On Wednesday April 22nd (Earth Day) my brother and his wife gave birth to their second son, Oliver Tristen Nelson. He was three weeks early and weighed only 6 lb. 9 oz. but he is healthy and strong and from the pictures I've seen so adorable! I can't wait to meet my new little nephew when we go to visit next week. Here is a prayer that I found for the birth of a child in the Celtic Daily Prayer Book. Join me in praying this for little Oliver today:

Welcome, Oliver, child of love, [God bless you]. And blessed you are, beyond telling, to be born to parents who love you and love each other servants of the great King Jesus.

Grow gently, Oliver, in love of God. We bless you, and pray Christ be near you, now and each hour of your life.

As you grow may faith grow with you. May you find the presence of Christ your clothing and protection. And year by year may the knowledge of His presence be greater for you, that daily you may put on Christ and walk as His own in the world.

Oliver, may God make clear to you each road; may He make safe to you each step; should you stumble, hold you; if you fall, lift you up; when you are hard pressed with evil, deliver you - and bring you at last to His glory. Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey - Bethany