6 Ways you and your Family Can Stay Sane During an Insane Time

Hi folks - I think I am going to be writing a lot more regularly on here - as I am under coronavirus incarceration with the rest of the world. I am still working full time as a pastor - but in ways seminary never trained me!

Today I'd like to share some tips that we are doing as a family not just survive but THRIVE during this pandemic. Here are 6 simple but important tips:

1. SCHEDULE - If you haven't already work on a daily schedule with your kids. It should have variety, independent time and time together as a family. Our kid's schedule has study, screen time, family time and outdoor time to just name 4.

2. OUTSIDE - GO OUTSIDE!!!! This is super important. Your brain will thank you. Go outside AT LEAST twice a day if possible. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The fresh air is great. The movement is great. And the change of scenery is great.

3. SCHOOL WORK - Our children are in public school and are now finally getting some school work. I would encourage you to ask what they are studying in each of their classes. And then you can act as an ally and coach to help them along.

4. FAMILY DEVOTION TIME - If you are Christians, see this time as a gift to build spiritually into the lives of your children. Our family is studying the gospel of John together. Each of my kids has their own Bible and a journal - we go section by section. We read it aloud and then each takes notes on what we see. And then we share with each other.

5. EXERCISE - I have a local gym that I love, but like everything else, it is closed. I am still working out, but without weights. There are tons of free workouts on youtube. And I run outside. Exercise is a wonderful and natural anti-depressant. Make sure you get the kids in on this too. We work out as a family a couple of times a week.

6. DO SOMETHING NEW - (Not really a family tip - this is more just for you). Most of us might be finding that we have more time on our hands since we can't go out and meet with people or go to our office. This is a great opportunity to try something completely new. Some ideas:


  • Read the Chronicles of Narnia or the Harry Potter series
  • Do an in-depth study of a book of the Bible
  • Learn a new language
  • Learn an instrument
There are lots of free online college courses you can take, from some of the best colleges in the world. I've enrolled in a Modern Poetry class at the University of Pennsylvania. Right now, we are studying Emily Dickinson. It's a lot of fun and something I probably wouldn't have done at another time.

So, there you have it. Take advantage of this time!

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