Sunday, December 21, 2008

Natasha's Dedication

What a beautiful day to dedicate a Christmas baby! The snow coming down was simply gorgeous. Unfortunately, it kept a lot of our friends and loved ones away from the dedication and party afterwards, but that way, everyone was able to stay safe. Thank you to everyone who did brave the snow to come to our Church - it is so nice to share NorthRidge with loved ones.




Pastor Rob did an awesome job leading us, and our congregation, in dedicating our little Natasha to God, and he was able to incorporate the story of her name into his dedication. Since many who were there got to hear this story, I thought I'd let the rest of you read about why we named our girl Natasha.


You may already know that Russ and I had a difficult time staying pregnant. We’ve gone through several miscarriages. The worst (not that any were great) was the delivery of our son. We named him Fraser Stanley Reid. He was delivered at 18 weeks gestation on May 8, 2007.

The following Sunday was Mother’s Day. I told Russ that I could handle the service, and especially the worship (usually my favourite part of Church), but that I just didn’t think I could handle it if the worship team sang Blessed Be the Name (written by Matt Redman). Of course, they sang that song moments after we sat down. I had to leave.

Over the next few months, that song was played during worship often. I began to appreciate the words on a whole new level, and I began to understand, or at least see a glimpse of God’s reasoning for giving us Fraser, and then taking him home. I came to embrace David’s words: I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” – 2 Samuel 12:23

Throughout this last pregnancy, I was scared, but hopeful, and I often heard God speaking with me, - sometimes, oftentimes, through this song. It is why, during the pregnancy, we called the baby: Blessing. We decided to name this child in honour of this song – blessing from God, gift from God, praise to God – something like that. I spent a lot of time on the Biblical Baby Names website, and I found that the name Nathaniel meant “Gift of God.” A female version of this name was Natasha. Other websites give the meaning "Born at Christmas" and that is fine too, especially given the time of year, but for us, the name, and our daughter will always be our Blessing from God, our Gift of God.

In dedicating Natasha to God, I feel that we are living out Matt Redman’s lyrics:



Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise




Pastor Rob blessing Natasha



We do, truly, feel blessed.



Associate Pastor David and Pastor Rob's wife Jan - laying their hands in prayer


Blessings,
Darcey, Russ, Robynn, and Natasha

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story Darcey, thank you for sharing it with us. I am so sorry that Grace and I weren't able to come out today (winter flu and all this crazy snow both worked against us). I am so glad that the day was so wonderful and special for you. Love to you always!

lewis fam said...

I am crying...

Thank you for telling us about Natasha's dedication.

Lots of love to you!!!!

Erin said...

I am so glad that Natasha's dedication happened, despite the snow!
May the Lord bless you, and take care of you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious towards you. May the Lord look on you with favour, and grant you his peace.
Numbers 6:24-25