September, 2000

Dear Blabby
blabby@ionanet.com

Dear Blabby;
My daughter and her husband take their children to see his folks at least twice a month, yet they haven't brought the children to our home in years. It's not that they don't trust us with the little ones for they have happily allowed us to take the children on trips, etc. True, we live two hours away, but so do the other grandparents. The only difference I see is that they are much more affluent than we. I've tried to tactfully suggest they come here once in a while but to no avail. Any suggestions?
Heartaches in Hartford

Dear Heartaches;
Seems to me that there may be a rift between you and one of the parents. If so, it's time to clear the air. Simply come right out and tell them their partiality is painful and ask them to explain. Fair warning, you may get lambasted with a whole raft of old, pent up complaints, especially from your daughter, and the bur under her blanket may even stem from some childhood resentment she's never let go of. Whatever the issues are, ask and offer forgiveness and get past this. They may still want to carry the grudge, but at least you'll know what it's all about.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I've had a recurring dream that I won a big Lottery. Does this mean God is telling me to buy Lottery tickets? And while we're on the subject, do you think the Lottery is sinful?
Sleepy in Saratoga

Dear Sleepy;
Wake up, Honey! God can pour money all over you any time He chooses... You don't have to enter a contest or the Lottery to reap a financial blessing. As for the dreams, perhaps you've been eating too much anchovy pizza at bedtime. As for gambling of any kind being sinful, I believe it's a matter of degree and motivation. But know this, it's a dangerous bent and usually motivated by greed. I say stay away!
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I have a friend who is constantly in one "crisis" or another. She goes from one member of our small church to the next seeking spiritual, emotional and monetary help and huge amounts of time. Trouble is, her problems are really not severe at all, but she's made the rounds so often that people are avoiding her. How can I help her become more confident of God, herself and her faith without seeming callous?
Caring Friend

Dear Caring;
I suspect she's merely lonely. If you really care for your friend, gently remind her of all her pleadings for help and suggest alternatives. Also tell her you'd like to spend time with her as a friend, just fellowshipping together rather than wallowing in woes. Try to get her involved with recreational activities where she can meet others. But most importantly, be brutally honest... and if she stops calling or coming, you call or visit her!
Blabby

Our Readers Write...

Really enjoyed your senior comedy page. Thank you. God Bless
Susan Stanley

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Good afternoon all- hope everyone is enjoying what's left of Summer - I just visited Iona's new Spirit Gardens, and it is MARVELOUS! Beautiful graphics, poetry and symbolism. I would recommend anyone who hasn't seen it to visit at the Handmaiden's sight and look at the beauiful creations she has put together. It was a Spirit led venture that is obvious- way to go, Iona- I look forward to seeing more in the future! What talent you have, I am in awe.....
In Christ- Buffy

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Very Inspirational
When will the next issue be out?
Kay Herod

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Iona,
Sure you can share it. My name is Dixie Phillips! I love all wisdom and love that comes from all your e-mails. They are always such an encouragement to my soul.
Keep the "SON" in your eyes,
Dixie

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Dear Iona,
The website looks wonderful... thank you for allowing me the privilege of sharing the Lord's work with others. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this lovely site.
God bless you,
Susan

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Dearest Iona,
I went through the entire work of art, of course I am speaking of the Handmaiden's Mag. I really feel it was put together wonderfully. Your choice of colors was so bright and cheery. I was so pleased to see you so many poems written, I enjoyed them all. The Dear Babby Letters some are so cute. I receive a lot of enjoyment out of them. And your advice is right on. I specially liked the one on Dear Jealous. Keep up the wonderful work Iona. You sure are a work of Art .
Sharon

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Dear Handmaidens:
I really love your zine! I can't believe you have such great graphics and let anyone use them. Awesome!
Bobbi Lee

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Iona;
I have a complaint... When you started theis site you had pictures on almost every page. Where are the pictures! Other than that I love the site alot.
Sandra Sills

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Dear Iona;
I enjoy all your sites so much. Is it really true you do them all by yourself? I know many people send you things, but I mean you have no staff and create all the pages? Is that so? I made a page or two on Anglefire and it seems impossible to me that you could do so many.
Kevin Moore

Dear Kevin;
It's true, but I really don't work alone. The Holy Spirit deserves all the glory for He is my enabler, my inspiration and provides all the creativity... to God be all the glory.
Iona

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The Handmaidens site looks great! I am inspired by the content, but your Jesus site hasn't changed in a long while. I hope you haven't given up on it.
Marie

Dear Marie;
Thanks! No, I've just had a very demanding year;-) I will soon be adding tons to the Jesus site.
Iona

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