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| Melissa
& Louis McBurney |
WHAT'S GOIN' ON...
It seems that with each newsletter
the pace picks up around here. Some of you may remember the
clip art we used to have of a bearded guy laid back in a rocking
chair at the top of this column. That doesn't fit any more.
We're searching for one with a couple clinging excitedly to
a rocket!
We've just finished a memorable meeting
with our Board of Directors which dealt decisively with transition
issues such as staff change, expanded ministry opportunities,
property ownership, employee benefits, and serious fund raising
goals. We have never felt such energy and enthusiasm as our
board members rolled up their pants legs and waded into the
stream.
Dave Carder actually finished up the weekend
literally "wading in" to the Crystal for some fly
fishing. The others, along with Dave, JoAnn Means, Doris Edwards,
Don Ray, Bert Pope, Larry Dearing and Byrn Williamson did
their fishing for ideas, wisdom, and God's guidance. They
landed more catches and we'll stay busy years to come in following
through.
In fact there are going to be challenges
not only for the staff, Pam, and the Board, but for all of
you, our Retreat family. We'll need all the help we can get
so roll up your sleeves and pitch in!
-Louis & Melissa McBurney
WHY AMAZEMENT?
by Melissa McBurney
Another answer to prayer! The history
of Marble Retreat is chock full of answered prayers from the
first "fleece" Louis put out about the original
"call" from God to what happened in group session
just this morning. There have been many prayers for one of
the couples in this current group and today we began to see
the beginning of the answers.
The Retreat was The Lord's idea from
the very beginning. Through the years He has worked continually
in and through the special people that come here.
In between those first answers and
the one for today, there have been thousands of answers to
prayer. Some could be labeled miracles and some folk might
call the others coincidence. But we know! It is great fun
to be a witness to His work. It may be more fun to be used
in the process. Usually I can sense when I am being used;
I love it. And sometimes it is a total surprise to me that
something I said or did was used by Him to answer a prayer.
All our staff have experienced that wonderful feeling. If
it happens all the time like that wouldn't you expect that
we wouldn't be surprised when it happens again? I guess we
are slow learners. We are constantly being amazed that hopeless
pastors or pastors' wives or missionaries or church staff
receive answers to their and our prayers. Marriages are mended
that we saw as beyond all help. Insight dawns on a confused
husband or wife and makes it all come together.
After so many years of seeing God
answer prayers I should have unshakable faith. Right? I should
not be concerned at all about the future. I could be resting
in the certain fact that He loves me and has my best interest
at heart. And yet I worry. Amazement at answers may not be
as hard to understand as how I can ever worry after seeing
such blessings. Will the Retreat continue after Louis &
I retire? Will He continue to provide for its needs? For my
needs? Of course He will but still I want to see down the
road and know HOW.
I guess there will never be a time
when we don't need to keep praying. I know Marble Retreat
sure needs your prayers. Since what happens here is based
on prayer the more we have of it the better. I have wondered
if you would like to have something specific when you pray
for Marble Retreat? The schedule for 2003 is on this website
and in our printed newsletter.
Pick out a group for next year and
start now to pray for the members of that group. Let's just
see if it makes a difference. Let's find out if more prayers
mean more answers. There are other needs besides those people
in a group. Our Board of Directors is working hard at this
"transition" and need wisdom and energy. They are
also listed on this newsletter. They have new and heavier
responsibilities with the "transition" coming up.
The staff are also in need of your prayers. Louis & I
need your prayers, too. We will take all the praying help
you can give. Let us know if you want to be involved in Marble
Retreat in this way.
Maybe we shouldn't be surprised when God answers prayers but
it sure is fun to suddenly realize that something I prayed
for has come to be. He is eternally amazing!
VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINAIRE
Marble Retreat has been richly blessed
throughout our history with friends willing to give their
time and energy. Two of those were just recognized for their
long years of service with our Volunteers of the Year Award.
Dick and Ann Lake from Albuquerque began making working "vacations"
to the valley in 1986 when they helped build the Church at
Redstone. Since that worked so well we persuaded them to return
as our first volunteer host couple in 1993. That was the year
of the great snow storm and the Lakes were on hand for that
memorable phenomenon. In fact Dick spent most of their two
weeks behind the wheel of Ichi, plowing snow, almost continuously.
He stopped only long enough for Ann to refuel him and help
thaw him out!
Since that time Dick and Ann have
returned many times to give our host couple a break, but never
again in the winter (fair weather friends). They have loved
and been loved by our guests, not to mention Henry and Eva.
I might add that they've been loved by Louis & Melissa
since 1956 and there is no end in sight-except the pauses
for blizzards.
POEM BY GUEST, N. CAMPBELL
Written during her time at Marble Retreat
There is wonder
Dripping from the hand of God.
From my Father's hand.
Oh most blessed of showers-
Love creating, love bestowing,
From the Throne of God itself
Joy is the center of the Universe - this is Heaven's open
secret
Calling. Beauty is calling.
In dimples and daisies,
In roofless temple of starry night
And bead of dew on living leaf.
In eagle arc
And bowing wave,
And squatting, speckled rock.
In wind's caress as near as skin,
And majesty of lofty cloud.
In lady bug and leviathan,
Water bug and whale.
In rotting log reclaimed by life.
The world groans-
Beauty marred but beauty still.
I drink from wonder where I find it-
Heaven's streams are always pure.
Reach hands! Cup the quenchless gift.
It tastes like God-it tastes like life.
When all is said, signed, sealed, entombed of this creation-
Ardent joy will be there waiting,
Arms spread full-again!
At the dawn of resurrection,
At the cusp of endless morning.
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