Mar 28, 2013

The "rookie" mistake is to simply "read" the Bible as a revered wisdom book full of tips on how to be "happy, healthy, and wealthy." I know that's what I did! I had big plans for my life when I became a Christian, so I read the Bible for tips on how to be more successful. I even once pledged to tithe a certain amount to obligate God to bless me with the income to support it. He clobbered me for that one! For over a decade I tried to change God. Finally, the Bible helped me understand something: God wanted to change me. That's when I started to read the Bible every day.

The "pro" way to approach the Bible is to "immerse" ourselves in it as the living word of God. It's to let His Holy Spirit speak to, commune with, convict, correct, direct, encourage, challenge, and inspire us. It's to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). It's to "be there" as Moses speaks on the shore of the Jordan, explaining that it's not because we are good but because the people of Canaan are wicked that God is giving us this land--and to feel pierced. It's to grasp that I sent Jesus to the Cross. It's to revel in His Easter. It's to feel the weight of His holiness. It's to be drawn into a life of worship. It's to realize that God alone is worthy of all our praise, glory, and honor. It's to progressively find ourselves in the place where David found himself: "Passion for your house has consumed me" (Psalm 69:9).

Mar 11, 2013

Obituary: Fred Howson

It is with sadness that I want to inform my ANVIL friends of the passing of my mentor, friend and father, Fred Howson. Fred peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus this morning in Georgetown Hospital at 5am after a brief illness. He was surrounded by all his immediate family. He was just under 4 months to his 90th birthday on July 7th.

It seemed like Dad was the #1 ANVIL enthusiast since joining us in September after his move from Winnipeg, and he just loved to be with his ANVIL brothers, "those Godly men" as he put it, worshipping, praying and singing of his Saviour in his place beside me on Thursday nights, (including this past Thursday). I want to publicly thank all the men who have stood with me in prayer for him so faithfully over the past year, however today was his homecoming !

Dad has left me with a rich heritage, and his legacy and pioneering spirit will live on in my heart and the hearts of so many he touched with his life. His is a life that was lived for his Saviour and selflessly for many other people that he poured his life into in over 60 years as a pastor and a pioneer church-planter. Dad graduated from OPBC in 1944. His pastorates included, Bancroft, Ont., Arkona, Ont., Magnetewan, Ont., Burkes Falls, Ont., Lac du Bonnet, Mb, Rossburn, Mb, Altamont, Mb, Madsen, Ont., Manitouwadge, Ont., Amherstburg, Ont.,Wiseton, Sk, Saskatoon, Sk.. While many of you have only recently met him, he was a soldier!

God gifted him with a servant's heart. He was gentle, faithful, had a willing spirit and a cheerful heart. He was a soldier! He is survived by his wife Alma, sons Mark (Andrea) and Charles, grandchildren, Leigha, Ryan, Danae, Joshua and Jeffrey.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, March 14, 2013, 3pm at Georgetown Christian Fellowship, Georgetown Ontario, 905-873-9652.
Here is a video of the funeral: Harold Frederick Howson Funeral - March 2013

With love and gratitude, Mark

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7

Mar 7, 2013

The Toughest Job On Earth

The Toughest Job on Earth - Rev. Paul Cassidy (Click for Audio)

Rev. Paul Cassidy pastors in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a gifted communicator who believes that theology is best preached with passion and relevance. He is married to the love of his life, Judy and they have three grown children.

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The Toughest Job On Earth!

Parenting is a tough job! In Colossians 3:18-25, Paul gives us some rules for family living:

Colossians 3:18-25
Family Relations
18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.20Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.
22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

Hebrews 12
God Disciplines His Sons

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”^a

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13“Make level paths for your feet,”^b so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Deuteronomy 32

11like an eagle that stirs up its nest

and hovers over its young,

that spreads its wings to catch them

and carries them on its pinions.

Mar 6, 2013

A Marriage Oiled by Grace

A Marriage Oiled by Grace (Pt 1 of 3) - Chuck Swindoll

A Marriage Oiled by Grace (Pt 2 of 3) - Chuck Swindoll

A Marriage Oiled by Grace (Pt 3 of 3) - Chuck Swindoll

From his series on "The Grace Awakening", Chuck Swindoll talks about marriage.

