Christmas in a Wrap

Mary’s life took a turn in a flash

When Gabriel came for a day

“Highly favored with God!

A son will be born, now listen, don’t delay!”

“He will be called the Son of God,”

Mary’s like “How can I believe this stranger?”

She took it all in and pondered it all

And off she and Joe went to a manger.

A manger, you ask? It’s THE Son of God!

That seems a bit bizarre!

But, they trusted Gabe’s words

And off they went, guided by a star.

So the shepherd dudes were doing their thing

Keeping watch over their flocks by night

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them

Oh, my, that must have been a fright!

But the angel said “Don’t be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy!

Today in the town of David 

A Savior will be born, and he’s the real McCoy!”

The shepherd dudes heard the heavenly host

Praising God and singing

Glory to God and on earth peace to men

Those Christmas bells were a ringing!

So, soon they found Mary and Jo

And baby Jesus a sleeping

The shepherds, returned, glorifying God

And joyfully weeping!

Immanuel, God with us!

He’s the answer to our deepest pain!

Whether we’re lonely or lost or weary,

There’s really no need to complain!

Seek Him, Find Him, Know Him,

A relationship with God is sweet

For there’s nothing so beautiful 

As sitting at His feet.

Make this Christmas special

Remember the real live story

And don’t forget to celebrate

And give God great, great glory! 

Written by Nancy Abbott, Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Imagine Mary

Imagine Mary, mother of Jesus, living today. Imagine Mary waking up to an early morning text. Meet me at the Starbucks on the corner. From:@AngelGabriel. Imagine Mary meeting the angel at Starbucks over a hot mocha and being told some shocking news?  I may have taken a quick dash out the door and waited to wake up from my strange dream. 

This is for real, folks! It’s a beautiful, real story. Mary was a real young teenager with real feelings and real fears. I marvel at Mary’s willingness to listen to the angel, question the angel and then believe the angel. 

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and o His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How will this be?” Mary asked the angel, “since I do not know a man?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God……. For with God nothing will be impossible. (Luke 1:31-35, 37)

 “Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

Don’t miss this! One of my favorite sentences in the Bible is Mary’s response: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Despite Mary’s questions and probable fear, she accepted the angel’s message. She said “YES!” I don’t believe she had to. She could have freaked out and ran, like some of us. Mary didn’t know the future. She trusted God in the present, knowing that He would carry her into the future. Just think what her obedience brought to the world... a Savior!

How do you handle the surprises and challenges that life throws your way? Mary demonstrated a heart that was open to what God wanted in her life. Just think, Mary didn’t know that much about the Messiah or what He would do, while on earth, but we do! Even when she didn’t know or understand the future, she trusted God in the present. And it changed the world forever. Merry Christmas!

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Oh
Mary did you know? (Lyrics by Mark Lowry and Music by Buddy Greene, beautifully sung by Pentatonix)

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

All is Well

I can’t hear this Christmas song without weeping. It was just last week when I heard it sung by Michael W. Smith in concert. True to form, the tears immediately streamed down my face as the orchestra began. What's with this song? I think it takes me out of my ordinary day, complete with busyness, distractions, and the joys of life to a different place. It lifts my eyes from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The temporal to eternal…..the simple to exquisite…..the earth to heaven.

All is well, all is well;
Lift up your voice and sing.
Born is now Emmanuel,
Born is our Lord and Savior.
Sing Alleluia, sing Alleluia, all is well.

(Written by Michael W Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, beautifully sung by Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith)

It’s an interesting title for a Christmas song. For many, all is not well at Christmas time. Christmas time can tend to heighten the pain that already exists with folks. Marital strife, singleness, depression, a recent loss, addiction, work challenges or a scary diagnosis certainly can dampen one’s spirits. To say “all is well” feels really like a stretch for some.

This song is not about our circumstances. It’s about a reality that takes us to a different plane. It’s about how heaven came down to earth in the form of a baby, the baby Jesus. When we grasp the wonder of His birth found in Luke 2:1-20, well …… it causes us to worship. Worship takes our minds off of ourselves and places it on the only One worthy to be praised.

