The Birth is Nearing

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you sure? What about that story of Jesus' birth that you wanted to get for your children or grandchildren but in the hustle and bustle of the season it just didn't seem quite so important after all. Here's a little reminder of what the Christmas Season is all about. Sure it's called a Winter Holiday, or whatever now, but remember JOY to the world the LORD is come!! Imagine how sad this world would be if Jesus had NOT

 come!

20^th  Chisleu

December 4^th

`

Dear    Diary,

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 Beth Lechem, 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  few furlongs from the road we must take, who know what kinds of animals might come prowling around at night.

It will take us many days to get there, 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.  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 have left earlier. Will He be alright?

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

Cousin Abigail, once my dearest friend, will be in the company, but she has been cool and aloof since my condition was revealed. It might be easier to handle than the scathing remarks Shoshoni made to Tamara at the marketplace. I think she knew  I might have overheard 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 since the villagers shunned me  While whispering 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. 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 of my child. 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 anything 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. 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 it is such an awesome responsibility.

I wish Imma could come along to Beth Lechem. 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, saying things like,

“Be sure to keep warm, 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.

Maybe you want this Christmas to be really refreshing. Maybe you are longing to have a real classical book to remind you of the true story of how Jesus came to earth and changed the world. Don't wait any longer. Here's a treasure that will be a precious reminder for years to come of how wonderful Jesus is. You might want to set it close to your Bible and use it as a Devotional, even.

https://www.createspace.com/4837922

Guess What I Found

Guess what I found on the internet today? No it wasn't in an archeological dig way out in the Middle East somewhere, but it was still fascinating. It was a book. It looked old fashioned in a way and the pictures were kind of blurry, but the cover sure looked antique! I thought the pages would have been more yellow with a parchment-y look, but I guess they are better at preserving things that we figured, eh? Anyway, it was a book called Mary's Diary. WOW! I mean double-wow! Who could have had a more intimate relationship with Jesus, the Son of God, than His own birth mother! Who could have cared more to get the facts right and to portray His life in a as loving a way as possible? And guess what?! It even covers those hidden years of when He was a little boy in Egypt. (He must have been such a cute, sweet little fella.) .
I'm quit bugging you so you can find out for yourself. https://www.createspace.com/4837922
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1511783966

BONUS! FROM the 23rd TIL JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS THE KINDLE VERSION IS FREE! HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO GET A FREE CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM THE AUTHOR, WITH LOVE...

The Internet? What's THAT?

Okay, I know the "powers that be," editors, publishers, whoever,  won't allow me to use this on the back of my book Mary's Diary of Jesus' Life, but it was fun writing it, so I'll share it with you. Enjoy!
marilyns-musings.blogspot.com

Dear Diary

I am soo frightened. Someone got hold of my diary scrolls and wants to get them distributed.

They are from a strange, far away place and are asking to stick them on the internet and do other queer things with them.

 Did I even spell that odd word right? I have NO clue what they are talking about.

 Oh I wish Joseph was here so I could ask his advice, or better yet, Jesus, but He floated up to Heaven on a cloud.

But…on the other hand, it was such a wonderful experience raising Jesus from a little boy and watching Him develop into a strong caring Man who brought joy, healing and peace to so many people.Maybe I should let those strangers do whatever they think is best with my scrolls I sure hope no one in our village finds out that I'm doing something so outlandish!

Love, Mary

https://soundcloud.com/hollywoodbooktrailers/marys-diary-official-book-trailer-by-marilyn-friesen

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!

Where Have I Been?

 Help! Where have I been?? I've been feeling like my tires were

spinning in a mud hole while  the tools I needed were in my trunk all along.  So what tools you ask? 

I'm wishing YOU a wonderful Christmas Season

He's Come! Yeshua Has Arrived

Festival of lights

25^th  Kislev

December 9^th

He’s come! Yehoshua has come! I cannot begin to express my

gratitude, and adoration! What a privilege it is to be the first one to

hold the treasured Son of God. Oh dear, tears are running down my

face again! He is so precious. I just can’t say it enough. It tugs at my

heart strings when I see how incredibly tiny and helpless He, the Son

of El’Shaddai, is.

Seeking Shelter in a Cave

24 Chisleu

December 8^th

I feel that my time is drawing nigh, and I am  anxious. It is

frightening to think of having my baby without my mother, or

a midwife, nearby. I am worried about the baby. What will happen if

He comes before we can move on to a better dwelling? This cave is not

clean enough!

