Little Brother

Little brother your sweet.
You made our family complete.
A surprise from the start,
You quickly filled my heart.

Watching you learn how to clap your hands,
And take your very first step.
To playing football and riding dirt bikes,
Live your life with no regrets.

A sweet spirit you have,
Especially when I've been sad.
Cards made to help encourage.
Your life filled with courage.

Uncertainties you've faced
at a young age.
Strength found in each step,
Throughout these days.

Oh, little brother,
Why'd you grow up so fast?
Where's the cheesy smiles,
So often seen in the past?

I guess it's time to accept,
That your getting older.
Especially now that you like,
To throw me over you shoulder.

You are strong and handsome,
And a world of opportunity awaits you.
Keep your goals straight,
And God in the right place,
And he will help you get through.

Brothers

God created brothers,
Little bundles of adventure.

Picking up worms,
And anything that squirms.
What new creature will they capture?

Made with no fear,
Band aids always near.
Scrapes on their knees,
Climbing up trees.

Nothing seems to slow them down.
Always fun to have around.
Giggles and laughter fill the air,
Precious watching them learn to share.

Learning prayers,
And singing songs at night.
Touches a mothers heart,
And makes the Angels smile bright.

Protectors of their mother,
And also of each other.
Always wanting to play outside.
Maybe on their slip-n-slide.

Brothers as you grow,
Make sure you always know.
Your brother will be your best friend.
Friends for life until the end.

Happy Father's Day

Dad your always there for me,
When I'm happy or am sad.
You celebrate the good times,
And help take away the bad.

In your eyes I am more special,
Than all that money could buy.
You tell me I'm a princess,
And on you I can rely.

No one could replace you,
Or come close to filling your shoes.
You taught me how to ride a bike,
And said good judgement I should use.

Even as I get older,
A special man in my life you will be.
Never forgetting all the times,
I sat upon your knee.

Love you dad

What Are Your Plans For Me?

God, what are your plans for me?
I wish you could show me the way.
The right road to make,
Which job to take,
No more uncertainties throughout my day.

Could you just make it all clear,
And maybe mail me a letter?
A list of to-do's,
And all the how-to's,
That would make my life so much better.

What is this you tell me?
The answers are in your book?
How to live each day,
And how to pray.
Why didn't I think to look?

Well, thank you for your time,
And for sending me a line.
A reminder of how to live.
Not specific answers but guidelines you give.

So if I read it everyday,
It'll help show me the way.
To make the right choice,
And help share your voice.
My new purpose starts today.

It's Okay

It's okay to cry,
And it's okay to ask why.
But make sure to listen,
When a reply is given.

Often times the truth we seek,
Isn't unveiled in the time we'd like it to meet.

But God is good and someday the answers will be made clear.
Maybe not in the way we thought or maybe the thought we feared.
But every day is a gift and a life you could help change.
A testimony to the strength you have and to God's truth you have obtained.

Hard times faced,
A new glimpse on life embraced.
Struggles faced throughout your day,
Still filled with beautiful images of your children out at play.

Your heart and fight they will see,
And better persons they will be.
Courage you've shown,
Your faith in God has grown.

They will learn from you how to live,
How to fight and how to give.
Serving God through it all.
The legacy of another generation able to stand tall.

Why God?

Your child is sick and you can't understand why.
Your heart and body ache inside and you try to remind yourself on whom you can rely.
But at that point all you feel is pain,
Wishing you could take away their hurt and have something to blame.

Such a tragedy at a young age.
You realize life's meaning as you watch and you pray.
A burden you'd take if it were up to you.
Life's unfair reality of what sickness can do.

You can let it eat you up and make you bitter inside.
Or go to God and let him remind you that this little life will never leave his side.
Angels posted near their bed to guard and keep safe.
Knowing in your heart that this child could never be replaced.

Every child is a special gift sent from up above.
God has promised to take care of and love.
But sometimes we don't understand God's ways,
And become upset if he shortens their days.

But don't be sad, they're still in God's hand.
Singing praises and dancing with Angels and their worship band.
Having fun and playing there,
They got there first but there are many rooms to spare.

Easier said than done, but know this battle has been won.
Pain will fill our earthly days,
But our time in Heaven always stays,
Filled with the presence of God himself,
Everyday is a blessing, remind yourself.

