Finishing the Race

Today Brent participated in the Lake Murray Triathalon. He has been running for months now and is training to run his first marathon in October. He has not, however, trained to do a triathalon and just decided to do it for the challenge. I thought he was nuts! Brent's Dad called and said they were coming to watch him to see if it's really God's will for us to go to Africa. Perplexed, Brent asked, "What do you mean?" His Dad said, "Well, we figure if you drown in Lake Murray, you weren't supposed to go!"

In spite of all our ribbing and doubting he did finish, and he finished well. I was reminded of the challenge from Hebrews 12, "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Brent did that in the physical sense today and we are proud of him!

May 13 ~ Dedicated to the Lord

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!