Starting October with blessings all around

30 September 2018

Yesterday was such a blessing. I and my friends went on a sisterhood outing. To top it up, we had the lovely company of my friend’s daughter who is 9 years old and a 16 year old. It was her birthday so we celebrated it with her and it was so lovely. Whenever we meet I am always blessed and I cannot begin to thank God for this particular sisterhood because it’s touching every sphere of my life in a positive way. And for the first time, I realize my dreams are valid and they will come to fruition because of their counsel. It was such a lovely day and it’s engrafted in my heart. And I discovered one of the sisters has been writing as well! Lovely!

01 October 2018

The Lord is faithful. He has carried me through for the past 9 months and I cannot thank God enough. This morning started quite well. I had to rush somewhere before going to work and my brother stood in for me J (see why I’m blessed?). As I was in the taxi, an elderly man came in. At some point, as I was looking at him, I couldn’t help but believe he was once a teacher in my junior secondary school. I kept looking at him when he wasn’t looking at my direction and I finally plucked up the courage to ask: are you Mr.Jobela who once taught in Garrett? He initially said no, and jokingly said: yes, I am. He then confirmed his suspicion of me as well. I think he knew me because I was a head girl and a ‘good’ girl LOL. We then went on to speak about the current state of education and we agreed on every point. It was such a lovely, fulfilling conversation and I wished to not get off at my stop to continue with the conversation. He then gave me his blessing with regards to the future and gave me a hug. What a man! Such a humble father. I was really encouraged and blessed to know that he still remembered me and he’s one of the people rooting out for me.

Then when I returned to work, it was messy. Our printing/copying machine was out of order but praise God my brother was there. Let’s just say he discovered that the other printer that was not vacant is actually working. I’m surrounded by great minds I must say. Then, after a few customers came in, a middle aged man from our church came in and I assisted him. It was a blessing and his farewell words were: “umgcine lomntana mama” which can be loosely translated as “treasure this child”. It was such a blessing. I treasure these words honestly. More than anything, I treasure what my mom has been to me. She has been an encouragement and a constant reminder that I should not give up. There’s so much I admire about my mom and one of these days I’ll reflect. And she fixed our printing/copying machine too! See? Great minds I tell you.

All in all, October started with such blessings and it happens to be my mom’s birth month. So yay to October and awesomeness!

Last Reflections

 Reflection #18: You don't owe anyone answers (contextual):

This I learnt last week.Since students are protesting,the library has been closed because of them.So,I decided to go to the library in the surrounding area.So,I get there and I mind my business and my eyes focus on one book titled Dad:the power and beauty of authentic fatherhood by Craig Wilkinson.It's the most beautiful book that is slowly changing my view on males.I've learnt that men often reflect their fathers-not always.I also learnt that because some men have never had fathers or have had passive father,they do not always know what to do-how to be good fathers,so in the end,they hurt their children and their wives.In fact,they themselves are hurting from being left their fathers.

I've digressed-on my next post I'll share a few quotes from the book........Back to me being at the library.So I grabbed this book excitedly and as I was starting to read,the security guard disturbed me. (I personally do not like small talk-especially when I'm busy and when it's not for a fruitful reason).He asked me if I was there for the school holidays-no,he asked which grade I was in.Reluctantly answered that.Then he went on and on-to the point where I politely told him,"I'm reading,please don't disturb me".Then after a while,he offered to charge my phone and he also told me I should take off my jacket.Honestly,I do not appreciate such advances,whereby someone will seek to dictate what I should be doing and not doing.

I then realized it all depends on me.Then,there are those men you meet on the train-who will ask your name,your where-abouts,and then ask for your number.I dislike how they come with this attitude like they deserve to get your number.I personally cannot tolerate such attitude.I also do not really enjoy these conversations,they hurt me (hahaha,exaggeration)-they tire my frontal lobe.But then Christianity calls me to seek not my own-so even in these situations you'll try to bring up Christ.At one occasion it looked like it was going on the right direction.

