Monday, December 19, 2016

A Christmas Selfie


I wanted to take a Christmas selfie over the weekend. Not one for Facebook, but a real Christmas selfie. The one that showed the real me, inside and out. The good, the bad and the ugly. So, I went to a full-length mirror in our house. I didn’t want others to see the real selfie. Not even I wanted to look at myself and see the real selfie. It’s easier to hide that kind of thing.

Staring at the mirror, I saw the real me. Graying roots that continue to reveal the age I want to so desperately hide. Wrinkles that I can’t hide. A swollen ankle that is relearning how to walk. But, as I allowed myself to gaze beyond the surface self, I met up with my heart. A heart that longs to be real with my God and to others.

As I allowed my heart to speak, all sorts of feelings emerged. I realized that I, like most of us, carry challenges, pains, hurts and regrets in life. I came to grips with the reality of the weight of my sin that always seems to be very present. My eyes were open to my sins of impatience in myself and others. Why does shame and regret still rear its ugly head? Why does my insecurities still demonstrate their presence? This Christmas selfie is the real deal.

What would your Christmas selfie reveal? Isn't it just easier to hide these things from God and others? Or is it?

God knows the real deal about me. He see everything. He is not blind to my sin, my hurts, my insecurities and regrets. He knows every second of my life and loves me with a crazy perfect love. In fact, years ago, He sent the perfect remedy to deal with my sin. He sent Jesus, His One and Only Son, born in a manger. That Baby Boy would deliver me from my sinful self. That Baby Boy would give sight to my spiritual blindness. That Baby Boy would deliver me from my shame and regret. That Baby would calm and carry me through the storms of my life. That Baby Boy would save me. That Baby Boy I would come to worship and serve.  (See “Mary, Did You Know” written by Mark Lowery and Buddy Green) 

Merry Christmas!

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, December 12, 2016

A Hurried Christmas

I allowed the craziness of Christmas to capture my calendar this week. Somehow, I didn’t notice that I had some kind of event, meeting or party every night this past week. As the week unfolded, I realized my calendar conundrum. The craziness was all good things. Yet, by the end of the week, I was dreaming of cozying up on the couch with a nice fire, good book and orange spice hot tea.

I would prefer to walk, not run through Christmas season. However, I’m tempted to do just the opposite! Is there a way we can enjoy the Christmas season without frittering away with exhaustion? Does the busyness of the season prevent us from pondering the wonder of that Christmas day?

The story of Christmas contains a paradox we all struggle with. They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary treasured up all these things in her heart, pondering them often.” Luke 2:16-19

Notice in this passage that the shepherds “hurried off” to the village and found Mary and Joseph. On the other hand, Mary treasured up all these things in her heart, pondering them often. What a contrast! I find it so much easier to hurry off to my next errand or activity, checking them off as I go. It’s harder to set aside time with God. That can seem royally unproductive. Yet, all the while, God waits for me, longing to spend time with me.

What does it look like to treasure and ponder the Christmas story? It’s like taking a steady, long gaze at God and his work in this passage. I think about the shepherds hurrying. I picture the baby Jesus laying in the manger. I wonder what the barn might have been like. I picture Mary and the look on her face when the angel told her she’d be carrying the baby Jesus. As I gaze on God, not my lists and schedules, I’m changed. I’m less anxious. I’m more centered. I’m more grateful.

I dare you to ponder these things in your heart. God would love to meet you there. Pull up a cozy chair, have a cup of hot tea and enjoy time with God. Merry Christmas!

“I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.” Psalm 77:12

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.A H

Monday, December 5, 2016

A Stolen Christmas

This past weekend, I met the Grinch. Well, really, he said I made him the Grinch when I subjected him to yet another year of husband-Christmas-labor. It happens every Black Friday weekend. I need him to do the job: putting Thanksgiving decorations away and bringing out Christmas. This year, while celebrating Thanksgiving, my brother and husband compared their impending fates. In that man way, they compared box counts, sizes, and other sundry Christmas decoration tasks. Ben says he won because he has the least amount of boxes.

