Interruptions

My otherwise lovely and enjoyable Christmas season was abruptly interrupted this past week by a dental emergency. Nothing like a toothache to get your attention. I’ve always had a fear of losing a tooth, so this was a significant interruption.

My first reaction to this interruption was fear. My normally very low blood pressure skyrocketed as I sat in the infamous chair. As I glanced outside through the blinds, I saw a robin just sitting on a tree limb. Immediately, God reminded me of his presence! I reflected on the verse in Matthew 6:26 “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?” God used that bird to calm me down and remind me that He sees, and cares for me in that very moment. God carried me through this interruption!

The Christmas story involved a blatant interruption. The shepherds were watching over their sheep when suddenly an angel appeared. The shepherds’ lives would never be the same. Take a look at the scripture:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12

The shepherds’ first response to their interruption was fear! And who wouldn’t be afraid when they suddenly saw an angel? Interruptions interrupt what we’re doing and the shepherds had a job to do! Interruptions change the status quo. Interruptions prompt change and we humans really don’t like change.

I find it so beautiful that God chose the shepherds to be among the first to encounter Jesus. That interruption was a good interruption. Think about it…. the shepherds were not seen by most, not appreciated, and even looked down upon. Not very important. Not known about town. Yet, it was the Shepherds, that stood face to face with Jesus. It seems that God wanted to communicate that He saw those shepherds and honored them for who they were.

Do you ever feel overlooked? Unloved? Forgotten? Unappreciated? Take a look at the Christmas story and study the shepherds in more detail. Just like them, God sees you. God knows you. God loves you. God cares for You. You are important to Him, even if You don’t feel like it. Remember that in our interruptions, God is there and very present. He used an angel for the shepherds. He used a robin for me. He’ll use anything to remind You how much He loves you.

Picture what it would be like that holy night. How would you respond to what you saw and heard? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRuunhHiEPg

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

Keeping Things Real

If I could name a bit of tension in our home each Christmas, it would be the type of Christmas tree we choose. Yes, we’re a divided household. Ben prefers artificial trees. I prefer real trees.

There’s a bit of personal history behind this. One of the traditions in my house growing up was that my dad would go and get a potted Christmas tree each year. After Christmas, he would quickly take it down, and off it would go to be planted behind our house. To this day, there is a row of evergreen trees of all sizes behind that home.

So far, in our house, Ben has given in to a real tree each year! (#realchristmastree) Of course, he does the lion’s share of the hard work in getting it set up, which I’m grateful for! But really, who doesn’t love the yummy smell and look of a real Christmas tree? Have you ever smelled a fake tree?

It occurred to me that there’s nothing wrong with either choice, real or artificial. It’s a matter of preference. But when we get down to the Christmas season, I would prefer keeping things real.

This really did happen:

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary: you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31

“For today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) Matthew 1:23

Do you believe that this really did happen? If so, how will it affect your Christmas celebration? Your joy? Your peace? Your love?  Christ’s coming to this earth changes everything. This really did happen, and it changes everything!

Here’s the deal: The magical nature of our own version of a Hallmark Christmas can take a more prominent role than what took place in the city of David. Our version of Christmas pales in comparison to what took place in a stable so long ago! 

Yet, the reality of life hits us every Christmas and affects us deeply. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or close family member? Are you wishing you could be somewhere, but you can’t? Do you want things to be different in your life? Do you struggle financially to give gifts? Is there a deep “lack” in your life that comes back to haunt you every Christmas? There is obviously much pain at Christmas.

The gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas but throughout the entire year. Whether it be a time of celebration or honest brokenness, Jesus is still with us. Jesus still loves us. Jesus still cares. Press in close to Him today. Keep Christmas real with Jesus at your side.

I can't listen to this song without crying! Christ's birth changes everything! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG6fQmh9F_Q

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

Thinking About Christmas

Christmas is just twenty days away. What does that cause in your spirit? Are you jumping for joy? Are you thinking about all the things you must do in those twenty days? Are you worried about the family gathering and how things will go? It seems that every year about this time, we can get a bit anxious about the coming holiday.

The thing with Christmas is this. It’s not really about all that we have going in our lives when it comes to Christmas. It’s about what we actually think about Jesus. Consider this verse:

“To us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he 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

I find myself getting so side-tracked at Christmas time. I’m already writing down the dates of parties, organizing the food, and thinking about even writing a Christmas letter this year. This verse stops me in my tracks. There’s absolutely nothing more important than Jesus and his birth and how we personally respond to His greatness and glory. It’s something very personal that each of us should consider.  

Yet, I stop in my tracks when I read this prophecy in Isaiah 9:6,7.  TO US. This child was born for us! This child would be a man, but more than a man. He would also be the Son of God. We, humans, needed a perfect, infinite Being to offer a perfect infinite atonement for our sins. (Enduring Word)

How does Christ carry the government on his shoulders? The government of the entire world already rests on his shoulders and will into the Millennium. His government shows itself in daily life through God’s people. Caring for orphans. Serving the poor. Bringing peace, hope, and encouragement to those around us. Practicing thinking of others as more important than ourselves. Listening to people and valuing others. Finding someone to serve in some way and do it for a while.

