Dear Karen, Thank you for email. I am Sureshkumar from India. I read your email and understood your problems. We are all praying for you. Welcome to India. I am ready to help you. Pastor

Dear Mary Ann,

We created this website and Discussion Group so people just like you would have a place to go and find some help.  I'm especially proud to know my mother was able to bring you from that dark place so many struggle to escape! 

My mother was a firm believer in encouraging others to get out and find a safe place to discuss and express your feelings in a non-threatening, non-judgmental atmosphere.  From your post, it sounds like you've already done alot of work and are enjoying a good relationship with your son.  You are so lucky!  So many others have yet to face that hurdle!  Or unwilling to do the necessary work.

You'll find my mother's books addicting, but I myself just finished reading "I'm So Glad You told Me What I Didn't Want to Hear!"  and "Mamma, Get The Hammer! There's A Fly On Papa's Head!"  and I feel confident in recommending them to you.  The Hammer book is very good for helping parents (usually mothers) to learn to Laugh again.  The "I'm So Glad..." book is more practical guidance for hurting parents working through the pain by sharing with others.

As far as advice goes, just a couple things jumped out of your post.  As for a "predisposition" or "environmental"  explaination on homosexuality leads, naturally, to a Cause and Effect argument which opens a Pandora's Box of  guilt, resentment and bitterness.  People have been studying this for years, so why waste time mulling it all ad nauseam ?  Or blaming others?  Or Yourself?  Or God?  Or your Son?  On page 82 of Mama, Get the Hammer, my mom lists "What We Have Learned" and she says:

"Third, we have learned to accept him where he is, and to say, "Thank You, Lord, for what You are doing in the life of our son, even though we cannot see it now.  We know that You love him, and we leave him in Your Hands."  ...Therefore, we are no longer tormented by regrets.  We think we know what kind of life would bring our son fullfillment, but the choice is his."

Secondly, you mentioned that your son was raised in a "Christian" home, but that you were praying for his salvation or return to his faith.  I can't really say much about your son's religious beliefs not knowing him or the circumstances personally, but I will say that just because his sexual preferences have become known to you and your husband doesn't really reflect on his walk with God or his salvation.  I plan on discussing this further in future writings.  But for now, I'd be glad to send you a copy of Mom's Memorial DVD free in which she discusses the topic.  *(I'll need your shipping address for this)

Check out the video's we've placed on www.YouTube.com and search BARBARA JOHNSON - and hear her speak for herself.  Or go to the web and read the various articles we have on the topic.  Make sure you sign up for the Love Line Newsletter so we can continue to encourage you and others.  And as for ways to pray, for me, I pray for an Understanding Spirit to assist me to be Kind and Loving in All I do.  And ways to encourage others who are struggling too.

And as for a Spatula Ministry in your area of northwest suburbs of IL, this is the place to ask.  We are beginning to pull together many hurting parents and going through our listings to ask others who have been down the road to share with us their experiences and help us with our "grief process".  And if there is no one, then it might be your opportunity to begin a ministry there!  And we have information right from my mother's book, "I'm So Glad..." on how to share with others by starting your own Group.  We'll be here to encourage you!

Please keep in touch with me and the others on the board and let us know what is happening.  And we will begin a database on this board to begin listing those that will make themselves available in your area.   I'll be following the board and look forward to chatting again soon!

Joyfully,

David

Hi Dave and everyone!

I am so thankful you all are here, as I have no where to turn.

My son was raised in a Christian home, but told us last year, that he
was gay.

Your mom's book was so healing for me, and she wrote about all her
emotions, and I was able to connect with her. She has taken me from
such a dark place, to a place of hope.

My husband and I pray for our son's salvation, or return to his faith.

My brother was gay, so I don't know if there is a predisposition to
this  or not.

We have a great relationship with our son, and didn't really react to
his telling us. We just hugged him and told him we love him with
unconditional love the way God loves him.

Any advice, ways to pray, books you recommend, or if there is a
Spatula Ministry in my area of northwest suburbs of IL would be helpful.