All is well because of Christ. We are not alone in our marital strife or singleness or depression, our recent loss or addiction or work challenges or scary diagnoses. As we lift our eyes from our circumstances to our God, we see the promises of God take root. He walks with us through our pain. He comforts us in our grief. He fills our loneliness with more of Himself. He brings hope when hope seems lost. He brings peace instead of fear. For this, all is well.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

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

God @ Work

The first six months of my life are unknown to me. I don't have any family pictures of my first days of life. I don’t know what hospital I was born in or when my mom brought me home. The truth is, she didn’t bring me home. It wasn’t until later that I was adopted into another family.

Have you ever wondered why things happen as they do? Have you questioned God when things in life don’t go as planned? When the chaos of our world overwhelms you, do you wonder where in the world is God? 

This week, God astounded me in a new way as I read a familiar Psalm, Psalm 139. God allowed me to take in these words as if they were new again! I was blown away.

“O Lord, you have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down. And are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it? Where shall I go from your Spirit? (1-7) For you formed my inward parts: you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are you works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. (13-18)

I marvel at how God was very present and had the perfect plan for my life, even when my birthmother didn’t see me as a “perfect” plan. I marvel at these verses and how much God’s presence is right here, right now. That I can’t get away from him. I can’t hide from Him. I can’t act as if He doesn’t exist. So, why would I? 

God is @ work in each of lives. Nothing in our past has given us the title “Unacceptable”, “Unwanted” or “Rejected” or “Alone." Why would we hide from the One who loves us most? Why would we hold him at arm’s length? Not only is God @ work in your life, but He is with you AT work, AT home and everywhere in between. 

December is here and Christmas around the corner. Christmas is about God’s greatest gift to mankind, Jesus! God is @ work by providing the greatest gift ever! 

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 NLT

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

Christmas Pace

I’m tempted to get in a hurry, just because I can. There’s just so much to do. Get the Christmas tree. Decorate the house. Make Christmas cutout cookies. Shop and wrap gifts. Send Christmas cards. Plan dinner parties. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. When I remember it, it will cause a bit more stress.

It’s that time of the year when we feel the pulse of each day increase in rapidity. Yet, no one is there at the end of the day checking our blood pressure. This Christmas Pace is just what we do. Slowing down and appreciating the moments isn’t on the “schedule.” Maybe it should be?

Eugene Peterson was a scholar, theologian and author of “The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.”  He was such a wise man and had a way with words. He wrote  “Exhaustion is not a sign of success. Hurry is a form of violence practiced on time.” Have you noticed how we give into that violence so often? We can place our significance and identity in our usefulness. December can be a cycle of this type of violence. It’s hard to get off the crazy cycle unless we’re a bit more intentional.

Consider these ideas as you prepare for the holidays:

1.Pray about the Holidays. (Lord, what do I need to say no to and what areas of self-care are important for me to keep front and center? Lord, how can my relationship with You flourish during this season?)

2.Pay attention to the warning signs. (Getting easily irritated, loss of focus, exhausted, Scrooge-like attitude, etc)

3.Set some Christmas Self-Care Goals. (What needs to happen this month to ensure you keep the Christmas Spirit?)

4.Stay mindful of your well-being. (Notice your daily self-management and personal care. Note when you struggle and when you’re at peace. )

5.Stay ahead. (What preparations can you do ahead of time? How can planning ahead give you a joyful and peaceful day?)

6. Share Christmas compassion with those that are hurting. (There are people all around us who are hurting, experienced tragedy beyond words, lonely or less fortunate.Your compassion goes a long way.)

When you slow down, it’s a bit easier to savor the true gifts of the Christmas season. May the real joy of this season, the gift of Jesus, be a part of this beautiful month of December.

