Look What's Coming

(Ya, I'm excited.)

I'm going to squeeze in a pre-script, whatever that is, to this little chat about my books. It's such an exciting time for me right about now. I finished editing Mary's Diary yesterday, and it felt so strange not having to work on it anymore. Now to get with the cover etc. etc. Thanks to all of you who have shown so much interest in this story. https://soundcloud.com/hollywoodbooktrailers/mary's-diary-official-book-trailer-by-marilyn-friesen

Once again it has been a busy, yet exciting time for me. I got the notion to reprint my books through Create Space so that has been occupying my time in a very interesting way. Did you know that Create Space sells about a third of all self published books? Maybe this way it will be easier for me to reach the audiences that are most interested in my style of writing. Mary's Diary, the Life of Jesus through His Mother's Eyes is still my favourite, although Two Mothers, Twin Daughter took a lot of imagination and creative writing. I still get comments on how interesting that one is, and someone wrote a swell review for me. You can check it out on Goodreads or Amazon now while you're thinking about it, if you want. It's too early in the game to show you pictures of the new covers, but just wait!!

I love this picture by Del Parson, (I think) but sure can't afford it!

I was going to yip about Mary's Diary some more, but if you love her Son, and admire His mother, you'll surely enjoy this story. It covers her life from the time she met the angel until after the Resurrection. His childhood has been carefully researched and covers the time in Egypt as well as many other incidences. My secret dream is that it will become a treasured book that people want to place along side their other favourites.

re authors and readers come together!

Jesus' Mother Huddling in the Rain (First Christmas Story, continued)

Now, let’s see. Where did I leave off, last? How often will I have to post to get this done by Christmas? Okay, okay, I’ll step out of the picture so you can immerse yourself into the First Christmas Story.

21st Chisleu

December 6th

First light, if you can call it that, I heard a wind come up during the night, and by morning the clouds had blotted out the sun. The Geshem, (latter rains) descended upon us with a vengeance, we were miserable even before Balaam’s saddlebags

were properly repacked. Yosef and I donned our thick woolen cloaks,

but it was impossible for me to hang on to the donkey’s reins without

rain trickling up my sleeves. That was so uncomfortable.

We slogged along silently, going uphill most of the way, or so seemed. I noticed that our fellow travelers were not calling out to each other so exuberantly, anymore. The clouds still look thick and dark towards our destination, the hills.

The First Christmas Story (continued)

20th Chisleu

December 16th

20th Chisleu

December 16th

Traveling has not been so bad after all. I didn’t realize how beautiful much

of this country is. The olive gardens and fields are such a bright green

at this time of year. I can always anticipate a splendid view over the

next hill, which makes all the climbing worth it. We have traveled one

day’s journey, we stopped a little while ago. I think the monotonous

plodding of the donkey relaxes me. I suppose if I was not used to riding

donkey, I would be more stiff and sore, but that is our main means of travel..

All around us little campfires are brightening up the evening scene.

Yosef also has a cheery fire going. He is so caring. He will hardly let me

do anything, which is why I am writing in my journal while he bustles

around, much to the hilarity of fellow travelers. He seems to think he needs to protect me as though I am a delicate flower.

He has the wonderful pottage, that Imma sent along, simmering over the fire, and soon I will be munching on some of her good homemade bread. For special times, she makes  it the way that Ezekiel  recommended, and I love it so much. It has millet and lentils and spelt in it, besides barley and wheat. It makes me homesick for her, and our memories of forming loaves together.  

Abba was sadly unapproachable, he turned stiffly away when I wanted

to give him a goodbye hug. Oh, if only he would believe that something

so pure and holy has actually happened to his little tinoki.The angels

visit so long ago was wonderful. I wish I could renew that feeling of

blessedness more often. It would give me more courage.

P.S. The potage was warm and nourishing; it will be our last hot meal on

this trip. From now on, we will be dipping into our leather bags of cheese

curds, dehydrated fruits, and so on. Our goat skin water will have to be sipped sparingly because of the route we are travelling.

I am exhausted so must quit. I feel like I could sleep well anywhere

tonight, even on a folded blanket under the stars.

21^st Chisleu

Abigail edged over to me this evening while her husband was

involved in a heated discussion about politics with some of the other

men. She clasped my hand, and confided that she was certain I was

carrying the Christ Child had been afraid to tell me earlier. I was

consoled, but I still had to fight the temptation not to be hurt since she

had not stood by me earlier, if she truly believed. I hope she will be my dear friend once again when we return to Nazareth.

