A/N: THE CHRISTENING/DEDICATION….Okay so typing this chapter I went to my upbringing as a kid a few weeks back I came across this singing of The Lord's Prayer on YouTube and I just love that video so much and with me typing this I imagined it being sung at TJ's christening/dedication just like that and everything that's included yeah so 'Cedes mother went all out for this christening. I hope you all enjoy this read. Y'all might catch feels. Might even need tissue. Might need to hit up YouTube and watch a few videos trust me I did and I still am. Trust me this chapter did something to me.
I'M GOING TO TWEAK THIS CHAPTER!
HAPPY READING GUYS! (: My BIGGEST update to date! 6,782 words. -that was then over 7211 words now. I can't get enough of this chapter I tweaked a few things. Y'all might want to go re-read..and I'm off to chapter 43.
You're all invited to the christening/dedication of Thaddeus Joshua Evans.
To take place in this chapter titled,
The Christening/Dedication.
Thursday evening…
Mercedes POV
In these few short hours that my mother decided to plan TJ's christening she already found a church, booked Bishop Butts flight along with his wife, and now she's making the program.
"Okay. So the TJ's christening service is to start at 3 so we'll have words from Bishop Butts, and then um Grandpa can do the prayer, followed by the reading of the Old Testament and new. I'm thinking about having 2 readings of the Old Testament have JJ read, J3 and then your father can read the new." She wrote down on her notepad.
"Okay that sounds good to me."
"Then I'm going to sing The Lord's Prayer. Then maybe we can have Bishop Butts come back and do a mini sermon if you will something like 10 minutes and then he'll bring you up to sing and then Sam or we can have his godparents read a poem just one of them be elected to read, and from there we'll go right into the ceremony of the christening."
"That's fine."
"I've picked 2 poems. One from TJ's perspective and the others from the godparents here is TJ's I want you to know how lucky I feel to have a Godparents like you. Someone who always loves me no matter what I do.When I think of you I count my blessings, and thank the Lord above, that I have you for my Godmothers and Godfathers because Godmothers and Godfathers are chosen with love. You like that?"
"That's beautiful, mom."
"Okay, now for the Godparents poem to TJ "You've been a special blessing since the day that you arrived, bringing so much happiness and filling hearts with pride...And now that it's your Christening Day,this brings a special prayer That God will always keep you in the shelter of His care. Then we can end if with Love from your Godparents or we can have written on the program Dear, TJ and end with love from your Godparents.
"That's amazing mom. You have done a lot in these past few hours." Picked up a mini binder she had with ideas in.
"I know and I'm not finished yet I'm having the dinner catered I just need to know what you and Sam want, there will be cake a full sheet cake, and. Speaking of which have you and Sam decided on a TJ's godmother and father I'm already into the program and I don't know what names I should have in it."
"Yeah, Sam and I have picked 11. JJ, Artie, Puck, Stevie, Kurt, Blaine as his godfathers. Stacey, Rachel, Quinn, Santana, and Brittany will be is godmothers."
"Wow! Okay. I'm going to need 11 Godparents bags 6 for godfathers and 5 for godmothers, yeah and in each of their bags should be a personalized photo frame of TJ and each frame will have a different saying, the bags should be white with black lettering and each has their names on them and something special gift from TJ and maybe something they all like, gift cards, perfume, or cologne."
"Mom a simple bag is fine."
"No this is my grandson's christening and I'm going all out!" She left the study to grab her phone and I got in the chair to look over her notes. All Out she was! I wonder if my christening was like this, probably not but this is her grandson.
"Okay. The font, I want it's a tossup between Parisienne, Miss Fajardos, LDS Script, Italianno, ILS Script, Flaemische Kanzleischrift, Freebooter Script, Dobkin Script, Brotherhood Script, Beachman Script, Brock Script, ALS Script, Chopin Script, and AdineKirnberg-Script. They all are nice."
I scrolled through the fonts she had on the screen with TJ's full name spelled out. "Mom, all of these fonts are nice but all of these! Can't you just pick one.
"I'm just at a lost but it's between them all okay. Italianno and Chopin Script. I've narrowed it down to 2. Okay. I want a few more things in the bag like for the men cologne and the ladies perfume. You want balloons for the dinner we're having afterwards?"
"Yeah, you can get balloons. What will the colors be?"
"They'll match the cake of which will be a full sheet cake with 3 bible verses on there."