So,honestly,as a 23 year old,I need wisdom when it comes to handling these predicaments.They tire me.But as I learnt that "I should not seek my own wealth,but that of another man" (1 Corinthians 11:24),it's important to have a Christ-like attitude always.Personally,I fail most times.But as it has become impressed upon my mind more vividly the seriousness of the gospel,I'm learning that "I should always  speak a word in season".Regardless of how one makes me feel.Imagine if Christ depended on his feelings to share the gospel-wouldn't have gotten far,would he?

In fact,I read a beautiful statement from Ministry of Healing whereby we are told that,we have the tendency to choose those with lovely dispositions when sharing the gospel.But if we show love to these,what difference does it make much?Our love should not be limited to such-we are told to go to those with the the least likable dispositions,show God's love and as our love draws them,they will accept Christ and be the most faithful in the cause of Christ.

I pray that the Holy Spirit may help me not to be moved from my post-sharing the gospel.When we lose site of this,it is easy to feed selfish intentions and focus on how others wound you like me.

Reflection # 19: If I've said this forgive me,but I've had a rude awakening:You cannot trust the arm of flesh-people cannot always come through for you due to other factors and the great controversy at large.

"Let us trust fully,humbly,unselfishly in God.He knows the sorrows that we feel to the depths of our being,but which we cannot express.When all things seem dark and explainable,remember the words of Christ,"What I do thou knowest not now;but thou shalt know hereafter."(John 13:7)-Ministry of Healing,p.485(i think) 

Reflection # 20: It's the little choices that matter the most

We all want to honor God,we all want to let go of those evil habits.And as much God's strength is available,we also need to be conscious of what we are doing,moment by moment.That way,it's easier to keep in check and not just jump into sin.

Reflection # 21: Your communion with God is very crucial.It sets the mood of your day.If I spend little time with God in the morning,I'm not as strengthened to face the day.

Reflection #22: Taking responsibility---hardest thing especially when you've erred.Been there,but at some point,you must;regardless of the consequences.


Reflection 23:We have a personal responsibility to reach God's ideal.We sometimes blame the church,the baptismal class etc and truth be told,it's their duty;but it does not end there.We've got to study for ourselves.And perhaps the reason we don't grow is,we wait to be fed,while doing little for ourselves to reach higher attainments.It was not until recently that I learnt that,the spiritual attainments we achieve here,we will take to heaven.

Many are of the idea that even if we accomplish little here,in heaven we will all miraculously be changed-and we will be on the same standard in the cultivated talents-UNFORTUNATELY,NOT SO.Hence,it's so important to give it our all here.

"When God's redeemed ones are called to heaven, they will not leave behind the advancement they have made in this life by beholding Christ. They will go on, learning more and still more of God. They will carry their spiritual attainments into the courts above, leaving nothing of heavenly origin in this world. As the books of heaven are opened, each overcomer is assigned his lot and place in heaven, in accordance with the advancement he has made in this life."-The Upward Look,page 248

Can I add another reflection :)? Of course I can.I personally believe when we uphold justice, it should not nullify the rights of others.

Reflections continued

Reflection # 13:Communication is a skill that is necessary for survival-each one of us must possess it

I learnt this last week.An incident occured where there was a misunderstanding between I and a certain pharmacist.It was me who failed to communicate everything well and the whole issue got a bit out of hand.But thankfully someone intervened and it was sorted.I have learnt that we need not be afraid to ask until something makes sense.I often leave things hanging or vague-this ought not to be.Or it just causes difficulties and many unneccesary misunderstanding.Praying that I'll develop this skill.

Reflection #14:Do it to please God and because you want to;NOT for a thank you

Ever been in a situation where you did something for someone and you waited for that person to notice it and could't wait to get your thank you?I've been in these situations-self is subtle believe me.But I have since learnt that we should do things out of love,out of genuineness;not because we want to seem like 'good' people.Also,considering the fact that God even weighs our motives,pretense is just a waste of time.Better not do it;if it's not coming from a good place.

We are counselled:"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."-Colossians 3:23

Reflection # 15: Be willing to listen

Over the past few months,I've learnt that I talk a lot when I speak about my convictions-whether it's something God has been teaching me,or something that was impressed upon my heart.But I've also learnt that I need to listen.There are 2 sisters that are on the same wavelength with me when it comes to spiritual things and we often get so excited that we want to talk at the same time LOL.But I've learnt we should never speak for the sake of speaking .It's dangerous to speak for the sake of wanting to seem spiritual when you don't mean it.What then happens is someone saying powerful things while the actions do not agree.

