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.

Purging!

There has been a massive purging going on in the Abbott household.  It was just time. Not that our house was disorganized. There was just stuff that needed to be dealt with as we prepare for a fall houseguest. So, the purge fest began! We cleaned out books, files, closets, drawers, and even the pantry. The trash bin and Goodwill were our constant friends.

Things looked pretty chaotic during the purging, but as time went on, the better it felt and looked! Things are now looking really good and it’s great to reclaim so much space. I didn’t realize how badly our house needed a purging!

Fall is just around the corner. It’s a great time to deal with our own clutter. Sometimes are lives and hearts can be so cluttered! We can be so busy and running in so many different directions that we can’t even think straight! Our minds can become scattered, disorganized, cluttered… just like my house. Clutter of the soul.

Looking at our own clutter is not easy. We’d prefer to stuff down the ugly, not-so-nice things about ourselves. We prefer to hide from others our fears, insecurities and pain. It’s so much easier to put on business casual, slap a smile on our face and go conquer the world with our charm. 

The Psalmist was a pretty open dude when he prayed “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-25) David, the writer of this Psalm, knew what it meant to be pure before the Lord. He also knew what it was like to hide his sin before God. It was a pretty bold move to ask God to take a look at his heart….. a place of clutter.

I don’t know about you but I long for a heart and mind that is at rest. I want beauty and cleanliness in every nook and cranny of my heart. I know what it’s like to have a heart filled with chaos and clutter and it’s not pretty.

Use this change of seasons to do a personal inventory of your own heart. Are there areas of your life that you need to take a good, hard look at? God knows all of your stuff and clutter and chooses to love you anyway, so why hide from Him? He is always hoping that you will confess and repent of your sins and draw near to Him. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA Of Greater San Antonio.PUrging