Happy New Year!

  My buddy in Georgia sent me this picture from the Buford speaking.  That was really an encouraging time.  It's hard to believe that this year has gone by already.  I've been reflecting on a lot of things over the past couple of days.  Just looking back at what's happened over this last year is amazing.

  I haven't heard the song in a long time but I remember singing it in church a number of times.  "Count your blessings one by one, count your blessings see what God has done."  Life can become a blur and that make's it so easy to forget the good things.Here's just a few things that stand out to me.

  1.  My son got married.  We're so happy for him.

  2.  Nine weeks later he tells us we're going to be grandparents!  Awesome and scary all in the same breath.

  3.  I"ve knocked out 3 classes towards my Masters degree.  Only 9 more to go!

  4.  Masami and I got to visit Israel.  Wow!  Never imagined that would happen.

  5.  I got to visit my fathers grave!  Tough stuff!  Don't take your relationships this side of heaven for granted and don't forget that this life is just the beginning of an eternity that each person will spend somewhere!

  6.  My wife and I celebrated 27 years of marriage.  She is the one who keeps things running.  My mind runs in so many directions that without her firm roots in reality I'd be all over the map.  She's got patience I can only dream of.  I love her!

  7.  We got to do 3 weeks of ministry in Japan.  Masami was my translator and did an awesome job.  For the first time we had churches invite us back instead of needing to be prompted to open the doors.  This was because of her translation!

  8.  Got to meet Bub Kuhns of The Veracity Project!  We're now working on some very amazing projects, your prayers are greatly appreciated.  He's one of the most creative folks I've had the privilege of being around.  Wait 'till you see deBunked as well as the other projects we're working on. They are very good!

  9. Met Mark Hall and Casting Crowns!  These guys have been HUGE!  They're advertising the ministry for us at all of their concerts.  It's really hard to believe that they are so supportive.  These guys are the 'real deal'!  I've been blessed every time I've had the privilege of being with them.  The most encouraging experience I've had with them is before the concert where the whole band walks around the stadium praying over the seats for the folks that are coming!  What a blessing.

10.  Ministry has been amazing all year long.  It's really had to pick which is the 'best'!  To be totally honest though I'd have to say that having my family with me during Christmas is the greatest highlight!  Seeing my children and their spouses and their relationship with each other and the Lord is soooo encouraging.  It's no good for me to try and save the world and loose my family.  I praise God He's done so much with our family.

  Thanks for your continued prayers and support.  Let me know how we can pray for you as well.  If you've got the time go to the Prayer Warriors section and lift some folks up in prayer.  Stay bold, Happy New Year!

Carl Kerby