Mary Letter Day Eight

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; 

my God, I put my trust in you; 

let me not be humiliated, 

nor let my enemies triumph over me. 

2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; 

 let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes. 

3 Show me your ways, O Lord, 

and teach me your paths. 

4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, 

 for you are the God of my salvation; 

in you have I trusted all the day long. 

5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love,

 for they are from everlasting. 

 6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions;

 remember me according to your love 

and for the sake of your goodness,

 O Lord. 

 7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; 

 therefore he teaches sinners in his way. 

 8 He guides the humble in doing right 

 and teaches his way to the lowly. 

 9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness 

to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:1-9

Dear Aunt Elizabeth,

I am so glad to hear that you and your little boy are well and healthy. How good is the Lord? Such good news to know you came through labor and all the challenges of childbirth and have a healthy son. And even more important to me is that you are healing well and are strong. I prayed so hard that you would be all right. You are my role model, and your strength gives me strength.

Things have taken a bit of a turn here. Joseph was informed yesterday that he has to go to register and pay his tax in Bethlehem! We were all so upset and now we have to find a way to keep this child safe and also follow the rules of the occupiers. These people don't care if there is a child coming, and since I will be his wife, we have might have to both be present! Can you imagine the nerve?

The plans are being made furiously now, to get us married and to figure out how to safely travel to Bethlehem and back. I really want to have this baby at home, with my mother by my side. I don't think I can do any of this without her. By the way, Mama has made arrangements to have me examined by some wise women. Fortunately, we have some relations that are willing to come and see me, without bringing more shame on my family. Ruth and Anna and both old and crippled but experts in childbirth and the challenges of this female body.

By the way, I see to get bigger and rounder by the day. The little one is kicking and moving around, especially when I am trying to sleep! Pray for me Auntie and I am always praying for you.

Much love,

Mary