I can hardly believe that we finished 2008 with over 4000 fresh start salvations. 4127 to be exact. That’s 4127 individuals forever changed by God’s forgiveness and love. 4127 lives redeemed. 4127 families impacted. That number represents those that raised a hand and prayed a prayer of salvation in one of our services or prayed with me through our television program and called to indicate they had prayed and wanted to take a next step - just over one hundred through our TV program.

4127. How cool is that? I’m going to bask in that today and let the thought of it grow in my heart and mind. It helps me realize all we do is worth it, and it builds my faith for the future.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the finishing better than the starting, although there is a rush for me in starting something new. At LSU (Geaux Tigers), my favorite part of the semester was always finishing that last exam and selling my books and then freedom for a few weeks. That’s kind of how the end of the year feels to me. 

It’s always good to reflect and think of the highs and the lows and the ins and the outs. Honestly, 2008 has been the best year of my life. Not without its challenges, but an amazing year for me personally, our family, the church. But I love Brian Houston’s favorite saying, “The best is yet to come.” I am believing and reaching for that big time. 2009 even better than 2008? Yep. I’m believing. Maybe 2008 was your hardest year. Good news. Only got a few hours left and and the new will come into your life. 

God has an awesome plan for you. It’s not just a cliche, but true. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Just a quick post to say Merry Christmas to everyone. Love this time of year for sure. Getting ready to descend into total shut-down mode and it feels great. Just thinking about all that I am grateful for.

1. Leslie, Anna, Mark - how could I even begin to describe how incredibly fortunate I am to have such an amazing wife and two beautiful, healthy kids. Glad to have the family I do. 

2. The Life Church - I know I’m biased, but I love our church. I love our people, leaders, etc. I’m always blown away by the incredible “serve” spirit in our church. I love our team. Can’t describe how awesome it is to serve shoulder to shoulder with people I absolutely love. 

3. Friendships - I can’t begin to describe how enriched and supported I feel to have such great friends. Some new, some going on 20 years, some in a mentoring role, others serving and supporting. Its dangerous to start listing, but I have to give some shout outs to Dino Rizzo, Stovall Weems, Nick Caine, Jason Delgado, Chris Hodges, Joe Champion, Don Matheny, Rick Bezet, Rob Ketterling, Matt Fry, Billy Hornsby, Randy Bezet, Greg Surratt, David Briggs, Scott Hornsby, Marc Cleary, Zhenya Kasevich, Bill Scheer, Nathan Keller, Chuck Colegrove, Craig Wendel, Craig Strickland, David Meyer, David Pursifull, Gary Clarke, Brian Houston, Gary Skinner, Jack Harris, Steve Streitmatter, Rich/Cass Langton, Jay Hutchins, Greg Evans, Chris Bennett, Jim Wideman, Robert Barriger, Kevin Mawae, Pete Shack, Amsterdansky, Andreas Nielsen, Capitan, Matt Barnett, Trevor Davis, Patrick Conrad, etc, etc, etc, etc. Where would I be without friends in ministry and life??? Life would be hard and lonely.   

3. The incredible year we’ve had - 2008 has been amazing. I loved moving into a new home, heading to Sydney for the Hillsong Conference, going to Africa to see Greg and Kristin. Being a part of what God is doing through ARC. As a church, this has been our best year by far. I can hardly believe we’ve grown by 50% in weekend attendance, 42% growth in income (which totally amazes me), and over 4000 Fresh Starts. So many other things I could mention. 

4. The year ahead - I’m more than thankful for the opportunities that are ahead. Though 2008 has been amazing, there are some opportunities on the horizon that have the potential to make 2009 extraordinary. I’m excited about the next season in my life, in church, etc. 

I’m hoping and praying that you have the best Christmas ever and that your 2009 is awesome!