Dear Blabby

Dear Blabby;
My mom is a Baptist and my dad is Methodist. Sometimes we go to Mom's church and other times we go to the Methodist church. Which one do you think is right?
In Betweener, age 9

Dear Betweener;
Both churches are right about everything that really matters, but neither parent is right to leave you in the middle. Why not tell your folks you'd like to settle in with one Bible believing church family. If they can't decide between their "native" denominations, maybe they should try the Presbyterians or the Lutherans.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
My son is engaged to marry a woman from California who is very brassy. She wears lots of jewelry, dresses in loud colors and uses too much makeup. Although she claims to be a believer, you can tell with one look that she is worldly. How can I convince my son that this woman will bring him nothing but grief?
Loving Mother from Montbello

Dear Loving;
I wonder if you aren't the one bringing your son grief. First off, no one but God knows this woman's heart. Her "Looks" lead me to think of her as a vivacious lady who enjoys life... seems to me she might brighten your son's future quite a bit. Who ever said Christians had to be drab and wear muted colors, anyway. My advice to you dear is to borrow some of her makeup, clothes and baubles.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I am a wealthy 78-year old widow and have fallen in love with a man 10 years my junior who has very little money. He's kind, caring, witty and fun, and he's asked me to marry him! We planned to travel and build a new house and just enjoy life together. I was ecstatic at first, but my children and grandchildren are having a fit, so now I am having second thoughts. Do you think I should proceed with the wedding (we planned a big one) or am I just an old romantic fool?
Starry Eyed in Seattle
P.S. I've known this man for 27 years. He was our pastor until he retired last year.

Dear Starry;
Let' see, now... he's a believer; you love him; he loves you; the two of you want to play tourist, build a home, have some fun... sounds great to me. The two of you plan to spend some bucks, but obviously, he's not a con man just blowing into town, so it seems to me there should be no objections. Keep those stars in your eyes, dearie, and have the time of your life!
Blabby

Our Readers Write...

Meanest Mother: I am going to forward you the original article, "Meanest Mother", that I wrote in 1967. I noticed on your web page, you had a copy that has been changed many, many times. This was first published in the Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic newspaper, in 1967, and again in Guideposts, a magazine, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. It has a copyright.

I never mind anyone using it, non-profit, as long as they use the original and my name as author. I am very pleased that you liked it enough to put on your web page, but would appreciate it, if you would change it to reflect the original. It seems to have taken on a life of its own, and I have spent many years trying to keep it corrected. I wrote this because my three children thought I was such a mean mom. I never intended to have it published, but friends and family encouraged me to submit it for publication. I have heard many stories as to how people received it. I suppose the one that touched my heart the most, was the lady who said it was read at a dinner after her mother's funeral.

Thank you for putting it on your web page. I am looking forward to reading the original there also. Thank you, Bobbie Pingaro

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Iona- What a Power released in you and thru you! my privelege to read you and the encouragement you transmit from our "Precious HOLY SPIRIT"
humbled-Bea

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Regarding http://ionanet.com/press/cards/mlk.htm
Thank you, Iona--
What an awesome tribute to a man, who like King David, had a heart after God and His will for the people of this earth. You are thoughtful and a wonderful vessel of the Lord. To God be the glory, and honor, and praise.
In HIM...Dorothy :)

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Iona,
The answer is yes, I would be very honored. I've been writing for over l0 years and I have even considered publishing a book to reach more souls for the Lord. I know that the gift the Lord has given to me is to be used for His glory and the furthering of His kindgom here on earth. It is His heart that I feel and His hand that takes hold of the pen, I am only the vessel that He uses. It's all about Him!!!!

I was checking out the website for Handmaidens and I am impressed. Didn't really get a chance to read the articles, but I did read the letters and answers. There is so much wisdom given, I am sure Handmaidens is touching a lot of women's hearts and souls. I plan to go back to it the first chance I get... What a blessing it's going to be!!!!

I knew this group was an answer to a prayer, but I didn't realize how many prayers were going to be answered. PRAISE GOD...HE IS SO
AWESOME!!!!
In God's Love,
Dawn

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Dear Editor;
I love Handmaidens, but it's so big I can't read it all in one setting. Then time slips by and I forget to go back for another helping. Why don't you mail out excerpts and links to those on your mailing list once a week to remind readers to return.
Florence

Florence;
That's a great idea, thank you! If time permits, I'll do just that.
Iona

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Thanks for the Link! We appreciate your help. My son and I have 2000+ hours into the site and really do hope people in need of help or education on the subject find it! Your site is beautiful, by the way. I'll tell my wife about it!
http://www.abortionfacts.com

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Dear Iona, I truly have enjoyed all your work! I cannot tell you what it means to me to find such beautiful christian graphics. I got your Christmas one with Mary/Jesus and then Jesus on the Cross. I was wondering if you could add a depiction of the resurrection to that same picture. It would be so perfect as it would depict His Birth, death and His Resurrection which makes our wonderful Christianity what it is. I would not know how to start, yet, on doing something like that and also I would not use your ideas, but truly would love to see the three in one picture if you can do that. You are so great. You share and are a loving person. Thank you again for all your wonderful ideas and work. God Bless you continually. I look forward to hearing from you about this. Love Judy DYkes, Eagleswingz - 2nd http is my site. Have a wonderful and fulfilling 2000. We made it!!! God will reward all of us for our hard work for His glory.
http://vineyard.net/org/dykes/
http://personal.vineyard.net/jdykes/
Email: jdykes@vineyard.net

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I sent a link to my home page but you didn't include it in Handmaidens. You said you don't feature commercial links, but mine is a personal page, so why was it not considered?
Anna

Anna
Your page is about a health food supplement you are selling, so it is commercial in nature even though you call it a personal home page. Also, not every link submitted is featured. Actually, I get about 150 link proposals each month and less than ten are selected.
Iona

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I am inspired by Handmaidens and am considering putting out a similar webzine for Christian men. How many people are on your staff and how long does it take to produce each issue.
His Servant

Dear His Servant;
Iona.I have no paid staff, but there are three staff writers who send in an article or section each month. It takes an average of 100 hours per month to review submissions, do the writing and prepare the pages. I am praying you do produce your proposed webzine if the Lord leads you to it (you'll certainly need His help and guidance) and don't forget to send me a link when it's up!
Iona

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Hi Iona,
I pray for you every day because I know you must work on Handmaidens daily. Thanks so much for this wonderful outreach to Christian women.

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I have a complaint: Although the writing is fine and I enjoy the e-zine, the pages load too slowly. You probably lose a lot of visitors because of this lag.

Dear Hurried Friend;
There's an easy solution for those in a hurry... just disable images on your browser.
Iona

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