based systems of this world destroy your grace-based relationship with Jesus Christ. As we allow Him to overshadow our weaknesses He takes our “not enough” and with it He changes the world!

…for apart from Christ we can do nothing!
ASK YOURSELF: Am I accepting the grace for living that Christ offers?

  ABIDING IN CHRIST IS OUR PEACE!

©2020 E-VOTIONALS FOR LIVING | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

GOD IS AT WORK - ABIDE!

9/2/2020

Little did I know what God had in store as 2020 arrived and along with it my Word for the Year – ABIDE. As He placed it in my heart, it seemed attractive and would certainly have many possibilities for these E-votionals, so I settled into discovering what it meant in my life.

As the year began to unfold, along with it came the ensuing pandemic overtaking, the accelerating Presidential race, arising racial justice challenges and the facing of personal family issues. Abide took on new meaning calling me to live with these uncharted obstacles…I had to “abide” these by “abiding in Christ”.

Watching the hand of God at work in ways that were unfamiliar and through challenges not easily understood were now a reality. As questions like “what is going on?” swirled through my thoughts and prayers, these directives have emerged.

Watch for the usually insignificant signs telling us that God is in this…He is quietly at work!

When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. Job 23:9 NIV

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work
within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT

Walk with Jesus each moment praying through each unfolding circumstance – He is always at work!

…God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us which makes Jesus’ life
all the more evident in us. 2 Corinthians 4:12 The Message

Wait on God for His time and His answers…He is already at work! Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NIV

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NIV

PRAYER: I will watch for you, walk with you, and wait for you abiding in you for you are at work in my world and in me. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TOTAL ABIDING

8/5/2020

Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NRSV

As Christians, our world today is pushing us toward totally abiding in Christ. Accepting what is going on around us rules out selective abiding and ushers in the reality of the last words of our scripture for 2020…separating ourselves from Jesus leaves us with nothing. We are called to abide in Christ.

TOTAL ABIDING is experienced when we…

STRIVE FOR PERFECT PLACEMENT - Put God at the center (not on the fringes) of our daily living asking Him into each thought and action. Then rest on the pillow of His care as we sleep. Try this: Upon waking up…thank Him. Each time something good comes your way today...thank Him. As your head hits the pillow…thank Him for the day He just gave you.

PURSUE PRAYER - Remain in continual communication with Him through each activity. As the moments and hours tick away allow His thoughts to be your thoughts. His powerful work is done as we walk with Him and talk with Him...a lot. We are constantly abiding.

ENJOY GOD'S PREVAILING PRESENCE – Allow Him to envelope your being. Focus your attention on His nearness and open your heart to receive all the love he has for you in each moment. He simply wants us to let Him love...for “apart from Him we can do nothing”.

STRIVE+PURSUE+ENJOY = TOTAL ABIDING

Will you join me in it today?

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

ABIDE AND ASK

7/1/2020

These first 6 months of 2020 I have been constantly reminding myself of what it means to ABIDE IN CHRIST. In living out this year’s word, one little phrase Jesus said from our scripture for 2020 has captured my attention...“If you abide in me...” (John 15:5). This fraught-ridden year has made it far more challenging than I could have ever imagined.

This year our ABIDE E-votionals have paved the way for this entry...here they are in a nutshell:

Purposefully allowing God to guide me - beyond my own thoughts and ideas
Prudently waiting well - “resting in” God’s plan
Persistently applying God’s Word when I am stuck in a situation of life
Perpetually practicing the 4 if’s by remaining humble before Him, listening to Him for guidance and admitting my need to understand, watching for His answers and turning away from the evil intents of this world.

Today we look at the rest of Jesus’ directive....
“...and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:5

Choosing to ‘abide in Christ’ is only the first step; the second is to live out this choice by “doing” the abiding. It is by following these steps that the ASK promise comes alive. Being aligned with the heart of God is a prerequisite to knowing what to ask for. If I am in agreement with Him then His desires will be central in my very being and “it shall be done”. Note: For me this often requires some re-alignment.

ABIDE AND ASK ... in that order!

What a serious challenge...I’m working on it. Will you join me?

