Thanksgiving 2019 HEARTS OF
Thankfulnessssss FROM THE A CELEBRATION OF
EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY FAMILY
Thanksgiving 2019 HEARTS OF
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
View of the Jezreel Valley from Mt. Precipice. You can glance across the valley and take in a wide swath of biblical history from the story of Deborah and Barak on Mt. Tabor, to the sight of Saul’s last stand on Mt. Gilboa, to Gideon reducing the size of his army, to Jehu “driving furiously” through the valley, to Mt. Carmel in the distance and Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. How grateful I am to have had the opportunity to see the Holy Land with my own eyes this year and how thankful I am for the richness it has added to my reading of God’s Word. Dr. Scott Stevens Dean Spiritual Life For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 I am thankful to the Father for His ability to relate to our trouble and hurt, and for the confidence this allows us to have in our relationship with Him. Bryce Hoffman Resident Director Student Life For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
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? Matthew 6:26 I am so very thankful for the constant reminders of His love, care, and provision for me. 3 Gifts Family Three new grandbabies within 10 months, bringing our total to 5. Sharon Hall Secretary Football
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
It has been a year of celebration for the Earle Family. I am so grateful for God’s provision, protection, peace, and joy, allowing us the pleasure of celebrating major life events this past year!
• Joseph, our son, graduating from ETBU in May with his BSN • Faith, our daughter, graduating from Kilgore College in May with her cosmetology certificate • Gary, my husband, becoming a part of the Tiger family this summer in Physical Facilities • Joseph, moving to Tyler, beginning his career at Christus Mother Frances in the post-op surgical unit, and now preparing for a medical mission trip with a Tyler church to Guatemala next May • Faith, beginning her career with Divine Appointments in Longview and surrounding herself with fellow believers in Christ • Gary and I, buying a home in Hallsville this summer and enjoying our new community • Faith, getting married in October to our new and beloved son-in-law, Sean • And last but not least, Jacob, our son, watching God work in his life even if he does not realize it
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 Alicia Earle Financial Aid Advisor Financial Aid
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
When Job heard [of all that had been lost], he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God 21 and said: 20
We bring nothing at birth; we take nothing with us at death. The Lord alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the Lord! In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong. Job 1:20-22 22
Thanksgiving is hard this year for so many of my friends and family who are experiencing illness, injuries, pain and loss. The possibilities and expectations for “merry and bright” seem inappropriate or unattainable in all the shadows of grief and hardship. Nevertheless, God is still faithful. I am perplexed and amazed at how mysteriously He offers a way for us to grieve and worship in the same season … in the same sentence. His name stands firm regardless of our circumstances. The beautiful, powerful, wonderful name of Jesus, who knows our sorrows, is, at all times, worthy of every praise. Cari Johnson Administrative Secretary School of Christian Studies
We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in your prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Because of God’s faithfulness, I have been brought back to the Hill and am walking in this season of blessings that I never would have dreamed up myself. I am thankful to serve a God whose plans are greater than my own and whose love knows no boundaries. Harleigh Parrish Freshman Admissions Counselor Admissions
3 Gifts From Your Window I am grateful for the stained glass windows I see everyday: the awe and reverence they bring, feeling like a storybook character, and the joy they provide to others. 3 Gifts Family As someone that grew up an only child, I’m grateful for the big family that “adopted” me into their lives with easy laughter, friendly hugs, and spontaneous gatherings. Elizabeth Hoyer Administrative Secretary School of Humanities
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the people of Israel: 8The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; 10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13As a father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; 14for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. 15The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. 19The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. 20Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. 21Praise the Lord, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will. 22 Praise the Lord, all His works everywhere in His dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul. Psalm 103 1
Dr. Festus Obi Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences School of Natural and Social Sciences
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Excerpt from William Wordsworth, Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting . . . But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea Which brought us hither, Can in a moment travel thither, And see the Children sport upon the shore, And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore. Dr. Jerry Summers Dean, Humanities Professor of History School of Humanities Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
I am thankful for the blessing of my children. I am thankful for the blessing of my wife. I am thankful for the camaraderie I have with other believers, especially at ETBU. Dr. Will Walker Professor, Kinesiology School of Professional Studies
