Poem for Dale Alan Bridger

Birthday Poem .... Written Jan 29th 2013

Once upon a time...as goes the little rhyme,

A baby boy was born; we named him Dale.

Now I'm sure that you don't know, and I'm sure it doesn't show,

So indulge me as I share this little tale.

Yes he knew right from the start, how to steal his parents hearts,

And his smile it just got sweeter every day.

But if you knew him like we do, and you watched him as he grew,

You might find some humor in the things he'd say.

Yes, we called it Dales dictionary, let me tell you why,

He would have some trouble with pro-nun-ciation. 

Well, one day, the story goes, as the sky began to flow,

Dale said " looks like we've got participation!"

And once a potty's what he needed, (don't get embarrassed, you will see,)

Dale asked directions to the restaurant!

Though our laughter was in fun, we just had to tell him " Son,

Going there would only get you a croissant!"

And his antics one fine day, almost turned his hair to grey

When he carried compost, dancing cross the floor.

When he twirled out on the stoop,  we didn't think that he'd recoup,

And, he came back screaming as he slammed the door.

You see he'd startled an O-possum, and I'm sure that it was awesome,

'Cause he told us that it back flipped off the deck.

Not knowing who was scared the most, and Dales face white as a ghost,

Twas the Opossum now I thought I ought to check!

He shared a room with his big brother, and it's good there was no other,

(If you've lived with him I'm sure that you'll agree.)

One was messy, one was neat, let's just say, and I repeat,

It was really something you would have to see.

He put the bunk beds in the middle of the room so they won't squabble,

"THAT IS YOUR SIDE, THIS IS MINE AND DO NOT CROSS!"

Like the odd pair on the TV, you will just have to believe me,

In that room 'twas obvious who was the boss!

All his clothes are neatly hung, spaced precisely on the rung,

Only colored coded by the type and style. 

So just remember when you visit, hang your stuff first, then you can sit,

And he just might let you stick around a while...

There are many more great stories and I'm sure there's more to come,

( tell me yours and I will add them to my book) 

Now my poems almost done, and we had a little fun,

Rhyming words is really all this tale took.

What we really want to say, on this very special day,

and we mean it from the bottom of our hearts,

We are just so very proud, and we'd tell it right out loud,

We could count the ways but then where would we start.

God has blest us with this son, and we all know that he's fun,

And we're glad he's ours, is all that we can say.

So let's wish him all the best, and by God we pray he's blessed,

And we hope he has a mighty fine Birthday!

We love ya Dale! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

MOM & DAD

Jenae's Birthday poem...DANCING IN THE RAIN

DANCING IN THE RAIN

She likes moonlight
Especially when it is full and bright
It just lights up the heavens, and she can kneel by her window and pray and talk to God.
She likes to look for GEMS (God's Encouragement to Me)
Little "special things" from God just to her
Like a smell from the past, songs of the birds.
She likes children
Especially her little nieces
They remind her that she is God's little girl, and she can trust him.
She makes silly faces
Her trademark from infant-hood
Like frogs between her eyes tucked into glasses.
She likes friends
Old friends, and new friends 
But a few really close friends fill her heart with warmth.
She likes to try new things
Like huge tree swings and zip lines
But nothing dangerous, like bungee jumping.
She likes purple and green
Living color
Like pansy faces, grape juice, and soft grass in a field of wildflowers.
She likes her pillows
They surround her like a fortress of protection.
She likes a soft comfortable blanket
Not so much over her as just up close.
She likes to read a good book
She likes to journal, read God's word, or just "nap" on her bed.
She can be spontaneously fun
Like a pillow fight or tag in the dark
Or playing a trivia game and just laughing at the answers.
She is good with words
Words that describe her thoughts and feelings
Words that tell of the love and mercy of her forever friend Jesus.
She likes listening to music 
She likes to sing!
She sings to rejoice, and to bless others.
But one thing she LOVES to do,
She loves to DANCE IN THE RAIN!
She is learning to trust more day by day
Whether things are good or, well, difficult.
So if it is "raining", don't be surprised to see her DANCING,

Happy 24th Birthday,
I Love You!
Mommy

LOVING YOU, FOREVER AND A DAY

Loving you, for 25 years, It's a joy to recount the ways. 
'Cause moments make up hours, and hours make up day.

And days add up so quickly, and they become our years.
Some times it seems like yesterday, I said yes! To you my dear.

Now we both know there's up and downs, to every thing in life.
You know that I'd be lying, if I said we've had no strife.

