A Bridge Between Bridges: Bridges of Promise, #3

By Fred G. Dickenson

One man’s connection between the bridges of his past and the future.

Come take a stroll over A Bridge Between Bridges and relive the godly lineage of Lafayette and Louise, and Lynette, and George Johnson. 
This final bridge of human events, like others in the series, was conceived in Heaven but constructed one day at a time through their sincere faith, family relationships and real-life events in a quiet, rural North Texas community. 
This amazing story spans the beginning, becoming, and believing of a family connected to God and each other. 
Although the beginning of this family was small. Their latter end has become a testimony to others willing to entrust their lives into the hands of a living God who is faithful to His promises. 
— David Martz, Ed. D., Retired Assemblies of God Missionary, educator, author, and adjunct professor at Global University, and North Central Texas College.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Empowered Publications Inc
• Release date: Dec 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781943033621

Book preview

A Bridge Between Bridges

Fred G. Dickenson

Table of Contents

Title Page

A Bridge Between Bridges (Bridges of Promise, #3)

Part One | Beginnings

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Part Two | Becoming

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Part Three | Believing

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Also By Fred G. Dickenson

A Bridge Between Bridges

Fred G. Dickenson

Empowered Publications Inc

Millry, Alabama

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.

©2017 Fred G. Dickenson

All Rights Reserved.

Except for brief quotations, this book may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are taken from the Kings James Version of the Bible.

Published by Filled Books

An Imprint of Empowered Publications Inc.

529 County Road 31

Millry, Alabama 36558

www.filledbooks.com

Library of Congress Control Number:

ISBN: 978-1-943033-54-5 (paperback)

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-943033-65-2 (hardcover)

Digital edition ISBN: 978-1-943033-62-1 (eBook)

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this final segment of The Bridges of Promise series to all the readers out there who fell in love with Louise, Lynette, and George. My hope is that word of this series will spread so many more will want to know the entire Johnson family and learn to love them as well.

Ultimately, it is my prayer that they will eventually learn to love Jesus, just as Louise learned to do. And I hope they will make Him the center of their lives.

To God be the glory.

Endorsements

In his third book in The Bridges of Promise trilogy, Mr. Dickenson evokes memories from our hearts and demonstrates that God uses our mistakes and poor choices to build a bridge to Him. ~ Jan Dean, English Teacher

Having read the first two books in The Bridges of Promise series, The Bridge to Paradise and A Bridge of Her Own, by Fred Dickenson, I found the series engaging and easy to read, personable and well written, with a message that resonated with my past. I enjoyed the humor and compassion Fred demonstrated in these writings as he revealed the importance of being a part of a Christ-centered family. It was easy to see and feel the love and mercy of God time and time again. I eagerly look forward to the impending release of A Bridge Between Bridges. I know that it will be equally as absorbing and spiritually uplifting and look forward to seeing it in print. ~ Wayne Coach Parker, Retired Educator

Although this is the third book of the series, the author provides a good introduction for a reader to pick it up without having read the first two. It is an easy read that brings to light a nostalgic remembrance of a time when there was a value system that includes good morals and proper behavior. For those who are and aren’t Christians, this book still provides life lessons anyone can apply. Whether it be an eye opener or an understanding things don’t occur by happenstance, but by a higher being with a master plan. ~ David Correll

Come take a stroll over A Bridge Between Bridges and relive the godly lineage of Lafayette and Louise, and Lynette, and George Johnson. This final bridge of human events, like others in the series, was conceived in Heaven but constructed one day at a time through their sincere faith, family relationships and real-life events in a quiet, rural North Texas community. This amazing story spans the beginning, becoming, and believing of a family connected to God and each other. Although the beginning of this family was small. Their latter end has become a testimony to others willing to entrust their lives into the hands of a living God who is faithful to His promises. ~ David Martz, Ed. D Retired Assemblies of God, missionary, educator, author and adjunct professor at Global University and North Central Texas College.