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
From Psalm 86:10-12 (KJV): For thou art great and doest wondrous things, thou alone art God. 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. 12 I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever. 10
From Dr. Isaac Watt’s hymn entitled Before Jehovah’s Awful Throne: (Sung to the tune of The Doxology, aka “The Old 100”) We’ll crowd thy gates with thankful songs, high as the heavens our voices raise; and earth, with her ten thousand tongues, shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 3 Gifts Worn My wedding ring My verger’s cross My Brotherhood of Saint Andrew pin 3 Gifts From Your Window Trees Flowers Hummingbirds Christopher Altnau Electronic Resources and Technical Services Librarian Jarrett Library
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good. Psalm 52:9
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
As many of you know, our son Daniel (“aka big D”) was hospitalized due to an aggressive virus that targeted his lungs last December/January. It all started when we woke up to hear a faint cry from him early in the morning. We immediately realized his breathing was labored and that we needed to take a trip to the local ER. Once there, they decided to shuttle him to Texas Children’s Hospital to get him specialized care. After failing to get his breathing under control after 16 hours, they decided to sedate and intubate him. That night, he developed pneumonia and a high fever. A few days later, the doctors attempted to extubate him, which resulted in a collapsed lung and an immediate reintubation. A few days later, they attempted an extubation again. Again, his breathing became labored and that was the first time I truly prayed an earnest, desperate, heart-felt prayer and fully relied on God and the body of Christ to help our child. After I sent a text asking for prayers to many others, our son’s breathing became better and we were soon discharged. What began as a normal day back in December turned into a parent’s worst nightmare, as bad news kept getting worse day by day, and hope kept being deferred. Surely this kind of stuff only happens to others, not us, right? My mistake was back on the first day when I trusted the prestige of a great hospital more than the power and reputation of my God. Looking back, it is crazy to think that had we not had trained medical professionals and without God’s intervention, we would have likely lost our son. But God is faithful and grew us more than you can imagine! We appreciate our son all the more and see His goodness even in the world of parenting. We know God is going to use this child in a powerful way, which brings immense joy to our hearts. Since then, God allowed us to bring our daughter into the world and the blessings keep multiplying. I learned to trust God even when all odds are against you and
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
your world seems to be crumbling. I learned that prayer has a powerful effect, and God truly responds. I learned of God’s love for mankind, especially for children. I have much more I can say regarding being thankful this season, but at the forefront of this year’s experience lies the most traumatic event of my life (my son losing a medical battle while I felt helpless) and the most astounding victory of my life (an immediate answer to prayers causing the restoration of my son). God is good and certainly grows us in these trials! Thanks to all for your prayers for my family this year! You are all truly our family here at ETBU! If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (b) Dr. Scott Morris Assistant Professor, Chemistry School of Natural and Social Sciences
3 Gifts in Community Forgiveness Fellowship The freedom to offer such to others 3 Gifts Family A life fully lived A God who fully knows our suffering A plan and a purpose that goes beyond the emptiness we feel 3 Gifts: 1 Made, 1 Shared, 1 Passed on freshly baked banana bread in a foil pan with the recipe attached Anonymous
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
I am grateful to be able to enjoy the nature that God created. To me and my family, this is pure beauty a clear river flowing through rugged mountain walls underneath a gorgeous blue sky. My dad would often say (while standing on the edge of this very river) that it was a mystery to him how anyone could look at beauty such as this and deny that God made it. I agree. Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2 Janet Breckenridge Assistant to the President President’s Office
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Pslam 9:1
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. -George Washington Carver 3 Gifts at Noon 1. Fellowship with friends and coworkers on your lunch break 2. Quiet time to enjoy the fall weather 3. Arriving back to work from lunch and finding a parking space on the Hill Whitney Henson Campus Visit Coordinator Admissions
I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
His Benefits (Taken from Psalm 103:2-4) Song written by Cammy Burkhalter
Verse 1 The Father shows love to His wayward son, Removing my sins, His crown I have won! He satisfies me with His infinite ways, Renewing my youth for all of my days! Verse 2 The Lord, oh my soul, who forgives all my sin, Who heals my diseases and cleanses within. Redeeming my life with His mercy and grace, Once separated, but now face to face! Chorus Forget not, Forget not Forget not all His benefits. He’s Forgiver, my Healer, He’s Redeemer of my soul! Oh, forget not all His benefits. Cammy Burkhalter Coordinator of Music Education, Music School of Communication and Performing Arts God is such a loving Father and an incredible provider! When my family and I moved from New Braunfels, we were concerned about a job for my wife, Gina. We prayed diligently and Papa opened up the door for her to teach 4th grade at Hallsville Intermediate. To Him be the glory! Josh Scott Assistant Professor, Theatre School of Communication and Performing Arts