May God bless you in your ministry!  Mary Ann

Hello, My name is Karen and I am the mother of a daughter that
struggles in the lesbian lifestyle. I have had the wonderful
opportunity to attend a retreat presented by Janelle Hallman,
especially for mom's that have daughters in the homosexual lifestyle.
It was not only life changing for me personally, but also for my
relationship with my daughter. I live in Ca. and Janelle will be doing
a retreat Fresno, ca. on June 13-15. I would just like to share her
brochure and website with any mom that would be interested in attending
or who may
know a mom that may be interested. If you have ever attended any Exodus
Conferences you have probably had an opportunity to hear Janelle share
her heart. Please see the attached and share it with anyone you may
believe to be interested. Thank you and God Bless, Karen.
Go to www.JanelleHallman.com. Anyone interested you may contact my
personally if you like. k.ray55@sbcglobal.net.

--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "David Johnson"
<David@...> wrote:
>thank you david for the welcome
i read your mums book . where does a mother go to resign, and i
thought it was brilliant so from then i was hooked
last year i brought one of her books to a weekend i was on and read
some of her funny stories and had the people laugh so much
a member had lost her husband he had hung himself and as i read your
mums book i was lead to give ann the book
the next morn at breakfast she came down looking a differient woman,
she told me she stayed up all night reading the little book, and now
she can go home and tel her kids that their dad has only gone on in
front, it gave her hope
so you see david how your mum could help so many people
she was a brilliant lady
love rosie

> Welcome Rosie! It's great to know my mother has a following in
North
> Ireland.  We'd like to do whatever we can to support you and your
other
> group.  Since this is a relatively new Discussion Group, there is
alot
> of opportunity to be a part of our team in helping others in
distress.
> Do you know of any Spatula Groups in your area?  Interested in
starting
> one there?  And how did you get introduced to my mother and her
books?
> I'm sure others here on the board will be interested in your story
> too!  Please feel free to jump right in and meet other wonderful
people!
> Joyfully,
> David
>

Hello, My name is Karen and I am the mother of a daughter that
struggles in the lesbian lifestyle. I have had the wonderful
opportunity to attend a retreat presented by Janelle Hallman,
especially for mom's that have daughters in the homosexual lifestyle.
It was not only life changing for me personally, but also for my
relationship with my daughter. I live in Ca. and Janelle will be doing
a retreat Fresno, ca. on June 13-15. I would just like to share her
brochure and website with any mom that would be interested in attending
or who may
know a mom that may be interested. If you have ever attended any Exodus
Conferences you have probably had an opportunity to hear Janelle share
her heart. Please see the attached and share it with anyone you may
believe to be interested. Thank you and God Bless, Karen.
Go to www.JanelleHallman.com. Anyone interested you may contact my
personally if you like. k.ray55@....

Welcome JoAnn,
      I hope you'll feel comfortable here and I know there are plenty of
people who are looking forward to talking with you!  Please feel free
to contact me or the other moderators in case you may have some
questions.  And don't forget to check out the files and Links on this
discussion board.
Joyfully,
David

I can not believe that I can be in touch with others that are feeling
my pain.  I have been struggling this weekend.  I have several close
friends and a few family members I can talk to but they are not able
to really understand because they have never been there.[Thankfully!]
  I am grateful for their support. I am not adapt at communicating by
E-mail because I find it difficult to put my thoughts into words and
my typing skills are lacking.
I wish I could have gotten to know Barbara.  I read an article in
Guide Posts last Fall about her after she got to go home.  I went out
right away and bought "Where does a Mother..."  I could not read the
book fast enough. Now I am in this group and I can not wait to get to
know everyone.  David, you are such a blessing for continuing your
mothers legacy and you are proof that SSA can change.  I know that
with Jesus there is always HOPE!
My 14 year old son wants to use the computer and I have been on it a
long time just trying to tap out this short note.  I feel better already!
Your sister in Christ,  JoAnn

I know your hurt, pain, fear, anger and guilt. Not too many months ago
we found out our son was gay, not because he told us but by something we
stumbled onto on his Facebook. You are probably reeling right now and
not sure where to turn. David gave us some great advice. Most of all to
LOVE. We have kept the lines of communication open, and have told our
son we love him. We dont understand, condone this lifestyle but more
than anything we love him. If you were near to us, we would give you a
big hug, have a good cry and say a prayer for our kids. You are not
alone. I see that David suggeted reading his Mom's book, Where does a
Mother go to Resign? (Yep, the title says it all) I think this will be
of encouragement to you both!
--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "jstil52" <jstil52@...>
wrote:
>
> In Nov. our daughter told us she was a lesbian. Her dad and I have
> been struggling with this and there are no support groups in our town.
> It has been very hard and have not shared this with anyone.
>

