tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41209325471791392712024-02-19T14:30:50.463+08:00God Empowers Women to Be It All (womeNUrock)Women juggles many roles in life. God sees us through this, equipping us with the essential qualities, by being a Proverbs 31 women.
NU- The chinese character for women.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-68109971786113850082013-08-13T22:32:00.001+08:002013-08-13T22:32:51.581+08:00The Duties of Parents<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">www.WholesomeWords.org </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">edition 2006</span></span></span></div>
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The Duties of Parents</div>
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by J. C. Ryle</div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6</span></strong></div>
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I suppose that most professing Christians are acquainted</div>
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with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is</div>
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probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely</div>
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you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it,</div>
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many a time. Is it not so?</div>
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But, after all, how little is the substance of this text</div>
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regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known,</div>
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the duty it puts before us seems fearfully seldom practised.</div>
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Reader, do I not speak the truth?</div>
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It cannot be said that the subject is a new one. The world is</div>
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old, and we have the experience of nearly six thousand</div>
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years to help us. We live in days when there is a mighty</div>
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zeal for education in every quarter. We hear of new schools</div>
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rising on all sides. We are told of new systems, and new</div>
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books for the young, of every sort and description. And still</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">for all this, the vast majority of children are manifestly </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">not</span></span></i></div>
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trained in the way they should go, for when they grow up</div>
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to man's estate, they do not walk with God.</div>
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Now how shall we account for this state of things? The plain</div>
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truth is, the Lord's commandment in our text is not</div>
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regarded; and therefore the Lord's promise in our text is</div>
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not fulfilled.</div>
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Reader, these things may well give rise to great searchings</div>
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of heart. Suffer then a word of exhortation from a minister,</div>
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about the right training of children. Believe me, the subject</div>
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is one that should come home to every conscience, and</div>
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make every one ask himself the question, "Am I in this</div>
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matter doing what I can?"</div>
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It is a subject that concerns almost all. There is hardly a</div>
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household that it does not touch. Parents, nurses, teachers,</div>
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godfathers, godmothers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, —</div>
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all have an interest in it. Few can be found, I think, who</div>
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might not influence some parent in the management of his</div>
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family, or affect the training of some child by suggestion or</div>
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advice. All of us, I suspect, can do something here, either</div>
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directly or indirectly, and I wish to stir up all to bear this in</div>
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remembrance.</div>
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It is a subject, too, on which all concerned are in great</div>
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danger of coming short of their duty. This is pre-eminently</div>
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a point in which men can see the faults of their neighbours</div>
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more clearly than their own. They will often bring up their</div>
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children in the very path which they have denounced to</div>
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their friends as unsafe. They will see motes in other men's</div>
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families, and overlook beams in their own. They will be</div>
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quick-sighted as eagles in detecting mistakes abroad, and</div>
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yet blind as bats to fatal errors which are daily going on at</div>
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home. They will be wise about their brother's house, but</div>
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foolish about their own flesh and blood. Here, if anywhere,</div>
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we have need to suspect our own judgment. This, too, you</div>
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will do well to bear in mind. [Note: As a minister, I cannot</div>
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help remarking that there is hardly any subject about which</div>
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people seem so tenacious as they are about their children. I</div>
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have sometimes been perfectly astonished at the slowness</div>
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of sensible Christian parents to allow that their own children</div>
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are in fault, or deserve blame. There are not a few persons</div>
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to whom I would far rather speak about their own sins, than</div>
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tell them their children had done anything wrong.]</div>
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Come now, and let me place before you a few hints about</div>
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right training. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy</div>
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Ghost bless them, and make them words in season to you</div>
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all. Reject them not because they are blunt and simple;</div>
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despise them not because they contain nothing new. Be</div>
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very sure, if you would train children for heaven, they are</div>
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hints that ought not to be lightly set aside.</div>
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1. First, then, if you would train your children rightly,</div>
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train them in the way they should go, and not in the</div>
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way that they would.</div>
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Remember children are born with a decided bias towards</div>
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evil, and therefore if you let them choose for themselves,</div>
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they are certain to choose wrong.</div>
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The mother cannot tell what her tender infant may grow up</div>
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to be, — tall or short, weak or strong, wise or foolish: he</div>
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may be any of these things or not, — it is all uncertain. But</div>
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one thing the mother can say with certainty: he will have a</div>
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corrupt and sinful heart. It is natural to us to do wrong.</div>
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"Foolishness," says Solomon, "is bound in the heart of a</div>
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child" (Prov. 22:15). "A child left to himself bringeth his</div>
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mother to shame" (Prov. 29:15). Our hearts are like the</div>
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earth on which we tread; let it alone, and it is sure to bear</div>
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weeds.</div>
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If, then, you would deal wisely with your child, you must</div>
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not leave him to the guidance of his own will. Think for him,</div>
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judge for him, act for him, just as you would for one weak</div>
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and blind; but for pity's sake, give him not up to his own</div>
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wayward tastes and inclinations. It must not be his likings</div>
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and wishes that are consulted. He knows not yet what is</div>
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good for his mind and soul, any more than what is good for</div>
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his body. You do not let him decide what he shall eat, and</div>
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what he shall drink, and how he shall be clothed. Be</div>
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consistent, and deal with his mind in like manner. Train him</div>
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in the way that is scriptural and right, and not in the way</div>
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that he fancies.</div>
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If you cannot make up your mind to this first principle of</div>
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Christian training, it is useless for you to read any further.</div>
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Self-will is almost the first thing that appears in a child's</div>
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mind; and it must be your first step to resist it.</div>
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2. Train up your child with all tenderness, affection,</div>
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and patience.</div>
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I do not mean that you are to spoil him, but I do mean that</div>
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you should let him see that you love him.</div>
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Love should be the silver thread that runs through all your</div>
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conduct. Kindness, gentleness, long-suffering, forbearance,</div>
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patience, sympathy, a willingness to enter into childish</div>
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troubles, a readiness to take part in childish joys, — these</div>
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are the cords by which a child may be led most easily, —</div>
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these are the clues you must follow if you would find the</div>
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way to his heart.</div>
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Few are to be found, even among grown-up people, who</div>
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are not more easy to draw than to drive. There is that in all</div>
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our minds which rises in arms against compulsion; we set</div>
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up our backs and stiffen our necks at the very idea of a</div>
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forced obedience. We are like young horses in the hand of a</div>
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breaker: handle them kindly, and make much of them, and</div>
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by and by you may guide them with thread; use them</div>
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roughly and violently, and it will be many a month before</div>
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you get the mastery of them at all.</div>
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Now children's minds are cast in much the same mould as</div>
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our own. Sternness and severity of manner chill them and</div>
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throw them back. It shuts up their hearts, and you will</div>
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weary yourself to find the door. But let them only see that</div>
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you have an affectionate feeling towards them, — that you</div>
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are really desirous to make them happy, and do them good,</div>
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— that if you punish them, it is intended for their profit, and</div>
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that, like the pelican, you would give your heart's blood to</div>
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nourish their souls; let them see this, I say, and they will</div>
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soon be all your own. But they must be wooed with</div>
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kindness, if their attention is ever to be won.</div>
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And surely reason itself might teach us this lesson. Children</div>
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are weak and tender creatures, and, as such, they need</div>
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patient and considerate treatment. We must handle them</div>
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delicately, like frail machines, lest by rough fingering we do</div>
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more harm than good. They are like young plants, and need</div>
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gentle watering, — often, but little at a time.</div>
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We must not expect all things at once. We must remember</div>
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what children are, and teach them as they are able to bear.</div>
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Their minds are like a lump of metal — not to be forged and</div>
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made useful at once, but only by a succession of little</div>
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blows. Their understandings are like narrow-necked</div>
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vessels: we must pour in the wine of knowledge gradually,</div>
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or much of it will be spilled and lost. "Line upon line, and</div>
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precept upon precept, here a little and there a little," must</div>
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be our rule. The whetstone does its work slowly, but</div>
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frequent rubbing will bring the scythe to a fine edge. Truly</div>
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there is need of patience in training a child, but without it</div>
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nothing can be done.</div>
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Nothing will compensate for the absence of this tenderness</div>
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and love. A minister may speak the truth as it is in Jesus,</div>
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clearly, forcibly, unanswerably; but if he does not speak it</div>
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in love, few souls will be won. Just so you must set before</div>
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your children their duty, — command, threaten, punish,</div>
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reason, — but if affection be wanting in your treatment,</div>
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your labour will be all in vain.</div>
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Love is one grand secret of successful training. Anger and</div>
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harshness may frighten, but they will not persuade the child</div>
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that you are right; and if he sees you often out of temper,</div>
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you will soon cease to have his respect. A father who</div>
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speaks to his son as Saul did to Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:30),</div>
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need not expect to retain his influence over that son's mind.</div>
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Try hard to keep up a hold on your child's affections. It is a</div>
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dangerous thing to make your children afraid of you.</div>
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Anything is almost better than reserve and constraint</div>
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between your child and yourself; and this will come in with</div>
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fear. Fear puts an end to openness of manner; — fear leads</div>
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to concealment; — fear sows the seed of much hypocrisy,</div>
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and leads to many a lie. There is a mine of truth in the</div>
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Apostle's words to the Colossians: "Fathers, provoke not</div>
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your children to anger, lest they be discouraged" (Col.</div>
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3:21). Let not the advice it contains be overlooked.</div>
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3. Train your children with an abiding persuasion on</div>
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your mind that much depends upon you.</div>
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Grace is the strongest of all principles. See what a</div>
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revolution grace effects when it comes into the heart of an</div>
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old sinner, — how it overturns the strongholds of Satan, —</div>
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how it casts down mountains, fills up valleys, — makes</div>
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crooked things straight, — and new creates the whole man.</div>
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Truly nothing is impossible to grace.</div>
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Nature, too, is very strong. See how it struggles against the</div>
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things of the kingdom of God, — how it fights against every</div>
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attempt to be more holy, — how it keeps up an unceasing</div>
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warfare within us to the last hour of life. Nature indeed is</div>
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strong.</div>
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But after nature and grace, undoubtedly, there is nothing</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">more powerful than </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">education</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">. Early habits (if I may so</span></span></div>
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speak) are everything with us, under God. We are made</div>
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what we are by training. Our character takes the form of</div>
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that mould into which our first years are cast. [Note: "He</div>
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has seen but little of life who does not discern everywhere</div>
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the effect of education on men's opinions and habits of</div>
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thinking. The children bring out of the nursery that which</div>
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displays itself throughout their lives." — Cecil.]</div>
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We depend, in a vast measure, on those who bring us up.</div>
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We get from them a colour, a taste, a bias which cling to us</div>
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more or less all our lives. We catch the language of our</div>
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nurses and mothers, and learn to speak it almost insensibly,</div>
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and unquestionably we catch something of their manners,</div>
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ways, and mind at the same time. Time only will show, I</div>
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suspect, how much we all owe to early impressions, and</div>
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how many things in us may be traced up to seeds sown in</div>
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the days of our very infancy, by those who were about us.</div>
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A very learned Englishman, Mr. Locke, has gone so far as to</div>
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say: "That of all the men we meet with, nine parts out of</div>
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ten are what they are, good or bad, useful or not, according</div>
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to their education."</div>
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And all this is one of God's merciful arrangements. He gives</div>
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your children a mind that will receive impressions like moist</div>
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clay. He gives them a disposition at the starting-point of life</div>
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to believe what you tell them, and to take for granted what</div>
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you advise them, and to trust your word rather than a</div>
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stranger's. He gives you, in short, a golden opportunity of</div>
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doing them good. See that the opportunity be not</div>
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neglected, and thrown away. Once let slip, it is gone for</div>
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ever.</div>
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Beware of that miserable delusion into which some have</div>
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fallen, — that parents can do nothing for their children, that</div>
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you must leave them alone, wait for grace, and sit still.</div>
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These persons have wishes for their children in Balaam's</div>
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fashion, — they would like them to die the death of the</div>
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righteous man, but they do nothing to make them live his</div>
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life. They desire much, and have nothing. And the devil</div>
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rejoices to see such reasoning, just as he always does over</div>
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anything which seems to excuse indolence, or to encourage</div>
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neglect of means.</div>
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I know that you cannot convert your child. I know well that</div>
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they who are born again are born, not of the will of man,</div>
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but of God. But I know also that God says expressly, "Train</div>
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up a child in the way he should go," and that He never laid</div>
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a command on man which He would not give man grace to</div>
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perform. And I know, too, that our duty is not to stand still</div>
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and dispute, but to go forward and obey. It is just in the</div>
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going forward that God will meet us. The path of obedience</div>
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is the way in which He gives the blessing. We have only to</div>
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do as the servants were commanded at the marriage feast</div>
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in Cana, to fill the water-pots with water, and we may</div>
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safely leave it to the Lord to turn that water into wine.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
4. Train with this thought continually before your</div>
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eyes — that the soul of your child is the first thing to</div>
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be considered.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Precious, no doubt, are these little ones in your eyes; but if</div>
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you love them, think often of their souls. No interest should</div>
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weigh with you so much as their eternal interests. No part</div>
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of them should be so dear to you as that part which will</div>
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never die. The world, with all its glory, shall pass away; the</div>
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hills shall melt; the heavens shall be wrapped together as a</div>
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scroll; the sun shall cease to shine. But the spirit which</div>
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dwells in those little creatures, whom you love so well, shall</div>
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outlive them all, and whether in happiness or misery (to</div>
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speak as a man) will depend on you.</div>
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This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind</div>
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in all you do for your children. In every step you take about</div>
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them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">How</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><i>will this affect their souls?</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
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Soul love is the soul of all love. To pet and pamper and</div>
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indulge your child, as if this world was all he had to look to,</div>
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and this life the only season for happiness — to do this is</div>
