She's So Dedicated

Following Jesus is a choice.  We can not give our child salvation, she must come to it on her own.  We can't force her to believe anything.  All we can do is show her what we believe and why.  We can lead by example.  We can tell her she doesn't have to "do" anything - just believe and live for God.

It's really simple...and really hard too.

We had Andrey dedicated a few weeks ago.  This means we are dedicated to raising her in a home that loves God, and acts like it.  We are dedicated to teaching her what we know, and praying she will make the choice to follow.

It was a wonderful day marked by emotion and laughter.  The children's pastor at our church asked us these questions:

1. Do you recognize your child as a gift from God and thank him for this blessing?

2. Do you now dedicate your children to the Lord, surrendering all claims upon their lives?

3. Do you promise to provide, for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your children committing to serve them as God’s stewards?

4. Do you pledge as parents that you will teach your children about God, teaching them the Bible and modeling to them the a life lived in the ways of Jesus?

5. Do you promise to show your child what it means to celebrate with passion, generosity, and creativity in teaching them that every good gift is from above from our Father in Heaven?

6. Do you promise to model for your child a life defined by authentic relationships that reflects your relationship with God. Displaying the need for all people, created in the image of God, the need to live connected to a faith community?

7. Do you promise to show your child what it means to both perform and proclaim the hope-filled gospel of Jesus by caring for the poor, comforting those who mourn, proclaiming freedom for the oppressed, fighting against injustice, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus in our city and the world?

8. Do you promise to pray that your child will one day choose to follow Jesus, and that he or she will grow to love him passionately and make his kingdom a deeper reality on this earth?


We answered "we do" to each of them.  Andrey pulled my hair, clapped and talked through it all.  My dad prayed over us and our friends and family were there for support.  

When we got in the car to leave Nate and I talked about how important this dedication was.  It's a simple start to a lifetime of being dedicated to our daughter.  It matters what how we raise her, and we won't be taking the responsibility lightly.

She was pooped after all the excitement!