Tuesday, April 5, 2011

New Life Celebration

Last Sunday was our church’s New Life Celebration. On this day, the parents of the congregation’s newest babies make a commitment before the church to raise our children according to God's will, and our church family pledges to support us. Our church does not perform infant baptism (believers who are able to understand and choose baptism make the choice themselves as adults), so this was a dedication ceremony.

Image courtesy of my friend Elizabeth, who thankfully took a picture of us since I failed to take a single photo of the event.
Larkin looked extra handsome, and was surrounded by both mine and Jonathan’s families. We attended a reception before the service, so Larkin was well past nap time by the point in the church service they begin the ceremony. Literally five minutes before they invited the parents to come to the front, Larkin nodded off on his Grandma Suzie’s shoulder. I hefted him over to my shoulder and the three of us headed up front.

The elders surrounded the new families, and a microphone was passed so the parents could say their names and introduce their baby. Larkin stayed soundly asleep during the first introduction, and then the microphone was passed to Jonathan. I was a little sad that he was going to sleep through the whole thing. Then Jonathan said our names, and as soon as he said, “And this is sleeping Larkin…” Larkin heard his daddy’s voice and woke straight up with a big grin. No way was this kid going to sleep through his moment in the spotlight!

After the introductions, the church elders and their wives joined the church in praying for the physical and spiritual growth and health of our children and families. It was a beautiful and touching ceremony. It was made doubly special being held in the church that helped raise me.

The sweet gifts the church gave Larkin - a tiny Bible, a very cool book that we're already enjoying, a copy of his blessing, and a letter for him to open on his baptism day.

We were given the chance to write a blessing for Larkin:

Dear Larkin,

There are a million things we wish for you, but our greatest desire is to give you roots, wings, and Jesus.

Roots to hold you to solid ground, a foundation that is unshakable. You will always have a place to call home, a family who loves you beyond measure.

Wings to go forth into the world, and the courage to follow your dreams. God has mighty plans for you, little one. Our prayer is that you always find the faith and courage to live big.

Jesus, to walk alongside you. Your family will always be close, but where we cannot go, Jesus will follow you. May you always feel His peaceful presence, and rest safe in His everlasting arms.

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

You are our greatest joy.

To the moon… and back,

Mommy and Daddy



I consider it such an honor that God has blessed us with such a precious, sweet little boy, and entrusted us with the care of both his physical and spiritual well being.

1 comment:

  1. So sweet. I didn't know L was asleep and then woke up when he heard his name- what a cute story to tell him when he's older!

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