On Sunday, 13 Feb 2005, Eloise Mae Theule was dedicated during the 4pm service of Santa
Barbara Community Church. Earlier that weekend, when I told a friend what we were
doing at church, she had asked if it was like a baptism. I told her it was sort of
like a baptism but not as formal and without water. Basically, in our church a baby
dedication is more of a simple introduction of the baby to the congregation. The parents
commit to rearing the baby in a Godly way, and the congregation commits to supporting
the parents and the children. During the dedication, the parents generally pick out
a passage of scripture; sort of a life verse. We were ‘encouraged’ to pick just one
verse. Apparently, some parents choose multiple chapters or whole books. 🙂 Toby and
I chose a mishmosh of verses from the end of Proverbs
31 that we felt were appropriate for the occasion.

She opens her
hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy Strength and dignity are
her clothing And she laughs at the time to come She opens her mouth with wisdom, and
the teaching of kindness is on her tongue Charm is deceitful, beauty is vain But a
woman who fears the Lord is to be praised

We were well represented.
When Reed
Jolley asked for any family members in the audience to stand up, we had over 2 full rows of people rise to their feet. The rest of the congregation was very impressed.