This past Saturday night we had Madeline's baby dedication at our home. We decided to do it this way again after having Austin's dedication at home when he was 5 months old. At that time we had asked our good friend Luke to officiate the dedication; he did such a beautiful job of it that we asked him to do it again. (We are so thankful he got the "clear" from his Mentors back in Ontario since he wasn't sure he could since his papers ran out a year or so ago. Luke used to serve as a Pastor and although he now works for the Flames, he still has a Pastor's heart and the complete gifting that goes with it.) What he did for us that night will be remembered always.
Luke chose the theme of Madeline being a "Masterpiece"...it was so beautiful! Let me quote parts of what he said here: "When we met to talk about today, you mentioned that God has taken you both through a lot to get to the delivery; you were once again put in a position of trusting Him; trusting what and who He made was perfect. He not only made Madeline completely whole with nothing wrong or broken, He gave you the easiest delivery yet. :) Madeline, you mom and dad want you to know how special you are to them and how thankful they are to have you in their lives. Joshua and Austin also want you to know that they are ready and committed to protecting you. You are a fighter and God has given you supernatural strength to accomplish great things in your life...(Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 5:1 and then into Ephesians 2:10)../...A masterpiece will instill in us a sense of the infinite, the feeling that anything is possible. A masterpiece is a work that is simply perfect in the same way a rose is perfect. We can add nothing nor do anything to improve it. What had only lived in the realm of dreams; God granted you both the baby girl that you had so desired. Clearly God has a purpose and a calling set out for Madeline's life..../....Madeline is God's masterpiece, a breathtaking one of a kind, work of art, prized by her Creator. God handpicked and fashioned every feature she has; from the texture of her hair; right to the shape of her toes."
Luke then went on to give verses and pray over Madeline's life that she will someday choose that all important path of following God in everything she does. It couldn't have been more perfect...we felt so blessed. He had the boys stand with us as we prayed over her (you can see in the picture here how Josh has his hands up towards Madeline...looks so umm...Pentecostal doesn't it? :) and of course, Madeline slept peacefully through it all.
We were so thankful to have my parents and my nephew Corey here to witness this, as well Geoff's parents, his Auntie Shriley and his sister and family. Geoff's mom knit a really beautiful christening outfit back when she was expecting her first grandchild (13 years ago) and the gown has been used with each dedication...each grandchild's name is embroidered in the bottom; I just love it! Grandpa George bought Madeline a big bouquet of flowers for the evening and Grandma decorated the cake (and cooked the 29 pound turkey; that's a story in itself :) Austin called it a dinosaur!) We enjoyed everyone's company so much and we are so thankful that we were able to add a few friends into the party too. A big thanks to Dennis for taking the pictures!
We love you Madeline and as Austin called it "Madeline's Madecation" was a very special time for all of us.
Luke chose the theme of Madeline being a "Masterpiece"...it was so beautiful! Let me quote parts of what he said here: "When we met to talk about today, you mentioned that God has taken you both through a lot to get to the delivery; you were once again put in a position of trusting Him; trusting what and who He made was perfect. He not only made Madeline completely whole with nothing wrong or broken, He gave you the easiest delivery yet. :) Madeline, you mom and dad want you to know how special you are to them and how thankful they are to have you in their lives. Joshua and Austin also want you to know that they are ready and committed to protecting you. You are a fighter and God has given you supernatural strength to accomplish great things in your life...(Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 5:1 and then into Ephesians 2:10)../...A masterpiece will instill in us a sense of the infinite, the feeling that anything is possible. A masterpiece is a work that is simply perfect in the same way a rose is perfect. We can add nothing nor do anything to improve it. What had only lived in the realm of dreams; God granted you both the baby girl that you had so desired. Clearly God has a purpose and a calling set out for Madeline's life..../....Madeline is God's masterpiece, a breathtaking one of a kind, work of art, prized by her Creator. God handpicked and fashioned every feature she has; from the texture of her hair; right to the shape of her toes."
Luke then went on to give verses and pray over Madeline's life that she will someday choose that all important path of following God in everything she does. It couldn't have been more perfect...we felt so blessed. He had the boys stand with us as we prayed over her (you can see in the picture here how Josh has his hands up towards Madeline...looks so umm...Pentecostal doesn't it? :) and of course, Madeline slept peacefully through it all.
We were so thankful to have my parents and my nephew Corey here to witness this, as well Geoff's parents, his Auntie Shriley and his sister and family. Geoff's mom knit a really beautiful christening outfit back when she was expecting her first grandchild (13 years ago) and the gown has been used with each dedication...each grandchild's name is embroidered in the bottom; I just love it! Grandpa George bought Madeline a big bouquet of flowers for the evening and Grandma decorated the cake (and cooked the 29 pound turkey; that's a story in itself :) Austin called it a dinosaur!) We enjoyed everyone's company so much and we are so thankful that we were able to add a few friends into the party too. A big thanks to Dennis for taking the pictures!
We love you Madeline and as Austin called it "Madeline's Madecation" was a very special time for all of us.