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Grateful this year to visit what has to be one of the most spectacular places on earth, Yosemite. Even more grateful to celebrate twenty years of marriage to one of the most spectacular people on earth. In this picture, Merrilee and I stand at the foot of the infamous El Capitan on our anniversary trip. Dr. Jeremy Greer Assistant Professor, Religion School of Christian Studies My husband experienced a significant health event earlier this year. At times, the outcome appeared grim. However, because the Lord is our Great Physician, my husband has made a full recovery! God’s faithfulness has carried my family through this difficult year, and He is continuing to provide my husband with new opportunities in his career. Hillary Wisk Assistant Professor, Nursing School of Nursing I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Because of God’s goodness and faithfulness, I was given the wonderful opportunity to continue my career with the best marketing team here on the Hill. This career move was the next step I was praying for, and it’s so much better than I ever could have imagined! Sydney McBride Communication Coordinator Marketing and Communication
As I reflect on how God allowed Mike and I the opportunity to travel and walk the footsteps of our Savior, I feel very blessed. I am so thankful for our time in Israel. Barbra Taylor Credentials Coordinator Admissions You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 22
Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Chisholm Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! What has God provided this year? God has opened the door for me to be able to continue to work with students. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at ETBU. Joy Holloway Adjunct Professor, Math School of Natural and Social Sciences From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. Jeremiah 30:19
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland; May 2019 O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it, and the dry land, which His hands have formed. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. O that today you would listen to His voice! Psalm 95:1–7 (NRSV) 1
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
I am most thankful for my family: my wife as my faithful companion, my daughter as a source for both precious memories and hope for the future, and my son as a steady reminder of the love that matters more than all else. Each has a unique, treasured place in my heart and in my life; they are rich blessings from God, each of them individually, and all of them. Dr. Warren Johnson Professor, Religion School of Christian Studies For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 (KJV) Without the Lord, I am nothing and nothing matters. With Him, I am loved beyond measure and cognition. God continually brings me through trials and tribulations on the daily. God has provided me everything this year and in years past.All that I have is due to Him. When forsaken by all others in life, He makes me aware that He is there, and the relationship with Him is the only one that really matters in the end. Anonymous For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the Word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
This past December 15, on my Dad’s 84th birthday, he was involved in an ATV accident that broke his neck and caused him to have severe nerve damage throughout his body. During this time, my two siblings and I have worked closely with therapists, doctors, and caregivers in regards to my Dad’s needs. During this time, it has allowed us all to have a different kind of relationship with our Dad. He has never needed us in a way to where need turns to dependence. In the course of time that has passed, stories have been told, tears have been shed, and laughs have been shared. While I hate the circumstances that brought this, I will treasure the life lessons that God is allowing to unfold as we walk along side our Dad in this current journey that we are all sharing. Jason Funderburk Landscaping Director Physical Operations
We give thanks for the Lord’s provision this past year of so many blessings, including two godly young men as husbands for our daughters, Abby and Sarah! Abby and Josh were married last fall, and Sarah and Blake this past summer in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. We have prayed for these two young men since Abby and Sarah were babies, and it is a remarkable blessing to see those prayers answered! Thank you Lord! Lee Ferguson Vice President Financial Affairs Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Ellis Nathaniel Thornhill October 1, 1952 - July 11, 2019
Ellis Nathaniel Thornhill, known affectionately as “Bird,” was born on October 1, 1952 in Lynchburg, Virginia. On Thursday, July 11, 2019, God called His child home. Ellis accepted Jesus as His personal savior at a young age and joined Bethany Baptist Church where he remained a lifelong member. Many people have expressed their condolences for the loss of my brother. I appreciate their sentiments because I believe they mean well. The peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding has revealed to me that if you know where someone is, he is not lost. My brother, I know for certain, is with the Lord. Because of God’s promises, when I am gathered to my people, my brother will be there, along with my parents. I am thankful. Mildred Savannah Administrative Assistant OIRE and Online Education 3 Gifts that were “Plan B” The daughter who was born following our miscarriage Moving to East Texas Leftover pizza for breakfast Anonymous The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him Psalm 28:7