"Three?!"
"Yeah, I'll tell you later why I picked 3. So, you're coming with me to pick out the cake and the cake and you tell them what you want on there." This lady is in full planning mode. She didn't even ask me she told me.
"Mercedes! LET'S GO!" Off we go.
Later the night…
Finally we're home! I didn't even wait for my mother to get out the car I opened the door went on upstairs to the bedroom. Sam was watching ESPN and TJ was sleep.
"The last time I saw you, you were in my study confused over who should be TJs' godparents and now it's". He picked up his phone. "It's 10 o'clock that was what six seven hours ago. Did you eat dinner? Want me to make you a plate? Where did you and mother go running off to?"
I held up my hand sitting down on the bed I kicked off my shoes and laid back. "My mother is so into planning TJ's christening and this is just day one! She wanted to know if there was piñata in the shape of a cross for the kids to hit on Sunday."
"Did she find one?! That would be cool!"
"She did and I tried to talk her out of it but she got it anyway." Sam pumped his fist. "She said you would like that."
"She's right. So, what else did y'all do?"
"The cake tasting the different options, caters, party favors." I yawned. "She wants a banner for the front yard. She's going all out and….I love it seeing as she didn't witness his birth or plan a baby shower its' good."
"I totally agree and I'm going to be a part of it too as it should have been years ago." I got off the bed and walked to the bathroom taking off my clothes in the process. "Babe, did she hire a photographer or videographer?"
"Shush! Don't give her any more ideas that she hasn't thought of." Right when I said that a knock at the door and here she comes. "'Cedes I've hired a videographer and a photographer just thought I'd let you know." She closed the door and I looked over at Sam.
"How about a pony?!" Sam yelled. I threw my bra at him. "Ooh let me yell something else and I can get the other thing thrown at me too." He made chase after me and I locked the bathroom door.
"Not tonight Sam! I have a headache!"
Friday….
Bernice's POV
"Baby I need you to take TJ when he comes back from his testing and take him to the mall and try on his suit that I already called ahead and told them that you'll be there by 4, 5 at the latest."
"Should his father be doing that?"
"It's already planned. Besides Sam and Mercedes are going to be picking out their outfits today so we need to kill two birds with one stone. TJ needs an all-white suit, white socks, and white shoes along with a white tie and go by the jewelry store to pick up TJ a cross."
"You want the vest because I think a vest would go better."
"Yeah, get a vest too and I'll decide on the suit jacket or the vest. JJ?! J3!? Come out the game room." I yelled to them and waiting to see two tall figures exit I went over to the door. "JJ! J3! Turn off the game!"
"In a minute auntie I'm just one more TD away from beating JJ." I sighed and went over to the TV and turned it off.
"Auntie!"
"Mom! We were playing."
"Y'all can pick that up later it'll still be here." I turned off the system. "JJ and J3 I need you to go put in the order for the sheet cake. It's going to be a full sheet cake that says, "God Bless Thaddeus Joshua" and I want the date and I want 3 scriptures verses one for Mercedes, TJ, and Sam." I ushered them out the game room closing the door behind me.
"Do you want us to pick the scriptures?"
"No PawPaw has picked them already, James 1:17 for TJ, Proverbs 31:25-30 for Mercedes and Psalm 103:13 for Sam. TJs James 1:17, reads, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Mercedes Reads: Proverbs 31:25-30 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Sam's Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. The cake is already picked out I didn't want 'Cedes to know so that's why I didn't tell the baker yesterday." They headed to the door.
"Did you both pack suits?"
"No. I didn't pack a suit. I just packed everyday clothes. I didn't think I would need a suit to be honest."
"Well, while first drop that off and then both of y'all buy suits. Bye." I waved them off and coming in the house were Sam, 'Cedes and TJ.
"Where are you guys off to?" Sam asked.
"The bakery I would stay and chat to see the test went and everything but I have to go get a suit and so does J3. We'll talk later. We're out mom."
"How was the testing?"
"It was well they had a mock-kindergarten class with other kids who were also testing today and Gabby was one the kids there. They read them a story in circle time and ask them questions and then they gave them the written part and they went outside for a recess mini to see how they played. In all I think it rather well we'll find out if we made it to the interview process in a few days."
"That's good! Hopefully the both of them get in and TJ will know someone. TJ, did you have fun?"
"Yeah, it was fun. Happy I saw Gabby there I was a little nervous but I got over it."