The law of the Lord is perfect refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right giving joy to the heart. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19: 7, 8 & 14

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

THE "IF's" of ABIDING

6/3/2020

Our word for 2020 "Abide" is highlighted in our verse for this unusual year. In John 15:5 Jesus reminds us to "abide in me and I in you..." Is there a key to this abiding? Yes!

God’s Word lists 4 “IF’s” that bring us into full relationship with Him just it did for His chosen people, the Israelites...

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

For those of us who are called by His name, these “IF’s” are true today...

#1 IF WE ARE HUMBLE BEFORE HIM - fully know that we don’t know
#2 IF WE REMAIN IN PRAYER WITH HIM - Listen first - Express needs last
#3 IF WE SEEK HIS ANSWERS - watch for His answers - they will come
#4 IF WE TURN FROM EVIL - steer clear of wrong and do what is right

As we ABIDE in these 4 “IF’s”, our mighty God promises us 3 things...

#1 HE WILL HEAR - we all want to be heard
#2 HE WILL FORGIVE - a clean heart is a happy heart
#3 HE WILL HEAL - a new spirit and purpose will be ours

PRAYER: Our Father in Heaven, I stand before you with bold resolve to do what you have asked of me. In humility before you, always in prayer with you, seeking only your answers and turning from the evil that surrounds me, I put my trust in you. Thank you for hearing, forgiving and healing me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
FOR STRENGTH...ABIDE IN THE 4 "IF’s".

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

A BIG SHOUT OUT!

5/13/2020

One year ago my sister was laying in ICU at UCLA Medical Center the victim of a horrific car crash. First Responders were convinced that she would not make it, the sheriff took her personal items with him thinking that he would be delivering them to the coroners office in the morning and the hospital could not reach her family through the night as they tended to her life threatening injuries...concussion, teeth knocked out, broken neck, broken ribs, crushed hip, broken pelvis, broken leg, crushed knee, and extremely severe internal injuries with all major organs pushed 4+ inches up into her lung. These were grave and heart-wrenching hours. Prayers went up for her literally around the world as the news spread.

God spared her life with her arms untouched, no lacerations to her face and her mind about her. With a weakened body she spent 2 months in ICU care followed by nursing home care. She since has been in the loving care of her family to slowly recover. With the pins in her knee finally removed and a complete hip replacement accomplished this past year was one of strength-building and learning to walk again...and she did! The internal injuries that required extensive surgery caused digestive and food intake issues which are now settling down.

How could this be? It is her constant dependence on and praises to our gracious God. Here are her recently written words...

A big shout out to the Doctors: This past year, I’ve seen the importance of Doctors up close and personal. They’ve made a profound difference in my life so I definitely pause and give them the honor due.

What happened: Eleven months ago, my awareness of a Doctor’s importance, sky rocketed. I was about ready to buckle up, start my car and drive away from the beach, when a drunk driver hit me, traveling at over 100 mph. It slammed into my car, ran it through a rod iron fence and over an embankment, totaling it. Upon impact I was knocked out. I woke the next day in the ICU, hanging on for life, Christians from all over the world praying for me.
A God given conglomerate of trained professionals were there for me at just the right time.

My faith in God: At a tender age of four, I received Jesus, kneeling in prayer before God with my Mom in our front room. Throughout my life, He continually calms any storm and this one, even though by far the biggest, has been no exception. I thank Him for every prayer and for His answers to those prayers. Not only was I covered in prayer but the Doctors also were covered in prayer. They are God’s special agents, ready and able, and I’m thankful for each one of my 7 or so specialists. For this and for prayers bringing me through, I give God the glory.
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR GRACIOUS GOD!

And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. For our present troubles ...(will) produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

©2020 SPORTMOMS & MORE | 1514 Segovia Circle – Vero Beach, FL 32966

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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.

THE "AWE" OF IT ALL

BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING

ABIDE - ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

ABIDING WITH MEEKNESS

CONTINUE TO ABIDE

GOD IS AT WORK - ABIDE!

TOTAL ABIDING

ABIDE AND ASK

THE "IF's" of ABIDING

A BIG SHOUT OUT!

About the Author...
JANET BROWN

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About the Author... JANET BROWN

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About the Author...
JANET BROWN