Today is April 22nd, Earth Day. Television commercials, celebrates, and news stories are talking about the environment telling us we need to plant a tree, take shorter showers, and use less plastic. But I just look back at Genesis one. God gives us dominion over all birds, fish and every living thing that moves over the earth and has given us every plant yielding seed and every tree yielding fruit with seed. In the middle of all that, God made man in his image. So perhaps Earth day should be less about using reusable bags and wearing the color green and more about our relationship with God, the responsibilities he has given us here on earth, and being good stewards of what he has given us.
That is why we planned on this earth day (although I didn't know it was earth day when I set the date!) to have Alle's baby dedication. For different reasons we chose to have it at my parents home with our families and close friends. We ended up having 16 adults and 12 children join us in the dedication of our baby to the Lord. The weather was great and there was something special about having everyone stand around while we had the mini-ceremony.
Here is a transcript of what was said at the dedication:
----------------------------
Psalm 127:3-5:
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
Proverbs 22:6 says:
Start children off on the way they should go,
That is why we planned on this earth day (although I didn't know it was earth day when I set the date!) to have Alle's baby dedication. For different reasons we chose to have it at my parents home with our families and close friends. We ended up having 16 adults and 12 children join us in the dedication of our baby to the Lord. The weather was great and there was something special about having everyone stand around while we had the mini-ceremony.
Here is a transcript of what was said at the dedication:
----------------------------
Psalm 127:3-5:
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
This passage shows us that Children are a gift and blessing from the Lord. As with all the gifts from God, some people are given more, some are given less. Some appreciate and adore the gift and some reject or abuse the gift. Our response as christian parents should be thankful for these gifts, love and adore them. Cherish and take care of them and give them the training and teaching that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 says:
Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Anna and I are making a public declaration today, in front of our friends and family, that we will do what the Proverb 22 passage speaks of:
::We commit to loving, protecting, and when necessary disciplining Alle as she grows up.
::We commit to teaching Alle the value and importance of Family by loving being actively involved in our extended families.
::We commit to to teaching Alle the value of having Christian friends by having and sharing our lives with our Christian friends.
::We commit to teaching Alle the importance of being a part of the body of Christ by actively loving and serving in and among our church family.
::We commit to teaching Alle the value and importance of the marriage relationship by, as her parents, loving and serving each other as long as we both live.
::Most importantly We commit to teaching Alle the scripture and training her up in the ways of the Lord, and understanding that while we are given stewardship over her for a season, she ultimately belongs to the Lord.
Now we ask you as our family and friends to help us maintain these commitments. If you agree with the previously spoken statements and you agree to holding Anna and Myself accountable, but also assisting us whenever it is within your power, to help us follow through with these things, would you signify by say “We Will”
Anna and I are making a public declaration today, in front of our friends and family, that we will do what the Proverb 22 passage speaks of:
::We commit to loving, protecting, and when necessary disciplining Alle as she grows up.
::We commit to teaching Alle the value and importance of Family by loving being actively involved in our extended families.
::We commit to to teaching Alle the value of having Christian friends by having and sharing our lives with our Christian friends.
::We commit to teaching Alle the importance of being a part of the body of Christ by actively loving and serving in and among our church family.
::We commit to teaching Alle the value and importance of the marriage relationship by, as her parents, loving and serving each other as long as we both live.
::Most importantly We commit to teaching Alle the scripture and training her up in the ways of the Lord, and understanding that while we are given stewardship over her for a season, she ultimately belongs to the Lord.
Now we ask you as our family and friends to help us maintain these commitments. If you agree with the previously spoken statements and you agree to holding Anna and Myself accountable, but also assisting us whenever it is within your power, to help us follow through with these things, would you signify by say “We Will”
------------------------------------------------
We also asked the grandfathers to say a prayer or a blessing over Allene Drue
After the ceremony we all enjoyed a meal together and visiting with our family and our friends. It was a lovely thing to have this dedication service to be with the people who mean the most in our lives.
On a side note.... Olivia and Alle wore dresses that used to be mine when I was a little girl and they were supper cute!
No comments:
Post a Comment