We Lost Bernice Dodgen

There are few things in life so wonderful as people who are good. Bernice was so very good. I could not ask for a better mother-in-law. She made our lives so happy and filled with love and support and good things. She was a model for how to live and love the simple and good life.

Bernice had a garden in back with many bird-feeders and flowers. We saw peacocks, deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, quail, and even a bobcat. I did not mention that we had birds of more than 50 varieties right before our eyes. The Lazy J was and is a special place filled with love. The heart of that place was Jack and Bernice; now they are both with the Lord.

Christmas time was magic. We had a wonderfully large family of more than 30 who gathered. Bernice always made the dessert room full with endless treats of every kind: pies, cakes, cookies and candies. We even had Braum's chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer (she knew that was my favorite).

Bernice was sound in her faith, capable in her study, and committed to her Lord. Her children rise and call her blessed. They praise her name because of what she was and is in our hearts.

We will always love you Jack and Bernice. This poem I wrote is dedicated to their memory:

Into Your Hands
December 2, 2003, 9:22 AM

Into Your hands, Father, into Your hands,
I commit my spirit into Your hands.
All I am and have I yield to You.
Your love and grace will bear me through,
For You know what's best and what I should do,
So I leave my soul within Your hands.

{Chorus}
In His body He bore our transgressions;
In the garden He gave in to Your plans.
On the cross He committed His spirit,
So we can live forever in Your hands.


Into Your hands, Father, into Your hands,
I cast all my burdens into Your hands,
All my stress and pain I give to You.
Your love and grace will bear me through,
For You know what's best and what I should do,
So I cast my cares into Your hands.

{Chorus}

Into Your hands, Father, into Your hands,
I cast all my sins into Your hands,
All I've said and done I bring to You.
Your love and grace will bear me through,
For You have told me what I must do,
So I cast my sins into Your hands.

{Chorus}

Into Your hands, Father, into Your hands,
I commit my spirit into Your hands.
My life on earth I leave for You.
Your love and grace will bear me through,
For You have a place I'm going to,
So I leave my soul within Your hands.

{Chorus}