Isabella is Dedicated

A dedication. What does that mean, exactly? It's not a christening, it's not a baptism - so what is it? It is an acknowledgment that Isabella is, first of all, a gift from the Lord and entrusted to us by the Lord to raise and to care for. What a precious gift she is! It's also a time where Mark and I can stand before our church community and commit ourselves to raising her in the ways of the Lord and to seek the prayers, blessings and practical helps from our church community to that end. All of our kids have been dedicated. They will be baptized when THEY make their own commitment and decision to live their lives for the Lord. Contrary to what some think, the Bible does not actually say that it is baptism that saves you (look it up!). It is putting Jesus as Lord of your life that saves you and accepting His sacrifice on your behalf. Baptism is the outward symbol that we take as a result of OUR OWN commitment to him.

SO, we had Isabella dedicated on July 27th, the same day that she turned 8 months old. She did so well! She already knows Pastor Marty because he mauls her every Sunday during church. She actually called out for him when he walked by before the service. So, going into his arms for a prayer was no problem. She did want to take his microphone, though. Daddy prayed for her too and we, as parents, said "I do" vows promising to raise her in the Love and Direction of God. All of the kids joined us in the front of the church, as did Pastor Julie (the Children's Pastor) and our adoptive family, Laurie, Drury and Max Woodson and "Granny" Jill.