Everett's Dedication

 On October 4, 2015, we dedicated our fourth little one unto the Lord.  We gathered in much the same way as we did when our other three children were dedicated.  My childhood pastor and his wife traveled from Salem, WI to lead us in a time of reflection, reminding us of the special passages of scripture that was read at dedications one, two and three.

 

 

I was grateful for the opportunity to welcome Pastor Mark back into our home as he has been present for many significant moments in my life: baptizing me as a young girl, presiding over my marriage ceremony as a young bride, and dedicating my children as a young mother. 

 

 

As parents, we have identified the importance of inviting others into our lives to share in the joys, challenges, milestones and many significant moments of parenting.  The Lord has been gracious to us, gifting us friendships that have spanned years, friends who have become family as we've shared our stories over bottles of milk and wine.

 

That day as Pastor Mark held our son, we were joined by our dear friends, the Staceys and Lockes, who lovingly accepted our request to be Everett's godparents.  We are grateful for the many moments we have shared as families and anticipate all that we will experience in the future as we raise our kids together. 

 



 

We were also able to celebrate and share the experience of dedicating Everett with our church family on November 29th.  Our friend and pastor, Casey, held each little one and offered up a prayer of dedication.  With tears in my eyes, I listened on as Everett cooed into the microphone, offering up his own praise offerings.

 

 

"To taste the sweetness of ordinary joys, we learn to enter each day with a conviction about the givenness of all things...We've been given a place to be, some things to do, a need for sustenance, and a people to share this with.  God originates these gifts.  God is present with his gifts...At some point, we all have to come to terms with the spiritual truth that true joy is found in God and God is found right where His gifts are."

 - Zack Eswine