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

Crumbs on the Counter

My friend, Lori, lives near the fires in Paradise, California. Her young son’s best friend and mom barely escaped from the Campfire. Here is the mom’s story:

“So we tallied up the hours spent in the cement lot and it was over 6. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would be leading my ill son and a puppy on foot to evacuate a fire. Yes, on foot! We left Magalia within 2 minutes of the evacuation call. But Paradise had just been hit. Police told us over a loudspeaker to abandon cars and head south. Luckily, we were able to walk to a parking lot, and were soon to get down and cover with anything we had. They had warned us that if a chopper dumped water onto us that we had to brace for impact. They yelled to us to stay down, it was going to get hot. The wind blasted around us with debris, embers, ash. People screamed. People prayed. I think someone was singing. Then the explosions went off. All around us was on fire, with no way out. I quietly made my peace. My son Anthony, who said he was so grateful that his little brother Domnic wasn’t there. We said the Lord’s Prayer together, holding hands and just waiting it out. And then, miraculously, it eventually passed (after hours) enough for us to get up. Anthony helped people in wheel chairs and took water cups to people with dogs. Reminded me to drink water. My eleven-year old hero. And then, finally, finally, over 6 hours later, we were allowed to drive through the Apocalypse that was Paradise, and reunite with Dominic. Thank you God. Sadly, we lost the house. We are thanking God for what we kept. Each other.” Dacia

As Lori was sharing with me this story, she told me about a personal ah-ha moment. She had asked her son to clean the crumbs off the counter earlier. Irritated, the crumbs were still on the counter later that evening. But, before she could complain to her son, she stopped herself: “I have a countertop. I have a house. I haven’t lost everything like so many people around me. Why am I upset about a few crumbs?” She told me on the phone “I’m trying to be thankful for the little things and stop grumbling.”

As you gather around your Thanksgiving table this week, there’s bound to be some thing that brings a bit of irritation your way. (Waiting at HEB, burning a dish, traffic jam, a relative that needs extra grace, or even an argument with your spouse.) Stop for a moment. What is this week all about? Gratitude. Being grateful for the gifts that God has given us. When you live a life of gratitude, grumbling dissipates.

Take note, even Dacia, the mom who escaped the fire, was able to be grateful! My friend, Lori, in the non-stop chaos in her town of Chico, has found things to be grateful for. This mindset will get them both through the difficult days ahead. So, no matter what is gong on in your life, you can choose gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!

“Start your day by writing down 5 things your thankful for and then, at night, before your head hits the pillow, write down 5 more things that your grateful for from that day. Call that your gratitude journal. See how your perspective changes over time.” Nancy Abbott

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

A Way of Love

Zoe, our English Springer Spaniel, has been in training to be a therapy dog. My husband, being a bit pessimistic, thought Zoe would flunk out. As our training progressed, it was clear that Zoe had a very bad problem of greeting people by jumping.  

This past Monday, Zoe passed her test! I called my husband who was out of town to tell him the good news. Well, she passed, but by the skin of her teeth! My trainer gave me the caveat “I want you to promise me that you’ll work with Zoe on….”

Zoe intensely loves people. She can’t wait to greet you and pour out love. She loves to cuddle up and gaze into your eyes as her tummy is being rubbed. Even with her bad habit, Zoe (and other doggies) can teach us so much about love.

In the bible, there was a dude named Onesiphorus, who really knew how to love well. I don’t know who his momma was, but she was quite creative in the name department. Onesiphorus wasn’t the most popular guy in the Bible as he’s only mentioned twice, but in 2 Timothy 1:16-17, Paul speaks of him from his prison cell: "May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrive in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and found me.”  

Onesiphorus was a personal friend of Paul’s and a huge blessing to him. His name actually means “bringing profit.”  Onesiphorus stayed with Paul through thick and thin. He visited him in prison, which was dangerous in those days. He was determined to be a blessing to Paul. 

There has been so much negativity in the world around us lately. Sometimes, I just want to cocoon myself from all the negative noise and suffering! But, God calls us to a different way of life. A way of love…..like Onesiphorus! You and I can bring profit to others, with God’s grace!

