On Friday night we had Hudson's Dedication at our house. We promised before our family and a few close friends to...
- place Hudson in God's care, grace, and way of life for him
- live with Hudson among God's faithful people
- bring Hudson to hear the word of God and place in his hands the Holy Scriptures
- nuture Hudson in faith and prayer so that he may grow to place his trust in Jesus Christ, proclaim Him through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for His justice and peace
Here are some pictures from the event!
Hudson all dressed up in his handsome outfit for his dedication.
Hudson + Addison = Buddies
Not sure who is cuter?
Hudson and Uncle Ryan chillin' together, waiting for everyone to arrive.
Brian led us in a few worship songs to begin our time.
Pastor Jeremy from Hope came to lead the dedication.
Hudson was filled with joy!
Hudson loved being the center of attention!
The Swinger clan!
The Bomgaars family!
A few members from our small group were able to make it.
Afterwards we enjoyed refreshments together.
It was a beautiful night.
Hudson loved having Aunt Angela around.
Brian and Addison thought the brownies were yummy!
Adam, Grammy, and Aunt Angela.
Great Grandpa Ells and Papa Ed.
We are so thankful we found a time that everyone could make it, especially these 2! :)
Hudson got to stay up waaay past his bedtime. Can you tell?
Thanks Ben & Jenna for making the trip here for the dedication.
Roy and I each wrote and shared a prayer for Hudson, which you can read below.
Prayers For Our Son, Hudson John
Hudson John, I love you forever! You have grown my heart so much and in so many ways that I didn’t know was possible. I am so proud of you and love being your Mommy. You have taught me so many things, increased my patience, and revealed to me the joys of being a parent. Thank you for being the best son ever!
Today is a special day because we dedicate you to God and ask for His blessings in your life. I pray that you would know you are loved unconditionally by God and that some day you will give your life to Him to be used to further His kingdom. He created you in an amazingly perfect way and I pray Your life will bring Him glory and praise.
I knew that you loved me from the very beginning, even that first night we were in the hospital together. You stopped crying when I held you in my arms and sang to you. Today you show me you love me by the way you smile and laugh when we are together. You are such a joy! I too have loved you from the very beginning, the first moment I knew of you I already loved you. I pray our love will continue to grow deeper, wider, longer, and stronger each and every day.
I am thankful too for the opportunity to spend my days with you and I thank God for this gift. I pray that through my words, time, actions, and touches you know that you are loved, cared for, can trust me, and are safe. We have many adventures yet to take together and I know we will grow more in love with each other through them.
I love you, all of you, my precious son, Hudson John!
Hudson, I thank God for the amazing gift that you are. It has been such a joy to be your Dad. I pray for you today that you would realize the sin in your life and your need for God’s love and salvation through Jesus. I pray that you would walk in God’s truth, have an undivided heart and that you would bring God glory to all nations with your life. I look forward to walking with you on the journey of life and to see how our relationship grows as well.
I pray too God that you would grow Emily and I as parents with Hudson. May we be an example to him of faithful people who love you and obey your commands. Give us wisdom as we parent Hudson. Help us to speak truth seasoned with your grace. No matter what Hudson does, may we be an example of your unconditional love to him. Help me to be a strong father and to lead our family according to your will.
We praise you, God, for this time and bring glory to your name.
Amen.
