Raising a Perfect Child in a Blended Family: Mary's Story

By Margene Avery

Family living, a universal theme, comes to life in a small-town setting. Journey with Mary and Joseph as they raise six children in a blended family. How does a father teach a son who knows more than him? How does a mother balance the joys of precious relationships with the conflicts of a family torn apart? Can a sword pierce so often and not destroy her? How does Mary, a normal, hardworking mom, raise her perfect child in the context of a real-life blended family, with all the complexities of imperfect parents and siblings, for the purpose of teaching God what it means to be part of a mortal family?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886169768

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Raising a Perfect Child in a Blended Family

Mary's Story

Margene Avery

ISBN 979-8-88616-975-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-976-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Margene Avery

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Prologue

The Messages

The Visit

The Loneliness

The Family

The Birth

The Temple

The Escape

The Childhood

The Change

The Adjustments

The Losses

The Work

The Beginning

The Fracture

The Expansion

The Call

The Majesty

The Mission

The Spread

The Sword

Epilogue

About the Author

Introduction

Dear reader,

You have in your hand a book that has been long in the making—a process that began in my mind over twenty years ago. My first Christmas as a child of God was very special. Jesus Christ was intimately personal to me, and our daily conversations were filled with wonder. Although they still are, the newness has worn away, but not the wonder. This God-man was an unfolding personal mystery in my mind and heart. His was a paranormal childhood and a transcendent adulthood.

This book is a result of those wonder-filled days. There is nothing un-biblical contained within its pages. However, it is packed with extra-biblical information to bring a myriad of possibilities before us. We can read all the Bible has recorded of the earthly life of Christ in a matter of an hour or two. But Jesus was human and lived here twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, for thirty-three years.

This book is also the result of the beautiful blessings of motherhood. Fun-filled and lesson-learned experiences as a mom have helped me to care deeply for the extraordinary experiences of Mary. She is special, but she was also so normal. Rearing children is a diverse, multitasking responsibility, mixed with drama-oriented normality. But for Mary, one of her seven children was perfect. How does a mother, much like us, deal with that mix?!

I genuinely hope you enjoy the creative imaginings produced by all these ponderings. I also hope you understand the mix of modern-day vernacular to bring about a deeper connection with the real-life moments of Mary's family. It is in such a way that I can better identify with her motherhood.

Because of His great love,

Margene Hauser Avery

Prologue

This is the one. The Godhead smiled in the creative moment. She is conceived of man and woman, just as the others, but with an extraordinary assignment. She will be enabled by Our Spirit, so she will be up to it. As we design her features inside the womb, we shall enjoy the process.

As God went on knitting inside the womb, the conversation continued.

Her eyes will penetrate more than the surface as she searches hearts and minds. Her hair will glisten with the sweat of difficult labor throughout her life. Her heart will be strong enough to bear the burden, but soft enough to be compassionate in the process. Her mind will be capable of holding considerable knowledge without the understanding so many need to believe. She will endure much, ponder much, and grow much. Like all women but different, she is our chosen handmaiden.

The grandmother of Jesus was pregnant.

1

The Messages

Gabriel to Zacharias

Inconceivable! Can this be true?! Gabriel shook his head in confusion. A human being, unholy, imperfect, to make way for the holy and perfect? This is beyond comprehension. If I had not heard it from His lips myself…

As Gabriel pondered the message he was about to deliver to Zacharias, the full implication of the necessary effect began to sink in. The forerunner of the Anointed One. John was just the beginning of the fulfillment of the Master's promise. So much to think about…the implications reached far beyond the small land mass of Judea…the world, the universe, Heaven itself would be touched. Things would be…different. But how?

In the realm of the humans, in time past, he had made a trip to Babylon, to a man who obeyed the Master by the name of Daniel. He was recording events that were on the horizon for the humans, things which could not be understood by any creature. Daniel had asked the Creator to help him interpret a difficult vision and Gabriel was told to make him understand.

It was such a detailed vision, but it was unrelated to anything even the celestial beings could understand. I explained it to him as the Creator made me understand it, but the deeper things, the fulfillments, the expectations of God, and the activities of man…unbelievable…what can all this mean? What will happen next, I wonder.

