Mary's DIary of Jesus' Life (Book) - 12/18/2015 8:19:22 AM
There’s such an immediacy to Marilyn’s writing that reading Mary’s Diary is an immersion experience.
I felt that I walked with Mary, as she
* bore her beloved Yosef’s cutting, gruff response to the news of her pregnancy
*abandoned her longtime dreams of a lovely, formal wedding
*gave birth to her Son in a cave, shelter from the chilly weather
*wondered at Shimon’s troubling prophecy in the temple
*welcomed, with astonishment, the gifts of gold and frankincense, and shrank from the gift of myrrh
*wondered at her neighbour’s dread—were the Magi spies?
*huddled in another cave, Baby Yeshua in her arms, hearing the cries of her friends whose babies were slaughtered by the Romans
*struggled to be a fit mother to the Son of the Most High
*grew in joy and humility as she followed His ministry
*struggled in darkness and crushing disappointment after her Son’s excruciating death
*rejoiced with unspeakable joy on Resurrection morning
Marilyn has a gift for putting herself—and her reader—inside the heart and mind of another person. Written with realistic detail, a sprinkling of ancient languages, and a mother’s heart, "Mary’s Diary" is an absorbing read for lovers of the Messiah and His Word.
Two Mothers, Twin Daughters (Book) - 10/7/2015 8:08:22 PM
THIS COPY OF TWO MOTHERS, TWIN DAUGHTERS HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN. I DECIDED TO RE EDIT AND REVISE IT.
Mary's DIary of Jesus' Life (Book) - 8/5/2015 4:35:57 PM
Thanks for your beautiful comment. The book, Mary's Diary, is available at www.CreateSpace.com now, and you are welcome to leave a review there!
Two Mothers, Twin Daughters (Book) - 4/9/2014 2:54:19 PM
Very interesting intro...can't wait to read it... :)
Whimpering Angel (Short Story) - 4/5/2016 4:37:25 AM
All the names you are exploring are good. Cuddles doesn't seem to refer to size, but whether or not the doggie likes to cuddle. Where I come from, way up nort' in Whiskey-sin, we Germans like to call our sweethearts, Schatzi.
Ron
Whimpering Angel (Short Story) - 4/4/2016 11:58:58 AM
I like it, we have four of them in three sizes, woohoo..she sounds great and well loved
Whimpering Angel (Short Story) - 4/4/2016 10:41:26 AM
Thanks. Haven't seen you around for a long time, but then I keep forgetting to go to Author's Den.
Whimpering Angel (Short Story) - 4/4/2016 8:39:40 AM
Seems fine to me, Marilyn... ...at least you have put a lot of effort into finding the appropriate name. Love and blessings,
Regis
Meeting Behind Bars (Short Story) - 2/15/2016 6:14:19 AM
Thank you for your thoughtful remarks. Those typos are hard to catch! I still haven't found the one!
Meeting Behind Bars (Short Story) - 2/14/2016 8:22:14 AM
A touching encounter. Emotions expressed quite well.
Gaol [jail] is not well known in the rest of the English-speaking world except in Australia and parts of the UK.
Some typos… W,hat eering betteror
Ron
The Shepherd's Letter (Short Story) - 12/20/2015 3:28:09 AM
Not being familiar with Biblical proportions, my take is that you are attempting to creatively fabricate what led up to Biblical events by breathing life into ancient recordings. I commend you for this immersion.
Looming Decisions (Short Story) - 12/11/2015 5:35:15 AM
You have written a story that many young women face when the father of their newborn is not trusted to be a good father. I like the story to come to some conclusion. Yours only leads to require further reading to find out what happens like what TV shows do to get you to come back after the commercial.
Your story got me thinking about what my 17-year-old mother thought when she birthed my brother and me. Although I don't know for sure, at some point I learned that she couldn't breast-feed us. Unlike in your story, my father was always there and supportive, working multiple jobs to care for us.