I know your hurt, pain, fear, anger and guilt.  Not too many months ago
we found out our son was gay, not because he told us but by something we
stumbled onto on his Facebook.  You are  probably reeling right now and
not sure where to turn.  David gave us some great advice. Most of all to
LOVE.   We have kept the lines of communication open, and have told our
son we love him.  We dont understand, condone this lifestyle but more
than anything we love him. If you were near to us, we would give you a
big hug, have a good cry and say a prayer for our kids.    You are not
alone.  I  see that David suggeted reading his Mom's book, Where does a
Mother go to Resign?  (Yep, the title says it all) I think this will be
of encouragement to you both!
--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "jstil52" <jstil52@...>
wrote:
>
> In Nov. our daughter told us she was a lesbian.  Her dad and I have
> been struggling with this and there are no support groups in our town.
> It has been very hard and have not shared this with anyone.
>

Dear jstil52
     This site is brand new and here to help you!  We are still in the
process of developing these services along with our website,
www.BarbaraSpatulaJohnson.com.  Presently, we are trying to encourage
others who have been down the same road to sign up and be available.
But for now, you have posted your request and we hope others will be
helpful.  But we will need to know what town you live for others to
know.  I'd refer you to the Files section of this board for further
information and direction that will be helpful.
      In the meantime, you can send your mailing address to
Bryan@... or me and we will mail you my
mother's first book, "Where Does A Mother Go To Resign?" Gratis.  I
would send you others, but we are not able at this time.  You can
also go to my mother's books (Barbara's Books) section on the
website.  It's not a complete listing, but the essential books are
there should you wish to purchase one through Amazon.com
      Please feel free to contact me or the Moderators on this board
and look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Joyfully,
David Johnson

>
> In Nov. our daughter told us she was a lesbian.  Her dad and I have
> been struggling with this and there are no support groups in our
town.
> It has been very hard and have not shared this with anyone.
>

In Nov. our daughter told us she was a lesbian.  Her dad and I have
been struggling with this and there are no support groups in our town.
It has been very hard and have not shared this with anyone.

Welcome Rosie! It's great to know my mother has a following in North
Ireland.  We'd like to do whatever we can to support you and your other
group.  Since this is a relatively new Discussion Group, there is alot
of opportunity to be a part of our team in helping others in distress.
Do you know of any Spatula Groups in your area?  Interested in starting
one there?  And how did you get introduced to my mother and her books?
I'm sure others here on the board will be interested in your story
too!  Please feel free to jump right in and meet other wonderful people!
Joyfully,
David

Hi Everyone!
I am Rosie from N Ireland!  Barbara was a real inspiration to me.  Such a sad
life but she came through with laughhter.  I am in a group called HAND OF HOPE
its aim is to help broken people become whole.  We deal with all sorts of things
like , addictions,  rejection ,co-dependancy, anger, denial and many more
subjects.  We are only starting to learn these things ourselves in the hope we
can then help those hurting people.  It is an interesting journey, for I am
finding things out about myself.  Barbara has been my inspiration in all this
for she was an amazing woman.
Hope to get to know you all!
Love Rosie

--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "tpettee" <tpettee@...> wrote:
We are praying for you and your family.
>
> Hello Again
> It;s 3a.m. and we're packing the car to head for California.  As
> unbelivable as it may seem, we have lost 3 family members in the last 4
> days, all in different states, all unexpected and all in different ways.
> It would be so wonderful, if we had some prayer for our journey to go
> lay to rest my husbands mother.  It was very difficult to decide which
> state to go to for which funeral! Ohhhhhhh good grief.
>
> Thanks for prayers
>

Dear tpettee!

Wow, I'll be keeping you in my mind and in my prayers. I hope
you're trip is safe and hope you'll be able to weather the tide. Take
care of your family and let us know how you're coming around.

David

Dear tpettee!

       Wow, I'll be keeping you in my mind and in my prayers.  I hope
you're trip is safe and hope you'll be able to weather the tide.  Take
care of your family and let us know how you're coming around.