As she turned to walk away, I saw her thickly fringed eyes were sad in her small, pale, face, and I couldn’t hold it against her for shunning me. Would I have done any better if rumors had spread about her while she was betrothed?

Yosef is heading my way now. I am sure my peace-loving husband

wearies of all the angry critics of the Romans. While the sun was setting, Yosef and I had an inspiring conversation about the coming of the Mashiach, and our great El’  Shaddai, hallowed be His Name.

Yosef is such a deep thinker, and he studies the Torah, (law of God,)  and the prophets so diligently. I am able to ask him many questions. His answers are so beneficial to me.

After  a while, we started singing a Psalm. It starts like this:

Oh El’ Elohim how excellent is your name in all the earth! Who has set

your glory above the heavens? A little later it mentions considering the

heavens, the work of His fingers, and the moon, and the stars which

He has made. Yosef told me that the stars are foretelling the Christ

Child’s birth, but that is too much for me to comprehend!.

It is a beautiful starry night, and our hearts are lifted up in praise to

the great El’ Shaddai, hallowed be His Name! Some of the other pilgrims joined us in singing. It was Banoah,( blessed) indeed.

People are friendlier now that we are on the road. Alleluia

El ohim Yisrael!

I had better roll up my little scroll, and carefully tuck it back into

its leather case for it is time to sleep.

Good night, my dear readers, as if there would ever be any!

After Grandma Is Buried, We'll Go

The Christmas Story from Mary's Viewpoint

19^th  Chisleu

December 15^th

Because of one delay after another we were not able to go to the city of David to be taxed as soon as we had planned to. The most tragic is that my Mimi , grandma, went to be with her fathers.

She was so dear to me. I couldn’t bear to leave her when she was so low, but she passed away, so we will sadly depart after the funeral.

This will be all for now, for I want to take one last look at her calm, still face before we follow the bier to the grave site.

20^th  Chisleu

December 16^th

I am not feeling very brave today even though the stars are

twinkling brightly in the otherwise black, early morning sky. Yosef is

loading Balaam, our donkey.

Somewhere, far, far away in a place called Bethlehem the stars are also shining, I suppose, but the track is so rough and dark between here and there.

There are treacherous mountains just a furlongs from the road we must take, and who know what kinds of animals might come prowling around at night.

It will take us many days to get there, and this is happening so close to when the baby is expected to arrive! I have never been far from home except for the

time I went to see Aunt Elisheva, and I dread this journey!

At least this time I will have Yosef with me! What a consolation! My deepest fear is for the Baby because I am so near the end. Oh, if only it would have

worked out to leave earlier! Will He be all right?

I know we will not be traveling alone but that is not much of a

consolation.

Cousin Abigail, who used to be my dearest friend, will be

in the company, but she has been cool and aloof since my condition

was revealed. I will add, however that that is—maybe? easier to handle than the

scathing remarks Shoshoni made to Tamara at the marketplace. I think

she knew I could have heard her!

My sister Hanalei claims Shoshoni has always been jealous of me,

but why? I am not that special! Some have called me sweet and pretty

but she is beautiful and sophisticated! Besides her father is a prosperous

 merchant and we are so poor.

It has been such a trial how the villagers have shunned me the last

while, and whispered behind their hands.

I am so lonely for the merry prattle we aant’ats used to share when we met at the well each morning, but now everyone just falls silent or walks slowly away while

my eyes dolefully follow them. Oh well, it could be so much worse.

For some reason, and I am not sure why, it has not made that great of a difference that Yosef married me. Is it because of Yaakov? I probably shouldn’t have written that, yet I do know that someone is spreading rumors that Yosef is not the father. Obviously I am too far along for it to have happened since we were betrothed…

“They” have been saying that I was overtaken by a Roman soldier. They do ravage careless maidens at will especially while in a drunken stupor.

Of course that is so impossible! My parents would never let their daughters be alone if they had to be out at night!

My aleichem, (neighbors), could be making cutting remarks to my face but most of them don’t.

 I mentioned Shoshoni, but really most of them don’t say so very much . . . in my presence, at least. Sometimes I fear that the Little One I care about so deeply may have to suffer much worse persecution than I, and oh how I yearn to protect Him!

Why do such thoughts come to me? Most people are confident  that the Mashiach will be a glorious King and will rule with a scepter of gold. If that is the whole

truth, why would a poor talitha like me be asked to be His mother?

It is confusing. I am so inadequate for such a privilege, and awesome

responsibility!

I wish Imma could come along to Bethlehem. It would be such a

comfort. But, on the other hand, maybe it is better that she is not able.

She tends to worry so.