Reflection # 16: Surround yourself with people who strive for excellency-academically,spiritually etc.

I personally choose study partners and friends on this criteria.It makes me a better person.As I grow,especially academically,I detest mediocrity.I cannot stand individuals who want to copy or put on little effort and so I am ever willing to  help these individuals to understand;but I'm not willing to support this behaviour.I'm sorry,that's me-and will always be.

Reflection # 17: Don't give in to your urges-appetite-wise/ any other.

Learnt this lesson the hard way this past month.I would spend money carelessly and then by the time month end was approaching,it would seem like I've never had any money.  

 

Reflections continued

Reflection #8: Lean on the arm of God alone,the arm of flesh gets weary.....that's what being 23 has enforced.People change,they get weary and you cannot trust on those with limited strength.Allow God to see you through and He never gets weary of you.He's one person you can mourn to withour feeling ashamed that your healing process took longer.

Reflection #9: Be patient with children

I'm all for disciplining children. I do once in a while-not proud of it.But I've realized how easy it is to want to discipline a child,forgetting we were once children.There must be a balance between understanding they are children and time for discipline.I have found that it helps to just be calm when disciplining a child.I normally wait and I later ask the if what she did was right?It's easier for them to reflect and see their wrongdoing.But with said,I'm nor a parent and I'm no expert.

Reflection # 10:Don't be scared to ask for prayers.It does get tough and you need to surround yourself with prayerful people.They are better than gold.

Reflection #11:Be honest

Hardest to especially when one has wronged you.I carry the notion that people should know  when they have erred you.But they can't-since we view things differently.I had a recent experience where mu friend called me aside and showed me how I had wronged her.Although I was ashamed,as I did not know,I really appreciated it.It is better than having someone smile while inside they detest something you did.It's like those friendships where people stop talking to you and you wonder where you erred.Personally,I can't pretend.You don't speak to me,I distance myself,especially after many attempts to be there.I find these situations confusing and childish.


Reflection #12:Enjoy your singlehood and make the most of it

This is such a wonderful season.A season to know God intimately-continually choosing Him.A season to improve in every area,to grow,to learn BUT mostly to serve God with an undivided heart.I have personally realized that this season brings more joy when you serve others.If spent in idleness,the devil will start insinuating that you need a relationship.

Eleven reflections to go :) 

Reflection #3, 4,5 & 6

Continuing with the reflection of what being 22 taught me :). Find the two previous reflections here and here (makes sense-doesn't to me!?).

Reflection # 3: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude

I admit it,life can be overwhelming even for someone as young as I.You can find yourself so absorbed in the cares of this world,the struggles,academic pressure and Christianity duties.But in all of that we need not to be gloomy.We have Jesus who's doing all He can to save us so that we can stay with Him forever in eternity.Yet the same Jesus said we'll have tribulations and He himself suffered much.There are times when I get tired of all that's happening around and within:poverty,racism,poor healthcare facilities and expensive healthcare services, and many other things.Dwelling on all the social issues can drive you crazy to the extend that you start doubting God.That's what satan would like.I believe it is because of this that we are "rejoice in the Lord,always" (Philippians 4:4).

This year God has been teaching me to count my blessings,even if I find myself lacking or going through difficulties.What I really appreciate about my university is that it suitable for those who are disabled,amputatees,visually challenged.So,I have become exposed to these individuals.I remember one individual who does not have the other army asking in one of our cooking classes if we knew of any device to chop vegetables.

There was also an incident where an older man asked me help him search for magnifier since he cannot see much :(.This got me teary.Just looking at him search for words in the keyboard is just breaking and to think we take sight so slightly.We met again and he had asked another guy.So,this guy asked him why he doesn't buy spectacles and he said they don't help.Imagine!