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
I am grateful for this kid every day. Even though we have entered the teen years she still has a great heart and sweet disposition that she shares with me every day. I am grateful that God did such a good job when He gave me this one. I truly believe that God can speak to us through nature and the outdoors, and I am so grateful to live in a place with such beautiful scenery and weather. Only in Texas do we get skies like these. Shannon Page Web Development Coordinator Marketing and Communication 3 Gifts Golden Wedding ring ETBU name badge Werther’s caramel Anonymous
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
“You have how many dogs? Are you nuts?” I wish I had a dollar for every time someone has said this to me. At the most current count, I have 21; however at the highest point I have had 23. My husband and I have had dogs since the time we were married, and we have been married for over three decades. When you put two misfits together, who value animals do you know what you get? You get dogs, dogs, dogs. As old ones died they were magically replaced with new ones. People gave us dogs they could not keep, and we weren’t willing to let them be put down at the shelters. My husband and I became the proud operators of a farm for misfit dogs; full of buckshot and heartworm, crippled and deformed. But loved. My husband and I have changed our lives, bought sofas for the dogs to watch television on, a king-sized bed, and learned to live with a not-so clean house. We pay hundreds for food each month and even more for veterinary expenses. Why do all of this for a bunch of misfits? All of these canine misfits found these two human misfits through the grace of God. Caring for them is the mission God has given us in our lives. It is not one we ever expected, but it is important because they have a purpose. Their purpose is to love unconditionally. What do misfits want? Just someone to understand us and accept us as we are. God does that. The Bible is full of misfits that God used to proclaim His glory. David was an adulterer, Peter denied Christ, and even Jesus was rejected in some societies. Still God used them. God makes us all different, and some of us are misfits, but He loves each one of us unconditionally and has plans to use us for His glory. Colleen Halupa Dean, Online Education Associate Professor of Clinical Lab Science
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
We have been blessed - our son, Casey, is engaged to a lovely young lady - Shayla! Leska and Mike Papas Administrative Secretary Academic Success Strength and Conditioning Coordinator Athletics
3 Gifts: 1 Stitched, 1 Hammered, 1 Woven Grandma’s vintage hand towel cross stitched with a cardinal Dad’s work bench The afghan 3 generations have enjoyed Anonymous
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
When I reflect on this year, this quote has been a consistent theme: “Under pressure we can grow in our understanding of who God is and glorify Him with our unwavering faith.” In August, I was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation — Type 1, which means my brain is “under pressure”. My brain being under pressure produces unpleasant symptoms, but relief is possible. As I sit and type this, I am three weeks away from brain surgery and I would be fibbing if I said I wasn’t scared. By the time this booklet is published, I will (hopefully) be at home recovering; ideally, my brain will no longer be under pressure and I will be fully restored. I was raised with the notion that the Lord would never give me more than I can bear. However, I have learned that the Lord can (and will, and might) give me more than I can bear— much like my brain, the pressure can be too great. However, He has lovingly surrounded me with a life full of people who would never let me bear a burden alone. Burdens can be unpleasant and they can produce unpleasant symptoms. When a burden is too heavy, relief is possible, but surgery is not the cure. When the pressure is too great the Lord calls us to trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5). He reminds us that He is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He reminds us to rejoice (1 Peter 4:12-13). He reminds us that our sufferings are fleeting (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). And, He reminds us that only through Him can we be restored and renewed (1 Peter 5:10). This period “under pressure” has resulted in a spiritual awakening in my life. I am grateful for so much this year, but if I had to name just three it would be: my son starting a beautiful new chapter, my husband accepting a job where he is home every night, and my heart being so full of love because of your prayers, your support, and your encouragement. I am praying for you all and I will certainly miss seeing you all, but I look forward to seeing you all in 2020! Marissa Smith Assistant Professor, Chemistry School of Natural and Social Sciences You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. Isaiah 9:3
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the USA, and there is a beautiful one in my hometown of St. Joseph. Growing up I would sit on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, lighthouse in view, and just reflect on life. Even now when I return home, I return to that bluff to sit and think. Watching the light from the lighthouse, John 8:12 always comes to mind. Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.� I think of how the light from the lighthouse guides the ships in even through the darkest of storms. It reminds me no matter what I go through in life if I look to the light of Jesus, He will bring me to peace. I am also grateful that I am able to work at ETBU with so many wonderful people to help me keep my focus on the Lord. Sally Roden Clerical Advancement Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Excerpts from Psalm 34: 1 I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Because of God’s goodness, I am surrounded by the light of Christ, enfolded by His love, protected by His power, and redeemed by His magnificent grace. Dr. Tom Webster Dean and Professor, Music School of Communication and Performing Arts