As you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, whom can you extend kindness to? Who might need a card in the mail or a gift card “just because?” Are you determined to be a blessing to others? Do you withhold love from some and give freely to others?

We don’t need to have our act together to live like this. But, what we do need is a whole lot of God and way less of us. People are hurting all around us. Let’s be a palpable taste of God’s heart today.  

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

Daylight Disarray

Dayight savings time goofs me up every time. Even after enjoying an extra hour of sleep, I find myself in a bit of disarray. Even our dog is messed up...."Where’s my food? Why haven’t we left for our walk yet? Why isn’t it time for bed?"  It’s just a few days of disarray for all in our house.

I need a bit of encouragement to start my week. Maybe you do too! So, cheers to giving our disarray to God…

Starting the week tired? Lord, in those moments where I’m dragging, please lift me up and give me rest. Help me learn from you the rhythms of life. You created time and have given me 24 hours each day. Please help me use it well with the strength that you can provide. Lord, help me find moments to relax, and not feel guilty doing so. Help my soul find rest in You. (Psalm 62:1)

Feeling overwhelmed? Lord, I pray for your peace today. Break through my feelings of stress, anxiety and worry that have crept in my mind. You remind me that I don’t need to be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to you. (Philippians 4:6-7) Today, Lord, I give you my stressors. Please allow me to experience the joy of allowing you to carry them. Give me insight in how to manage my busy day, living in your abundance. 

Upcoming meetings? Lord, sometimes, I go crazy over the amount of meetings I have! Yet, help me, this week, to look at every appointment-every person, as someone created in your image who deserves my whole self, my full attention and my best self. Help me treat all people with love and honor. Help me remember that you delight in giving me wisdom, discernment, and guidance I need in every meeting I have.

Heavy heart? It’s hard to tuck away the stuff I carry into my work-week, Lord. Whether it’s a ailing parent or a sick child, a fear about the future or a fractured relationship, it’s hard not to let my mind drift there. Yet, Lord, you can do so much more if I give you my burdens, large or small. You literally desire to carry them for me! Your Word says “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)  Lord, be the strength of my heart today.  

So, if you’re feeling it or not, this Monday morning can be a wonderful day! Today is a gift. You will never get it back again. Please know that your Heavenly Father delights in extending His hand to you today. He is very present and available. He is personal and longs to tend to your every need. Just invite Him into your day.

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

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

Look Up!

I performed a social experiment last week. I was waiting in a long line for early voting and enjoyed some people watching as the line fed back and forth. One lady shared her entire phone conversation with the voting world. (She’s going on a cruise and we voters got the first take on ALL the plans for the weekend!) Others just stood in silence with no phone in hand. Some brought along real paper books and were actually reading. But most of the waiting audience was engrossed in their phones. Confounded by this pattern of phone behavior that I, was participating in as well, I put my phone in my purse and started a conversation with the young woman in front of me. 

It turned into a delightful conversation. She worked at a well-known resort in the area and had just got off work so she could vote. It didn’t take long to learn her about her waitress position at the resort and share some of the joys and sagas of waitress work. The time flew because all at once we were admitted to vote.

We will never know someone’s story unless we ask. We will never realize the power of encouragement, unless we give it. We will never understand the sadness on someone’s face, until we listen to the excruciating pain they’ve experienced. We will never know the simple connection we can make with someone, until we do. 

Our phones have captured our attention to the degree that we miss out on the people right in front of us. It takes intention to place our phones down and look up towards those around us. 

Get outside your world and encourage someone today. Not just those close to you, but someone you normally wouldn’t reach out to. Who can you encourage today? Use your life to ‘put courage in’ someone else. Inquire about them. Ask some questions. Encourage them! And listen really well. You have no clue what a change agent you’ll be.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good things.” Galations 6:9

“The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.”Proverbs 10: 21

“Love more, not less. Will you take a hit? Of course you will. Do it anyway.” Bob Goff

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

Occupied Minds

What occupies your mind each day? The average person has approximately 50,000 thoughts occupying their mind in one day. That’s a lot of thoughts, especially if we let our minds run wild! 

