"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Yesterday we had the boys' dedication at church. What a special day it was. Jeff's parents, his sister and her family, and Cathy, Trey and the girls were all with us to celebrate. There are so many things I want as a parent for Ethan and Evan. I want them to grow up to be loving and caring, responsible, respectful...the list could go on forever, but the most important thing I want for them is to grow up to love God with all their heart and choose to follow Him.

In 1 Samuel 1:27-28 Hannah, who desperately wanted and prayed for a child, said of her son Samuel..."I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I GIVE HIM TO THE LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." Just like Hannah we dedicated our boys to the Lord...to raise them in a Godly home and set an example of what it is to follow Christ. To me it is not important where they go to school (although Jeff might argue that one), what job they have, if they play sports, etc. The only thing that matters to me is that they choose to follow God, which is what yesterday was all about.

We were asked to pick a "life verse" for each of the boys and shared it with the congregation when we went on stage.

For Ethan we chose Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." I think this is so fitting for him. He has become our outgoing, talkative, smiley, funny child (with a few cranky moments thrown in). I pray that as he gets older his personality will shine for Jesus and everyone who sees him will know that he loves Jesus.

For Evan we chose Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Evan is our more quiet, serious child and I think this verse also just fits him. I pray that every aspect and activity of his life, everything he does and says is a reflection of his choice to follow God.

All of the children being dedicated and their families...there were 7 children dedicated.

Our little family...don't the boys look thrilled to be having yet another picture taken.

With Jeff's parents, Shelli and Steve, and cousins Natalie and Connor.

Cathy and Trey, and Allie and Emmie came too. We are so blessed to have them in our life. They are our Waco family...our boys are their boys and their girls are our girls. They have prayed for Ethan and Evan to be here the last 3 years and yesterday would not have been the same without them there.

(And do you see the "handsy" child in my arms? He was messing with Natalie's ponytail the entire time during pictures.)