[Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson]

Originally Posted by Joanna Lytton-Vasey

Goodness, I wouldn't ever dream of letting him down.

In this Godless country we are obliged by secular law to register our children with government apparatchiks, rather than with the church. When I called them, they said that the "next available appointment" was on Wednesday, and - on top of that - they expected me to turn up at their local office a couple of miles away to do the paperwork! So I mentioned this to Pastor Steve and I don't know what he said to them, but this morning some ghastly oik in a cheap, shiny, badly-cut suit turned up at the gates and groveled and said the person I spoke to on the phone had had "absolutely no idea" I was Matthew's wife. Honestly, who else did he think I was?

Anyway, the job is now done. Officially, the elder twin is Zeke and the younger one is Dan, but as nobody can tell them apart at this stage we'll just have to wait and see which one shows leadership.

I am sorry to hear of your trials, Sister! It is a sad day when you can't name your children with Biblical names and have the government make you use secular shortcuts.

[Daisy Mae Johnson]

[Joanna Lytton-Vasey]

Originally Posted by lstark16

I am sorry to hear of your trials, Sister! It is a sad day when you can't name your children with Biblical names and have the government make you use secular shortcuts.

I think you misunderstood, dear. Obviously they are quite properly registered as Ezekiel and Daniel - even our lieberal government has not yet restricted the number of permitted syllables, though that is probably only a matter of time. I was just referring to them by their family pet names. If Zeke is good enough for our beloved Pastor, it is more than good enough for a child of mine!

In time you will (I pray) learn about the need to abbreviate your children's names. With 7 sons + a daughter + 3 stepdaughters, it makes issuing instructions and rebukes so much quicker.

Bless you, though, dear, for your concern for me in this matter. You are the very embodiment of Philippians 2:4.

With fond regards,
Joanna

[Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson]

My dear Sister Joanna,

I am so sorry for the confusion! Praise the Lord that we are still able to remind the children that they are to take after the Lord in all that they do. You made a good point about nicknames; I can understand. I serve the Lord by watching the young children while their parents are in church, listening to one of our pastors' sermons. I have to rebuke them, spank them, keep track of 25 misbehaving children and try to prevent them from rejecting the Lord when they get older (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). I am excited for the day that I have my own children and can be Saved ("Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." 1 Timothy 2:15)

YiC,
Elizabeth