It struck me-how grateful I should be.The sad thing about us is,we have this "I deserve it" mentality so much that we are even blinded to the little blessings such as having full functioning limbs.I can't even imagine how I'd operate with one of my limbs missing.The truth is,we don't deserve anything.The fact that when Christ came to die He removed the penalty of sin is enough.Often,we expect God to remove the evils too.He will just not now.It helps to remember that,Jesus Himself-second person of the Godhead,God Himself,suffered more than any of us will ever suffer.Who are we that we should not?

We also commanded to not murmur.If you think of it in depth,murmuring is overlooking what God has blessed you with.God hates when we murmur (Numbers 14) and satan rejoices;since such misrepresents God.We have so much to be grateful for.Daily,there's something to be grateful for.Daily,I make a mental list of gratitude and I thank God.This cultivates gratitude.


Reflection # 4: Exercise the same patience Jesus shows to you and do not forget where God has taken you from

When I started reforming dress wise,I suddenly expected everyone to reform.I mean,how can they not understand the beauty of dress reform?Why were they still wearing their skimpy outfits I'd think UNTIL it dawned on me that,God is dealing with us differently.By this I mean,He might be working on something for one person while working on another for someone else.Like now,I still need victory over biscuits while another person may be dealing with anger.So,we're all at different stages in our Christianity and I believe God is working in each one of us so that we can reach a stage where we have uniformity amongst us.

We're counselled:"Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control, forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing(emphasis added)"-Ministry of Healing,Chapter 41,page 483

Since we're so different,we should always remember we  at some  point,also lacked understanding on certain doctrines and we're continually learning.

Reflection # 5: Respect other people's individuality:

There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing(emphasis added)"-Ministry of Healing,Chapter 41,page 483 

I've noticed this spirit amongst believers of expecting people to bow to our views of what they should be.The desire to have people hold the same views as yours,as if our minds operate the same time.To want them to be under your command as if god.We should NOT enforce our views/ways of thinking that are NOT doctrinally based on others.Allow people to make their own choice,when these choice do not clash with principle.

Reflection #6 :Put yourself in their shoes FIRST:

There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing"-Ministry of Healing,Chapter 41,page 483


 

Reflection # 2 :GOD KNOWS BEST

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.-John 13:7

God knows the whys,and one day we shall too.Sometimes, after everything has played out,we then get the answers to whys and always there's an affirmation that God knows best.If there's one lesson I learnt last year,then it's about God knowing best.I learnt that God really looks beyond the now when He answers a prayer.I came to study at the University of Western Cape last year.Unfortunately,I did not receive a place in the student residences.That meant I had to rent and with my mother living  from selling different products,I was really stressed.

I murmured to God.I'd constantly wish I was living on campus.But when the fees must fall movement started,it then became clear why I never got a place on campus.The students were traumatized,constantly having the strikers knocking on their doors and expecting them to join the march.As I look back,I see God's righteous hand upholding me.

One thing that also saddened me was the fact that I couldn't attend Wednesday prayer meetings and Sabbath opening on Fridays. But I would have these in my room.I'd always sing on Friday,knowing that I needed not to go back and study.I had  the time to sing all my favorite songs.As I continued to do this, I started enjoying these moments.They taught me how to enjoy being in God's presence.And at times, I really miss these moments.

I often feel myself longing for time alone with God beside the devotional time- especially when I do not spend enough time with God.So, I believe God knew I needed this time to strengthen our relationship.As much as fellowship is important in the Christian life and we're advised to fellowship (Hebrews 10:5),it should not be the basis of our relationship with God.We should first love to commune with God alone.

I also learnt to trust in God.God provided a bursary and everything was taken care of. The were times where I did not know where money for groceries would come from or this or that;but God always provided at the right time.As he fed His servant Elijah,he fed me too.By working on the hearts of his servants,my twin and providing for my parents.

So,as I continue to marvel at how everything turns out well,how the Nos have served their purpose,I can testify that He is the Alpha and the Omega,seeing where we cannot! 

Devotion and Reflections:Part 2

One thing tat comes in handy when I'm reading a certain book/passage,is reading it on the Spirit of Prophecy as well.It makes you understand certain concepts that you might not get.But the Holy Spirit is indeed a teacher.There are instances when he'll impress something in your mind and when you read the Bible/SOP you get a confirmation.