Also, wrapped in this verse, we see various names of Jesus:

Wonderful - Jesus is wonderful and what He has done for us should fill us with wonder. You can never really look at Jesus, really know Him, and be bored. (Enduring Word) Who is more wonderful than Jesus?

Counselor-Every day, I start the day asking God to guide me and counsel me for the things of that day. Jesus can help us with all our problems. He may help us through the Bible, through His presence, or another person, but He is our Counselor. He has extraordinary wisdom! He advises, consults, plans, and guides us.  We can go to Him about anything! How do you need Him to be your counselor today?

Mighty God- He is God Almighty, creator, and sustainer of the whole universe. God in the flesh. God with us! He can do anything!

Everlasting Father- The Hebrew word translated as “everlasting” has the idea of “without end” just as we read at the close of the verse “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7) Imagine all the things in this life that come to an end. Then picture our Everlasting Father. Always and forever.

Prince of Peace- He will be characterized by peace. Because of Christ’s work, we can have peace with God, peace with men, and peace in this world. He can give us inner peace when our hearts are in turmoil. He is in control. Always, even when we’re not.

Pour a cup of coffee and tea. Grab a warm blanket. Turn on your Christmas lights. Sit with this beautiful verse. Marinate on Christ’s names. Let your Christmas be about Him.

Unto Us A Child is born....Oh, how we need Him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XWY_OmEG1Q

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

Changing our Perspective

I saw a quote that seemed pertinent to this Thanksgiving: “Some people grumble that roses have thorns. I am grateful that thorns have roses.” (Alphonse Karr) Maybe you’ve faced a holiday where it just wasn’t cracking up to be what you expected. For me, the day before Thanksgiving, I’ll be having sinus surgery. So, I’m planning a rip-roaring holiday!

I’m sure we’ve all faced circumstances that aren’t quite what we planned for. I’ve been waiting for months to get this surgery done. Who doesn’t want to feel better? Finally, they gave me their first available date for surgery, the day before Thanksgiving. What’s a girl to do? I took it!

So, I could look at this whole situation and grumble: “I can’t have a normal Thanksgiving. I can’t cook and have people over like I love to do. I can’t probably even enjoy food!” Grumble. Grumble. Grumble. Or, I could say: “I’m so thankful I found a doctor who knows what’s wrong. I’m so thankful that I CAN get it done. I’m so thankful that we have insurance. I’m so thankful I’ll feel better soon. I’m so thankful for doctors who know how to solve this problem.” A Change of Perspective.

You see, often we prefer to grumble that roses have thorns and not see that thorns have roses! We’re so stuck on what we don’t have that we miss what we do have. 1 Thessalonians 5:18  says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Now, that’s a hard verse. But please note, the Bible isn’t commanding us to FEEL thankful in all circumstances! It tells us to give thanks! (Sharon Jaynes) I find that when I lift my eyes from the “grumble” part of my situation and instead THANK God, I find such peace and comfort.

Sharon Jaynes writes “Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the circumstance in our little slice of time. Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships, tumultuous circumstances, and unfulfilled longs. As we praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He’s done, our perspective of Him grows larger and our problems grow smaller.” (Gratitude Changes Everything)

As you walk into Thanksgiving week, where do you need a change of perspective? How might You thank God, even when the circumstance doesn’t FEEL particularly good?

If you could name one thing you’re grumbling about this week, what would it be? _________________

Lord, Thank You for this special time of year. I pray a blessing on each person and ask that whatever their “grumble” is this week, You would truly help them give thanks. Maybe it’s hard to find something to be thankful for, but, LORD, I pray You to help each person gravitate to a thankful heart. We may not understand all that’s going on in our life, but we are going to trust You fully each day. Amen.

When we struggle with our perspective, it helps to worship and remember that He is more than enough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_uLYfpgwP4

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

Grumbling or Gratitude?

I just got an alert on my phone that the temperature dropped from 81 degrees to 59 degrees in 2 hours here in San Antonio today. I don’t think our city has seen the likes of these temperatures since last spring.

Weather brings out the best and the worst in people. Many people prefer hot weather here in South Texas every day they can get it and complain when it’s cold. Then, there is another group of people who don’t like the heat, tired of the heat and are ready for a change from the heat. Those folks like days like this. You might be able to guess which camp I fall into. 

I guess weather brings out something in us that we’re all guilty of at one time or another. Grumbling. Grumbling is as old as the hills and speaking of old, grumbling goes back to the Old Testament of the Bible.