Sixteen years later, when she was eight months pregnant, my mother had an x-ray and discovered she was having twins again. It worried her so, my younger brothers were born the next morning. She managed, however, and all four of us prospered under the care of both of our parents.
Ron
Looming Decisions (Short Story) - 12/11/2015 12:46:50 AM
I could feel the emotional strain and tension throughout your story. Marita is at a crossroads, and perhaps there is a continuation for the reader to know what decision she makes. It doesn't sound like she has many options to begin with.
The Flood From a Child's Viewpoint (Short Story) - 12/7/2015 11:19:56 AM
Thank you for reading it. Did you read both parts? I'll probably add the conclusion tomorrow.
The Flood From a Child's Viewpoint (Short Story) - 12/7/2015 1:16:55 AM
I don't read the Bible, but enjoyed your compelling story which not only enlivened one of its tenets, but put a contemporary spin on things by focusing on the all too familiar behaviors of bullying and molestation.
Me? A LIttle Bird in a Cage? (Short Story) - 12/6/2015 3:38:15 AM
When you come right down to it, we're all birds in a cage. The difference is that some of us are imprisoned inside of them, while others find their way to take flight on a wing and a prayer. Everyone must find their own song to soar above the madness.
What Happened to the Living Bread? (Short Story) - 11/9/2015 5:12:11 PM
I enjoyed your story, Marilyn. We are truly blessed to be able to freely worship the Lord. On the other hand, I've been reading and hearing more and more about persecuted Christians who pray for us because we have so much and because we are not persecuted. I attended a "Voice of the Martyrs" conference in Louisville a while back. One of the speakers talked about the nominal Christians in America. It seems to me that persecution is likely to increase one's faith. I can't think of anything better than that.
Scott
Is It Well (Short Story) - 11/9/2015 4:51:08 PM
It is well, Marilyn. It is most certainly well with my soul. Thank you for reminding me of those sweet, precious words.
Scott
What Happened to the Living Bread? (Short Story) - 10/13/2015 2:00:09 AM
excellent, holds reader interest, it was a difficult time for Christians in those days for certain
Just One More Flame (Short Story) - 10/13/2015 1:56:28 AM
thought provoking read
From Victim to Victory (Short Story) - 10/13/2015 1:55:03 AM
we need more Dads, and others, who care enough to pray and weep, and accept without rancor or condemnation
From Victim to Victory (Short Story) - 10/8/2015 10:38:26 AM
Your story illustrates how difficult it is for people change their attitudes toward things they don't know much about except what they consider to be the "evil" part.
Since it is an acronym, it would probably be better to just call it, AIDS.
Ron
From Victim to Victory (Short Story) - 10/8/2015 4:36:02 AM
That's true. Thank you for commenting.
From Victim to Victory (Short Story) - 10/8/2015 12:47:01 AM
The fact that your heartfelt story is life-based makes this all the more poignant. Acceptance without judging makes for a better person.
Just One More Flame (Short Story) - 9/18/2015 8:29:50 AM
Quite tragically gripping, Marilyn. You have effectively shared the experience. Love and blessings to you,
Regis
Do We Belong Here? (Short Story) - 8/22/2015 7:26:49 AM
Well-written allegory. I don't see any lesson. Snakes and insects are vital to nature and have only been demonized by writers, not by those who live in the forest. "Glowing in His Presence" does not solve any of the world's problems, not even the fear of snakes and insects.
Ron
Do We Belong Here? (Short Story) - 8/22/2015 1:21:54 AM
I think we're meant to veer off the beaten path at the risk of encountering hidden snakes in the grass.
Are You Intimidated (Article) - 10/2/2015 12:05:53 PM
Good for you.
A teacher tried to help me but I was too shy...and fled.
Are You Intimidated (Article) - 10/2/2015 2:17:58 AM
A former elementary school teacher, my colleagues and I faced more than one challenging child in the same classroom--the norm. We rose to the occasion and took them under our wing.