"That's what I like to hear. Joshua! TJ's back!" "Okay. Mom, Sam and I are heading back out now to get what we need for Sunday. TJ, you're going out with granddaddy to get your suit. Is PawPaw going with them mom?"
"No, PawPaw, your daddy and I are already ready for Sunday."
"How? You just thought this up yesterday."
"Actually I've been thought this up but I packed my outfit and you know PawPaw always travel with a suit knowing he might end up in the house of the Lord on Sunday."
"That's right. Sam and I are out mom!"
"Okay." I closed the door behind them and yelled up the steps. "Joshua! TJ is back and you and he need to head over there to get his suit!"
"Here I come. You ready TJ."
"Yes, granddaddy." I saw them off. This is going to be an amazing thing to witness on Sunday.
Later that night…
Mercedes POV
Another day of planning! Sunday is slowly inching it's way here today TJ took his test, got his suit, Sam and I got our outfits for Sunday and he bought himself a cushion for his behind because of the last time so many years ago. Sam is in the game room practicing his song with Puck. TJ and I are in the bed relaxing.
"Mommy, Granny says that I'm getting christened on Sunday. What's a christened?"
"A christening/dedication is when the parents of the child bring their sons or daughters before the congregation of the church or wherever the parents to decide to have the ceremony and dedicate their children back to Jesus."
"Oh. Were you christened?"
"I was and so was your Uncle JJ and the bishop who did our christening will be doing yours Sunday and you'll get to meet him tomorrow because he's coming by for lunch."
"Mommy you old and Uncle JJ is old too so this bishop guy must be PawPaw age. Will all of my aunts and uncles be there?" No, my son did not call me old.
"Yes, and all of them are going to be your godparents. You will have 11 godparents. TJ, your mother is not old."
"Wow! That's a lot!" He folded his arms. "Uncle JJ said you something going on 50 because you have the nerves of an old lady."
"You know what I'm going to have a talk with Uncle JJ. I know and also Gabby, Ian, and Logan will become your God brother and God sister." He pouted when hearing Gabby was to become his God sister on Sunday.
"Does Gabby have to become my God Sister? Can I pray to Jesus to see if I can swap for her God Brother?" The made me laugh.
"TJ you can pray to God to ask him that but I think he wants you to have a God sister to prepare you for a little sister."
"Fine." He lay back on his pillow. "I won't pray to God asking for that. "I'll just pray that she won't show up on Sunday."
"TJ." I pulled his hands apart and kissed him and hit the light.
Saturday…
Sam's POV
Tomorrow is the day TJ is being christened, Stevie is out of the hospital, and the bishop that is performing the christening is coming by for lunch. We already got the call that he is 20 minutes away.
"TJ, no you can't play a game right." I turned off the system and put the controllers up where he couldn't reach.
"Why not? I want to play."
"Can't play because the bishop who is performing your christening is coming for lunch in a few minutes. Come on." I walked into the living room and there was the bishop and his wife.
"Bishop Butts nice to see you. I'm glad that you could do this for my family."
"No, it was nothing at all especially when I hear that one of the babies I christened 27 years ago wants me to christen their child that's special. Where's the child who will be christened on tomorrow?"
"Here I am." TJ stepped forward and shook the bishop's hand.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Bishop Butts and you are".
"Thaddeus but you can call me TJ."
"TJ, handsome little fella he looks better in person than he does on your tie, Minister Jones." He hugged Pops. "Mercedes, you still look the same after all these years!"
"That's good to know bishop, this is my husband Sam, Sam Bishop Butts."
"Husband?" He questioned pushed the glasses back on his face and looked me up and down.
"Nice to meet you Bishop Butts." He finally shook my hand after being shocked by the news.
"Little Mercedes Jones is married with a son! This is amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Baby, little Mercedes Jones is married! This is wonderful." After all of the introductions we finally sat down to eat and once lunch was over TJ didn't want dessert he flew right into the game room because he wanted to play. We're setting around the table going over the program for tomorrow.
"Yes, I know Pastor James, so how many godparents will there be?"
"11." I said.
"Wow. Couldn't decide?"
"No, bishop we couldn't. They all love TJ and we didn't want them to feel left out if he didn't pick them so, eleven it is."
