Last Sunday, on Mother's Day, we had the privilege of having Maddie dedicated to the Lord at Columbia Crossroads Church. It was a very special day for many reasons: all the grandparents were in attendance (except for my Dad who was speaking in NC that day); we were able to stand alongside our best friends, the Ballentines, who were having their son Ben dedicated as well; and the charge was given by Brad Bird - an elder of our church and dear friend who has now officiated our wedding and overseen the dedications of all 3 of our children! The charge came from Joshua chapter 4 and Deuteronomy chapter 6. We were once again challenged to impress the love and Law of the Lord upon our children as we walk it, talk it, breathe it and build every moment upon the goodness of our God! Caleb added some humor to the occasion when he decided to pick his nose as Brad was speaking. Brad turned and saw him and said something like, "We as parents need to be the ones to teach our children to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength, and not to pick their noses!" Oi vey! Anyway, it was a great time of celebrating Maddie as we committed to raise her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Please pray that we will be able to model His unfailing love to all our children ~ even when they pick their noses!