Slow Healing

Oh, my son how sick you'd become,
So a trip to the hospital we made.

The results were grim,
Our hearts fell within,
As we found out the reason for this disaster.

The doctors came in,
A small discussion to begin.
The reason for your pain,
Kidney failure was to blame!

In denial of what we heard.
It was just too absurd.
Our once healthy little boy,
With a sickness that could destroy!

The days to follow were scary and bad.
Our little boy so weak and so sad.
Pokes and procedures, dialysis everyday.
When will it all end?
When will he be okay?

At church they all prayed
For your healing and recovery.
The Holy Spirit filled my heart,
And entered your room around 11:30am.

Angels posted at your bedside,
Silently raising you up.
Letting us know that God,
Will never give up.

You are his child,
And God has plans for you.
You are to become his Disciple,
And help lead others to him too.

Thank you God for your healing touch.
For saving our son, who we love so much!

Written for my son April 2008
Love, Mom

2008

2008 wasn't so great.

My dads first full year with cancer,

Always wondering the next place it could transfer.

Several surgeries to take out,

The disease that spread throughout.

Pain and suffering dealt with and crushed,

By my fathers love and trust in God,

And his desire to stay with us.

April brought our worst fear of all!

Lance so weak and sick,

A virus tried to kill and trick.

The doctors didn't know the fight he was facing.

Blown off as just his stomach aching.

His kidneys functioning only five percent,

The virus attaching without relent.

It didn't care that our son was only two,

Or the pain it would put us through.

And if that wasn't enough,

Another family trial came for us.

Our nephew Kyle so sweet and kind,

Lance's best buddy,

The best friend you could find.

To U of M he went,

To fix his little heart.

Many prayers were sent,

And family tears spent.

God's grace shining once again,

Our go to guy and dear friend.

But as I look back on this passing year,

I can say one thing is very clear.

God has healed and seen our family through.

Don't underestimate his power and his unfailing love for you!

So as we face 2009

Remember, "Not my will, but thine."

Be thankful for each blessing big or small.

Because life will still bring trials,

But with God's help we can face it all.

Thank You

I just wanted to thank you for all that you did.

A year ago I was in here trying hard to live.

You helped fix my kidneys and I was able to pull through.

Just wait until I tell you, all the things I've learned to do.

In the summer I jumped off the diving board all by myself.

And I learned to ride a bike, my training wheels now on the shelf.

My dad got me a 4 wheeler that I can ride alone.

I accidentally ran into my Uncle's barn, I sure hope i'm not accident prone.

I got to go to a movie theater, for the first time.

And watch silly animals shake their behind. ( Madagascar 2)

I got to go trick-r-treating with my cousins and little brother.

Lots of candy and cool costumes, nothing could be funner.

I go to the dentist now and I do pretty good.

Mom and Dad are so proud of me because I sit still just like I should.

I've gotten really strong so I help mom carry groceries in the house.

She says that growing up and being a gentleman is what it's all about.

Because you helped me, I've been able to do new things.

Because God healed me, I can laugh and sing.

Angels On Earth

Angels on earth,

That's what you are.

Taking care of my child,

Never very far.

Quick to calm his fears,

Quick to wipe his tears.

Sacrificing your life and time,

Taking care of others,

Not just mine.

Taking time away from your families,

To help heal my son,

Bringing him back to me.

On behalf of all the Children,

And families you've touched.

You will never be forgotten.

And we hope you are blessed so much!

Stay Strong

Why bad things happen to good people, often seems unfair.

You're beautiful inside and out but the world just doesn't care.

It would like to eat you up and swallow you whole.

But God is bigger than this entire world and is not going to let you go.

Cling close to him and all you know is true.

He's the healer and Deliverer of all your going through.

Your fate is not in the hands of what your doctors may have told you.

It's in your mind and in God's time,

So let him love and hold you.

Written with love for Tonya Gasser who is fighting breast cancer

Hold On

As your heart is aching,

For fear of the unknown.
Remember that your father loves you,

And cannot be overthrown.

His hand is amidst it all.

Even though we don't understand why.

He will help pull Kyle through,

And we will all rejoice with you.

So don't loose heart,

And don't loose faith.

