Mary and Anne

I have finished reading Unafraid by Francine Rivers. It gave me a new perspective of Mary and Joseph, and one that I feel lines up very well with the information we have about them in the Bible. I realized that, while an angel appeared to Mary once, Joseph had four encounters with angelic messengers. The obvious implication (that I've never before noticed) is that God was leading the family through Joseph as the head of the family. I've always wondered what Joseph's role really was, since he wasn't Jesus' biological father. By giving direction through Joseph, God affirmed his role as the leader and protector of Mary and Jesus. I'm also grateful that God gave Jesus an earthly father and Mary a husband for another reason. If He hadn't, Mary and Jesus would be the ultimate example of the current feminist ideal: a family that doesn't need the participation of a man as father or husband. Praise God, He demonstrated that family and marriage are vital to His plan for us, as He included them in His plan for His Son.

Another thing I appreciated was that Mary had a heart after God. I've always thought of her as a rather unsuspecting young girl. But Mrs. Rivers depicted her as one who loved God and interceded to see His will done on the earth. By her lifestyle, she invited God to use her to carry out His plan. I feel that this view of her is validated by her response to God's invitation when the angel appeared to her (see Luke 1:26-38). Also, her response to Elizabeth (Mary's Song) in Luke 1:46-55 shows a knowledge of God and concern for the destiny of His people that could only have come from relationship with Him. This challenges me to be one who lives a life of invitation for the Holy Spirit to work in and through me. Who knows what amazing adventures I may be privileged to join in!

After that, I read Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery. I was laughing out loud in several places. I love her characterizations of people. No one is perfect, but (almost) everyone is lovable anyway. I never get tired of reading the Anne books.

By the way, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your love and prayers. God has been leading me to establish better boundaries in my life, especially setting aside time separate from the kids to pursue my own dreams and interests. Most of all, taking the time to pursue Him as my heart desires. My favorite verse right now is "Blessed are they who ... seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart" (Ps. 119:2 AMP). I know that God would not give me this great desire and delight in Him and His Word if He did not have a way for me to satisfy my craving. Already He has shown me ways to have set-aside times with Him during my day. It doesn't look the same every day, but as I allow my heart to feel it's desire for Him and daily ask Him to fill it, He makes a way for me find time to connect with Him. I'm also learning to listen for His whispers of love in the midst of the busy-ness of life. All in all, I learning that it is possible to be a Martha (getting things done) and a Mary (sitting at Jesus' feet) at the same time. I'm loving this journey!