The Dedication of Karin's Cross

Today Summit Evangelical Covenant Church had a dedication ceremony for the cross erected in memory of Karin and to the Glory of God. A song sung at morning worship was one of Karin's favorites and one that I often sing to her when I visit her grave -- "How Great Is Our God" --

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Since losing Mommy, Kevin always wants me to stay with him in his class at Summit. In fact, he sits on my lap for the first part of the class until he becomes more comfortable. Their lesson today was about "rules and really silly rules," based on the story of Daniel being thrown into the lion's den due to a silly rule. They played a game of toss to illustrate rules, changing the rules with each new game. Kevin does not like to lose, so tears ensued when he was out, and the tears did not stop. He continued crying as we went outside for the dedication, not wanting to be there. It became evident that the tears were exacerbated by the upcoming ceremony remembering Mommy. Daddy had to hold him. After church, others were talking about the sermon, how powerful it was on the topic of adultery -- to beware of the lust of the flesh; to not begin something which could go down a slippery path. Pastor Eric said it was difficult to preach and friends said it was difficult to listen to. I was told it was worth listening to, and it is! Fabulous sermon! Can be heard at -- http://www.summitnc.org/926/series-on-the-book-of-1-john-part-4/ The YouTube video used in the sermon can be seen at -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QASREBVDsLk

Pastor Eric Geil led the liturgy of the dedication.

Pastor Greg Harper recounted Karin's life at the church, her involvement, and her deep commitment to Christ.

The family presented the cross to the church in memory of Karin -- our daughter, wife, mother.

It was wonderful to see so many of Karin's friends today.
Friends not from Summit who came for the dedication were Kathy Robinson, Amy Zaremba, Heather Edmonds, and Dick & Carol Miles.


Heather, Kinga, Steve, Suzanne Sadler, Amy.


Dick & Carol with Jean Goodale.

Kevin had some difficulty with the memory of Mommy.

John Adams is responsible for the creative design and construction of the cross.

A miniature of the plaque to be placed in the church was presented to me.

Steve enjoyed introducing Kinga to his friends.

As was typical, the Faulkner clan always was the last to leave -- staying around to chat with all their friends.

Kevin hanging out with his friends and watching a video game.

Heather (Kevin's former nanny) and Kevin.

Heather and Nina.

After lunch, we stopped at the cemetery to insert a summer floral arrangement on Karin's grave. Steve is the brawn -- pulling out the old and inserting the new.

Kevin and I are the creators. Kevin is holding the spring flowers we removed today.

Kevin also adds something especially from him everytime we visit. He is pushing in a red rose for Mommy.

Kevin's bedtime prayer: Thank you for the good food. Thank you that we had dessert. Thank you that we got to have a ceremony for Mommy. Thank you that we have faith. Help us be able to get the cross on the roof right. (The cross cannot be permanently placed until the city has responded on the exact way they determine it is to be installed.) Help it to not get struck by lightening. Amen.