God loves the little children,

And his healing power is great!

These times of trials,

Often seem unfair.

But growth and conquering death,

Are awesome testimonies to share.

The burdens of this place,

Are only temporary.

Our life in his hands,

He will always carry.

There will be a day.

He'll wipe our tears away.

We'll feel pain no more,

With our new wings we will soar.

As long as we hold on,

To the hope Salvation brings,

We can smile and know,

That someday we'll receive,

A life of no more suffering.

With Love,

Holly E. O'Brien

Your Best Friend

He was there from the start,

And he'll be there until the end.

Forever your father,

Forever your best friend.

You are his little men,

His partners in crime.

From learning to throw a ball,

To shaking your behind.

With him you love to laugh and play.

Picking on Mama throughout the day.

Rides on his chopper almost every night,

You never get scared, you gleam with delight.

His pride and joy,

His young men.

He'll teach you how to ride a bike,

And on whom you can depend.

So as you get older always know,

Your father helped take care of you,

Your father watched you grow.

If help is ever needed,

He will be by your side.

To help pick you up,

Or give you a ride.

Know your father always loves you,

And wants to see you through.

Just like our God above,

Your dad will never forsake you.

My Mother

A surprise from the start,

Two twins to steal your heart.

God put us in the best hands he could see.

A mother with so much love and generosity.

Dinner by the pool,

Our rooms always clean.

Never do I remember you ever being mean.

Often taken for granted for all that you did.

I now realize since I'm no longer a kid.

All you did was always for someone else.

Housekeeper to our home,

Chef for our meals,

Chauffer until we were grown,

All a real good deal.

Sympathy for a teenage broken heart,

Silly now to me.

But at the time your compassion was so needed,

And a life long memory.

A letter written to help remind me,

That once I was there for you,

And now you were here for me.

Life brought many ups and downs,

And now I'm glad to say.

That with your unselfish love,

Better times are here to stay.

You've cared for all my needs,

And done the best you could do.

And I would like to take a moment,

To kindly congratulate you.

On being the best Mom and Grandma,

A family could ever hope for.

We can't thank you enough.

We love you and adore.

I'm sad to say a mother's duties really never end.

I will forever need you and call you my best friend.

With Love,

Holly Elizabeth

My Dad

A love so deep, a heart so big,

The needs of others, always within.

You work so hard never thinking of yourself.

Others needs to be met, living life with no regret.

Loving God through the ups and downs.

A true testimony to my life. This is a God I want around!

A warm house to live with food on the table.

Young daughter on your lap, with horses in the stable.

Falling off and being told to get back on,
A highschool diploma handed to me by a hand so strong.

A motorcycle ride to ease my aching heart.

Time spent with your daughter, keeping her from falling apart.

The support you gave and the love you expressed,

Made me feel like your little princess.

The bar set high for the next man to be.

With your prayers for my mate, God has sent him to me.

A job well done, I'm proud to say.

That you were my hero all the way!

A love for a wife, the spit fire that she is.

A love for us kids, giving us all you had to give.

And a love for God, the most important of all.

Because with him in time, his love will cover us all.

With love,

Holly Beth

Papa's Love

Unlimited rides on the tractor,

He'll always let you go faster.

Sometimes I get to steer,

So you'de better keep clear.

He plays with me in the pool,

And that is always cool.

He makes sure that I am safe,

My life jacket put in place.

Yep, he's the best you can get.

Milk, cookies, and chips,

anytime I like.

Playing in the driveway,

On my hotwheels or bike.

Papa loves me a ton,

That I know!

Rides on the sled,

Falling in the snow.

Yep, he's the best you can get.

He holds me when i'm tired,

And stayed close when I was sick.

He helps make me feel better,

And I hope he likes this letter.

You Are Not Alone

You are not alone in the grief that you bare.

Jesus feels yor pain and knows you're there.

He's got your little brother,

Safe at his side.

Hoping you know,

That you are not alone,

And on whom you can rely.

Precious memories tucked safe inside.

The games you'd play and where you use to hide.

Hard to reminisce right now,

But with time you will see,

Perfect childhood memories of your brother,

Will bring you smiles and glee.

A legacy you've created,

A son who can bring honor to your name,

And grandchildren who love you,

And are proud of you just the same.

