Friday, October 21, 2011

A Great Day!

Stephanie and Abby
This past weekend our family enjoyed a very special time at our church's baby dedication service.  Many relatives came in town to show their support and the day went really well.  Abigail and about six other kiddos were dedicated in the 9:30 service as well as several babies in the other two services.  The pastor said a brief word, the congregation said a verse of encouragement, and then he came down the row and said a word to each of us.  It was a moment that we had looked forward to for several months. While
Abby was in the hospital we received invitations for the spring and summer dedications and those weren't an option for her.  The struggles and setbacks early in her life made sharing that moment with our family members, church family and our precious girl Sunday that much more joyous.



Abby did great throughout the short time up at the front, it was us that had a hard time trying to hold it together.  The promise to raise our child up in a faithful and loving family was not one we take lightly.  We know that HE will be with us every step of the way as we try to teach, encourage, and love on Abby.


Another incredible moment occurred after the service had ended.  We were waiting for the rest of the group in the lobby and a women came up to us and asked if she could pray for Abby.  We said sure and the woman, named Susie, prayed for Abby.  She asked god to walk with her as she became a godly woman and I can't begin to describe how special this was.  If you've ever had some one say a good prayer for you, you understand this feeling - it was powerful.

We took pictures with family members and headed to share a meal with everyone after the service.  It was a great celebration and Abigail did so well being passed around and photographed so much.  She is loved by many for sure.
Grammy Sherry
Aunt Brittany
Cousin Craig
Steph's Family
Jody's Family
The whole crew, minus "G"
Okay the "G" had to be patched but it was good!
The Johnson Crew
Thanks to Karen Jo Matsler for taking pictures for us during the service and afterwards.  It was a memorable moment and we are glad it was captured. 


As I reflect about last Sunday and Abigail's life, I keep thinking of a song by Shane & Shane.  It's called "The One You Need"  and if you are a parent/or even if you aren't the message is significant and very fitting.  Here is the link- ShaneandShane.  The video is a tad bit distracting but don't miss the point: As much as we love our children, we hope that they will seek a relationship with the lord.  Because HE loves them/us immeasurably more.

Next week we are headed to San Antonio again for a check-up with the liver specialist.  We aren't certain what all they will want to check on but we are hopeful that they will give us a good report and send us on our way.  We hope to fill you in on Abby sooner that last time. Tomorrow Abigail will be 8 months old!  Holy Moly, that was fast.

2 comments:

Debbie said...

OMG, how precious the baby dedication must have been! We would have loved to of been there. That Abigail looks like a model all dressed up in her darling clothes. We will be praying the trip to San Antonio goes well and they say "she is good to go".

Chrisann said...

Just looking at those pictures is so amazing. What a testimony of God's grace in all of your lives and His great purposes for Abigail. We can be sure that He has special plans for such a fighter! I feel like we have all witnessed a miracle. So happy for all of you. So excited about the testimony of this little life.