Girlfriend, I would much rather run outside. But it will be a nice option when Adam is working crazy hours or the weather is bad. Talk soon, friend.

I love what you said about not wanting to teach fear to your kids. Such a great reminder that little eyes are always watching how we respond to life. Thanks for sharing!

A few years ago my family and I took a cruise. There was a tall and winding water slide on the ship that my 4 year old wanted desperately to go down, but he was scared. He was looking to me for encouragement. Please understand that I myself am not a great swimmer and even at age 42, I have a fear of water. (granted, the bottom of this slide rested in a small pool of about a foot of water, but it was the HEIGHT of the slide that bothered me at the time).

As much as I did not want to climb up the steep stairs and slide down the slide, I REALLY did not want to teach my young child to be fearful, so very reluctantly, I offered to ride it with him. All the way across the deck and to the stairs and with each step up the stairs, I said to myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” over and over! And I had peace going down the slide. But even better than that was the opportunity I had to share that story with all 3 of my kids to remind them of God’s promises and to encourage them to do the same thing when they are fearful!

Thanks again for this post!
amy