We are guessing that we are not alone when we say 2020 went nothing like we thought it would. Last January, we envisioned how my scheduled events, graduation, sending Brandon off to college, our last days in the Little Rock FamilyLife office, etc. would go. Although all those things happened, none of them happened like we envisioned. We are also sure when you look back over 2020 you could also come up with a similar list. Truthfully, we could say that about almost every year of our lives, but last year just seems to have more of that than usual. 

Now we sit here in January 2021 thinking about what the year ahead holds for all of us. Like last year, whatever we have pictured in our heads about the year ahead, we can be pretty confident it won't go exactly like we think it will. Some things will go better, some different, some worse and many things will happen that we have no idea are coming.  

The best news, and what we must constantly remind ourselves, is that the One who loves us more than anything has told us in His word that He is always faithful. He walks with us no matter what our circumstances. 2020 was hard for many people, but God was still at work as He will be this year. So join us as we embark on another year filled with what only God knows and choose to trust Him no matter what comes our way!

Speaking of things happening that we never saw coming. Virtual events are something we are all now more familiar with than we were this time last year. 

Our annual Love Like You Mean It Cruise can’t sail away just yet, but we’re bringing much of the great teaching, entertainment, fun couple interaction experiences, and special sessions you normally find and offering them in an amazing online experience. 

New messages from: Dave & Ann Wilson, Dhati Lewis, Juli Slattery, David & Meg Robbins and Bob Lepine. Plus the best messages from past events and entertainment from: Jeff Allen, Gene Moore, Jason Crabb, Sandi Patty, Katie Peslis, Bob Cates and more...

Our team is planning for fun and romance as we “sail away” to our virtual ports of: Sydney, Australia, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, La Spezia, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina. We've even lined up a few cool virtual tours of some of the local attractions in our virtual ports as excursions. You won't even have to worry about getting sunburned or missing the ship when we sail. Hope you will join us as we start 2021 with an adventure. For all the detail please go to lovelikeyoumeanitcruise.com/21Virtual.

"This was our first cruise ever, and it was fabulous!! We are booked for next year, Lord willing! The speakers were so great, so focused on the gospel! We needed this time together it was so special. We are excited about next year, and having an extra day!! Can't wait! Thanks so much!"  Pertti and Michelle - Canada

"Love being on the cruise for valentine.. We went to the steak house restaurant, the ambience was so romantic. We joined a Latin dance class. We had a lot of fun dancing on the Lido deck! So much more!! So worth it!!"  Carolyn - CT

• • • • • • Praise that we completed our Old Testament class and both got A's!  One more class to go!

          • Pray for us as we continue to lead a small group during this challenging time.

          • Praise and prayer...Rachel is in her last semester of internship and completes her Master's degree in August.

          • Pray as we begin to turn our sights towards transitioning back to TX...the timing of the move, where to live in Metroplex, selling/buying a house, etc.

          • Continue praying for peace and healing in our nation.

Love Like You Mean It Cruise (virtual) - February 11-14

This spring we currently have 10 events scheduled, but check the website for the most current information. Group code thebarbers to save $100.

• • • Branson -  Chateau on the Lake - March 26 - 28

    • Indianapolis -  Marriott Downtown - Apr. 16 -18

    • Plano - Renaissance Legacy West - June 4 - 6

More events and information at familylife.com/events.