A Life Full of Love: My Child of God

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." – Jeremiah 1:5
On December 5, 2010 my sweet Lillian was dedicated to the the Lord. As Lutherans, we believe that our children are given to us by God. It's proper to give Him thanks for trusting in us with such a precious treasure...and that's exactly what my husband and I did. The ceremony was beautiful and there were so many people there to celebrate her special day. In my person believes, I don't believe that by baptizing your baby forces them to be "saved". I wish I could grantee that to my daughter...who wouldn't??? I do believe that will be her choice to make one day and I hope that she will be willing to let God into her heart. I think a way to teach her this is to show her by leading the example. I believe that if Lillian sees her dad and I walking in faith that she will learn to do so as well.

I hope that she will be a person who is strong in her believes, good to others, passionate but most of all compassionate. Compassionate towards others who have less OR more than she does (money can't buy happiness right?). Compassionate to those who live a different life style that she does. Compassionate to those who have hate or sorrow in their hearts. I hope that she sees that there is good in everyone, no matter their sins. I pray that my daughter understands right from wrong and lives a righteous life. My prayer for her is to become a woman who she can be proud of herself. I don't want to raise her to look at material things or other people to determine her happiness. I want to raise her to find happiness in the Lord and in herself. I pray that she not only give back to her community but also to Mother Earth.

Starting at a young age, I always found ways to give back to my community by selling candy bars to raise money for my church or campaign for congress people like Eddie Bernice Johnson. When I was in college at Texas State, Jordan and I would volunteer our time to the local animal shelter in San Marcos. While studying to be a teacher, I tutored children who were at a lower economic advantage than other children. Today, more than ever, I am constantly aware of my consumption and finding ways to recycle or reuse things. These are the things I want my daughter to see in me and then find her own ways to give back.

Lillian's baptism not only brought our family closer to God, but me as well. I personally want to be a better Christian, a better person in general, so that she will look up to me as someone she wants to be like when she's a mom. I love my daughter so much and I am so blessed that God chose me to be her mother. I can't wait till I meet Him in heaven and thank Him for giving her to me. What a little angel she is...thank you God! I will forever be in dept for His graciousness that He has shown Jordan and I.