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not true love, but cruelty. It is treating him like some beast</div>
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of the earth, which has but one world to look to, and</div>
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nothing after death. It is hiding from him that grand truth,</div>
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which he ought to be made to learn from his very infancy,</div>
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— that the chief end of his life is the salvation of his soul.</div>
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A true Christian must be no slave to fashion, if he would</div>
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train his child for heaven. He must not be content to do</div>
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things merely because they are the custom of the world; to</div>
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teach them and instruct them in certain ways, merely</div>
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because it is usual; to allow them to read books of a</div>
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questionable sort, merely because everybody else reads</div>
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them; to let them form habits of a doubtful tendency,</div>
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merely because they are the habits of the day. He must</div>
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train with an eye to his children's souls. He must not be</div>
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ashamed to hear his training called singular and strange.</div>
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What if it is? The time is short, — the fashion of this world</div>
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passeth away. He that has trained his children for heaven,</div>
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rather than for earth, — for God, rather than for man, — he</div>
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is the parent that will be called wise at last.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
5. Train your child to a knowledge of the Bible.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
You cannot make your children love the Bible, I allow. None</div>
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but the Holy Ghost can give us a heart to delight in the</div>
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Word. But you can make your children acquainted with the</div>
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Bible; and be sure they cannot be acquainted with that</div>
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blessed book too soon, or too well.</div>
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A thorough knowledge of the Bible is the foundation of all</div>
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clear views of religion. He that is well-grounded in it will not</div>
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generally be found a waverer, and carried about by every</div>
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wind of new doctrine. Any system of training which does not</div>
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make a knowledge of Scripture the first thing is unsafe and</div>
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unsound.</div>
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You have need to be careful on this point just now, for the</div>
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devil is abroad, and error abounds. Some are to be found</div>
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amongst us who give the Church the honour due to Jesus</div>
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Christ. Some are to be found who make the sacraments</div>
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saviours and passports to eternal life. And some are to be</div>
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found in like manner who honour a catechism more than</div>
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the Bible, or fill the minds of their children with miserable</div>
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little story-books, instead of the Scripture of truth. But if</div>
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you love your children, let the simple Bible be everything in</div>
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the training of their souls; and let all other books go down</div>
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and take the second place.</div>
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Care not so much for their being mighty in the catechism,</div>
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as for their being mighty in the Scriptures. This is the</div>
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training, believe me, that God will honour. The Psalmist</div>
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says of Him, "Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy</div>
<br />
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name" (Ps. 138:2); and I think that He gives an especial</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
blessing to all who try to magnify it among men.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See that your children read the Bible </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">reverently</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">. Train them</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
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to look on it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth,</div>
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the Word of God, written by the Holy Ghost Himself, — all</div>
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true, all profitable, and able to make us wise unto salvation,</div>
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through faith which is in Christ Jesus.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See that they read it </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">regularly</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">. Train them to regard it as</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
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their soul's daily food, — as a thing essential to their soul's</div>
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daily health. I know well you can not make this anything</div>
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more than a form; but there is no telling the amount of sin</div>
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which a mere form may indirectly restrain.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See that they read it </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">all</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">. You need not shrink from bringing</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
any doctrine before them. You need not fancy that the</div>
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leading doctrines of Christianity are things which children</div>
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cannot understand. Children understand far more of the</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Bible than we are apt to suppose.</div>
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Tell them of sin, its guilt, its consequences, its power, its</div>
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vileness: you will find they can comprehend something of</div>
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this.</div>
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Tell them of the Lord Jesus Christ, and His work for our</div>
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salvation, — the atonement, the cross, the blood, the</div>
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sacrifice, the intercession: you will discover there is</div>
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something not beyond them in all this.</div>
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Tell them of the work of the Holy Spirit in man's heart, how</div>
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He changes, and renews, and sanctifies, and purifies: you</div>
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will soon see they can go along with you in some measure</div>
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in this. In short, I suspect we have no idea how much a</div>
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little child can take in of the length and breadth of the</div>
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glorious gospel. They see far more of these things than we</div>
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suppose. [Note: As to the age when the religious instruction</div>
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of a child should begin, no general rule can be laid down.</div>
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The mind seems to open in some children much more</div>
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quickly than in others. We seldom begin too early. There</div>
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are wonderful examples on record of what a child can attain</div>
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to, even at three years old.]</div>
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Fill their minds with Scripture. Let the Word dwell in them</div>
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richly. Give them the Bible, the whole Bible, even while they</div>
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are young.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
6. Train them to a habit of prayer.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Prayer is the very life-breath of true religion. It is one of</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
the first evidences that a man is born again. "Behold," said</div>
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the Lord of Saul, in the day he sent Ananias to him,</div>
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"Behold, he prayeth" (Acts 9:11). He had begun to pray,</div>
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and that was proof enough.</div>
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Prayer was the distinguishing mark of the Lord's people in</div>
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the day that there began to be a separation between them</div>
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and the world. "Then began men to call upon the name of</div>
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the LORD" (Gen. 4:26).</div>
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Prayer is the peculiarity of all real Christians now. They</div>
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pray, — for they tell God their wants, their feelings, their</div>
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desires, their fears; and mean what they say. The nominal</div>
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Christian may repeat prayers, and good prayers too, but he</div>
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goes no further.</div>
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Prayer is the turning-point in a man's soul. Our ministry is</div>
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unprofitable, and our labour is vain, till you are brought to</div>
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your knees. Till then, we have no hope about you.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Prayer is one great secret of spiritual prosperity. When</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
there is much private communion with God, your soul will</div>
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grow like the grass after rain; when there is little, all will be</div>
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at a standstill, you will barely keep your soul alive. Show</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
me a growing Christian, a going forward Christian, a strong</div>
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Christian, a flourishing Christian, and sure am I, he is one</div>
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that speaks often with his Lord. He asks much, and he has</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
much. He tells Jesus everything, and so he always knows</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
how to act.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Prayer is the </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">mightiest </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">engine God has placed in our hands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
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It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the</div>
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surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks</div>
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the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth</div>
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grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet God</div>
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commands us to sound in all our necessity, and it is the cry</div>
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He has promised always to attend to, even as a loving</div>
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mother to the voice of her child.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Prayer is the </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">simplest </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">means that man can use in coming to</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
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God. It is within reach of all, — the sick, the aged, the</div>
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infirm, the paralytic, the blind, the poor, the unlearned, —</div>
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all can pray. It avails you nothing to plead want of memory,</div>
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and want of learning, and want of books, and want of</div>
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scholarship in this matter. So long as you have a tongue to</div>
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tell your soul's state, you may and ought to pray. Those</div>
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words, "Ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2), will</div>
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be a fearful condemnation to many in the day of judgment.</div>
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Parents, if you love your children, do all that lies in your</div>
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power to train them up to a habit of prayer. Show them</div>
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how to begin. Tell them what to say. Encourage them to</div>
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persevere. Remind them if they become careless and slack</div>
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about it. Let it not be your fault, at any rate, if they never</div>
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call on the name of the Lord.</div>
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This, remember, is the first step in religion which a child is</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
able to take. Long before he can read, you can teach him to</div>
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kneel by his mother's side, and repeat the simple words of</div>
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prayer and praise which she puts in his mouth. And as the</div>
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first steps in any undertaking are always the most</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">important, so is the </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">manner </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">in which your children's prayers</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
are prayed, a point which deserves your closest attention.</div>
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Few seem to know how much depends on this. You must</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
beware lest they get into a way of saying them in a hasty,</div>
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careless, and irreverent manner. You must beware of giving</div>
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up the oversight of this matter to servants and nurses, or of</div>
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trusting too much to your children doing it when left to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
themselves. I cannot praise that mother who never looks</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
after this most important part of her child's daily life herself.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Surely if there be any habit which your own hand and eye</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
should help in forming, it is the habit of prayer. Believe me,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
if you never hear your children pray yourself, you are much</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to blame. You are little wiser than the bird described in Job,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in</div>
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the dust, and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or</div>
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that the wild beast may break them. She is hardened</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her</div>
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labour is in vain without fear" (Job 39:14-16).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Prayer is, of all habits, the one which we recollect the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
longest. Many a grey-headed man could tell you how his</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
mother used to make him pray in the days of his childhood.</div>
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Other things have passed away from his mind perhaps. The</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
church where he was taken to worship, the minister whom</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
he heard preach, the companions who used to play with</div>
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him, — all these, it may be, have passed from his memory,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
and left no mark behind. But you will often find it is far</div>
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different with his first prayers. He will often be able to tell</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
you where he knelt, and what he was taught to say, and</div>
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even how his mother looked all the while. It will come up as</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
fresh before his mind's eye as if it was but yesterday.</div>
<br />
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Reader, if you love your children, I charge you, do not let</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
the seed-time of a prayerful habit pass away unimproved. If</div>
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you train your children to anything, train them, at least, to</div>
<br />
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a habit of prayer.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
7. Train them to habits of diligence, and regularity</div>
<br />
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about public means of grace.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Tell them of the duty and privilege of going to the house of</div>
<br />
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God, and joining in the prayers of the congregation. Tell</div>
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them that wherever the Lord's people are gathered</div>
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together, there the Lord Jesus is present in an especial</div>
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manner, and that those who absent themselves must</div>
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expect, like the Apostle Thomas, to miss a blessing. Tell</div>
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them of the importance of hearing the Word preached, and</div>
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that it is God's ordinance for converting, sanctifying, and</div>
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building up the souls of men. Tell them how the Apostle</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Paul enjoins us not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves</div>
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together, as the manner of some is" (Heb. 10:25); but to</div>
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exhort one another, to stir one another up to it, and so</div>
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much the more as we see the day approaching.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
I call it a sad sight in a church when nobody comes up to</div>
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the Lord's table but the elderly people, and the young men</div>
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and the young women all turn away. But I call it a sadder</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
sight still when no children are to be seen in a church,</div>
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excepting those who come to the Sunday School, and are</div>
<br />
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obliged to attend. Let none of this guilt lie at your doors.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
There are many boys and girls in every parish, besides</div>
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those who come to school, and you who are their parents</div>
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and friends should see to it that they come with you to</div>
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church.</div>
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Do not allow them to grow up with a habit of making vain</div>
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excuses for not coming. Give them plainly to understand,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
that so long as they are under your roof it is the rule of</div>
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your house for every one in health to honour the Lord's</div>
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house upon the Lord's day, and that you reckon the</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Sabbath-breaker to be a murderer of his own soul.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
See to it too, if it can be so arranged, that your children go</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
with you to church, and sit near you when they are there.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
To go to church is one thing, but to behave well at church is</div>
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quite another. And believe me, there is no security for good</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
behaviour like that of having them under your own eye.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
The minds of young people are easily drawn aside, and their</div>
<br />
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attention lost, and every possible means should be used to</div>
<br />
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counteract this. I do not like to see them coming to church</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
by themselves, — they often get into bad company by the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
way, and so learn more evil on the Lord's day than in all the</div>
<br />
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rest of the week. Neither do I like to see what I call "a</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
young people's corner" in a church. They often catch habits</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of inattention and irreverence there, which it takes years to</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
unlearn, if ever they are unlearned at all. What I like to see</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
is a whole family sitting together, old and young, side by</div>
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side, — men, women, and children, serving God according</div>
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to their households.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
But there are some who say that it is useless to urge</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children to attend ... because they cannot understand...</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
I would not have you listen to such reasoning. I find no</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
such doctrine in the Old Testament. When Moses goes</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
before Pharaoh (Ex. 10:9), I observe he says, "We will go</div>
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with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our</div>
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daughters ... for we must hold a feast unto the LORD."</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
When Joshua read the law (Josh. 8:35), I observe, "There</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
was not a word ... which Joshua read not before all the</div>
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congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones,</div>
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and the strangers that were conversant among them."</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
"Thrice in the year," says Exodus 34:23, "shall all your men</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
children appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel."</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
And when I turn to the New Testament, I find children</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
mentioned there as partaking in public acts of religion as</div>
<br />
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well as in the Old. When Paul was leaving the disciples at</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Tyre for the last time, I find it said (Acts 21:5), "They all</div>
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brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were</div>
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out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and</div>
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prayed."</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Samuel, in the days of his childhood, appears to have</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
ministered unto the Lord some time before he really knew</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Him. "Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
word of the LORD yet revealed unto him" (1 Sam. 3:7). The</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Apostles themselves do not seem to have understood all</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
that our Lord said at the time that it was spoken: "These</div>
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things understood not His disciples at the first: but when</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
things were written of Him" (John 12:16).</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Parents, comfort your minds with these examples. Be not</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
cast down because your children see not the full value of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the means of grace now. Only train them up to a habit of</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
regular attendance. Set it before their minds as a high,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
holy, and solemn duty, and believe me, the day will very</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
likely come when they will bless you for your deed.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
8. Train them to a habit of faith.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
I mean by this, you should train them up to believe what</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
you say. You should try to make them feel confidence in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
your judgment, and respect your opinions, as better than</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
their own. You should accustom them to think that, when</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