“Be sure to keep warm, and do not let yourself get too tired.”

           

She has told me that countless times, or so it seems. How can I

keep from getting tired? I am worn out already, and we have not even

begun! Imma is scurrying towards me with a nicely wrapped parcel of

food for the journey. I really must go assist her.

Too Much Startling News!

An excerpt from Mary’s Diary. Part of my pre-Christmas series. J

Marcheshvan 7^th

November 28^th

We have heard such startling news! Everyone of King David’s line

will have to trudge off to Bethlehem to be taxed.

That includes Yosef and me, since we are both descendants of

David; One of us is through Solomon, and the other by a more obscure son by the name of Nathan.

I wonder how that will work with my pregnancy getting so near its completion.

My Joseph!

4098

25 Elul

September 24th

According to tradition this was the first day of Creation.

Because of our great history of storytellers that pass our heritage

from one generation to the next, it is easy to believe.

Yosef is not quite finished building our cottage up to his own

excellent standards, but he thought it would be better if we had a quiet wedding and finalized the ketubah, (contract) before a rabbi, so that

I could move in with him, even if it is not a year since our betrothal.

We hope that will stop the tongues from wagging. People have been

gossiping about me dashing off to Zachariah’s home so soon after we

were betrothed, and I can tell that some have noticed that I am, well . . .

chubbier than I, uh, ought to be before the wedding.

It was such fun helping Yosef plaster mud on to the entwining

bamboo that makes up the roof. I looked more like a mud splattered

little tinoki than a ladylike bride that day!

 It was a joy to help him scatter the straw that went between the layers of mud, but he would not even consider letting me haul up any of the straw or mud!

He must think I am quite fragile! I sure don’t feel delicate anymore! I

am so thankful that we now have the privacy of our own little house,

and it is private now that the roof is on, and thoroughly dried.

It is just so pleasant to be with him all the time although because of the circumstances, he is so self-disciplined.

Our house is pretty sparse of furniture, right now, but who cares!

Yosef comes from a long line of joiners, and is an excellent carpenter.

I’m sure he will make some wonderful pieces once he finds the time!

1^st  Tishrei

September 29^th

There is something so special about being married on the same

date that Chava, (Eve,) was presented to Haddam, (Adam), on the last day of

creation.

Our wedding week was so happy. I’m glad Yosef took the time off

from work to be with me, and visit relatives even though we didn’t have a

lovely, formal wedding. Those seven days were sweet even though Yosef feels

he must treat me with a restrained dignity because the baby I am carrying

belongs to the Holy One.

We went for long walks over the surrounding hills, and meandered through the marketplace from time to time. It was so pleasant, just the two of us hand in hand. It truly felt like our hearts are knitting together as one.

I wouldn’t have ever dreamed a man could be so gentle, so understanding, and so devoted! Marriage seems to bring out the best in us. It seems like we both want so badly to say only kind and tender things to each other.

 I feel incredibly secure in his presence, and look forward to sharing the rest of my life with him. I am most confident that he will make an ideal earthly father for our little boy and that’s why EL Elohim chose him.

Why am I wasting time writing in a mere diary? I haven’t seen him

since our noon meal, and I am lonesome already! I wonder if he can

find something I can help him with?

Love, Mary’am

No Divorce!

 The Christmas story from Mary's Viewpoint. She has just returned from visiting Elizabeth and Zachariah.

21^st Av

August 9^th

 Dear Diary
Amen Alleluia El’ Elohim! I am home again, and the best news of

all: Yosef is willing to take me as his wife! Yes, you read correctly! Yosef

is willing to take me as his wife!

I will not be put aside after all! I will not have to endure the shame, and awful humiliation of a divorce!

I clung to him like I would never let go while the tears rained down my

cheeks. He kept caressing my face, and wiping at the tears with his thumbs, saying

“There, there, it’s all alright.”

I wasn’t the only one that was crying though. He turned aside more than once,

and used his sleeve to dry off his wet cheeks. He confessed that he was

also relieved it had worked out this way. That told me a lot about how

devoted he is to me, and to HaShem.

After we got somewhat over our joyous reunion we sat down on a stone bench in a shady nook, and he told me what caused him to change his mind. It was a dream!

How thrilling! The Lord God, Yahweh, sent an angel to visit Yosef one night in order to convince him to marry me after all.

Don’t tell anyone, but it makes me nervous to think HaShem is so closely involved in our lives.

And, oh by the way, Hilde is being more considerate towards me now that Yosef

made his decision, and told her about the dream. Perhaps she cannot quite

believe it, but if her precious Yosef is happy with me, that is good

enough for her. Whatever he does seems to be about perfect in Hilde’s

eyes. I wonder if I will ever act that way towards my sons.