No study on the subject of grace would be complete without addressing its importance in the home, especially between marriage partners. We have spent considerable time examining God’s grace in His offering salvation to those who are lost, spiritually dead, and unable to do anything to earn divine acceptance. We’ve called that “vertical grace.” We have also searched Scripture for insight in the realm of “horizontal grace,” our attitude toward and treatment of one another. But we have not specifically considered the essential value of grace in the husband-wife relationship. As we shall see in this lesson, grace is the oil that decreases domestic friction, the one ingredient that prompts us to release our partners to be all God would have them be, all the while affirming one another in an atmosphere of unconditional love.

Feb 24, 2013

Why Are We Still Talking About Jesus?

The Big Idea:

My WORST day with Jesus has been infinitely better than my BEST day without Him ! (by Patrick Morley) Based on ... Luke 18:31

Why Are We Still Talking About Jesus? -VIDEO

Feb 22, 2013

MAN ALIVE Study Starts @ ANVIL Ministry for Men

You DON'T Have to Settle for being Half Alive - See the Man Alive Trailer (Click)

Feb 21/2013 - Here is the view from both sides of the table as we begin an introduction to an exciting new series on Men's Discipleship, by Patrick Morley (At GCF's ANVIL Ministry for Men). On Feb 28th/2013, we begin Chapter 1 - There's still time for you to join us.

For the duration of this 6-week series, the evening's time management will be:

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6:45 to 7pm - fellowship time

7:00pm to 7:15pm - all group together opening

7:15pm - 8:15pm - group sessions (including DVD presentation)

8:15pm -8:30pm -prayer with all groups together for prayer

___________________________________________________________

Happy Birthday John !

Feb 21, 2013

Persecution: You are like a bright light, shining ...

by Greg Laurie

The great preacher John Wesley was riding along on his horse one day when he realized that three days had passed, and he had not been persecuted in any way. Not a single brick had been thrown in his direction. He had not been hit by an egg. So he actually stopped his horse and said out loud, "Could it be that I am backslidden or I have sinned?" Slipping down from his horse, he knelt on one knee and asked the Lord to show him if there was anything wrong with him spiritually.

A man who disliked Wesley saw him kneeling in prayer, so he picked up a brick and threw it at him, barely missing the preacher. When Wesley saw the brick fly by, he said, "Thank you, Lord! I know I still have Your presence."

No wonder he was such a powerful preacher.

Your very presence and belief in God bothers some people. Sometimes you don't even have to say anything. You are like a bright light, shining in a dark place. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18). You will be treated the same way Jesus was.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Sometimes persecution can show itself in a brick coming our way or in physical harm, even death. At other times, it can show itself in mockery or rejection or losing a job or friends. But if you are living a godly life, then you will face persecution.

Feb 15, 2013

What Happens When Boys Climb Trees

Ed's Note: What a terrific breakfast I had this morning while on a business trip here in Orlando, Fl.. I just had to stop & write it down for "you-all". Last evening, when I learned Patrick Morley was giving his early morning men's breakfast bible study not far from where I was staying, I made an effort to join him for that weekly study.

Morley has been hosting this study now for the past 27 years, every Thursday at 6:50am, and many businessmen join him on their way to work. Patrick Morley is the author of "Man Alive", a book we are beginning to study in ANVIL. As a newcomer to his "Man in the Mirror Bible Study" as it is known, I joined him at a table for "first-timers" where he gave me copy of his popular book "Man in the Mirror".

When someone has come in contact with you

...Jesus is passing by!!! (Patrick Morley)

The series name or theme of his study is "Hanging Out With Jesus", where learning is accomplished through stories of Jesus in the gospels. Today's study was entitled "What Happens When Boys Climb Trees" from Luke 19:1-10. Morley is insightful and a gifted communicator! Today's study gives me a new perspective on witnessing! Here are some snippets from the notes I took this morning. Follow what Jesus does as he reaches out to Zacchaeus:

Here's the link to see the video of this event !

Luke 19: 1-10 NIV

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”

8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

The Scene: Jesus is passing through...

Zacchaeus, "sought to see Jesus", but the crowd was in the way.
Jesus loves to love people who others love to hate;
Sometimes the crowd gets in the way.
Sometimes you have to do things different to reach your goals; (Zacchaeus was willing to go out on a limb to see Jesus!)
Jesus invited Zacchaeus to come down & then invited himself to his house! ("The INTERMEDIATE Step") ...but People who saw this began to mumble & grumble.
Jesus announced that "this day salvation is come to this house".

THE BIG IDEA:

NOTHING IS MORE REWARDING THAN TO GO OUT

ON A LIMB FOR JESUS !