David

Hello Again
It;s 3a.m. and we're packing the car to head for California.  As
unbelivable as it may seem, we have lost 3 family members in the last 4
days, all in different states, all unexpected and all in different ways.
It would be so wonderful, if we had some prayer for our journey to go
lay to rest my husbands mother.  It was very difficult to decide which
state to go to for which funeral! Ohhhhhhh good grief.

Thanks for prayers

Hi Chris,

     Yes, Rumor's of my death have been highly exagerated!  And I'm glad to report I'm alive and well in beautiful Palm Springs!  And thanks for sharing the quotes from the DVD - It really was very inspirational and the video clips of Mom really added to the service.

     I hope you'll be coming to Southern California soon and look forward to seeing you again!  In the meantime, check out the www.YouTube.com for some great up and coming stories on Video of my mom.  You'll love some of her jokes and messages, I'm sure!

David

Ditto for Munchie, David! Bless you.
--- queenabeja4 <mphuebner@...> wrote:

> David thank you, thank you for the Memorial DVD you
> sent us.  It was
> inspiring and encouraging.  How loved your Mother
> was and how many
> lives  she touched!  I would encourage anyone who
> has not seen this
> DVD to do so.  It is by no means any ordinary
> Memorial service!
>
>


Nancy Katharine Stull



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "munchie653"
<munchie653@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> --- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "tpettee" <tpettee@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I have been sitting here for about 3 hours, trying to figure out
just
> > what to write! What can I say that would be worth reading? I want
to
> > run around and tell Everyone to go out and get the Tribute DVD so
> > they can be inspired as much as I have been. For years I've been
> > told by everyone to write a book! Our life has been filled with
sooo
> > very many trials. But I could never figure out why anyone in the
> > world would want to read a book about so many "negative" and/or
> > hurtful things. And... I couldnt even think about writing a book
that
> > was so depressing without having possitive applications to daily
life
> > that would also show my testiment of my faith in Christ and show
how
> > He has worked in our lives Through It All! Then I started reading
> > Barbara Johnsons books! Often I have been so caught up in the
trauma
> > and drama, I forget that there is someone to help me carry the
> > burden - Jesus! Barbara's books and tapes have been such an
> > inspiration to me for over 15 years now. It is hard to not pick up
> > one of her books before I pick up my bible because she shows such
> > practical applications of God's word in simpler terms. Words I can
> > understand more easily sometimes than scripture. I was just
> > devestated to learn of Barbara going home to heaven. I had never
met
> > her personaly, but I KNEW the world had lost a very special
person.
> > Facing today, for me, was just horrible beyond words! But when the
> > kids brought in the mail, I discovered a DVD of the Tribute to
> > Barbara and her memorial service had arrived. And just in time
too!
> > I needed an uplift! Once again, God found a way to uplift my weary
> > spirit and give me a renewed joy and hope for tommorow and its
> > challanges to come. A friend was here for the holidays. She lost
> > her son 4 yrs ago. The police say it was suicide and she has never
> > accepted that because she beleived that people who commit suicide
> > don't go to Heaven even if they were saved. So, as my friend spent
> > many hours of the holidays crying for her son, I shed tears with
her.
> > It was so awesome to see the Tribute DVD where during one of her
> > speaking engagement clips Barbara talks about suicide victims and
> > God's love for them and how he welcomes them with open arms into
> > Heaven. I can't wait till tommorow to call my friend and tell her
not
> > to worry anymore! Since I learned of Barbara's journey to heaven,
I
> > have had a hard time not crying. I couldnt figure out WHY so many
> > tears! Afterall, she has eternal life! What is my problem I asked
> > myself, and my husband was begining to wonder why also! Then
today,
> > I realized part of the reason! My moms name was Barbara, she also
> > died with cancer and when my kids watched the Tribute DVD with me
> > tonight, they said WOW she looks like grandma! Whatever you may be
> > facing in your life, there are messages for you not only in God's
> > Word, but also in Barbara's Books.
> > And of course, Im here too if you need to chat or a prayer!
> > Sincerly, Tpettee
> >
> I am new, though,I too, have read many of Barbs books and have been
> through soooo many trials, some times it's hard to feel loved by
God. I
> started reading her books because I was having so many problems
with my
> four teenagers. They're grown now but many problems still remain and
> it's heart breaking. I also have an emotionally abusive husband who
all
> but ignores me when he's not picking on me. I also suffer from
> Fibromyalgia and he never believes anything is wrong w/ me. I wish I
> could find a peaceful and emotionally safe place to go for awhile.
> Believe it or not, I've known the Lord for 33years! My son, later,
went
> through some sexual identity problems, but he had a gay sponser in
A.A.
> He is married now and has 3 boys. I actually spoke with Barb over
the
> phone during that period. Now I have a 14y/o grandaughter who grew
up
> with her father's family who believes she is gay. She asked me if
you
> could really be a Christian and be gay, at the time I didn't know
she
> was speaking of herself.  My baby girl!  Why did God allow them to
have
> her!?  But then I thought, maybe she still would've felt this way
and
> I'd blame myself, and in His Omnicience kept me from raising her.
> Anyway,  I've struggled w/ depression for 40yrs. It's really hard
for me
> right now. I'm very weepy.  Thanks for sharing so I know I'm not
alone!
> Also,  I too believe a Christian who commits suicide is still saved.
> Either Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship  or Chuck Smith
of
> the original Calvary chapel said that they couldn't be in their
right
> mind at that moment.  I don't believe this because I plan to commit
> suicide so don't worry!  Anyway,  may you feel His presence.
Munchie
>I meant to say I don't plan to commit suicide!!!!

