The future is full of hope

My godson Joseph Bradley is a special little boy. (Do you know him?)

His parents are some of our very best friends.

He carries in his name the legacy of his late uncle.

And as his daddy proclaimed on his dedication day, he will now be looked to to carry on the Larson name... the only one at this point who can for the next generation.

We all gathered in Wisconsin to celebrate his dedication day this past weekend, and there wasn't a dry eye in his grandparents' living room, as the pastor covered Joey in prayer and reminded us all of our hope in Christ... the very room we gathered in years ago to mourn Brad's transition from life on earth to life in the presence of our Almighty God. Both grandfathers spoke of life, hope, faith, death, and resurrection. Of our role in Joey's life and the lives of all of the little ones running around the room in that moment.

It was beautiful, and God was so present and I believe glorified. What an honor to watch our sweet friends declare to their family and close friends that they will raise their children to know the Lord! It's an awesome responsibility God has given to all of us, not only to be intentional about the way we raise our own children but our active involvement in one another's families for the sake of the Gospel. I see the ways that God continues to pour out his blessing on our friends and all of our children, and I am so thankful to be a part of their lives.

Well not only is Joey precious but he is inspirational, and I decided to gift the Larsons something that would hopefully be meaningful and would always remind them of Joey's special dedication day.

I dug around in my art closet for my 2B, 6B and 9B pencils and was pleased to also find a blank sheet of Rives BFK and a kneaded eraser that wasn't completely black. Then late one night while everyone slept, I went to work. I sketched from a gorgeous professional photo that was taken of Joey shortly after his birth, which made the process much easier. And I was pleased with the result (thank goodness)!

{click if you want to enlarge photo}

^{Thanks for including us in Joey's dedication in such a meaningful way.}

^{Deuteronomy 11: 18-20}

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates...