Sister to Sister

Issue 1: Service

Dear Sisters,

self pic I hope that you will enjoy this premier issue of The Handmaiden. In 1994 this web page was created in print form as a result of a strong urging from the Lord to study wells. I had shared that goal with another sister in the Lord who said the Holy Spirit had recently taught her about bees. I recall at the time that I felt it was a pity that women didn't have an avenue to express these revelations with each other.

A month after our discussion, I was praying about writing a newsletter and the Lord gave me a vision. I saw Jesus sitting on a large rock in the middle of a vineyard. A bible was open on His lap. His left hand was pointing to a verse and His right hand was resting upon a young maid's head as she knelt at His feet. Sitting back on the balls of her feet, her eyes swam with adoration as she listened to His teaching.

Over the course of nine months I continued to sense a pressing need to proceed and received several confirmations in the Word and through others. I doubted my ability to do it. I worried that it was not "of the Lord." All these thoughts bombarded me until I finally woke up to the fact that if I didn't step out and do it, I would never know.

The Handmaiden was published in written form for over two years and then something happened. I became discouraged by the lack of participation and began to doubt my vision. Since that time, The Handmaiden has laid dormant inside of me. I had continued scripture study and pursued different topics, but they were filed away -- waiting for today.

A friend of mine developed a web page software program, basically for dummies. They handled everything. He encouraged me to become a beta test site, which I did and published "Service" September 1997. In fact I published two issues using this software until I made the big step to more complicated software and my own ISP. Unfortunately, when I changed host providers two issues were lost. So, here it is 2001 and I'm finally redoing the premier issue on the web.

My greatest desire is for interaction with you. I would love to read, and publish, your thoughts, studies or revelations. Just click on the contact button and complete the form.

May God bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace,

In His service,
Mary

As Unto the Lord ~ A Sacrifice of Praise

by Mary Puplava

praise flower A few years ago, I was working in my husband's financial practice as his office manager, running a household, selling our home, and driving my eldest son to school in San Diego. At times, that rush-hour drive was two roundtrips a day when he was in sports. My patience was running thin and I was beginning to complain to everyone. I prayed in frustration one day, and do you know what I heard the Holy Spirit say? "Do all things as unto the Lord."

It was like a thousand flashbulbs went off in my head. All this time I'd attempted these day-by-day monumental tasks in my own strength -- complaining and resenting everyone and every frustrating situation.

Right then and there I repented of my bitterness, anger, resentment and self-pity. (Whew! what a laundry-list of sins!) I asked the Lord's forgiveness and was rewarded with such a peace. Joy filled my spirit and a song of thanksgiving soared from my heart.

Ladies, here's a thought. Sit down and think of all those mundane duties like changing diapers, cooking one more meal, buying school supplies, or staying late for a grumpy employer.

Now, re-think them in light of "Do all things as unto the Lord." It hits a little better doesn't it? It's not self-sacrifice, it's now a sacrifice of praise to Jesus. Next time you hear the phrase, "Service with a smile," remember to smile from your heart and serve as unto the Lord. ~MP

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. Hebrews13:15

A "Life" Verse ~ Serving God's Purpose

by Mary Puplava

Have you ever had a verse in the bible literally jump out at you? It's like it sears right through your being, deep down inside, and you say to yourself… ahh, that's it! In the summer of 1997, something like that happened to me. The verse is found in...

Acts 13:36, "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep…"

Another version simple says, David served God's purpose for his generation. Different translations say it differently, but for me, these two really capture the essence of the truth.

I remember as a late-teen, how I used to wonder, "Why am I here?", "What am I to do with my life?", "What will I turn out to be?", "Will I get married?", "Will my life be wonderful or will I struggle?" These and many questions swirled around after high school and during those early college years. I had chosen Colorado State University for its Occupational Therapy program. Throughout my high school years I had volunteered my time to work with handicapped children, and so I logically felt that was what I was "called to do." I had a wonderful four years of classes, activities, and friendship.

As a requirement to complete the academic portion of my degree, I had to take a psychological test. (I guess they didn't want "kooks" working with the disabled.) Anyway, when I went to my counselor to review the results, she stared at me perplexed. In a very hesitant way, she asked me why I was pursuing a career in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I told her of my experiences for the last 6 years and why, with my grades and grasp of knowledge of the field, I felt I would do well. She shook her head and said, "Mary, you are an administrator. You don't even come close to the profile we normally see for Occupational Therapists. Even if you start out there, you won't stay there, at least not for long." I was stunned. I was disappointed. I was, well, bewildered.

I graduated and fulfilled my 9 months of internship. At my last position, they asked me to stay and work for them. I accepted the position. To make a long story short. I worked in the field for four years, met my husband, and we began our family. I left employment to be an at-home mom. THEN in 1985, everything changed. My husband needed someone to answer phones at the office while his secretary was on medical leave. Briefly, I went to work and never left. I was literally BORN to be his administrator. Back then computers were just starting to take off. So I learned computers, accounting, and eventually graphics work from the ground up. I learned "to do" as the needs arose.

There are many who say husbands and wives can't work together. Well, that may be true. But, we worked through the rough times and I can honestly say we're a partnership. As the years have gone by, I moved out of the role of the day-to-day and into more development. Interestingly, I have found that the skills I learned at the office have been transferred to work in the Kingdom. In fact, this web site, The Handmaiden, in its infant form back in 1996 was the impetus for my husband's request that I do one for him and his radio show.

Today, my husband's site receives over 100,000 hits a month. His articles, which I edit and do the graphics and publishing, are spoken of around the world --literally. The "connection" with people in Canada, Australia, Germany, and throughout the States has broadened our approach and our direction. My husband's message on Financial Sense is one of truth, accuracy, and integrity in the financial field. I am so proud of him and so pleased of my contribution. Unfortunately for The Handmaiden, Financial Sense Online takes precedence with my time.

Through the skills I've learned along the way, I've been able to serve other ministries with graphics, leadership, administration and websites. It's been awesome to see.

Yes, today, December 4, 2001, I can honestly say, I am serving God's purpose for my generation. I don't think I've "missed it." You know what I mean? It's that thought in the back of your mind. The one that says "Ever wonder what if?" I have no regrets. I have served and will continue to serve His purpose.

One more thing… the tail end of that verse talks about "my generation." To me that means my lifetime, but it also implies for my age group. It implies timing, a certain portion of history that is mine alone. It also implies my interaction with the generation ahead of me and the one that is behind me. When I look at my sons, where they are today at 23, 22 and 20, I see three handsome, God-fearing, bright, young men. Each of them has a purpose in their lives. Each has a direction. Each have goals. And best of all, they KNOW the Lord and bow to His Lordship in their lives. Isn't that awesome! To me THAT is the best of all. I've multiplied my heart's desire to serve God three times over. Their day will come when they too will serve God's purpose for their generation and then they will pass it on to the next generation.

So, let me encourage you. If you've held back from what you really believe is your calling or purpose, don't hold back. Go for it with all you've got. Hard work is ahead, but the reward is marvelous, extraordinary, perfect, enduring… hard to describe. It's that "rest" that you hear about. It's that "peace" we all long for. My prayer for you, dear sisters, is that you find that connectedness with the Lord's calling and your purpose and that at the end of your days you too can say, I've served God's purpose for my generation." ~MP

The Market place

by Cindee Pillow Personal Testimony to Pam Clark, Trumpet Wind Ministries October 21, 2001

new york city bridge Sister, I am a housewife, mother of 4, grandmother of 1, and home school on top of that. I do not make money at this job, but I do go out into the community, mingling with the neighbors. It really bothered me when I thought that I was going to have to go to work, and then it dawned on me. Since that prophecy, I have not stopped. Ministering has become a daily thing right where God has me.

The definition of work is: WORK- the labor, task, or duty that affords one his accustomed means of livelihood. A specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity. That seems to include us housewives and mothers, don't you think? Well, praise God for the rubber gloves, 409 and pies to bake. We have a job to do!

Also, as I studied the 'Marketplace', in the word, and found the scripture that says in part something like this, "….there were many idle sitting in the marketplace." They were seeking to be employed, as that is where those without jobs went to find work. In the marketplace employers would come to find those with no jobs to give them work back in Bible times.

They're many right now feeling somewhat idol, without a job to do for the Lord. I was one of those. Until one day the Lord came to me and gave me an assignment. Oh, sister, it was not so different to what I was already doing, but He gave me an assignment to do what I was doing. That made all the difference, as then, I had a goal.

I realized I was to please the Lord right were I was. That is when others really began to come for a word, a help, an aid, and I was there on the job, ANOINTED to fulfill the purpose of God! I would give them help with a smile and Jesus on my lips.

One more thing. I believe a lot of housewives have husbands that are called into the literal Marketplace. My husband is one of these. We are separate but one in purpose and call. We both desire only to be where the Lord desires us to be, no matter where that is, or the cost involved, and to fulfill God's divine holy will, plan, and purpose in our lives. I say all this to say, if the husband is called in this area, the wife is also called into this area.

Where is my paycheck? In the smiles of those I minister to and the satisfaction in knowing that I have pleased the Lord with my obedience. This kind of pay does not dwindle nor vanish over time, but last for eternity. Just thought I would share… I reminded me this morning how precious the call of God is on us. We are a highly blessed people! Amen!