In Exodus 15:22-25, Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and went to a desert. They went for three whole days in the desert with no water! When they found water, it was bitter, and they couldn’t even drink it. And what did the people do? They grumbled against Moses, saying “What are we supposed to drink?” At that time, Moses cried out to God and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water and the water was good to drink.  So, even though the people complained, God still provided water for them.

Once we grumble, it’s easy to grumble again! In Exodus 16:2-3, the Scripture reads:

“In the desert, the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”

It does seem that once we begin to grumble, it becomes a bit of a habit, if not careful. As the Israelites faced danger, shortages of food, and inconveniences. They complained over and over and longed to be back in Egypt.

Gosh, don’t you relate to those Israelites? When difficult circumstances arise, I find that I can get stressed. So, what happens in the stress of our circumstances? We grumble and complain. Such a natural response.

Yet, God calls us to a different way of responding.  Gratitude. One thing I realized is that I can’t be both grumbling and grateful at the same time. Gratitude is focusing on what’s good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. When we’re grateful to God, it opens our spiritual eyes. We recognize God, His presence, His perfect timing, and Him working in and around us. Gratitude and peace go hand in hand. We don’t have to stress! God is in control! His promises are true! Always! 

Today is a new day. Will you grumble through this day or be grateful?

Don’t you want to be a grateful person? I sure do! Take a listen to this worship song that literally expresses gratitude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA83MufOCoA

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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

The Tentacles of Gossip

 One of my favorite games as a child was” Broken Telephone.” It starts off by a group of people sitting in a circle and the first person whispers a secret into the ear of the person on one side, they whisper to the next person, and it goes around the circle, only to find out when the secret gets to the end, it’s an entirely different secret!

It sure is good and funny when you hear the secret at the end and it’s totally different than what the original person said. It’s not so funny in real life under the name of gossip.

Gossip is all around us. It doesn’t take long to see a bunch of information one could classify as “gossip” on social media. Gossip thrives on Facebook, Twitter, texts, and Instagram, in neighborhoods, on HOAs, in families, in churches, and in offices. Gossip is everywhere and it has the potential to destroy lives.

Have you ever been gossiped about? It’s not fun if you’re on the receiving end, especially when it’s false information. It’s just like the “Broken Telephone” game! Yet, the problem is, gossip is so ‘out there.’ We have no idea how far the tentacles of gossip have traveled. There’s no way to retrieve all the information, make it right or even try to change an opinion about it. Gossip is just gone forever.

I think we would all agree that NONE of us want to be the object of gossip. What we may not agree on is this: Will WE stop gossiping?

I find reading a Proverb a day quite helpful as I seek to live before God. Given there are 31 Proverbs, it’s quite fitting to read all the Proverbs in a month. Note these great Proverbs about gossiping:

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” Proverbs 11:13, NLT

“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 NLT

“A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” Proverbs 20:19 NLT

I love Rick Warren’s definition of gossip: “When we are talking about a situation with somebody who is neither part of the problem nor part of the solution, then we are probably gossiping.”

How do we handle gossip? 1. Commit to holding confidences of others. Trust is a beautiful gift.  2. Change the topic when you see a conversation veering off to gossip. 3. Don’t spread gossip. 4. Read a Proverb a day and pray that God will help you put a guard over your mouth. (Psalm 141:3-4)

Every one of us is tempted to gossip at some point in time. Ask God to help you be different.

Take a listen to this song. When we have a relationship with Christ, He forgives us of all our sins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVjKrmvYYQ

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

What the World Needs Now

 Given the vitriol of our day, it would behoove us to take heed to the old song, sung and recorded in 1966 by Dionne Warwick: “What the World Needs Now.” I was a little girl about that time and remember humming along with the words as it played on the radio “What the world needs is now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No not just for some, but for everyone.”

Every day, we wake up to hear such horrific news. Beatings. Break-ins.  Rifts. Anger. Abuse. Wars. Retaliations. Of course, there are those quiet ways we fail to love others. These things won’t make the news; they won’t even land us a ticket. It’s the subtle ways we dismiss, devalue, and quietly slip people out of our lives. We suffer from selective love habits.

I was quietly lamenting the news of the morning; I looked up Romans 2:3-4 in The Message Bible. It hit home:

“You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness, he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life change.” Romans 2:3-4

Gosh, darn! It’s so easy to point the finger at others! We’re so quick to judge! We’re so quick to gossip about someone not knowing the whole story.  We’re so quick to condemn the ‘other’ political party, while quietly questioning our own. It’s easier to point the finger at others, while rarely looking deep into our own selves.

Who in their right mind wants their own self-righteousness to be exposed? We’ll do everything we can to cover up, hide, act like it didn’t happen, and even condone our wrong behaviors. Yet, God’s patience is real with each one of us. It’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.

The call to love others is all throughout the Bible. Yet, God does not leave us alone in loving well. He sent His Son Jesus to show us the way. It’s Jesus' love and his call for me to love others (ALL others) is my motivation in life.