3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful Bare-branched trees Fallen leaves The way the leaves pile up in the corner of the porch Anonymous
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Hebrews 13:15
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
He’s Done Enough By: Beverly Crawford If the Lord never does anything else for me He’s done enough If the Lord never does anything else for me He’s done enough He’s blessed me once and He blessed me twice The Lord keeps on blessing me everyday of my life Ohh if the Lord doesn’t do anything else for me, He’s done enough. Ohh the Lord has been good to me The Lord has made so many ways for me The Lord, He’s opened up so many doors Brand new mercies I see over and over and over again He blessed me once and He blessed me twice Oh the Lord keeps on blessing me everyday of my life Ohhh if the Lord doesn’t do anything else for me... He’s done enough!!! Mildred Savannah Administrative Assistant OIRE and Online Education 3 Gifts Family I’m grateful for grandchildren in a new generation full of distinctive hopes and the need for loving guidance; for faithful children who whose lives and homes model Christ; for my wise, loyal and practical spouse. Dr. Jerry Summers Dean, Humanities Professor of History School of Humanities
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Mark 4:35-41 ESV On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm... Maddie Sherwood Student Success Specialist Academic Success
Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. Psalm 95:2
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart full of thanksgiving for Your unending love and Your infinite grace. Father, I praise the splendor and majesty of Your name on high. We declare, Lord, that Your Glory is sovereign over Your Church, across our ETBU campus, and throughout our East Texas and Marshall communities. Our University proclaims the Truth of Your Word from classrooms to courts to countries across the world. Father, we bow down in worship of You and Your holiness. God, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to live and die for the salvation of our sin. Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. 1 Chronicles 16:23
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Thank you, Father, for reconciling us to You through the righteousness of Christ. Lord Jesus, in our unworthiness, You made us worthy before Your Father and we praise You for cleansing us and purifying our hearts. For in You and through Your sacrifice, we are made complete. Father, we at ETBU, delight in the presence of Your Holy Spirit among Your servants, who unite and serve for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Your Son and our Savior. We partner together for the advancement of Your Kingdom. For the only hope of this world is through a trusted relationship with Jesus. Lord, I rejoice in You and give thanks for Your presence and Your provision in Michelle’s and my life together, through the lives of our children, and among our friends here on the Hill of ETBU. Breathe Your Spirit upon us and ignite our hearts to earnestly and daily seek after You. Oh Father, as You declared to us, we take comfort from Your love for us, and Your love for all people. I pray that our fellowship among the Family of East Texas Baptist will be sown with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, give us hearts that are tender and hearts that are compassionate for the lost, for the broken, for the poor, for those we have forgotten, for those we have ignored, for those we have hurt. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Convict us to reach out, to accept, to embrace, to encourage others that You love, You forgive, You redeem, You heal, You restore, and You empower to live faithfully and obediently to Your Truths. We long for Your joy to fill us, so we are like-minded and full of Christ’s enduring and unconditional love. Create in this University Family, students, faculty, and staff, a people who are one in spirit, with a oneness of purpose for the cause of Christ. Bind us together in perfect unity. Like the Philippians, we know we stand today amid a crooked and perverse generation but shine through us as Lights of the world as we hold true to teaching and living the Word of God. Temper us from mediocrity in behavior and relativity in thought. Keep us accountable to remaining true in Your instruction. Fix Your precepts in our hearts and minds. May Your Word through our disciplines, our actions, and our attitudes be declared in Spirit and in Truth with the walls of ETBU. Strengthen our faculty and staff, these Christian scholars and servant leaders, with all power according to Your glorious might, so that we may be a faithful and fruitful reflection of Your Spirit to our students and others we serve. Open the door for Your Word, God, to grant us the platform to proclaim the hope of Christ.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2019
Enable us to be wise and peaceful in the way we act to those outside our University community. Bear witness with our mind, body, and spirit so that we can make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus. To You, the one True and only God, our Heavenly Father, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority forever and ever. For it is in the name of Jesus, the Messiah, our Savior and Lord, I pray. Amen. Dr. J. Blair Blackburn President
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36
Rejoice ALWAYS, Pray CONTINUALLY Give THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18a