Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Meant to Be

When we were in Australia (yes, we're back in Hong Kong now and I will get around to updating this poor neglected blog soon!!), we had a dedication service for Maddy. One thing that we wanted to do was to have a slideshow of photos of Maddy and play it along with a meaningful song. Every since I heard the song "What it means to be loved" over a year ago, I wanted to use that song at her dedication. The song held so much meaning to me when I was pregnant and at the time, it was so appropriate.

However, as I started to put the video together with that song, it felt so wrong. While I still love the song, it is so "backwards looking" for us. It reminds me of the pain of the pregnancy, it reminds me of how we thought we might lose Maddy - and while I don't want to forget those things, it wasn't appropriate for her dedication. Instead, right before the dedication service, we heard a new song which so perfectly fit us for NOW. It is "forwards looking" and celebrates Maddy rather than looking back at the uncertainty of the past. So at the last minute, we changed songs - and I'm so glad we did!!

Anyway - here is the video, complete with some new photos from our time in Australia. The lyrics to the song are posted below as well. 
Enjoy!!



Meant To Be - Steven Curtis Chapman

Long before you drew your first breath
A dream was coming true
God wanted to give a gift to the world
So He wrapped it up in you
Every step that you've taken
Every move that you make
Is part of His plan

You were meant to be touching
The lives that you touch
And meant to be here
Making this world so much more
Than it would be without you in it
You were meant to be bringing
The gifts that you bring
And singing the songs
You've been given to sing
You are perfectly, wonderfully,
Beautifully meant to be
You were meant to be

Long before you took your first fall
You stumbled to the ground 
God started telling the story of you 
To the angels gathered around
Every failure and victory
Everything in between
It's all in his hand

For every breath that you're taking
And every move that you make
It’s a meaningful life you’ve been given
Live it well


(ps - does Blogger always make the videos such low quality or is it something I did? If I upload from youtube rather than uploading directly to blogger would that give me a better resolution video? This is my first time adding a video to my blog so I'm still trying to figure it all out!!)

15 comments:

  1. Nicole this is so beautiful. Loved watching it again and again. I have shown my friends and I rejoice at the knowledge that Maddy is fearfully and wonderfully made. God is doing a great work in you all. Miss you already, Mum.

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  2. This should have a warning notice."please have tissues near by" Love it nicole!! Both your Daughters are beautiful!!

    Love Sarah.

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  3. that was beautiful Nic
    I felt myself tearing up


    Abby Revill

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  4. Nicole you are so talented in putting this together to share with us all. As you said "Maddy you were meant to be here" God only gives special babies to special people and you and Bernard are just that.
    The song could not have been more perfect.
    Abundant Blessings to you all as you walk the Ministry god has Called You To.
    All our Love and Hugs. xx

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  5. Actually, I didn't put it together. I STARTED putting it together but lacked the technical expertise to make it nice - so Bernard kindly took the reigns and did the majority of the work!!

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  6. Nic didn't lack the technical expertise - she just didn't have that much time (coz she was busy writing an assignment for school)! Hence the division of work between us on the video!

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  7. i love everything about this post! that you made it back safely and got to celebrate Maddy just the way she is. you are an amazing woman and mom. i love the last pic of her!

    -tristen

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  8. It is beautiful Nicole and Bernie. Maddy makes a lovely beach babe! lol I love reading her updates and I haven't posted before but just wanted to know that we pray for you guys and loved that you all got to come home for a short time. xx

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  9. Reading your blog is such an inspiration and a reminder to celebrate everything in life. Thanks for posting and you have two beautiful daughters. IP xx

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  10. Your girls are so beautiful Nicole!! So happy to see you all so happy and doing well xxx

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  11. *tearing up*

    Beautiful Nic, make sure that Maddy has that for herself eventually!

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  12. Hi,

    We live in Hong Kong, and would like to get in touch with you. If you are comfortable enough, could you please give us your email address or contact details?

    Thanks and look forward to hearing from you soon!!

    Loves to Maddy...
    She's adorable!!!

    Betty

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  13. Hi Betty, sure you can email me at nicolejoy81@gmail.com - will try to reply promptly :)

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