Without you we wouldn't be.

Because of you, I was given the perfect family.

So please stay strong,

And keep looking up.

Our God and your family love you,

And know that times are tough.

Life is not all about the ending,

But the life that we have lived.

Honoring the one who made us,

And giving all we have to give.

"I love you Grandpa"

Life's Journey

Life's journey began April 1937.

Patricia Louise Murphy,

A small gift from Heaven.

She embraced the world, ready to live life.
Filled with fun and adventure,

Her smile so Bright.

At two years old there were none as sweet,

As that dimpled curly haired cutie.

A special little girl,

She was definatly a beauty.

With the locks and looks of a young Shirley Temple,

She grew up with a face all her children would resemble.

Climbing in mailboxes and to the tops of trees,

A life of transition, she could do anything.

She loved bowling, swimming, and trips to campgrounds.

Time with Fay and Harley, on their porch she could be found.

Roots dug deep in family,

Always important to see.

With wings to soar over mountians,

Life filled with all sorts of possibility.

Encouraging her children to do just the same.

You finish what you start and in it much to gain.

Raising five children each one special with big and kind hearts.
A blessing to this world and lives i'm so proud to be apart.

Her home filled with books, decorating, and National Geographic's,

With a few stray cats to add to the mix.

Door held wide open with hugs and kisses to meet her guests.

Grateful for every visit, friends and family were the best.

She will be missed by all her friends and family.

But we can be happy in knowing a young son she will see.

A family slowly reunited because of a faith they had in Christ.

Forever together, thanks to Eternal life.

Life's Journey ending in 2008,

To be replaced with happiness only God can create.

~You will be forever missed

One Special Lady

Esther is a name that will always represent to me,

A loving Grandma who loves God and her family.

She raised four kids and kept up her home,

Took her children to church until they were grown.

She helped witness to my dad and also my uncle.

A woman of God with a faith that wouldn't crumble.

Because of her I have two Godly parents,

Who showed me the way, the way not to perish.

I was given a life filled with hope because of a choice you made.

You accepted Gods son and were baptized one day.

Beside the crick, with your sisters in toe,

God working in your life even then, as your faith did soon grow.

Life lessons learned and heartache no one should have to bear.

A twin sister lost, this truly was not fair!

But I thank God for your choice to stay on the right road,

Because someday we'll all get a chance to see Doris's new home.

You've been a great example of what every lady should be,

Sweet spirited and kind, filled with integrity.

Opening up your home whenever we're around.

Hospitality and a warm meal can always be found.

Having a servants heart,

You're a life I am so proud ot be apart.

"I love you Grandma"

Dad, Come Play with Me

My father has an important job to provide for our family, but often times he works to hard and forgets to take time to play with me.

I know someday I'll have to be a man and go to work alone. But I wish for now, maybe just once we could do something on our own.

I could help him wash the car or maybe rake the leaves. I could help him if given the chance to spend some time with me.

Everyday he gets up and heads off to work. I wish someday he could stay home. That would be fun for sure.

But, "Time well spent," is something my dad would say when you've worked real hard throughout your day. So where's the time to laugh and play, before you know it he'll be gray.

My birthday was coming and dad asked me what I wanted. " Some time with you." Is what I responded.

A day with dad, I could hardly wait. It was hard to choose what to do on that special date. Fishing in the morning, batting cages in the afternoon, a night filled with go-carts and candy up to the moon.

Dad was up at the crack of dawn with donuts on a plate. "How's this for starting your special day on this very special date?" I couldn't stop from smiling the entire day. My dad had made it perfect, by my side the entire way.

I didn't catch a fish but it sure was a lot of fun, to hook the worm and do guy stuff. A great day had begun.

To the batting cages we went where I imagined hitting a grand slam. My dad cheering in the crowd, he was my biggest fan.

We raced around in go-carts, must have been a hundred times. I cut him off at the corner, "I had this race, it was all mine!"

It was getting late and dad said, " We probably should get back home, but not before I tell you son, that boy you sure have grown. Spending time with you and seeing all that you can do, makes me realize how lucky I am to have a son like you."

