Sing Praises - Mary Letter Day 30

1 Clap your hands, all you peoples; * 

shout to God with a cry of joy. 

2 For the Lord Most High 

is to be feared; * 

he is the great King over all the earth. 

 3 He subdues the peoples under us, * 

and the nations under our feet. 

4 He chooses our inheritance for us, * 

the pride of Jacob whom he loves. 

 5 God has gone up with a shout, * 

the Lord with the sound of the ram's-horn. 

 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; * 

sing praises to our King, sing praises. 

 7 For God is King of all the earth; * 

sing praises with all your skill. 

 8 God reigns over the nations; * 

God sits upon his holy throne. 

 9 The nobles of the peoples 

have gathered together * 

with the people of the God of Abraham.  

10 The rulers of the earth belong to God, * 

and he is highly exalted. Psalm 47

Dear Mama,

A distant cousin of Joseph's stopped by last evening. He was happy to meet us and brought supper with him from his family. Joseph and he are the same age and told stories about when they played together in the field during the long summer evenings. They were quite energetic boys who liked nothing more than swimming all day and running all through the olive groves. They are serious men now of course, but it was wonderful to have a glimpse of my husband as a boy. Cousin Abe brought his lute and they sang old songs well into the evening. Their voices blended so well and the music was wonderful. The baby seemed to love it all, rocking along the music. 

Abe also brought some harder news that has been troubling us both every since. There are serious rumors about the governor wanting to find a new baby boy who might be a king. People are saying there is a bounty on the child's head. Of course, they could be reactive and idle gossip, but it is troubling. When people in power fear a baby, well, I just don't know what to think. I have been praying so much Mama, to know what to do and how to handle all this rising fear. Joseph has been very understanding but I can tell he is worried as well. 

I am mending well, Mama, but the wise women do not want me to travel yet. I had a bit of a fever the other day and they hovered around me, making me drink juice and water, and taking care of the baby so I can rest. I am fine now and feeling stronger every day. Can't wait to come home to you!

Love,

Mary