Stunned (Article) - 9/21/2015 5:24:28 AM
Did I ever respond to this? I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Are You Carrying too Much (Article) - 8/14/2015 8:57:30 AM
It's great to pray. I love communing with God especially in the early morning hours. The fellowship is so sweet.
Are You Carrying too Much (Article) - 8/10/2015 4:28:23 PM
I pray all the time, Marilyn; so I can relate to what you have expressed here. Thank you. Love and blessings to you,
Regis
Make Something of This Rock?! (Article) - 6/1/2015 9:01:32 AM
Very eloquently expressed, Marilyn; and of course, your faith is most evident through your words. Love and blessings,
Regis
Are We Worthwhile? (Article) - 2/23/2015 7:17:31 AM
An interesting thought that few people ponder. For most people, following the commandment given to Adam and Eve, "Go forth and multiply," it is having children. The result of this contribution is approaching 8 billion on the planet, devastating the ecosystem and driving countless species toward extinction.
Yes, it certainly is time for everyone to examine what their contribution to this life will be. For me, I'm quite happy that I haven't had any children. My legacy will not be in them.
Ron
I Don't Believe in God (Article) - 1/25/2015 4:31:04 PM
1-25-2015:
Sadly Whence You Do DIE-DEAD
You Get Meet The Man (God),He
(God) Neither Loves Nor Hates You
He Has Only 1 Question-WHY!
Better Have Answer -Bible,Faith,Religion
Your Beliefs Are Totally Irrelevant
You Either Go Up Or You Go Down--
Take Your Pick!
TRASK...
Why Don't You Want to Believe in God? (Article) - 12/6/2014 5:06:46 PM
I pray all the time, Marilyn. I must admit that I do not understand why God would allow his created beings to do such harm to their "garden" and to each other. Love and blessings to you,
Regis
Let's Make Somebody (Article) - 11/1/2014 11:22:38 AM
A rather macabre story. But I think there's some sort of hidden message that I am to limit it to understand. Perhaps could place this story in the "Halloween" category.
Now I can spot the likeness of Jack Nicholson anywhere, no matter how many Mans it takes to make him.
Ron
Stunned (Article) - 7/23/2014 7:23:31 AM
Much of the world is like this… hidden in even the wealthiest of countries. More obvious in places like Africa. Revealed last night in a Frontline PBS broadcast about hungry kids in the Quad cities area of Illinois. I just read a story about a Canadian traveler who discovered the relatively unknown underbelly of Swiss poverty. Poverty is rampant here in Texas just beyond the freeway and shopping centers.
You may be surprised to find that many of those people you see are highly intelligent, though uneducated by our standards. They have to be to have survived under those conditions for so long. Overpopulation is truly a problem and curing diseases only adds to the problem of hunger and lack of clean water by prolonging death for a short while. You are right, education is the key. There has to be some way to redistribute wealth to the people, to prevent the continual birth of new children, increasing the population that needs to be cared for, and ways to allow nature to heal the landscape decimated by human activity searching for food and water.
Ron
Goodnight In the Air etc (Article) - 7/15/2014 6:56:39 AM
Brings back memories. I arrived in London at Heathrow one night after being diverted there on an aborted flight to Paris. I was on the phone with the sister of a friend of mine when we were told that our flight was not going to go to Paris (for four days, our plan), but was going on to Frankfurt that night (the second city on our plan). We could have stayed in London, but we probably would have lost our luggage in the half hour we were in Heathrow, so reluctantly got back on the plane.
I never slept on those long flights either, except briefly. I often walked the aisles to keep from being stiff. For some reason, as a result, I didn't suffer any jet lag. It was always nice to talk to people when I wasn't watching a movie. Strangely, many people spent time just reading and sleeping. Not very friendly or willing to chat.