David thank you, thank you for the Memorial DVD you sent us.  It was
inspiring and encouraging.  How loved your Mother was and how many
lives  she touched!  I would encourage anyone who has not seen this
DVD to do so.  It is by no means any ordinary Memorial service!

--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "tpettee" <tpettee@...>
wrote:
>
> I have been sitting here for about 3 hours, trying to figure out just
> what to write! What can I say that would be worth reading? I want to
> run around and tell Everyone to go out and get the Tribute DVD so
> they can be inspired as much as I have been. For years I've been
> told by everyone to write a book! Our life has been filled with sooo
> very many trials. But I could never figure out why anyone in the
> world would want to read a book about so many "negative" and/or
> hurtful things. And... I couldnt even think about writing a book that
> was so depressing without having possitive applications to daily life
> that would also show my testiment of my faith in Christ and show how
> He has worked in our lives Through It All! Then I started reading
> Barbara Johnsons books! Often I have been so caught up in the trauma
> and drama, I forget that there is someone to help me carry the
> burden - Jesus! Barbara's books and tapes have been such an
> inspiration to me for over 15 years now. It is hard to not pick up
> one of her books before I pick up my bible because she shows such
> practical applications of God's word in simpler terms. Words I can
> understand more easily sometimes than scripture. I was just
> devestated to learn of Barbara going home to heaven. I had never met
> her personaly, but I KNEW the world had lost a very special person.
> Facing today, for me, was just horrible beyond words! But when the
> kids brought in the mail, I discovered a DVD of the Tribute to
> Barbara and her memorial service had arrived. And just in time too!
> I needed an uplift! Once again, God found a way to uplift my weary
> spirit and give me a renewed joy and hope for tommorow and its
> challanges to come. A friend was here for the holidays. She lost
> her son 4 yrs ago. The police say it was suicide and she has never
> accepted that because she beleived that people who commit suicide
> don't go to Heaven even if they were saved. So, as my friend spent
> many hours of the holidays crying for her son, I shed tears with her.
> It was so awesome to see the Tribute DVD where during one of her
> speaking engagement clips Barbara talks about suicide victims and
> God's love for them and how he welcomes them with open arms into
> Heaven. I can't wait till tommorow to call my friend and tell her not
> to worry anymore! Since I learned of Barbara's journey to heaven, I
> have had a hard time not crying. I couldnt figure out WHY so many
> tears! Afterall, she has eternal life! What is my problem I asked
> myself, and my husband was begining to wonder why also! Then today,
> I realized part of the reason! My moms name was Barbara, she also
> died with cancer and when my kids watched the Tribute DVD with me
> tonight, they said WOW she looks like grandma! Whatever you may be
> facing in your life, there are messages for you not only in God's
> Word, but also in Barbara's Books.
> And of course, Im here too if you need to chat or a prayer!
> Sincerly, Tpettee
>
I am new, though,I too, have read many of Barbs books and have been
through soooo many trials, some times it's hard to feel loved by God. I
started reading her books because I was having so many problems with my
four teenagers. They're grown now but many problems still remain and
it's heart breaking. I also have an emotionally abusive husband who all
but ignores me when he's not picking on me. I also suffer from
Fibromyalgia and he never believes anything is wrong w/ me. I wish I
could find a peaceful and emotionally safe place to go for awhile.
Believe it or not, I've known the Lord for 33years! My son, later,  went
through some sexual identity problems, but he had a gay sponser in A.A.
He is married now and has 3 boys. I actually spoke with Barb over the
phone during that period. Now I have a 14y/o grandaughter who grew up
with her father's family who believes she is gay. She asked me if you
could really be a Christian and be gay, at the time I didn't know she
was speaking of herself.  My baby girl!  Why did God allow them to have
her!?  But then I thought, maybe she still would've felt this way and
I'd blame myself, and in His Omnicience kept me from raising her.
Anyway,  I've struggled w/ depression for 40yrs. It's really hard for me
right now. I'm very weepy.  Thanks for sharing so I know I'm not alone!
Also,  I too believe a Christian who commits suicide is still saved.
Either Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship  or Chuck Smith of
the original Calvary chapel said that they couldn't be in their right
mind at that moment.  I don't believe this because I plan to commit
suicide so don't worry!  Anyway,  may you feel His presence.  Munchie

