A Dramatic Baby Dedication

Rounding out Elynor's 1-month birthday weekend, we dedicated her to the Lord during Sunday's church service. I had prayed all week for Elynor to be on her best behavior as we stood before the congregation, keeping any drama to a minimum. And my prayers were answered. She was an absolute doll, sleeping for nearly the entire time. Some other mama's prayers were not answered, however. The 10am service didn't actually start until nearly 10:30 because one of the other children being dedicated decided the fire alarm looked like a cool toy stuck to the wall... and decided to pull it. Yes, as about 25 babies and parents were lined up, ready to go into the service, off went the blaring siren, sending moms & dads scurrying, covering babies' ears. Elynor slept through the entire thing. Blaring siren, then standing under the bus shelter out front in the middle of a crowd as a cool drizzle came down (now why isn't sleeping at home so easy?!).

For those wondering, baby dedication is modeled in the Bible in verses 1 Samuel 1:28 and Luke 2:22, where Samuel and Jesus were presented to the Lord by their parents. For Ryan & I it's a time to publicly thank God for blessing us with Elynor and to dedicate her life to Him, committing to raising her according to the Bible and requesting the support of our church family (and them dedicating themselves, in response). Dedication does not mean Elynor has accepted Jesus or has received His salvation. This is a decision she'll make on her own, later in life, according to the Bible verses Romans 10:9, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, and John 1:12 (to name a few).

We chose Psalm 73:24-26 as Elynor's dedication verses:

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

These verses were very encouraging to me during my pregnancy... when I felt so physically responsible for Elynor's well being and when it became easy to allow the desire for a child to overtake my existence. Ryan and I will continue to draw on this prayer as we raise Elynor, gaining strength in the truth that we are also God's children, whom he will counsel and strengthen. Likewise, we hope Elynor will live by this prayer - that she will look to her Heavenly Father for counsel and strength, and that she would not be distracted by worldly desires over that of heaven.

Here are some pics from the morning. Pardon some of the generic group shots. It's difficult to get anything spontaneous with a baby!

The fire trucks respond to a curious baby's call.

Waiting for our turn... we were the last of approx. 25 babies (read = a long time for Elynor to cooperate)

Our prayer partners, Ed & Leslie Campins (Everett's parents), pray for us and Elynor

Cheesy photo 1: The happy family

Cheesy photo 2: The happy family plus Grandma & Grandpa Cochrane

Cheesy photo 3: 2 happy families, the Westy's & Camp's (Everett was also dedicated)

Cheesy photo 4: Happy small group family (Emilyn was also dedicated)

Chillin' at home after her big morning (I also wore this beautiful dress when I was baptized for the first time as a baby. Thanks to Grandma Cochrane for keeping all kinds of stuff and cleaning/ironing it in prep for Elynor's dedication).