Today at Mars Hill, together with our parents, we dedicated Natalie to God and vowed our support in doing our very best to help her grow in her faith. We were led by Mars Hill Pastor Don Kent in the dedication ceremony where there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Our daughter is surrounded by quite the dream-team of a support system; she will never lack for love. We are grateful.
On behalf of both of us, Jeff wrote a letter to Natalie that was read aloud during her dedication. I've included it below. Her grandparents also wrote her letters and shared them as well. On this sunny Sunday, I'm a pile of emotional mush.
Natalie,
We love you and are so grateful that we are blessed to be your parents. You have brought so much joy into our lives and can’t imagine our life without you. We want nothing more than to help guide you into the best life you can possibly have. We’re here today because we acknowledge that you are an incredible gift and a great responsibility that has been given to us.
We believe that you were created by the same God that creates and sustains all things and that he knows you and that he loves you. We are dedicating you to God because we believe that he desires for you to have the best and fullest life possible. We also believe that he has demonstrated for us the path to a life full of love and joy through his son Jesus. We are committed to doing our very best to raise you in that love and teach you how to love other people.
We will continually strive to show you the love that God has for you in the ways that we love you, each other, and those around us.
Your Dad & Mom
10-months and counting.