It was pitch dark. No cars to be seen or heard. No distant road noise. No lights. I had gotten up super early to take a morning walk. Little did I realize how quiet this quiet could be! The silence was deafening, until I walked down a certain road.
It seemed like the birds had all gathered together to welcome me to their street with glorious song! Now, I know birds may sing at any time of the day, but the symphony created by this dawn chorus was delightful.
It didn’t take long to transition my mind back to reality and remember that I was starting another day in isolation and that our world is going through a horrific crisis.
Then, I remembered a verse in the Bible. A verse about birds…..
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?.... “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34
It seemed that God was using that early morning dawn chorus to teach me about Himself. You and I are valuable to our heavenly Father and so we can trust Him for our life. Did you take that in? YOU are VALUABLE to our heavenly Father! This passage reminds us that we are far more valuable to our Father than birds! Jesus urges us to not worry, but to seek the Kingdom of God. When we focus on God and His kingdom, we don’t have to worry! Will you trust Him today?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Monday, March 23, 2020
Bluebonnets and Hope
Lady Bird Johnson famously said “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” The bluebonnets have been brilliant this spring and I’ve so enjoyed my beautiful drive to visit my horse. But, this spring, I almost missed their beauty! I was so consumed by the challenges and concerns of each day. Maybe you are too.
Each one of you is affected in some way by the COVID 19 virus…. sadness, pain, loss of work, worries financially, social distancing, fear of getting the virus, uncertainty, not-knowing-what’s-next, confusion and much more!
I truly believe the pain that we’re enduring will not be forever. But, when we’re in it, it feels like forever. It’s scary and we truly need hope and encouragement as we endure each day. Here are a few thoughts to help you in the days ahead:
1. We’re anxious, but give your anxiety to God. It’s normal to be anxious and have legitimate concerns. Pray more and worry less isn’t some formula. It really does help. It frees us to take our minds off the craziness and news around us and give our concerns to God. No one wants to be worried and struggle to sleep. For me, when I pray, God calms my fears. He puts things into perspective. When the anxiety returns, I go to God and pray more! Make a prayer journal and list all your fears. God is very present and hears each one of your prayers.
2. Hope is found in God. We tend to have definitions of hope that are way different than God’s. We may hope we don’t lose our job or home. We can hope that we find a spouse. We can hope for our dreams to become reality. The biblical definition of hope is not a “hope so” kind of hope. It’s for real hope. There is nothing more certain and secure than hoping in God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Will you choose today to hope in God?
3. Initiate with others. I’ve found that even when I’m hurting, I can encourage others. Keep social isolating, but don’t stop being social. We need each other more than ever! Get to know your neighbors and ask about their struggles. Call up your workmates. Reach out and call people you haven’t talked to for a while. Most people, especially now, are quite willing to share. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ constantly reached out to people, asking questions, encouraging, listening, and caring….even during challenging times. When you bear each other’s burdens, you’re literally following the way of Christ.
4. Don’t miss the bluebonnets- The bluebonnets represent all the beautiful things in your life that you can miss during this challenging time. There is so much to be grateful for! Take a look around you and thank God for the many gifts He’s given you. It's a time to reflect on all those things we took for granted.
Each one of you is affected in some way by the COVID 19 virus…. sadness, pain, loss of work, worries financially, social distancing, fear of getting the virus, uncertainty, not-knowing-what’s-next, confusion and much more!
I truly believe the pain that we’re enduring will not be forever. But, when we’re in it, it feels like forever. It’s scary and we truly need hope and encouragement as we endure each day. Here are a few thoughts to help you in the days ahead:
1. We’re anxious, but give your anxiety to God. It’s normal to be anxious and have legitimate concerns. Pray more and worry less isn’t some formula. It really does help. It frees us to take our minds off the craziness and news around us and give our concerns to God. No one wants to be worried and struggle to sleep. For me, when I pray, God calms my fears. He puts things into perspective. When the anxiety returns, I go to God and pray more! Make a prayer journal and list all your fears. God is very present and hears each one of your prayers.
2. Hope is found in God. We tend to have definitions of hope that are way different than God’s. We may hope we don’t lose our job or home. We can hope that we find a spouse. We can hope for our dreams to become reality. The biblical definition of hope is not a “hope so” kind of hope. It’s for real hope. There is nothing more certain and secure than hoping in God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Will you choose today to hope in God?
3. Initiate with others. I’ve found that even when I’m hurting, I can encourage others. Keep social isolating, but don’t stop being social. We need each other more than ever! Get to know your neighbors and ask about their struggles. Call up your workmates. Reach out and call people you haven’t talked to for a while. Most people, especially now, are quite willing to share. In the Gospels, Jesus Christ constantly reached out to people, asking questions, encouraging, listening, and caring….even during challenging times. When you bear each other’s burdens, you’re literally following the way of Christ.
