Let's Give Thanks!

Give Thanks!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and a time of fellowship. I would like to take this time on my blog to reflect gratitude. The word 'thanks' appears over 70+ times in the Bible, and there's a reason why. To God, it is essential to share gratitude to a creator of everything. Giving thanks reminds us of how much we do have when we are prone to covetousness. We tend to focus on what we don’t have. By giving thanks continually, we are reminded of how much we do have. When we focus on blessings rather than wants, we are happier. When we start thanking God for the things we usually take for granted, our perspective changes. We realize that we could not even exist without the merciful blessings of God. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's Will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I encourage you to take a minute (time yourself) and think about all the people who loved us into being and thank them. I learned this from Mr. Fred Rogers. Here are some people who I am very grateful for after doing this practice.

Tony: He is down to earth and funny guy to be with. One thing I'm thankful for Tony is his vulnerability. He lives out 1 John 1:5-10 and shows a great example of living in the light. He's graduating this December and is moving to Lubbock for a job opportunity. I will miss him next semester and continue to keep in touch with him.

Alden: He sets the tone in our small group nights and looks for an opportunity to serve God's kingdom. I'm so thankful for Alden's huge heart for God and his people, and he works very hard in his school and job. His thoughtfulness for others encourages me to practice that, and I'm proud of him.

Stian: I've bragged on this guy so much, and I will never stop. I'm his biggest fan, and he's a sweet friend to me. I'm thankful for Stian's obedience to the Lord and continues to seek what is best, and I'm encouraged by him. It's a blessing to have him in my life.  

Pedro: I don't just see this guy only as a supervisor but as a close friend and brother. I've known Pedro since 2012, and he's been nothing but a role model to me in the faith. I'm so thankful for Pedro's patience, wisdom, humor, and kindness. He never misses an opportunity to love and encourage me. God knew I needed a friend like Pedro, and I'm forever grateful. 

Roommates: It's been a huge blessing to live with these guys over this semester. Mark - I'm thankful for him sharing his wisdom through our time in the apprenticeship, and he has a passion for campus ministry. Harrison - His act of servitude for our house blows me away and challenges me to serve. Caleb - He's selfless and puts everyone before himself as Jesus loved his friends. I'm going to miss Caleb when he moves out to Arlington, attending UT Arlington in the spring! Tony - He asks purposeful questions about me and makes people feel special. I'm very grateful to have him living with us.

Collin Staff: This group of people are a second family to me. They challenge me and encourage me to grow deeper in my relationship with God, and I'm so so thankful to have them in my life. I look forward to the next semester with them!

Family: Speaking of family...haha! Words cannot express how grateful I am for each person in this photo. What I'm most thankful for my family is their heart for Jesus. I will always love these people to the end of days.

Caitlin: I am super thankful to have this woman of God in my life. She's encouraging, smart, forgiving, kind, loving, funny, thoughtful, quick to listen, and slow to speak. I am encouraged by her heart for God and how she brings the love of Jesus to people, and I'm blessed to be one of them brings joy and light to me, and I am forever grateful and love dating her! 

Thank you for all who have supported us in our #KeepFOCUSGrowing Campaign! We reached our goal of $36,000!!! Thank you for your support in helping us spread God's Kingdom throughout the metroplex.

Prayer Request:

• WINTER CAMP! Winter camp is coming up on January 17-20th at Sky Ranch. Winter Camp is our biggest event where all of our campus ministries come together, worship God, and have fellowship together. Pray that God will spark our student's hearts and invite new students to be a part of a loving community.

• Student Finals: Our students at Collin are about to start final exams soon. Please be praying they will be diligent in their studies and be faithful to finish their classes.