Thursday 25 September 2008

Baby Dedication


The picture you see is the baby dedication of my grand daughter - this happened several years ago. The ceremony is when the parents make a public commitment to dedicate the child to God and to raise the child in accordance with God's word.

Last Sunday our pastor dedicated a baby. he asked three important questions.

question #1: Mom, dad - do you promise to do your best to raise your child as Christ commands? If so, answer 'we will'.
Question #2: To the rest of the family - Will you do your best to assist these new parents to raise this child as Christ commands? If so, answer 'we will'.
Question #3: to the church congregation - same question as #2. if so, answer "we will'.

I wonder how I am doing? I have had to answer all three questions. I had to answer question #1 in 1969 and 1971. I had to answer question #2 in 2000 and 2001 - my grand children. Question #3 - still on-going. Yep, I wonder how I am doing? - Wow, I even have a responsibility to your children!

21 comments:

nanatrish said...

I love this post! What a wonderful family! I will always remember the day I dedicated my daughter to the Lord. You always have the neatest posts. Such a variety and always interesting. We also dedicate in our church. I hope you and Mama are doing great. God is so good!

Unknown said...

and you are doing quite well Papa AND mama at fulfilling your responsibility.

thank you. thank you very much!

Carol said...

Very nice picture! And I agree, you have a terrific variety of topics in your blogs, and yet always bring spiritual application to them.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Nana - part of that dedication also means if they are now God's children as well - we can be assured He has their best interest at heart.

Thanks Tam - we love Kass & Kota!

Carol - A very special picture and a very special moment!

CrossView said...

Baptisms and baby dedications are a family favorite for us! *sniff*

Indian Lake Papa said...

Baby dedication and baptism are two very sacred moments - both make a statement to God and require a commitment.

Anonymous said...

so cool! great reminder that raising children is not to be taken lightly.

Technonana said...

Papa... I would say since you are asking the question, you are doing very well indeed!!! You are very involved and that is what children at all stages of life need!!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Technonana - are you trying to be one of my "Kids" as well ??? My Will Is not going to be much with this large family!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Rachel - Raising children is an awesome responsibility - God expects us to take it seriously.

Tanya said...

I remember when I was in High School and I did something wrong, I tried to hide it from my parents and for some reason they knew before I walked into the door. For years I could not figure out how they knew. Later on, I found out that people in our church saw me do something and called my parents. You know, I am glad that they did that. I am a better person because a group of people loved me enough to protect me from sin. I hope that I can be the adult to help another parent with their children. Not just to keep them from harm, but to love them and show them the hope in Jesus. I believe in my heart, you are doing well. You touch my heart, so you must be doing something right, for I am also a child of God. Love ya from Tanya

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tanya, I am sure it was a difficult decision to inform your parents. But that is a responsibility we have. It is not an easy process raising children - we need other eyes and ears.

Skoots1moM said...

it's comforting to know we have fellow brothers and sisters helping us and our children...
i bet you're doing gr8!!
come visit, any time!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Skoots - I'm the world's best grandpa!! I even have a tee shirt that says so!!

Skoots1moM said...

ha ha...
i had on a turquoise top that matched my flipflops...but, i agree, green would have been better. will do better next time : )

Indian Lake Papa said...

Skoots - isn't God good! His creation includes posies and babies. Mama still loves her babies.

Robin said...

I love baby dedications! Our Pastor looked at my children with love as he dedicated them. I felt as if they were truly special to him and that he loved them as if they were his own. Both dedications were very meaningful for many reasons. Looking forward to the next dedication!

Papa - your will is bigger than you know!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Robin - A dedication ceremony is so very special - the dedication last week was with a baby girl - she wore her grandmothers dedication dress! We have a heritage to pass on and a legacy to leave.

Anonymous said...

It seems to me you are doing a fantastic job. I only know you from a distance and through your words, but they have continually lifted me up toward Him. Then there are the times you make me laugh...love it.

Baby dedications...so special.

Thanks, Papa!

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh Papa - - - how funny. Well, not funny ha ha, but funny coincidence!!! We just went to our granddaughter Piper's dedication TODAY. I took pictures, and will be posting AFTER I get a nap - - -

Indian Lake Papa said...

Keetha - BE SURE to be there for that grandchild - I know you are old (ha!) but as you already know - you are that child's parent - grand parent! And - yes, you can treat the grand children even more pecial than your own children! :o)