Foreword

In the year of 2004, Fred and Rhonda Dickenson came to visit Hilltop Assembly of God Church and became faithful members. In our many years of ministry it has been our observation that some people come into a church and it just seems that they immediately fit in. As one lady stated, The pew just fits! Such is the case of Fred and Rhonda. They endeared themselves to the congregation through music ministry and in their overall friendliness. They involved themselves in every project in which this church was involved in, and there were many. As a result, Fred became a member of the Board of Deacons a position which he still holds. Rhonda began to assist the church bookkeeper and eventually took over the position upon the retirement of the former bookkeeper. She has proven herself to be very capable and thorough in this position. Both are held in high esteem by the congregation of Hilltop. Fred is affectionately known as ultimate teacher with his depth of knowledge and understanding. Rhonda is sweet and kind and loved by all.

In being introduced to Fred’s latest book, A Bridge Between Bridges, it is amazing how much of our own lives and childhood were so similar and parallel. Having been brought up with very few miles between Fred and Rhonda and the two of us and being involved in the same denomination, it is ironic that we never remember meeting as children or as young adults. In comparing notes, we both knew many of the same people. Marilyn’s father even conducted revival services in the church where Fred and Rhonda were raised as children and teens. And then there’s the music. As Fred was involved in singing groups, so were we. Most likely our paths crossed, but it was only later in life that we grew to know and love one another.

It is with confidence that we recommend this book for all to read, not just because we are friends, but because it is a very good book. As one reads through the pages, it is as if you were there and, consequently, one can remember their own experiences in life. ~ Pastor Bill and Marilyn Fitch, Hilltop Assembly of God Church, Boyd, Texas

Prologue

It would be nearly impossible to talk about George Johnson without talking about the generations before him; without discussing Lafayette and Louise, the Schmidts and generations to come and generations past. The reader would need to understand the life of Louise and all the things that came after her because she was the beginning. One would have to learn more about the life of Louise and Lafayette and..., well, you get the picture.

The lives of us all are connected in so many ways throughout our years in the realm of possibilities, but lineage is entirely different. The lives of Louise, George, and Lynette are inexorably connected in so many ways, both in terms of nurture and in nature. Louise’s journey to success, however you define success, began with her mother, Caroline, where in a dream she saw Louise standing in front of a large crowd speaking and receiving applause, but the applause in the dream was simply a sea of faces. The crowds, the being used by God, have been from small to large and all types of places and people.

She also comprehended the connection between the promises kept and made; her comprehension of life and building on those bridges of life is foundational and is borne out in the lives of her siblings, her children or grandchildren, her great grandchildren... and beyond that awareness was continued in and through George. Most of Louise’s promises built bridges to the past and at best initially to build bridges to connect with people around her in her present our past and generations to come in their futures.

The life of Lynette, Louise’s granddaughter, is a clear reflection in building on those bridges from the past hope and the little bridges that she is still building even now.

George’s life has seen the fruits of his labor, contributing to building bridges in both directions, past, and future. Thus, A Bridge Between Bridges.

My hope is that people’s lives will be changed and influenced in such a way as no matter where you go, you will see those bridges leading to the final bridge crossing over Jordan and through the gates of pearl on to the streets of gold.

Once again, to God be all the glory!

Part One

Beginnings

When looking back to see what God hath wrought,

it’s easier to see such wonders planned.

For God alone has power to command

that things through faith in Him alone has taught.

For every chance encounter we have had

that by divine appointment God has shown

and every friend or foe we’ve ever known

contributes to our lives for good or bad.

It really matters not how we perceive

thus how a chance encounter molds us to

do everything he has for us to do;

for building faith in him helps us believe.

For building bridges from the very start

Connects our lives from heart, to heart, to heart.

Chapter 1

Promises From The Past

Someone once asked Louise Schmidt Johnson Of all your children and grandchildren, which one is your favorite? Which one do you love the most?

I love most the one who needs me most at the time, was her reply.

If that was true, and Louise wasn’t in the habit of lying. then George must have been her favorite for almost all his life, with a little Johnny sprinkled in before George came along.

It’s not that George Johnson was especially bad. Although, he did have his moments. For the most part, he was a well-behaved child. George’s biggest problem was that he was born with a desire to go where others in his family had never