Josh's Message at Lively's Baby Dedication

Lively was born amidst Covid lockdowns, and during our first visit to Newfoundland where I am from, we couldn’t have an in person baby dedication at the time, so we had one in the Living Room of my parents where we prayed together as a family for Lively and dedicated her to the Lord.

I remember asking Josh if he would put something together to say, and Josh always did everything with all that he had— resulting in this beautiful message of dedication. I thought it is something that now, he would like you all to read…

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When Ashley asked me if I wanted to speak at this dedication, I said I wanted to think about it. What I meant to say is yes, absolutely no question about it - but I want to plan it so that its authentic and not prescribed. So I was downstairs one morning this week after having morning coffee, starting my day and just thinking about how good and complete of a life we have here and in true pyscho-analysis mode that I’m always in - I realized most what I was doing and it truly was a pinch me moment. Utter joy and feeling gracious for what we have. I was counting my blessings and it occurred to me that this is all a miraculous chain of events and there is simply no explanation other than Gods Grace to thank for it. I’ll come back to that in a minute.

It sparked me to think about Lively’s dedication and what it truly means to dedicate your life to God. It triggered me to start looking for verses to speak about today and heres where I landed on. A couple came to mind and one stood out. I am not theology expert, far from a perfect Christian but this as well is part of my journey and got me back into the bible after a little hiatus.

Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

But the one I found to be most fitting for today was in: Jeremiah 29:11 & Proverbs 22: 6.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

My take on it. We are enlightened daily by the sight of this beautiful craftsmanship of God. Most especially on on this beautiful day which is coincidentally Valentines day – a global celebration of love; with Christian roots I might add. Even as we are surrounded today, by love from family I hope and pray that Lively will grow up to become a woman with godly integrity!

Websters dictionary defines Grace as: The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred.

But Western Christian theology defines Grace as: the love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it. It is not a created substance of any kind. ... It is an attribute of God that is manifest in the salvation of sinners.

You know its funny that I remembered this now but when we were pregnant with our little one and were decided on her name we had a pretty short list pretty quickly. But even before that when I mentioned to Ashley “I really like the name Grace” we immediately agreed. I remember saying to myself– remember that some day. You can fit anything around Grace.

We did not plan to meet, it happened, by Gods Grace. Finding your solemate…you cannot fabricate or plan. Authentic romantic true Love, happens when you meet the one you’re destined to be with by Gods Grace. And from there you cannot receive the blessing of new marriage without the Lord and you cannot control the blessings that were handed to us continually as newlyweds with the perfect family and relationships around us to support us, the countless guidance you gave us through user in our early married years, the right career decisions, financial blessings, a perfect first home together at the right time and place…. Repeated accounts of Grace.

And two humans alone certainly cannot create & deliver Lively, 20 perfect fingers and toes, stunning eyes and the most contagious smile, so perfectly out the Grace of God. And we knew that before

we decided to name her. So here she is Lord; dedicated to you – Lively Grace Webber.

Lively, I know that God has massive plans for you more than we can ever imagine and I believe that this dedication is a step in the right direction as we dedicated you BACK to the Lord to continue mastering your life. As parents, we’re confident that God will help Lively every step of the way. Just like he has for us. And it’s our hope and prayer that he gifts us with patience as parents, strength and wisdom to raise you to be a Lively channel of Grace and blessing to all those that encounter you.

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Wow, thank you Josh.