Stratton

A few weeks ago Stratton was dedicated at our church's child dedication service. We dedicated Stratton because as parents we wanted to share our commitment to raise Stratton in a way that encourages, teaches and shows him how much his Heavenly Father loves him and to acknowledge that Stratton's life is in the Lord's hands. We don't believe that baby dedication "saves" Stratton or makes him a Christian. Instead, we see it as a time when we can publicly commit to raise him in the Lord's love so that one day he can make that choice for himself. We love our kids so very much and pray everyday that they might experience and accept the Lord's saving grace! We chose a "life" Bible verse for Stratton (we did this with Natalie too). We want each of our kids to be able to have a specific piece of Scripture to inspire and encourage them throughout their lives. It is really a special thing to pick out scripture to dedicate to each child- we have so many hopes and dreams for each of them and can already recognize some of the unique qualities that God has placed in each of them. My dad ("PaPa") shared some beautiful verses and prayed a really special prayer for baby Stratton. It brings me to tears because I am so thankful that my children have such meaningful relationships with their extended family who care so deeply for our kids!

This is the letter that we wrote to Stratton:

Dear Stratton,
Today we make a promise to you that we will do our very best to love, support and raise you to know how deeply your Heavenly Father loves you. Since before you were born, the Lord had a plan for you. He formed every beautiful fiber of who you are and will become. We feel honored that God chose our family to be your home and your mom and I to be your parents. Our prayer for you is that you may have the joy, assurance and courage that a relationship with Jesus Christ brings. The passage we have chosen for you and our prayer for what your life will represent is found in Philippians 4:4-9. Life isn’t always easy and you will make mistakes but God wants a relationship with you through it all and will always love you. We hope that you will study the Word of God, come to know Jesus as your personal Savior and as a result, be a Godly man who has the peace of the Lord with you always. We love you, Stratton!
Love,
Daddy and Mommy

Philippians 4:4-9…………………………………………………………………………
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.