The statements below really stood out for me:

"In freeing our souls from the bondage of
sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the
Hebrew host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His "wonderful works to the
children of men." Those who dwell upon God's great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts,
will put on the girdle of gladness and make melody in their hearts to the Lord. The daily blessings that
we receive from the hand of God, and above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven
within our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion, what matchless love, has
God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! What a
sacrifice has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of God! We should praise
God for the blessed hope held out before us in the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for
the heavenly inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to intercede for us."

"Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems
hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the
voice of God speaks clearly, "Go forward." We should obey this command, even though our eyes
cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our
progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every
shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all.
Unbelief whispers, "Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;" but
faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things." -PP,p.290

Devotion and Reflections:Part 1

I can safely say,for the Christian,completeness only occurs through constant communion with God and applying whatever lesson God teaches us.Personally,whenever I slack in my devotional life,I start to feel empty.It is through prayer,study of God's Word and sharing Him that I get the most fulfillment in life.Few weeks back I started spending less time in prayer and more time listening to music and by the end of the week,I felt burnt out.I am learning that communion with God grants us peace of mind,strength,love for God more than sin and the ability to trust in God regardless of how the future looks like.

God really loves us and constantly he seeks what's best for us.God's best might not necessarily bring us joy initially but as we allow him to lead,it  is then that we see his goodness.I'm really realizing that God truly means what he says.He does not sell us dreams,but his thoughts toward us are more than we can imagine.God takes the salvation of each one of us seriously that he does all he can to make us see the bigger picture.But not only is God interested in our salvation,but also in the smallest details of our lives-our well-being,our needs,our sorrows,joys and more.It's really humbling.

For my evening devotion,I decided to read Exodus 12-15.And one thought that has always been on my mind is why God led the Israelites through the red sea?Yes,he wanted to show his greatness to the Israelites.But one thing that humbles me is the fact that He also took them through this path to save them from the Philistines.He knew that they'd be discouraged as they were not prepared to fight.How gently Christ leads us!!!He considers where we are and allow trials that are in our level.Indeed,he remembers that we are but dust!How comforting.

This he does even in our spiritual lives.Ever been so overwhelmed others know things you do not know?I have,but God has made it clear that he does not teach us the same things because we are at different levels in our spiritual journey.So,it's okay if others know what you do not know,we are all learning.So,focus on where God is leading you as an individual.Of course this doesn't mean we should be content with knowing little.

I have also learnt that nothing in the Bible is there by chance and everything/most things point to Christ as our Redeemer.Nothing that's in the Bible is there by chance.It all points to the plan of salvation.When the angel was going to kill the firstborns,God ordered the Israelites to eat meat with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.I did not realize that all these had their meaning.The unleavened bread symbolised leaving apart from sin-putting away sin.Leaven represents sin at times.While the bitter herbs symbolised the bitterness from being slaves/bound by sin.So,with regards to the Bible,there shouldn't be parts that we esteem better than others.Everything in the Bible is significant.In fact,I used to be one person who never bothered to read the genealogy.But this year,I decided to,and I got such a wonderful lesson.Hope I'll share it,either on a seminar/here.

One statement stuck with me and it is encouraging to me:

"The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea,but it is a safe path."-PP,p.290

Evening Devotion:Part 1

(Based on Judges 1,2)

The sister who was sharing was indeed used by God.I've been blessed so much.She shared on the story of Gideon and I decided,I'll start reading the book of Gideon.So,for today's evening devotion I decided to start and I got so many lessons.The beauty about the Old Testament is that,it is relevant even today and there are so many lessons from its stories.I'm thankful for the privilege of reading it-I need more of it.

In the 1st Chapter of Judges,we see the Israelites in despair.They inquire to God who will fight against their neigbors/enemies,which were the Cannanites and God immediately tells them he has already given them victory,Judah must do this.And they obey and God's word is fulfilled.This teaches me that God's promises work hand-in-hand with obedience.As the tribe of Judah started gaining victory,they then decided to not kill some of the other surrounding nations-going contrary to God's command.This made me realize that,when God does things through us,it's easy to be comfortable and to be trustful of ourselves,to the extent that we disregard God's commands.Here is a lesson that,the more victorious we become in our Christian walk,the more we need to depend on God and trust wholly in Him,for it is then that we are safe .