you say a thing is bad for them, it must be bad, and when</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
you say it is good for them, it must be good; that your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
knowledge, in short, is better than their own, and that they</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
may rely implicitly on your word. Teach them to feel that</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
what they know not now, they will probably know hereafter,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
and to be satisfied there is a reason and a needs-be for</div>
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everything you require them to do.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Who indeed can describe the blessedness of a real spirit of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
faith? Or rather, who can tell the misery that unbelief has</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
brought upon the world? Unbelief made Eve eat the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
forbidden fruit, — she doubted the truth of God's word: "Ye</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
shall surely die." Unbelief made the old world reject Noah's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
warning, and so perish in sin. Unbelief kept Israel in the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
wilderness, — it was the bar that kept them from entering</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the promised land. Unbelief made the Jews crucify the Lord</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of glory, — they believed not the voice of Moses and the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
prophets, though read to them every day. And unbelief is</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the reigning sin of man's heart down to this very hour, —</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
unbelief in God's promises, — unbelief in God's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
threatenings, — unbelief in our own sinfulness, — unbelief in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
our own danger, — unbelief in everything that runs counter</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to the pride and worldliness of our evil hearts. Reader, you</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
train your children to little purpose if you do not train them</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to a habit of implicit faith, — faith in their parents' word,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
confidence that what their parents say must be right.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I have heard it said by some, that you should require</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
nothing of children which they cannot understand: that you</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
should explain and give a reason for everything you desire</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
them to do. I warn you solemnly against such a notion. I</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
tell you plainly, I think it an unsound and rotten principle.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
No doubt it is absurd to make a mystery of everything you</div>
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do, and there are many things which it is well to explain to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children, in order that they may see that they are</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
reasonable and wise. But to bring them up with the idea</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
that they must take nothing on trust, that they, with their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
weak and imperfect understandings, must have the "why"</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and the "wherefore" made clear to them at every step they</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
take, — this is indeed a fearful mistake, and likely to have</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the worst effect on their minds.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Reason with your child if you are so disposed, at certain</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
times, but never forget to keep him in mind (if you really</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
love him) that he is but a child after all, — that he thinks as</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
a child, he understands as a child, and therefore must not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
expect to know the reason of everything at once.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Set before him the example of Isaac, in the day when</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Abraham took him to offer him on Mount Moriah (Gen. 22).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
He asked his father that single question, "Where is the lamb</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
for a burnt-offering?" and he got no answer but this, "God</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
will provide Himself a lamb." How, or where, or whence, or</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
in what manner, or by what means, — all this Isaac was not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
told; but the answer was enough. He believed that it would</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
be well, because his father said so, and he was content. Tell</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
your children, too, that we must all be learners in our</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
beginnings, that there is an alphabet to be mastered in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
every kind of knowledge, — that the best horse in the world</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
had need once to be broken, — that a day will come when</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
they will see the wisdom of all your training. But in the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
meantime if you say a thing is right, it must be enough for</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them, — they must believe you, and be content.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Parents, if any point in training is important, it is this. I</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
charge you by the affection you have to your children, use</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
every means to train them up to a habit of faith.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
9. Train them to a habit of obedience.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
This is an object which it is worth any labour to attain. No</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
habit, I suspect, has such an influence over our lives as</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
this. Parents, determine to make your children obey you,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
though it may cost you much trouble, and cost them many</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
tears. Let there be no questioning, and reasoning, and</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
disputing, and delaying, and answering again. When you</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
give them a command, let them see plainly that you will</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
have it done.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Obedience is the only reality. It is faith visible, faith acting,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and faith incarnate. It is the test of real discipleship among</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the Lord's people. "Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
command you" (John 15:14). It ought to be the mark of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
well-trained children, that they do whatsoever their parents</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
command them. Where, indeed, is the honour which the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
fifth commandment enjoins, if fathers and mothers are not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
obeyed cheerfully, willingly, and at once?</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Early obedience has all Scripture on its side. It is in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Abraham's praise, not merely he will train his family, but</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"he will command his children and his household after him"</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
(Genesis 18:19). It is said of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself,</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">that when He was young He was </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">subject </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">to Mary and</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Joseph (Luke 2:51). Observe how implicitly Joseph obeyed</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the order of his father Jacob (Gen. 37:13). See how Isaiah</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
speaks of it as an evil thing, when "the child shall behave</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
himself proudly against the ancient" (Isaiah 3:5). Mark how</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the Apostle Paul names disobedience to parents as one of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the bad signs of the latter days (2 Tim. 3:2). Mark how he</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
singles out this grace of requiring obedience as one that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
should adorn a Christian minister: a bishop must be "one</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
that ruleth well his own house, having his children in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
subjection with all gravity." And again, Let the deacons rule</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"their children and their own houses well" (1 Tim. 3:4,12).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And again, an elder must be one "having faithful children</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not accused of riot or unruly" (Titus 1:6).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Parents, do you wish to see your children happy? Take</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
care, then, that you train them to obey when they are</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
spoken to, — to do as they are bid. Believe me, we are not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
made for entire independence, — we are not fit for it. Even</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Christ's freemen have a yoke to wear, they "serve the Lord</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Christ" (Col. 3:24). Children cannot learn too soon that this</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
is a world in which we are not all intended to rule, and that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
we are never in our right place until we know how to obey</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
our betters. Teach them to obey while young, or else they</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
will be fretting against God all their lives long, and wear</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
themselves out with the vain idea of being independent of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
His control.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Reader, this hint is only too much needed. You will see</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
many in this day who allow their children to choose and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
think for themselves long before they are able, and even</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
make excuses for their disobedience, as if it were a thing</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not to be blamed. To my eyes, a parent always yielding,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and a child always having its own way, are a most painful</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sight; — painful, because I see God's appointed order of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
things inverted and turned upside down; — painful, because</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I feel sure the consequence to that child's character in the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
end will be self-will, pride, and self-conceit. You must not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
wonder that men refuse to obey their Father which is in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
heaven, if you allow them, when children, to disobey their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
father who is upon earth.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Parents, if you love your children, let obedience be a motto</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and a watchword continually before their eyes.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
10. Train them to a habit of always speaking the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
truth.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Truth-speaking is far less common in the world than at first</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sight we are disposed to think. The whole truth, and nothing</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
but the truth, is a golden rule which many would do well to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
bear in mind. Lying and prevarication are old sins. The devil</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
was the father of them, — he deceived Eve by a bold lie,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and ever since the fall it is a sin against which all the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children of Eve have need to be on their guard.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Only think how much falsehood and deceit there is in the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
world! How much exaggeration! How many additions are</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
made to a simple story! How many things left out, if it does</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not serve the speaker's interest to tell them! How few there</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
are about us of whom we can say, we put unhesitating trust</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
in their word! Verily the ancient Persians were wise in their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
generation: it was a leading point with them in educating</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
their children, that they should learn to speak the truth.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
What an awful proof it is of man's natural sinfulness, that it</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
should be needful to name such a point at all!</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Reader, I would have you remark how often God is spoken</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of in the Old Testament as the God of truth. Truth seems to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
be especially set before us as a leading feature in the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
character of Him with whom we have to do. He never</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
swerves from the straight line. He abhors lying and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
hypocrisy. Try to keep this continually before your children's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
minds. Press upon them at all times, that less than the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
truth is a lie; that evasion, excuse-making, and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
exaggeration are all halfway houses towards what is false,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and ought to be avoided. Encourage them in any</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
circumstances to be straightforward, and, whatever it may</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
cost them, to speak the truth.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I press this subject on your attention, not merely for the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sake of your children's character in the world, — though I</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
might dwell much on this, — I urge it rather for your own</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
comfort and assistance in all your dealings with them. You</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
will find it a mighty help indeed, to be able always to trust</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
their word. It will go far to prevent that habit of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
concealment, which so unhappily prevails sometimes among</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children. Openness and straightforwardness depend much</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
upon a parent's treatment of this matter in the days of our</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
infancy.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
11. Train them to a habit of always redeeming the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
time.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Idleness is the devil's best friend. It is the surest way to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
give him an opportunity of doing us harm. An idle mind is</div>
<br />
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like an open door, and if Satan does not enter in himself by</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
it, it is certain he will throw in something to raise bad</div>
<br />
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thoughts in our souls.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
No created being was ever meant to be idle. Service and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
work is the appointed portion of every creature of God. The</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
angels in heaven work, — they are the Lord's ministering</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
servants, ever doing His will. Adam, in Paradise, had work,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
— he was appointed to dress the garden of Eden, and to</div>
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keep it. The redeemed saints in glory will have work, "They</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
rest not day and night singing praise and glory to Him who</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
bought them." And man, weak, sinful man, must have</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
something to do, or else his soul will soon get into an</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
unhealthy state. We must have our hands filled, and our</div>
<br />
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minds occupied with something, or else our imaginations</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
will soon ferment and breed mischief.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And what is true of us, is true of our children too. Alas,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
indeed, for the man that has nothing to do! The Jews</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
thought idleness a positive sin: it was a law of theirs that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
every man should bring up his son to some useful trade, —</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and they were right. They knew the heart of man better</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
than some of us appear to do.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Idleness made Sodom what she was. "This was the iniquity</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of idleness was in her" (Ezekiel 16:49). Idleness had much</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to do with David's awful sin with the wife of Uriah. — I see</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
in 2 Samuel 11:1 that Joab went out to war against</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Ammon, "but David tarried still at Jerusalem." Was not that</div>
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idle? And then it was that he saw Bathsheba, — and the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
next step we read of is his tremendous and miserable fall.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Verily, I believe that idleness has led to more sin than</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
almost any other habit that could be named. I suspect it is</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the mother of many a work of the flesh, — the mother of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
adultery, fornication, drunkenness, and many other deeds</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of darkness that I have not time to name. Let your own</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
conscience say whether I do not speak the truth. You were</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
idle, and at once the devil knocked at the door and came in.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And indeed I do not wonder; — everything in the world</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
around us seems to teach the same lesson. It is the still</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
water which becomes stagnant and impure: the running,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
moving streams are always clear. If you have steam</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
machinery, you must work it, or it soon gets out of order. If</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
you have a horse, you must exercise him; he is never so</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
well as when he has regular work. If you would have good</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
bodily health yourself, you must take exercise. If you</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
always sit still, your body is sure at length to complain. And</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
just so is it with the soul. The active moving mind is a hard</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
mark for the devil to shoot at. Try to be always full of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
useful employment, and thus your enemy will find it difficult</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to get room to sow tares.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Reader, I ask you to set these things before the minds of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
your children. Teach them the value of time, and try to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
make them learn the habit of using it well. It pains me to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
see children idling over what they have in hand, whatever it</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
may be. I love to see them active and industrious, and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
giving their whole heart to all they do; giving their whole</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
heart to lessons, when they have to learn; — giving their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
whole heart even to their amusements, when they go to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
play.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
But if you love them well, let idleness be counted a sin in</div>
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your family.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
12. Train them with a constant fear of overindulgence.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
This is the one point of all on which you have most need to</div>
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be on your guard. It is natural to be tender and affectionate</div>
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towards your own flesh and blood, and it is the excess of</div>
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this very tenderness and affection which you have to fear.</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Take heed that it does not make you blind to your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children's faults, and deaf to all advice about them. Take</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
heed lest it make you overlook bad conduct, rather than</div>
<br />
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have the pain of inflicting punishment and correction.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I know well that punishment and correction are</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
disagreeable things. Nothing is more unpleasant than giving</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
pain to those we love, and calling forth their tears. But so</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
long as hearts are what hearts are, it is vain to suppose, as</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
a general rule, that children can ever be brought up without</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
correction.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Spoiling is a very expressive word, and sadly full of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
meaning. Now it is the shortest way to spoil children to let</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them have their own way, — to allow them to do wrong and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not to punish them for it. Believe me, you must not do it,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
whatever pain it may cost you unless you wish to ruin your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children's souls.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
You cannot say that Scripture does not speak expressly on</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
this subject: "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Prov. 13:24).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
spare for his crying" (Prov. 19:18). "Foolishness is bound in</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
from him" (Prov. 22:15). "Withhold not correction from the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
from hell" (Prov. 23:13,14). "The rod and reproof give</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
shame." "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
he shall give delight unto thy soul" (Prov. 29:15,17).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
How strong and forcible are these texts! How melancholy is</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the fact, that in many Christian families they seem almost</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
unknown! Their children need reproof, but it is hardly ever</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
given; they need correction, but it is hardly ever employed.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And yet this book of Proverbs is not obsolete and unfit for</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Christians. It is given by inspiration of God, and profitable.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
It is given for our learning, even as the Epistles to the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Romans and Ephesians. Surely the believer who brings up</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
his children without attention to its counsel is making</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
himself wise above that which is written, and greatly errs.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Fathers and mothers, I tell you plainly, if you never punish</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
your children when they are in fault, you are doing them a</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
grievous wrong. I warn you, this is the rock on which the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
saints of God, in every age, have only too frequently made</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
shipwreck. I would fain persuade you to be wise in time,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and keep clear of it. See it in Eli's case. His sons Hophni</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and Phinehas "made themselves vile, and he restrained</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them not." He gave them no more than a tame and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
