So much kindness....

January was a good month for us.  We'd been given a couple of special gifts at Christmas that allowed us to take a week-long vacation to Mexico.  Their gift and Neil's online diligence led us to an amazing place.  It was a 12-room hacienda in the middle of nowhere on the west side of the Baja.  No restaurant and hardly any services...but a beautiful room and the most gorgeous location.  We opened our doors at night and listened to the surf all night long, watched whales from our deck and basically had the place to ourselves....all for less than $500.  Like I said, it was in the middle of nowhere...and I guess most people would rather be in Cabo.  Anyway, it was a wonderful week.  We each read 3 books I think...had long walks together and good times with God. 

We came home and Neil was off to Edmonton for the BreakForth conference ( a Canadian Thrive! conference) and I went to CA to speak at the Thriving Women's Conference.  I had a chance to see many of you....and you were all so encouraging and supportive.  Thank you. 

Then...also because of a gift from a friend...I was able to spend a week in Mendocino (at a house she has rented to finish writing her 3rd novel which is set in Mendocino) working on the marriage book that Neil and I have been trying to write for a couple of years. This was my writing chair view:

So inspiring.  But I learned 2 things:  I am a more disciplined writer when I have a deadline (like in the TV news business) and it's harder to write a book than I thought.   :)  I got some writing done  - have no idea if it's any good - but it will still be a long process to get it anywhere near completion.   Anyway....God has been so kind to give us some rare opportunities - through the generosity of friends and family - in the past 6 weeks and we are deeply grateful.

This week we've been meeting with our team - including 2 new members who bring a lot of energy and expertise to our FamilyLife team - working on our big picture strategy and it's been very exciting! 

And today we leave for Niagara Falls where we are speaking at a Weekend to Remember conference.  If you think of us, pray that God would use us and our team to work some miracles this weekend.   Next weekend...same thing in Victoria. 

Just keeping you up to speed.....

Neil and Sharol


Thanks for your support.  Thanks for your prayers.  We are praying for you every day.