My baby was dedicated to the Lord over our Christmas break. We waited to have her dedicated because we wanted to be able to share it with our families, to have them there as support and witnesses to this wonderful moment where we promise publicly to give her life to God. The service was at Coastal Shores Baptist church (Bobby's home church) in South Carolina on January 1st. Both grandparents were there, along with one set of her great-grandparents, two great-aunts and uncles and her Uncle Josh. My extended family would have loved to be there, but they live so far away, it just wasn't possible. She looked amazingly cute in her dress (hand-made by a friend in Westwego) and, although she had an incredible rough morning before getting to church, she was cheerful and friendly at the service.
Of course, my dad snapped pictures before coming to join us on stage, which is something I am so thankful for. Although we had someone video tape the service, my dad is the only one who took pictures during the service, and I will be glad to have those as memories. Pastor Kent spoke during her dedication, and then Gia's daddy gave a sincere, wonderful talk about what we hope for Gia. He talked about the meaning of her name ("God is gracious) and why that meaning was so important to us, and then read the verse that we have given for her before she was even born (Psalm 64:1-2). Bobby teared up a little because of the love he has for his little girl, which is one of the reasons I am so in love with him. Bobby's dad prayed for Gia at the end, and I was moved and so greatful for my wonderful in-laws.
This day was special to me for 2 reasons: One, we were able to share it with both sides of our families (other than Kelly, who couldn't be there because of the distance, which was sad for us both, but she got to come up to Boone later and spend time with Gia.). I want Gia to feel loved and spiritually encouraged by her grandparents and extended family, and I want them all to know how important it is to us that Gianna grow up loving Jesus. Two, I want Gianna to always know that her life belongs to God. He has plans for her, gifts and talents that he will bless her with, all for His glory and all so that she may know how much He loves her. I want her to understand that Jesus gave up His life so that she can have a relationship with the Father, and to see her serve Him out of love and gratitude. My biggest prayer, more than my hopes/dreams for her, or even more than her health, is that she knows Jesus and trusts Him as her savior. I pray that for her every night, and I wait with anticipation for the day that she makes that decision to dedicate her own life to the Lord.
Gianna with her Montanarella grandparents
Gianna with her Wood grandparents
Gia with her great-grandparents
Gia with the whole family (minus me, I was taking the picture)
And, because Aunt Kelly's heart was there even though the rest of her body couldn't be, I've included this picture from Kelly's visit with us!
"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." ~Psalm 64:1-2
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