lukewarm reproof, when he ought to have rebuked them</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sharply. In one word, he honoured his sons above God. And</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
what was the end of these things? He lived to hear of the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
death of both his sons in battle, and his own grey hairs</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
were brought down with sorrow to the grave (1 Sam. 2:22-</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
29, 3:13).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
See, too, the case of David. Who can read without pain the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
history of his children, and their sins? Amnon's incest, —</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Absalom's murder and proud rebellion, — Adonijah's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
scheming ambition: truly these were grievous wounds for</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the man after God's own heart to receive from his own</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
house. But was there no fault on his side? I fear there can</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
be no doubt there was. I find a clue to it all in the account</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of Adonijah in 1 Kings 1:6: "His father had not displeased</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?" There</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
was the foundation of all the mischief. David was an overindulgent</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
father, — a father who let his children have their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
own way, — and he reaped according as he had sown.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
over-indulgence. I call on you to remember, it is your first</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
duty to consult their real interests, and not their fancies and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
likings; — to train them, not to humour them — to profit,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not merely to please.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
You must not give way to every wish and caprice of your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
child's mind, however much you may love him. You must</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
not let him suppose his will is to be everything, and that he</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
has only to desire a thing and it will be done. Do not, I pray</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
you, make your children idols, lest God should take them</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
away, and break your idol, just to convince you of your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
folly.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Learn to say "No" to your children. Show them that you are</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
able to refuse whatever you think is not fit for them. Show</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them that you are ready to punish disobedience, and that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
when you speak of punishment, you are not only ready to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
threaten, but also to perform. Do not threaten too much.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
[Note: Some parents and nurses have a way of saying,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"Naughty child," to a boy or girl on every slight occasion,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and often without good cause. It is a very foolish habit.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Words of blame should never be used without real reason.]</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Threatened folks, and threatened faults, live long. Punish</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
seldom, but really and in good earnest, — frequent and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
slight punishment is a wretched system indeed. [Note: As</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to the best way of punishing a child, no general rule can be</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
laid down. The characters of children are so exceedingly</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
different, that what would be a severe punishment to one</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
child, would be no punishment at all to another. I only beg</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to enter my decided protest against the modern notion that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
no child ought ever to be whipped. Doubtless some parents</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
use bodily correction far too much, and far too violently;</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
but many others, I fear, use it far too little.]</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Beware of letting small faults pass unnoticed under the idea</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"it is a little one." There are no little things in training</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children; all are important. Little weeds need plucking up as</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
much as any. Leave them alone, and they will soon be</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
great.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Reader, if there be any point which deserves your attention,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
believe me, it is this one. It is one that will give you trouble,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I know. But if you do not take trouble with your children</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
when they are young, they will give you trouble when they</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
are old. Choose which you prefer.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
13. Train them remembering continually how God</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
trains His children.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
The Bible tells us that God has an elect people, — a family</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
in this world. All poor sinners who have been convinced of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sin, and fled to Jesus for peace, make up that family. All of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
us who really believe on Christ for salvation are its</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
members.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Now God the Father is ever training the members of this</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
family for their everlasting abode with Him in heaven. He</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
acts as a husbandman pruning his vines, that they may</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
bear more fruit. He knows the character of each of us, —</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
our besetting sins, — our weaknesses, — our peculiar</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
infirmities, — our special wants. He knows our works and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
where we dwell, who are our companions in life, and what</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
are our trials, what our temptations, and what are our</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
privileges. He knows all these things, and is ever ordering</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
all for our good. He allots to each of us, in His providence,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the very things we need, in order to bear the most fruit, —</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
as much of sunshine as we can stand, and as much of rain,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
— as much of bitter things as we can bear, and as much of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
sweet. Reader, if you would train your children wisely, mark</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
well how God the Father trains His. He doeth all things well;</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
the plan which He adopts must be right.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See, then, how many things there are which God </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">withholds</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<div align="LEFT">
from His children. Few could be found, I suspect, among</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them who have not had desires which He has never been</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
pleased to fulfil. There has often been some one thing they</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
wanted to attain, and yet there has always been some</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
barrier to prevent attainment. It has been just as if God</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
was placing it above our reach, and saying, "This is not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
good for you; this must not be." Moses desired exceedingly</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to cross over Jordan, and see the goodly land of promise;</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
but you will remember his desire was never granted.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See, too, how often God </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">leads </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">His people by ways which</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
seem dark and mysterious to our eyes. We cannot see the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
meaning of all His dealings with us; we cannot see the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
reasonableness of the path in which our feet are treading.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Sometimes so many trials have assailed us, — so many</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
difficulties encompassed us, — that we have not been able</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
to discover the needs-be of it all. It has been just as if our</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Father was taking us by the hand into a dark place and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
saying, "Ask no questions, but follow Me." There was a</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
direct road from Egypt to Canaan, yet Israel was not led</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
into it; but round, through the wilderness. And this seemed</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
hard at the time. "The soul of the people," we are told,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"was much discouraged because of the way" (Exodus</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
13:17-18; Num. 21:4).</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">See, also, how often God </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">chastens </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">His people with trial and</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
affliction. He sends them crosses and disappointments; He</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
lays them low with sickness; He strips them of property and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
friends; He changes them from one position to another; He</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
visits them with things most hard to flesh and blood; and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
some of us have well-nigh fainted under the burdens laid</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
upon us. We have felt pressed beyond strength, and have</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
been almost ready to murmur at the hand which chastened</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
us. Paul the Apostle had a thorn in the flesh appointed him,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
some bitter bodily trial, no doubt, though we know not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
exactly what it was. But this we know, — he besought the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Lord thrice that it might be removed; yet it was not taken</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
away (2 Cor. 12:8,9).</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Now, reader, notwithstanding all these things, did you ever</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
hear of a single child of God who thought his Father did not</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
treat him wisely? No, I am sure you never did. God's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
children would always tell you, in the long run, it was a</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
blessed thing they did not have their own way, and that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
God had done far better for them than they could have done</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
for themselves. Yes! And they could tell you, too, that God's</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
dealings had provided more happiness for them than they</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
ever would have obtained themselves, and that His way,</div>
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however dark at times, was the way of pleasantness and</div>
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the path of peace.</div>
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I ask you to lay to heart the lesson which God's dealings</div>
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with His people is meant to teach you. Fear not to withhold</div>
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from your child anything you think will do him harm,</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">whatever his own wishes may be. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">This is God's plan</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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Hesitate not to lay on him commands, of which he may not</div>
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at present see the wisdom, and to guide him in ways which</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">may not now seem reasonable to his mind. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">This is God's</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><i>plan</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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Shrink not from chastising and correcting him whenever you</div>
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see his soul's health requires it, however painful it may be</div>
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to your feelings; and remember medicines for the mind</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">must not be rejected because they are bitter. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">This is God's</span></span></i></div>
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<i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
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plan.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
And be not afraid, above all, that such a plan of training will</div>
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make your child unhappy. I warn you against this delusion.</div>
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Depend on it, there is no surer road to unhappiness than</div>
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always having our own way. To have our wills checked and</div>
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denied is a blessed thing for us; it makes us value</div>
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enjoyments when they come. To be indulged perpetually is</div>
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the way to be made selfish; and selfish people and spoiled</div>
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children, believe me, are seldom happy.</div>
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Reader, be not wiser than God; — train your children as He</div>
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trains His.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
14. Train them remembering continually the influence</div>
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of your own example.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Instruction, and advice, and commands will profit little,</div>
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unless they are backed up by the pattern of your own life.</div>
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Your children will never believe you are in earnest, and</div>
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really wish them to obey you, so long as your actions</div>
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contradict your counsel. Archbishop Tillotson made a wise</div>
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remark when he said, "To give children good instruction,</div>
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and a bad example, is but beckoning to them with the head</div>
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to show them the way to heaven, while we take them by</div>
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the hand and lead them in the way to hell."</div>
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We little know the force and power of example. No one of</div>
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us can live to himself in this world; we are always</div>
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influencing those around us, in one way or another, either</div>
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for good or for evil, either for God or for sin. — They see our</div>
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ways, they mark our conduct, they observe our behaviour,</div>
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and what they see us practise, that they may fairly suppose</div>
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we think right. And never, I believe, does example tell so</div>
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powerfully as it does in the case of parents and children.</div>
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Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more</div>
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by the eye than they do by the ear. No school will make</div>
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such deep marks on character as home. The best of</div>
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schoolmasters will not imprint on their minds as much as</div>
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they will pick up at your fireside. Imitation is a far stronger</div>
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principle with children than memory. What they see has a</div>
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much stronger effect on their minds than what they are</div>
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told.</div>
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Take care, then, what you do before a child. It is a true</div>
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proverb, "Who sins before a child, sins double." Strive</div>
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rather to be a living epistle of Christ, such as your families</div>
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can read, and that plainly too. Be an example of reverence</div>
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for the Word of God, reverence in prayer, reverence for</div>
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means of grace, reverence for the Lord's day. — Be an</div>
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example in words, in temper, in diligence, in temperance, in</div>
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faith, in charity, in kindness, in humility. Think not your</div>
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children will practise what they do not see you do. You are</div>
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their model picture, and they will copy what you are. Your</div>
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reasoning and your lecturing, your wise commands and your</div>
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good advice; all this they may not understand, but they can</div>
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understand your life.</div>
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Children are very quick observers; very quick in seeing</div>
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through some kinds of hypocrisy, very quick in finding out</div>
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what you really think and feel, very quick in adopting all</div>
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your ways and opinions. You will often find as the father is,</div>
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so is the son.</div>
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Remember the word that the conqueror Caesar always used</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">to his soldiers in a battle. He did not say "</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Go </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">forward," but</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">"</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Come</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">." So it must be with you in training your children.</span></span></div>
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They will seldom learn habits which they see you despise, or</div>
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walk in paths in which you do not walk yourself. He that</div>
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preaches to his children what he does not practise, is</div>
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working a work that never goes forward. It is like the fabled</div>
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web of Penelope of old, who wove all day, and unwove all</div>
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night. Even so, the parent who tries to train without setting</div>
<br />
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a good example is building with one hand, and pulling down</div>
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with the other.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
15. Train them remembering continually the power of</div>
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sin.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
I name this shortly, in order to guard you against</div>
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unscriptural expectations.</div>
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You must not expect to find your children's minds a sheet of</div>
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pure white paper, and to have no trouble if you only use</div>
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right means. I warn you plainly you will find no such thing.</div>
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It is painful to see how much corruption and evil there is in</div>
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a young child's heart, and how soon it begins to bear fruit.</div>
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Violent tempers, self-will, pride, envy, sullenness, passion,</div>
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idleness, selfishness, deceit, cunning, falsehood, hypocrisy,</div>
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a terrible aptness to learn what is bad, a painful slowness</div>
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to learn what is good, a readiness to pretend anything in</div>
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order to gain their own ends, — all these things, or some of</div>
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them, you must be prepared to see, even in your own flesh</div>
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and blood. In little ways they will creep out at a very early</div>
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age; it is almost startling to observe how naturally they</div>
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seem to spring up. Children require no schooling to learn to</div>
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sin.</div>
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But you must not be discouraged and cast down by what</div>
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you see. You must not think it a strange and unusual thing,</div>
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that little hearts can be so full of sin. It is the only portion</div>
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which our father Adam left us; it is that fallen nature with</div>
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which we come into the world; it is that inheritance which</div>
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belongs to us all. Let it rather make you more diligent in</div>
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using every means which seem most likely, by God's</div>
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blessing, to counteract the mischief. Let it make you more</div>
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and more careful, so far as in you lies, to keep your children</div>
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out of the way of temptation.</div>
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Never listen to those who tell you your children are good,</div>
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and well brought up, and can be trusted. Think rather that</div>
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their hearts are always inflammable as tinder. At their very</div>
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best, they only want a spark to set their corruptions alight.</div>
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Parents are seldom too cautious. Remember the natural</div>
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depravity of your children, and take care.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
16. Train them remembering continually the promises</div>
<br />
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of Scripture.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
I name this also shortly, in order to guard you against</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
discouragement. You have a plain promise on your side,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is</div>
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old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). Think what it is</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
to have a promise like this. Promises were the only lamp of</div>
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hope which cheered the hearts of the patriarchs before the</div>
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Bible was written. Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Joseph, — all lived on a few promises, and prospered in</div>
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their souls. Promises are the cordials which in every age</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
have supported and strengthened the believer. He that has</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
got a plain text upon his side need never be cast down.</div>
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Fathers and mothers, when your hearts are failing, and</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
ready to halt, look at the word of this text, and take</div>
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comfort.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Think </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">who it is that promises</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">. It is not the word of a man,</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
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who may lie or repent; it is the word of the King of kings,</div>
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who never changes. Hath He said a thing, and shall He not</div>
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do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?</div>
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Neither is anything too hard for Him to perform. The things</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
that are impossible with men are possible with God. Reader,</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
