Christening Day...

Sunday was baby Liam's Christening day. Some of you asked to read at least some of what I wrote to him. I included a letter in the back pocket of the storage garment bag I made as a keepsake along with the ensemble. I decided to share an excerpt with you today.

Dear Liam:

… My prayers for you are that you live in a world where people are still considerate of one another - especially, a place where elders are respected and children are cherished. My prayers for you are that you grow up to be a happy and healthy person who finds someone to love, marry, and with whom you can share a family and a long, happy life.

I pray that, when you make decisions in your life, you choose to follow a righteous path. Although it’s easy to do the wrong thing, it takes a strong will and determination to decide to do the right things. I know that your parents will do their best to raise you in the church to give you a strong moral foundation, and that they will surround you with people who will support your heart and mind in ways that are honest and good. When you are grown and make your own decisions, the voices of these people will be able to speak to you when you’re unsure of your path, and they will help guide you.

I hope that you are blessed, as I have been, to be able to watch four generations age together, and I’m hoping that I live long enough to see a fifth generation born before I must leave this world. I want you to know that I consider it a blessing and an honor to have been able to create this gown for you to wear as your life is blessed - as your parents ask God to watch and protect your spirit as much as they will endeavor to watch and protect your body.

I claimed a Bible verse to embroider into your slip as you are the first baby to wear it. Psalms 91: 11 reads: “For He hath given His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”

This is my prayer for you, Liam. I wish it for all the babies that wear this gown. May God watch over you, bless you and keep you, now and always.

Love, Aunt Donna Liljegren

It's probably just as well that I wasn't in Minnesota yesterday. Watching my niece and her husband, standing beneath the same arbor that sheltered them as they exchanged their wedding vows - now sheltering them as my great-nephew was baptized in the gown I made for him. It would probably have had me bawling my eyes out.

I hope your Sunday was blessed, too.

In case you weren't here for the making of Liam's christening gown, here's the link to the photo album with captions to explain.