Contest Before Christmas

Contest going on: The 25th person to buy one of my books before Christmas gets to stay in Hollyhock Haven FREE for one night. Hollyhock Haven Bed and Breakfast can be found on Air BnB.

It was terrifying being in England during the war

Marita fled to Canada as a pregnant teenage war bride but found a sympathetic friend on the ship. Arriving in a strange city in a foreign country.and rushed to the hospital

Who Are You Inviting For Christmas?

Happy holidays! How many times have you said that or had someone say that to you? Did it bring a smile to your face? Sure probably, but did it bring a warmth to your heart as you thought of the true reason for the season?

Or do you even know why so many people all over the world have a celebration right in the middle of the shortest month in the northern hemisphere?

 Have you ever heard of the tiny baby whose birth was heralded by a whole choir of angels? It looks as if all of Heaven couldn’t contain the joy that a Savior had come down to rescue fallen man from their sins. Did you know that wise men, possibly very wealthy ones at that, had traveled a very great distance to come and see this new born baby, and give Him wonderful gifts? That, by the way, is the reason why we exchange presents at Christmas.

Traveling wasn’t so easy in those days and we are given reason to believe they journeyed over a vast desert to see the Son of God. This infant was created in the form of man, not only so He could save us, but so He could totally identify and have compassion on us even on our worst days!

Okay, this isn’t just a wonderful mythical story from long ago like the one about Santa Claus. This honestly happened: Jesus truly is the Son of God and millions have gotten to know and love Him to this day  because we know that after He died, He rose again and eventually went back to Heaven and sent a Comforter who gives us joy, peace, and guidance.

So are you going to have a Happy Holiday or a Blessed Christmas? I don’t care for the word ‘Merry’ because it suggests a frivolity that could lead to grief. See the word Christmas? It is announcing for all the world to see that Christ—that tiny baby, Jesus Christ—is supposed to be the center of the season.

Are you going to invite Christ to your home, or better yet have Him the center of all you do?  Go for it! He is the most awesome Guest you will ever have. 

2 Dumped

www.prairieviewpress.com

Mother dies on the train, kids left at an overcrowded orphanage, how will they ever find a true Home at Last? But they did! Find out how with the included link for A Home at Last by Marilyn Friesen

The First Christmas Is Drawing Nigh

24^th  Chisleu

December 9^th

Dear Diary,

This has been a very, very hard day. I am almost too weary to write, but I must because such memorable things are happening. My body is being wracked with pain. I’ve clung to the poor donkey’s neck and I let my veil conceal my face so Yosef would not see how difficult it has been for me. Not that I fooled him for one moment. He is so anxious, he keeps asking whether or not we should press on to reach Beth Lechem’s khan, (inn), by nightfall or if he should let me rest more often.

As it is, many have tramped on ahead. We are left behind with the roving wild animals, the geshem,, and perhaps even bandits for company. But I do not need to think of that. My emotions are fragile for many reasons, somehow, I still know that Adonai,  hallowed be His Name,  will care for us and His own beloved Son.

24 Chisleu

December 9^th

continued

This page will surely be unreadable because I can’t keep the tears from falling. We finally reached Beth Lechem by nightfall but there was no room at the khan, no room at all! All the rooms above the shelter for the animals were overcrowded with wealthy wayfarers, much wealthier than us. 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 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, “t is for my wife! She is young, slight of build, yet great with child. I fear that all this traveling may bring 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, with a scowl he nudged him aside.

“On yonder ridge is the town, but you will fare no better there.  Nary a house is not overfilled with guests at this time. Many have long awaited the  census already,  and I fear no one is willing or able to take in more travellers.”

“But is there no where for us to go? We are of the lineage of David!”

‘”The lineage of David? Aye, that should help, should help. Know you not of any relative you could stay with?”
            Yosef wrung his hands. “I know of none. We should have inquired earlier..

The innkeeper stepped back and fumbled with his sash. “This small town is not able to contain all those of David’s line.” He finally admitted, sighing heavily.

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

“If you require a midwife before the night is over, 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 dire 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 peace.

