Thanksgiving 2020 HEARTS OF
Thankfulnessssss FROM THE A CELEBRATION OF
EAST TEXAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY FAMILY
Thanksgiving 2020 HEARTS OF
A PRAYER OF Thanksgiving
To God who in His sovereign grace holds us, carries us, and walks with us. For all the ways He directs our steps, all the ways He straightens our paths, and all the ways His Spirit moves us. To the One who is far above us and yet remains here with us. To Him be the glory forever.
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 2020
When mom tells you that swimming is your new PE when you are a virtual learner. I am grateful for the beauty of a beautiful autumn day, an encouraging word, and a new colleague turned friend. Dr. Marissa Smith Chair, Department of Chemistry Associate Professor of Chemistry
Last year we celebrated an engagement. This year we celebrate the marriage of Casey and Shayla. Mike, Kellie, and I attended the wedding via Zoom. Leska Papas Administrative Secretary Academic Success
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 2020
The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life and life abundantly. John 10:10 This semester has posed various challenges. It has tried us in so many ways. However, this verse is a clear promise about having abundant life in Jesus. Clinging to this promise while abiding in Him helped me to thrive during the difficulties this semester gave us. Dr. Scott Morris Assistant Professor of Chemistry School of Natural and Social Sciences We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, for Your name is near; Men declare Your wondrous works. Psalm 75:1 In the midst of pandemic, isolation, fear, doubt, and chaos, in a time when we do not know who we can trust, we find comfort in You, O God, for you are always there. You hold us safe in Your hands. You are our strength when we are weak. You, Lord, are our safe place. You, our God, calm our fears with a beautiful sunrise. You still our doubt with the laugh of a child that brings hope for the future. You give us peace in the quiet breeze through the tall pines. In You we trust. You are our rock and our fortress. We rest in You. Though nations fall and the world seems to crumble at our feet, we will abide in you. We will be forever thankful that you claim us as your own. Dr. Lisa Seeley Director of the Great Commission Center and Global Education Academic Affairs Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. 2
Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:2, 4 4
The Lord brought me through a 3.5 hour back surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. I was released from the nursing home just a couple of weeks prior to it being declared off limits due to COVID-19 cases. My recovery from back surgery has been slow, but I have not been anxious or sad. God has brought me through it all. I can only be thankful.
A much needed Monday morning surprise after a long and stressful weekend. Mildred Savannah Administrative Assistant/Instructional Designer OIRE & Online Education We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in your prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. 2 Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. 6 The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me. 7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116 1
A Gift From A Shelf We had a visitor to our home who was studying our bookshelves. One book in particular jumped out at her, and she began reading, enraptured. A complete reading left her with a deeper understanding of and gratitude toward our God of abundant mercy. A Gift In Relationship COVID has encouraged our family (spread throughout the U.S.) to Zoom twice a week in order to study God’s Word together. This has now resulted in months of learning and encouragement from those we deeply love but can rarely see in person. A Gift Unexpected In a year of enormous family transition He has clearly directed our paths and allowed our transition to be a constant testimony of His provision and peace. Anonymous 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 2020
A healthy baby, Mackenzie Grace McRee, born 3/17/2020.
A PRAYER OF Thanksgiving Lord, Thank you for Mackenzie Grace McRee. She is a reminder of the grace that you give every day. May we have grace with others, as you have with us. Thank you for giving us Grace! Amen. Dr. Laci McRee Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Frank S. Groner School of Professional Studies Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
My grandson, Blayton Daly, has GSD (Gorham-Stout disease), also known as vanishing bone disease. Two years ago, he fell when running at school because his left femur snapped completely in two. The bone had been vanishing and was so weak, it finally broke. Blayton was diagnosed after a long haul of research by his mother, tests, and doctor visits. GSD is so rare, it is hard to diagnose. A permanent titanium rod was put in his leg, and he started treatments because three other spots were found in other bones in his body. This year hit the one year mark of his treatment. He had an MRI to see if the treatment was working. Not only is the treatment working, but more importantly, God is! The doctors were pleased to tell us that there are no new lesions in his body. Now, for the part that blew the doctors away: he has actually had bone regrowth where it had been destroyed! All the research shows that bone does not grow back in GSD! God hears our prayers! Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Terry Daly Financial Aid Data Manager Enrollment and Administrative Affairs There are many things I am thankful for this year, but at the very top of my list is my ETBU family. It is an honor to be part of such a wonderful group of loving servants. Oh Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalms 30:12 Debbie Rogers Director of Campus Services Student Engagement Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5 2
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts that the Lord gives us, after salvation of course, is the gift of perspective. When we come to Christ, our priorities shift from the pursuit of what we want to the pursuit of what He wants. And what is the will of God? His desire is for us to reflect the image of His Son (2 Cor. 3:18), for all to be saved (2 Tim. 2:3-4), for His kingdom to come (Matt 6:10), for us to do good (1 Peter 2:15), for us to make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:15-20), for us to be thankful (I Thess. 5:18). Although this has been a challenging year, I am ever so thankful that I have had the opportunity to see the character of ETBU students reflect the glory of God in precious moments where I have seen their patience with me as I struggled with technology, their willingness to lend each other and me a hand, as well as their kindness and encouragement. Yes, indeed, I am ever so grateful for the gift of perspective because it has allowed me to see Jesus more clearly in the lives of others.
