While browsing in a bookstore one day I found myself in the self-help, or how-to, section. I was impressed by the variety of subjects covered.

Some of the topics were: "How to have a great marriage," "How to make a killing in real estate," "30 days to a flat stomach," "How to Relax and be Happy," and "Think and Grow Rich." The reason these books are best sellers is that people want to control their own destinies by what they do, say or think

But here's a puzzle: there will be as many new books on the shelves next year on the very same subjects. If the information available today is so powerful, why are new books necessary?

I believe that people are looking for solutions through so-called proven formulas or their own will-power, but they come up empty. . .maybe another "book" will have the answers.

Speaking of books and words for you Bible trivia fans: what common word appears only once in the King James Bible?

I recall reading an article years ago in a women's magazine. The author concluded the article by stating that "this word" appears only once in the Bible. I remember thinking. . . that's not true. I've seen "that word" dozens of times in the Scriptures. . .(I think)."

I opened my huge, five-pound Bible concordance which lists every word in the Bible and where it's found, to find the mystery word. Sure enough, it appears only once in the King James Bible in Job 36:10. . The word is "Discipline."

Verses 10 and 11 read, "He openeth also their ear to DISCIPLINE. And commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures."

No more books on the subject, please. The answer is clear and simple. And what a promise!

Often our connotation of the word "discipline" is a negative one. We think of it as a restriction, restraint or punishment. Webster's definition, however, says: "instruction to train proper conduct or action, to bring to order and obedience by training and control."

Psychotherapists agree that there is no substantive change in a person's life without experiencing pain, emotional or physical. This is also true in the spiritual realm. And that's where discipline enters in. King David spoke for all of us when he said, "It's good that I have suffered, Lord, that I might learn your laws."

Ann Ortland, in her book "Disciplines of a Beautiful Woman," told of having to speak before a group of women. Writing at her kitchen table, she asked her visiting son what she should talk about.

He answered: "Tell them only God satisfies. Not the big houses, not the color TV or the jazzy sports car, not the trip around the world or the sexy spouse. . .only God satisfies." (Amen).