if we get not the benefit of the promise we are dwelling</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
upon, the fault is not in Him, but in ourselves.</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Think, too, </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">what the promise contains</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">, before you refuse to</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
take comfort from it. It speaks of a certain time when good</div>
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training shall especially bear fruit, — "when a child is old."</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
Surely there is comfort in this. You may not see with your</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
own eyes the result of careful training, but you know not</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
what blessed fruits may not spring from it, long after you</div>
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are dead and gone. It is not God's way to give everything at</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
once. "Afterwards" is the time when He often chooses to</div>
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work, both in the things of nature and in the things of</div>
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grace. "Afterward" is the season when affliction bears the</div>
<br />
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peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11). "Afterward"</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
was the time when the son who refused to work in his</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
father's vineyard repented and went (Matt. 21:29). And</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"afterward" is the time to which parents must look forward</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
if they see not success at once, — you must sow in hope</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
and plant in hope.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
"Cast thy bread upon the waters," saith the Spirit, "for thou</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
shalt find it after many days" (Eccles. 11:1). Many children,</div>
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I doubt not, shall rise up in the day of judgment, and bless</div>
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their parents for good training, who never gave any signs of</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
having profited by it during their parents' lives. Go forward</div>
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then in faith, and be sure that your labour shall not be</div>
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altogether thrown away. Three times did Elijah stretch</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
himself upon the widow's child before it revived. Take</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
example from him, and persevere.</div>
</span><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
17. Train them, lastly, with continual prayer for a</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
blessing on all you do.</div>
</span><br /></span><br /></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><div align="LEFT">
Without the blessing of the Lord, your best endeavours will</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
do no good. He has the hearts of all men in His hands, and</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
except He touch the hearts of your children by His Spirit,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
you will weary yourself to no purpose. Water, therefore, the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
seed you sow on their minds with unceasing prayer. The</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Lord is far more willing to hear than we to pray; far more</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
ready to give blessings than we to ask them; — but He</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
loves to be entreated for them. And I set this matter of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
prayer before you, as the top-stone and seal of all you do. I</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
suspect the child of many prayers is seldom cast away.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Look upon your children as Jacob did on his; he tells Esau</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
they are "the children which God hath graciously given thy</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
servant" (Gen. 33:5). Look on them as Joseph did on his;</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
he told his father, "They are my sons, whom God hath</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
given me" (Gen. 48:9). Count them with the Psalmist to be</div>
<br />
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an heritage and reward from the LORD (Ps. 127:3). And</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
then ask the Lord, with a holy boldness, to be gracious and</div>
<br />
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merciful to His own gifts. Mark how Abraham intercedes for</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Ishmael, because he loved him, "O that Ishmael might live</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
before thee" (Gen. 17:18). See how Manoah speaks to the</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
angel about Samson, "How shall we order the child, and</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
how shall we do unto him?" (Judges 13:12). Observe how</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
tenderly Job cared for his children's souls, He "offered burnt</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said,</div>
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<div align="LEFT">
It may be my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
hearts. Thus did Job continually" (Job 1:5). Parents, if you</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
love your children, go and do likewise. You cannot name</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
their names before the mercy-seat too often.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
And now, reader, in conclusion, let me once more press</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
upon you the necessity and importance of using every</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
single means in your power, if you would train children for</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
heaven.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
I know well that God is a sovereign God, and doeth all</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
things according to the counsel of His own will. I know that</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon, and Manasseh the son</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
of Hezekiah, and that you do not always see godly parents</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
having a godly seed. But I know also that God is a God who</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
works by means, and sure am I, if you make light of such</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
means as I have mentioned, your children are not likely to</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
turn out well.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
Fathers and mothers ... you may send them to the best of</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
schools, and give them Bibles and Prayer Books, and fill</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
them with head knowledge:— but if all this time there is no</div>
</span><br /></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">regular </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">training at home</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">, I tell you plainly, I fear it will go</span></span></div>
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hard in the end with your children's souls. Home is the place</div>
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where habits are formed; — home is the place where the</div>
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foundations of character are laid; — home gives the bias to</div>
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our tastes, and likings, and opinions. See then, I pray you,</div>
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that there be careful training at home. Happy indeed is the</div>
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man who can say, as Bolton did upon his dying bed, to his</div>
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children, "I do believe not one of you will dare to meet me</div>
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before the tribunal of Christ in an unregenerate state."</div>
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Fathers and mothers, I charge you solemnly before God and</div>
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the Lord Jesus Christ, take every pains to train your</div>
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children in the way they should go. I charge you not merely</div>
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for the sake of your children's souls; I charge you for the</div>
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sake of your own future comfort and peace. Truly it is your</div>
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interest so to do. Truly your own happiness in great</div>
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measure depends on it. Children have ever been the bow</div>
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from which the sharpest arrows have pierced man's heart.</div>
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Children have mixed the bitterest cups that man has ever</div>
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had to drink. Children have caused the saddest tears that</div>
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man has ever had to shed. Adam could tell you so; Jacob</div>
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could tell you so; David could tell you so. There are no</div>
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sorrows on earth like those which children have brought</div>
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upon their parents. Oh! take heed, lest your own neglect</div>
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should lay up misery for you in your old age. Take heed,</div>
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lest you weep under the ill-treatment of a thankless child,</div>
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in the days when your eye is dim, and your natural force</div>
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abated.</div>
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If ever you wish your children to be the restorers of your</div>
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life, and the nourishers of your old age, — if you would</div>
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have them blessings and not curses — joys and not sorrows</div>
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— Judahs and not Reubens — Ruths and not Orpahs, — if</div>
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you would not, like Noah, be ashamed of their deeds, and,</div>
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like Rebekah, be made weary of your life by them: if this be</div>
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your wish, remember my advice betimes, train them while</div>
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young in the right way.</div>
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And as for me, I will conclude by putting up my prayer to</div>
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God for all who read this paper, that you may all be taught</div>
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of God to feel the value of your own souls ... Too often</div>
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parents feel not for themselves, and so they feel not for</div>
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their children. They do not realize the tremendous</div>
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difference between a state of nature and a state of grace,</div>
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and therefore they are content to let them alone.</div>
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Now the Lord teach you all that sin is that abominable thing</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">which God hateth. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Then</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">, I know you will mourn over the</span></span></div>
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sins of your children, and strive to pluck them out as brands</div>
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from the fire.</div>
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The Lord teach you all how precious Christ is, and what a</div>
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mighty and complete work He hath done for our salvation.</div>
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Then, I feel confident you will use every means to bring</div>
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your children to Jesus, that they may live through Him. The</div>
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Lord teach you all your need of the Holy Spirit, to renew,</div>
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sanctify, and quicken your souls...</div>
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The Lord grant this, and then I have a good hope that you</div>
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will indeed train up your children well, — train well for this</div>
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life, and train well for the life to come; train well for earth,</div>
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and train well for heaven; train them for God, for Christ,</div>
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and for eternity.</div>
</span><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"></span></span></span><div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">First published in </span></span></span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">The Upper Room: Being Truths for the</span></span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><i>Times </i></span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">by J. C. Ryle. London: William Hunt & Co., 1888.</span></span></span></div>
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www.WholesomeWords.org</span></span></span>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-91022739341184970192013-08-09T08:26:00.001+08:002013-08-09T08:26:09.923+08:00Parables : how do we read them?<pre style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b>A. THE GENERAL THEME IS "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"...</b></span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 1. As suggested by <b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.11" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.11" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">Mt 13:11</a></b></span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 2. As illustrated with several parables, which all start with </span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b>"The kingdom of heaven is like..."</b> - <b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.24" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.24" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">Mt 13:24</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.31" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.31" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">31</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.33" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.33" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">33</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.44" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.44" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">44</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.45" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.45" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">45</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%2013.47" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 13.47" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">47</a></b></span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 3. Indeed, <b>"the kingdom of heaven"</b> was the theme of...</span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> a. Jesus' itinerant ministry - <b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%204.17" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 4.17" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">Mt 4:17</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%204.23" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 4.23" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">23</a></b></span></font></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> b. His sermon on the mount - <b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%205.3" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 5.3" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">Mt 5:3</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%205.10" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 5.10" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">10</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%205.19-20" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 5.19-20" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">19-20</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%206.10" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 6.10" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">6:10</a>,<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%206.33" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 6.33" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">33</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/Mt%207.21" class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Mt 7.21" data-version="nkjv" target="_blank">7:21</a></b></span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <b>B. THREE "SUB-THEMES" ARE STRESSED IN THE PARABLES...</b></span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 1. <b>The character of the KINGDOM</b> - for example...</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> a. The Parable of the Mustard Seed
</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> b. The Parable of the Leaven
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">reasure
d. The Parable of the Pearl o</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> c. The Parable of the Hidden <br>Tf Great Price
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>The character of the KING</b> - for example...</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 2.<br>
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> a. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br> b. The Parable of the Lost Son
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>The character of the KING'S SUBJECTS</b> - for example...</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 3.<br>
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> a. The Parable of the Good Samaritan
</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> b. The Parable of the Persistent Widow</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of course, the sub-themes often overlap in some parables, but they
</span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">[clearly demonstrate that the overall theme of the parables was <b>"the </b></span></font></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>kingdom of heaven."</b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br></b></div></b>
</span></font><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Read more here: </span></font></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: normal; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br>http://executableoutlines.com/pa/pa_01.htm</div><div><br></div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="white-space: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></font></pre>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-79635971875813562132013-08-04T22:51:00.001+08:002013-08-04T22:51:13.763+08:00Luke 12:34 guard our heart<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-5403306326652559362013-08-04T16:27:00.003+08:002013-08-04T16:27:59.645+08:00The Parable of the Rich Fool<h3>
<span class="text Luke-12-13" id="en-NIV-25473">The Parable of the Rich Fool</span></h3>
<span class="text Luke-12-13"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”</span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-12-14" id="en-NIV-25474"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>Jesus replied, <span class="woj">“Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-15" id="en-NIV-25475"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>Then he said to them, <span class="woj">“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25475N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-12-16" id="en-NIV-25476"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>And he told them this parable: <span class="woj">“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-17" id="en-NIV-25477"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-12-18" id="en-NIV-25478"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-19" id="en-NIV-25479"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-12-20" id="en-NIV-25480"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>“But God said to him, ‘You fool!<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25480O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> This very night your life will be demanded from you.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25480P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-12-21" id="en-NIV-25481"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves <span style="color: red;">but is not rich toward God.”<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25481R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">Read: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12&version=NIV">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12&version=NIV</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">My thoughts:</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">I was greatly blessed by this sermon by Pastor Chew today. I have often felt in a dilemna towards money and God. This sermon clearly showed that MONEY is just an object, it is the use of it. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">The Pastor challenged us to think, "What is the root of the problem?"</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">The man appears to be saving for the future, is that wrong?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">The man did not appear to rob or steal to gain his fortune. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">Is that wrong?</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">Nothing wrong. But it is how the storage of wealth solely for oneself, which is wrong.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"><strong><span style="color: red;">If wealth takes priority over God, that is wrong.</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-12-20"><span class="woj">Felt totally enlightened and compelled to share. </span></span><br />
Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-88925167880909150032013-08-04T16:18:00.003+08:002013-08-04T16:18:55.488+08:00God and Money : Exclusives?<table cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" class="TextTD"><i>Location:</i></td><td><a class="PathItemText" href="http://www.crown.org/Library/default.aspx?catId=71" id="ArticleItem_CategoryPathItem_path_ctl01_lnkCurrentCat">Stewardship</a></td></tr>
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<span class="ArticleTitleText" id="ArticleItem_lblTitle" style="display: inline-block; width: 600px;">God and money</span><br /><!-- <span id="ArticleItem_lblDate" class="ArticleDate">January 18, 2005</span> --><span class="ArticleDate"> by</span><span class="ArticleDate" id="ArticleItem_lblAuthor">Crown Financial Ministries</span><br /><br /><span class="ArticleSummary" id="ArticleItem_lblSummary"></span><br />
God says that if we pray for anything in His will, believing, it will be given to us. However, God's will and His ways do not always coincide with ours. So, when we turn our finances over to God, we also must be willing to accept His direction.<br /><br />Too often we impatiently seek our own way without any clear direction from Him, sometimes even borrowing money to do His work. We forget that God says He will not frustrate His work for the lack of money (see Luke 22:35). <br /><br />There is nothing wrong with asking God's direction, but it is wrong to go our own way without waiting for God's answer. <br /><br />In order for us to recognize God's directives, it may be necessary first to understand God's view of money and how He uses it to enhance our relationship with Him.<br /><br /><b>How and for what purpose God uses money</b><br />Money is neither good nor bad: it is merely a medium of exchange. It is the misuse and abuse of money that cause the problems. <br /><br />Because God is so good, He uses money for our benefit in several different ways.<ol>
<li><i>God uses money to strengthen our trust in Him.</i> It is often through money that God can clearly and objectively show us that He is in total control, if we will trust Him and accept our positions as stewards and managers of His possessions (see Matthew 6:32-33).<br />
<li><i>God uses money to develop our trustworthiness.</i> This principle is important because our lives generally revolve around making, spending, saving, and using money. If He can trust us with money, He can trust us with greater responsibilities and His true riches (see Luke 16:11).<br />
<li><i>God uses money to prove His love.</i> Scripture tells us that God assumes the responsibility of providing the basic necessities for everyone who trusts in Him (see Matthew 7:11). By transferring all money to Him, He often uses money to meet those necessities of life.<br />
<li><i>God uses money to demonstrate His faithfulness.</i> Moses reminded Israel that it was God who would give them the power to make wealth. Our security is in God, not in our bank accounts. Discovering His faithfulness though financial needs encourages reliance on Him.<br />
<li><i>God uses money to unite Christians in blessings.</i> God will use the abundance of one Christian to supply the needs of another. Surplus money in our lives has been given by God for the purpose of helping those who are in need.<br />
<li><i>God uses money to provide direction.</i> There is probably no way God can direct our lives more meticulously than through the abundance or lack of money. Too often we believe God directs our lives through the abundance of money, but He also will lead us down His directed path by withholding money.<br />
<li><i>God uses money to cultivate self-control.</i> One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control, a key aspect of successful money management.<br />
<li><i>God uses money to clarify spiritual maturity.</i> Many temptations clamor for Christians' attention. A great deal can be learned about our personal character and spiritual maturity by noticing how we handle money and determine financial priorities. </li>
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<b>Areas in which God does not use money</b><br />Just like there are several ways in which God uses money for our benefit, there are several areas in which God never uses money to influence our lives.<br />
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<li><i>God never uses money to worry us.</i> If Christians are worried, frustrated, and upset about money, God is not in control. God said that wealth without worry is His plan for our lives. In addition, He promises to meet the needs of those who trust in Him (see Matthew 6:25).<br />
<li><i>God never uses money to corrupt us.</i> Many Christians have fallen into Satan's trap and are being corrupted. Christians whose financial life is characterized by greed, ego, deceit, and other worldly snares are at enmity with God and His plan.<br />
<li><i>God never uses money to build egos.</i> Frequently, Christians are trapped by financial ego in that they use money in an attempt to build self-worth and ego. However, in Christ all are financially equal because all wealth will pass away. What will remain will be those things that have been laid up in heaven—the true wealth.<br />
<li><i>God never allows money to satisfy our personal whims or desires.</i> God does not expect His people to live in poverty; however, He also does not endorse lavishness. Surplus is provided so that God's work can be funded and those in need can be helped. If the surplus is hoarded or wasted on lavishness rather than used for His plan and purpose, chances are the surplus will be removed.</li>
