We have prayed that family would become the center of society again. Well COVID-19 has forced us into our homes with no sports, clubs, schools, even jobs in some cases to distract us from family. We are currently experiencing a global pandemic and with it has come a term we call “social distancing”. We are finding that many are not adjusting well to this new norm.  

How are you doing now that home/family is the center of everyday? How do we handle this new normal with events being cancelled while being at home and distancing ourselves from the rest of the world? How do we live together under one roof 24/7?

Since home is not canceled, our hope is that this time would refocus each of us and cause us to re-prioritize our lives. FamilyLife is striving to bring resources to help not just get through this time but thrive and come out on the other side changed for the better. Here are some ways your family can grow closer to God, grow stronger together, and serve your neighbors abundantly over the next few weeks. You can find a wealth of free resources at www.familylife.com/notcanceled.

FamilyLife TV and Video: Our newest development is the release of FamilyLife TV.  These are short video segments that are released every Tuesday and Thursday. The topics vary each time, but we’ve already found these to be very fun and helpful. The episode on How to Grieve from a Distance discusses loss of a loved one but also the various losses—big, small, known, unknown—we are experiencing during this time of quarantine. Ron Deal gives great insights on how to face grief or help someone without the normal interactions with churches, communities and families.

You can find many other videos such as how to handle the COVID-19 crisis with your family and tips on how to navigate the new normal.

Free small group studies:  FamilyLife is offering many free downloads. Think social distancing means no more small groups?  Think again! We’ve made many of our popular group studies—Vertical Marriage, Art of Marriage, Stepping Up—FREE! You can download these studies online and share the link with friends.  These free video studies are free through May 31st so download and video chat away! You’ll find many other great downloads such as our 10-Day Devotional: Unshaken for Uncertain Times and Soul-Care Homecation.   

At FamilyLife, we want to be a friend in the bunker with you by providing the best help and hope from a Biblical perspective. May we give ourselves and other grace as we walk this journey we have before us. 

Let us know if we can help. We want to make sure you are encouraged and equipped during this time providing opportunities for growth and keeping your faith and family strong.

(Love Like You Mean It cruise)

"Helped us reconnect by having fun together to start the healing process so we can move forward. We were challenged, inspired and given hope. We especially appreciate the sessions that gave us practical tips for replacing weapons of destruction with tools for rebuilding."

"Since we are in ministry, our lives are busy, tiring, and often stressful. The cruise gives us a chance to get away, relax, get encouraged, and get current tools to use and pass on to our congregation. It also gives us the chance to focus on each other and be reminded of God’s great love and power for our lives and marriage. It refreshes us and gives us hope and strength to return to our church and continue where God has placed us." 

• • • • • • Pray for our FamilyLife leadership as they make decisions on how we best move forward in ministry in these uncertain times. 

          • Pray for Rachel as her restaurant is closed and her internships have been altered.

          • Pray for us a family as we, like most others, are all at home navigating this new normal - doing work, school, internship and church via video. 

          • Pray for Brandon as his senior year has abruptly ended and graduation details are still being decided. All he has to do now is take some AP exams and wait for his graduation date to be announced.

The events below have not yet been canceled so join us this spring or join us next fall at a Weekend to Remember, use our group code thebarbers to save $100. 

Weekend to Remember Getaways - click any below to register. 

• • • Dallas (Plano) - Renaissance Legacy West  - June 5 - 7

    • Sugar Land - Marriott Town Square - June 12 -14 - I am the planner for this one, if it doesn't get canceled. 

    • Austin - Renaissance Arboretum - June 12 -14

?? events this Spring and more information at familylife.com/events.