Ben's happy with the idea, but can get weary of the process. Picking just the right tree. Transporting the tree. Fixing the lights that don't work. Trips back to the store for new lights. Mounting the lights. Serving cookies and Eggnog at just the right time, I try to get it all done without…."You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch."

Remember, Dr. Seuss' Mr. Grinch? The grouchy, solitary creature green old man who tries to put the kibosh on Whoville's Christmas. Despite his efforts, Whoville still celebrate. Grinch returns everything he stole and is the honored guest for dinner.

Have you lost the joy of Christmas? What has stolen your Christmas spirit?  Are you becoming Grinchy?

Busyness and preparations for Christmas can become a duty. We HAVE to get the decorations up.  We HAVE to attend parties. We HAVE to get the gifts. We HAVE to go Christmas shopping... Somewhere along the way, Mr. Grinch emerges, stealing the wonder of Christmas from our own hearts.

What is threatening to destroy your Christmas? Is busyness keeping you joyless and grouchy? Will unrealistic expectations trap you?  Please, this year, don't let anything or anyone, especially Mr. Grinch, steal your Christmas. Christmas is an amazing glorious time to remember the birth of Christ,

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Gratitude, Grief, Grumbling and Gravy

By now, you're probably starting to think about yummy smoked turkey, garlic mashed potatoes with gravy and Grandma's homemade pumpkin pie that will be coming your way soon. This is the week where we're all given a pass on eating healthy and will at some point end up in a tryptophan coma. Let the feeding frenzy begin!

But, really, as we know, Thanksgiving is not all about food. Yet, it sure does help, right? As we approach the holiday, it might be important to think not only about the meal and our preparations, but about those other things we don't tend to talk about, but very present, just the same. What possible thoughts and actions might go on around your table? Here might be a some.........

I can't imagine Thanksgiving this year without __________ being at the table.

I worry about volatile post election discussions between Democrat and Republican guests. Kicking under the table will be acceptable to bring a halt to this stuff.

I'm so stressed out about all the preparations! 

I assume that ________________ won't come to dinner because of the family rift.

This has been a hard year! I sure don't feel very thankful about anything!

I can't wait to get together with family! I'm so grateful to celebrate together!

Don't you wish you could listen to what people are really thinking? Perhaps, we could be a bit more sensitive and aware of what people bring to the table this year. 

Have you lost a loved one? Take time to acknowledge the empty chair. Go around your table and share something you loved and/or miss about your loved one. Allow the sweet memories be a blanket over your grief. Grief is real. Don't apologize for tears. Allow it to be a tender, sweet time of remembering.

Has grumbling crept into your holiday? Your attitude makes all the difference. Try to pinpoint what's going on in your heart. Ask God for help to pull you out of the crevices of negativity. Best way to do that? Be thankful! Go around the table and share something or someone you're thankful for. Play the Alphabet Gratitude Game with your family, starting with A and going to Z, share something your thankful for. A great game with kids!

Has food become the center of your holiday? Set aside the turkey and gravy preparations and remember that food isn't the MOST important thing. So, what's the worst thing that can happen if you burn the Green Bean Casserole or ruin the pie crust? It's all going to be OK. Life goes on. Don't allow the preparations to keep you from loving and caring for the precious people around you. Don't let the rush of the day keep you from being grateful to your God.

You have all the ability in the world to model a thankful Thanksgiving this year. Even in the midst of your present challenges, you CAN be thankful. I dare you to try!

"Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing…Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:2, 4-5

"It does not matter what your circumstances are, the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key that unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart." Francis Frangipane

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Advent Attitude Adjustment


I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. We had just gotten back the night before from visiting family for Thanksgiving. Traveling with crutches? Don't recommend it. As I woke up, I felt my foot, still swollen and learning how to walk again. I found myself grumbling inwardly. "I'm so very tired of using these crutches. I'm so weary of still struggling to get around. It's hard to believe four months have gone by since my accident in Colorado. Will I ever get well?" Yes, I was having a royal pity party for myself.