Come on, you and I both know we love others selectively. God is calling us to shower the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience on ALL people. Even those people who are hard to love.

In just a few weeks, we have another election. We have a choice. Will we act with anger and disgust towards people whose worldview, gender preference, sin, and politics are different than ours?

Or will you consider the way of Jesus? Jesus took the judgment of the cross and gave us His righteousness. Jesus extends His grace toward each of us. Will we receive His grace? Will we extend that grace to others? Now is the time for His grace.  What the world needs now is God’s love.

Wow, this song sure speaks to how we need God to help us love like this! Take a listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UuM3X4VToI

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

God Cares

 So, I screamed at the dermatologist the other day. Like really screamed. I think that’s a first for me. I couldn’t help it. I was having the hopefully last treatment on my poor little button nose for skin cancer. It’s totally wearied of all the work it’s had on it over the last few months.  This procedure was the last straw. The nurse put three numbing shots into the scar tissue to prepare for this procedure. That was what led to my scream(s). I caused quite a ruckus as someone knocked on the door to make sure all was well. Sure, all is well. At the end of the procedure, I got my humor back and asked “Did I win the award for the loudest scream today?” She said, “Yes, for today!”

I literally couldn’t hide my pain that day at the dermatologist. I just couldn’t. But, sometimes, don’t we do everything we can to try to hide our pain? There are times in our life when we can be so discouraged and weary, but the show must go on! We put a smile on our faces and keep going. How do we find God in our pain or discouragement?

This past week, I’ve been reading about Elijah in 1 Kings 19 of the Bible. At first take, Elijah appears superhuman as he confronts a king with all the idolatry going on. Pretty cool to see the courageous Elijah! But then, immediately after, there was a major collapse. Elijah was tired, weary, and discouraged. Let’s read:

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So, Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life: I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. Then he went into the cave and spent the night.” 1 Kings 19:1-9

To think that right after such a spiritual victory, Elijah would experience depth of discouragement, pain, and weariness. I doubt that Elijah could hide his pain either! Yet, Elijah could never hide from God. God was with him all the time, tending to Him, providing an angel, giving him rest and food, and even a broom tree to sit under! God was comforting him with all He needed so he could continue his mission.

Elijah was human just like we are. He struggled with his mind, his body, and his spirit, just like we do. Yet even when he was at wit's end, He was honest with God. He was ready to quit. He felt alone and poured out his questions to God. God gently encouraged Elijah with exactly what he needed.

My scream in the dermatology office was a human response to significant pain. So often we do everything we can to hide our weaknesses from ourselves and others. But what a reminder that God cares for us in those moments and longs for us to trust Him with every care and concern that we have. Will you trust Him today?

Do you ever feel alone, discouraged, or weary? Take a listen. God cares!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7-IAFogxcM

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

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

God's Grace

My husband, Ben, went to prison this past weekend. To be clear, Ben was involved in a ministry in prison. Throughout the weekend, 42 inmates join the volunteer team for times of spiritual encouragement, prayer, worship, visiting in small groups, and eating delicious food made by another team of us serving a few miles away.

I can’t imagine what life might be like in prison, but the times I go into prison for the closing ceremony, I always have a grim reality check. The tall fences. The guards. The strict rules. All are reminders that those that are in prison are there for a reason. They’ve done wrong. They’re deprived of liberty against their will for a reason.

You may wonder, why would a group of people want to go in and serve these inmates. These men have committed crimes that will keep many in jail for a lifetime. The reality is that these inmates, with all their baggage, all the pain they have caused others, and all their sin, God still loves them. God uses these volunteers to demonstrate His unconditional love through Christ.

Some see Christ’s love through being heard. Others see it through worship. Others are blown away by the home-cooked meals. Some weep as they read letters written to them. Some can’t believe that the volunteers would take a weekend out of their life and just be present with them. They can’t believe anyone would love and care for them! And through all these things, they see and experience the love of God.

I sense we can often feel that we’re ‘better’ than these inmates. Most of us haven’t harmed society. Oh, we may have gotten a speeding ticket or two, but not committed a crime. However, even in thinking like this, we miss the reality found in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  In God’s eyes, you and I are no different than the inmates. We’re all in need of a Savior.

And when we understand the amazing grace of God, we want nothing more than to extend God’s grace to others. We extend grace to those in prison because God’s showered us with the same grace. We seek to love those that have harmed us. We assumed the best of others, even when their best is hidden in layers of hurt and hardship. (Scotty Smith) We become so aware of Jesus’ love that we extend grace in our thoughts, words, and attitudes. May the Lord help us love as we are loved and extend grace to all. We love because God first loved us. 

All are welcome in God’s eyes! Take a listen: listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXXxLwxfo0U

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:1-3 

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

God is Faithful

How do you know if your life is on a good path? Do you take time to evaluate how you’re doing? We can so easily run life on autopilot, not even considering our journey over the course of time. Our daily choices seem like no big deal in the now. But our daily choices over time can become lifelong patterns, which can be either great or not so great.

