Jansen's Dedication

On Sunday evening, we had the privilege to dedicate Jansen to the Lord in the presence of our church community and our family (our immediate family as well as my Dad).  Although this is just a brief moment, it's a meaningful one for us.  It's an opportunity for us to officially commit to raising Jansen to know the Lord to the best of our ability and for our loved ones to commit to come alongside us in that effort.  It's a moment of obedience where I feel we are inviting God's providence and blessing in the lives of our children.  And a time where we pray over this little one's life, most importantly that he will come to know and love His Creator as His Savior.  

I passed my camera to a friend behind us and she caught some cute pictures of Jansen being his adorable self before we went up on stage.

Here we are with Jansen...

We got to read a letter of prayer and blessing over Jansen.  

Jansen could not take his eyes off of Daddy during it.  Precious.

Here's what the letter said.  We would love for our friends and family to echo these requests to the Lord as we raise our Jansen Philip to the best of our ability to know the Lord...

Dear Jansen Philip,

Your name means, “God is gracious.”  We pray that at a young age, you would embrace this truth and receive the gospel of grace as Ephesians states: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.” As you experience this in your life, may you be a testimony to those around you, attracting others to God’s amazing and saving story of grace. 

We pray too that as your parents, every day we will be filled with the godly characteristic of grace as we nurture you and your brothers and pray that you will all be passionate followers of Christ who are light and salt in this world for His sake.  The Lord has demonstrated His grace to us through our own salvation and also through the gift of our family.  Jansen we are so thankful for your life and that God has entrusted you to us.  We are eager to see your personality develop, your strengths and talents emerge and most importantly, your relationship with Jesus flourish.

Lovingly,

Daddy and Mommy 

After the letter, Pastor Dennis led the community in a prayer for Jansen.  

It's a tradition in our community to extend a hand towards the person being prayed for to show agreement and unity as we pray.  I didn't know it (because I had my eyes closed), but my sweet boys and my Dad were all extending their hands in agreement and support of this prayer.  These pictures brought me to tears.

Tavin and Koen probably didn't completely realize what they were doing, but it stirs another prayer in my heart...that these brothers would support one another in their spiritual walks.  That they would encourage one another in the Lord.  That this brotherhood would be one that brings the Lord glory, honor and praise.  Please God, let this only be the beginning of a position of prayerful unity between these four boys.

And oh my goodness, melt my heart...Penn laying his hand so gently and sweetly on Grampa's during the prayer.  Priceless.

Thanks to Angela for getting these pictures of some very special moments for my family.  That's it for the dedication.  Short, but oh so significant.  We love you, Jansen Philip, and look forward to all that the Lord has in store for you.