"That's great. One off from having the number of disciples Jesus had." He picked up the program and looked over it. "We have, Deacon Jones doing the prayer, Sister Jones doing The Lord's Prayer, Brother Joshua Michael Jones Jr will be reading the Old Testament, Brother Julius Jacob Jones III will have the New Testament, and Minister Joshua Michael Jones Sr, the Old Testament, followed by Mercedes singing, then reading of the poems by Dwight and Mary Evans, and then Sam will sing and from there I'll say a few words about and then into the dedication/christening, then Deacon Julius Jacob Jones, Jr, can do the benediction."
That night…
"Sam, what are you trying to put in my purse?"
"My seat cushion and some snacks." She took it from me and tossed on the couch but left the snacks in there. "You going to leave the snacks and not my seat cushion?"
"Sam, you can carry that in the sanctuary tomorrow." She told me getting in bed and I followed behind her.
"Okay. It feels different not having TJ between us. Glad that the ND family decided to come down early and TJ is in his room with his cousins/ soon to be God brothers and sister. Is he happy or what?"
"He's really happy about the idea of gaining brothers but the sister he's not sold on. He wanted to pray to God to ask him if he could swap out Gabby or that she couldn't come tomorrow."
"That's funny. Hopefully he didn't pray that prayer?"
"No, he didn't."
"Are you going to cry tomorrow?" I asked him rubbing my hands through his hair.
"I might seeing as our son is being dedicated/christened it's going to be beautiful and your mother has gone all out!"
"She has."
"Let me ask you this, why didn't you get TJ christened before?"
"I thought about it but it would have been incomplete to me. I wanted the family unit and I have that."
"You do, we do. Now the question for you, is will you cry tomorrow?" He asked me as I laid my head on his chest
"Yes. Hands down, no hesitation my mother is singing tomorrow and if I cut a step, don't be surprised at me, my mother, father, uncle, cousin, daddy, or grandpa, even TJ might cut a step. I saw him cutting one earlier because J3 and JJ were having a shed session in the game room.
"I can't wait to see that and it will be on video too so I can replay it over and over again. Shoot I might cut one too."
I raised my eyebrow. "You Sam? Cutting a step?"
"Yes! ME! Don't be surprise tomorrow if I bust out a little move I may need to hold on to the pew but yeah."
Sunday…DEDICATION/CHRISTENING DAY!
TJ's POV
TODAY IS THE DAY! I'M BEING CHRISTENED! I woke up extra early this morning because I was too excited but mommy told me to get back in the bed. Fast forward a few hours later and we're all getting dressed, they waited to dress me last I guess because I'm wearing an all-white suit. I came down the steps and all of my family just starting snapping pictures. Who got a photographer?
"TJ you look handsome!"
"Thank you Aunt Stacey." She gave me a hug and backed up and started snapping pictures along with everyone else. Mommy and daddy came downstairs and took some photos with me.
"TJ venir aquí tan tía Santana puede orar por ti!"
Auntie Santana said something to me in Spanish and I didn't get it. "What Auntie?"
"TJ come here so Auntie Santana can pray for you."
"Okay." I walked over to Aunt Santana and she rubbed her hands together and laid them on my forehead and she went off.
Padre Dios Gracias por este día . Deja que mi sobrino no crecen no ser así punk que permanecerá sin nombre , Señor como estoy fuera de casa haciendo mi propia cosa permita por favor el sin nombre que se vagando por las tiendas o calles a solas con su mamá crujiente demasiado para que yo puede ofrecer a los dos como ofrenda quemada a usted y si corren voy a perseguirlos porque tengo el ojo del tigre! Hey ! Amén . Lo haré! Lo haré! ¿No es así ! ¡Sí! Usted lo hizo una vez por favor hágalo de nuevo. Amén. [Translation: Father God Thank you for this day. Let my nephew not grow up not to be like that punk who shall remain nameless, Lord as I'm out and about doing my own thing please allow the nameless one to be roaming the stores or streets alone with his crusty mama too so that I can offer them both up as burnt offering to you and if they run I'll chase them down 'cause I have the eye of the tiger! Hey! Amen. I will do it! I will do it! Won't he! Yes! You did it once please do so again. Amen.]
"Thank, you auntie."
"Tana what kind of prayer was that?" Mommy asked her.
"It's a special prayer I just tweaked for today. Hiya ba Hondoooo"
"Okay I think you need to lay off that Sister McCracken videos."