There were so many missing pieces, but it was not his job to figure them out: his duty was to obey swiftly. With that, Gabriel flew to Jerusalem, to meet with Zacharias. He found him in the inner court, burning incense to the Creator.

This whole system of worship baffled Gabriel. Why would men even consider anything other than unquestioning obedience to God? Could they not see how much the Creator favored them? How many times would they be forgiven? How many chances would they have?

For that matter, why would any creature not revere the Creator? Why did some of his fellow angels rebel and choose emptiness? It made no sense at all.

As Gabriel entered Jerusalem, he listened. The noise of Earth was much more befuddling than the music and conversation of heaven. Usually, the constant din and the ceaseless busyness were without purpose. Man was a most interesting creature. Today, many were gathered in prayer.

They ought to do this more often. They wouldn't be in so much turmoil, Gabriel muttered as he flew past them, unseen, into the inner court. There was Zacharias, in front of the altar of incense, waving the smoke toward Heaven. Just as Gabriel slowly made himself visible, Zacharias was simultaneously filled with fear.

Zacharias

Utterly astonished and with as much fear, Zacharias fell to his knees. Had he asked one too many times? Was Jehovah angry? Is it possible he had abused his office in the temple to request selfishly? No, it could not be! It was for Elizabeth, his dear, faithful Elizabeth.

For many years, they had served the God of Israel in whatever service was asked of them. Elizabeth was the most gracious, giving woman in the village. Strangers found warm shelter, good cooking, and special care whenever they entered. Family members were made to feel welcomed and wanted every visit.

Jehovah had met their every need…that is…except the one. He had come to accept it as outside God's plan, but Elizabeth still hurt. She was old. Well, so was he. He still had his purpose, burning the incense and praying for his people. His family had been serving in the temple since King David had divided the responsibilities of the priests, even before there was a temple. Then they were interrupted, but now they had this second one.

Elizabeth. Sweet Elizabeth. Her complaining and questioning had ceased years ago. Instead of her own children, she mothered many others in the village. Parenting by God's law did not change with the number of children. Even with none, she knew what God said and helped other women, mothers who were too busy to study the Torah. She had accepted that she would end her years in barrenness. Zacharias truly hoped differently.

Ah, Jehovah Jireh, You who provide for Your feeble children, would you look upon my poor sweet woman? She does not complain, but we are old. Is it wrong to hope for a child to care for us in our old age?

He was leaning over the altar, waving the incense toward heaven as all of these thoughts cascaded through his mind while his eyes tried to focus. The wavering figure slowly came into shape, standing right to the side of the altar. He fell to his knees, greatly troubled and fear fell over his shoulders like a heavy tent, wet with the rain.

Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you will call his name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth. He will be great in God's sight and will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb and will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Zacharias was still shaken and stared in unbelief. How do I know this will be? I am an old man, and Elizabeth is beyond the years of bearing children!

Gabriel stared back in disbelief. I am Gabriel who stands in the presence of Jehovah, and He sent me to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. How can you not believe the word of the One to Whom you stand here offering incense and prayers? His tone was condescending.

He slowly shook his head but continued, You will be dumb, unable to speak anything until what I have said comes to pass. You did not believe…

As he faded out of sight, Zacharias thought he heard him say something about humans being wishy-washy creatures, and he found himself agreeing with this disappearing messenger. Was it real, or had he fallen asleep on the job? It seemed like time stood still, and yet, it seemed like he was feeling very young again. There was so much to digest.

He would work this out on his way home later. The people were outside, waiting. Waiting. It seemed like God's people were always waiting, wondering when God would stop waiting.

Now…now Zacharias could tell them God was back! He had sent an angel to give a message. But the message wasn't for them; it was personal. What did it all mean? What was he going to tell the men and women who waited for hope? He wasn't even sure he understood it all. He needed time to think.

