Baptism

Our Family with two of our churches ministers.

Our Family with all of the Godparents.

The Paternal side of the Family.

Us!

The Maternal side of the Family (take one).

Us again!

The Maternal side of the Family (take two)!

On July 29, 2008 we stood witness with family and friends as our son Justin Daniel was Baptized. The minister took Justin into his arms and walked with him out into the middle of the congregation. He had invited Norah to join him but she declined, and stayed close to us. As he introduced Justin to the church members, he talked about how each child is a blessing, and how the family of the child takes on the responsibility of raising that child in the church.

We were also reminded that while we are the guardians of our children, they do not belong to us. That ultimately they are God's and we are charged with raising them to know His love and His grace, and responsible for teaching them to love God and to serve their neighbors. This is a responsibility that neither of us takes lightly. Thus we consider Baptism to be one of the most important things we can do for them. Jeff and I consider both of our sweet babies to be a blessing and view raising them as a wonderful privilege.

The minister then returned to the front of the church where he asked that all of Justin's family and friends place their hands upon him as he was baptized. All of us were impressed with the fact that Norah (who was in her daddy's arms) was one of the first people to lay hands on Justin. It was a defining moment to say the least. One miracle helping to bless another.

After the service we took pictures and then made our way to the reception that was held to help celebrate such a wonderful occasion. We are truly blessed.