But in our vows that special day, we solemnly agreed,
That though there may be trials, through Christ we would succeed.

That day you said,  "I take this women, now to be my wife"
You also chose to love the three, I brought into this life.

Those words you spoke so long ago, meant more than you will know!
 I'd only share my life with one whose love for them did show.

And through the years you proved that love more ways than I can tell.
And I believe in heaven you'll hear, my son, you have done well!

But to our little family, God blessed us with two more.
With five to raise, I never heard you say it was a chore.

Your heart not only made the room for me to share your life,
But stretched to hold the five we raised, I'm blessed to be your wife.

My memory's hall is crowded, there is not much empty space.
I'm glad unlike computers, it can never be erased.

Of all the joy you've brought to us, the fun that we have had.
We can't say "you were silly" cause you'll say, No, I'm just Dad.

You put up with all my dreaming, of the things I thought I'd do.
Never saying. "you can't do that, let me prove it now to you."

But you jumped right in behind me, helped me plan and count the cost.
Went out shopping, drew the plans up, never tried to be a boss.

Then you gently asked me questions, and I could see it for myself.
So those silly plans I'd thought of, were put back on a shelf.

You spent quality time with our children, letting them choose what to do.
And I smile as I look at the pictures, you can see just how much they love you!

You encouraged them all, to have big dreams, to rely upon God and to strive.
You have been a faithful and Godly example of a father's love to all five.

You lift each by name up to heaven, and ask for the blessings we need
My prayers have been answered, in you love, In trusting the Father to lead.

And I thank you for all of the kisses, and the hugs that you give me each day.
That's one reason I say that I'll love you, forever and a day

But there's something I'm learning each day now, that the longer I'm married to you,
I am loving you more, I would do it again, for the next 25...yes, I DO!

Encountering Sean

Somewhere between the summer nights, with moonlit sky and stars so bright.
And autumn leaves that gently fall, to crunch through them he hears them call.
Or winters chill on quiet walks, he keeps his appointment, with Jesus he talks.
Or spring times thrill, awakening flowers, showing God's amazing power.
You will encounter.........Sean 

New birth..the baby birds are peeping, woodland animals are creeping.
Babbling brooks flow over rocks, above the trees, a soaring hawk.
Quiet now so you can listen, as the dew on gardens glisten.
His breath, so slow and even now, do you see?, his head is bowed.
Wait, to encounter.......Sean

Words that seem to flow so free, melancholy they will be.
A song seeps out from deep within, because he has been freed from sin.
So rich so deep and so sincere, a life that's free need never fear.
He sings to let the whole world know, that through God's Sprit you can grow.
Listen, and encounter.........Sean 

Ebony and Ivory, fingers dance across the keys.
He plays to glorify the King, while with his family he sings.
He's contemplative as he writes of a battle fought to win the right
Through love, Christ captivates our hearts, surrender, that is where it starts.
Music has encountered..........Sean

A signal wakes him from his rest, up quick!, he's off to do his best.
A human life hangs by a thread, a prayer to his Father is being said.
Compassion draws him to this life, so filled with grief, so filled with strife.
God's blessed! Another life is spared, through a vessel filled with care.
Be glad you encountered.............Sean

Smiles big and smiles small, this young man loves them, one and all.
From North to South, from East to West, now I am sure that you have guessed.
From young or old, he doesn't care, He likes to see them everywhere.
How can one refuse to smile, just stop and talk with him awhile.
Smile when you encounter........Sean

LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY,  he heard Christ say YOU CHOOSE.
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS and follow me, there's nothing you will loose.
His DEAREST MOTHER prayed for him, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? she heard.
Her faithful prayers were answered, he's living his life by God's word.
Sean has encountered........God

TO LIVE IS CHRIST, to die is gain, he's commitment to Christ, come joy or come pain.
A PROMISE was given by OUR PRECIOUS LORD JESUS, ascending on high, He said He'd never leave us.
AWAY IN THE DARKNESS are souls that are lost, let's tell them of Jesus who died on the cross.
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, in faith he will say, before he speaks to others, for God's power he'll pray.
Sean will encounter..........God's grace

Of all the pictures he could share, from close at home or places rare.
His favorite one just has to be, of his Best Friends Audacity!
To give up heaven and come to die, just ask, and Sean will tell you why.
No portrait paints the shame Christ took, this picture's written in a book.
Picture an encounter...........with God

Loyalty, never breaking a trust, faithfulness unto the end, is a must.
Simplicity, meekness in all that you do, the less ostentatious then Christ can shine through.
Integrity, character wrought through God's grace, not just at home but in any place.
Purity, like the spotless white lamb, he wants to reflect, the great I AM.
MY PRAYER, is that YOU will encounter.......Sean's GOD.