It then occurred to me that today was the beginning of Advent. Not sure if I looked at the calendar or what. I just knew. My mind traveled back to my childhood, when each Sunday we would gather around the breakfast table and light the advent candle. With childlike wonder, I would listen intently as my mom read scripture about the birth of Christ. Today, it occurred to me that I needed an Advent attitude adjustment and a bit more childlike wonder.

We have just officially entered into the advent season. Advent is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world. It's a time to stop, prepare, focus and anticipate Jesus' birth. Yet, so often, WE DON'T STOP. We move through the holiday season like we're on steroids. So much to do, so little time. Decorating the tree. Buying the gifts. Attending the parties. Before you know it, it's December 26, and we're glad it's all done.

Today, I need prayer. You need prayer. I need to get my mind off my circumstances and reoriented to my God. As you begin this day, join me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, On this first week of Advent, I praise you and thank you for this glorious time of year. Forgive me for my focus on everything but You. Christmas is ALL about you. I can become so busy and so consumed with everything but the true meaning of Christmas…. your birthday! Help me embrace the story of Jesus' birth with childlike wonder and hope. Rather than worrying about all I have to do, remind me of the peace of God that is available to me 24/7. Allow me to use my time, talents, treasures and tears for the sake of others. Help me to sow peace, not conflict. Help me smile more and frown less. Help me give more and want less. Help me stop being so impatient with people and give people grace, the same grace I need as well. Forgive me of my sins, Lord. Perform the Advent attitude adjustments I need today. Make these next 27 days before Christmas radically different in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Zoe's Thoughts on the Election

Hi, I’m Zoe, the Abbott’s adopted me a little while back. Mobile, Alabama is my actual hometown but now I live with them. They feed me, house me, and generally treat me as family; so I guess you should not be surprised that they let me be the guest columnist for today.  After all, I’m no longer a puppy, I’m full grown, actually a little over-grown, but speaking for myself, I am nonetheless pretty obedient. I do a lot of tricks for them, like dancing, sitting, and chasing. I even know how to play London Bridges. I have been considering becoming a therapy dog ever since my mom started using those two sticks called crutches. But now, after this week, I’m sure I have even more to offer…

You see, I’ve noticed they’ve been a little distracted lately. One night last week, my mom watched TV until mid-night, way past our bedtime.... I was already a bit confused with bedtime after that Daylight Savings Time thing. Some special event was going on that night. I understand the event that took place only happens every four years, so this was my first time to experience one. Wow, it was a doozy! It seemed to have ruffled a lot of human beings’ feathers (BTW: as an English Springer, I have what people call feathers, I think mine are really cute.). Anyway, I heard lots of loud noises on that big square machine over the last few months. 

It looks like people are mad, afraid, and all kinds of other things just based on what that square box thingy was saying. I’m glad God made me a doggie, because I believe God uses me to teach humans about what’s really important. I’ve learned to trust and obey my parents because I know they love me. I’ll do whatever they say, wellalmost everything. I’ve learned to play nicely with other doggies, even though they look different than me. Some are really tiny, some way bigger than me, some different colors, but all in all, we tend to get along with one another.  Many of these doggies have different opinions on how to play. Some want to play rough and tumble. Others want to chase me. Some of my friends swim in the river with me. All in all, we learn to do life together and respect each other, even though different.

Do you know my best quality? My best quality is unconditional love. I love my masters, even when they do stuff I don’t like. I forgive them quickly and don’t hold a grudge when they give me a bath or put medicine in my ears. It seems human beings need to learn more about this kind of love. It comes first and foremost from God. I know my parents love God very much and I know He loves them, just as I love them and they love me.

