Summer is officially over. We say goodbye to the pool, family vacations, long days and freedom from school work. We say hello to a new year of school, slower traffic, and new routines. It is a time of both beginnings and endings. Some mourn the passage of summer. Others welcome the initiation of fall. There's something about this back-to-school season that makes us all excited about the possibility of a fresh start. For adults, starting this fall season is in a way like starting a mini-new year!
So, as you think about this new fall season, what would you like to see happen in your life? What would you like to change? What would you like to start? This fall is a great time to kick-start your life and make your own personal changes. What kind of attitude adjustment do you need? What relationship needs work? What family member do you need to reach out to? Where do you need to adjust to have a healthy work-life balance? As you consider the fall season, what would you like to see different in your life?
It would be my prayer that each of us would take a few minutes to pause and consider our lives. Talk to God about your life. What adjustments need to be made? How can God help me in my quest to change? For me, one of the goals I have is to be more and more surrendered to God. To not resist when I feel like resisting. Yep, I want to trust God big time for this!
Don't give in to the same ole' patterns of behavior. Believe you can change. Say no to a complaining spirit. Stop worrying. Give up fearing the future. Reconcile with a family member or friend. Forgive the person you need to forgive. God is able to help you! He longs to help make you whole and give you a fresh new start. Isaiah 43:18-19 says "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth. Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert."
Nancy Abbott in the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Back-To-School Prayer
Back to school time has its effects on everyone. For a parent, one can feel a combination of stress, anxiety, fear, excitement, sadness and joy. For a kid, there are all sorts of feelings...happiness, dread, with a bit of fear and trepidation mixed in. For drivers, we learn patience as traffic becomes crazy and white signs with a blinking 25 return. For the stores? Well, they basically want your back-to-school bucks. For teachers? We know you could go either way.
Back to school is a pretty memorable time. Most of us have tucked away a picture of our first day of school. Little did we know as a kid, how stressful and emotional it can be for a parent! As we grow older and experience more of life, we realize the enormity of all that takes place in one school year.
Some of our YMCA's are going to take some moments in the coming week to offer up prayers for parents and their kids. We want you to know that our Y cares about you and your family! We are dedicated to praying for you and your children as you begin the school year. Since we are not going to reach every parent and child, why not take a moment and pray this prayer right now on behalf of our kids, parents and teachers?
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the gift of summer and the freedoms that make summer special. As we transition to fall, we pray for every boy and girl, young man and young woman who will be entering school or college this fall. We ask, Lord, that you would bless their school year in every way, for a positive learning experience, great friendships and wonderful teachers. We pray for their mind, body and spirit to mature. I specifically want to lift up those that are near and dear to me going back to school either as a teacher or child. (Mention by name.) Father, we pray for safety and protection for all our students and teachers both here and around the country. We pray against evil of any kind. We thank you that you love our children more than we ever could. We entrust them to your care. We pray for all teachers and administrators as they prepare for the year. Give them wisdom, strength, enthusiasm and love for their children. We pray for those who serve in day care and after school programs, that you would bless their efforts as well. Thank you, Lord, for a new season before us! We ask it will be an amazing year for all of us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Back to school is a pretty memorable time. Most of us have tucked away a picture of our first day of school. Little did we know as a kid, how stressful and emotional it can be for a parent! As we grow older and experience more of life, we realize the enormity of all that takes place in one school year.
Some of our YMCA's are going to take some moments in the coming week to offer up prayers for parents and their kids. We want you to know that our Y cares about you and your family! We are dedicated to praying for you and your children as you begin the school year. Since we are not going to reach every parent and child, why not take a moment and pray this prayer right now on behalf of our kids, parents and teachers?
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the gift of summer and the freedoms that make summer special. As we transition to fall, we pray for every boy and girl, young man and young woman who will be entering school or college this fall. We ask, Lord, that you would bless their school year in every way, for a positive learning experience, great friendships and wonderful teachers. We pray for their mind, body and spirit to mature. I specifically want to lift up those that are near and dear to me going back to school either as a teacher or child. (Mention by name.) Father, we pray for safety and protection for all our students and teachers both here and around the country. We pray against evil of any kind. We thank you that you love our children more than we ever could. We entrust them to your care. We pray for all teachers and administrators as they prepare for the year. Give them wisdom, strength, enthusiasm and love for their children. We pray for those who serve in day care and after school programs, that you would bless their efforts as well. Thank you, Lord, for a new season before us! We ask it will be an amazing year for all of us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Patience on the Guadelupe
Kayaks loaded on top of car? Check. Dog in car? Check. Starbucks run. Check. Off we go to the Guadalupe State Park for a day on the river. There's nothing quite like getting out on the river early on a summer morning. So peaceful. So quiet. So beautiful. Ben and I kayaked down the river with our dog perched at the front of the kayak in her own hand-designed doggie perch. In a little while, we decided to dock at a spot where the fish seem to party. Then, Gracie Lou, our beloved 12-year old English Springer, quickly transformed into Fisher-Dog! Her job (she thinks) is to follow my husband step by step out into the water, barking incessantly to hopefully get those fishies to come up out of the water and play with her. Of course, my husband, an avid fisherman, laments at her antics, but can't help but bring her along. She is one spoiled mutt.
