This has been an amazing month. It's one of the best Christmases I've ever had. The month began with the birth of our first grandson. That was amazing! He joins two beautiful sisters and we love him so much.
The following day I defended my thesis for a graduate degree at Liberty University. My degree is now finished and I thank God for that chapter in my life and all I've learned. I'm grateful to my family and my church family for their incredible support through this process.
On December 8, my youngest daughter and I enjoyed a trip to Albany to hear Michael McDonald in concert. I realized again how much I love music, and how it has shaped my life. The concert was fantastic - great musicianship, soul and it was a Christmas concert. Simply wonderful.
During the month we have now been able to spend time with all our family. I'm so thankful for three daughters and a son. I'm thankful for two amazing son-in-laws and a wonderful future daughter-in-law. I'm very grateful for my wife of 32 years. I can't imagine my life without her.
Christmas Eve was the best ever at Northside with more than 2100 people gathering to worship the Lord. What a privilege it was to share the awesome message of the gospel with all who gathered. I'm thankful for our staff and the team effort this night exemplified.
Easter will long be a great memory, recalling the 3300 people who gathered for worship. I am especially grateful for more than 50 people who surrendered their lives to Christ that day. There is no greater message in life than to know that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again.
The year has had its challenges as well. My sister is fighting a valiant battle with the dreaded disease - cancer. Her hope is in the Lord and she will always be my hero. I'm praying for her family and for her - in fact for all of us - to trust the Lord day by day as we walk through this valley together.
This post is entitled December, 2014, and More because this is New Year's Eve. Tomorrow is January 1, 2015. Wow. How can that be? Needless to say, there is much to be done. Our first series at Northside this year is called 'Break Camp'. The theme for the year is: 2015 - A Year of Impact.
I believe the Lord has great things in store and I welcome the New Year. Through the highs and lows, He is Lord. I trust Him. I urge you to do the same. For every victory, I give Him the praise. For every opportunity, I thank Him for the privilege of serving Him.
Trusting Him,
Bruce