Yaakov, on the other hand . . . (Sigh . . .) Why is he so critical of

me? Maybe it would be better not to talk about him. It makes me too

distressed.  It is enough that Hilde is more approachable, and Yosef, my

Chavivi, Yosef, is just wonderful! In fact I wonder if having that dream

has made him even more tender-hearted and kind than before. (If that were possible!)

11^th Elul

September 10^th

 Dear Diary

I suppose it is shameful, but I shed some tears tonight because we

will not be having a traditional, Jewish wedding. Such a ceremony would be

inappropriate in my condition.

I had dreamed for years of what my challah would look like and was hoping for a tall graceful canopy of fine white linen such as my parent’s friends from Bethashbea, make and sell. Perhaps they would have even given us a good cut in price.

I was dreaming of having the most fragrant pink roses that we could

find, tucked in here and there on the canopy. I’m sure Rizpah, who is

another dear friend of my mother’s, would have gladly given us some

for the occasion. She grows the loveliest damask roses of anyone I know. (Well, other than my mother’s Imma.)

Ever since I first noticed Yosef as a wee talitha of seven spring times, I

have often daydreamt of him, and me standing beneath it!

 Imma has some vines clinging to the front of our white brick house. I was hoping

to plant some into pots well ahead of time, and have them bordering the

archway on either side of the canopy and interlaced throughout the

roses. Would that not have been ever so lovely?

My dearest friends and I have often chattered about how delightful

it would be to help each other prepare for our mitzvahs.

I can almost feel the nervous excitement I would have felt as they

helped me into my wedding garments.

 They would have taken turns brushing out my hip length hair, and we would chatter happily as they busied themselves preparing all the rest.

I love to imagine the look of awe on Yosef’s face, when he sees

my hair uncovered for the first time!

It is fortunate that you cannot see my woebegone expression. I

must, I will refrain from repining over the loss of a beautiful wedding

when I have the more glorious honor of nurturing the son of Adonai.

To think I am the one woman in the whole wide world to have been given this

responsibility, this honor!

P.S. What a joy it is to be accepted into Yosef’s favour once again. I

could collapse with relief.

More of Mary's View of the first Christmas

29 Nissan

April 21

Dear Diary;

With tears in my eyes I must admit this has been a low time for me.

My feeling of dwelling in heavenly places has faded to a rather forlorn

memory, and I am not well! After scattering a few kernels of corn to

our flock of chickens, I crept behind the goat-shed to be sick. It didn't relieve the queasiness much.

The Christmas Story from Mary's Viewpoint

My thoughts have been soaring heavenward with a yearning to be

one with HaShem especially today because the sky shone like shining

molten gold. The whole atmosphere seemed to be hushed as if it is

standing on tiptoe in the Shekinah of Adonai, (the glorious presence of

the Lord of Lords.) Many furlongs away the Sea of Galilee is rippling under this same

glorious sunset. If it reminds me so much of Paradise here, what must

it look like over the waves?

I was lingering near our almond tree, which is shrouded with a

thousand pink and white flowers. Over my arm hung a basket filled with herbs since I had just finished gathering them from our dew-scented garden when a dazzling dove

swept by catching my attention. She was such a bright contrast to the beautiful horizon. As I gazed upon her, I wondered if perchance this would be the time I would see where her little fledglings were hidden. I have been intently watching her for some time now.

I was also enjoying the fresh, invigorating breeze against my cheeks. It was sweetly scented with the fragrance of a million early flowers.

Then a Voice seemed to float towards me. I do not know how

else to describe it. I looked around but saw no one. There was such a

quietness, and calmness in the twilight stillness that I was not afraid;

just mildly curious. While my eyes swept the glowing sky and dewy

green landscape a marvelous Being appeared. He seemed to materialize

out of thin air, but for some reason I was pleasantly intrigued rather

than terrified. Then in angelic tones, this glorious creature, who was arrayed in

raiment that dazzled like snow, spoke to me.

“Hail, you are highly favored, the Lord is with you: you are blessed among woman.”

I had been gazing rapturously upon him but these words made me

feel uneasy so lowered my eyes. How could someone such as I be highly

favored? Surely my thoughts have become too lofty, and El’ Shaddai was

about to rebuke me. He knows how deeply I have longed to mother his

Son. Perhaps that was rash and foolish for talitha as lowly as I.

“Fear not Mary’am:” he said gently, “for you have found favor

with God.”

My hand pressed against my throat. “Me?” I breathed.