I can't help but wonder how many fish we would catch if Gracie Lou would just STOP barking. (Did I say she is deaf and doesn't hear herself?) She loves fishing so much that she can't seem to be still, quiet and wait patiently for the fish to come out. In her mind, she thinks that the barking will make things happen quicker. When the fish DO make an appearance, you can be sure she is right there to help them off the lure.
Gracie Lou hasn't learned the ways of fishing. Gracie Lou lacks patience. She wants what she wants NOW. It's easy to live reacting to our impulses, just like Gracie Lou. We make decisions as if this moment is the only thing that matters. We can live with the mindsets "It's my life; I can do whatever I want." "If it feels good, do it." "Have it my way...I deserve it." If you observe the culture around, you see this everywhere. Anger at a restaurant because the food is a tad delayed. The driver in the car behind you becoming unglued on the freeway. Or making a monumental rash decision that affects a lifetime. Somehow, we have become way too important...and shortsighted. Our egos of entitlement tell us that we deserve to get what we want when we want it.
Patience is not easy for me. But, I desire to be a more patient person. It takes effort to think, pray and ask God to slow me down. I have asked Him to show me when I'm impatient...to make me aware of when I become ego-driven with my agenda. And He does. Instead of demanding what I want when I want it, I learn that God teaches me so much in the waiting period. Proverbs 16:32 says "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." Ask God to give you opportunities to practice patience this week. With God's help we CAN change.
"Patience is the companion of wisdom." Saint Augustine
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
I can't help but wonder how many fish we would catch if Gracie Lou would just STOP barking. (Did I say she is deaf and doesn't hear herself?) She loves fishing so much that she can't seem to be still, quiet and wait patiently for the fish to come out. In her mind, she thinks that the barking will make things happen quicker. When the fish DO make an appearance, you can be sure she is right there to help them off the lure.
Gracie Lou hasn't learned the ways of fishing. Gracie Lou lacks patience. She wants what she wants NOW. It's easy to live reacting to our impulses, just like Gracie Lou. We make decisions as if this moment is the only thing that matters. We can live with the mindsets "It's my life; I can do whatever I want." "If it feels good, do it." "Have it my way...I deserve it." If you observe the culture around, you see this everywhere. Anger at a restaurant because the food is a tad delayed. The driver in the car behind you becoming unglued on the freeway. Or making a monumental rash decision that affects a lifetime. Somehow, we have become way too important...and shortsighted. Our egos of entitlement tell us that we deserve to get what we want when we want it.
Patience is not easy for me. But, I desire to be a more patient person. It takes effort to think, pray and ask God to slow me down. I have asked Him to show me when I'm impatient...to make me aware of when I become ego-driven with my agenda. And He does. Instead of demanding what I want when I want it, I learn that God teaches me so much in the waiting period. Proverbs 16:32 says "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city." Ask God to give you opportunities to practice patience this week. With God's help we CAN change.
"Patience is the companion of wisdom." Saint Augustine
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Beat the Heat!
It was just a few months ago, when we were regularly saying the phrase "Beat the Heat." Since the temps have been edging upwards here in San Antonio, we have a new meaning for the words "Beat the heat." Summers in Texas are notorious for being brutal at times. Sometimes, even the native Texan has been known to complain about the heat.
How can we embrace the season and appreciate it for what it is? For me, I try a variety of things. Lots of swimming outdoors. Cycling super-early on the weekend and being done early! Watering my half-alive flowers while standing in the sprinkler myself. Going kayaking. Going to movies. Vacations in August. Ceiling fans. Watching pre-season football, knowing the season is just around the corner.
We can also beat the heat by our attitude. Sometimes, we forget the reality that you and I have the privilege of being alive on this planet...at this time. Life is a gift and what a joy to live it, albeit in the summer or winter. Anton Chekhov once said "People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy." I love how summer is a different pace, one in which invites us to truly slow down. Who doesn't need that? As I slow down, I take time to plan for summer fun, not just get through summer.
Texas summers are but one minor bump in our lives. How do we respond to some of the bumps that life throws our way? Some of you today are carrying some pretty significant burdens in life. For all intense purposes, it's hard to find any blessing in your burden. Look hard. Look up. Know that God cares for you and loves you so very much. He will never fail you. Learn to thank God for the difficulties that come your way. Look for the blessings. There are often some really amazing blessings lurking under some of our deepest struggles.
