When my father, Ernest, was about five, some older cousins came to visit. They were unruly, wildly undisciplined. One day the boys ran out of the house, little Ernest bringing up the rear. Just as he leapt from the porch, an older cousin pushed a wheelbarrow in front of him, knowing he would be unableContinue reading “The Oak Tree in the House. 1 Kings 1:6.”
Tag Archives: corporal punishment
When Will You Repent? Revelation 8 and 9.
A woman once told me she had never been spanked, that she was so sensitive, a strong word from a parent was enough to change her behavior. I could not relate to that. As a child I heard strong words every day. I ignored them. I was a strong-willed child. Nothing would deter me fromContinue reading “When Will You Repent? Revelation 8 and 9.”
It is Scary to Choose Your Own Punishment.
Once when David sinned against God, the prophet came to him with a message. God was going to let David choose his own punishment. That is scary. “Do you want three years of famine to come on the land, to flee from your foes for three months while they pursue you, or to have aContinue reading “It is Scary to Choose Your Own Punishment.”
How to Punish.
Having been a child, student, parent, and teacher, I have thought a lot about punishments. Here’s one of the best rules I learned from a college psychology professor: “Punishment should be swift, severe, and soon over.” Children must be punished quickly if they are going to “learn their lesson.” And only a severe punishment works:Continue reading “How to Punish.”
Household Words: 