Love, Auntie Diane

Save our post office!

Here is a poem I wrote to help save the post office in our little community of Douglas Nebraska. Please pray for us on the 26th of Oct. 2011 because that is when we have our hearing! I have learned much from our towns people and the Holy Spirit is working! Thank you

SINCERELY, DOUGLAS

Surely you're just kidding, no! I can't believe it's true,

You wouldn't close our Post Office, we wouldn't know what to do!

These folks 'round here have come to know it as a special place

It's where we meet each other, where we chatter face to face

You know the crazy Internet has stolen something rare

And we all here in Douglas want to tell you why we care

Those iPhones and those facebooks, well they surely have their place

But we think our old Post Office...has one up on cyber space!

'Cause I hear so many say this world's become a big rat race

How they'd like to just relax a bit, slow down their hurried pace

They should come on down to Douglas, kick their feet up in the park

You can walk the streets in our town even after it gets dark

When you want to know what's going on just walk on down the block

Past the swings, the baseball field and watch out for that giant rock

Don't forget to tip your hat to all the neighbors you pass by

When you get to our post office you will see the reason why

All the goin's on are posted just as plain as they can be

Just inside those friendly doors a big announcements board you'll see

Oh it might be someone selling their old Ford for 50 bucks

Or the farmer up the street that's sellin' fuzzy baby ducks

But it might be more important like a funeral for a friend

(And we're hopin' it's not for this Post Office we'll have to attend!)

Maybe someone's had a baby, or a wedding's coming up

Or the 4th we're celebratin' or a batch of wiggly pups

Maybe someone's out of work and they might need a helpin' hand

Might be lookin' for odd jobs and says he'll do the best he can

And our Postman, well, he plumb looks out, for all our older folks

If they haven't picked up their mail, the good Lord his side He pokes

"Go and check on old man Perkins cause he's fallen mighty ill"

Can you imagine what might happen? Why, he might be lay'n there still

And the reason is we take good care to watch out for each other

We are one big happy family, all sisters, and all brothers

And the kiddies in the winter, well, they might begin to fuss

'cause the lobby's where they stay all warm while waiting for the buss

When our big kids call from college and their needin' something fast

They might have to wait much longer till we get to town at last!

Cause we can't afford the fuel it takes to go from here to there

Oh, the difficulties we might have to face I just can't bear!

I can pack a great big flat rate box and stuff it to the top

Adding cookies for my daughter cause I know it hits the spot

If she sends me something special, but the postage comes to more

Than she put on it, my post man, even comes up to my door

Or I hop down to the Post Office and pay the extra price

Get my package right away, and, I think that's mighty nice

Not to mention all the produce that is shared between our neighbors

It's just sittin' on a table up for grabs by any takers

Yes, our Post Office does all a good Post Office ought to do

But it makes us more like family, I think that's important too!

So please think about it hard 'fore on this anchor of our town

hangs a sign "we're closed for service" on the doorknob must be found

Now we sure do understand the great predicament your in

And we'll do our best to help you and I know where to begin

We will turn off half the lights and flush the toilets once a day

Unplug all the extra coffee pots and bow our heads and pray

For some other ways that we can do our part to cut the debt

I am sure that we can compromise, an agreement could be met

So that over our Post Office, the grand flag will always wave

Cause the little town of Douglas, our old Post Office did save!

Who Shall Abide?

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord ?Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbor or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.

Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. (Psalm 15:1-5 NLT)

Doesn't that seem like a pretty tall order? I know I have not arrived! It says in Steps to Christ pg. 44

The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness. – {SC 43.3}

The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason together” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings He has made. Isaiah 1:18. God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him, that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. – {SC 43.4}

HERE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PROMISE:

As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings. – {COL 333.1}

God gives us a most wonderful gift to aid us in our walk! His Holy Spirit!