Could it be that there are thoughts that occupy our mind that if left unchecked, do more harm than good? Let’s just take a few of those mind culprits….

What do I worry about? Worry has the ability to totally compromise what could have been a glorious day. If our mind is constantly worrying about “what if’s” or the “if only’s” or the “why’s”, there is no room for joy. A glorious day can get gloomy pretty quickly when worry is present.

What do you fear? Fear can be crippling. When our mind is free to roam, fear can jump in. What fears occupy your mind today? How does fear keep you from living freely? Soaring in your work and dreams?

Seeking approval of others? Are you constantly looking around for others approval or attention? Rick Warren writes: “Few things rob your happiness faster than being criticized or feeling like others are working against you. Why? Because we all want to be loved and approved. We want everybody to like us.” (Daily Hope with Rick Warren, May 30, 2014)

So what do we do when our minds become occupied by worry, fear or approval of others? Ask God for help. He hears every prayer! Read God’s Word and tuck His truth away in your heart. The more we fill our minds with His Word, the more our “occupations” will be pleasant. 

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell god your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” Philippians 4:6 (The Living Bible)

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“Jesus, free us to live today defined by the gift of your righteousness and the wonders of your love. May the approval of people, the Dow Jones average, our own self-assessment, where we are in the Org Chart, or our failures or successes, matter nil compared to our union with you.” @ScottyWardSmith

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

Hidden Rules

The Pharisees were leaders in the Bible who followed the law, but didn’t really have a love for God or man in their hearts. They loved their hidden rules and enjoyed showing others where they fell short. They wanted to appear to be good people. They refused to take responsibility for their own sin. 

I’m afraid to admit, that sometimes the Pharisee comes out in me. Honestly, I think we’d all like to hide the Pharisee in us. We naturally want to behave and believe that we’re pretty good people too! As Beth Moore writes “No one sees the Pharisee in themselves, but we all have one…. We all suffer from willful blindness.” 

How could there be a “Pharisee” in each of us? We have our favorite rules too. We want others to follow our rules and when they don’t??? We push the judgment button and hastily dismissed them as insignificant and wrong.

Just when we feel totally justified to judge those we think judge, we forget that we’re judging too! 

Just when it’s easier to pass the blame even when we blatantly messed up, we do it anyway.

Just when we are hurt by the gossip of others, we forget that we have done the same thing.  

Perhaps, we’re all ‘in hiding’ to some degree. We don’t want to get caught. We don’t want others to know that we really don’t have it all together. We’re not perfect, but please don’t let anyone know.

Every day, I’m tempted to act like a Pharisee. There are days I do. But, I’m so thankful for God’s grace when I sin. Admitting my sin before a loving and forgiving God is a good start. He is so ready to forgive me! There is freedom in knowing I don’t have to be perfect. I don’t have to make up hidden rules. I’m just one woman forgiven by a beautiful God. 

With Christ, there is no condemnation for our sins. There is no limit to Christ’s grace. There is no separation for God’s love. Why do we try to hide? 

“Our character must matter more to us than our reputation. We must learn to love the light, even when it exposes the darkness in us.” Scott Sauls

“I was buried beneath my shame. Who could carry that kind of weight? I was my tomb, till I met You. I was breathing, but not alive. All my failures I tried to hide. It was my tomb, till I met You. You called my name and I ran out of that grave. Out of the darkness  into Your glorious day.” Glorious Day by Passion

“We are profoundly ambivalent about kindness in that we are never as kind as we want to be, but nothing outrages us more than people being unkind to us.” Karen Swallow Prior, On Reading Well

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

Texas Loves Texas

When I moved to Texas in 1980, I never realized how much Texas loves Texas. Of course, I must have had some luv too, because I was making the trek from the Midwest to start my career in Dallas.  As time went on, I integrated well into the culture and could roll off my tongue a ‘ya’ll’ or an ‘all ya’ll’ with ease.

