Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Charlotte's Dedication

We dedicated Charlotte to the Lord this past Sunday.  During his dedication message, our pastor mentioned that it was more of a parent dedication than a child one, since we are the ones acknowledging that Charlotte is a gift entrusted to us from the Lord and publicly committing to raise her up to know and follow Him. 

Obviously you know before becoming a parent that it's a challenging task, but I never really thought about all that went in to raising a child to learn and grow in God's love.  Everything I learn about Him now, I immediately relate back to my children, and try to think of ways that I can reveal these truths to them at an early age.  I've also become increasingly aware of the truth to the old "it takes a village..." adage.  During the dedications at our church, the body commits to walk alongside the family and essentially help raise the children. 

Throughout the journey our family has been through over the past year, the church - not just Scofield, but the church - has been such a blessing to us.  They pray for us and give us their ears and their hearts and they carry this burden with us, not only because they love us but because they love Him, and that's what He's commanded us to do. 

Carry each other's burdens. 

Pray for each other's children. 

Teach each other's children. 

Love each other's children. 

So I am confident that Charlotte will have a multitude of God-fearing people raising her alongside of us.  And I am so thankful...

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4  This is my hope for her...my daily prayer.

2 comments:

Rikki said...

congratulations on the dedication! charlotte is so pretty!

Trina said...

This one made me cry...I am thankful you and James have such a large family.