Today we celebrated the covenant of baptism of our sweet daughter. We have been so blessed to be a part of her life these past few months and pray that God would strengthen us in our call as parents.
This was how he felt most of the day
Our Darling Ann Elizabeth,
You have been our delight over the past four months. You have been such a blessing to your parents and your big brother. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter little girl. God has knit you together beautifully, our lovely precious girl.
Our prayer is that God will begin even now calling you out of darkness into his marvelous light. We baptize you today as a sign of the covenant God has made to us His children. We pray that the God of your fathers will begin to write his truth on your heart.
Today we vowed before you, the church, and before the Lord our God that we will endeavor to set before you a Godly example, that we will pray with you and for you, that we will teach you the doctrine of the Christian faith, and that we will strive by all means of God's appointment to bring you up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
We do not take this vow lightly, and we will strive to uphold our vow by God's grace everyday of your life. We recognize that our vows will not save you. There is nothing we can do to give you salvation, just as there is nothing you can do to earn it. Salvation is from the Father, through Christ alone. We rely humbly on His power and His power alone for your regeneration. Even so, we will strive everyday to help you to understand what our Savior has done, and we will pray continually that the Lord will allow you to to understand.
We pray not only for your salvation, but that you will grow into a woman who's life is deeply marked by the God you serve. Your name means Gracious God is My Oath. We pray that that would be the case. We pray that God would be gracious to you and that you would be completely consumed by his spirit.
Our precious daughter on the day we dedicate you unreservedly to the Lord, our challenge to you is this, be known by the gentle way that you treat others, be known for your humble heart, love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
Love,
Mommy
If you are curious as to WHY we baptize our babies see my previous post.
2 comments:
Love these pictures Bethany and your letter to Ann Elizabeth brought tears to my eyes!You and your sweet family are so precious to me.
Love y'all!
Mrs. Debra
I was overjoyed at all of the lovely pictures - I felt that each one was a "breath taker". I love your heart, dear Bethany, and I, too, was encouraged, challenged and blessed by your letter to your precious girl. What a special, beautiful day. (and I loved seeing all of the family in attendance; even more special :)
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