Handmaidens - Pen in Hand

October, 2000

New! Prophecy Aunt Eller's Garden

Pen in Hand

Topics

Just A Thought
By Staff Writer Sharon Barrett
Acts 4:33 "With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all."

Are we putting the Scripture to work? Are we testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus? Are we doing all we can to make sure people hear about Jesus Christ? Are we spending enough time preaching the good word? Even when you're not feeling well, a short talk on the phone or a note to a friend can also spread the word of Jesus Christ. Food for thought on this one!

Your Letters Are Solicited! Blabby would love to hear from you and so would I!

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Dear Blabby
blabby@ionanet.com

Dear Blabby;
I have a full time job, three children, a large home, a husband and am a volunteer at my church. I wake up tired and go to bed tired, for my work is never done! My husband and children do nothing to help, nor does my mother who lives next door and visits constantly. She even insists I sit and give her all my attention while she tells me how I'm not getting things done so I can spend more time with her and with my family who are enthroned in front of the tube 90% of the time. I am stretched to the limit here! Can you help?
Stretched Out of Shape

Dear Stretched;
Well, I can't come over and fold the laundry, but your mother could! Next time she shows up, ask her to help with your current task while you visit. If she's offended, just keep on working. She'll get over it. But, of course, that's not the root problem, I'm sure. First off, have a look at Iona's article in this month's Home section (so I won't have to reprint it here) then quit being the martyr and communicate with your family about this. You might also take a part or two out of the guts of that television!
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
My husband has suggested I get breast implants. I am both hurt and afraid. Hurt that he doesn't love me as I am; afraid of the surgery. What would you do?
Wounded in Wisconsin

Dear Wounded;
Honey, you don't want to know what I would do! But I will say this, I feel it would be absolute lunacy to have this done for such a shallow and selfish request. It seems your man wants to satisfy his own vanity at your expense. Tell him how hurt you are (silence is not always golden!) and ask how he would feel if you wanted him to surgically change his appearance. God created you as a lovely woman and your bust measurement is part of that precious creation. Be proud of who and how you are!
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
Our pastor is a wonderful caring man, but his wife is a witch! She's demanding, pushy and brash. She tries to control everything about the church, whether or not she's supposed to be involved. What is the best solution, get a new pastor or take the problem before the congregation to censor her?
Sunday School Superintendent

Dear Superintendent;
I believe I can read more between the lines here than from your actual words, and I suspect you are especially fond of your title and the control it implies... so much so that you feel threatened by the pastor's wife. Your use of the word "witch" suggests a great deal of groundless animosity, not to mention poor taste! Dearie, clean your own house before you try to invade someone else's domain. Your pastor and his wife have been placed in a position of authority by the Lord, be very cautious about usurping or undermining that authority!
Blabby

Our Readers Write...

Hi, just stumbled onto your site, but doesn't look like it has been updated for over a year. Did you start something different and just let this one die? Hope not because it is a really attractive website.
Doreen Milligan

Thanks, Doreen, You have prompted me to begin putting a notice on all old issue pages so folks will know a whole new issue of Handmaidens is published each month except summer.
Iona

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Shalom & Blessings Precious Sister,
You are the blessing. Forgive me for not telling you often enough. You are doing a most wonderful job. Your Sites are among the most professional, diverse and spiritually packed that I have seen. You have done an excellent job at designing and editing. I am honored that you would want my humble opinion. May GOD continue to bless and keep you in His love and truth. May He bless your hands in all that you do for the Kingdom, in your home, and work.

I have been meaning to ask you. Do you edit any other types of work? Would you be interested in editing manuscripts to be published? I know that you are busy. However, good spiritually minded editors in tune with GOD's Words and revelations He gives to others are difficult to find. GOD bless.
In HIS Love & Truth,
Prophetess Rubie Sellers

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HELP! I am in need of restoration from ministry burnout, in need of getting away and in need of some help. Can you assist me in any way? My name is Alecia Jones, I am single, no children and 46 years of age. I am going in circles spiritually and need to get away from the ministry to be rejuvenated and helped, are there any resources available to me? - I have limited income at this time. Do you know of a ministry that would let me work with them for room and board?

I have over 22 years as church secretary, pastors secretary, women's ministry director, counselor, advisor to leadership, conference speaker, etc - all of the experience but I am just so tired of where I am. don't get me wrong, I love my church and pastor but I am so tired of giving out and giving out and giving out until I am depleted and have nothing else to give not even to the Lord and I need Him now an to get away for a while - I am open to anywhere!
please help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alicia Jones
aleciaj8@msn.com or ajones@ivustech.com
thank you for just reading this and please!!!!!!! pray for me.
Alicia Jones

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Dear Iona,
I want to thank you so much for Handmaidens, I always enjoy. I read this tonight that a friend of mine sent involving her sister and thought that this would be an article that would be of interest to many. This is definitely a way to give back some of what the Lord has gifted us with.
Thanks, Nancy

Thanks, Nancy... The article is in this issue.
Iona

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Hi Iona,
Thank you so much for creating and sharing with us such beautiful gardens. Not only did I enjoy the pleasure of viewing the different types of gardens, I thoroughly enjoyed your inspirational insights and readings of these. Certainly gave me food for thought! I loved the Garden of Eden best and then next the one dedicated to Carol. As my own name is Carol it kind of makes me feel like its my own. I look forward to revisiting when you've created some more. Thanks again for blessing God's people with your wonderful talent.
Carol

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For my sister in Christ: Iona
You lift me up, your gloriole (halo) are certainly within all who reach to you. I'm very serious, and don't usually come right out and say something like that. It is like being branded( I'm his and I am meant to spread His word) You help me to expand and think, and the branding is from our Lord Jesus Christ. The words flow like a mountain stream in the early morning. Clean and refreshing. I awake, and I am awakened by the light.

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.{John 12:36}. You have given me hope. In all my being, from Him who created me and gave me the gifts - free.

Iona, you are a gift to me. I will continue to write, pray, and administer to others. Whatever God's will may be. That's all that really matters. Thank you so much for being a true friend in Christ. And allowing me to be a part of your ministry.
In our precious Lords Name,
Janet

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Do you only publish your friends' work? I keep seeing the same names for authors and contributors. What are you requirements and guidelines for publication?

Dear One, I seek contributions of material from all who wish to send it. The Guidelines are published here on the site... See link at the bottom of every page. I pray I will soon receive some of your work for consideration.
Iona

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Dear Iona;
LOVE you 'zine! Just one suggestion... You need to clearly mark old archived pages so visitors will know there are newer pages;-)
Dottie

Dottie, you are right! Thanks so much... I am working on that task now... will take a while as there are MANY pages!
Iona

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How can I apply for a job with your webzine?

Dear One, I have no employees... No jobs... no money! All staff writers were invited at the leading of the Holy Spirit and are volunteers.
Iona

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Dear Editor;
Why does your online publication look more like a personal home page than a polished web magazine?

Dear One, I guess "polished" or "slick" just aren't in my personality... I am just a homey sort of gal;-)
Iona

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Dear Iona... Thanks for all you do to put out Handmaidens. It is a huge blessing to me and to my mother. We read every issue "cover to cover" and love it all. Keep it up!

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Hi Iona
I checked out your page. you really did a good job and many will be blessed. I am sure I will go back.
in christian love
Henry

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Wow. Thank God for giving you all you needed to set this new site up and who knows as Our Father supplies me with the finances perhaps we will be using your services and all bringing Praises to God in Jesus in us. I am impressed, since I have not learned how to use a computor that well yet. Thank You Iona for sharing and your God given prayers for me in Jesus Name.
Trish

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