Summer, 2000

Dear Blabby

Dear Blabby;
I am happily married to a wonderful and considerate man who has only one flaw; he's a neatnik. He goes around the house straightening bath towels, refolding underwear, and putting away anything I leave out even for a minute or two. I, on the other hand, have always lived a more relaxed life style and am more interested in spending time talking or having fun with him than cleaning all the time. Although he never nags me, I feel he disapproves of the way I keep our home. How can I tell him to lightn up? That a little dust never hurt anyone?
Sloppy in Saratoga

Dear Sloppy;
Send him on over to my place, honey, and I'll tell him for you... just as soon as he's finished cleaning up around here. I could sure use a guy like that! The best thing you can do to keep this man happy is be honest about your fears that he is secretly judging your houskeeping, then step back and let him do his thing while you praise him and the Lord for it.
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
Several years ago I caught my husband in the arms of his secretary. She was crying and he was holding her close and patting her back when I walked into his office. Both of them claimed there was nothing "going on," but I've been looking for signs ever since. Any time he works late, I drop in and sometimes I park across from his office to see if they go to lunch together. Now, he tells me he can't live like this and wants us to go to counseling. Isn't this a sure sign he has a guilty conscience?
Jeolous in Joplin

Dear Jeolous;
I don't know about your hubby, dearie, but you DO need to talk with a therapist... the sooner the better! Sounds to me like this fellah is a very patient and caring man. How would you have felt if he had been spying on you for several years?!
Blabby

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Dear Blabby;
I know your webzine is mostly for women, but men enjoy it, too, and I am a man fan with a question. My sister and I have always been quite close, so when she and her live-in boyfriend come to town they usually stay with me. But since I accepted Christ, I don't feel comfortable with them sharing a bed in my house and am especially concerned that my children will think I condone their aunt's living arrangements... funny, that didn't occur to me before I was saved. How can I tell my sister how I feel without alienating her?
New Believer

Dear New;
If you and your sis are close, open your heart to her about this just as you would about anything else. Be honest, caring and direct, but be sure your message is well understood. Suggest that on her next visit she can stay in one room and her beau in another. She may be hurt, she may get mad, she may be ready for the Gospel! At least you know she'll be thinking about it..
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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Dear Sisters,
Some how you're message ended up on my e-mail, I will pass this site on to my wife. Out of curiosity I checked out your site and was truly blessed by the writings.
Rev. Philip Hanson
Golden Valley Worship Center Sacramento California
Assist. Associate Pastor All in Faith Ministries
e-mail RevPHanson@juno.com

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Dear Iona,
You are not alone when you feel inadequate when it comes to the Lord. Out of all the people in the world he chose you and remember if he wanted to he could make the rocks cry out for him. Instead he chose you!

I am learning to give God all the glory, to be a vessel for his use and his alone. I feel inadequate, and look at it as if I know someone else can do better. But you know he chooses people with the kind of heart he wants. And you dear friend have just what the Lord is looking for in a heart.....

I think it is wonderful how you have given so much to others. A chance to get published maybe for the first time in there lives. The chance to express is also wonderful how you put each and everyone on the same footing with you. You have made you Handmaiden a true work of art from the Lord.

Sharon

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Iona,
I found the article! Thanks so much. Handmaidens is a wonderful resource. I printed some senior adult jokes to use at our luncheon Sunday. My hubby is starting a senior adult ministry at our church. Blessings upon YOU!
Sandra

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Hello Friend,
This is Dwayne Savaya. I have not written in awhile so please forgive me. I am starting an inspirational and Encouragement Mailing list. We all need some encouragement from time to time so that is why I am starting this new Ministry. If you would like to be on it or know someone that would, just send an email to me with a SUBSCRIBE heading. These will be stories and poems to encourage and inspire you in your daily walk with the Lord.

I don't want to clutter your E-mail box because I know you have a life and don't want to read mail all day long, so I will send you inspirational and encouraging stories and poems 2 to 3 times a week.

