(Granddaughter #3, Maarit Anne*, was born on Sunday, January 15.)
Creator of Maarit Anne and Heavenly Father of us all,
We praise you for this precious gift of new life—
A delightful reward from your gracious hand of love.
Already she is a blessing as we cuddle her tiny form,
Caress her downy head, and kiss her soft cheeks.
We marvel how you wove together so many disparate parts
To create this unique little person,
Evident in her distinctive collection of family traits:
Mommy’s dark hair and Daddy’s brow line,
Auntie Heather’s long, slender fingers, and
Grandpa Terry’s narrow feet.
In more ways yet to be revealed Maarit is an exemplification
Of your exquisite workmanship—
a heavenly piece of poetry—
in mind, body, soul, and spirit.
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We praise you for the perfect life-course
You’ve already planned for Maarit—
A future gleaming with hope because
You’ve set her apart and equipped her
For special purpose to accomplish your good works.
May her eyes be drawn to you and your Word,
The wondrous splendors of your creation,
And the signs of your love all around her.
May Maarit’s mouth be filled with praise,
Declaring your glory all day long.
May her ears be quick to hear your voice,
And her heart be delighted to respond.
May Maarit’s spirit grow strong
In the loving care and nurture of Jesus.
May she wear your instruction
As a garland of praise.
Give to all who love and care for Maarit
The wisdom and grace to guide her in all your ways.
Protect and provide for her all the days
You’ve ordained for her.
These things we ask for our Maarit Anne
In the Name of Jesus.
Amen.
(Psalm 127:3, 139:15; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 119:18; Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11;
Psalm 71:8; Proverbs 23:12; Psalm 119:35; Proverbs 1:9; Psalm 139:16, Psalm 23:6.)
*Maar (rhymes with bar)-it is a Finnish name, meaning “pearl,” in honor of our daughter-in-law’s Finnish heritage on her mother’s side. Maarit’s middle name was given in honor of Hilja’s grandmother–and me, a delightful, humbling surprise.
Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pinterest (3), http://www.ourdailyblossom.com.
From the Inside Out 
Lovely, thank you for sharing your joy!
Thank you, Carole. It is a joy you know full well!
Congratulations! !!!
Thank you, David. We’re over-the-top with delight!
Lovely, so lovely…
Congratulations to your whole family! I was just this morning wondering if the blessing had yet occurred.
Thank you, Ginny. The days were beginning to crawl by, but our little blessing actually arrived three days prior to her due date. Can’t complain about that! Hilja did very well; they came home on Monday.
AND AMEN to that prayer. Our second miracle was born December 16th in Norway!
Norway! So far away. I hope you are able to visit!
Coming up in March!
Woo-hoo! What an adventure that will be–and a baby to love on as well! God speed, Dawn!
Congratulations and many Blessings and love to all. Janet
She is precious!!!
Thank you, Janet. I know we’re her grandparents which makes us terribly subjective, but I’m quite sure Maarit’s really as cute as we think she is!
What a beautiful baby with a beautiful name to match. Blessings to all.
Thank you, Grace, for your kind words and blessings. We are feeling incredibly blessed!
Congratulations to all. What a beautiful girl.
Thank you, Jody. Isn’t she adorable?! (And isn’t it grand that God makes ALL our children and grandchildren so precious in our sight?)
Amen and amen….
Congratulations and God’s richest blessings on the whole family. You are so very loved… by our Abba Daddy, by your many blog followers, and of course by me!
Thank you, Debbie. ‘Appreciate your gracious words. As you know, grandchildren are among God’s richest blessings, precious love-gifts from his arms to ours. We’re so thankful for our three. Love to you, too, my friend!
God has blessed you and Steve again. And Maarit is blessed to have been given Godly grandparents. It will be wonderful to see God’s plan for her life unfold. We know you and her parents will play an important role. We love and pray for you. Nikki
Thank you, Nikki. So thankful for your prayers as we love on our grand-girls and seek to leave them a legacy of faith in Jesus.
What a beautiful tribute! Congratulations Nancy, Steve and combined family. My love and best wishes to all of you. May God continue to bless you and yours. Ruth
Thank you, Ruth. God HAS answered your prayers for us as his blessings continue to flow!
Hallelujah! I promise to keep them going up on your behalf, too.
absolutely beautiful. Congrats. Last year I found a poem written by my father at my birth. Brought tears to my eyes. He died when I was 16 and it was like I felt his presence again. Be sure your new grandbaby gets a copy of this as a keepsake, Someday it will mean so much to her.
Jean, that idea of preserving a copy of this prayer for Maari hadn’t even occurred to me. What a lovely idea! If nothing else, at least she’ll know we considered her a precious gift and greatly desired God’s best for her. Thank you for passing on your suggestion!
oh absolutely- what a gift it will be to here someday when she understands
Thank you, Carol, for the affirmation!
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How your Mom would have enjoyed hugging this new great-grandchild!
Oh, yes! I wonder who she would say Maarit looks like? Elena looks very much like her mother; perhaps Maari (We call her that sometimes) will favor Eric. Not that it really matters. As he said, “I wouldn’t mind another Hilja-look-alike at all!” Neither would we. Thank you, Joyce, for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am honored! (Please say hello to Neil and Sherry for me.)
Congratulations! She is precious and beautiful and I love her name. Your prose was glorious, too; a wonderful prayer as well as blessing upon her. So thrilled for your entire family!
Thank you, Cheri, for your kind words. It is thrilling to hold tiny Maarit and marvel at God’s creative genius!
Nancy,
Congratulations on the arrival of this little miracle!!
Love and blessings,
Bev xo
Thank you, Bev. We ARE enveloped in family love around this little miracle. SO blessed!
She is beautiful, as is your love for her, expressed so eloquently here. Cheers!
Thank you, Laurie. Isn’t it amazing how quickly these little bundles quickly fill our hearts?!
Amen! And what a beautiful little girl!
Thank you, Mitch. As a FB friend said, she’s a keeper!