"Everyone let's head out! I got my seat cushion I'm ready! Let's get this christening/dedication started!" Daddy yelled we all left the house and my cousins ran to their parents cars I was about to take off but mommy yanked me back, she didn't want me to dirty up my suit. I'm nervous I keep messing with my clip-on tie. We arrived at church around 2:30 and as we stepped inside the church I could hear the choir singing and they sounded good.
"To God be the glory, to God be the glory….for all the things he's done, for all the things he's done….To God…" That's what the choir was singing as the usher was showing us to our seats. We had a huge group; it was 24 of us, me, mommy, daddy, grandpa, grandma, Aunt Stacey, Uncle Stevie, Uncle Kurt, Uncle Blaine, Ian, Logan, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Quinn, Aunt Santana, Gabby, Aunt Brittany, PawPaw, J3, Uncle Julius, Granny, Granddaddy, Uncle Puck, Uncle Artie, and 2 more ladies.
"Hey girl." The lady said to mommy and she was shocked to see whomever she was.
"Tesla! Shaynice! I can't believe you made it!"
"Of course! I wouldn't miss this for the world." She gave mommy a hug and then she went to hug daddy. "Hey Sam."
"Hey."
"Hi TJ… don't you look so handsome!"
"Thank you." Mommy fixed my tie and the service finally got under way.
"First and foremost I would like to welcome you all here today for this joyous ceremony where you'll witness the christening of little Thaddeus Joshua Evans. The bible says that children are a gift from God and they truly are. Yes, you can clap for that. There's a reason to celebrate this we're dedicating one of Jesus own back to him I also want to thank Pastor James for allowing me to officiate this christening see 27 years ago I christened his mother Mercedes and 30 years ago his Uncle Joshua, Mercedes and Joshua please stand, God Bless you and you may be seated. We'll begin the christening service with the opening prayer from Deacon Herbie Jones III, Esq, Deacon Jones."
"Father God in the name of Jesus I thank you for this day Father God I thank you for waking us all up this morning starting us on our way keeping us safe through the night, you bought us all from a mighty long way father god I thank for my great-grandson on today for he will be dedicated back to you, guide his footsteps, protect him from all hurt and danger, keep your angels encamped around him, order his steps that he will walk in your word, wherever he goes let people see your spirit in him, cover him in the blood, the blood, the blood, the blood, the blood that saves, the blood that heals, and the blood that delivers I ask you for all these things in your precious name I pray. Amen. Amen."
"The Lord's Prayer will be sung by Sister Bernice Jones and following the singing of The Lord's Prayer we'll have the reading of the word. Amen."
"Amen."
"Sing Granny!" I yelled.
"Hallelujah!" Mommy cried out.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. It is so." She said after bringing down the house with that rendition of The Lord's Prayer and bringing the congregation to their feet and as granddaddy was helping her back to her seat the organist hit that note and it was over! She started shouting, then granddaddy then I looked over to where PawPaw was he was shouting, J3, Uncle Julius, Uncle JJ, and then mommy started. I didn't want to be left out so I started buckin' too.
"Well the whole family's here! A family that shouts together stays together! Hey!" They calmed down the praise break with the singing of "Yes, Lord", to get the service back on track.
"Now let the church say yes, yes, yes, where are you Zion, yes, yes, yes Lord, yes Lord…alright take your seats and next will be the reading of the Old Testament from Brother Joshua Michael Jones Jr and following the reading of the old will be the New Testament which will be read by Brother Julius Jacob Jones III, and another reading from the Old Testament from Minister Joshua Michael Jones Sr. Let the church say amen."
"Amen." But they weren't done shouting the church was still sending up praises and another praise break broke out because Bishop Butts said, "All those in their right mind sit down." That did it! I started buckin' again.
"Thank you Jesus. I'm reading from the Old Testament Psalms 139 verses 14-17 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me are written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, oh God. How vast is the sum of them. May the Lord add his blessing to the reading of his word."
"I'm reading from the New Testament Mark 10 verses 13-16 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. May the Lord add his blessing to the reading of his word."
"I'm reading from the Old Testament Jeremiah 29 verses 11-13 "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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. May the Lord add his blessing to the reading of his word and coming next to sing a song is my daughter, the lovely, the beautiful, Mercedes Renee Evans, y'all give her a hand as she comes."