"I'm sorry for all the time I've spent away. I guess I thought that as a man I had a job to do everyday. But today you have reminded me of my greatest job and blessing. I need to be a father to my son, only giving him the best of me."

"That is truly time well spent. You're my legacy in the making."

"Sometimes as grownups get older we forget to have fun. But from now on I will rememer that being there for my family is number one."

My dad is my hero, strong and tall. Someday I hope to be just like him, loving my family through it all.

Please Pick Me, God.

My name is Sarah Faith and this is the story of how my life began.

I was told Ihad perfect little fingers and ten tiny toes and that someday I would be chosen to have parents of my own. I felt very special because the Angels made it very clear, That I was God's child and my life with a family was very near.

I waited patiently as I watched the other babies go. Emma went to England, and Jackson to the United States, Kendall to the Ukraine, " oh there must be some mistake!"

Why was I still waiting while the others went away? When would I get my chance, when would it be my day? God came and scooped me up in his strong but gentle hands, "My child I will hold you close and tell you of my plan."

He took me to a cloud where I could see down below and he pointed to a woman that I did not know. She looked kind and beautiful but just a little sad and God told me that I was her gift and someday I would make her glad.

"You see my child as you wait; someone else is waiting for you. Praying hard and preparing for the things I plan to do."

As the woman walked she saw children out at play. She longed for God to give her one so her life could be that way. A great mother she would be, loving a child unconditionally. But she knew it wasn't up to her. It was all in Gods plan. Perfect timing and the perfect child were all in Gods hand.

I looked up at God and said, "I could be her child. I could be the one to play, the one to make her smile." "I thought that you might say that, that's why I have chosen you. Now you know while you wait, a family is waiting for you. So don't be sad when you see the other babies go, because now you know I have the perfect parents waiting down below.

It took awhile and I got real tired so a nap I did take. And when I woke I saw a smile, I wasn't sure I was really awake. She held my hand and looked at me with gleaming eyes, "I've waited so long for you, so glad you have arrived."

I squint my eyes trying to see her better and by her side I saw a man. "Could this be my new father in the story God had planned?" He kissed my new mothers head and then came down to me. "You are perfect in everyway, welcome to our family."

Lance's T-Ball Tryouts

Proverbs 12:25

"An anxious heart weighs a mand down, but a kind word cheers him up."

T-ball tryouts, today was the day.

Lance and his buddy Joey were off to the park to play.

Both boys had gone to all the practices and had a lot of fun.

But today they would find out what team they were on and they hoped they would make the same one.

As they got to the ball park they could hear the kids shout.

The list of teams was posted on the dirty green dugout.

With black cleats and a baseball cap, Lance felt like a real baseball player.

He ran as fast as he could to see if he and Joey would be playing together.

Lance's heart sank as he looked at the list of teams.

He shut his eyes hoping this was just a bad dream.

As he opened his eyes he knew it was true.

Not playing with his best friend Joey, what was he to do?

Lance made the little Sluggers and they got to wear blue.

And Joey made the Pirates who wore red and growled too.

This was Lance's first practice without his best friend.

He couldn't wait for this whole day to end.

Lance didn't know a single person and was feeling quite alone.

He stared up in the clear blue sky and wished he could just go home.

The coach divided up the kids to hit, field, and run and noticed Lance down on the bench looking like he was having no fun.

"Hello young man my name is Steve, is everything okay? You look a little down, are you having a rough day?"

Lance shrugged his shoulders, lifted his head and said, "I don't know anyone here."

Coach Steve sat down and assured him there was no reason to fear.

"Do you know the story of Daniel and the lions den?

Daniel was scared and all alone but God was his best friend.

God sent Angels to shut the lions mouth,

and by morning he was still alive and the king helped pull him out."

So even though Daniel felt all alone,

God brought him friends who kept him safe until he got back home.

God can do the same for you. He will help bring you a friend or two.

There are many kids on this team who might like to be your friend. And I bet if you go out and play you will meet one of them.

Just then a ball rolled up to Lance's feet.

A little girl with brown pigtails came running up to meet.

"Hi, I'm Addysen Drew. I've never been on a team before, is this your first time too?

Lance gave a little smile and said, "Yes, that is true, let's play catch, you go back far and I'll throw the ball to you."

The rest of practice was a lot of fun.

Running bases and laughing a ton.