Two of the wayfarers, a middle-aged couple, were cooperative and helped us out, but some of the others growled that they were here first, and were not at all inclined to be agreeable under such chilly weather conditions.

I fear they have been indulging too long in the wine that is red.

Oh, surely, surely Adonai, hallowed be His Name, will be with me during this difficult time. My every breath is a prayer that  Adonai will

protect His own Beloved Son —and me.

By the dejected slope of, Yosef’s shoulders, I can sense that he feels

that he has somehow failed me— and us. I must stop writing, now, and tell

him how warm and inviting it all looks by the light of the lamp. Surely

these stabbing pains will ease off now that I have a place to rest. It seems

 too soon for the little one to make His appearance.

Where WAS He Born?

  Oh, oh, it looks like I"m "uppa gin it". We all have assumed, haven't we, that Jesus was born in a stable. Now some author has shed some new light on the story. Should I change this or leave it like it is?  Comments welcome

24 Chisleu

December 20th

This page will surely be unreadable because I can’t keep the tears

from falling. We finally reached Bethlehem at nightfall but there was

no room in the khan. No room at all! All the rooms above the shelter

for the animals were overcrowded with wealthy wayfarers, much wealthier than us. While, in the courtyard below, the animals had scarcely  enough room to shuffle around.

The innkeeper seemed apologetic, but helpless. Yosef

pleaded for him to suggest someplace—anywhere for us to

stay, but the poor, overwrought innkeeper shook his head sorrowfully.

“I am sorry. So sorry,” the innkeeper said, stroking his long, wavy

beard agitatedly. He lifted his hand to point at the people crowding

around.

 “See this entire multitude? They too are in the same

predicament that you are in.”

“But is there not somewhere, anywhere that we can go?”

In Yosef’’s desperation, he reached out to clutch the steward’s striped

garment.

“Look, it is not for me that I am concerned,” Yosef continued, “it

is for my wife! She is young, slight of build, yet great with child. I

fear that all this traveling may bring her travail upon her earlier than it

ought. We need to find a shelter where she can rest.”

The paunchy innkeeper’s brow furrowed as he gazed around, as

if looking for direction. Someone plucked at his sleeve, demanding

attention, but with a scowl he nudged him aside.

“Over on yonder ridge is the town, but you will fare no better there.

 Nary a house is without guests at this time. Many have long awaited the  census already,  and I fear no one is willing or able to take in more travelers.”

“But is there no where for us to go?”

“Yonder ridge has its share of caves. Many of them will be used as

stables in this present predicament, but if you can find a little privacy

and rest in one of them, you are welcome to it. I will send a servant after you with fresh straw.

“If you should require a midwife before the night is o’er, I may find a

moment to check into it, but it will be nigh impossible to secure one at this

time. More than one woman is in the same condition as your sweet wife.”

In gratitude, Yosef took his hand, clasped it, then reached for

the lead strap on the donkey so we could clamber awkwardly down

among the rocks in search of a grotto turned into a stable. I lowered the

veil back over my face, lest Yosef would see the despair written there.

We did find a cave, however, without too much searching.

When Yosef was able to get the clay lamp lit, it seemed more cozy and

inviting. It was rather crowded, unfortunately. Yosef is trying to

persuade some of our fellow cave dwellers to take their lowing, smelly,

burden bearers, and hustle off to give us a measure of privacy.

I am so weary that all I want to do is remove my wet garments, find

something dry to wear, and sleep. Yosef is rather anxiously fluffing up the fresh straw, which was delivered by a young lad with a hand cart and is now shaking out our blanket.

I laid  the baby’s swaddling strips near the fire to dry. Fortunately

we had kept one blanket packed well so it wouldn’t get wet on the trip. It was

somewhat damp in a couple places but was better than nothing. We

sat beside a central fire until I was warmed up, which seemed to take

forever, then we crawled under our one rather thin blanket.

This grotto is rather crowded. In the stall next to ours are two tied

donkeys, whose owners are lounging against a nearby wall. At the far

end of the cave, there is some activity going on. I think a shepherd is

about to aid a ewe giving birth. Will there be two male ‘lambs’ born

tonight?

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.

Am I Caring?

Relief

Will we let Jesus help us carry our burdens?

Come unto me...and I will give you rest

Matt 11:28

The Heart's Need

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!

Faith

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.