Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary

The Counseling Department
at Louisiana Baptist University
December 2011

A Word from Dr. Mark Crook
Dean of the School of Christian Counseling

Although December 25th is not Jesus actual birthday and although it was originally a day set aside to honor Pagan gods, I am still thankful for Christmas. This is the day we as Christians have set apart to remember the birth of our Savior. I am grateful that Pope Julius I in 350 A.D. declared that December 25th would be celebrated as Christ's birth. I am also grateful that Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870. Below are some interesting facts about Christmas taken from the History.com website. I hope you enjoy them.

Christmas Facts

Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today's Mardi Gras parties.

From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings.

Christmas wasn't a holiday in early America—in fact Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the country's first Christmas under the new constitution.

The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith's 1607 Jamestown settlement.

Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828.

The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s.

Rudolph, "the most famous reindeer of all," was the product of Robert L. May's imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

In Christ!
Dr. Mark

DATES TO REMEMBER

DECEMBER 15 …Fall semester on Campus ends
DECEMBER 23– JANUARY 1…Christmas Holiday (Office will be closed)
JANUARY 2, 2012…Office reopens

Welcome!
to the Counseling Department

A “big” Louisiana Baptist University welcome to the following who enrolled in November: Harold Dixon, Gary Freeman and Natalie Hand

I want to personally wish each of our students celebrating a December birthday a very special “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” - Eddie Urey, Samuel Sims, Sheridan Stanton, Richard Chappell, Nelson Galarraga, Patricia Peters, LaVera Potter, Joseph Ray Hinton, Michael Heller, Gary Ridge, Elizabeth Clamon, Charles Purvis, Diana Bradford, Dennis Cavenah, Brandon Lacey, Bill Campbell, Anthony Hodge.

Reminder!

All students “must” complete a minimum of one course per semester (within a 15-week period). We know that everyone has “situations” come up from time to time to hinder the studying process, and we will work with you through these “situations”, but please do try to stay on task by developing a workable schedule which will allow you to meet this requirement.

Something else for you to consider is that we highly recommend that you work on only one course at a time. Once a course is completed and sent in for grading, then begin working on the next course.

Please do not send in all of your courses at one time for grading unless absolutely necessary.

We will not grade any workbooks, assignments, final exams, etc. that are sent in for grading unless there is a signed plagiarism form in your student file.

“Thank you” so much for your cooperation in complying with these requests!

A Very Important Message to Prospective Students…As of January 1, 2012, we will be increasing our tuition from its current $98.00 per credit hour to $110.00 per credit hour. Therefore, those who enroll before January 1, 2012, may do so at the current $98.00 rate. You may enroll by sending in your enrollment form and signed financial agreement, along with the required $200.00 down payment. You may pay by credit card, if desired. The forms must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2011.

PLEASE JOIN THE LBU STAFF IN PRAYER FOR:

President Obama, the Congress, military leaders, our men and women in uniform, and the families of those who have lost their lives for the cause of freedom
Our Presidential election 2012
Missionaries – their ministry, safety, health and personal needs
Dr. Linda Adams’ son-in-law Steve Byrd – recovering from serious back surgery
Dr. Linda Adams’ grandson - Jared, Army medic now serving in Afghanistan
Student Janet Bell’s daughter – Marine JoAnna and her squadron, serving in Afghanistan
Dr. Juan Puente’s father – suffered heart attack, underwent heart bypass surgery and doing well.
Dr. Juan Puente’s father-in-law – Miguel Charvar – diagnosed with cancer and doing well.
Alumna student Kim Fasarakis – her 13 yr. old daughter, Mercy, diagnosed with Leukemia.
Student Bea Edward’s husband and mother – very serious on-going health issues.
Dr. Neal Weaver’s friend – Robin, seriously ill and in ICU
Rachel Humphrey – cancer- that the many chemo and radiation treatments have been successful in accomplishing their intended purpose
Don Austin – recovering from severe stroke (Austin, TX.) At home, but with paralysis on left side, otherwise, he is doing well.
Many LBU students and/or family members who are unemployed
LBU’s “Beginning of Miracles” campaign in raising funds to build an addition to our present building allowing for more classes, workshops, and other meaningful events.
Steve Martinez (missionary to our military in GA) – for the necessary funds to add more much needed building space for their military ministry.
Rick Mahaney – former LBU student and missionary to our military here in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA – he was paralyzed from waist down after neck surgery – is doing very well - walking some with a walker and continuing therapy at home in Shreveport, LA. Doctor’s feel he will have a complete recovery.
Safety for families who are traveling this holiday season.
LBU students, staff, faculty and administration

We so appreciate your prayers in behalf of these on our prayer list, and know that you “thank” the Lord with us for His answering our petitions.

Continue to:

Pray for our troops
Pray for our missionaries
Pray for the leaders of our Nation