“Until the present time all you have done has
been at the suggestion of your parents, but it will
be different in the future. With your teaching,
you are able to look to God for a part of your direction.
I shall continue to advise, and, if necessary, to
punish you; but I want you to take things to the Lord
in prayer and become satisfied within your heart that
my advice is according to the Word of God. You
must not think you haven’t needed the teaching
and the guidance you’ve had thus far in life;
and you’ll need more careful training than you’ve
ever had. The point I want to impress upon your
mind is that there’s an element within you,
called self, that you must learn to control. At
times self will arise and cause you to feel that you
know some things even better than Mama. That
is the time to remember that Mama has had more experience
than you; that her judgment is better than yours; and
that you must rely upon it until God helps you to
see a matter as she sees it. That was the way
you gained the blessing from that experience a few
days ago. In this way you will learn the lessons
that are so important to your future.
“There are many other things, my dear, that
I want to talk to you about soon, but you must be
patient a little longer. In the meantime, however,
you may ask me any question you please, and I’ll
answer you. Don’t go to other girls with
these things, but come to me. I’m always
glad to explain to you anything that seems strange.
When you’re old enough to desire the knowledge
and to form the questions, you’re old enough
to receive an answer to your questions. Come
to me often: what seems strange to both of us
we can take to God in prayer, and let him teach us.
“Another thing you must do is to turn away from
bad associates. Avoid girls who say, ’I’ll
tell you something if you’ll promise not to tell
your mother.’ Remember that anything you
could not tell me would not be worth hearing; for
it’s sure to be something unclean or vulgar.
Conversing with such girls won’t help you to
draw close to the Lord nor to know his will concerning
you. Much less would it help you to meditate
upon the pure and holy things of God. To elevate
your soul, Bessie, you must become serious, and seek
only those companions whose conversation is kind,
gentle, and modest. I believe your desire is to
become more like Jesus and to prepare for heaven.
So, my child, meditate upon God, and you will grow
in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Misspent
moments are so much of life and character thrown away;
be careful to use them all in God’s service.
“Here’s a little poem you may learn.
It may help you to control self and to value your
moments as you should.”
MY MOMENTS.
Oh, my precious little moments,
Gliding now so swiftly by;
May I each one spend for Jesus
Ere I see them past me fly.
May I lade each one with something
To be borne to God above,
Fill each full of deeds worth counting,
That will prove my perfect love.