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<b>Conclusion</b><br />God offers countless financial principles, intended to make our lives meaningful, because He's interested in us and how we earn and spend money.<br /><br />Once we understand how God uses money and why He chooses to use it in a particular way, we generally become more familiar with His plans and purposes for our lives and are able to recognize and comprehend His directives.<br />
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Read: <a href="http://www.crown.org/library/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=406">http://www.crown.org/library/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=406</a>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-44968595408534374472013-08-04T15:11:00.004+08:002013-08-04T15:11:52.600+08:00Train Your Brain to Success<div align="LEFT">
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">Train Your Brain for Success </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">INTRODUCTION <br />
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Mental Factor #1: Success Leaves Clues <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Achievement of your goals is a function of how you think and what you do, not luck or circumstance. </span></span><br />
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• One of the fastest ways to get where you want to go is to simply find somebody who’s gotten there and copy what he or she did. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Mental Factor #2: What You See Is What You Get <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">The pictures you see in your mind tend to be the results you get in your life. </span></span><br />
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• The more clearly you can picture the results you want, the more likely you are to deliver the performance that produces those results. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Mental Factor #3: What You See Is What You Look For <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Reticular Activating System (RAS) acts as a filter on your brain. It causes you to notice what you teach it to notice. For example, you buy a new car and now all you see on the road is the brand of car you purchased. </span></span><br />
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• You can use RAS to achieve your goals much more quickly. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Bad News: Your Comfort Zone Limits You <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">The homeostatic impulse – the desire to stay where you are. </span></span><br />
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• No growth can occur in the Comfort Zone. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Good News: You can move your Comfort Zone to any place you prefer. <br />
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The Really Good News: Small Changes Make a Huge Difference <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">You don’t need to be 100 percent better to see 100 percent improvement. </span></span><br />
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• A small change, the winning edge, makes a huge difference in results. <br />
• The tiniest perceived difference can make the difference between getting the deal and not getting the deal <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">SECTION #1 – LEARNING FOUNDATIONS <br />
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LEARNING FOUNDATION #1 – YOUR INSTANT RECALL MEMORY <br />
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LEARNING FOUNDATION #2 – YOUR SMART READING CAPACITY <br />
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Why You Read Like A Sixth Grader and What to Do About It <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Consider the impact of reading however fast you want, at whatever level of comprehension you need, based on what’s right for you in your particular situation.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Three Reading Habits You Can Reduce <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Mind Wandering (aka Daydreaming) – the fix for this is to read faster </span></span><br />
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• Regression (aka Going Back) <br />
• Subvocalization (aka Mental Whispering) – the attempt to hear every word in your head. To reduce this habit actively use your eyes and/or hands to actively <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Two Eye-Movement Terms You Need to Know <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Fixation: your eye muscles will cause your eyes to stop four times per second. Each stop is a fixation, the only time that information can register through to your brain. </span></span><br />
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• Eye Span: the width of text your eyes take in every time your eyes stop. To increase reading speed, simply widen your eye span. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">To increase eye speed feel your eyes bouncing along the page in a rhythmic manner. Depending on the width of the column, bounce your eyes 1, 2 or 3 times per line. <br />
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SECTION 2 – THE COMPONENTS OF YOUR RECORD-BREAKING LIFE <br />
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COMPONENT #1 – HAVING ENERGIZING GOALS <br />
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Goals provide focus and a sense of urgency. <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir>• </dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">In order for your brain to function optimally, your brain must have a clear focus. Clear focus calms our mind. </span></span><br />
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• Your subconscious mind is going to focus on something. If we give it nothing to focus on, its tendency will be to find something negative. <br />
• By consciously providing your mind a clear and positive focus, it turns toward what you really want instead of focusing on anything that comes to mind. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">There are five characteristics of a truly energizing goal. It must be: <br />
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1. Meaningful to you. </dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir><br /></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">It must be a goal that excites you, makes you passionate when you think about achieving it. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Specific and measurable and a deadline can really help. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">By giving your goals specific numbers, measurements and deadlines you create accountability. When you accept accountability, you accept responsibility, and it is nearly impossible to make progress until you do this. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. The right size. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">They must be small enough that you can genuinely believe you can accomplish them but large enough to make you stretch. They should make you feel a little uncomfortable. </span></span><br />
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</dir></dir></span><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><b><span style="font-size: small;">4. Written down and ideally turned into images. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Keep in mind your subconscious mind thinks in pictures. If you can create an image of success for your mind to focus on in conjunction with a written description, that’s ideal. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">5. Reviewed regularly. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">I should be able to call you at two in the morning, wake you from a dead sleep, and ask you your most important goals, and you should be able to state them as quickly as if I had asked you your name. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Five Things to Do to Heighten Your Focus for Accomplishing Your Goals <br />
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1. Narrow it Down – </dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir><br /></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Write down the 5 or 6 most important goals you want to accomplish in the next 90 days. Narrow down the time frame and the number of goals. Why? Ninety days is about the amount of time a person can stay highly focused on one major objective. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Identify the Keystone Goal – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">the keystone is the one goal, that by focusing intensely on its accomplishment, you support the majority of your other goals. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. Solidify the Why – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Why is the accomplishment of this goal important to you? What will I feel like once this goal is completed? </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">4. Make it Visual – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Your conscious minds thinks linearly, sequentially, coherently while your subconscious thinks in pictures and moves powerfully toward them. </span></span><br />
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</dir></dir></span><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><b><span style="font-size: small;">5. Create Supporting Rituals – a. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">When you wake up in the morning establish a new, positive way of thinking. Express your gratitude. Create your own conscious programming habits for the first hour of the day. Stick to them for 30 days and a habit is formed. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">b. </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">And during the last hour of your day, take a moment and review your goals and express gratitude for the positive things that happened during your day. This will key your thoughts for a restful night of sleep. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Overcoming Barriers – Emotional & Mental Barriers <br />
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1. Unwillingness to Accept 100% Responsibility – </dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir><br /></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Most people are simply not willing to accept they are in charge of their life 100 percent. Blaming others or considering ourselves a victim happens when we aren’t willing to accept we have complete charge of our lives. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Unwillingness to Look Foolish – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Or the fear of criticism or fear of failure. This is detrimental because reaching our goals requires risk and getting out of our comfort zone. When we fear looking foolish, we can’t do either. </span></span><br />
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</dir></dir></span><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. Unwillingness to Take Action – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">To achieve things requires action. There are two common responses that come with this barrier: a. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Procrastination – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">the tendency to put things off.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Train Your Brain for Success By Roger Seip Page 4 of 6 <br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">4. Inability to Stay on Track – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">We get easily distracted. Identify what gets you off track from achieving each of your goals then eliminate the distraction. For example, you want to lose 10 lbs, but you keep junk food and candy at home. Get rid of it. </span></span><br />
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</dir></dir></span><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><b><span style="font-size: small;">5. Being Overwhelmed by Your Goals or Putting Too Much Pressure on Yourself – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Too much pressure shuts down your brain. To overcome this tendency: </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">a. Do your thinking all at once – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">When you are in the middle of what you need to do it’s not the time to be thinking about the details. Prepare, think prior to the event, and then let your mind go into automatic pilot. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">b. Break your goals into bite size pieces that are doable by themselves, but overwhelming when looked at as a whole. <br />
c. Make a game of your goals – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">give yourself small rewards for achieving a bit size piece of your goal. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">COMPONENT #2 – BEING FULLY PRESENT <br />
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Common Myths of Time Management <br />
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1. The Myth of Balance – </dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir><br /></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Balance doesn’t exist in our society, and even if it did you wouldn’t want it. What you want is harmony, i.e., a life that is unbalanced but in a way that works for you. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. The Myth that Time Can Be Managed – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">You can’t manage time, so stop trying. We have control over or influence over how we act, what we prioritize and what we focus on. Manage those and you are dealing with time as you are meant to. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. The Myth of "Enough" Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">We make time for every single thing that’s important to us. The real issue with "not enough" time is we spend too much time on things that are not really important to us – TV, booze, and other time wasters. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">What Exactly is Time Management Then? </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">– If you want to get great at using your time effectively, you’ll really be managing: </span></span><br />
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</dir></dir></span><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><b><span style="font-size: small;">1. Your priorities – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">what’s important to you. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Your focus – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">where do you put your attention at any given moment. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. Your activities – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">what you do with any given moment, hour, day or week.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Four Quadrants – The Eisenhower Matrix <br />
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Quadrant #1 – Important and Urgent <br />
Quadrant #2 – Important but not urgent <br />
Quadrant #3 – Urgent but not important <br />
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Time Management Questions <br />
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</dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">1. What quadrant am I in right now? <br />
2. Is what I’m doing right now moving me toward my goals? <br />
3. Is this the best use of my time right now? <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Two-Hour Solution </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">– is a specific, seven-step method of investing two hours per week, for the purpose of mentally creating the next two weeks of your life. </span></span><br />
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• Set aside a two-hour block of uninterrupted time <br />
• The purpose is to mentally create your upcoming week in quite a bit of detail, and at least a vague idea of the following week. This is not just making a to-do list. <br />
• This should happen sometime between the end of one work week and the beginning of the next. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">The Seven Steps of the Two-Hour Solution <br />
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Step 1 – Reconnect with Your Goals – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">if you’re not clear on what you want to accomplish, how you run your week is irrelevant. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 2 – Review and Block Off Your Commitments – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Questions to ask yourself: </span></span><br />
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• What are your desired outcomes? <br />
• Should this meeting happen at all? <br />
• How can this time be used most effectively? <br />
• What kind of prep time do I need for this meeting/deadline? <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 3 – Schedule Excellence Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">the key is to schedule time for my Quadrant #2 type activities or they simply don’t happen. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 4 – Schedule Your Green Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">i.e., those activities in your professional life that over the long-term make you money. Identify these activities. In my case it is marketing (i.e., social media, blogging, updating my website) and prospecting through getting a loan application signed up.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">Train Your Brain for Success By Roger Seip Page 6 of 6 </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 5 – Schedule Your Red Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">i.e. those activities in your professional life that doesn’t directly get you paid but does support your green time. For me it’s from signed application to loan closing. Also includes paying bills, resolving computer issues and other administrative tasks. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 6 – Schedule (or at least notice) Your Flex Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">you set aside these blocks of time into which you can put whatever you want. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Step 7 – Schedule Your Re-Creation Time – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">time planned to take care of yourself – mind, body and spirit. This would include exercising, vacations, reading, golfing, etc. If you don’t take care of you, who will? </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Top Tips for Supercharging Your Productivity <br />
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1. Get crystal clear on your goals – </dir></dir></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><dir><dir><br /></dir></dir></span><dir><dir><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">which automatically heightens both your focus and energy level and it becomes much clearer how to prioritize your activities. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Add by subtraction – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">the greatest waste of time is to do perfectly what needn’t be done at all. Determine what needs to be cut from your life. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">3. The Daily Big Six – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">identify the six most important things you can accomplish each day and your focus and sense of urgency skyrockets. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">4. Organize at the end of the day – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">sometime between ending your workday and going to bed, take the few minutes you need to decide on your Daily Big Six for the next day. This allows your subconscious to work for you while you are sleeping. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">5. Ramp up your self-discipline – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">"Successful people form the habit of doing what unsuccessful people don’t like to do." by Albert Gray author of the Common Denominator of Success </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">6. Stop multitasking – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">it doesn’t work. Focus on one thing at a time. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">7. Work in bursts – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">you can focus on one thing for about 20 minutes at a time. After that your brain needs a break. So incorporate short breaks into your routine. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">8. Work during primetimes – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">determine what times of the day are you’re most productive and schedule your day around them. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">9. Set boundaries on technology – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">decide ahead of time when you’ll respond to texts, e-mails, and voicemails and let people know. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">10.Take advantage of Parkinson’s Law – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">which states, "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." Therefore, compress deadlines. Try giving yourself less time than you think you need. </span></span><br />
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</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">11.Become a spectacular listener – </span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma,Tahoma; font-size: small;">when talking with a potential client, listen intently to what they are requesting. Ask good questions that probe their motivations. If you don’t understand, keep clarifying until you do.</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-85986898623573578272013-08-03T12:51:00.001+08:002013-08-03T13:05:29.242+08:00Fantastic Soldier for God's Army- Keeping the Bible Verses Close to Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An amazing parenting blog from this mummy-- sharing the values and faith in God that truly matters.<br />
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We all need some encouragement to feel energised and embolden! :)<br />
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Thank you for energizing me with your blog Leonny. Feel greatly blessed!<br />
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<a href="http://www.oureverydaythings.com/">http://www.oureverydaythings.com/</a>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-41096468323664561672010-03-11T21:32:00.002+08:002010-03-11T21:40:15.781+08:00Send a free DaySpring Ecard TodayI always enjoy receiving cards with heartfelt message. Today, I finally managed to take a breather and want to send ecards to my loved ones, to let them know I care. I love the meaningful messages and often feel uplifted when I see them. If you don't have time for anything, at least make time for this. Drop someone a note, to show you appreciate or care for them.<br />
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Words laced with grace and love, is always well-received. It dawned on me that no matter what, it is important for us to speak with gentless and show we care. <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dayspring.com/ecards/">No one cares how much you know, until he / she knows how much you care.</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYZ7H1K-fuImsm01RZeAMZMQL55UERctcy62AnRT3OMe__gUHzhgnN3Vo4r5YE_g2pr8pa1lVcROwonsTo4vNsrypgvnjlqkrrCHc91aKzwJGbAwAoXNpW5YjfB7F-6iJ7nC1Wwz4j-Q/s1600-h/dayspring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYZ7H1K-fuImsm01RZeAMZMQL55UERctcy62AnRT3OMe__gUHzhgnN3Vo4r5YE_g2pr8pa1lVcROwonsTo4vNsrypgvnjlqkrrCHc91aKzwJGbAwAoXNpW5YjfB7F-6iJ7nC1Wwz4j-Q/s400/dayspring.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Connecting people through the words of God through encouragement. How sweet.</span></em>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-46017832633917203072010-03-11T21:27:00.000+08:002010-03-11T21:27:00.627+08:00Investment Opportunity in Ringgit (Forex)<span style="font-size: large;">Malaysia: Firm economic recovery underpinned surprising interest rate hike; Good for KLCI March 10, 2010</span> <br />
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The central bank recently raised OPR by 25 basis points to 2.25% which surprised many investors. Here, we will take a closer look at the implications of the rate hike to the equity market and economy. (Author : <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=B-EZvQO-">iFAST Research Team</a>)<br />
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Keynotes <br />
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<ul><li>OPR was raised by 25 basis points in BNM's latest monetary statement, a surprise to many investors. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>The rate hike was underpinned by a stronger than expected economic recovery. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Rate hike is expected to damper loan growth albeit in a mild manner. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>RM is expected to appreciate against USD which bodes well for the equity market, but might hurt exports temporarily. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>BNM demonstrates its commitment to ensure a sustainable economic recovery by controlling inflation expectations while interest rates remain accomodative. Equity market outlook remains optimistic. </li>
</ul>The hike in interest rate is expected to lead to the appreciation of the ringgit. Interesting to note that there is a stronger than expected turnaround in the economy. Malaysia economy moved out of recession in 4Q 09 by posting a better than expected y-o-y growth of 4.5%, bringing GDP growth of -1.7% y-o-y in 2009. This was much higher than market consensus of -2.4% y-o-y. <br />
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With all investments, I always believer in doing <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=B-EZvQO-">sufficient research</a> in websites like FundSupermart, or Poems and more publications, then discern, what is worthy of investing. Do not be penny wise, and pound foolish! :PPerrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-5740539201573436612010-03-11T21:17:00.001+08:002010-03-11T21:20:05.425+08:00Getting Ahead in Finance CareersEssential Skills in <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=ByYYFie2YS7mqEorS6QPWs5izD_fT6bMBy_PC2hHAjbcBsNQyEAMYByCpprQLKAM4AFCs0NXSB2C_BaABzfyz7QOyARd3b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECyAKhhZoRqAMBsAOSlaAGyAMH6ANr6AOdAegD5gboA-AG9QMIAADE&num=7&sig=AGiWqtzWUYMO6siG7lWnCmTeTeqEBZr5sA&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://www.efinancialcareers.sg/%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3DGCT_1665_EFNC_SG_AUD_Investment_Banking%26utm_term%3Dinvestment%2520banking%2520career%26utm_content%3Dc5YBkQta0_4658981521_487rsk1976%26source%3DPS:Google:investment%2520banking%2520career%26LID%3Dc5YBkQta0_4658981521_487rsk1976&nm=9">Getting Ahead in Finance Careers</a><br />
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The finance industry is notorious to be THE industry which is well-paying, but demanding. Rightfully so, for the demands of an internal auditor or financial analyst, is high and to be in this industry, one must have tenacity. Long hours during Chinese New Year (also known as the peak period) for external auditors from Big Four, are also "character building". How will I know? Well, having gone through this "character building" exercise, here are some qualities, which are essential to getting ahead in the professional trends in this fast evolving industry.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) Communication Skills</span><br />
Finance professionals are expected to communicate with many different departments within an organisation, and even external (such as handling external auditors during the financial year end). It is essential that one communicates and conveys complex financial information to non- financial audiences in a succient and palatable manner. Leveraging on interpersonal skills, to win over the hearts of audiences when making strategic recommendations are essential. All too often, a finance professional focuses on the statistics and forget to weave a story together as a package to the audience.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) Technology Expertise</span><br />
I did not realise the importance of upgrading my technological skills, until I joined the commercial world. The use of Micorsoft Access to generate query database, and pivot tables in Microsoft Excel are basics which one should know. If you need to learn how to make the best use of a new system or application, consider taking a software course or attend seminars to leverage on technology. Especially with the emphasis on Fraud Detection, your technology expertise is your selling point.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) Global Perspective</span><br />
The world's borders are increasingly blurry and as many functions become outsourced, it is imperative that we continue to demonstrate the need and understanding of accounting principles in other countries. Many countries are ramping up on Transfer pricing, and having a good mind on how the tax authorities are putting things together is a value-adding capbility. <br />
