I think we all have skills that need to learn and this is true as long as we live.

This is a needed reminder. I use to be terribly addicted to a certain name brand soda and I gave it up for 5 years. But the more I warned my kids about the addictive qualities of it the more tempted I was to return to the old soda habit. I know some people can drink it in moderation but for me it became a full blown addiction at an early age. I was given unlimited access to it as a kid and all that sugar wasn't best for me. So for 5 years I refused to touch it. I still felt the desire to drink it though even daily. Like a former smoker, I had come to think this soda would always have a hold of me even though I had quit the behavior. But recently, I felt Holy Spirit reminding me that fearing a food or drink is not biblical. I wanted to trust God more than I feared the addictive powers of a drink. Yesterday, I had a moment with Holy Spirit and I felt Him set me fully free from the fear of it and the craving for it all at once. I am not sure what feels impossible to you today but I promise absolutely nothing is impossible for Jesus. So please keep reaching out for his garment. Just one touch from Jesus can and will bring healing, restoration and freedom. I have learned the more I personally tried to keep food dyes and sodas from my kids the more hyper they were whenever a church would give it to them. I had to personally repent for teaching them to fear certain foods. I say none of this to judge. Each parent, child and family are different but my point is God met me in place I feared would never be made new and He brought it back to life like dried bones and He freed me. He reminded me I can trust Him to do the impossible. I just need to remember the gentle part with myself and others. And I absolutely had to praise Jesus that the craving is finally gone. All glory to God.

This was so good. Thank you. As a mom who is also a high-risk pregancy married to a disabled vet, this was helpful. I love that you mentioned repair and refuel and a practical strategy for building up the bank account and taking some of the pressure off so it doesn't build so much. We are both in very difficult seasons. I am praying this can help us. Thank you

Yes joy and anxiety are both contagious but I personally find my husband's moods are a stronger thermostat than mine are. I think this is a biblical authority but there is actually a biological aspect to it. When God said 2 become 1 He really meant it. Our moods are powerful for impact our kids and they trust us with their feelings easily at first. I am learning to validate them first then correct second. God focuses on relationship then rules. That's helped me with my kids so much lately.

I am thankful I was able to finally reset my password. I value this community.