Thank you David for sending me the memorial DVD. It was very insightful.

I was in a college musical group with David in the early 70s. David
ended up listed as "deceased" on a college reunion list many years
later. Joyfully, I recently learned that David is alive and well, and
the "deceased" listing was a mistake, brought on by the actions of his
mother Barbara.

It is wonderful when in one's lifetime when individuals can see their
mistakes. I was delighted with the statements from Barbara's later
years, when she realized the she was the one responsible for the
estrangement to her loving son.. for the broken relationship they had
for too many years.

Here are some great quotes from the DVD. I wish I would have gotten to
know Barbara in her later years.

When talking about the loss of her son David, she admitted "...
because of MY ignorance and MY inability to show unconditional love to
him... "

She quote dr. Richard Lovelace "Most of the repenting that needs to be
done on the issue of homosezuality needs to be done by straight
people, including straight Christians".

"By far, the greater sin in our church is the sin of neglect, fear,
hatred, and just wanting to brush 'these people' aside."

My religious beliefs are personal, and quite honest, not the same as
most people on this post. But, my favorite saying is WWJD... "What
Would Jesus Do". Once a Christian starts thinking about his/her
actions in the terms of WWJD, the world would be a more loving place.

I have been sitting here for about 3 hours, trying to figure out just
what to write! What can I say that would be worth reading?  I want to
run around and tell Everyone to go out and get the Tribute DVD so
they can be inspired as much as I have been.  For years I've been
told by everyone to write a book! Our life has been filled with sooo
very many trials.  But I could never figure out why anyone in the
world would want to read a book about so many "negative" and/or
hurtful things. And... I couldnt even think about writing a book that
was so depressing without having possitive applications to daily life
that would also show my testiment of my faith in Christ and show how
He has worked in our lives Through It All! Then I started reading
Barbara Johnsons books!  Often I have been so caught up in the trauma
and drama, I forget that there is someone to help me carry the
burden - Jesus! Barbara's books and tapes have been such an
inspiration to me for over 15 years now.  It is hard to not pick up
one of her books before I pick up my bible because she shows such
practical applications of God's word in simpler terms.  Words I can
understand more easily sometimes than scripture. I was just
devestated to learn of Barbara going home to heaven.  I had never met
her personaly, but I KNEW the world had lost a very special person.
Facing today, for me, was just horrible beyond words!  But when the
kids brought in the mail, I discovered a DVD of the Tribute to
Barbara and her memorial service had arrived.  And just in time too!
I needed an uplift! Once again, God found a way to uplift my weary
spirit and give me a renewed joy and hope for tommorow and its
challanges to come.  A friend was here for the holidays.  She lost
her son 4 yrs ago.  The police say it was suicide and she has never
accepted that because she beleived that people who commit suicide
don't go to Heaven even if they were saved. So, as my friend spent
many hours of the holidays crying for her son, I shed tears with her.
It was so awesome to see the Tribute DVD where during one of her
speaking engagement clips Barbara talks about suicide victims and
God's love for them and how he welcomes them with open arms into
Heaven. I can't wait till tommorow to call my friend and tell her not
to worry anymore! Since I learned of Barbara's journey to heaven, I
have had a hard time not crying.  I couldnt figure out WHY so many
tears!  Afterall, she has eternal life!  What is my problem I asked
myself, and my husband was begining to wonder why also!  Then today,
I realized part of the reason!  My moms name was Barbara, she also
died with cancer and when my kids watched the Tribute DVD with me
tonight, they said WOW she looks like grandma!  Whatever you may be
facing in your life, there are messages for you not only in God's
Word, but also in Barbara's Books.
And of course, Im here too if you need to chat or a prayer!
Sincerly, Tpettee

