Dear Little Miss,

Today is a special day for you Josie Kate. Today is the day we have chosen to stand before our church and family and dedicate you to the Lord. We have waited for a long time for this day. Our church has been through so many transitions the past couple years. But it's finally time and we are overjoyed this day is here. Your brother and sisters were much younger when we had their dedication day and we were still getting to know them and understand their personalities. We've had two full years with you kiddo and we are certain you are our most spunky monkey! I've said many times the Lord picked your birthday out perfectly! It's only fitting that a little one as independent and fiesty as you should be born on the 4th of July! Already you're developing an amazing sense of humor and even try to play little jokes like pretending you're asleep and fake snoring. You are adamant about keeping up with your siblings and while you adore them you also have some space issues they must not violate or we all pay the price with that schrill scream of yours (something we're working on). You are a gift Josie Kate and not for a day do we forget that. We are beyond blessed by you and your snuggles. We have many hopes and prayers for you sweet girl but above all else we pray you walk with the Lord all the days of your life. Our prayer would be that you cling to the Lord and fully understand His grace. That you will follow whatever path He calls you to and that the things of this world pale in comparison to the eternal gifts that only He has to offer. We pray that we can be parents that are an example of living the Gospel and also a testament of His love....that we are imperfect humans fully forgiven. We pray you will be bold in your faith and have a heart that is full of compassion. To see others as He sees them and to love them as He does.

 As much as our heart is full of love for you it is nothing compared to the love your heavenly father feels for you. Every tiny detail was designed by Him.  Those brown eyes,  that long curly blonde hair, the belly laugh and those sweet little fingers~all His design. You are wonderfully made and our precious treasure.

We pray for wisdom to raise you and commit to teaching you biblical principles. "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-8

You are so thrilled with the smallest of discoveries and bring us joy each day!

You have mastered the "look" and seem to enjoy making picture taking a challenge!

You are growing oh so fast Miss Jo and love doing all the things the big kids do.

Your biggest fan!

We love you so very much Josie Kate and know that God will use that spunk and determination to do great things with your life!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Chirst may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you , being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all fullness of God.  Ephesians 3:16-19