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 2020
My prayer this Thanksgiving is that we be a people who live out Romans 5:2-5, to be a people of faith, hope, and love who are able to rejoice in times of hope and of suffering, that we might bring Him glory. Amen!
Charlie Brown said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” I’m thankful for the gift of their cuteness! Dr. Jennifer Mobley Associate Professor of Psychology School of Natural and Social Sciences
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 2020
The past spring and fall semesters have been undeniably difficult. This picture of the Hilltop Singers and crew represents all of my students. It reminds me of why the Lord has me at ETBU. He has given me countless opportunities to minister to students through these hard times. He has been faithful to reveal Himself and has truly shown that He is on the move. Though times have been hard, the Lord reminds me to PRAISE HIM because His blessings are ABUNDANT. The Praise on my lips has been: Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen! Cammy Burkhalter Coordinator of Music Education, Director of Hilltop Singers, and Assistant Professor of Music School of Communication and Performing Arts I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
This is Boone, our puppy. He's named after a little place in the Blue Ridge Mountains where my wife, Gina, and I were married 24 years ago. We got Boone right after Christmas last year. He's proven to be a blessing for all of us in the Scott gang throughout this trying year. Joshua Scott Assistant Professor of Theatre School of Communication and Performing Arts 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 2020
Praise the Lord, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! 2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us. And the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord! Psalm 117:1-2 1
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
God sends reminders of His infinite glory and when we take time to observe, we see this in our surroundings. He sends reminders that each day is a new day. He allows us to have time to regroup. God provides scenery more beautiful than can be captured in a snapshot. Without the Lord's help I would accomplish nothing, especially nothing of meaning or true worth in this life. Because of God's patience, kindness, and protection I get to spend time with my friends and family. I also get to work in a field that I love in a place where I can openly express my love for Jesus, and share what He has and is doing in my life. God continually reminds me to keep my eyes fixed on Him, and in doing so, all the troubles, concerns, and trials that exist each day are considered small with the reminder that He is always present and always loving. Dr. Lisa Daniel Assistant Professor of Psychology School of Natural and Social Sciences
I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
A meditation on Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
5
Confidently place your hope in God... The One who made you, who loved you first, who has plans for you, who is working everything according to His purpose for your good. and lean not on your own understanding. And don't depend upon your own intellect or discernment. Don't rely on your own personal interpretation of life's perceived circumstances. In all your ways, acknowledge Him,
6
In everything. In all your methods and means and manners and modes... In every action and every choice... Be careful to realize the truth of God's character, express gratitude for His mercies, and recognize His sovereignty in your life. and He will make your paths straight. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe will exert comparable power and incomparable kindness as He prepares, shapes, changes, and produces a pathway for you to traverse according to His perfect guidance. Cari Johnson Administrative Secretary Christian Studies/Humanities 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 2020
This year brought fear and uncertainty to our communities, but amidst the pandemic there were still joyful celebrations. My greatest joy this year was the birth of my first grandson, Reed Dayne McNeely. My daughterin-law is a nurse and when she was 6 months pregnant she was forced to leave her job due to the number of patients and coworkers that had tested positive for the virus at her nursing home. Her doctor did not know what danger she would face if she tested positive. Luckily, she remained negative and had a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Many high school and college seniors were facing virtual or no graduation ceremonies. My oldest son, Trevor, completed his BS in Mechanical Engineering in May but the commencement ceremony has been postponed until 2021! My youngest son, Mason, graduated from high school and was able to have an “adjusted� commencement that ended up being much more meaningful because we were able to sit with him during the ceremony. Our Jefferson community also rallied around the graduates by adopting all the seniors for special gifts, posting their pictures on signs along the main street, and holding a parade through town. They received much more recognition than they would have in a normal year. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know I am God. Prior to the pandemic, I would occasionally have to slow down and say this verse. It has become my mantra during the last few months and a reminder that God has a plan and God is in control. Tina McNeely Administrative Secretary School of Education
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
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. 5 Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. 9 Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry; 1
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 2020
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 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; 20 He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord will rescue His servants; no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34 16
Tara Bachtel Associate Vice President and Director of Human Resources Financial Affairs Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. 3 Know that the Lord Himself is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:1-5 1
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 2020