1. - BE WILLING TO CHANGE YOUR PLANS

(When someone has come in contact with you

...Jesus is passing by!!!)

2. - DON'T BLOCK THE VIEW! (Don't be too quick to unload the heavy stuff...the 4 spiritual laws... or a bible study on Revelation in the original Greek etc., don't point out their sin to them, Let them discover Jesus.)

3. - OFFER THEM AN "INTERMEDIATE STEP"

(This is where YOU can be creative to introduce them to your church & other Christians & ultimately Christ!

.... like invite them to play baseball on your church

team, invite them to an event, perhaps our lobster cook-off, pig-roast etc.. Our pastor often has arranged various events designed just as this "intermediate step".)

4. - LOVE LIKE JESUS !!!

With Patrick Morley, Author of "MAN ALIVE" , Orlando, FL (Feb 2013)

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Winter 2018/2019 ~ A Season of Reverence

The Meaning of Christmas!

He seemed relaxed on the comfortable open-area easy-chair that the mall had provided. Most of the Christmas shoppers had begun to leave for the day and the space was free from the tension and anxiety of the day. Perfect for some extra smartphone surfing or so he thought! His significant other was nearby doing some shopping in the not-to-crowded stores which gave him the free time, so he slumped into the comfortable chair. We began our approach. He seemed to be around 30 years old with an expressionless look on his face.

My colleague James and I wanted to ask him if he knew the meaning of Christmas, and perhaps move the conversation from the natural to the supernatural. Before our witnessing plans began, we had prayed that God would open doors for us and give us the right words to say. I'd brought along an icebreaker to start, so simply walked up smiling and in my friendliest voice asked "...hey can you tell me which of these cards is bigger?" I held up each of the 3" inch cards, one blue and one red. They had been cut in a semi-circle and one of the cards optically appeared to be much longer than the other, although in fact they were both the same identical size..

In barely a flash the conversation had begun and he had picked the "larger" card as his choice. The three of us shared a laugh as I then super-imposed them upon each other, clearly demonstrating that they were in fact both the same size...much to his amazement! I quickly continued, "....actually my friend and I are just here tonight in the mall asking people if they know the meaning of Christmas?

His instant and very lengthy reply was that Christmas originated as a Nordic tradition that involved reindeer, magic mushrooms and a host of select things and events I'd never heard of before. His detailed answer to our simply query told us he had actually in his own way put a lot of thought into some aspect of the spiritual world. His body likewise bore witness to our observation as we observed multiple silver skull rings decorating his fingers, while numerous occultist hand and arm tattoos embellished his exposed skin. A goatee seemed to confirm his preference of spiritual worlds as he began to tell us his chest contained a large tattoo of Satan. But he quickly added that during the past four years he had been thinking that the tattoo hadn't been such a good idea, and he was now sorry for that tattoo. He seemed very willing to listen to our version of the christian meaning of Christmas and yet sat solemn-faced as we conversed. He flat out told us that, "...I am a very bad person; and I do a lot of drugs. You'd be surprised who I am, but I'm trying to change my life". He introduced himself as Calvin and we all shook hands.

While he might have done a lot of drugs he was nonetheless still a very articulate young man capable of understanding right from wrong and how he could be better in life. He seemed genuinely glad to be talking about himself to us. His admissions seemed only to confirm that it was no accident we had come across this man who seemed to be searching for meaning to his life. But, he soon added that he just didn't see where Christians came from thinking that Christmas had anything to do with God. At that juncture, I offered the obvious; ....that the first 6 letters of Christmas were C H R I S T. A look of bewilderment overwhelmed his face as if a curtain had been opened exposing bright sunlight. For just an instant, a hint of smile crossed his otherwise deadpan face. This simple fact came as new information to his Nordic theory!

"...Well then what exactly is the Christian-meaning-of-Christmas?", he asked. It was at that point that I mentioned John 3:16, the well-worn verse that succinctly encompasses the meaning of Christmas.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

We went on to explain that we all have sinned, yet only Christ, God's Son offers us forgiveness from our sins if we will believe on Him and repent.

I continued, "It's like a courtroom scene when your facing a $5000. fine and just as the judge says you're guilty, someone steps up and pay the fine on your behalf and you walk away free; You are forgiven! ...that's what Jesus has done for us; He's given us forgiveness!"

Calvin suddenly looked surprised. "It's funny that you just mentioned the possibility of a $5000 fine, because that's what I was given; I was given a $5,280 fine a few years ago and I'm still struggling to pay it off!"