Lance was glad that God helped him make new friends, and he couldn't wait for the next practice to see them all again.

Eternal Hope

My heart is often breaking,
As the lives around me are shaking.
Unsure of the unknown.
Which way will our lives be blown?

Trying to stay faithful,
To the one who makes me able.
To cry a few tears,
Ridding my fears,
Helping me clear the unknown.

Letting go of my worries,
Being filled with the glories,
Holding onto the stories,
Of knowing God is in control.

Families are a blessing.
The best gift you could ever get me.
But sometimes gifts get old or brake.
Mine no longer, yours to take.

Not easy to let go.
But in peace I'll always know.
You will fix the old and broken,
And wait together with gates wide open.

To greet me in the air,
Showing me that their there.
Fixed and made brand new,
Waving and smiling with you.

Knowing my story will end this way,
Gives me the ability to live each day,
Filled with the hope that will always stay,
Hopefully a smile to others along the way.

Lance's Scary Sleepover

Isaiah 66:13

As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.

It had been a rainy day and Lance really wanted to go out and play.

Wishing the rain would go away Lance knelt down and tried to pray.

"Please God take the rain away so I can go play with my friends today."

The rain didn't stop and the sun didn't come out, but the phone rang and on the other end he could hear his friend shout. " Could Lance come stay the night? Would that be alright?"

Lance had never spent the night anywhere but at that point he didn't care.

He just wanted something to do, somewhere to play for an hour or two.

His mom packed his pajamas, toothbrush, and pillow.

And as they pulled out the drive his little brother waved out the window.

Lance and Kyle were best buds and had tons of fun playing together.

Tonight would be no different. They would be best of friends forever.

The boys spent the afternoon building forts all around, there was no place left to sit, all the cushions were on the ground.

From building forts to painting and on to movie time,

it was getting dark and Lance realized he wasn't sure he was fine.

He'd never stayed the night alone, without his family, on his own.

This was becoming a scary sleepover and Lance wanted it to be over.

He wished he'd stayed home with his little brother and waited until he was older.

Who would sing him night time songs and kiss him on his head? Who would pray for his good night sleep and thank God for his bed?

Then again where would he sleep, he didn't have a bed there.

Would he have to sleep on the floor next to Larry the Labrador?

Would he have to sleep in a room all by himself? Watching scary shadows on the wall, hearing creepy noises down the hall?

To his surprise Kyle's dad pulled out sleeping bags. They were going to camp out on the floor. This was cool because he'd done that before.

Lance got to call his mom and dad and was able to say goodnight. They blew him kisses over the phone and said he'd be alright.

He got a sip of water and Kyle's mom said a prayer. She thanked God for friends and family and that Lance was able to stay there.

Lance shut his eyes and realized that staying the night wasn't so bad.

He thought about what he did that day and all the fun he had.

He learned that going away wasn't much different than staying home,

and that with good friends and family he would never be alone.

Lance's Daring Dive

Joshua 1:9

"...be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Lance was so excited because summer had arrived.
It was the first time he would take a chance at trying his daring dive.

Last year he had seen the boys doing their cool tricks.
From triple flips to cannon balls to straight pencil sticks.


But back then he felt to little and even a little scared.
So he just stayed at the poolside and just watched and sat and stared.


Today would be the day he'd show everybody there,
that he was no longer a little boy and that he wasn't even scared.

He went and found his towel and packed his floaties to.
He practiced diving off the couch. It seemed like the right thing to do.


He told his little brother, "Watch and I'll show you how."
To jump up high and be real brave, "see I can do it now!"


Practice time was over. Mom had the car all packed.
It was time for him to go. He would soon show them his new act.


As they got closer to the pool, Lance got nervous inside.
"Could I still be brave enough to try my daring dive?"


When they got to the pool, his mom covered him in sunscreen and put his floaties on.
The time had come for him to get in, but his fears had come but not gone.


His mom could tell that he was worried and tried to ease his fears.
She told him that God loved him and would always be right here.

She said God could give him the strenght to be calm and brave.
And he could try that daring dive he thought of and craved.


So Lance walked to the diving board and took a real deep breath.
He looked around and prayed to God and took that first big step.


