Handmaidens - Pen in Hand

January, 2006

Pen in Hand

Topics

Power of the Pen Not Limited to Time
By Iona Hoeppner

Much of what you see in this edition of Handmaidens, and all incoming mail you see on this page was sent to me three or more years ago. It was all lost during a virus related computer meltdown. Then, this week, as I was working on the revival of Handmaidens, I came across some old archived backup files containing many treasures. They are especially precious and have blessed me immeasurably as I tackle the task of rekindling a fire so nearly extinguished by head injury. God's timing is always perfect and I am ever reminded of that. I write and encourage you also to wield the pen which is so much more mighty than the sword, all in the cause of Christ our Lord and for those who seek and serve Him.

Cover Page
Christian
Comedy
Education
Essays, etc.
Health
Home
Letters
Marriage
Stewardship
Parenting
Poetry/Art
Sites to See
Work
Extra

Dear Blabby

Dear Blabby;
My granddaughter has abandoned her pride and asked a young man to go with her to the Fall Dance at her high school. What should I do to ?
Concerned in Concord

Dear Concerned;
Well, since I'm responding to this three years after you wrote it, I doubt it has much meaning, but I would suggest you wish your granddaughter a great time. I think she has done nothing wrong in asking the young man out, and I'm proud she had the gumption to do it. What should you do? Congratulate her on her independence.
Blabby

________________________________________

Dear Blabby;
We lost our pastor a year ago (he retired) and have had three interim pastors since. The pastoral search committee keeps bringing in young pastors which I and others do not prefer. How can I tactfully let them know we need a more mature shepherd for our little flock?
Parishioner in Portland

Dear Parishioner;
I wonder what would happen if you and those you probably influence were to be accepting and open to the shepherding of a young pastor. I am thinking of the advice Paul gave a young pastor named Timothy... Give it a read. You know where it is.
Blabby

________________________________________

Dear Blabby;
I am the oldest of four children and do a lot of babysitting for my folks, mostly without pay. Don't you think I should be paid for my time at the same rate others pay me to babysit?
Underpaid in Utica

Dear Underpaid;
I wonder who paid your parents to care for you... I suspect you are provided food, shelter, clothing, etc. as well you should be for that is a parent's responsibility. But what about money to spend at the mall, $50 tennis shoes (They've got $10 tennies at Wal-Mart) prom dresses, etc... If you add it all up, I'll bet you owe them!
Blabby

Our Readers Write...
These were received in 2002, lost and then found in old backup files just this week!

Hello Iona.
My name is Paul. I live in England, in a village called Toton, in a town called Nottinham. A friend of Jesus and a practicing disciple to His Word and Teachings. Jesus' love for me is the beating of my heart, and His Gospel is the reason for life. I am very happy to meet you in this way. I was browsing and found your website, and my heart went out to you. I felt I must write and share a moment of friendship and encouragement and love, in His name.

Your ministry is a shining example of sister and brotherly love needed so much in the family of The Christ. Long may you continue. I am completely overwhelmed as to how much there is to make one stay awhile, enjoy the spiritual feeling that comes to
one and the realization of the hard work and passion for our Lord that is so apparently abundant in Iona (you).

My heart and mind, through our Lord, has told me, that you need to be told the things I have said to you also, so I have sent you a part of my ministry, that you will see in the attachment shortly.

What I have sent you is a part of THE MASTERS HEART calling, to send messages of love and direction and encouragement to all other disciples and friends, as Our lord Jesus leads me. Today He has led me to you. I am sure, Iona, you will feel Jesus smiling at you as you read. I have to say, He has never led me to do anything of this nature before. I preach, I take services to Him, I work in all manner of ways for Him, but the internet!! Mysterious Ways..... comes to mind. THE MASTERS HEART are a group of friends who wrote for the love of God. Today, Iona, they are praying for your ministry, for you alone and for your peace in Him. Read some of their work. Especially "Woman Behold!".
May The Blessings of Christ be with you and all those who you love.
PAUL.

Note from Iona: This was sent to me in 2002, but was lost when I had a computer crash. Miraculously, this and some other lost mail has been restored (found) on an old backup disc. God's timing is always perfect! I need Paul's words of encouragement now as I try to revive Handmaidens working within the limitations of an injured brain. You will find one of the THE MASTERS HEART articles on our Essays page.

________________________________________

Dear iona; We are in the process of a bankruptcy and have been in much pain over our situation. Thank you for your helpful and compassionate article. No one can truly understand how a Christian feels in the midst of a bankruptcy. There is a tremendous sense of failure, after having tried to honor all debts faithfully. However, when one partner loses a job and this is compounded with serious health problems as well, it is hard to survive financially, even with the best efforts.

Once again, thank you for helping me see some light during this difficult time. I believe the Lord led me to your site tonight. May God continue to bless your good work.
S.E. M.

________________________________________

I stumbled onto your site looking for a poem about the Fall Season.
Boy did I get a Fall Blessing!!!

The site was soooooo...
Pleasant to my eyes,
    Encouraging to my soul,
      Inspiring to my spirit
        That in Christ, I shall be bold!

I choose to remember, that it's always worth the press;
And when I find that no matter how hard I tried
    I've still made a mess...
      If God could use that fallible Bible Hall of Fame,
        Surely He can continue to use me,
          For I will not ashamed!
        I will keep running with the vision,
      And I'll run with all my heart.
   For I'm encouraged that God will yet reward my labor,
No matter how pitiful it seems, my start.

Thank You for your obedience to Run with the Vision!
(Note: Run With The Vision is no longer active)
Pastor Jean Cooper
Altadena, California

________________________________________

Hello,

Regarding Ron Cusano's "Martyrs for the Faith" and Colorado Moms in Touch's "Stories of Faith - Columbine Martyrs":

" Sat Apr 24 , 1999 -- A Columbine killer pointed his gun at Cassie Bernall and asked her the life-or-death question: "Do you believe in God!" She paused. The gun was still there. "Yes, I believe in God," she said. That was the last thing this 17-year-old Christian would ever say. The gunman asked her "Why?" She had no time to answer before she was shot to death."

This did not happen. The person who did say that they believe in God, according to Colorado Police reports, is very much alive. It saddens me to no end regarding this tragedy. However propagating false information leads one to question one's faith. Please remove these tales from your site. It is offensive to see such lies about this massacre.

Regards,
David

OUR RESPONSE: There may be conflicting reports, but I am unable to research police reports. I regret that you are offended and will gladly remove the pieces if you can substantiate your assertion.

Graphics, Design & Hosting by Web4Christ Ministries