elsie's dedication & blessing

This past weekend we were honored to be able to dedicate Elsie at our church.

Now they've changed things up a bit since we dedicated Nora. One of the main things that has changed is that the parents are asked to write a special blessing that they read to their child the day of his/her dedication.

We were encouraged to read the book "The Blessing" by Gary Smalley and John Trent (awesome book - I'd totally recommend it) and pray through the blessing we want to give our children as they grow older.

Here's our blessing to Elsie Grace:

Sweet Little Elsie,

What an incredible blessing you are to all who know you! From the moment we found out we were expecting we haven’t stopped dreaming of all of the great things God has in store for you.

Elsie Grace – today (and everyday of your life) we commit to raising you in a home that is marked by true greatness - a passionate love for Jesus Christ that demonstrates itself in an unquenchable love and concern for others. We pray that you would grow up with a desire to personally know Jesus and that you would serve people with the same love Jesus showed us by dying for our sins on the cross.

As your middle name designates - our prayer also is that you would come to fully understand the truly amazing grace that our Heavenly Father has given those who know Him and that you would grow up to be a woman that is full of grace and truth.

Elsie – we are confident of God’s great plan for your life and so grateful to be able to call ourselves your mommy and daddy.

With much love and humility –

Mommy & Daddy

Thanks so much to all who were able to be with us at church this past weekend - both friends and family. We're so thankful for the incredible people God has put in our lives who also have committed to helping us raise our girls to love and serve Jesus with all of their hearts.