He walked to the end of the diving board and looked over the edge.
His heart pounding inside, but he could still hear what his mom had said.


Lance got the courage to start jumping up and down.
And like Superman he went up with one leap and bound.


His Daring Dive, he was doing it! He was in mid-air!
Not the smoothest thing you'd ever seen but Lance didn't care.


He'd conquered his fear and felt like man of the year, and went to go try it again.

Lance's Big Boy Bike

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."

It was a sunny saturday morning and all the kids on the block were out.

They were playing with their bikes and toys, you could hear them laugh and shout.

Kyle was on the bike he got for his birthday when he turned six.

And Raegan had her hula hoop, she liked to dance and twist.

Lance was almost out the door before her heard his mother shout.

"Don't forget your helmet and pads, you know you can't ride without."

So he grabbed up his gear and out the door he flew.

To ride his bike and play with all the local kids he knew.

He rode up and down the sidewalk feeling confidant with his skills.

So he went back home to his dads garage to try and find his drills.

He was trying to take his training wheels off when his dad walked in the door.

"Are you sure son that you're ready for this? You know your only four."

Lance got up and stood real tall and said, "I'm strong enough."

So his dad took off his training wheels and said, "Boy it might be tough."

Lance was sitting on top the seat, ready and raring to go down the street.

His helmet on his head and pads in there place. He felt like he was about to star in his first bicycle race.

His dad stood close behind him and gave a little push.

Pedaling fast by himself he ran into a bush.

Crying and upset Lance said, "This is just to hard!"

"I'm done with riding my big boy bike; I'm going back to our yard!"

Lance's father helped him up and brushed off all the leaves.

He encouraged him to get back on and said, "It'll be okay you'll see."

He told him there are times in life when we'd fall and get knocked down.

But with Gods help and by our side he'd keep us off the ground.

He told him God was our father too and didn't like to see us sad.

And that he'd try to stay real close and help to make us glad.

Lance wiped his tears and hugged his dad and said, "I'll get back on."

"I'll show you and God that I can be very strong."

Little did he know how hard it would be to ride a big boy bike.

But his dad promised to not let go until the time was right.

They practiced most the day until his father heard Lance say, "Let go dad, I got it now, I will be okay."

So his father let go but stayed close beside, only an arms length away.

Just like our father up above, real close is where he'll stay.

Lance Goes to the Dentist

1 Corinthians 6:19

"Do you not know that your body is a temple?...Therefore honor God with your body."

Mom said I had to go to the dentist so they could clean my teeth.
But I thought my teeth were fine, they looked clean enough to me.

Hiding didn't work and saying I'd brush my teeth everyday.
Didn't make mom and dad change their mind. To the dentist, I was on my way.

On the way into the office I saw pictures down the hall.
My friends Kyle and Joey had made the, " NO CAVITIES" wall.

We only waited a minute until the teeth cleaning lady called my name.
I was wishing I were somewhere else, maybe a baseball game.

She took me back to a really big chair and showed me where to sit.
I climbed up and got real quiet but I didn't throw a fit.

She got out a funny looking camera and asked me to open my mouth.
She was going to take pictures of my teeth, "thats like pictures from the inside out."

As neat as that sounded my mouth stayed shut.
No bribing or coaxing was going to get me to open up.

Dad came up next to me and said, "Lance it'll be alright."

"Will you please open your mouth big, like the funny faces we make at night?"

I started to relax and opened up so she could see inside.
She turned on a bright light and started counting, "one, two, three, four, five."

Yep, I had all my teeth and now she was going to clean them.
There were a gazillion flavors of polish and she was going to let me choose one.

In about five minutes my teeth were sparkly white.
And now we had to wait for the dentist to come in and make sure they were alright.

She flossed my teeth with a little piece of string.
It looked like a mini version of the wire papa used for fishing.

I got a new green toothbrush because greens my favorite color.
And I got to pick a blue one to give to my little brother.

She even had a prize box with lots of little toys.
Bracelets, stickers, and key chains. Stuff for girls and boys.

The dentist checked my teeth and said they looked okay.
Now I could take my picture that would go up in the hallway.

Mom said God gave us our teeth and were suppose to brush.
Always making sure to get the back, and never ever rush.

So I will brush them everyday to make sure the cavities stay far away.