I have placed within our File Library two Specific Files within an Emergency-Panic Folder that need your immediate attention. 

     The Emergency - Panic Folder, placed FIRST in the high-archy of folders contains a variety of articles and interviews with my mother for parents who are experiencing the "Coming Out" of their child's sexuality.  They seem to have some practical application and many have said been instrumental in salvaging many parent/child relationship.  The same files also on our web and available to the general public.  However, a member of the general public cannout access our Discussion Board unless they have submitted an electronic application and consequently approved by the moderator/Administrator (Presently - me!).

     Second, since issues of Suicide are an element in this organization, I felt it necessary a MANDATORY INTRODUCTORY ADVISEMENT file and a DISCLAIMER file be automatically distributed at any potential member requesting membership on this board.  Membership will require and acknowledgment of the contents of both these files before approval can be granted.  

       It is, therefore, encumbent upon you to read these files and acknowledge you have read them and fully aware of their contents.  Please note that only the first page of the ADVISEMENT file is complete, but I'm sure once you've reviewed its present contents, you'll understand the need to have it up now. 

     And Finally, Luke and I are presently working to post the Women of Faith 2000 Video Speech concerning Homosexuality on YouTube.  Once we have achieved that, parents will be able to hear from Barbara Johnson herself and, hopefully, gain some comfort from hearing her words of advice and counsel.

     I appreciate your review and any suggestions.  I am presently formulating just how we are to handle the inflow of members seeking Spatula Groups and/or counselors.  I will also entertain ideas on that front as well!

THE BARBARA JOHNSON FOUNDATION, INC.
P.O. Box 2444
Palm Springs, CA  92263
(760) 992-3318

March 1, 2007

Dear Spatula Family,

	 Today, I am announcing the formation of the Barbara Johnson
Foundation, Inc.  Spatula Ministries will now become a foundation in
order to serve more folks that need assistance.  I am hoping that all
of you out there in Spatula land will support The Barbara Johnson
Foundation as you have supported Spatula these thirty years.

	 Why change the name of Spatula Ministries after all these
years?  Well, there will remain many "Spatula" groups all over the
country.  The foundation will be helping them flourish and provide a
registry of counselors and Christian organizations dealing with
issues that Spatula Ministries took on in the past.  In addition, it
will assist others set up their own "Spatula" groups, especially if
there are no counseling professionals in their area.

	 By utilizing the worldwide web, we will be able to make our
services available to a vast amount of people in need.  At
www.BarbaraSpatulaJohnson.com , The Love Line, our monthly
newsletter, can be sent electronically to all our family.  News about
yours truly and how to purchase my books, calendars and "stuff" from
my "Joy Room Store" will also be available on-line for your
convenience.

The Love Line newsletter will be featured on-line. For those who
prefer snail mail and don't have a computer and are on our "Spatula"
mailing list, we will continue to send by snail mail beginning April,
2007 !  Also, we'll have an on-line message board for people in
crisis or in need of immediate help, plus any other exciting
or "breaking news" announcements for those who like to be "in the
loop".

So please go to my "Guest Book" and register for The Love Line and
check out The Encouragement Project too!  I am also working on
another book, "Joyfully, Barb."  You can register today and let us
know if you want me to reserve an advance autographed copy of my new
book especially for you!

I hope you will all "tune in" to my website which has a lot more
news, fun and good stuff to encourage all of my Spatula family.  With
your help – watch us grow.  I am always praying for you all and
appreciate your cards and letters of support!


Joyfully,

BARB