One of the highlights of the trip was to drive over to West Virginia and ski at Snowshoe. Bryant, Leighton and I had a blast and none of us fell once! I have found it helps when you do not attempt the black diamond slopes. The skiing was a lot of fun, but being with my sons was far greater. I am so proud of them and the young men of God they are becoming. I am honored to say that I am Hannah, Bryant, and Leighton's dad. God has blessed Ashley and me and we are very grateful.

While on vacation I was able to finish two books and start a third. I finally finished Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose, and that was a thrilling ending indeed. I read another one of Andy Andrew's books, interestingly entitled How to Kill Eleven Million People. I also started reading Craig Groeschel's book entitled The Christian Atheist--Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist. Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv in Edmond, Oklahoma, is a very good writer; I am enjoying his book on Christian Atheism. He is very transparent and authentic and the book is a refreshing read. I have some new books on my reading list that I am looking forward to reading in 2012--Andrew's best seller, The Traveler's Gift which is a biography on Ben Franklin, and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. I really enjoy reading; it is to my mind what physical exercise is to my body.

On Sunday I am preaching my annual State-of-the-Church message, and I do ask for your prayers as I am still in the process of writing this sermon. It is a very different message, as this is the one time a year I do not expound upon one text, but share my heart and vision for Great Hills. I will attempt to ask and answer the following questions: Who are we? Where have we been in 2011? Where are we going in 2012?

When you come to church on Sunday you will be see our new signage. All the signs look great! I appreciate Stephanie Roberts, Mark Cook, and Mike Mericle for their hard work in getting these signs designed and up on our church campus.

We have so many servants in our church who do great acts of ministry. Linda Granzow is certainly one of them and I appreciate her and all the work she does with Life-Bridge. Linda and Chris Rowley are godly women who work behind the scenes in many ways and touch so many lives! Please look at the announcement below and ask God if this is something that you should do and then volunteer to help.

Day classes for Life-Bridge begin Tuesday, January 31.  We will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays for 10 weeks.  We need volunteers to teach Basic Computer, English as a Second Language (various levels) Central Texas Culture, Life-Skills, and Bible Study. Info is available at the Life-Bridge table in the Ministry Mall on Sundays.  You may also contact Linda Granzow at 297-4599 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There are many ministries and events coming up in the New Year that you can read about on our website at www.ghbc.org and in our Sunday morning worship guide. Also, see the announcement section below as it will give you upcoming information.

May the Lord bless you and our church in 2012. I am pray and believing God for great things.

Danny Forshee

Psalm 20:7