The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service. To all who have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, the Holy Spirit has come as a counselor, sanctifier, guide, and witness. {AA 49.2}

The necessity of the Holy Spirit’s working should be realized by all. Unless this Spirit is accepted and cherished as the representative of Christ, whose work it is to renew and sanctify the entire being, the momentous truths that have been intrusted to human beings will lose their power on the mind. It is not enough for us to have a knowledge of the truth. We are to walk and work in love, conforming our will to the will of God. Of those who do this the Lord declares, “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” God is the mighty, all-powerful agency in this work of transformation. By his Holy Spirit he writes his law in the heart. – {RH June 10, 1902 Par. 6}

We have learned that Christ gives us power through His Spirit to fulfill the law.

Jesus died that He might ascribe unto the repenting sinner His own righteousness, AND make it possible for man to keep the law. – {1SM 312.2}

So, what does it mean to fulfill the law?

*DICTIONARY, FULFILL: to carry out, bring to realization, to perform or do,

That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:4 KJV)

Here are some bible examples...

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10 KJV)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 KJV)

We can fulfill Christ's joy...

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2 KJV)

Abraham did more than believe about God, he acted on that belief!

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23 KJV)

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Galatians 5:14 KJV)

Christ fulfilled the law. He wants us to experience the fulfilling of the law, not just the understanding of the law. Fulfilling God's law, from the heart, not just preaching about it!

Why is it important to have more than an assent to the law?

The work of apostasy begins in some secret rebellion of the heart against the requirements of God’s law. Unholy desires, unlawful ambitions, are cherished and indulged, and unbelief and darkness separate the soul from God. If we do not overcome these evils, they will overcome us...We need to be constantly on our guard, to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. The indulgence of spiritual pride, of unholy desires, of evil thoughts, of anything that separates us from an intimate and sacred association with Jesus, imperils our souls. We must have living faith in God.... If the thought of apostasy is grievous to you, and you do not desire to become the enemies of the truth,... then “abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9. – {OHC 347.5}

God gave several principles in His word to live by...Principles that differed radically from what even those who where religious leaders were teaching.

BUT PRINCIPLE (Matthew 5:18...NLT)

"But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

*Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:21,22 KJV)

*"You have heard the commandment that says, `You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

* "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: `An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

AND ONE OF THE HARD ONES...

* "You have heard the law that says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ... If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?

Then there are the:

DO NOT PRINCIPLE. (Matthew 6:1-8, 16-21, 25-34 NKJV)

*“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.... But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

* “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

* “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

*“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

AH 550.2 I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the judgment, that when Christ shall come to be admired in all them that believe, you may be among those who will meet Him in peace. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels, touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory—those who have been washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. A song of triumph shall peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts, accompanied by His redeemed ones, the witnesses that His mission of suffering and sacrifice has not been in vain.

We need to have a faith that would be prepared to die for what we believe!

If it is not from a heart subdued by the love of Christ acted out in love for Christ, will we be able to stand?

All in One Girl

Congratulations are in order for our friend Chantée.
She has much more to celebrate than her 26th birthday.

We heard she and her brother to Wisconsin they did go,
So to the nursing board Chantée her knowledge she could show.

We're sure she studied hard but more than facts Chantée did learn,
Our heavenly Father's love for others in her heart does burn.

So along with all the bed pans, meds, and stitches she might sow,
She hopes to plant into their hearts God's love that it might grow.

Chantée might come off shy but we know better 'cause we've seen,
She's not afraid of much, on top of mountains she has been.

In fact if not for lightening, off a mountain she'd have repelled.
But to her mothers comfort that adventure it got squelched.

The music that comes out when pulling bow across the strings,
Of her violin, I'm sure it makes the angels want to sing.

She's passing on that talent now, to others she is teaching,
And one more talent she's been blessed with is the love of preaching.

Not to the choir you must know, she looks for souls who seek,
To learn of God's great love for those who like Him will be meek.

There is another side of her that makes her so much fun,
And I could keep you here awhile , 'cause I have just begun.

One time when at a family camp I saw this silly girl,
Around her and up to her knees a muddy mess did swirl.

You see a little feller and his bike flew in it first.
To rescue bike or eyeglasses, now which of these was worst?

So in she went with bare feet squishing in that muddy mess,
Let go her fear of crawdads, not her favorite you have guessed.

She loves most other creatures and her sister Tash will tell,
Of a snake skin deteriorating and into her hair it fell.

Of all the things that I could tell, my favorite one to share,
Is that she loves her family, to them she gives great care.

Their home has horses, dog, and many hummingbirds around,
But with her precious family, there most happily be found.

Chantée is just a bundle of God's cre-a-tivity,
And that is why Chantée is special, wouldn't you agree!