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There is so much one can do, in the finance industry. If your are keen to find out what opportunities are out there and seeking career advancements, here is the perfect opportunity- <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BbR5qOuqYS8jlOIme6QPPt9TNDvfT6bMBpfTC2hHAjbcB0OE4EAMYByCpprQLKAM4AFD64P9HYL8FoAHN_LPtA7IBG3d3dy53b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECyAKhhZoRqAMBsAOSlaAGyAMH6ANr6AOdAegD5gboA-AG9QMIAADE&num=7&sig=AGiWqtwSOKfQp5BYAwN0muSrs3fTfbu4vA&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://www.efinancialcareers.sg/%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3DGCT_1665_EFNC_SG_AUD_Investment_Banking%26utm_term%3Dcareer%2520investment%2520banking%26utm_content%3Dcpwg34oxl_4658981611_487rsk1976%26source%3DPS:Google:career%2520investment%2520banking%26LID%3Dcpwg34oxl_4658981611_487rsk1976&nm=7">Getting ahead in finance careers</a>.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-61959850375943848372010-03-11T01:21:00.002+08:002010-03-11T01:24:28.629+08:00Staying on Our A-Game for Ladies<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">What if you could have a career makeover in just half a day?</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How much time are you willing to <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BiQBoftWXS8zRC5za6QO6-LwDnKbRtgHa2qmeEMCNtwHQllEQAxgHIKmmtAsoAzgAUJ7S6Zr4_____wFgvwWyARd3b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECqQI74rqgP_6nPqgDAbADkpWgBsgDB-gDOugDa-gDB_UDCgAAxA&num=7&sig=AGiWqtx-CWcfdukNPRBSQ5UZiPMBDFGlFQ&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://lifeworkz.org/epromo/2010/CareerEssentials/CareerEssentials.html&nm=6">invest into your career</a>? Chances are, you have already invested a lot into your career. Everyday, you are expending time, energy and effort to make your career work. </span><br />
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What if you could have a career makeover in just half a day? Now you can! <br />
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This specially designed half-day seminar to get you started on your career makeover. At this seminar, you will: <br />
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• Discover your personalized inventory of career strengths and how you can build upon them <br />
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• Gain fresh new perspectives on your career pathways <br />
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• Learn new strategies for achieving work-life balance and <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BiQBoftWXS8zRC5za6QO6-LwDnKbRtgHa2qmeEMCNtwHQllEQAxgHIKmmtAsoAzgAUJ7S6Zr4_____wFgvwWyARd3b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECqQI74rqgP_6nPqgDAbADkpWgBsgDB-gDOugDa-gDB_UDCgAAxA&num=7&sig=AGiWqtx-CWcfdukNPRBSQ5UZiPMBDFGlFQ&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://lifeworkz.org/epromo/2010/CareerEssentials/CareerEssentials.html&nm=6">fulfilling your dreams</a>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-49000283309325058082010-03-11T01:09:00.000+08:002010-03-11T01:09:51.071+08:00Investment Tips from the crisis from Dollardex <span style="font-size: large;">Investment Tips from the crisis from </span><a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BD4D0odGXS83WKpmg7AODvo0mm9HApAHB3NbpCcCNtwGgraIBEAEYAyCpprQLKAM4AFCMipxrYL8FoAHvyPb6A7IBG3d3dy53b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECgAIBqQI74rqgP_6nPqgDAbADkpWgBsgDB-gDOugDa-gDB_UDCgAAxA&num=3&sig=AGiWqty9_IHhR4zBUTHHcFlFAjCGMu-YDA&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://www.dollardex.com/sg/index.cfm%3Fcurrent%3D../contents/landing%26contentID%3D2912&nm=11"><span style="font-size: large;">Dollardex</span></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Don't kid yourself about your risk tolerance</span><br />
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We all know to set our risk level before building a portfolio. But do we fool ourselves into believing we have nerves of steel - and take on too much risk? Shares or commodities always look great during a bull run, but it's easy to forget the downside risks are still high - and arguably get higher as markets reach new peaks. <br />
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Examine your own situation and your appetite for risk in a very honest and non-macho fashion. There are no prizes for holding the riskiest portfolio but potentially lots of heartache for over-risky portfolios. No investor should have the majority of their assets in shares or equity funds if they are the type of person who gets nervous every time the indexes turn red. <br />
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There are ways to lessen market timing risk, such as to regularly invest your money into the market with a monthly plan. Remember too, if your investment timeframe is short you should seriously consider lowering the risk on your portfolio. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Don't panic when markets crash</span><br />
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If you do decide to have a risky portfolio, with more than a small proportion in cash, then it can be a double mistake to panic during a crisis. Although markets are not guaranteed to recover, they usually do. If you sell at the point of crisis you will miss out on the recovery phase. A panicky investor tends to buy high, and sell low - just the opposite of a good investment strategy. <br />
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Remember that shares earn more than cash (the risk premium) because they are risky. You should expect ups and downs (not just ups). The best investments over the long term are almost always the most volatile. So if you decide to invest in emerging shares, which have grown much faster than shares in developed countries, also expect them to be most prone to large drops. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Understand diversification and risk management</span><br />
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Diversification is one way of smoothing risks and returns, and we've all heard the old saying that you must never put all your eggs in one basket. However, as some investors have found out over the last twelve months, during a crisis many supposedly uncorrelated assets do not provide much diversification protection. Stocks and bonds sank together. <br />
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Diversification can be misunderstood and too much expected of it. When we think of two assets that are highly uncorrelated we are tempted to think of them both moving in opposite directions during a crisis, hence buffering our portfolio from losses. This may not be true. For example, the returns of the assets in the chart below are almost perfectly uncorrelated, yet the general trend is still in the same direction. You can imagine how these assets might behave in a crash - both would plummet and the "diversified" investor gets no downside protection. <br />
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Don't be pressured or lured into making an investment decision. Any investment that sounds too good to be true, probably is. If a product promises or hints it can obtain above average returns then there must be a catch. The catch could be a more volatile return, an obscure risk condition that one day could bite you, or a too favourable reliance on past performance data.<br />
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Great Advice from <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BD4D0odGXS83WKpmg7AODvo0mm9HApAHB3NbpCcCNtwGgraIBEAEYAyCpprQLKAM4AFCMipxrYL8FoAHvyPb6A7IBG3d3dy53b21lbnVyb2NrLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbboBCjI1MHgyNTBfYXPIAQHaAR9odHRwOi8vd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v4AECgAIBqQI74rqgP_6nPqgDAbADkpWgBsgDB-gDOugDa-gDB_UDCgAAxA&num=3&sig=AGiWqty9_IHhR4zBUTHHcFlFAjCGMu-YDA&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://www.dollardex.com/sg/index.cfm%3Fcurrent%3D../contents/landing%26contentID%3D2912&nm=11">DollarDex</a> for investment.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-26052235636611238142010-03-11T00:56:00.002+08:002010-03-11T01:03:55.123+08:00CPF & You - Buying a HouseIt feels like everyone is thinking of buying their dream home and have to rely on our hard-earned CPF savings to pay for the home. I learnt some important things like how much CPF can be used for housing, what is the CPF Housing Withdrawal Limit, what can be touched and what cannot, the special account with extra interest and what happens when I sell my property, etc.from <a href="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=l&ai=BUSIJMM2XS8vsNZDU6wOV0tijD7L2kbMB6LPC9xDAjbcBgKYdEAIYBiCpprQLKAM4AFCqhd-M-v____8BYL8FsgEXd29tZW51cm9jay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb226AQoyNTB4MjUwX2FzyAEB2gE0aHR0cDovL3dvbWVudXJvY2suYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tL3AvbGF0ZXN0LXVwZGF0ZXMuaHRtbOABAqkCO-K6oD_-pz7IAobtxA-oAwGwA5KVoAbIAwfoAyX1AwgAAMQ&num=6&sig=AGiWqtwbtUx02SKqLJJvQn5xHWQTnWFl8Q&client=ca-pub-2460151925319321&adurl=http://www.imsavvy.sg&nm=3">investment saavy</a>. I am quite amazed that there is so much to learn on CPF.<br />
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The CPF Housing withdrawal limits can only be from the CPF Ordinary Account, of which 120% of valuation limits for both private and HDB flats, this is not applicable if finance under HDB loan. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqPjRsWOU_YOZrsb0gvLm6Y28MUWCR65Im2DjUz-dnFilWePoXWhZuIZocL2s0Ef-wyE59nqsN6edcofFTawS_ikCyh6lgQ_MFYmWPhM_9xgWGdnMABFB_nXxCaGjUZSunTGECfaCOr0/s1600-h/CPF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqPjRsWOU_YOZrsb0gvLm6Y28MUWCR65Im2DjUz-dnFilWePoXWhZuIZocL2s0Ef-wyE59nqsN6edcofFTawS_ikCyh6lgQ_MFYmWPhM_9xgWGdnMABFB_nXxCaGjUZSunTGECfaCOr0/s400/CPF.jpg" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-69624370952415004812010-03-11T00:28:00.000+08:002010-03-11T00:28:10.421+08:00Differentiating A Good Coach from a Mediocre OneIf you are a female boss, have you throught of ways to coach your staffs? Although the following article is targeted on sales folks, however, therein lies essence of what differentiates a good coach from a leader who simply instructs.<br />
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A good sales leader coaches, while a poor sales leader simply directs. Most people who desire success focus almost entirely on themselves, not others. However, this is not the way to be truly successful. As a sales leader, team work is paramount and coaching, becomes a rewarding calling. Certainly, it takes work and may not have immediate returns. Yet in the long run, you get to build up a dream team, exceeding your group target beyond your wildest dreams. How do you develop sales coaching? This article seeks to demystify the area of sales coaching in 3 simple steps.<br />
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1. Getting your team members to articulate <br />
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A seasoned sales man knows how to ask the right questions to his customers. Similarly, a good sales leader coach must ask his team the right questions and get them to answer. This is truly a powerful tool as the personal articulation creates a self- realization. A good sales coach helps others learn how to analyze their own performance, take responsibility for their own development, find their own answers and gain the team members' commitment to doing it.<br />
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2. Focusing only on one priority at a time <br />
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Most of us are highly ambitious and seek to accomplish a lot at a time. Perhaps in a bid for time, we often rush through the motion. However, to engage your team and for them to be able to give issues the focus they require to accelerate change, one should not have too much on the agenda. The team member has to learn the ropes and take time to internalise the good habits. Research has shown that simple repetitive tasks require a timeframe of approximately 21 days to condition!<br />
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3. Separating evaluation from development <br />
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Your team member may feel threaten if they feel that they are being appraised when you are trying to coach them. There is a time and place for everything, thus try to separate the development and evaluation aspect. In fact, some staffs that correctly identify areas to develop may be evaluated more positively. It is good for you to have a list of your team members, with their names, greatest strength, areas to develop and resources to share clearly tabulated in a list. This will allow you to picture your dream team clearly!<br />
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When these things are in place, sales coaching become your most powerful tool in achieving results and will far surpass a directive approach. The foundation is then built on trust and strengthening relationship. When coaching your sales staff, you are better able to gain an understanding of the areas where one is stuck and can broaden their perspectives, based on your experience and help to formulate a solution for their obstacles. Sales coaching require affirmation, time and effort. However, this is resources well-invested, and this will help you, as a person to develop lasting qualities for life.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-76645453647100598172010-03-10T23:51:00.000+08:002010-03-10T23:51:53.015+08:00Work Life Balance for Singaporean WomenSource: Robert Half<br />
<a href="http://www.roberthalf.com.sg/portal/site/rh-sg/menuitem.b0a52206b89cee97e7dfed10c3809fa0/?vgnextoid=164b7052d3571210VgnVCM1000005e80fd0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6dff20fa5e38f110VgnVCM1000003041fd0aRCRD">http://www.roberthalf.com.sg/portal/site/rh-sg/menuitem.b0a52206b89cee97e7dfed10c3809fa0/?vgnextoid=164b7052d3571210VgnVCM1000005e80fd0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6dff20fa5e38f110VgnVCM1000003041fd0aRCRD</a><br />
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Highlights:<br />
* <span style="background-color: yellow;">Work-life balance the top priority (59%) for female accounting and finance professionals</span><br />
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* 68% of participants expect to progress their career in the next five years<br />
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However, 45% do not think they will reach a senior management position, such as a Directorship, within finance and accounting<br />
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* Only 49% of participants claim their organisations have a formal equal opportunities/ diversity policy<br />
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Singapore, 21 May 2009 – Female accounting and finance professionals in Singapore today have strong aspirations to move up the corporate ladder; however, obstacles still line their paths in an environment where fair and equal opportunities for women are not yet entirely entrenched. Work-life balance is importantly also the top priority for women and the key to attracting and retaining female talent in this increasingly challenging environment.<br />
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These are the conclusions of Singapore’s first detailed survey of women within the finance and accounting profession in Singapore, jointly launched by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (“ACCA”) and Robert Half Singapore (“Robert Half”). Conducted in March 2009, the survey polled over 700 female finance and accounting professionals across all age groups from a wide range of organisation type, size and industry sector.<br />
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The survey found that many women in accounting and finance in Singapore see themselves as career mobile and hold ambitions to develop beyond their current role. When asked where they see themselves in five years, 68% expect to advance their careers, with 32% saying in a new role with their current employer and an even higher 36% citing a senior position in a different firm. The majority of the respondents from the 35 years or younger (44%) age group expect to move on to a more senior role with a different employer, suggesting that younger female workers in general have higher job mobility and are strongly motivated to advance their careers.<br />
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However, against the backdrop of a highly mobile female workforce, the survey found that <span style="background-color: yellow;">support for female workers in career development and leadership development is currently not forthcoming in many organisations.</span> 27% of respondents claim they do not receive any training support from their companies, with those from the 36 to 45 years age group receiving less support than their peers. During the last 12 months, 64% of respondents had not attended a leadership course and those employed by smaller organisations were less likely to do so than their counterparts in larger firms.<br />
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Correspondingly, a significant number of female employees (45%) do not think they will reach a senior management position, such as a Directorship, within finance and accounting. Indeed, 39% of the respondents said their Board of Directors do not have any female representation, with approximately one third (31%) citing that only 1-20% of their board members were female directors. Reasons for this imbalance allude largely to <span style="background-color: yellow;">existing gender inequality within their organisations</span>, with comments such as “Such positions are usually given to men” or “There are very few women at the top management levels and these continued to be male oriented”.<br />
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The <span style="background-color: yellow;">lack of equal opportunities for women</span> is also underscored by the fact that only 49% of participants claim their organisations have a formal equal opportunities/diversity policy. Much obviously still has to be improved on this front, as a sizable 32% do not have such a policy in place, while 21% of respondents are simply unaware if it even exists in their organisations. When asked where an equal opportunities policy would have the greatest impact, 30% said on organisation culture, while a combined 28% saw it as a tool to attract and retain both new and current female employees.<br />
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Lastly, but very importantly, even in today’s challenging economic market, <span style="background-color: yellow;">female employees are clearly still seeking more balance and flexibility in their lives and the relationship between work and family commitments. According to the survey, work-life balance is the top priority (59%) for female accounting and finance professionals, with respondents ranking flexible hours (61%) and the ability to work from home (51%) as the top flexible benefits that organisations needed to offer to attract and retain female employees.</span> So important is it that the majority of respondents (53%) would leave their current job for one that offered an improved work-life balance, even if it means less pay.<br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">However, contrary to their desire to enjoy an improved work-life balance, an overwhelming 74% of respondents said they are now working longer hours compared to a year ago.</span> The main reasons cited were increased responsibilities (34%) and an increase in workload (24%). Seven percent cited organisation growth which could imply that while business is growing, extra resources are not being brought in to cope with the growth. On average, female accounting and finance professionals work 46.1 hours with those who are married without children working the most number of hours (46.4 hours per week) and those married with children working the least number (45.8 hours).<br />
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Mr Tim Hird, Managing Director, Robert Half, comments, “The results of our survey underscore the challenges that female professionals face in Singapore. While women continue to seek greater career advancements, barriers to progression evidently still remain in the workplace today. With Singapore still facing a shortage of skilled professionals despite the weak job market, it is more important than ever that organisations put in place practices to ensure that the funnel of female employees moving up the corporate ladder continues, or risk losing valuable members of the team.<br />
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Corporate leaders need to start planning for the eventual market recovery and understand the implications of a talent shortage as we emerge from the recession. Removing these barriers and improving access to flexible benefits is the first step in ensuring that top female talent are not just brought into the workforce, but most importantly, retained.”<br />
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Concludes Mrs Penelope Phoon-Cohen, Country Head, ACCA Singapore, “With better education possibilities and career opportunities, women have made a difference to the workplace in the last 50 years and now play an integral part in today’s workforce. As the advancement of women continues in Singapore, it is crucial to understand and ensure that gender equality and fair opportunities exist for female employees. Today, the world is facing unprecedented circumstances. Bringing to the table their unique characteristics and qualifications, women, like their male counterparts, play an important role in tackling the challenges of an increasingly complex economic landscape, and in rebuilding confidence to move businesses forward into the future.”Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-73121592060704112132010-03-09T23:40:00.000+08:002010-03-09T23:40:57.051+08:00Handling Tricky Money Situations with Your Loved OnesMarriage and money can prove to be a stressful combination, as many couples fight about money. During stressful economic times, marriages can be strained when money troubles arise. Here's how to find harmony with your marriage and money.<br />
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Difficulty: Average<br />
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Time Required: Ongoing<br />
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Here's How:<br />
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Remain Calm<br />
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When tempers flare, people can say things that they wish they could take back -- but can't. It's best for your marriage and money stress levels to remain calm when discussing finances. This means using stress management techniques like breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, exchanging massages, or simply putting on some soothing music. Keeping each other calm can help your marriage, and can help you solve your money problems.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pray About it</span><br />
Like all things, pray about it. Nothing beats having a prayer to ask God for His direction. With a gentle note of prayer, remember the fruits of the Spirit and make sure no mean words spout out through your mouth. Instead, gentleness is the way to go.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get A Clear View</span><br />
It may not be fun, but it's important that you both have a clear view of your money situation. You both need to know what you have, what you owe, what you make, and where it goes. Sometimes one person does the bulk of the budgeting, but when coming up with solutions for money problems, it's important for both of you to know where you stand. Get everything on the table, and look at it together.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Focus On Solutions</span><br />
When faced with the sometimes stark reality of money problems, it's sometimes easy to slip into patterns of anger and blame. Don't. This can cause more stress in your marriage, and can actually lead you away from solutions! Focus on accepting the situation you are in now, and working on a clear plan to get to a better financial future together.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Work Together</span><br />
Two heads are better than one, and in a marriage, it's important for the two of you to be on the same page when it comes to money. Work together to come up with a budget that will work for both of you, and stick to it. (You owe it to one another, as well as to your kids, if you have any.) Encourage your partner's ideas, and remember that your marriage and your money situation will do better of you two are managing money as a team.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Get Help If You Need It</span><br />
If your money situation is quickly deteriorating and you don't know how to make a plan that can save your finances, it may be a good idea to talk to a financial advisor together. This can provide fresh ideas and an educated perspective, and give you both a neutral third party to trust in. If your marriage is quickly deteriorating from money fights, it may likewise be a good idea to talk to a marriage counselor. Money problems can take a toll on a relationship, and a counselor can help you examine your patterns and come up with a healthier way to relate to one another.<br />
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Tips:<br />
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Remain Connected--Even when you're frustrated by your situation, you can still hold hands as you talk, take breaks to give each other massages, share a joke, and keep your connection alive in simple ways. You can help one another through this!<br />
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Be Aware--If you always seem to fight about money, and especially if you don't entirely know why, it may be a good idea to examine your history and your partner's history and take a look at your 'money issues'. Just being aware of whether you carry negative patterns from childhood, unrealistic expectations, or 'hot buttons' that keep getting pressed, can help you to deal with your triggers.<br />
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Take a Break If You Need To--If things get too stressful, take a break and do something you both enjoy together, or take some time alone, and then come back after you both have a set of 'fresh eyes' and an extra dose of patience.<br />
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Remain Calm--I've said it before, and it's important enough to mention again. Staying calm when you're dealing with finances can make the difference between a fruitful planning session and a damaging altercation. See the suggestions above, or the resources below. <br />
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(Source: Stress.about.com)Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-85438924638431320072010-03-09T21:50:00.002+08:002010-03-09T21:54:56.906+08:00Make Money while Going on a HolidayDo you want to save money, make money and yet travel freely? Here is the inside scoop that travel agencies will not tell you and yet, it will make your holiday a memorable one. Have a secret dream of being a merchandiser, well, this is really the stuffs that you want to know, but cannot find in brochures! <br />
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The next time you go on a holiday, challenge yourself to turn a holiday trip to a money making venture!<br />
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<strong>1) Keep your eyes peeled for popular brands / trends</strong><br />
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It never hurt to ask the locals for the best places of attractions. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. Check out great sights and sounds with a local, make a new friend! And what is best, is the possibility of seeing something interesting and bringing back a franchise! Do take note of the popular brands in the market, or something that has caught your interest. It may be the latest craze that catches on! <br />
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<strong>2) Make bulk purchases and sell back home</strong><br />
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There are some popular face masks or unique products which are sold elsewhere at a cheap price. You can start surfing the websites and knowing what are some of the popular items sold in the country you are visiting. By doing so, you are able to defray the cost of your travel and it is always fun, to have the feeling of being a merchandiser! Do read up adequately, thus minimizing the probability of getting stuck with a lot of inventory. Keep the items simple and choose items that are relatively easy to be placed in your luggage!<br />
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Turn that holiday trip into an investment trip by simply opening your eyes to business ideas! Very often, a travel trip may turn out to be a gem, giving you ideas for even a franchisee! The money spent, is money well-invested! Check out my blog if you want more great tips in turning pleasures into money making ideas.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-84488578878167055552010-03-08T22:40:00.002+08:002010-03-08T22:41:55.936+08:00Insider Tips to Save Money from Travel Experts!The inside scoop that others will not tell you. From getting the cheapest deals, to finding the best spots in a country. Here is the stuffs that you can't find in brochures!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) Travel off-season</span><br />
