Handmaidens - Pen In Hand

April 17, 2001

Pen In Hand

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Just A Thought
By Staff Writer Sharon Barrett

1 Thessalonians 5:12 "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you."

We should pray all the time for our sisters in the Lord that they are strengthened, pray always for those who come into the Lord, because Satan has lost another one and will be mad over the loss. And we should pray for our teachers, preachers; they work so hard for us. They always seem to have lots of strength but it is not easy for them to take care of all of us.

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Dear Blabby

Dear Blabby;
My mother is a 67 year old widow and out of control. She is nothing like the widows Paul talks about in his letter to Timothy. She is constantly going places, eating out, dressing in flashy clothes, even at church! Right now, she's at Disneyland with four of her friends!! How can I convince her to lead a more quiet and sedate life style befitting a widow of her age?
Distraught Daughter

Dear Distraught;
Where does your mother live? I want to join in her fun! And maybe you should, too... sorta sounds like you could stand a good dose of Mickey Mouse. Remember Paul was talking about a "widows list" of ladies receiving charity from the church and he was talking about an entirely different time and culture than our own... always consider scripture as a whole and be in serious prayer before applying it to anyone's life, including your own.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I am expecting my third child in June. The problem is we live in a very small house (2 bedrooms) and after the baby arrives, our 2-year old son will need to move out of our room and share a room with his 4-year old sister so the baby can share our room. Our neighbor thinks this is sinful and will lead to serious problems. What do you think?
Crowded in Chicago

Dear Crowded;
I'll bet your neighbor thinks a lot of things are "sinful," like chocolate eclairs or playing in mud puddles or co-ed softball... too bad. Remember in Jesus' day and in many cultures today, whole families may share only one room. But I DO have a word of advice about your little guy: Move him out of your room before the baby comes so he won't feel pushed out by the new arrival.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
We just moved to a new neighborhood after living in our old one for over 30 years. I miss my old friends and can't seem to make new ones here. Any suggestions?
Lonely in Laramie

Dear Lonely;
I guess the good ol' days when folks welcomed new neighbors with a cake or house warming gift are long gone, even in "Wildoming." So, I guess you'll have to turn that around and welcome them into your life. Why not bake some goodies and take some to several of your nearest neighbors? You can introduce yourself, get to meet them and warm their hearts all at the same time. And don't give up after just one visit... you may have caught them at a bad time on round one.
Blabby

Our Readers Write...

The Mary & Martha story ( http://handmaidens.org/301/home.htm ) really struck home for me, and knowing you so well, I bet it bit you too! You work too hard!! Yes, it's all beautiful and many are blessed, but you need to slow down and be more of a Mary (said with love, and said to myself as well)... I do love your webzine and I love you!
The "Martha" in Karval - (you know who!)

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Please post this in your next zine:
For all you well-meaning Christians who forward tons of e-mail, please do the kind thing and copy what you want to send then paste it into a new e-mail to your friends so that all those addresses don't travel around the world and get on all the junk mail lists.
Melodie

P.S. I LOVE the art on this site and on your art site! ( http://art4christ.net )

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Dear Iona,
Thanks for running the article at http://handmaidens.org/301/home.htm

I'm a Martha, too, but am trying to be more of a Mary! And with His help I'm making some progress (smile) - God Bless!
Betty Jean

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Iona, I know how it is for you... I belong to four denominational groups, of which are heavy posters, and a lot of it is theological in context, so there is a lot of reading, not just deleting!!... and of course like many of us, a lot of other peripheral stuff, too! Of course when Rich got ill.... and I sent out lots of emails for prayer, etc. I got tons back.... and phone calls, etc. It is wonderful to know that our Lord brings His children together in their time of need..... , then there is the email just stuffed and falling out of the box!! (500+)

I did read the newest issue Iona, and you have done a great job. It would be hard knowing what to put where, and when, but you are a master at it. Hope things are slowing down a bit for you.... but knowing how life is.... you need our continued prayers!! For now, and in His love,
Dianne

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Iona,
So glad your back. I knew from prayers and what the Lord placed on my heart that you were away. Sent out some new things for you to use if you wish.

I loved the colors you chose on this month's Handmaidens. Dear Babby is really a super lady. Always tells it like it is. I love the poetry corner as always, but then I write poetry. I liked the page on marriage very good work.
sharon B

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