So, yes, we may suffer with a bit of heat for the next few weeks....or even months. But, don't forget to look for the blessings. Quite complaining. Your complaints will not change a thing. You change! If anything, thank God for the gift of being alive.... here and now. Then, thank God for Willis Haviland Carrier. He created the first-large scale electrical air conditioner.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
How can we embrace the season and appreciate it for what it is? For me, I try a variety of things. Lots of swimming outdoors. Cycling super-early on the weekend and being done early! Watering my half-alive flowers while standing in the sprinkler myself. Going kayaking. Going to movies. Vacations in August. Ceiling fans. Watching pre-season football, knowing the season is just around the corner.
We can also beat the heat by our attitude. Sometimes, we forget the reality that you and I have the privilege of being alive on this planet...at this time. Life is a gift and what a joy to live it, albeit in the summer or winter. Anton Chekhov once said "People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy." I love how summer is a different pace, one in which invites us to truly slow down. Who doesn't need that? As I slow down, I take time to plan for summer fun, not just get through summer.
Texas summers are but one minor bump in our lives. How do we respond to some of the bumps that life throws our way? Some of you today are carrying some pretty significant burdens in life. For all intense purposes, it's hard to find any blessing in your burden. Look hard. Look up. Know that God cares for you and loves you so very much. He will never fail you. Learn to thank God for the difficulties that come your way. Look for the blessings. There are often some really amazing blessings lurking under some of our deepest struggles.
So, yes, we may suffer with a bit of heat for the next few weeks....or even months. But, don't forget to look for the blessings. Quite complaining. Your complaints will not change a thing. You change! If anything, thank God for the gift of being alive.... here and now. Then, thank God for Willis Haviland Carrier. He created the first-large scale electrical air conditioner.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Negative Thinking
Sometimes our minds can play really bad tricks on us. We can pretty easily run an ongoing dialogue in our minds that is pretty negative...about ourselves. You won't get the job! You're not that good at that! You can never lose weight. You're invisible. You're never going to get better. Why did you say that? Thoughts run amuck.
For me, negative thinking can jump into my brain faster than a blink of an eye. If I don't capture those thoughts quickly, I start to believe a bunch of things that aren't necessarily true. Toxic thoughts are very dangerous. They leave no room for truth. They settle into the deep processes of our mind and can suck the life right out of us.
The other day, my husband challenged me with some negative thinking. I bemoaned to him my crazy thinking that "I can never seem to win at...." First and foremost, he said "What do you mean win? What makes you think you have to win?" You see, I had allowed some destructive thinking to wreak havoc in my mind. Doubts, anxiety and insecurity reign as I allow such stinkin' thinkin' to settle in and make its home.
So, what's a good solution? Feeling blue, I was sitting in the parking lot at the Braundera Y waiting for a meeting. All at once a song came on. A Casting Crowns song I had heard countless times. This time, I feverishly wrote down the words. "But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me. reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The giant keeps on telling me time and time again "Boy you'll never win! You'll never win!" But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!" And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory." Out of all the voices calling out to me I would choose to listen and believe the voice of truth."
God met me at the moment I needed him that day. He gave me a song. He gave me truth. I had to stop my runaway thinking. It had become toxic to my soul. Hey....you and I need to be able to hold our thoughts to a higher standard. For me, God's word breathes life into me. As I take in God's word, it leads to peace, not anxiety. Freedom to pour love on others, not be consumed with myself. Let's listen to the voice of truth today.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 3:27
Nancy B. Abbott serves as Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
For me, negative thinking can jump into my brain faster than a blink of an eye. If I don't capture those thoughts quickly, I start to believe a bunch of things that aren't necessarily true. Toxic thoughts are very dangerous. They leave no room for truth. They settle into the deep processes of our mind and can suck the life right out of us.
The other day, my husband challenged me with some negative thinking. I bemoaned to him my crazy thinking that "I can never seem to win at...." First and foremost, he said "What do you mean win? What makes you think you have to win?" You see, I had allowed some destructive thinking to wreak havoc in my mind. Doubts, anxiety and insecurity reign as I allow such stinkin' thinkin' to settle in and make its home.
So, what's a good solution? Feeling blue, I was sitting in the parking lot at the Braundera Y waiting for a meeting. All at once a song came on. A Casting Crowns song I had heard countless times. This time, I feverishly wrote down the words. "But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me. reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The giant keeps on telling me time and time again "Boy you'll never win! You'll never win!" But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!" And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory." Out of all the voices calling out to me I would choose to listen and believe the voice of truth."
God met me at the moment I needed him that day. He gave me a song. He gave me truth. I had to stop my runaway thinking. It had become toxic to my soul. Hey....you and I need to be able to hold our thoughts to a higher standard. For me, God's word breathes life into me. As I take in God's word, it leads to peace, not anxiety. Freedom to pour love on others, not be consumed with myself. Let's listen to the voice of truth today.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 3:27
Nancy B. Abbott serves as Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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