What state has so much written about their beloved state? Here are some good lines from the twitter handle “Texas Humor".....

“Never met a Texan I didn’t like, until I was stuck behind the one who goes the speed limit in the fast lane.”

“Texans ain’t cocky. We really are just that great.”

“It must be sad living in a place where the stars at night aren’t big and bright.”

“Name any food, and chances are a Texas has deep-fried it before.”
“The rest of the country is pulling out their boots for fall, while Texans have had ‘em out all along.”

Ya gotta love Texas! Most folks that live here actually do love Texas! I certainly do! And for those like myself that weren’t born here, we can always add the redneck bumper sticker to our car “I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could.”

In recent weeks, I’ve found myself meditating on Psalm 91. The more I read it, the more I see that I can have the perfect “home” in God.... a dwelling place like no other!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

God’s protection is real. Every time I read through Psalm 91, I’m reminded that even though I may not always see or feel it, God is always with me. He can’t forget or ignore me if I belong to Him. To note, the word “dwell” used in this verse means “to take up permanent residence in.” For me, this verse reminds me to stay in his presence, so that I will “rest” in the “shadow of the Almighty.”

So, being in the shelter of God beats living in Texas or anywhere, for that matter! Check out Psalm 91 today and let the promises of God wash over your mind today. Believe His promises. Receive His Love. Welcome his presence. 

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

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

A Steadfast Spirit

They won! They finally won! For those who follow NFL football, you may be aware of the ecstatic outbreak of joy that took place in Cleveland, Ohio on Thursday, September 20, 2018. The Browns hadn’t won a NFL game since Christmas Eve in 2016. The Browns have been the brunt of jokes for a long time. But, last night things changed. Baker Mayfield, the 23 year-old rookie with all his swagger, showed up and led the Browns to victory!

Having grown up in Ohio, I know a bit of the ongoing saga it’s been to be a Browns fan. (I actually have been a Cowboys fan since I was a kid, but that’s a whole other set of saga stories.) The Browns became the brunt of many a joke over the years. Thankfully, they're team and fans never gave up believing things could change. 

Perhaps we could all use a good dose of the Brown’s steadfast spirit. Steadfastness is defined as “a posture of enduring hope and ongoing commitment, even against seemingly insurmountable external and internal challenges.” (Peter Greer & Chris Horst, Rooting for Rivals, pp. 196) What makes your work tough these days? How has the tyranny of today kept you from accomplishing the priorities for tomorrow? How has the enormity of the challenge before you dampened your spirits? How has stress affected your attitude about your work? It can be quite helpful to take a “time out” and evaluate your relationship with your work. 

You have been incredibly gifted by God to do what you do. I know, we can ALL get caught up in the challenges of work that we can’t see the forest through the trees. We can be blinded to our successes, only seeing what appears like “failures.” But, be encouraged today. Your work matters to God. He delights in helping you and being your Advocate! Let’s not get weary and forget why we do what we do. The Y cause is truly a great one! God delights in helping you be successful and making a difference, as you trust Him. He will help give you that enduring hope and commitment to rise above the challenges that come your way. 

So, let’s start our day by giving your work to God: Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you so much for the gift of work. Help me to never forget the mission and why I do what I do. Give me an enduring confidence, even when I don’t see the “wins” just yet. Help me to come alongside those that need a word of encouragement or prayer today. Point out to me who I can encourage at work this very day. Thank you for the reminder of Jesus who invites all of us to, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….” Let me not lose heart in doing good. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10,12

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

When the Unexpected Happens

It seems like just yesterday that Harvey was making news and wreaking havoc on Houston. Now, we are still dealing with remnants of Florence in the Carolinas. Unexpected circumstances can rock our soul, even the most fearless of people. 