James and I continued explaining the gospel to him as we conversed for about twenty minutes. Again this was all new information to him and he seemed to be soaking up every word. There were frequent "off-the-wall" diversions while speaking to Calvin. He ventured into a number of crazy rabbit-trails, but we did our best to keep the conversation gently steering back to the gospel story. Noticing an authentic interest in the bible, James suggested that he should perhaps start discovering who Christ was by reading the gospel of John and he indicated he would like that. When James offered to provide him a bible, he said he'd get his own. Sensing it was time to wrap up the conversation, we asked if we could quietly pray for him in his search for spiritual things and Calvin couldn't have been more agreeable. My eyes watered slightly as I led in prayer asking for God's Spirit to draw Calvin toward himself as a seeker and reveal to Calvin who Christ was. Mission accomplished; Calvin was one step closer to understanding the meaning of Christmas!

Route 66 Bible Books Study

In Genesis, He is the Creator

In Exodus, He is the Lamb

In Leviticus, He is our High Priest

In Numbers, He is the Deliverer

In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet

In Joshua, He is the Captain of our Salvation

In Judges, He is our Lawgiver

In Ruth, He is our Kinsman

In 1 & 2 Samuel, He is our trusted Prophet

In 1 & 2 Kings, He is our Reigning King

In 1 & 2 Chronicles, he is our Ruling King

In Ezra, He is our Faithful Scribe

In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder

In Esther, He is our Leader

In Job, He is our Ever-Living Redeemer

In Psalms, He is our Grand Shepherd

In Proverbs, He is our Understanding

In Ecclesiastes, He is our Wisdom

In the Song of Solomon, He is our Bridegroom

In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah, He is the Righteous Branch

In Lamentations, He is our Weeping Prophet

In EZEKIEL - He is the Pastor

In Daniel, He is the Fourth Man

In HOSEA - He is the Faithful Husband

In Joel, He is the Baptizer

In Amos, He is our Burden-Bearer

In Obadiah, He is the Mighty to Save

In Jonah, He is our Missionary

In Micah, He is the Messenger

In Nahum, He is the Avenger

In Habakkuk, He is God's Evangelist

In Zephaniah, He is our Saviour

In Haggai, He is the Restorer

In Zechariah, He is the Fountain of Life

In Malachi, He is the Sun of Righteousness

In Matthew, He is our Messiah

In Mark, He is our Miracle

In Luke, He is the Son of Man

In John, He is the Son of God

In Acts, He is the Holy Spirit,

In Romans, He is our Justifier

In 1 & 2 Corinthians, He is the Mystery

In Galatians, He is our Freedom

In EPHESIANS - He is our Riches

Ephesians Worksheet

In PHILIPPIANS ~ He is our Joy

In COLOSSIANS - He is the Fullness of the Godhead

In 1&2 THESSALONIANS - He is Our Soon Coming

King

In 1&2 TIMOTHY - He is our Mediator

In TITUS - He is our Faithful Pastor

In PHILEMON - He is our Friend

In HEBREWS - He is our High Priest

In JAMES - He is our Great Physician

In 1 & 2 PETER - He is our Chief Shepherd

In 1,2 & 3 JOHN, He is the Good Shepherd

In JUDE, He is the Great Shepherd

In REVELATION - He is the King of kings

The NAMES of GOD

The NAME OF JESUS

OUR GREAT SALVATION:

FAITH

PROPITIATION

JUSTIFICATION

SANCTIFICATION

Videos

_________________________________________ Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know _________________________________________ Is That Wedding Music That I Hear? ...Songs of Expectation! _________________________________________ E.Dewey-Smith -When I visited Dewey's Decatur (Atlanta), GA Baptist church in Spring 2014, he gave me a first class taste of southern hospitality. He had me stand in front of his congregation of 5,000 and gave me a short interview and a very friendly welcome. The church sisters gave me lots of hugs too. I couldn't have been made more welcome! He asked if they could sing my favourite GTR song, ...that was easy to decide. I quickly picked "At the Cross". He is highly relational, an awesome leader and speaker. By the way...do you make people welcome when they come to your church? _________________________________________ Heritage Singers _________________________________________ Gilbert Earl Patterson, COGIC Pastor

Tough Love For Singles

Tips for Loving Tough

By Dr. James Dobson

Tough Love For Singles

Let me get very specific with those of you who are single but wish not to be. (No insult is intended to those who are single by design and wish to remain unmarried. That is a legitimate choice which should be respected by friends and family alike.) I have listed 16 suggestions that will help you conform to the principles of loving toughness in matters of the heart.