I am so weary that all I want to do is remove my wet garments, find something dry to wear, and try to rest.  Yosef was rather anxiously fluffing up the fresh straw, which was delivered by a young lad with a hand cart, he 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 it 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 together.

In the stall next to ours are two donkeys, tied up, their 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 before the night is o’er?

24^th Chisleu

December 9^th

Dear Diary,

I feel that my time is drawing nigh, 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. 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 now that I have a place to rest. It seems too soon for the little one to make His appearance.

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

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/1511783966

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.de/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.es/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.fr/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.it/dp/1511783966

It's Coming Nearer!

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

Thoughts on Early Autumn

Thank you to Google Images for the lovely image of a loon. Autumn is always alluring Blossoms burgeoning and blessed Covering comely coulees Dreading the deepest drifts. Everywhere early enchantment Frosting on fernery frail Giving a gossamer glory Hardly the harshness of hail. Int'resting etchings enticing Joyously jived back in June Keeping the kiting kids carefree Loving the lingering loon. Many a mem'ry in making Never a nebulous naive Orchestrated opening to Autumn P'rading like prisms ablaze. Quaintly the quail are quibbling Rustling the russet rushes Sensing the seasonal shoreline Tightening its terrible trusses. Under umbrageous autumn Venison visions unveil Whispers of wintery wildness eXposure to ice in the dale. Yennings for yonder bright Yuletide Zeal for the zennithing year... Soon rosy cheeks will appear.  So what do you think of this poem? I suppose it sounds pretty rustic. It was for a FanStory contest and the requirement was 27 lines each starting with a letter of the alphabet. Critique  welcome. CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4837922 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1511783966 http://www.hollywoodbooktrailers.com http://www.ipayal.com

My Appointment With the King

I serve such a wonderful king. Every morning about five thirty, I get to have an appointment with Him. The thing is I know He has millions of other subjects and billions of other concerns to attend to, but when my soft musical alarm chimes, I feel such a drawing to the throne room of Adonai.

How can it be that He makes me feel so special? How can it be that He can make me feel like I am the only one in the universe and that He loves me so much? I know every single one of you can and hopefully do feel the same way. Regardless of what time of day you send a prayer dart His way He is sure to catch it,

Make an appointment early in the morning. Don’t worry, it won’t interrupt my time. There is something about the dawning of a new day which is so…perfect for meeting with our beloved Saviour and Guide because there aren’t so many distractions, yet.

Here’s my formula, but maybe something else will be more satisfying for you.

I head to the recliner in the living room, put my feet up, and let the warmth of His presence flow over me. He feels so real, so kind and it’s a great time to thank Him for always being there. We travelled part way across Canada this summer, but He was there ever km (mile) of the way. We went to Africa last summer and lo He was still so close. How can I feel fear of anything for very long with the blessed assurance of His comforting presence?

After praising Him for a few minutes it’s time to look up a topic in our chain reference Bible or continue on a topic I had been studying other mornings. I find a verse, and invariably the surrounding verses catch my attention also. Soon I haul out the good old Matthew Henry’s commentary and more wonderful jewels are uncovered for the day.

Of course during this devotional time there is plenty of opportunity during meditation to share with the Father whatever burdens or decisions might be weighing on my mind.

I know Adonai is never in a rush, but unfortunately I have to have a different time schedule. Writing this is encroaching on my ‘sweet hour of prayer’. I want to quickly send this off so I can worship at the feet of our holy Adonai. Meet me there!

P.S. I have recently published a book that some people enjoy using as a devotional. It is the life of Jesus through His mother's eyes. It would make a nice Christmas gift. Here's a few links to choose from.

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.de/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.es/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.fr/dp/1511783966
 http://www.amazon.it/dp/1511783966

https://www.createspace.com/4837922

The First Christmas 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.

Mary's View of the First Christmas

20th Chisleu

December 16th

20th Chisleu

December 16th

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

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!

Here's the continuation of Mary's Diary. Feel free to re-post or comment on it if you like. Warning! I'm quitting at Christmas, but if you're interested you can buy the book. Later.

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