You can be certain, that sooner or later, something will enter your life that will be totally unexpected. If nothing comes to mind right now, you may not be intrigued about the topic at all. However, if you’re in the midst of the "unexpected" you know how it can mess with your mind.

Personally, I prefer to live in light of what I "expect" to happen. I like consistency. Order. Plans. The unexpected circumstances, I’d prefer to avoid:

Sickness
Hurricanes
Career transitions
Floods
Lack of provision
Flat tires
Betrayals
Disappointments

We all have a little "control freak" in us. That’s why we need to let the One who controls ALL things deal with the "unexpected" in our lives. You may be living a calm, cool life today, but here’s what can be for sure: The "unexpected" comes when you least expect it.

How do you silence the voices of fear and insecurity that creep in during the unexpected? My response is pretty expected. God is always, always, always willing to be our anchor in the pinch-yourself-good-times AND the not-so-nice-challenging times.

"God wants us to learn how to accept every unexpected event as an invitation to trust Jesus and his Word, to expect his goodness all the way through. A life lived like this is one of the most powerful forces on the planet- because there’s a momentum of courage and faith that propels us unto new places." (Christine Caine, Unexpected, pp. 35)

Here’s just a small sampling of what we can expect from God: (Caine, pp 34)
We can expect that his grace will be sufficient for us. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We can expect God to care for us. 1 Peter 5:7
We can expect God to be our very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
We can expect the Lord to provide all we need. Psalm 23:1
We can expect God to make a way where there is no way. Isaiah 43:16
We can expect our giants to be defeated. 1 Samuel 14:47

If you are in the middle of the "unexpected" be encouraged! God’s promises are true. If you’re not, reach out to someone who is in the middle of the "unexpected." You can be the hands and feet of Jesus to them today.

"Those who trust you will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7

"No matter what, expect the unexpected. And whenever possible be the unexpected." Lynda Barry

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

Couch Time

I have a lot of time on my hands these days since I got out of the hospital a few days ago. It’s not fun being down and out, but I have found some good in it.

My “couch time” has reminded me that I’m probably like most people. We have a hard time with silence, solitude and being still. Keeping busy gives us value. If not careful, I can be busy even on the couch! With a touch of a screen, I can enter into a world of thoughts, opinions, and random status reports that can actually bring a little entertainment.

But, I’d rather make this time special. It’s in the quietness that I notice things that I would rather not notice or feel. It’s in the silence that I realize once again that the world can go on quite well without me. It’s as I settle into “couch time” I’m reminded that this time alone with Jesus is well spent. We humans think that doing nothing means we’re wasting time. But there's treasures available to us as we slow down!

In the last few days, I've been dwelling on some of God's promises. The words of the Scriptures seem to be calling out to me like never before! Could it be that I am listening more? Alone without distractions, I'm in a place where God can reveal things to me that I might not notice in my normal busy life......

“The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:2

“The Lord God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

“Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence- The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

Couch time doesn’t have to be so bad. God will use even this to change me and make me more like Him. 

Activity: Spend 15 minutes or more alone with God. You can do an activity if you wish: walk, run, drive, or sit on your deck. Dedicate the time ahead of you to God. After the time is up, consider how it was for you to be alone with God. Was it hard? Good? Did God speak to you in any way? (pp. 113-114, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun)

“In a noise-polluted world, it is even difficult to hear ourselves think let alone try to be still and know God. Yet it seems essential for our spiritual life to seek some silence, no matter how busy we may be. Silence is not to be shunned as empty space, but to be befriended as fertile ground for intimacy with God.” Susan Muto

“We are so afraid of silence that we chase ourselves from one event to the next in order not to have to spend a moment alone with ourselves, in order not to have to look at ourselves in the mirror.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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

Welcome Home!

Zoe, our English Springer, had a great time at Camp Bow Wow this past weekend while we were gone. How do we know? Their live web cam gave us privy to see her interacting with all the other doggies in their play area. I saw Zoe and about 13 other doggies roaming around making new friends. Various colors, sizes, shapes, some probably rescue dogs, other pedigrees. Some old. Some young. Some playful. Some timid. Some wondering aimlessly. Others full of energy.