I am thankful that God is in the business of working good things out of bad things. I had to say goodbye to my mom in May. Certainly, my family and I "grieve with hope" as Paul commended the Thessalonian believers to do. But "thanks" to the Spring regulations that COVID thrust on us all, my whole family had the opportunity to spend nearly all of her last seven weeks with her. It was a sweet and memorable time, truly a gift for which I give credit to the Lord. He is good. He is good. Dr. Jeremy Greer Associate Professor of Christian Ministry School of Christian Studies Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 28
Anonymous 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 2020
A PRAYER OF Thanksgiving Dear Sovereign Lord, Thank You for all that You
have provided to us this year and for Your many blessings that we do not deserve. Thank You for Your faithfulness, Your protection, Your love, and Your Light. Thank You for ETBU, its administration, faculty, staff, students, families, and those who have contributed over the years and currently to make ETBU what it is. Thank You for the opportunity to serve You, by serving others, alongside the ETBU family. We love You Lord! Amen. Dr. Lisa Daniel Assistant Professor of Psychology School of Natural and Social Sciences
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 2020
I'm thankful for the do-over. I have cooked three turkeys in my life. Only once have I successfully followed through with removing ALL the "inclusions" before cooking. Those paper bags of belly guts can withstand high levels of sustained heat surprisingly well. (Sorta makes the turkey dry and slightly reminiscent of my uncle's ash tray, but whatever.) The first time I was ignorant. Trying to rinse off the bird without getting too "personal" ... I had no idea that the processors thought I might be interested in a neck and some giblet junk. The second time, I remembered to really clean out the cavernous fowl. Gold Star. But then, last week, I did a trial run for the holidays. I rinsed the bird, washed my hands to help with a math problem, and went back to the sink to remove the neck. Then my prep work was interrupted again with someone needing my attention at the back of the house. (I've lost many a decent idea in that hallway as I traverse the floors of this home in my attempts to mult-task.) Upon my return to the kitchen, noticing time was tight to have dinner ready, I quickly loaded the turkey into the oven. Long story short: I might be a moron. A highly-publicized moron, since my kids got an enormous kick out of my culinary mis-hap and told their friends. Short story long: this is only one example among too many 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 2020
in which information and experience prove insufficient in my quest for consistent excellence. So I am grateful for second [and third and forty-seventh] chances. Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation. 2 Peter 3:14-15 Cari Johnson Administrative Secretary Christian Studies/Humanities
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 2020
Because of God's power, the smallest of seeds can grow into one of the largest of garden plants (Luke 13:18-21). I am thankful that as we work unto the Lord, our deeds, however small, can make a great impact for the Kingdom. The Advancement Team sees this everyday as we do our work and God prompts people to respond and give to what He is doing at ETBU. Almost every week God surprises us with a unexpected gift, a new donor, or a new relationship. God is good. Dr. Scott Bryant Vice President for Advancement Advancement
God has shown you what is good and what He requires of you: 1. Do justice; 2. Love mercy; and 3. Walk humbly with God Micah 6:8 Much of life is spent attempting to find a balance between justice and mercy on political, religious, and personal levels. However, sometimes in our hypocrisy, we seek justice for others' wrongdoing, but want mercy for our own failures. Perhaps the third admonition (walk humbly with God) is the key to help us to better understand the proper balance between the first two. Dr. Eric Hillman Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice School of Natural and Social Sciences Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
“The Lord says that every kindness you do to ‘the least of these,’ you do to the Lord Himself. So these babies give us a thousand chances to wipe away holy tears, and also to hear holy laughter, and to see those creeping things that creep on the face of the earth as the wonders they were on the day the Lord called them good.” —From Marilynne Robinson’s novel, Jack Minda Purdie Receptionist Registrar’s Office 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
Because of God's people I am better able to understand His faithfulness and the fullness of His provision. As someone moving into a new position in a time of uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety, I have seen over and over the way that God grants us peace at the moment we are about to break, grace when those we are called to serve need it, and joy when frustration is easier. I am thankful for His provision because it demonstrates His faithfulness to us as we try to be obedient to the calling He has placed on our university. Dr. Sandy Hoover Dean of Humanities Chair, Department of History and Political Science
HEARTS OF Thanksgiving 2020
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! —Thomas Chisholm As we confront the realities of a tumultuous 2020 that brought a global pandemic, political division, and civil unrest, we give thanks that we can rest in the comfort of God’s grace and the assurance of His faithfulness as promised to us in Lamentations 3:22-23 and articulated in the famous hymn written in 1923 by Thomas Chisholm and music composed by William Runyan. As Paul David Tripp writes in his daily gospel devotional, New Morning Mercies, “God’s mercies never grow old. They never run out. They are never ill-timed. They never dry up. They never grow weak. They never get weary. They never fail to meet the need. They never disappoint. They never, ever fail, because they are new every morning.” Praise God that we have hope in a Heavenly Father, whose love never ceases, whose compassion never wanes. Our Lord is good and merciful as we wait on Him, trusting His faithfulness to carry us through this season of life. Dr. J. Blair Blackburn President
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. 1 Chronicles 16:23
Rejoice ALWAYS, Pray CONTINUALLY Give THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18a