If you can be flexible about when to go, then travel during off-peak (no June or December school holidays)! Prices can easily be a few hundreds cheaper and no peak surcharge! The queues at amusement parks (such as Disneyland) will also be shorter! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) Find the cheapest flights</span><br />
Don't assume that budget airlines will always be the cheapest. This mantra is only true if you book early. Traditional carriers, with the onslaught of poor economy last year, moderated their airfares downwards. Despite slowly creeping up again this year, there are still tie-ups with credit cards and all-taxes packages worth considering. If your dates are flexible, choosing the right day of the week can also slash your flight costs substantially. Friday (people on a holiday) and Sunday flights (people on business trips) are usually the most expensive! Try midweek flights for the best deals and a good bet for long haul flights to UK or USA!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) Arrange your own excursions</span><br />
If you are on a package holiday, the tour representatives will be keen to sell you excursions (of course there is comission to be earned!) You can usually get the same trip more cheaply by booking directly. Do your homework!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4) Get the room you want</span><br />
If you want a room with a king size bed, make sure the hotel knows. Inform them in advance, instead of lamenting about it at the end of the stay. If you want a high floor, just state it. You never know the extra mile the hotel manager may go. I remember staying in Shangrila and receiving a hand written card from the hotel manager to make sure everything was ok for me.Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-50843650843878270152010-03-08T19:07:00.002+08:002010-03-08T19:08:44.583+08:00Having the Faith in God's Grace At Work<span style="color: black;">This is an excellent article from Chip Ingram which I have to share. Many of us have to manage the strugles and dissapointment at work. Have we thought about why do we stumble? It is with the hope that this article can touch you, and remind us, on riding the faith. This is really quite a message, considering my church is doing the Book of Hebrews! </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Why do I stumble?</span> <br />
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I came into the office early this morning to get some extra time with the Lord. It seems that once the day gets going all the dizziness and people crowd out any quality time to sit, reflect and develop that calm and quiet center to live out of Gods grace.<br />
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I’m reading through the book of Hebrews in my personal devotions and was struck this morning by the warning in Hebrews 3:12: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” Later in the same chapter, verse 19 he says, “So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.” I know this is nothing new, but it struck me that at the heart of all my issues in relating to God is my struggle with temptation in sin; one simple common denominator – unbelief!<br />
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I get stressed out because I don’t believe – God is in control! <br />
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I get anxious about what might happen because I don’t believe – God is good! <br />
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I get worn out trying to do too much because I don’t believe – God will accomplish what concerns me! <br />
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I get frustrated when things don’t work out the way I think they should because I don’t believe – God is all wise; His timing and His methods are perfect! <br />
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I get afraid and wonder how we will cover all of our costs because I don’t believe – God is a faithful provider! <br />
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In chapter 4 the author encourages those who are struggling because of the persecution and difficulty that they’re facing not to drift away from the Lord through unbelief, but to enter His rest. To rest in the fact that He is in control, that He is good, that He cares and knows about all my needs, and is an all-wise and faithful provider. I love the line in Hebrews 4:10, “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His.” <br />
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This is not a command about being passive because the very next verse commands us to make every effort to enter His rest. It is a command to believe in who God is and what He has done. So that we may rest from our self effort trying to earn God’s favor and to orchestrate what needs to happen in our own strength to fulfill what we think is best.<br />
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My prayer for you and me today is that we will take our eyes off of our to-do list and all the demands that we feel and simply ask God, “What does it look like to trust You today?“ What would it look like to trust You when I feel overwhelmed? What would it look like to trust You in this problematic relationship? What would it look like to trust You for my finances? What would it look like to trust You for my future?<br />
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As I ponder these questions and look at the relationship between a “sinful and unbelieving heart,” I realize that nearly all of the sins that we commit are rooted first and foremost in our unbelief. It’s when I do not believe God and take shortcuts in an attempt to make life work through – a white lie, a subtle manipulation, attempts to please people, neglecting my body to work more, pretending I’m something more than I am to impress others or gain their favor… and the list goes on.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).</span><br />
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So let’s trust today with believing hearts and enter His rest.<br />
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Keep pressing ahead,<br />
ChipPerrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-25256577544085548422010-03-08T15:03:00.002+08:002010-03-08T15:04:24.602+08:00The Face Shop Inspiring Interview<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">The Face Shop</span></strong><br />
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When we see inspiring stories of women who have it all, we realise it is possible. With that extra grit and strength (women really have the tenacity within us- see how we queue relentlessly when there is a bargain), we will reach our destination.<br />
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The Face Shop is ubiquitous in Singapore and many Asian countries. How was it brought into Singapore from Korea?<br />
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Here is an interesting interview, with The Face Shop owners, Ms Doreen Kho Ching Kim & Peggy Kho Ching Ling when they first start up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Please describe your business.</span> <br />
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Our business is made up of a group of young enthusiastic people who wants to offer our customers excellent service and good quality Korean cosmetics to customers at affordable prices. We hope to encourage Singaporeans to be more adventurous with colours for the face and for Singaporeans to have a wider choice of skincare choices formulated from unique natural ingredients.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. What made you embark on this venture choice?</span> <br />
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Personally, I have always been vain at heart and I have a deep passion for cosmetics. I can spend hours at cosmetic counters and experimenting new products. In particular, Korea's cosmetics have caught my attention as they have one of the best technology for skincare development. The ingredients used are also very unique and since Korea has just opened their markets, it is a good opportunity for Singaporeans to finally discover their secret to great skin. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. How does your business work? </span><br />
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We import our products from Korea and retail them in our outlets located at Bugis Junction and Plaza Singapura. Currently all our shops are self owned as we are apprehensive about franchising too soon. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Did you have the capital to start the business or did you have to borrow from someone to get started? </span><br />
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Our partnership includes me, my sister Peggy, my husband Leslie and 2 sleeping partners. Together, we have enough capital to invest into this venture. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Do your parents have their own businesses too? Have they inspired you in one way or another? </span><br />
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No, my parents do not own businesses. My mother passed away when my sister and I were young and my father passed away recently, both from illness. Yes, they have inspired us but in a different kind of way. Both our parents fought their illnesses, patiently and silently. When they are in pain, they hide in their rooms to weep and would never let us see their sufferings as they do not want us to feel sad. Seeing their resilent nature in overcoming adversities has made us stronger people. We learnt never to complain no matter how tired we are so that we will not demoralize the people around us. My grandmother and father had come from very poor families. They had worked very hard to make a living. My father had to study at the corridor because they could not afford the electrical bills. But because of that, he was even more determined to succeed so that he could get out of poverty and he did. He had passed on to us his spirit of determination. <br />
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Join our <a href="http://ohper.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4a9/">mailing list</a> to read the full interview article!Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-89637054458966809762010-03-08T14:11:00.006+08:002010-03-08T21:47:18.440+08:003 Money Saving Tips In Singapore<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Saving Money in Singapore! </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">(And where/ when to get cheaper movie tickets)</span><br />
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Do you have a habit of compliling your monthly expenses? Each time I tabulate my monthly expenses, the huge proportion of my expenses that goes to food never fail to amaze me. I have to admit a good 30% of my expenses go to food! How do I cut back on my expenditure while enjoying that occassional high teas and nice restaurants? I do want to save, but not live life painfully. This list came about due to my own money saving circumstance.<br />
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Let's think creatively of ways to to live decently and learn how to spend wisely! Everyone do chip in! :)<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1. Save Money On Food </span></strong><br />
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For a little luxury (try to limit the number of such occassions), scour through the credit card brochures and find 1 for 1 treats! Check out those restaurants and instead of going for the same restaurants, introduce some variety into your chill out spots! You never know when you might find a gem in the making! This gives you the perfect opportunity to try new places.<br />
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Another smart move will be to cook at home! The first thing to take into account is where to eat and where to buy your food from in order to save money. The wet markets and supermarkets are definitely cheaper alternatives! (I will look into introducing easy to cook and economical receipes for busy women in Singapore). One of my greatest desire is to cook for my loved ones! Perhaps you may want to whip up a meal at home and invite your friends over for the weekend.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Locate Those Warehouse/ Factory Outlet Sales </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out the Straits Time for the ads (Especially Saturday's paper) and you will find a lot of warehouse sales in Genting lane, some obscure places in Tampines or Jurong! Get your comfortable footware and rush for the great bargains. They can range anything from furniture, to Scholl shoes and more. Just look for advertisements in the newspapers to find out where and when the next warehouse sale will be. You can expect prices with more than 50% discount. Be prepared that it may be last season, but still good value nonetheless!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other great places to go, if you are travelling to nearby Malaysia, check out the Factory Outlet Stores (FOS)!They used to have an outlet at Le Meridien in Singapore, but I wonder where has it gone to.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Take Public Transport </span><br />
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For a long while, I have been pampered and often tout sticking my right arm and hailing a cab one of my capability. That is until I started collating my taxi receipts and getting another rude shock there. My transportation expenses (or well, taxi expense), was draining my piggy. Piggy needs a new breath of life, and that is where I figured- make use of the public transport. <br />
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I do occassionally treat myself to that cab hailing exercise, but that sense of awareness has taught me better to keep my hands to myself and use my legs a little more. Oh well, nice shapely calves after taking that brisk walk can't hurt! <br />
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P.S- Having a car in Singapore is one of the most expensive things. Not only are car prices about five times higher than the European car prices but the maintenance costs are huge as well. Do I have to mention ERP? If you really need one for a special occassion, maybe think og renting? If not, buy a weekend car (with it's more user- friendly scheme). Or try car pooling with your friends!<br />
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Join our <a href="http://ohper.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4a9/">money saving mailing list</a> for more great tips! We will let you know where to get the <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">cheapest movie tickets! </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Online exclusive Deal:</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">You can also check out <span style="color: purple;">OCBC MSA 123</span> (which is the monthly Savings Account (As Easy as 1-2-3!) and start saving regularly for your dream goal with very attractive rates! Plus, they're giving away free Shaw movie tickets if you sign up now (Online Exclusive!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-46110257319499455312010-03-08T11:51:00.007+08:002010-03-08T22:05:45.813+08:00Stylish ways to Decorate your Home without Spending a Bomb!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Stylish ways to Decorate your Home cheaply!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rising prices of homes on our headlines lately just reminds us to be more frugal with our spending. Yet, we do not want to sacrifice the beauty of our homes. Is beautifying it on a budget possible? Instead of spending hundreds on arty art pieces. I think these clock- arts just do the trick. They simply give the whole place a different feel. All with the ease of adding on a simple art clock! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
These art clocks have an ability to add character to the room and yet, fully functional. It was killing two birds with one stone! There were so many art pieces to choose from that we were spoilt for choice. We could play according to theme, and simply change the look of the place by hanging the different designs or even the placement. <br />
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Want to know more about the art-clock or contribute your ideas on decorating the home on a shoe string? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Do <a href="http://ohper.wufoo.com/forms/z7x4a9/">share with us</a>! We love to hear from you. :)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">BEAUTIFUL OBJECTS CAN BE FUNCTIONAL TOO!</span></strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E5QGKQzBsjPCdFJrVPTmoZij0c6D-O2UnVa8DIzty5jaXmFEZd4miBNbqosWeqH_DYZadfJbCd1fPfYXdu1KFgOIisEdbTTpYDWry16LdpxYdke9spjRvZxN74EBBJUxRqMOdBB3Xtg/s1600-h/clocks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E5QGKQzBsjPCdFJrVPTmoZij0c6D-O2UnVa8DIzty5jaXmFEZd4miBNbqosWeqH_DYZadfJbCd1fPfYXdu1KFgOIisEdbTTpYDWry16LdpxYdke9spjRvZxN74EBBJUxRqMOdBB3Xtg/s400/clocks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-70258866557803381482010-03-07T19:41:00.007+08:002010-03-07T20:35:31.708+08:00<strong></strong><br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">http://womenurock.blogspot.com/p/latest-updates.html<img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6FZi9yYlXCRvBeARasmikL7X2S_0aDoxLFLJR_mOYj0uA4efZ69SwPeKzzZXcqJbReGLqM9WVCsS-Gosmz57EupabdAiDrw59mKX1l1PjColin5Z7Lpeb2DZVa9c2wqEePW8p3ApxFA/s320/small+logo_recommended.jpg" /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>imSaavy has a lot of great articles on financial planning. I tried the quiz and you should too! It'd be interesting to see how much or how little you know about CPF! Instead of searching everywhere for the local bank numbers. Here is a quick listing- </em><a href="http://womenurock.blogspot.com/p/latest-updates.html">Local Phone List for Banks Fixed Deposits</a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope it'll save everyone some time! :)</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">10 Tips on What to Prepare Financially for Your Upcoming Marriage</span></strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>If you have finished school, worked for a few years and is attached, your most likely plan next in the agenda is to get married. Marriage is going to be the most significant decision you will make. It will affect you mentally, emotionally and financially. It also happens to be a national interest to pro-create (legally of course)! Here are some tips on financial matters for which you should look out for if you have decided to tie the knot:</strong></div><br />
<strong>Source: <a href="http://www.cpf.gov.sg/imsavvy/blog_post.asp?postid=209343995-1-3427659272">http://www.cpf.gov.sg/imsavvy/blog_post.asp?postid=209343995-1-3427659272</a></strong><br />
1. Determine what <span style="font-size: large;">kind of residential flat</span> you are going to stay together. This will depend on the property price both of you can afford. You can consider renting or even stay with parents if you feel that both of you are not prepared to make a large property purchase commitment initially. Do not be pressured by your peers. You do not need to follow the crowd to commit a large loan if you are not ready. It is OK to rent when you get married. Personally, I rented a 3 room HDB flat for 1 year after marriage as I couldn’t find a satisfactory place to buy.<br />
2. <span style="font-size: large;">Loan Scheme</span>- You will need to borrow money if you are going to purchase a property. Make sure you understand the various schemes such as HDB Concessionary Loan vs Bank Loans.<br />
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3. If you are going to purchase a place to stay, you need to <span style="font-size: large;">budget for renovation</span>. If you are buying from the resale market, you will need to pay the <span style="font-size: large;">Cash-Over-Valuation (COV)</span> in additional to the downpayment amount which you are unable to take a loan on it. <br />
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4. You need to <span style="font-size: large;">budget for the wedding celebration and honeymoon.</span> To avoid misunderstanding, discuss this openly with your parents and ensure clear communication at all times. Asian parents like to have grand dinner wedding while young people prefer a quiet wedding. So you can see the need for good communication. <br />
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5. If you are going to hold a wedding dinner, you will have to pay the bill after the dinner has ended. If you are relying on red-packets (ang-paos) given to you by friends & relatives to help pay for the dinner, you may find some issues with it because you have not fully tally all the ang-paos. <br />
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You may wish to pay the dinner using credit card. Usually multiple credit cards can be used. You can ask your parents to pay using credit cards first .You might not want to use your own credit card because you’ll need to ensure your credit limit is not breached if you are going for your honeymoon straightaway. Remember to ensure all credit call bills are settled within the one month grace period.<br />
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6. All the above require <span style="font-size: large;">careful budgeting</span>. If you do not have the money, you need to save or borrow or both. If you are going to borrow to pay that renovation, try to borrow from your own parents first (hopefully they can lend you interest free!). Even if your parents charge you interest (which I feel they shouldn’t), it is better to pay interest to your own parents than to the bank!<br />
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7. To save, you must ensure you have a<span style="font-size: large;"> high cash flow now</span>. High cash flow can only be achieved either with high income and/or minimal expenditure. Initially in your career, it is not likely you have a high income. So your only way to have a high amount of money to save is to minimize your expenditure. Avoid luxury spending and ad-hoc holidays. Save up for the ultimate honeymoon holiday!<br />
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8. Many young people buy useless insurance when they graduate. Often they are approached by their fellow friends who became insurance agents. Perhaps due to lack of experience, the recommendations are often flawed.<span style="font-size: large;"> Make sure you avoid buying useless or junk insurance</span>. <br />
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At this stage, you shouldn’t buy saving plans like endowments and anticipated endowments because your immediate need is to save up for your marriage. Insurance is important but only those that are based on necessities. If in doubt, only consult professional financial planners who will not sell you another unnecessary product. <br />
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9. You may wish to <span style="font-size: large;">postpone investments until you have fully satisfied that you have set aside sufficient budget for your marriage.</span><br />
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10. Finally, do spend some amount of money engaging a good professional wedding photographer. Years later, the only way your kids can know about your wedding is through photographs. Make sure you have both hard and softcopies of these photographs. <br />
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Have a good wedding! Make that AWESOME!Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-64382625671895043132010-03-07T15:33:00.003+08:002010-03-07T20:01:17.851+08:00How To Land the Job of Your Dreams<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?deepLinkEmbedCode=poMXFhOuSJRIXTc360Y0zPpHYEmxL_CG&embedCode=poMXFhOuSJRIXTc360Y0zPpHYEmxL_CG">
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">For more Living on The Edge resources <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013MG6UW?ie=UTF8&tag=emwotobeital-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013MG6UW">Growing in Christ Together</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=emwotobeital-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013MG6UW" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />, check out the free resource page.</span><br />
<a href="http://womenurock.blogspot.com/p/resources-and-templates.html">Resources and Templates</a>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4120932547179139271.post-91945683614611550492010-03-07T15:07:00.001+08:002010-03-07T15:09:38.076+08:00How to Make An Extra $500 a Month<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">How to Make An Extra $500 a Month</span><br />
Excllent article By: Audra Lim<br />
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Most spend their lives chasing it, while others never seem to have enough of it.<br />
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Money. <br />
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The Holy Grail that supposedly brings with it promises of everlasting happiness, pleasure and excitement.<br />
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While those promises aren’t entirely true, it is always nice to have a little extra cash, just for that decadent Ritz Carlton Champagne brunch and Javanese aromatherapy massage or simply to squirrel away for a rainy day.<br />
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We know exactly how comforting some extra cash feels like, so here are three great suggestions on how to make a solid $500 extra a month:<br />
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<span style="color: red;">1. eBay</span><br />
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Who hasn’t heard of eBay? Practically synonymous with earning money online, eBay is the place to go to sell stuff you have been keeping but have no use for, such as bags, clothes, books, accessories and that old grandfather clock that has been sitting unappreciated in the corner of the living room. Remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Or, you could buy something cheap and resell it there for a small profit. You can also use eBay’s Daily Deals (http://deals.ebay.com/deals) to pick up items that are going cheap for a limited time only, or visit Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales, flea markets, closeouts and the like for things you think may sell.<br />
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Potential earnings: $200 (assuming you sell 20 items at a profit of $10)<br />
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<span style="color: red;">2. Sprees/ Bulk Purchases</span><br />
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Singaporeans love shopping, especially if they know they can get a good deal. Many popular items originate from overseas though, and sometimes it is too troublesome, too difficult or costs too much in shipping fees to purchase. In steps the Spree and Bulk Purchase organizer, who typically buys things in bulk from a particular brand or shop overseas, and earns a small profit by selling these value-for-money items at spree websites like http://community.livejournal.com/sgspree/, http://www.topsites.sg/tag/spree and the Singapore Motherhood forum. <br />
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Potential earnings: $200 (assuming a profit of $4 from each order, with 50 orders)<br />
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<span style="color: red;">3. Earnings from Hobbies</span><br />
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Think about your favourite pastimes. Is there something you are good at, or something you know a lot about? Capitalise on these interests and skills. If you are handy with arts and crafts, make things and sell them on Etsy.com, a site that specializes in handcrafted products and supplies. If you are a Ansel Adams-wannabe and love taking photos, put them up on iStockPhoto.com, where publishers can search for photos using keywords – and you get a percentage if your photo is purchased. If you think you are an expert at finding the most suitable toy for your baby as she grows, write articles and post them online at sites such as AssociatedContent.com, where articles are typically paid US$4-10 each. Or better still, set up your own website and sell your writings as e-books. What you get is quick income with not much further work on your part!<br />
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Potential earnings: $100 (assuming you sell 20 items/articles etc at a profit of $5 each)<br />
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There are so many other ways to make money, including baking organic wheat-free chocolate cakes from home, providing freelance writing, or public relations, or accounting, or data entry or marketing or design services — and how about giving mobile manicures from your spiffy Kangoo van? As with any other job, many of these ideas take time and effort to turn into fruition, but once you get past that learning curve in terms of understanding e-commerce and market demand, it becomes a cinch to make that extra $500 many times over.<br />
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Have any other great ideas to help other women make extra cash? Share with us!<br />
<a href="http://womenurock.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html">http://womenurock.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html</a>Perrinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07190716645510942899noreply@blogger.com0