Don’t let the relationship move too fast in its infancy. The phrase “too hot not to cool down” has validity. Take it one step at a time.
Don’t discuss your personal inadequacies and flaws in great detail when the relationship is new. No matter how warm and accepting your friend may be, any great revelation of low self-esteem or embarrassing weaknesses can be fatal when interpersonal “valleys” occur. And they will occur.
Remember that respect precedes love. Build it stone upon stone.
Don’t call too often on the phone or give the other person an opportunity to get tired of you.
Don’t be too quick to reveal your desire to get married—or that you think you’ve just found Mr. Wonderful or Miss Marvelous. If your partner has not arrived at the same conclusion, you’ll throw him or her into panic.
Most important: Relationships are constantly being “tested” by cautious lovers who like to nibble at the bait before swallowing the hook. This testing procedure takes many forms, but it usually involves pulling backward from the other person to see what will happen. Perhaps a foolish fight is initiated. Maybe two weeks will pass without a phone call. Or sometimes flirtation occurs with a rival. In each instance, the question being asked is, “How important am I to you and what would you do if you lost me?” An even more basic issue lies below that one. It wants to know, “How free am I to leave if I want to?” It is incredibly important in these instances to appear poised, secure and equally independent. Do not grasp the other person and beg for mercy. Some people remain single throughout life because they cannot resist the temptation to grovel when the test occurs.
Extending the same concept, keep in mind that virtually every dating relationship that continues for a year or more and seems to be moving toward marriage will be given the ultimate test. A breakup will occur, motivated by one of the partners. The rejected individual should know that their future together depends on the skill with which he/she handles that crisis. If the hurting individual can remain calm, the next two steps may be reconciliation and marriage. If not, then no amount of pleading will change anything.
Do not expect anyone to meet all your emotional needs. Maintain interest and activities outside the romantic relationship, even after marriage.
Guard against selfishness in the relationship. Neither the man nor the woman should do all the giving. I once broke up with a girl because she let me take her to nice places, bring her flowers, buy her lunch, etc. I wanted to do these things, but expected her to reciprocate in some way. She didn’t.
Beware of blindness to obvious warning signs that tell you that your potential husband or wife is basically disloyal, hateful, spiritually uncommitted, hooked on drugs or alcohol, given to selfishness, etc. Believe me, a bad marriage is far worse than the most lonely instance of singleness.
Don’t marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can’t live without.
Be careful to defend the “line of respect” even during a dating relationship. A man should open doors for a woman on a formal evening; a woman should speak respectfully of her escort when in public, etc. If you don’t preserve this delicate line when the foundations of marriage are being laid, it will be virtually impossible to construct them later.
Do not equate human worth with flawless beauty or handsomeness! If you require physical perfection in your mate, he or she may make the same demands of you. Don’t let love escape you because of the false values of your culture. In the same vein, be careful not to compare yourself with others—which is the root of all inferiority.
If genuine love has escaped you thus far, don’t begin believing “no one would ever want me.” That is a deadly trap that can destroy you emotionally! Millions of people are looking for someone to love. The problem is finding one another!
Regardless of how brilliant the dating relationship has been, take time to “check your assumptions” with your partner before committing yourself to marriage. It is surprising how often men and women plunge into matrimony without ever becoming aware of major differences in expectation between them.

For example:

Do you want to have children? How soon? How many?
Where will you live?
Will the wife work? How soon? How about after children are born?
Who will lead in the relationship? What does that really mean?
How will you relate to your in-laws?
How will money be spent?
Where will you attend church?

These and dozens of other “assumptions” should be discussed item-by-item, perhaps with the help of a premarital counselor. Many future struggles can be avoided by coming to terms with potential areas of disagreement. If the differences are great enough, it is even possible that the marriage should never occur.

Finally, sexual familiarity can be deadly to a relationship. In addition to the many moral, spiritual and physical reasons for remaining virgins until marriage, there are numerous psychological and interpersonal advantages to the exercise of self-control and discipline. Though it’s an old-fashioned notion, perhaps, it is still true that men do not respect “easy” women and often become bored with those who have held nothing in reserve. Likewise, women often disrespect men who have only one thing on their minds. Both sexes need to remember how to use a very ancient word. It’s pronounced “No!”