"Why can't she just obey!"

I often find myself, and I mean very often, being impatient while disciplining Annabelle, which then results in disciplining with anger or harshness. Of course, this then leads to Annabelle portraying the same "bratty" attitude I have just shown her. When I could be calm and patiently be firm with her, instead, I throw a temper tantrum, adult style. I have become more and more embarrassed of this attitude, and I know it is not becoming of a child of God or daughter of God. But I find myself, like most of us, experiencing what Paul did.

In Romans 7, Paul says, "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate...For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is presnt in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me."

Yes, Amen brother, but now what!? Do I just go on sinning and teaching my child poor habits? Well, thank God for Romans 8:) Beginning in Romans 8:11, Paul says, "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." I know that the Spirit will guide me and help me in my weakness.

Plus, how long did it take me to learn to sing "Jingle Bells", tie my shoe, learn the alphabet or memorize a Bible Verse? It takes a long time and it takes major repetition. And since when have I mastered obedience? Ha! I need to renew my spirit daily, setting my mind on the things of the Spirit! Be praying for me....So, the next time she disobeys or is impolite, rude or selfish, I need to take a deep breath and remember I am TRAINING her, OH and training myself! However, this is much easier said than done.