I’ve been studying the Old Testament kings in the Bible. It’s fascinating how these kings can just be like us! One minute they’re big on trusting God and making faith a priority and then the next minute, they make some really bad choices and crash and burn.

In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, we see a story about a huge army from Cush gathering against Judah. King Asa had been a man of faith and was seeking God regularly during a time of peace. So, when the conflict came before Him, he naturally cried out to God. Check out his prayer:

“Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, LORD, our God, for we rely on you, and in your name, we have come against this vast army. LORD, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.” 2 Chronicles 14:11

King Asa in his prayer showed his desperate need for God, as well as a confidence that this vast army posed absolutely no threat to God. Asa went to God for physical, emotional, and spiritual help in times of need. He could have easily just seen the vast army before Him and freaked out. But he didn’t. He realized that He fought on behalf of God and that God would see him through.

But just when you think Asa was an amazing king, his loyalty totally changed! (Check out 2 Chronicles 16) King Baasha, from the northern kingdom, led a siege on Judah. Asa, facing this potential enemy, turned to a pagan nation for help instead of asking God for help. Asa compromised! Asa had forgotten that God was the same God who had given him victory over greater enemies in the past.

Don’t miss this! God looks for ways to defend and show His great strength on behalf of those who are committed to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”  “Asa’s fear that God could not be trusted with the defense of Judah was foolish and wrong; God wanted to show His strength on behalf of His trusting people.” (2 Chronicles 16, Enduring Word)

Sadly, Asa wasn’t humbled by God’s correction, but angry! His choices had been challenged. And so, King Asa started out on a good path but failed toward the end of life.

Life’s path will take us through many highs and many lows. Why trust God in those highs AND lows? Because He is always, always faithful! When we goof up, He warns us and calls us back to Himself.

You can’t escape from God. He loves you so much! God strengthens those who wholeheartedly depend on Him. Be real with Him. Tell Him your fears. Call out to Him when you’re in doubt. Trust Him not just today, but every day of your life. You will never regret it.

Check on this great song on the faithfulness of God:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmjUiTGdvko


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

Personal Hurricanes

I’ve not been in a hurricane, but I have seen the destruction of Harvey, which was incomprehensible. As I watched Ian inch toward Florida, I couldn’t fathom all that Floridians were going through as they fled their homes. Loss of property is one thing, but the loss of life is so grievous.

Perhaps, you, like me, feared what was to come with Ian. I have friends that live in Florida. I have family members that have homes there. All we could do is wait, pray, and hope that everything would be ok. When everyone was thinking it was projected toward Tampa Bay, it took a turn and hit Ft Meyers. There was no rhyme or reason to Ian.

I suppose this physical hurricane is a type of what goes on in our own souls. Our own personal hurricanes can come in all shapes and sizes. They hit one way and turn another. They blow into our homes and cause relational strife. They blow into the physician’s office which brings a horrific diagnosis. They blow in from stress and anxiety that can’t seem to be controlled. They blow in from the gossip which literally brings stinging shame and guilt.

The winds of our own souls can often blow uncontrollably with hurt, pain, and deep sorrow. Where does one turn? How can our God be sufficient for our own personal hurricanes?

Psalm 94:19 says “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul.” The word “delight” literally means “soothe.” The Hebrew word is also used in Isaiah 66:11 of a mother quieting her child with the breast. God was the Psalmist’s refuge, and as he meditated on Him, it made his mind calm. (Psalm 94:19, Bible Hub) God's comforts are His promises that are in His word. They bring peace!

Think about the number of thoughts that pass through your mind in one 24-hour period. In that 24-hour period, our thoughts can range from fear, anxiety, joy, anticipation, worry about what someone thinks, shame, rehearsing, jealousy, comparison, regret, guilt, skepticism, anger, foolishness, and more. I have found, though, that the more I can calm my heart by seeking God, He helps comfort me and gives me peace. Often, I may just be saying a three-word prayer, “Help me, God.” And I can assure you, when I pray that simple prayer, God answers.

As we go through our own hurricanes, God comforts us and shows Himself faithful. We then see that the most important thing we can do is to ask “Who can I love, serve and care for?” You will find that many in hurricane recovery work are those that have gone through a hurricane themselves. So, as we see God take us through our own hurricanes, we will be able to help others in similar circumstances.

Hurricane Ian brought people together. People helping people. People caring for people. May we realize that we can’t go through our own personal hurricanes alone. We need each other. We need to talk. Ask for help. Ask for prayer. Let someone know. We hold our personal hurricanes hostage in our own minds, and we just can’t. Remember, there is a God that cares. People care too.

Is there anything that's stable in this life? Check out this worship song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzQvggUparA

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

Never Give Up!

Who created the game of basketball? Dr. James Naismith. I remember learning that in high school phys ed! But what you may not know is the story behind his story.

