01/12/07

Dedication

Contents

Preface

From Grey to Gold

By Marta Berg

Illustrations by Robert Neumann

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of Marcia L. Conrad, 1942-1994.

Marcia’s strong faith and loving spirit was evident throughout her life. Following is part of her Christmas letter to friends and family sent six months before she died.

            Though my experience with cancer has not changed my daily routine much, it

certainly has affected my thoughts and feelings about life. Things I previously took for granted – like getting up in the morning an being able to go to work or even something as mundane as going to the grocery store – I now see these as things to be thankful for. Each new day is a gift to be appreciated. I have been deeply touched by the love, support, and prayers of family and friends – a blessing beyond measure.

Above all else, I have experienced the reality of God’s faithfulness. I have realized that life holds no guarantees for any of us and that the only constant, the only certainty I can hold on to is His love and care, come what may. I am so thankful for this faith in a personal, ever present God, a faith that has been nurtured through the years and that now has become such a source of peace and strength.

Contents

From Grey to Gold

Sound and Sight

All That I Have

A Maid and a Carpenter

Law and Love

The Unnamed Ones

No Free Ride

Mother to Daughter

Preface

Marta’s first book, Seen and Unseen, was written with the hope that the poems would remind us to probe for deeper truth – the truth that often lies hidden in all the ordinary. This is the truth that enables us to live at the level of the extraordinary where our creator meets us, and reveals His divine purpose and plan for our lives.

Comments from the book were positive and affirming. They served as incentive for additional sharing.

The title of this book, From Grey to Gold, tells the story of a nondescript little grey bird that, always and without exception, becomes a luminous creature of brilliant gold. This story has much to tell us about the Christian view of life and death. The other poems and reflections also try to magnify the reality of God in human affairs.

This book is dedicated to the memory of our daughter, Marcia Linnea Conrad who died on June 6, 1994 at the age of 52 years. Thus the letter to Marcia – Mother to Daughter – has special significance in this book. Marcia died at the height of her self-giving service for her Lord and Saviour and for others.

All of our family, J. Paul and Anne Carlson, Jon, Jeff, and Katie, Bill and Karen Berg, William and Ben, Paul Conrad, Steve and Karen served as “gentle persuaders” in finally convincing Marta to release this book. The first book was dedicated to these precious loved ones.

We are deeply indebted to Robert Neumann for the illustrations, to Jerry Reichert for the front cover art, and to our son Bill for his sensitive text layouts and typesetting.

Our primary acknowledgement and highest tribute are to a carpenter. His name is Jesus. Quoting from one of the poems, “Even now He has the power to change the world, or to change one life.”

-         Bill and Marta Berg