Ron
It's Coming, It's ready, It's Here! (Article) - 4/25/2014 6:23:52 AM
You are quite versatile as a novelist and innkeeper! I'm glad that Polly likes to run. Dogs need more exercise than most homeowners allow them. Stopping by the ditches reminded me of the time we ran gas powered hydroplanes in an icy flooded spring creek with snow still on the ground. They had no RC control so we had to chase them in our rubber boots. By mid afternoon, both of my feet were numb. When I got back home, I discovered that I had leaks in the boots and they were filled with ice water to the top. That's why my feet were numb.
Do you have buffalo robes for those sleigh rides? ;-)
Ron
Puppies (Poetry) - 2/15/2016 9:00:10 AM
You are an observant gal!
He Was a Man (Poetry) - 2/15/2016 8:01:37 AM
Beautiful, Marilyn! He is the God-Man who died to save us, and you made that so clear and inviting.
Connie
Puppies (Poetry) - 2/15/2016 7:55:13 AM
Here I go again....I would have rhymed line 6 with 2 and 4. It's an endearing little poem about the lovable pups and sounds just like a family of puppies having fun together. I like the names, too!
Connie
Fog-Bog (Poetry) - 2/15/2016 7:52:00 AM
This is an intriguing poem. I see the struggles of life, the torment of spiritual attacks, the determination to go on, the longing for God and resolve to trust God, along with the jubilation of having His ever-present help when you put all your trust in Him.
If one can get past the confusing tenses, it's an effective poem, expressing your difficult journey. The word "Impen'tratable" is so glaring an error, though, that it affects the whole poem, I'm sorry to say. If you aren't absolutely sure of a word's spelling, you need to look it up in a dictionary.
I don't often critique someone's choice or misuse of words, but I believe there is "gold in this mine," and should not be overwhelmed by poor choices.
By the way, I do not claim to be an expert!
Sincerely,
Connie
Fog-Bog (Poetry) - 2/15/2016 7:44:07 AM
"The Lord God answers prayer",yes He does,
we just need to trust Him,
and strengthen ourselves with His words.
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 10/19/2015 8:57:27 AM
Your verses serve as a powerful testimonial of your faith, Marilyn. Thank you for sharing. Love and blessings to you,
Regis
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 9/24/2015 5:29:24 AM
This is what I call
a really lovely piece of work!
"Comfort, now, in Christ find.
He gives me courage, hope and cheer."
Thanks for sharing, Marilyn!
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 9/22/2015 8:31:04 AM
Unless a person has made acquaintance with the Good Shepherd it is hard to comprehend how He can be a comforter and guide. We believe in the planets which we have not seen, so why not believe in the Son of God? It is His presence in friends and loved ones that is also a tangible blessing.
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 9/22/2015 7:33:19 AM
I hope you find a Christlike person, a shining knight in this land of the living, who will take your hand and show you the way beyond your fears. If everyone had someone like that in their lives, much despair would be over.
Ron
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 9/21/2015 10:45:51 AM
Interesting concept; your irrational fear and finding a heavenly figure to dispel your fears. Ashiff
Irrational Fears (Poetry) - 9/21/2015 5:48:08 AM
Loved the poem except for the last two stanza's where you cling to an artificial deity . . . eh . . . If that is what calms your essence, so be it.
Early Autumn (Poetry) - 8/24/2015 9:15:52 AM
Thank you, difficult but a lot of fun. I just wish I could have gotten it to flow smoother.
Early Autumn (Poetry) - 8/24/2015 9:10:59 AM
Such a poem is not easy to compose. This is a lovely rendition of autumn's approaching. I think it will come early here since the summer (and the spring) have been hot and dry. Thank you for sharing, Marilyn. Love and peace to you,
Regis
Mary's Musings (Poetry) - 8/7/2015 6:50:16 AM
I am intrigued with your thought and would be eager to hear any suggestions on how to change that final sentence. Mary's Diary is available on CreateSpace, and you are welcome to review it there also, if you want.