James Naismith had a tough life. He was born in 1861, but his father and mother died when he was only 8 years old. He then made his home with his uncle. He earned a theology degree from McGill University and then graduated from Springfield College, then the YMCA Training School.  He attended as a student but was later asked to join the faculty in 1891 by Dr. Luther Gulick, the director of the physical education department.

During a psychology seminar, Dr. Gulick challenged the class to invent a new game. He was looking for an indoor activity that would be interesting, easy to learn, and easy to play indoors in the winter. This activity was needed both by the Training School and the YMCA’s across the country. Naismith thought that he could take factors of known games and recombine them.

Then Dr. Gulick assigned him a class of incorrigible students, who had no interest in exercise and no enthusiasm! Naismith felt imposed upon! Why him? He struggled with the class of young men with no success. He made attempts at modifying football and soccer, but that went nowhere. It was challenge after challenge.

Naismith recounts “With weary footsteps, I mounted the flight of stairs that led to my office directly over the locker room. I slumped down in my chair, my head in my hands and my elbows on the desk. I was thoroughly disheartened and discouraged young instructor."  The game of basketball grew out of Naismith’s discouraged, but determined spirit. It was invented by a man sitting at his desk, thinking it through, and never giving up. To think, some years later, Dr. Naismith and his wife attended the Olympic Games in 1936 when basketball became one of the Olympic events! Can you imagine all he felt watching the Olympics? (much of the content of Naismith's life from www.ymca.int)

I don’t know about you, but there have been days in my career where I felt like Naismith…. slumped down in my chair, head in my hands, and elbows on my desk. You know that feeling. Discouraged. Defeated. Not sure what to do. We sometimes can only see what we can see. We can’t see how we can possibly get out of our bad situation. When we’re up against overwhelming circumstances, (parenting struggles, relational pain, work woes, a new diagnosis, or something else) we may see no possible way out. We feel helpless. It reminds me of David in the Bible when he was at his wit’s end. Psalm 86:1-2 “Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in You.” Sometimes, in the midst of our troubles, all we can do is cry out to God. He hears and cares for us!

Just think, Naismith seemed at the end of himself, and yet that was literally the very beginning of the game of basketball! So many people have received such joy from playing and watching the game of basketball. No matter what’s going on, please don’t give up. God has a plan for you and it is always good.

“I want to leave the world a better place for me having been there.” Dr. James Naismith

“My pay has not been in dollars, but in the satisfaction of giving something to the world that is a benefit to the masses of people.” Dr. James Naismith

Check out my favorite worship song these days. I know, I've shared it before, but it's so good. What would happen if we let God take control of our life? Perhaps, it would be more than we could ever imagine!!!! Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrQuKK6jz-4

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

She Still Had a Need

I was saddened to hear of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The stability she provided for the United Kingdom for the last 70 years was extraordinary. I was struck by her gentle and quiet spirit, her kindness, and her humility.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had everything that money could buy. There would be someone at her beck and call any moment of the day. She could go wherever she wanted to go whenever she wanted to go. She had more beautiful clothes than she could ever wear. She was cheered by throngs of people wherever she went. She was highly respected and beloved by many. Yet, she STILL had a need, and she KNEW she had a need.

She spoke about her faith: "For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”  Queen Elizabeth realized her need. She needed Jesus.

I think about Paul in the Bible and his extraordinary background and pedigree. Philippians 3:5-7, Paul bears all by telling the Philippians these words about his past:

“If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more; circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

Paul had every reason in the world to be cocky. He was a cool dude with an extraordinary background who knew the law backward and forwards. He had the right pedigree. The right background. He even boasted about his faithfulness to the law. Yet, He STILL had a need. He needed Jesus.  

Dr. Scott McKnight writes “His former way of life was shattered by an entirely new perspective what were ‘gains’ are now a ‘loss.’  Paul literally considered his former law-observant life as ‘garbage.’” (3:7-8) (Scott McKnight, Philippians and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians) What mattered to Him now was “knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.” Paul’s faith was in a real person, Jesus! He saw His need! And Jesus transformed Paul’s life, as He did Queen Elizabeth.

We’re all broken people. We all need Jesus. Queen Elizabeth. Paul in the Bible. You and I. Check out the song "We All Need Jesus"(by Danny Gokey and Koryn Hawthorne) that says it so well:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRX-r51_1TA

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

Give a Little Kindness

As I exited the plane this past week, I thought about the flight attendant’s words: “Be safe. Be kind and welcome to Orange County!” Be safe. Be kind. It seems like we all need a bit more kindness these days.