4. Don’t miss the bluebonnets- The bluebonnets represent all the beautiful things in your life that you can miss during this challenging time. There is so much to be grateful for! Take a look around you and thank God for the many gifts He’s given you. It's a time to reflect on all those things we took for granted.
If you need spiritual encouragement or to receive prayer, please know I would love to connect. Just email me (Nancya@ymcasatx.org) and we can set up a time to visit by phone. Be encouraged. Our hope is in a God who has been and will always be faithful.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, March 16, 2020
When Life Changes
So much has changed since last week and we are left to wonder….what does the future hold? People getting sick. Self quarantines. No NBA basketball. No travel to Europe. No Disneyland. No NCAA Tournament. No college classes on campus. Canceled concerts. Stock market woes. No toilet paper. The list is growing by the day.
Daisy, my horse and I had been working hard to show at the Austin Rodeo today. But, late last week, they made the decision to cancel the entire rodeo. It seems like a little thing, given all the other things canceled. But it affected me, so it hit me harder. You see, when things affect us personally, it touches us differently. And for most of us, we’re ALL affected in someway by the COVID-19 Virus. And it’s natural to feel a sense of confusion, anxiety and even panic, because it's personal.
We are living in unprecedented times. How are you dealing with the craziness? What are you afraid of? How do you handle the feeling that you are totally, completely and unequivocally out of control? How do you find comfort and peace?
When life changes so drastically, I cling to what God says. I read God's word. I want to blanket my mind with His promises instead of focusing on what I can’t control and the craziness around me. So, I've listed a few verses that cause me to pause, reflect and find hope. May they be that for you as well....
“Because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 TPT
Daisy, my horse and I had been working hard to show at the Austin Rodeo today. But, late last week, they made the decision to cancel the entire rodeo. It seems like a little thing, given all the other things canceled. But it affected me, so it hit me harder. You see, when things affect us personally, it touches us differently. And for most of us, we’re ALL affected in someway by the COVID-19 Virus. And it’s natural to feel a sense of confusion, anxiety and even panic, because it's personal.
We are living in unprecedented times. How are you dealing with the craziness? What are you afraid of? How do you handle the feeling that you are totally, completely and unequivocally out of control? How do you find comfort and peace?
When life changes so drastically, I cling to what God says. I read God's word. I want to blanket my mind with His promises instead of focusing on what I can’t control and the craziness around me. So, I've listed a few verses that cause me to pause, reflect and find hope. May they be that for you as well....
“Because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 TPT
"The Lord alone is our radiant hope and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wrap-around presence will strengthen us.” Psalm 33:20
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
Run to God, like RUN to Him!! He longs for you to come to Him. He is present and available to take on all your fears and concerns when life changes.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Let it Go!
So, I learned that today was "National Get Over it Day." I don't normally pay attention to these types of days, but this one got my attention. This day is about doing just what it implies…get over it! I learned that “it” could be a number of things. Spilled milk. Challenges at work. Relationship strife. Those things make your mind messy and resentful.
This past week, I’ve been dealing with the challenges of puppy ownership. Puppies do what puppies do… bite, scratch, play hard and go potty in the wrong places. This too shall pass. I really had to reorient my expectations and realize we currently have an ADHD puppy, which is pretty typical. Get over it, Nancy! I'm refocusing on the joy and fun our new puppy, Chara, brings!
The problem with letting things go is that they usually come back to haunt our minds. Is it possible to let things go? As we walk through the Lenten Season, we can so easily forget the challenging path that Jesus walked. Jesus, throughout the Gospels, taught on forgiveness. On his path to his death on the cross, He modeled forgiveness, when people literally chose to crucify Him. So, shouldn’t Christ be our model in letting things go?
To live in Jesus Christ’s forgiveness, we can let go of the small things that bug us and even the big things, the hate, hurt and brokenness of the past. We don’t have to be angry at God. We don't have to withhold our love from others.
Become aware of where hurts keep you from being open, loving and free with other people. Where do you tend to withhold love? Consider journaling about these struggles with letting go of things that still bug you. Pray about each one. Will you allow Christ to be your model in forgiveness and letting go?
To practice letting go, meditate today on the death of Jesus on the cross. Contemplating Jesus’ path softens my heart to the joy of His forgiving love. It gives me a natural bent to WANT to follow Him and become like Him. I can’t do this “letting go” thing on my own. But Jesus is there, waiting and ready to help me….and you. Come on…. Let’s participate in National Get Over it Day. Now and always.
“Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied “”Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22, The Message
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
This past week, I’ve been dealing with the challenges of puppy ownership. Puppies do what puppies do… bite, scratch, play hard and go potty in the wrong places. This too shall pass. I really had to reorient my expectations and realize we currently have an ADHD puppy, which is pretty typical. Get over it, Nancy! I'm refocusing on the joy and fun our new puppy, Chara, brings!
The problem with letting things go is that they usually come back to haunt our minds. Is it possible to let things go? As we walk through the Lenten Season, we can so easily forget the challenging path that Jesus walked. Jesus, throughout the Gospels, taught on forgiveness. On his path to his death on the cross, He modeled forgiveness, when people literally chose to crucify Him. So, shouldn’t Christ be our model in letting things go?
To live in Jesus Christ’s forgiveness, we can let go of the small things that bug us and even the big things, the hate, hurt and brokenness of the past. We don’t have to be angry at God. We don't have to withhold our love from others.
Become aware of where hurts keep you from being open, loving and free with other people. Where do you tend to withhold love? Consider journaling about these struggles with letting go of things that still bug you. Pray about each one. Will you allow Christ to be your model in forgiveness and letting go?
To practice letting go, meditate today on the death of Jesus on the cross. Contemplating Jesus’ path softens my heart to the joy of His forgiving love. It gives me a natural bent to WANT to follow Him and become like Him. I can’t do this “letting go” thing on my own. But Jesus is there, waiting and ready to help me….and you. Come on…. Let’s participate in National Get Over it Day. Now and always.
“Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus replied “”Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22, The Message
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, March 2, 2020
The "They" Factor
When I wanted something as a kid, I would tell my mom “They (everyone except me) have this or that.” She would kindly respond “Well, they are they and you are you. It doesn’t mean you have to have it.” My young mind couldn’t reconcile this situation. It seemed astronomically painful at the time. It really wasn’t.
No matter what age, we can find ourselves comparing ourselves with others. In our minds, we sort of review a person’s situation and decide whether they are worse or better at the comparison theme. This private craziness goes on to the point where one can get unduly depressed by one’s status in life. We can find ourselves comparing sizes of homes, types of cars, bodies, children, grandchildren, professional status, health, athletic abilities, business acumen, degrees, retirement plans and more. It never ends. Well, maybe it can.
I love Psalm 73! Asaph writes in Psalm 73:1 “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.” He then went on to share that he envied the arrogant. Time and time again (over 10 times, I counted) he uses the word ‘they’ or ‘their’ to describe others. His heart had forgotten about the goodness of God and had latched on to those around him. That mind switch adversely affected him. Yep. That’s what comparison does.
But in Psalm 73:16-17 things changed: “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God…..” At that point, Asaph’s heart changed. He got with God. He worshiped God. His hard heart softened and He saw the greatness and presence of God! He writes in Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fall, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Sometimes, you and I just need to get with God. Get His perspective. Comparing ourselves with each other really doesn’t work. It makes us resent those we love and gives us a jealous, discontent spirit. Let’s start our day with a huge dose of gratitude to God. You are loved by God. You are special to God. You are adored by God. There is no one like you. You matter to God. There's no need to compare.
Being in the sanctuary with God changes your perspective. Just try.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
No matter what age, we can find ourselves comparing ourselves with others. In our minds, we sort of review a person’s situation and decide whether they are worse or better at the comparison theme. This private craziness goes on to the point where one can get unduly depressed by one’s status in life. We can find ourselves comparing sizes of homes, types of cars, bodies, children, grandchildren, professional status, health, athletic abilities, business acumen, degrees, retirement plans and more. It never ends. Well, maybe it can.
I love Psalm 73! Asaph writes in Psalm 73:1 “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.” He then went on to share that he envied the arrogant. Time and time again (over 10 times, I counted) he uses the word ‘they’ or ‘their’ to describe others. His heart had forgotten about the goodness of God and had latched on to those around him. That mind switch adversely affected him. Yep. That’s what comparison does.
But in Psalm 73:16-17 things changed: “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God…..” At that point, Asaph’s heart changed. He got with God. He worshiped God. His hard heart softened and He saw the greatness and presence of God! He writes in Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fall, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Sometimes, you and I just need to get with God. Get His perspective. Comparing ourselves with each other really doesn’t work. It makes us resent those we love and gives us a jealous, discontent spirit. Let’s start our day with a huge dose of gratitude to God. You are loved by God. You are special to God. You are adored by God. There is no one like you. You matter to God. There's no need to compare.
Being in the sanctuary with God changes your perspective. Just try.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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