Mary's Musings (Poetry) - 8/7/2015 6:44:13 AM
Marilyn, I am so happy to have seen a comment by you this morning and to track you down. I'm glad you are here on Authors' Den. It's a privilege to read your work in the little bit of time I have today.
This poem is brief and to the point, but still reveals the heart of Jesus' mother. I thought the last line could be improved, although it is true and focuses on the Son. Something about it does not feel right to me. Maybe I'm just too picky. I know if you have been on Fan Story, though, you probably have received some comments that were not too welcome, so please don't be offended. If I didn't admire your work, I wouldn't dare to critique in such a way.
Blessings,
Connie
Puppies (Poetry) - 6/22/2015 8:24:02 AM
Delightful stuff, Marilyn. Thank you! Love and best wishes,
Regis
Puppies (Poetry) - 6/18/2015 8:28:39 AM
Cute as a puppy.
Michael D.
Puppies (Poetry) - 6/17/2015 8:01:14 AM
Precious, simply precious… Until they grow up to be dogs.
Ron
The Stepping Stones of Life (Poetry) - 6/1/2015 8:59:30 AM
A most inspiring poem with fine imagery. Thank you for sharing this gift, Marilyn. Love and blessings,
Regis
Keep Begging (Poetry) - 2/18/2015 6:59:25 PM
I want to encourage you in that. God understands so much better than we do, and it does help so much to trust Him yet try to do our level best with whatever talents He has given us to share with the world. I think we must all must have the gift called 'helps' in the Bible, wouldn't you think?
Keep Begging (Poetry) - 2/18/2015 2:15:39 PM
I always ask (pray) for God to hear me and to fill me with his spirit so that I do not despair at the condition of this world. Thank you, Marilyn. Love, peace, and blessings,
Regis
The Stepping Stones of Life (Poetry) - 2/13/2015 4:09:31 PM
This poem is peppered with such beautiful words and lines....
One for my library!
Diana...
The Stepping Stones of Life (Poetry) - 2/10/2015 6:48:45 AM
Home is where the heart is, and having a footpath sure helps in the gloom. Nice metaphor for finding your center.
Ron
The Stepping Stones of Life (Poetry) - 2/9/2015 9:11:21 PM
Wow! Loved the inspirational poetry. Well done! Yes, Jesus IS the one! Amen!
Mary's Musings (Poetry) - 12/5/2014 7:32:35 PM
I think your poem shares the story (and Mary's pain as a mother) very effectively. Thank you, Marilyn. Love and blessings,
Regis
He Was a Man (Poetry) - 11/6/2014 3:26:07 PM
He was a man... ...let us hope he understands. Thank you for sharing, Marilyn. Love, peace, and blessings to you,
Regis
The Young Eagle (Poetry) - 11/6/2014 3:24:43 PM
Symbolically meaningful to me, Marilyn. Thank you for sharing. Love, peace, and blessings,
Regis
The Young Eagle (Poetry) - 4/24/2014 9:29:51 AM
wonderfully written
budd
The Young Eagle (Poetry) - 4/24/2014 7:52:09 AM
Aside from the eagle's first horrifying leap off the nest, your form also signifies any child leaving the nest and what they face as they soar into the outside world.
Bald eagles do not have any white feathers until several years and are fully mature.
Ron
The Young Eagle (Poetry) - 4/23/2014 9:42:46 PM
Excellent! We watch eagles give birth once a year on a cam camera set up just outside their nest. They have a 50% mortality rate. Their feet are full size at birth. What a joy it is to see their first flight. You captured a glimpse of this in this poem. Very nicely done!
He Was a Man (Poetry) - 4/21/2014 4:13:59 AM
yes He is
budd
He Was a Man (Poetry) - 4/18/2014 6:24:44 PM
Well done Marilyn. A wonderful portrayal of the sacrifice of Jesus which He made for all of us. Yes, we Christians believe unbelievable things but in the process we become stronger.
Easter Blessings,
John Michael Domino