That square box keeps showing scary repercussions that resulted from that big event last week. It seems that many humans aren’t loving each other the way they should. That makes me sad. How about you? How will you demonstrate love and respect to those around you today? Love, Zoe

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NLT

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Lessons From the Friendly Confines

I can’t say I’m a big baseball fan, but found myself glued to the TV for this year’s World’s Series. I was born in Cleveland, but lived a number of years in Chicago. Not sure I had a preference for who won, but was so happy for the Cubbies. They had waited a long time for this. 108 years to be exact.

And then, there was Game Seven. Game Seven. Has there ever been such a World Series game as this one? The rain delay almost did me in, but somehow, in the back of my mind, I knew history was being made and would not give in to my drowsy state.

During my years in Chicago, I grew to learn that Cubs’ fans were the ultimate fans. Think about it. These fans cheered for a team that usually lost. Loveable losers. They had all sorts of excuses, blaming it on Billy Goats, a guy named Steve Bartman and who knows what else. But, these fans would still show up at The Friendly Confines (Wrigley Field) to cheer like crazy. I never quite understood it. I guess the fans just always believed theymight win.

Cub fans believed in a team of people that most never knew personally. They believed in team after team that were not so good at playing ball. Their parents and grandparents believed that someday the Cubbies would make it to the World Series. Even the oldest of Cubs fans interviewed believed, knowing that now they could go to their grave, because the Cubs finally won.

One of the greatest gifts you can give those around you is to believe in them. Believe in their work. Believe in their dreams. Believe in them as a person. Believe that they can grow. When you believe in someone, you are FOR them. You look for specific ways to encourage them. You take time to listen. Really listen. You care about their success, not just about yours. You pray for them and want the best for them, even if they excel beyond you. You take time for them, even when you don’t have time. 

Just think what happens when you believe in people! Just like the Cubs fans, you eventually see the results. You see things change. You see people change. Let’s take a lesson from the Cubs’ fans. Become a great fan of the people around you. Even if they fail, keep believing in them. Someday, that might change.

“Do all the good you can.  By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”  John Wesley

“He said ‘Love…as I have loved you.’ We cannot love too much.” Amy Carmichael

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, October 31, 2016

The Spurs and the Spies

It's that time of year where football, basketball and baseball all converge in the sports' world.  So cool to see the Cubs in the World Series. Finally. Can't be happier to see the Cowboys have a winning record. Finally.  And then, of course, we are enjoying the Spurs back in action. Finally.

Last week, the Spurs quietly boarded a plane and headed to northern California to play the dreaded Golden State Warriors.  To be honest, I didn't think it would be a great night. It's those NEW Warriors, you know, the ones that added Kevin Durant along with rest of the sharp shooters. The Warriors came into this new season as the favorites to win the championship.  The Spurs totally blew them away 129-100. Sweet.

Manu Giinobili said "If there was an outcome I wasn't expecting, it was this one.  A 29-point lead against a team like them? I truly didn't expect it."  I didn't either. Pleasantly surprised. I started thinking about Moses sending out 12 spies to Canaan in Numbers 13-14 of the Bible. Moses told the spies to check out the area, see what the land is like and whether the people are weak or strong. So, the spies did a thorough investigation. 40 days later, they were done with their exploration and gave a report to Moses. The spies reported that it was a land flowing with milk and honey, but the people were strong and the cities have walls and were very large. When Caleb challenged them to take possession of the land, the spies freaked out. They shouted out "We can't attack these people; they are too strong for us. All of them are super tall!"

I would like to have the optimism and faith that Moses and Caleb had in this story! They saw the potential for victory, not defeat. They believed in God, themselves and their fellow co-workers. Their mindset? Let's do this!The spies, on the other hand, were full of doubt in their abilities. Between their grumbling and complaining, they only saw the problems before them, not the possibilities. They didn't believe God would see them through their ordeal. Their mindset? Let's not do this! 