I also wondered,why did God want them to kill the surrounding nations?

Judges 2

Verse 3 gives us the answer to my question.God wanted Judah to destroy the surrounding areas or they would be led to worship idols.So,in God,instructing them to do so,it was to preserve them from falling into sin-idol worship.We later on realize they started to worship the idols of these people.But God,who is ever merciful rose judges who walked in His way and through them,Israel was brought back in serving the Lord.Sadly,when the judges died,they went back to idol worship.

Certain verses stood from this chapter,

verse 7:The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

Now Joshua's life is proof of what God is able to do with those who allow Him to use them.We also see that Joshua's life was a savor of life unto life.His presence and his conduct led many to serve God.I'm challenged here.Is my life leading many to serve God?Is my life a savor of life unto life?And I can only conclude,only a man who dies daily to self can ever lead such a life.Honestly,it is a desire to live such a life and the are times you commit to God that's exactly what you do.But half-way through,self takes over and you mislead others.I believe for one to able to do so,they need to lead a prayerful life and ever be on guard.

Also,we see how powerful is position-it can either lead to others serving the Lord or not.So,those who are in positions should ever be mindful of this,even as individuals.

verse 8: Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten.  

I like how he is recorded as the "servant of God" and nothing more.Sometimes,we get so absorbed into titles,doctor,pastor,wife,single,missionary,that we sometimes lose focus.We are called to be servants of God.Isn't it humbling that Jesus Himself,became a servant-the One who Created the world.How I can I consider such demeaning?How I pray to have the mind of Christ. 

(To be continued on the next blogpost,I do not want it to be too long,that you end browsing through :) ) 
 
 

Points to ponder on

"The moral powers are weakened because men and women will not live in obedience to the laws of health and make this great subject a personal duty. Parents bequeath to their offspring their own perverted habits, and loathsome diseases corrupt the blood and enervate the brain. The majority of men and women remain in ignorance of the laws of their being, and indulge appetite and passion at the expense of intellect and morals, and seem willing to remain in ignorance of the result of their violation of nature's laws. They indulge the depraved appetite in the use of slow poisons which corrupt the blood and undermine the nervous forces, and in consequence bring upon themselves sickness and death. Their friends call the result of this course the dispensation of Providence. In this they insult Heaven. They rebelled against the laws of nature and suffered the punishment for thus abusing her laws. Suffering and mortality now prevail everywhere, especially among children. How great is the contrast between this generation and those who lived during the first two thousand years!"-Testimonies for the Church,Volume 3,Ch 14:Proper Education,pp.140-141


"I inquired if this tide of woe could not be prevented and something be done to save the youth of this generation from the ruin which threatens them. I was shown that one great cause of the existing deplorable state of things is that parents do not feel under obligation to bring up their children to conform to physical law. Mothers love their children with an idolatrous love and indulge their appetite when they know that it will injure their health and thereby bring upon them disease and unhappiness. This cruel kindness is manifested to a great extent in the present generation. The desires of children are gratified at the expense of health and happy tempers because it is easier for the mother, for the time being, to gratify them than to withhold that for which they clamor.
Thus mothers are sowing the seed that will spring up and bear fruit. The children are not educated to deny their appetites and restrict their desires. And they become selfish, exacting, disobedient, unthankful, and unholy. Mothers who are doing this work will reap with bitterness the fruit of the seed they have sown. They have sinned against Heaven and against their children, and God will hold them accountable."-3T,p.141



"In the early education of children many parents and teachers fail to understand that the greatest attention needs to be given to the physical constitution, that a healthy condition of body and brain may be secured. It has been the custom to encourage children to attend school when they are mere babies, needing a mother's care. When of a delicate age they are frequently crowded into ill-ventilated schoolrooms, where they sit in wrong positions upon poorly constructed benches, and as the result the young and tender frames of some have become deformed."-p.143