Topic(s): Children

The Hebrew phrase “train up” came from farming terminology, which referred to training a tree or vine to grow in a particular shape or direction.

If you have ever been to Disney World, you have seen those fascinating shrubs shaped like animals and various Disney characters. Recently, I had the privilege of going backstage at Disney World, and I saw how those bushes were formed. Of course, those bushes don’t grow that way by themselves! (Even Disney doesn’t have that kind of magic).

Over a ten-to-fifteen-year period, from the time those bushes are planted, they are shaped, trimmed, pruned, and “trained” in the way that they should go. Some parts are removed, other parts are cultivated, and still other parts are trimmed away; finally, the entire plant conforms to a wire mesh in the shape of the desired animal or character.

That is exactly the process by which we are to train our children. It must begin early. To put it another way, “If you wait till they date, it’s too late” —James Merritt

Just Trying to Help

Topic(s): Humor

The preacher was walking down the street one day when he noticed a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. The boy wasn’t very tall and the doorbell was too high for him to reach. After watching the boy’s efforts, the preacher stepped across the street, walked up behind the little fellow, and, placing his hand kindly on the child’s shoulder, leaned over and gave the doorbell a solid ring. Crouching down to the child’s level, the minister smiled and asked, “And now what, my little man?” The boy replied, “Now we run!”

“Rejoice evermore” —1 Thessalonians 5:16

Is Your Marriage Going Broke?

Topic(s): Marriage

Have you noticed that newspapers report that personal debt is at an all-time high and so are divorces? Do you think there might be a connection? In marital surveys, money and sex usually come up as the top two reasons for major discord between a husband and wife. Not only are there more divorces, couples are also calling it quits much earlier in their marriage than ever before.

One of the biggest problems facing couples today is the huge amount of debt they bring into their marriage. One sure-fire way to ensure a rocky start for a marriage is to have tens of thousands of dollars in debt (from student loans, credit cards, or other bills). Even a thousand dollars in debt can cast a dark cloud over your relationship if you don’t have the means to repay it quickly.

Consider the rate of suicide during the Great Depression. The stresses of mounting debt have pushed people to take their own lives and have been a major cause in the death of many, many marriages.

If you want to have a blissful relationship, you will need to get your debt under control (or at least make a plan to do so). Otherwise, your debt will physically and psychologically control you. Here are some tips for getting and staying out of debt:

• When you get a paycheck, the first thing you do is set aside money for God. Doesn’t seem logical but it works (Proverbs 3:9-10).
• Sit down with your partner and discuss all aspects of your family budget. Only when you analyze your spending habits will you fully realize where you are wasting money. It’s a great opportunity to talk about your goals and dreams (1 Peter 3:7).
• Realize that frivolously spending money can be a sign of disrespect for your marriage and mate (cf. Proverbs 21:5).
• If you would like a bigger diamond ring or a fancier car, ask yourself why (Proverbs 21:17).

Take a quick inventory of all the items you own but could really live without. Consider how much you paid for them. What if you didn’t buy those items and had all that money in savings instead? Would it make a difference in how you view your job, your family, and your future?
—adapted www.50secrets.com

Celebrate Your Mate

Topic(s): Marriage

Do you struggle to suppress a yawn when your spouse crows about a hole in one? Here’s a reason to summon up some enthusiasm: Reacting positively to your spouse’s good news strengthens your relationship.

Researchers at UCLA found that when spouses respond supportively to their partner’s happy news, husbands and wives are significantly more likely to feel that their marriage is satisfying, intimate, and fun. According to author Shelly Gable, an appreciative response “allows the one celebrating to relive the experience.” That ego boost creates tender feelings toward the supportive partner.

“But it isn’t enough to listen passively,” adds Gable. Even if you aren’t a golf fan, show you’re happy—hug your mate or give a high five. Then everyone scores. —Ladies’ Home Journal (January 2005)

Cheap Medicine

Topic(s): Love, Marriage

Hugging is the cheapest medicine available to us today. It relieves many physical and emotional problems. I love the bear hug where you use both arms, face your partner, and perform a full embrace. Researchers discovered that when people are touched, the amount of hemoglobin in their blood increases significantly. (Helen Colton, author of The Joy of Touching.) Hemoglobin is part of the blood that carries vital supplies of oxygen to all organs of the body—including the heart and the brain. An increase in hemoglobin tones up the whole body, helps prevent disease, and speeds recovery from illness. —Sandra Schrift, “Monday Morning” newsletter