"Thank you daddy, uh… when I was looking for a song to sing this touched me the name of the song is called, "He Gave Me You", Daddy we went over to the piano and started playing. "My heart began to melt when I laid my eyes on you With your hand in mine, you swept me away with your eyes of brown This tiny little package so small and so frail is a gift He gave to me, and I just have to tell God blessed my life when He gave me you And I promise to teach you about Him, and show you His love in all that I do This treasure on loan from Heaven is God's and His alone But He gave me you so I could give you back to Him So innocent and sweet, a reflection of God's love for me When I look at your face, I sense His embrace and feel so much peace. How could something so perfect be entrusted to my hands And why He chose me, I'll never understand There will be struggles and trials you'll go through But He will always be there to carry you. This treasure on loan from Heaven is God's and His alone But He gave me you so I could give you back to Him. Mommy finished singing the song and I was crying daddy wiped my tears an his and when mommy returned over to us daddy wiped her tears too. Coming next is Mary Evans to read the poem to the Godparents and then Dwight Evans to read a poem form the Godparents to TJ and following that will be Samuel Thaddeus Evans."
Grandpa helped granny up to the mic. "This poem is from TJ to his godparents Stacey, Stevie, Artie, Puck, Blaine, Kurt, Rachel, Quinn, Santana, Brittany and JJ. I want you to know how lucky I feel to have Godparents like you. Someone who always loves me no matter what I do. When I think of you I count my blessings, and thank the Lord above, that I have you for my Godmothers and Godfathers because Godmothers and Godfathers are chosen with love."
"This poem is from Stacey, Stevie, Artie, Puck, Blaine, Kurt, Rachel, Quinn, Santana, Brittany and JJ to their godson You've been a special blessing since the day that you arrived, bringing so much happiness and filling hearts with pride...And now that it's your Christening Day, this brings a special prayer That God will always keep you in the shelter of His care."
Daddy went to the front and took the mic and Uncle Puck followed his guitar.
"This is to my son TJ, everything in this song I want for you and I pray that everything you want to do in life this is my promise to you. Puck." It's only for a moment you are mine to hold The plans that heaven has for you Will all too soon unfold So many different prayers I'll pray For all that you might do But most of all I'll want to know You're walking in the truth And If I never told you I want you to know As I watch you grow I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams And that faith gives you the courage To dare to do great things I'm here for you whatever this life brings So let my love give you roots And help you find your wings May passion be the wind That leads you through your days And may conviction keep you strong Guide you on your way May there be many moments That make your life so sweet Oh, but more than memories It's not living if you don't reach for the sky I'll have tears as you take off But I'll cheer as you fly. I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams And that faith gives you the courage To dare to do great things I'm here for you whatever this life brings So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings."
It wasn't a dry eye in the church everyone was crying daddy came back over to us hugged mommy and me and wiped his tears and she wiped mine as well and Bishop Butts got up to say a few words.
"Beautiful songs thank you Sister Evans and Brother Evans for those songs, I pray those selections ministered to your hearts today. I won't be before you long seeing as its' 4 o'clock and I know the family is ready to go home and dine and fellowship among family and friends because the menu I saw it last night is truly delicious, friend chicken, mac and cheese, potatoes, corn on the cob…let me stop. Y'all I'm getting hungry just thinking about it but I digress…the dedication of your child back to Christ all life is a gift from God and taking the time to recognize who God is and the blessing he has given to the parents to a family and to the church. In Luke 2: 21-40, we read how Jesus was presented in the temple. Child dedication is not a new thing it's even child movies, The Lion King, Simba was presented to the pride, Mercedes and Sam are presenting their son today to this protection, love, praise and discipline to our children is a gift wrap.. to make them presentable to God. They now are ready to be given back to the Lord. Will Sam, Mercedes and TJ come up here all of the godparents, grandparents too."
Everyone got and headed to the front of the church I was in the middle and mommy was to my left and daddy to my right and their parents beside them and then all of my godparents line up like this guys on daddy side the women on mommy side.
"Now is time for the Covenant of the Parents. If it is your intention as parents to present your child to the Lord today, and pledge to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord," then please answer "we do" to each of the following promises. Okay." Mommy and daddy nodded their heads. Promise #1: Do you here this day recognize Thaddeus Joshua as a gift from God, and give heartfelt thanks for God's blessing?"
They answered. "We do."
"Promise #2: Do you here this day dedicate Thaddeus Joshua to the Lord who gave him to you? Answer:"
"We do."
"Promise #3: Do you here this day pledge as a parent that you will bring Thaddeus Joshua up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Answer:"
"We do."