While in Fullerton, my old stomping grounds, I enjoyed daily early morning walks in the hills. One day, I was walking along a beautiful street lined with Eucalyptus trees when a red SUV pulled up. A frantic woman asked if I had seen her German Shepherd. I said, “No, I had not, but I will look and I will pray.” I proceed on my walk, noticing my surroundings and praying for her and her missing dog. As I turned around at the end of the street, I heard a group of dogs barking. All at once the woman pulled up, thinking she heard her dog and ran into her own house! Sure enough, the dog had returned to his own yard while she was gone. I waited in the driveway and soon she came out and gave me a big hug, saying “I don’t even know you and you’ve been so kind.”

It seems that God gives us opportunities to be kind every single day. They pop up in all kinds of ways. Many times, it’s easy to be kind. Walking and praying and looking for a German Shepherd was pretty easy. But, there are times when it’s not so easy to be kind:

Kindness when interacting online
Kindness when a salesman comes to the door
Kindness when someone is downright irritating
Kindness when someone/something interrupts our busy day
Kindness when interacting with a homeless person
Kindness when our order is delayed at a restaurant
Kindness to your family members

Rick Warren writes “Kindness always starts with noticing the needs and hurts of others.” Do you notice the people around you? Kindness is an action that shows you care. But it’s God’s kindness that compels us to be kind to others. When we walk with God, we have the Holy Spirit in our lives, who literally helps us to love, serve and care for others, even when we’d prefer to turn our heads and do our own thing.

Ephesians 4:32 gives us guidance on how to live each day “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” When we understand and accept God’s amazing kindness that He offers, He literally gives us the power and ability to be kind to others!

Every day we have a choice to be kind to those we encounter, either in person or on the internet. Will you ask God to help you to be kind to all you encounter?

“The lens in which we see people determine how we value people, and how we value people will determine whether we will validate or victimize people.” Pastor Ed Newton

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind then about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 (NASB)


This song by ElevateKIDS “Give a Little Kindness” really seemed to speak to me today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qchyD2INXzk

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

Why God?

I think a lot of people give up on God. Life gets hard, sooner or later. Many get disappointed in God because something happened that shook them to the core. Some may even try to pray but don’t feel like God answers. God has failed to meet expectations. The result? You give up on God. God wasn’t there when you needed Him most. So, you do life with God at a distance.

What questions do you have for God today? What questions for God keep you from God?

God, why won’t you heal ________?
Why can’t you just answer this prayer?
Why did you allow ___________to happen?
Why won’t you restore this relationship?
Why did you allow trauma/abuse in my life?
Why do you allow good people to suffer?
Why do I have to wait so long?
Why am I going through this situation?

I remember going through a mysterious pain behind my knee years ago that literally changed my day-to-day life. The debilitating pain would occur out of nowhere and I could hardly take it. I went to doctor after doctor for answers and finally ended up at Mayo Clinic. Even Mayo didn’t know what it was! It wasn’t until a year later, that I was diagnosed with an issue with a nerve that caused all the madness. So many people prayed during that time for healing. I questioned God and his ways. Thankfully, with extensive therapy and lots of prayers, God healed me.

I find that we don’t really like God’s answers when they don't line up with what we want. I want God to want what I want. During that season of chronic pain, I wanted to see the reasons God allowed it and exercise my option to disagree with Him! I find this verse gives me perspective in times I question God:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that these very tough circumstances in life have actually drawn me closer to God. He knows what is best for me and always working in every life situation, for my good. It is through these difficult times, I have the opportunity to believe in God for what seems impossible.

We tend to believe only what we can fathom and see. What we fail to see is what God can do! Matthew 19:26 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

Check out this song that helps me get out of my human expectations and see the power and greatness of my God. I can believe in miracles! I can pray for miracles! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTkYjd3RD6k

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

Change

This week, my husband, Ben, went from a relaxed summer of fly fishing on the Guadelupe River and hiking in Colorado to a crazy week of teaching at the university. He also said goodbye to a fellow colleague and friend who will soon be moving out of state. So much change in one week! Maybe you have some change going on as well?

Change is inevitable for all of us. Change can be good and change can be hard. How can change be good? Change can bring new opportunities. Change helps us grow. Change helps us develop resilience. Change keeps us flexible. Change keeps us from monotony.

Yet, change can be hard. Change is stressful! We all have observed a myriad of changes during the last few years. COVID has and is still affecting all of us to some extent. Change can make us feel like we’ve lost control. Change can make us feel unclear about the future. We actually can fear change and how it will affect us personally.

In my life, I have experienced much change. To be honest, I love “sameness” and really appreciate sticking to an even keel life. Yet, I’ve made some significant moves in my life that weren’t always easy. There were times I didn’t like change, but eventually, I saw God do some pretty cool things because I was willing to change. God gave me a verse decades ago that truly was His guidance for me in the midst of change. It’s found in Isaiah 43:18-19:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  

Let’s consider what we can learn about change through this verse:

We can be grateful for the past and anticipate the future. God basically says “Don’t live in the past!” Maybe you’ve heard people say “I wish it was like it used to be….” Or “I really prefer to stay in my comfort zone.” We too can get stuck in the past! Our comfort zones seem safe! Yet, when we’re grateful for the past while choosing to live in the present, we won’t get stuck!