He nodded, and not only his face but his whole being glowed with a

radiance that could only be described as celestial. Although I was in

the presence of one of the angels of El’ Shaddai, for some reason I felt

serene, and more composed than I have ever felt before. It was almost

like I had been lifted to a hallowed plane. The cares and burdens of life

had fallen away, as if I had shed them for a time, like waterfowl sheds

water. After a momentous pause, he continued.

“Listen! You are going to conceive, and give birth to a Son, and

shall call His name Yeshua. He shall be great, and shall be called the

Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne

of His father David. He shall reign over the house of Yaakov, (Jacob),

forever: and of His kingdom there shall be no end.”

“Excuse me, sir,” I raised my eyes to shyly meet his gaze,

“But how can this be, since I am a virgin, and know not a man?”

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the

Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing that shall

be born of you shall be called the Son of  Adonai.

A tremble shook my body at these majestic words, and I think my

face must have gone ashen. It was more than I could comprehend.

Carry the Son of God! That was my heart’s desire! Something I had longed for more intensely even than to be married

to my Chavivi, (beloved.) My knees felt weak. Surely something so

holy and glorious could not be happening to such an insignificant

handmaiden of the Lord. I must be dreaming!

The serenely glowing face of the angel came back into focus once

again, and when he spoke it was in a gentle, soothing voice about things

that were at least a little more ordinary.

“I have more good news for you! Your relative, Elisheva, (Elisabeth,) is carrying a

son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her, who was

called infertile.”

I gazed at him in awe, open-mouthed but speechless. Elisheva ? A tremble shook my body at these majestic words, and I think my face must have gone ashen. It was more than I could comprehend. Elisheva was my favorite aunt! How wonderful! How very, very wonderful! Won’t Imma be delighted when she finds out? She always felt so sorry for her eldest sister because she never knew the joys of motherhood!

He beamed. “With God nothing shall be impossible!”

I sank to my knees and with clasped hands, replied in a hushed voice.

“Behold the talitha of the Lord: be it unto me according to your word.”

  While I watched wonderingly, the angel’s feet rose from the ground,

his magnificent wings spread out, and I saw him gradually rise higher,

and higher, until he flew out of my sight.

After he was gone, an Invisible but very hallowed sense of Shekinah surrounded me. Never have I had such profound love, such happiness, and complete tranquility permeate my being as it did at that moment. It must have been a foretaste of the

joys of Paradise.

Although the sensation faded, I am certain that HaShem’ touched me in a very profound, and personal way. I cannot express what He has done for, and to me. When He left I quietly murmured

“Alleluia El ohim Yisrael!”

Shortly after this experience the evening sun set and the sky grew

dark quickly. The night air was laden with the perfume of roses, and

the sky was brilliant with stars. There were so many stars that it seemed

like there were surely symbolic messages of great portent written in the

sky that only the learned could read.

I slipped into the house for this little scroll, my reed pen, and a small clay lamp. I am now sitting on a large flat rock near the lovely

almond tree trying to write with the aid of the stars, and the lamp’s

flickering glow.

“Holy, holy, holy,” I breathed, loath to leave this sacred place, yet

knowing the hour was growing late.

I seemed to have been wrapped in an aura of other—worldliness for

the rest of the evening.

When I wandered back into the house, Imma, (mother), was busy chopping up vegetables for a stew. Soon the aroma of simmering onions permeated the air.

My sister Hana came in from milking the goats, and handed me the milk which I absentmindedly strained through cheese cloth into another container.

The hum of voices ebbed, and flowed around me, but I hardly noticed.

Abba,  (father,) came in, and after washing up said the Banoah,

(blessing). After he was finished eating the rest of us gathered around

the table.

“You are quiet tonight,” Imma observed. Her voice barely registered.

“Mary’am.” Abba’s hand was poised above the scroll he was reaching

for. I looked up when he spoke my name. “Your mother spoke to you.”

“I’m sorry, Imma dear. Did you want something?”

“I just remarked at how quiet you have been since coming in.”

My cheeks felt like they were growing warm so I looked down,

and dipped a sop into the common bowl.

 “I’m feeling . . . thoughtful, tonight.”

Abba and Imma exchanged a quizzical look, but I didn’t feel like I

couldn’t explain anything, not yet.

It is hard for me to grasp the magnitude of what actually happened just a few short hours ago, harder perhaps because everything else in

my small world continues in just the same down-to-earth way it always

had.

I hope people can comprehend that it is not that I am so special.

It is what HaShem is going to do through me. I am just a poor earthen

vessel.

To be continued...