"Promise #4: Do you here this day promise to give Thaddeus Joshua every possible benefit of home, of school and of church? Answer:"
"We do."
Promise #5: Do you here this day, pledge to pray for God to prosper and bless Thaddeus Joshua as he grows and develop? Answer:"
"We do."
"Promise #6: Do you here this day promise to set a Christian example before Thaddeus Joshua as he grows up? Answer: "
"We do."
"Promise #7: Do you here this day pledge to do all you can to direct Thaddeus Joshua toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior? Answer:"
" We do."
"To the grandparents that stand in agreement with the parents It's been said that the wonderful thing about Grandkids is that you can love them and spoil them but most importantly – You can return them." Everyone in the church laughed. Matt 19:14 "…But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." They are so grand they belong to heaven. Grandparents – The responsibility does not only lie with the parents. You too, have been blessed with a gift from God. And it is your responsibility to oversee the raising of little Thaddeus Joshua Evans. Not to the point of telling Sam and Mercedes how to raise him, but you are to offer encouragement. Let them know that you there to help. To pray for their safety To pray for Sam and Mercedes as they make many decisions that affect this precious gift from God. Now it's time for the godparents, he has 11 godparents mom and dad told me last night that they picked them all because they didn't want anyone to be left out of this child's life and after spending time with him I see why he is a surrounded by so much love. To the eleven godparents I'll ask you these questions and you'll respond with the answer that's on the paper."
Will you pray for Thaddeus Joshua, draw him by your example into the community of faith and walk with the in the way of Christ?"
They responded. "With the help of God we will."
"Do you turn to Christ as Savior?"
"I turn to Christ." They all said.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
"I submit to Christ."
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
"I come to Christ."
"Alright. Please remain standing everyone. Deacon Julius Jacob Jones, Jr will lead the benediction and we're able to go to our respective places. Deacon Jones., "Thank you Bishop Butts. Everyone bow your heads. Father of all life, we thank you for the life of Thaddeus Joshua now dedicated to your love and care. We pray that your mercies will follow him all the days of his life. Bless his parents and help them to remain faithful to the commitments and promises made this day to you on his behalf as witnessed by his grandparents, godparents, and congregation. Help each of us in to fulfill our responsibility to pray for him with his parents in providing the kind of environment that will bless him and lead TJ to a meaningful faith in Jesus. We pray this in the name of the One who said, "Allow the little children to come unto me," Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord Thank God Amen and Amen!"
Uncle Julius closed it out with a fiery prayer and the praises once again started to rise to the heavens. I heard granny and mommy speak in tongues, I heard a "Hallelujah" being yelled out from somewhere across the sanctuary along with, "Thank Ya!", and the musicians started up again. "Now I just gave the benediction that mean you can go when you get ready. I just gave the benediction you can go when you get ready. Lord she done took off running". No one was listening to him and the chain reaction started again but it kicked off with mommy, then followed Uncle JJ, J3, daddy, and then me.
Bernice's POV
I was going to cut another step myself but seeing my son, daughter, nephew, Sam, and grandson tearing up the floor I just had to watch this praise break go forth!
"YESSSS! Praise him TJ! Go ahead boy! Stomp the devil on his head! That's right baby! Let him know who you belong to! Hey! Give 'em a headache! Praise him baby! Hiya! Go 'head Mercedes! Pick them up and put them down, pick them up and put them down!" I hit out my hankie at her. "Go 'head! 'Cedes! That's right! Praise him for your son! YESSS! Hup!" Go in Sam! Go in J3! Go in JJ! Look at God! Glory!" Sam stopped and ran over to where Mercedes was still cutting up and he took her hand and they went in together! "My, my, my, my, my! My God! My God! Yessah! A couple that shouts together stays together! Praise God for what he's done and what he's going to do." I hit Sam with my hankie.
"He's a wonder in my soul he's a wonder in my soul...I'll bless his name...he's..."
A/N: Mercedes mother took y'all to church. With that being said y'all can get your own refreshments from your kitchen! While you're in there grab me something too I'll take some orange juice and a dry piece of pound cake or a Shasta and some UTZ potato chips. LMBO. J/p (: Until tomorrow guys! I grew up in the church y'all! (:
Today's Music selection is: I MADE IT THROUGH! – Which happens to the be the title of the sequel! If you care to listen the artist of that song is Tye Tribbett.