Each one of these pooches, at some point, will happily get to go home to their loving owners. We will reunite with Zoe soon. When she sees us, she will go crazy with excitement!  She’s back in her pack, where she is fully loved and accepted.

It reminds me of how God sees each of us. He loves and values us no matter who we are or what we’ve done. No one is too tall, too small, too fat, too thin, too old, or in too much trouble for God. God’s priority is not our family pedigree, our financial portfolio or our company title. Throughout the Bible God chose imperfect and unique people to do his divine work:

* Moses stuttered and didn’t think he could be used by God.
* Jonah ran away from God when he was called to preach.
* Timothy lacked courage.
* Joseph was hated by his brothers.
* David was an adulterer.
* Adam and Eve hid from God after they disobeyed his commands.

I find myself in good company! I often struggle to really believe I’m fully love and accepted by God because I don’t always feel it from the people around me or myself. News flash: “When we live from a deep assurance that we’re fully loved, we won’t find ourselves begging others for scraps of love. Live loved.” (Lisa TerKeurst, Uninvited Study Guide, page 10)

Zoe may have felt sad when we left her, but we were only a web cam away from seeing her and oohing and awing over her! We were looking down in fondness upon our pup and couldn’t wait to have her jump in our arms! Often, we find ourselves feeling distanced from God too. But, upon close examination, it’s very clear that we are the ones that turn away. God never does.

No matter who you are or what your status or how much you’ve messed up, God doesn’t stop pursuing you. He seeks you out of your mistakes. He calls you out of your prestigious position. He cries out for you in your deepest pit. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you and longs for a close relationship. He will welcome you home with open arms as part of His family!

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” Hebrews 4:13

“Rejection never has the final say. With Jesus you are forever safe, accepted, held, loved, invited.” (Lisa TerKeurst, page 10)

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

My Pain

For a moment, I listened to the lie about myself. The lie that I had listened to so many times before was back again. And for a moment, I believed it. 

I know the exact moment when I gave in to the lie. After several tests, I was now waiting for the nurse outside the doctor’s office. I was scared. I had just been given the not-so-pleasant news that I would need surgery. Trying to fight back the tears, I looked around to distract myself. On the walls were huge wall hangings with thousands of baby pictures. As I sat there, I couldn’t help but notice various pregnant women walking back and forth in front of me. I lost it. But nobody knew. Only me….and God.

Sometimes, we believe lies. Lies like mine. The lie that says “I don’t have children makes me less than.” For me, I didn’t get married until later in life. I’ve come to terms with not having children, but sometimes the pain comes back in full force. Today, was that day. 

In the midst of my pain and sadness, the Lord reminded me of how He will use anything in my life……if I let Him. He has challenged me to be an encourager to moms. Listening. Praying. Enjoying hearing about their kids. In addition, God has given me the freedom to do and experience things I never thought possible! But, the pain was still there.

We tend to hide our pain. Suck it up and hope nobody notices our sad hearts or tears that somehow get loose. I’ve learned over the years that I can’t hide my pain from God. He actually welcomes my tears, my heart cries and my burdens. He longs for me to come to Him and pour out my heart whether it’s about a job, a surgery, a relationship or a worry. God not only welcomes this, He wants us to come! 

God is not some far away being. He is up close and personal. Just like He was in the doctor’s office last week. He was as close as my breath….and He carried me through that difficult moment. Oh, how I love my God! 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8

“God wants us to believe and understand that His promises don’t have expiration dates. They aren’t like passports or gym memberships. He has given us a book full of His promises that have no expiration dates- and He will always make good on His promises!” Christine Caine

“God is the kind of being who, if you will place yourself in his hands, in trust, will ensure that nothing can ever happen to you that will make you say “I’m afraid” or “I don’t have enough.”Dallas Willard

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