#Bad ideas will be suggested to you by nearly everyone, including yourself, but a bad idea will never come from both your parents
#Much of our behavior is governed by habits. It is therefore critical to consciously cultivate good habits, and to work to overcome bad habits. Good habits don't just happen.
#Constant questioning of authority, on the [[Liberal]] notion that authority is necessarily wrong, is counter-productive and destructive. Respect experience and the wisdom that it brings, and you will benefit from it.
#Resist peer pressure to do things which conflict with the values your family and church taught you. Would you rather be a sheep or a shepherd?
#It is fine to say No: say No to temptation, to illegal drugs, to underage drinking, to crime, to pre-marital sex and indecent behaviour.
#Most adults turn to [[prayer]] in times of need. It's not any easier being a teenager than an adult, and prayer is available for your benefit. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're above it. Even if the prayer does not work, it may give you some peace of mind.
#It is not winning, but being able to take part and give it your best that is most important.
#Obedience is the path to independence and maturity.
#Freedom is not free. It carries a tremendous cost. In the case of the United States, that cost has been paid by patriots willing to lay down their lives. These patriots (living and dead) are deserving of our respect.
#While it is fine to have fun, remember that studying and learning ways to become a mature and well-rounded person are much more important. By learning new things, you become more fun to talk to!
#Few things define your character like the way you keep a promise.
#Learn to use the power of interest to build your wealth (by saving early and often) instead of destroying it (by incurring unnecessary debt).
#Learn the value of redundancy, and anticipate failure for unexpected reasons and have an alternative route or means to your goal.#Develop a "thick skin" to mockery, ridicule and rejection and you will achieve much of great value. Good salesmen are not born to handle rejection; they are made.#Develop a work ethic like those who accomplished much for our nation and the world, such as [[Thomas Edison]].
[[Category:Essays]]