God’s promise is for something new. God literally says “See, I am doing a new thing!” The most important word in this entire verse is SEE. God is clearly doing something new….now it springs up! See! He is working even when we don’t see that He is working! God calls us to trust Him even in what is not seen yet.

Be open to the new things in your life! How would your life change if you let go of your comfort zone? Opening ourselves up to new things doesn’t have to be hard. It’s usually more about us changing our personal perspective than about making a huge lifestyle change. When we are open to change, we actually become change agents! We help others change too!

How are you currently experiencing a change in your life? How are you doing with those changes? May you see, really see, that God is doing a new thing in your life.

The song, In Jesus Name, by Katy Nichols, seemed to resonate with me when I think about change. He's the God of possible! Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VukxLl6HLE

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

Judging Others

Judging people has become a national pastime. You certainly see it on social media loud and clear. You can also feel the judgment of others, sometimes when they don’t even say one word! None of us like to be judged, but we are certainly quick to judge.

Judgments are spontaneous and often inaccurate interpretations of our environment that influence our thinking and behavior. (Exercises for Non-judgmental Thinking, Christy Matta) Judgments go further when we pass on our judgments to others, and they join in on the fun.

Now don’t judge me. But there are times when we need to make judgments and discern what’s best in a situation. I obviously get that. However, our tendency is to emotionally react to something or someone and quickly make the judgment, even in our minds.  We don’t even know when we’re doing it!

Do you realize how your judgments hurt other people? I don’t think most people realize this. God certainly doesn’t look lightly on this topic because, honestly, He is a just, merciful judge and His ways and intentions are for our good and the good of others. (Psalm 145:8-9) In the New Testament, Jesus commands in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, that you may not be judge.” Wow….I would say that’s something to consider.

Judging others is rooted in our own insecurity and pride. Our pride has a way of justifying our judgment because we think we know better than another person. It’s tempting not to stop there. Then, criticism, gossip, and making assumptions about others follow. Not good, folks. And here’s the kicker, we even judge ourselves!!!

Maybe we need to just start believing that a person’s intentions are good until proven differently. Some years back, for a class, I was asked to memorize a portion of scripture, Colossians 3:1-17. It truly is such a beautiful portion of scripture that depicts so well the Christian life. Hidden in this gem of scripture is a winsome beautiful way of living:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

What would it look like if you lived this verse? You would not be judging, criticizing, or demeaning people, that’s for sure. When we take a non-judgmental stance, we’re different. We’re not engaging with all the gossip or hearsay. We’re not standoffish to those we dislike. We give up judging for what we think that person did or didn’t do umpteen years ago. You’re free to love. Free to care. The world needs more people like this.

With my own personal feelings on this topic, I find Lauren Daigle’s song, You Say, so helpful to listen to:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9cokosaXLA

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

Let's Talk!-God

Do you believe God answers prayer? Do you believe God answers your prayers? If you don’t believe God answers prayer, why would you pray? If you don’t believe God could answer your prayers, why would you pray?

The reason why I start my day at 0-dark-hundred is that I believe that God answers my prayers. It is a sacred time where I sit down, journal, read Scripture, talk to God, and share with Him just what’s on my heart. I need God. Call me weak. Ok, I know that. But I need God.

Throughout the Bible, you can read about men and women who believed God answered prayers and prayed like crazy. People like Abraham, Hannah, Moses, Paul, Daniel, David, Nehemiah, and even Jesus to name a few.  Reading the Bible really helps me understand prayer as well! I see in the Bible that not everyone had their prayers answered the way they wanted them answered. God might know that the thing you’re praying for is not the best thing for you or that someone you’re praying for. Just remember, He always wants the best for us! Always.

Sometimes, the answer is “wait.” Oh, boy, I know about waiting! I prayed and prayed for a husband for a long time and God finally answered my prayers! What if I had given up praying? What if I doubted Him? Even though hard at times, I never doubted that He would provide His very best for me. And He did. Ben!

I would just love for you to understand how personal God is. He longs to be in a relationship with You. Check out this amazing passage in 2 Kings 20:4-6:

 “And it happened before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying “Return and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.”

Did you see how personal God is? “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears.” Do you believe that?

Did you know that He knows every struggle you’re going through?
Do you believe that He knows where you got your wounds and scars?
Did you know that He saw the tears that you shed recently?
Did you know that God knows all your fears?
Do you believe that He weeps when you weep?  
Did you know He knows when your heart is hardened toward Him?

Beth Moore writes “The weakest person praying is stronger than the mightiest one who’s not.” Call me weak, but prayer is where I get my strength.
God is so personal and truly the air that I breathe! Take a listen! That's "Who You Are to Me" with Lady A @ Chris Tomlin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJdp4V2itXw

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