Dear Blabby

Dear Blabby;
My boyfriend is 16 and I am 17. Some of my friends think I'm a dork for going with a guy younger than me, but he is a wonderful person who loves the Lord and me. What should I say to my friends?
The Older Woman in Kansas

Dear Older;
Who's going with this guy, you or your friends? Second question, how do you know your pals think you're a dork? Are they rude enough to tell you so, or are you so sensitive about it you just assume they don't approve of your choice in men? Either way, why don't you take the leadership role with your friends and demonstrate to them that the worth of a person is not measured in years, or looks, or dollars, etc. Be strong, Kiddo. Your buddies may take offense at first, but your real friends will love you for it.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I have a four year old son who still sucks his thumb at bedtime. My mother thinks it's a sign he's insecure, but he seems happy and well adjusted in all other ways. My husband thinks we should put pepper on the thumb to break the habit. Should I seek professional help for him or put on the pepper?
Concerned Mom

Dear Mom;
I'll bet your mother and hubby both have a few "bad" habits of their own. I'd also guess you're more concerned about this dumb thumb deal than either of them, so my advice is simply this: enjoy the kid for who he is. If he's happy, you should be, too! Let him drift off to na-na land in his own way and next time someone bugs you about it tell 'em not to knock it till they've tried it!
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I've got a friend who goes to church and pretends to love the Lord, but there are things in her life that make me think she's not a real Christian. She overeats and her prayers are quite casual - she just talks to the Lord like He was her next door neighbor. She dresses in a very worldly way and enjoys the attention she gets from men even though she's a married woman.
A Worried Friend from Omaha

Dear Worried;
I guess I can call you "Worried," (or maybe just "Worrisome") but I'm not too sure about the "Friend" part. Your letter was a series of statements, not a question among them... hummm? Let me ask you this - are you more "worried" about this woman's salvation or your own sense of spiritual superiority? Since when did God appoint you to the bench? How can you qualify to judge her, for I know that you are no more perfect than she is or I am or anyone else who ever lived, save Jesus.

Let's see now, she overeats? Surely no believer would ever do that! And she prays in a close, intimate way, like one would talk with a friend? Heaven forbid! I'm sure God would never hear a prayer that wasn't in stilted and lofty language... no, never! Oooh, she dresses in a "worldly" way. That could be taken many ways, just as her "enjoying" male attention. Here's what I suggest: ditch your judge's robes and borrow some of her clothes and see if you don't enjoy an admiring look from a fella, too. But you know what? It may be her smiles more than her clothes (I kinda think she's a smilin' lady) that make men like her. You might learn a lot about love and the Lord from your friend if she'll put up with you that long.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I'm a man who has trouble relating to women. At 38 I'm still single and can't seem to find the courage to ask a woman out. My fear is that she will expect intimacy before marriage and as a believer, I could not be a party to that.
Lonely in Loveland

Dear Lonely;
You sell the fair sex short, my man! Being the believer you are, you surely aren't trolling for dates at the local bar, and if you want to date a Christian, she'll have the same values you espouse, so the "fear" you express isn't the real issue at all. You're just scared you'll get turned down! What's so bad about that? If you ask a lady out and she declines, it isn't the end of the world as we know it. You probably will get a few turn downs, but it's worth it. Just keep socializing among Christian singles and let your kin folks and married friends play match maker. You never know what may come up. If God has a mate for you, He'd at least like you to make yourself available.
Blabby

Our Readers Write...

Iona,
I want to thank you for putting out Handmaidens. I can't believe you are the only editor and do all the art, etc. by yourself. I am especially pleased you've added a Health section. Please keep up the good work.
In Christ, Sue

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I have a suggestion for your magazine: Do away with the borders. They make your pages load slowly and are a distraction to the reader. Yes, they are pretty and you're a talented lady, but this would make pages load fast and be a quick read, which I for one would prefer. Please don't be offended. I really do love your stuff.
Marilee

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Dear Iona,
Your magazine has brought me much pleasure today. I have read nearly all of it in one sitting. I still have a way to go, and I am paralyzed from sitting so long. I just want to thank you for every word. I'll remember long and hard "the room!" you know, the one with all the files.

I've printed out the cancer portion to take with me Sunday to a family reunion. Since several members of my Scottish clan are suffering from cancer I have been asked to gather them and pray for them collectively. I am flabbergasted! When I had cancer a couple of years ago one of these family members was quoted to me as saying, "We can't lose her! She is our spiritual link as a family". Or words, similar to that. We are not a close family. I hardly know some of them. They usually do not ask me for anything. And now this! Isn't it wonderful that I know the One who can make a difference. I'm taking my 'Friend' right in there with me.
Thanks again. Mary mdewey@nts-online.net

Hello, Mary;
Thank you! Your kind and encouraging words mean so very much to me... and the Holy Spirit must have inspired you to write for He knew I needed a boost.

I am so pleased you are blessed by Handmaidens. Funny, I never know what will be included in the webzine or what subject the "extra" page will have until I begin to work and the Holy Spirit leads.

I will pray for you as you intercede for family members with cancer and as you continue on as the "Spiritual Link" for your family. It's so vital that believers' lives be pure and so when others see you life (which may be the only Bible they ever read) they know they are missing something. You were healed from cancer for many reasons, and this is one of them.

Again, thank you Mary, you really made my day! Blessings upon you!
Iona Hoeppner

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Please can you help???

I read a few weeks (maybe a month or two ago), a poem, about God creating the babies in heaven, them spending their time in His presence, and then God sending them to earth, to learn to walk, talk ..... and the poem ended:
But you shall have a helper, and you will call her mother.

I've spent a few hours searching for this site, and I can't seem to find it. Perhaps you can help??

You see, I'm doing a "book" (if you can call it that) for a VERY special friend of mine. She's having her first baby (after loosing two) in about six weeks time, and I want to assemble a book with inspirational poems, verses, "tips", photo's - all around a story line for her & her new baby. I would love that poem as an opening intro to this "book". I'd really appreciate your help.

May God Bless you all for the rich deposits, you invest in peoples lives with your work.
In His Grip
Colleen Slee
Springs,
South Africa.

Dear Colleen:

Perhaps this is what you seek: The Angel

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Dear Iona,
Thank you for providing this means of communication for us Christian women to communicate. I am a pastors wife and this is a great vehicle for me to "meet" other pastors wives. Also to be able to encourage and be encouraged by other women who might be facing some of the challenges and joys that I am. I have read your newsletter and enjoy your reflections and your obvious love of the Lord.
Saved to Serve,
Anita
Seeking His Kingdom Today

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I laughed til I cried! Blabby's a real hoot! But she's a wise ol' coot! (LOL)
Steffie

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I love Handmaidens! Why is it aimed at women when so much of it applies to any Christian?
Bennett

Bennett
Handmaidens came about not by my design but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Iona

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Iona,
You are Blabby, aren't you? I just love her!
Millie

Hi, Millie;
No comment ;-)
Iona

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