Everlasting in Christ,
Dwayne Savaya Praisethelord1@minister.com

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Hi Iona,

I just want to tell you how much I enjoy your website...it is very inspiring and uplifting! God bless you and all involved!!
Lily Abbott

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Dear Miss Iona:
Do you know you are a blessing to me and so many others ? I thank the Lord often for putting me in your path and for the fact you have invited me into your life and fold.
Much Love, Phyllis

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Hi, this is my first visit to your site and I think it's awesome! I LOVED the Family Devotional piece. I struggle all the time with being disciplined enough, and energetic enough at the kids bed time to do family devotionals, and like the writer said, I have trouble enough fitting in time for my own time with God. Be encouaged, it's a great "webzine". I will try and come up with a possible name, but keep it coming, I love it.
Sincerely,
Michele D'Costa

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Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is now and forever our eternal father. Our first service for the House of Ruth was a blessing. We discuss self-esteem, and attitudes.

We appreciate your encouraging articles and would like to extend to you and the Handmaidens site to be in fellowship with us this month (March) or the months to follow. We have a special treat in April Lynn Burrows will bring forth the word of God on April 29 & April 30. We pray that you can be in fellowship with us these two glorious days.
Yours in Christ,
Michelle ops.temp@bms.com

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Hello Dear,
Just a note to say how much I have enjoyed your sites and how glorifying they are to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have recommended your sites in the last newsletter and am proud to be connected to you in Christ. You are a blessing and inspiration to all...Because of Jesus~
Dorothy :)

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Greetings,
I enjoyed my visit to this women's magazine, and I am providing a link to it from my website. I pray this is acceptable to you. If not, please let me know. You may view the link at http://www.wwjd.net/godslamb/links.html (I am adding it now so it may take a few minutes :) ) Thank-you for this wonderful e-zine! Blessings upon you and your ministry.

Carol Verge
webauthor, Women Waiting on the Lord

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I love reading your magazine every month. I've been reading it for about a year and have found it to be funny, intelligent and informative. I do feel, though, that I need to express some dissatisfaction in the the comedy section of the April issue. I found some of the state logos to be offensive and inappropriate for this kind of magazine. This was one article that I did not share with my co-workers or my family. This is the only time I've ever seen anything like this happen and I hesitated to voice my opinion for this reason. However, the more I prayed about it the more I felt I needed to say something. Thank you for providing such a marvelous magazine. I look forward to the next issue.
Susan Hutchinson

Dear Susan; Thanks so much for your candor! I reviewed and removed the State Logo piece and apologize! It WAs inappropriate and not God honoring at all. Pleae keep speaking out ;-)
Iona

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Love Your 'Zine! Just found you looking for Christian women's resources! Great site. -Lori
God'sgrrl http://www.godsgrrl.net

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I am working on a series of prayers for the homeschooling mom and dad. Do you think this would be suitable for submissions to Handmaidens? I really love reading all the articles. Thank you so much for working on this magazine to build up ladies like me.
In appreciation, Margaret Bricker

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Iona, whatever My Father God gives to me By His Spirit in Christ Jesus in me and me in Him is for His Glory and the good of all, so share it and call me what My Father God does, Trish.

I pray Our Father is helping you enjoy the journey on earth with Jesus and By His Spirit,, for Jesus says There is eternal life in the Spirit.

Our Father's Spirit in Christ Jesus in us and we in Him,, as Jesus prayed,, Father let them become One ,, just as You and I are One.. Glory to God Our Father and to His Lamb, Our Savior and Friend Jesus Now and Forever I pray in Jesus Name and give all thanks to You Father in Jesus Name. Trish

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Dear Iona... You're in our prayers regarding funds to pay off your new comp. This will also be listed in our next Christian Connection Newsletter Supplement. God bless you as you minister in His Name.

Joy in Jesus! Gloria J. Moore
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This story about Dogs & cats was the cutest thing. I sent it on to all my friends. Thanks for introducing me to a new great site. In His Love
Ronda Huffines

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