Leason Learned?

So I have been debating the last two days whether I wanted to share this story or not. I finally came to the conclusion that you all have gotten to know me by now and will see the story for what it is worth.
Here it goes, I would not consider myself an angry person, but when it comes to parenting I have been known to raise my voice a time or two. A few nights ago we were at the dinner table the kids were done eating and Ryan and I were just sitting there talking over the day. Morgan was sitting at the table listening intently to our grownup conversation about who knows what. Brandan had decided that he needed something upstairs, so off he went to his room. A few minutes later I hear, "Mommy, I had a big potty accident." I jump out of my chair and start running up the stairs as I am yelling loudly, " YOU KNOW BETTER, GET IN YOUR ROOM." He is by this time crying loudly, "no spanking mommy." (for the record he has NEVER gotten a spanking for having a potty accident). I clean him up and we talk about the problem and we are happy again.
The evening goes on and Ryan says, "I need to tell you something, while we were downstairs when you were changing Brandan after his accident Morgan said that when she becomes a Mommy she will not yell at her kids when they have accidents. As tears come to my eyes, I say, "OH NO."
I felt horrible!!!!!!!!!
Then it dawned on me, I could use this as a great lesson. (I think it is the home school coming out of me, that everything is a lesson, right Leslie?)
I called Morgan in and asked her if she was upset with my reaction to Brandan. She said yes. I explained to her that I shouldn't of yelled at Brandan, but I already apologized to him. I then reminded her of all the times that she has yelled at her brother. I asked her to think about how angry she was and how she yelled. So, next time you get angry you remember how you felt when Mommy yelled at Brandan. The point was well taken and she told me she wouldn't yell any more at him.
That lesson lasted at least an hour before she yelled again.

Breaking Free

Many of you already know that I am doing the study Breaking Free. I have committed with three of my wonderful friends to dive into this intense study by Beth Moore. When we first started the book I was excited to see what areas in my life are holding me captive. Basically the study reveals what areas are keeping you captive from experncing the life the Lord has in store for you. I had no idea what this book was going to show me ,but I was up for the challenge. Let me tell you I am only in week three and it has revealed more to me than any other study I have done over the years. Ryan and I heard a pastor speak one time and he said nine out of ten people do not live a fulfilled life. I believe that. I can say I have spent most of my Christian life not living the fulfilled life that God desires from me. Since moving to Oregon God has slowly revealed to me that He wants so much more of me than I have ever given to Him before. While doing the study this week, I have learned one of my huge captivities is unbelief. This is horrible to admit, but it is very true. I believe in God, but I do not always have the belief that He has my life in control. This goes with my personality. My CONTROLLING personality. God does not want me to only believe in him, but to let go of my control and give Him all of my life. To allow Him to control everything in my life, even if I don't understand. To have the belief that if I believe in what He has in store for me than His purpose for my life will be fulfilled. Until I get rid of this area of captivity I will not be able to serve the Lord and have the fulfillment of the Lord.
This revelation is so freeing. I bet that is the reason Beth Moore named the book Breaking Free.

Easter

Thank you Lord for dying for my sins and raising again. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!! We had a wonderful Easter. God truly blessed us by some friends inviting us to their wonderful home. It was so wonderful to spend the day with a family that understood the importance of the day.

VACATION

How can you describe the best vacation ever? I guess that is the way you do, we just got home from the best vacation ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We enjoyed our family so much. Ryan and I were able to catch up with some old friends. We even snuck away for a night. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees. So today, I am back to reality of MAJOR laundry and house cleaning. I will write more about the perfect week later.