Words Of Wisdom From My Mother

Six years ago today (June 25th, 2005) my mother suddenly fell ill, and died shortly after midnight on the morning of the 26th. She may be gone, but her words and wisdom live on. Here are few of the life-giving words that she encouraged others with on my Proverbs 31 Woman (2) group back in the early 2000's...

On The Importance Of Bible Study - 

(from the archives of the Proverbs 31 Woman (2) - 11/5/02)

"...I would like to point out something here that verifies our very need to do Bible studies like this. We are living in a very dangerous time as far as spiritual knowledge is concerned. We have so much information available to us today, and in general we have a tendency to accept whatever we hear. Jesus warned that in the 'latter times' there would be wolves coming among the sheep (false teachers coming into the Christian community) with the express intent of teaching false doctrine in order to lead the unsuspecting (unlearned) away from Christ. The reason I bring that up in relation to this study is the way Peter introduced himself. He verified quickly who he was and what his doctrine was. We find that many of the New Testament books began in similar fashion. Today, there are so many who go about preaching a 'form of godliness, but denying the power thereof' that it becomes necessary for each of us to be able to discern the 'true' from the 'false'. Hence, the need for individual Bible study. The best way for us to know the Truth is to study it for ourselves. If we know the Truth of the Bible in our hearts and minds, AND learn to rely on God to nudge us to follow His teachings, we will be much less likely to fall for the untruths that assail us from every side.  ~Marge"

On Being A Christian - 

(from the archives of the Proverbs 31 Woman (2) - 11/16/04)

"It is hard to be 'different', there is no doubt about that. To some that I know--family as well as 'friends'--I am too religious. To others, I am not 'religious' enough. However, I can take that all in stride, when I remember that the "church" of Jesus day--the Jewish hierarchy--thought that He was a 'religious nut' who thought Himself
to be God, while He had thousands following him, who were only out for what they could get from Him. When He got too literal and Scriptural for them, they left following Him and went back to their old ways, EXCEPT for the twelve, and even they had their moments!!!


As it was for Christ, so we can expect it to be for us, BECAUSE it is the worlds reaction to Him as reflected in us. Be of good cheer and be comforted in knowing that He knows and understands all, because He lived it as well. This is our reasonable service to Him. Each person we come in contact with must answer for their own response to Him. We can keep the channels open for them, but we are not able to force them against their own wills. The Holy Spirit can draw and knock on the door but they must open it and keep it open.

Cheer up all, and know that you must be doing something right for God, when the world comes against you. Love you all! ~ Marge"

On The Importance Of Studying The Bible, Forgiveness, and Dealing With Difficult Family Members

(from the archives of the Proverbs 31 Woman (2) - 12/8/02)

"...the more you read and study God's Word (always asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance as you do) the more often the Holy Spirit can remind you of God's will for you life."

"Christ tells us in Matthew 6:14 and 15 that we must forgive those who have offended us so that God can forgive us our offenses toward Him. NOTE: As human beings this is not something we can do in our own power. We can only do this by praying for those who dispitefully use us, and by asking God to give us His grace to accomplish it."


"Do not feel that you are alone in your situation...'count it all joy' to do what you can for your mom. Work at forgiving your sister and her husband, because if you ask and remain faithful in your determination to do so, God will give you the grace to do so. And most of all do not become discouraged. Walking with God is just like a baby learning to walk...take a step, fall down, crawl a bit, get up, take a few more steps, fall down, crawl a little less, get up...all the time getting stronger, more stable, quicker to get up...it all comes with time and practice. Stay in the Word, keep in touch with God, call for help when you need it. We've all been there (and are still in the middle of it) so keep looking up! God cares and so do we! ~ Marge"

On Battling Holiday Depression - 

(from the archives of the Proverbs 31 Woman (2) - 12/2/03)

"I find that my own trouble with holiday depression usually comes from the fact that I cannot afford to provide all the 'things' that I would love to give to family and friends. However, I also know that God has given me a reservoir of ability so I usually give of what God has blessed me with. He has given me the ability to do various crafts, so when the depression begins to build........I put my head and hands to work and create gifts......they may not be expensive in dollars but they are usually unique and are truely a part of me that I can share. If I am not in a 'creative mood' there are so many easy food gifts to give.......for example, the jar mixes that are available online. You can collect and use jars that come into your home with food in them, put a jar-mix in, add a colorful ribbon or cut fabric circle over the top, and you have an inexpensive gift that can be enjoyed whenever the recipient wants. The important thing is that I have shared God's blessing and bounty with others, and in the process, lifted my own spirits and depression. Relax, be creative, and enjoy the upcoming holidays. God will bless you in the process. ~ Marge"

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(I love you, Mom, and I miss you terribly, but I am so thankful for these words that God allowed you to leave behind. They still speak to, minister to, and encourage me, and now I can pass them on and share them with even more people than they were originally meant to go out to. Thank you, Lord, for making that possible! ~Rebecca)