Ally's Dedication

So while we were in Indiana we had Ally dedicated. Natalie was dedicated at our small church we used to belong to but now that we attend a church the size of most mid west cities we decided it would be more heart felt to have her dedicated at Ben's parents church. This church is in New Harmony. A quaint town that sits in the lower south west corner or Indiana. The town has about 800 people (I think, I don't mean to exaggerate). About 700 of them (okay now I am exaggerating) are Ben's family members. No really, most of his Dad's family live here and were raised here. They have many great stories to share and I obviously missed out growing up in San Diego, although some of his cousins beg to differ.

The ceremony was simple the message was strong. You may be wondering what a dedications is...why not a baptism?

In the bible it suggests to give thanks to God for you child, his blessing upon you and to dedicate your life to raising the child to LOVE God. Here are the vows we made...

From us...

Ben and Suzanne, love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach Allison to do the same. As you love God, one another, and Natalie, you will model before Allison a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself.
Ben and Suzanne, by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your DAUGHTER Allison to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do."

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people (Wife hands child to husband as a sign of his spiritual headship in the family). So that Allison may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you Ben and Suzanne vow by God's help and in partnership with the church, to provide Allison a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord?

From the church...

Having come freely, I ask now that you make the following commitment to those who stand before you: So that Allison may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to be faithful in your calling as members of the body of Christ, to help Ben and Suzanne be faithful to God, and to help teach and train Allison in the ways of the Lord so that he might one day trust him as Savior and Lord? If you accept this responsibility, please respond by saying "we do."

We had cake afterwards at the Strader's house and took some fall pictures. I included some of the trees, Natalie and one of Flossie, Michelle, Wendy and Allison. Natalie was in a mood and too busy collecting leaves...

By the way, the dress Ally is wearing is the same one Natalie wore, and the same one my mom wore...it beautiful! Although Ben thought she looked like an Amish baby.