Dedicated

It is our strong desire that each of our girls know who Jesus really is, how He alone has the power to transform our lives, and how He himself died so they might live forever with Him. There is no greater cause to which we might dedicate our parenting than the saving and transforming grace of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, November 8, we were a part of a child dedication at church in which we dedicated ourselves to raising Aliyah (we've already done this with the other two girls) in a way that honors God and teaches her the truths about Him and His Word. She wasn't baptized, as we understand this is a decision she must make after she has chosen to become a follower of Christ.

This is a relatively serious post, but I can't resist noting how Joe's belt buckle is cattywompus and my slip is showing. Just in case this post gets a bit too serious for you, just remember it's coming from a lady who didn't know her slip was hanging out from underneath her skirt when she was standing in front of the whole church. Just God's way of keeping me humble.

For our portion of the dedication, Joe shared his thoughts about two things:

1. We lost a friend and fellow believer we knew from Connecticut to cancer earlier in the week. When I shared with Joe I told him, "Good for her, bad for us." Meaning we'll miss her, but she's with Christ now.

2. He also reflected on the 13 lives that were taken in the Foot Hood shooting earlier in the week. He talked about how the holidays would be sad and difficult for these families.

In sharing these two thoughts he talked about how we can't prevent bad things from happening in Aliyah's life as she grows, but how we hope to give her the tools to navigate the tough times. He also said the only thing we can do is teach her to lean on God and that someday the best thing would be that at the end of her life someone would say, "Good for her, bad for us."

He read this scripture (parenthesis my thoughts): But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you (I like this reference since we're at a baby dedication.), O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (I long for her to know that she belongs to the King of Kings.). When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze (Tough times await us all, but God will carry us through, keeping us from getting burned. What a promise.). For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight (Oh that she would know He thinks her precious), and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you (A reference to Jesus! I love Old Testament foreshadowing.), and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:1-5

A friend, James Aman, prayed over Aliyah and our whole family, and then the pastor gave all of the families dedicating children a charge and prayed for the collective group.

Our friend InShil took a few family pictures outside after the service.

The pretend us.

The real us.

Of all the things we will teach you and show you, Aliyah, may the blood and love of Christ be foremost among them. Although you are small, our love for you is great. I cannot wait to see what you will become, although a part of me wishes you might stay as you are right now. May he bless you with many happy years and a heart that beats solely for him.

Special thanks to InShil Hartman for the photographs.