Self Government and Will Training

As most of you know I have been blessed over the years by the writings of a dear sister named Sally Clarkson. I subscribe to her blog and enjoy reading her reflections on life. She knows the Lord and has shown me some very practical ways to encourage my children in the Lord. I recently read and was inspired by post of hers entitled, The Value of Self Government and Will Training. I am trying to slowly digest it and ask the Lord how I can apply some of her suggestions to parenting Annie and Benjamin.

Excerpt from Sally's post:

The idea behind self-government is that all of us have a power and authority over life that comes from within that can help us to master problems, obstacles, and can use our self-will to achieve great things. It is not about gutting out life in the flesh without the power of God, but it is the idea that we have a moral character that can be strengthened and under girded by our will and by practice. He who has cultivated this kind of strong character is useful and productive in almost all areas of life. It is what helps a believer to exercise faith and courage and perseverance in the midst of trials. It is what helps a pianist to practice long hours, an athlete to exercise rigorously in order to become a champion, a missionary to master a language and remain faithful in a foreign country until there is a multiplying ministry; a wife to bear up with grace when married to an immature husband; a mother who continues over and over to practice patience with a sick or rebellious child–governing life by mature, faith-based choices, not by feelings.