He did not know how long he knelt there in silent contemplation, but suddenly shaking his head, he stood. The faithful children of Jehovah were waiting. Stepping slowly outside, he gazed into the upturned faces. Opening his mouth to share his vision, Zacharias was surprised and confounded that no words came out. He tried again, only to squeak uselessly. Using his hands, he told them an angel spoke to him and he was going to be a father.

Faces of confusion and inquiry just stared at him when realization spread over their countenances, and they began to speak to one another in excitement. God had given a vision to Zacharias! God was speaking again! What did He say? What did He want? When was He coming? Zacharias tried to answer their questions as fast as they were asking them but to no avail. Eventually, the crowd dwindled and left him behind to seek out the elders of Israel.

A few more days and I will return to Elizabeth. She will understand, he reasoned. And then he began to chuckle softly. Oh, Elizabeth, just you wait. Will they call us Abraham and Sarah?! As his mind began to dart off in many directions, he smiled to himself. He made his way to his temporary living quarters, but it was a long time before sleep settled over him.

Gabriel to Mary

It wasn't that he was being disobedient. Motionless in air, Gabriel hovered, lost for words or emotion. A second visit, a second message. Alike but so unalike. The first was incredible enough. He could not fathom the second. Wonder of wonders.

As the messenger of God, Gabriel often knew the happenings of men long before they experienced them. It was part of their ministry and a pleasure to report. Watching the expressions on humans elicited a certain joy mixed with humor as the messages sunk in and took hold of their minds. Gabriel always delighted in the purposes and plans of his Maker. Why not? God was delightful!

This…this is truth. Difficult to swallow and comprehend, but not to believe. After all, God is everything He declares. It was not as if Gabriel were questioning Him. Nevertheless, he questioned himself and his recipients.

"Is it possible for her to grasp this event? Will she ever apprehend the privilege? Will she take it as seriously as she needs? Will they really get it?

"For generations, they have been blessed, undeservedly, over and over again. They still do not appreciate their Creator, their Redeemer, their King. This small nation receives such large proportions but…

And the rest of the world! They are wicked, spiteful, full of themselves…and yet…so puny. So very puny. And He loves them considerably. He is especially fond of this one.

Gabriel moved within sight and sound of Mary, hesitated a brief moment, and spoke.

Hail, o favored one! Adonai is with you.

Then he waited. It would take a moment for her attention to be focused on his message. She stood transfixed, scared exceedingly, and unable to respond. Gabriel could see her eyes flitting back and forth, searching her mind for the meaning behind the words.

Don't be afraid, Mary, Gabriel went on to assure her of the truth of the message and the confidence she should have in the One who sent the message.

You have found favor with God. You are that maiden that He has chosen to bear the Messiah. You shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom is endless.

With eyes that swam and tears that threatened to fall, Mary quietly and thoughtfully replied, How can this be since I am a virgin and have no husband?

Ah! You are His chosen one, His sign. ‘A virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son.' The Holy Spirit of God will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. As a result, the Holy Offspring shall be called the Son of God.

As she continued to shake her head with wonder, Mary fell to her knees as the tears cascaded down her cheeks and into her fallen hair.

And he resumed, eager to build her confidence in His Master as well as His message. Mary, you know your relative, Elizabeth?

She slowly looked up with recognition.

She has conceived a son in her old age as well. The one that bore the shame of being barren is now pregnant!

Mary stared with wonder and just a hint of humor as her eyes turned up at the corners simultaneously with her lips as his message dawned on her. Finding her feet, she stood.

Gabriel smiled, knowing His Creator had prepared the heart of this young lady. Nothing is impossible with God, he said as he turned to go home.

If it was possible to be both quiet and noisy in one's heart and head at the same time, Mary thought this had to be what it sounded and felt like. She gazed up into the sky, trying to see what was beyond the clouds. Without actually focusing on the angel, she responded in a soft but determined voice, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.

Gabriel headed back. Mission complete…but it had really only begun.

Mary

Can it possibly be just a few minutes ago I was just Mary, daughter of Eli and Sarai? Responsible only for myself and Hannah? Well, and the elusive cow I am supposed to be finding. Was I dreaming? No, the message is way beyond my mind's ability to imagine, although I am pretty good at creative imaginings.