Things CASAS is Thankful For
Thanksgiving is upon us and all of the staff and faculty here in CASAS are incredibly thankful for the Lord’s abundance and blessings this year. 2020 has been a hard year for many people and yet, there are still so many things to be thankful for.
Personally, one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the simple act of being thankful. Sometimes in the busyness of everyday life, I miss some of the moments to be thankful. I love that Thanksgiving is a day solely dedicated to being thankful. It is always a special time of gathering with people that I love and sharing what we are thankful for.
Psalms 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
There is something special about recognizing your blessings and sharing them with others. For instance, here are what several CASAS faculty and staff members are most thankful for this year:
Family, Work and the Little Things
- “I am incredibly grateful for my healthy baby boy and for the Lord’s faithful protection and provision over my family in many ways during 2020.” – Jenessa Sabanos, Assistant Director of Residential Tutoring
- “I’m very thankful this season for the conversations and relationships that have flourished when I have a mug full of apple cider. Also grateful for change, discomfort and how it propels me into new spaces and places.” – Jessica Nelson, Professional Advisor
- “God’s unwavering faithfulness during a particularly tough year as well as having the chance to spend more time with my husband during quarantine.” – Katherine Holt, Assistant Director for the Center for Professional and Continuing Education
- “I am continually grateful for and encouraged by the Can-do/Will-do spirit of so many colleagues. There is such a spirit of perseverance and gentle grace demonstrated through all their dealings with students and the ever-changing processes and necessary adjustments. Overall, this sends a very convincing message of our true collective commitment to Training Young Champions for Christ!” – Roger Mackey, Academic Lead for Eagle Scholars Program
- “I celebrate when I see students walking into the classroom. I am thankful for every day that we can meet in person. I am thankful that the Lord gave us a third grandchild, Ella Grace, this year. She has truly been a needed distraction. I am thankful that my wife and I have been able to continue working this this difficult time. I celebrate when I see people coming into to worship in church.” – Ralph Jernigan, Associate Professor
- “I am so blessed and so very thankful for many things. First and foremost, I am thankful for an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus! I am thankful for my husband, children, and granddaughter. I am also so very thankful to have coworkers who are like a second family to me.” – Martha Magee, Professional Advisor
God’s Goodness
- “I am thankful for the Lord’s provision and faithfulness in all ways, big and small.” – Tamatha Anthony, Assistant Director for Parent & Family Connections
- “I am thankful for God’s gift of salvation and his promise to never leave me. I’m thankful for my children and grandchildren who are the joy of my life. I’m blessed to work in the ISC with a great team and serve our international students.” Tara Watkins, International Student Advocate
- Kathy Stolvoort, Administrative Assistant to the Dean – “First of all I am thankful for my salvation and knowing the Lord loves me no matter what! Second, I am thankful for my family. They bring joy and laughter to my life and we always support each other through the good times and the bad times.”
- “I am thankful to see God’s hand at work in my family, here at Liberty University, in our nation and around the world. The evidence of Him convicting, comforting, renewing and reviving both encourages and motivates me!” Jenny Wilen, Administrative Assistant to the Dean
CASAS is thankful for all of our staff, faculty and students that make Liberty University such a wonderful place. I encourage and remind you to be thankful in every season and to share what you are thankful for with others. Sometimes a simple attitude of gratitude can make a huge impact.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
