Happy Thanksgiving!

"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As I'm writing this, many of you are at home or preparing to make your way there for a holiday vacation. I love Thanksgiving! The time with family and friends, a break from work and of course the great food are all reasons to give thanks. In the midst of this celebration, let's not forget that Thanksgiving is a day set aside to help us remember the blessings of God in our past and prime the pump for thankfulness in the coming year.

Here's a way to make it practical. Before you immerse yourself into the Macy's Parade or football games or the great Christmas sales, spend some time with God. Reflect on the year and give thanks for the many blessings He's brought into your life. Keep a pen and paper handy and write a few of these things down. When you finish, look over the list and make note of the people that God has used to make this year special and thank them with a quick email, card, or phone call. I guarantee you'll make someone's Thankgiving memorable and you'll feel better too!

I want to thank all of you for making Chi Alpha what it is. So many of you have gone above and beyond to share the love of Christ with our fellowship and the AU community. It is a pleasure serving Jesus with you. Have a great Thanksgiving!

A Note of Thanks

About a month ago @ TNW, Kelsey Cambronne encouraged us all to write cards to Chi Alphans abroad. They were a hit! I've received several notes of thanks already. I received another one yesterday from Cynthia Caul, a recent AUXA alum now serving with the Peace Corps in Ghana and I thought I'd pass it along:

Dear Chi Alpha!

Thank you so much for the card you sent me. It was incredibly thoughtful. It arrived on Thanksgiving evening and put a true smile on my face during a very trying day for me. Sometimes it can be very difficult to motivate myself to stay here; the idea of two years is very daunting. But, I know, I'm here for a purpose, and I always try to keep that in mind. I don't always know, arguably never know, just exactly what that purpose is, but it is so uplifting to know there are people back home supporting me as I try to figure it out. It truly gives me strength in a time of ambiguity and uncertainty. I wanted to wish you all a blessed holiday season, and along with that, a blessed finals seasons, as well.

Don't stress too much and know that there are so many people who would give everything to be in the position to write those papers and take those finals. I know you all know this, but I know when I was at AU, I could often use the reminder. I hope this letter finds you well. Again, I extend my greatest appeciation!

Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Happy Finals and New Semester!
God bless you!

Love,
Cynthia

Some great words of advice as we enter into the last few weeks of the semester! There are still a few more things coming up on the Chi Alpha calendar. Check out our events link on the left and I'll see you there.