Not only do our Spurs need the reminder from Caleb and Moses, but we do too. What "giants" keep you from believing you can do something? Where have you limited your own potential by forgetting God's ability?  Where has fear kept you paralyzed? As you start this new day, consider the power of God when facing our obstacles. With God, all things are possible.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

To Trust or Not to Trust

I remember it well. The day I mistakenly aided a criminal. I was overseeing our church’s women’s retreat being held up near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It just happened to be one of coldest days of the year. The chill factor had to be something crazy like 35 below zero. The retreat had gone well and it was Sunday morning, the finale. I got up early and took a walk up to the front of the hotel. As I stepped out of my room, I heard this loud banging and someone yelling “Let me in!” There, at a side-door exit, was a bundled up man, shaking from the cold. I took pity on him and let him in.

That man pounding on the door proceeded to go up to the bar and steal liquor and cash out of the register. I was the kind and gracious one that had let him in. Great. Soon, I was being called up for an interview with the police. Thankfully, the man was caught and the retreat went on.

I seem to have forgotten that childhood lesson on stranger danger from my parents. I was just way too trusting. I didn’t think twice about letting the dude in from the cold. Of course, I’d let him in. It was dangerously cold. But, we just can’t trust everyone, can we?

Today, we are in a battle over who and what to trust. Whether it’s a politician or salesperson or even facebook post, how do we sort through all the opinions of our day?  During this era of opinions, I’m so glad I can run to God’s Word for advice and peace. Job 42:2 states “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”  Isaiah 46:9-10 states “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I place will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”  When I allow these verses to seep into my mind, I find such comfort in a God that IS trustworthy.

In the midst of all the craziness and unrest in our country, we can place our trust in a Sovereign God. We can go back throughout time and see the intricate and distinct ways God cared for his people.  And today, He can use the unrest and outcome of this election. He can use our challenges and struggles. He can use all things for good, if we would but only trust Him.

When you feel like things are out of control? They’re not.  When you feel like God isn’t in control? He is. I invite you to consider trusting Him today. 

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a know God.” Corrie Ten Boom

“And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you,”Psalm 9:10

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Seeing Eye to Eye

If you haven’t been hiding out in the nearest cave, you’ve probably noticed a lot of conflict and disagreements in the news lately. Whether it’s opinions about the Presidential race or something so simple as a Cowboy quarterback controversy, conflict and disagreement are front and center stage.

No one likes conflict or even a sharp disagreement for that matter. Most people when asked about conflict, would lean toward just avoiding it. Conflicts can occur in healthy marriages, among friends, in the workplace, and in the world around us. We see conflicts arise on TV, twitter and Facebook as people communicate their opinions about any particular subject.

Conflict happens when we have a different perspective than someone else. That can lead to a disagreement. The disagreement can lead to painful words or what many often do, give the cold shoulder treatment. The cold shoulder treatment leaves part of the party in the unknown as to what took place. What is the ultimate goal of a cold shoulder?  Painful words can lead to a parting of ways. That' doesn't seem like a good way to deal with conflict either! So, how do we demonstrate a bond of peace when relationships get tested?

First, let’s realize that it’s OK to have a disagreement. We will not always see things entirely the same as someone else. Accept the person who thinks differently. Listen to them. Ask questions about their viewpoint. Don’t try to just get your opinion out. Stop the cold shoulder treatment. Have courage to discuss the issue at hand. You may not every find a resolution, but you can communicate with love, respect and honor.

Secondly, I believe our enemy, Satan, seeks to destroy relationships the best he can. He aims to put a wedge between people. It may start small, but build and build, until there is a wall between two people. Sometimes, we’re left to wonder what even happened to create this! Recognize Satan’s determination to bring conflict. Ask God for help and take the road of humility to restore what was lost.

Finally, love truly does conquer all. “The world will know that we are your disciples if we love one another.” (John 13:34)  Stop holding grudges. Put an end to the gossiping about other people. Start looking at your own faults instead of pointing the figure toward others. We are so quick to judge others that we fail to see the sin in our own hearts.  Learn to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

We may never see eye to eye on various matters in our day. But, each day, we have the privilege of pursuing peace and loving people well, even if we disagree. Any conflict in your life? May the peace of God restore, rebuild and renew broken relationships in your life today. 

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.