Wordless Post---well mostly:)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Baptism/Dedication...What's the difference?
After announcing that both boys would be dedicated at Eagle Brook next month, a few people have asked what a dedication is and why my children aren't being baptized. So, to the best of my ability, I am going to try and set the record straight. Please note, these are my interpretations:)
Eagle Brook does not do infant baptisms. In fact, our church back home does not do infant baptisms either. Instead, we have dedications. On August 22nd, both our boys will take part in this celebration. Basically, as parents, Brandon and I will stand in front of our family and friends at Eagle Brook and pledge to raise our kids based on biblical truth. We will make a public commitment to teach our boys about what it means to be followers of Christ and live a "Christ-Centered" life. There is no water, no dunking, etc. Instead, just a verbal announcement. As young children, Griffin and Grayson can't quite understand what it means to be a Christian. So, as parents, we are making a statement that essentially says we are taking on the responsibility of raising our children in a home where Christ is present, and we promise to point our kids towards a relationship with God.
Baptisms still occur at our church, but they are not performed on small children. Instead, older children on up can CHOOSE to be baptized. See, we hold the belief that being baptized should be a choice---a decision a Christ follower chooses to make. Baptisms are held for people to make a public declaration of their OWN faith. Because the stories in the bible are of adults being baptized by being dunked, that is the practice we follow. Unlike some denominations, we do not believe that baptism is what "saves" a person. Instead, baptism is a public display of a change that has taken place in our heart after accepting Christ. Our church once put it like this: "baptism is to salvation as a wedding ceremony is to a marriage. It’s an external declaration of an internal event." Some choose to be baptized shortly after deciding to follow Jesus, others wait. I was baptized as a senior in high school, whereas Brandon has decided to be baptized this August.
Please note that this is just a small portion of our faith journey, and we in no way shape or form want our beliefs on baptism to separate ourselves from other people who share our faith in Christ.
So, there you have it. I hope I explained things correctly:)
Eagle Brook does not do infant baptisms. In fact, our church back home does not do infant baptisms either. Instead, we have dedications. On August 22nd, both our boys will take part in this celebration. Basically, as parents, Brandon and I will stand in front of our family and friends at Eagle Brook and pledge to raise our kids based on biblical truth. We will make a public commitment to teach our boys about what it means to be followers of Christ and live a "Christ-Centered" life. There is no water, no dunking, etc. Instead, just a verbal announcement. As young children, Griffin and Grayson can't quite understand what it means to be a Christian. So, as parents, we are making a statement that essentially says we are taking on the responsibility of raising our children in a home where Christ is present, and we promise to point our kids towards a relationship with God.
Baptisms still occur at our church, but they are not performed on small children. Instead, older children on up can CHOOSE to be baptized. See, we hold the belief that being baptized should be a choice---a decision a Christ follower chooses to make. Baptisms are held for people to make a public declaration of their OWN faith. Because the stories in the bible are of adults being baptized by being dunked, that is the practice we follow. Unlike some denominations, we do not believe that baptism is what "saves" a person. Instead, baptism is a public display of a change that has taken place in our heart after accepting Christ. Our church once put it like this: "baptism is to salvation as a wedding ceremony is to a marriage. It’s an external declaration of an internal event." Some choose to be baptized shortly after deciding to follow Jesus, others wait. I was baptized as a senior in high school, whereas Brandon has decided to be baptized this August.
Please note that this is just a small portion of our faith journey, and we in no way shape or form want our beliefs on baptism to separate ourselves from other people who share our faith in Christ.
So, there you have it. I hope I explained things correctly:)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
Loving the bumbo seat
Mr. Shy Smiles
Griffin's current obsession--HORSES!
Fun on the lake
Don't think he has a valid license...
Grayson wasn't too sure of the whole life jacket thing!
SOCCER!
Uncle Christopher
Papa Bill
Once again...ALL SMILES!
OOOOOHHHH....AAAHHHHH Fireworks!
Play Date with Isabel
Life has been busy for the Dunigan Family! In the last few weeks, we celebrated the 4th of July, potty trained Griffin, traveled to Wisconsin, celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary, and so much more!
We saw fireworks right by our house on the 4th, and Grayson was mesmerized. Griffin, unfortunately, was much more entertained by the glow stick Brandon purchased for him. Nonetheless, we had a fun night with Becca and Nick.
The big news...no more diapers for Griffin! (well at least during the day.) Following the advice of a fellow blogger friend, I let Griffin run around half naked for a couple days. After having a few accidents without a diaper on, he realized that the toilet was his friend. And, just like that, no more diapers! I wish I could take all the credit for it, but I know he witnessed his friends at day care being trained throughout the school year, so that helped speed things along too. Next on the list: working on better aim!
We also took another trip to the Children's museum two weeks ago. With two other families, we spent the morning with Clifford, snakes, and more. I think fun was had by all.
Most recently, the four of us traveled to WI for almost a week. It was great to see both sides of our family. My favorite memories are of Griffin playing soccer with Samuel and both my boys going for a boat ride. I also thoroughly enjoyed a night free from the boys so Brandon and I could celebrate our anniversary at The Melting Pot:)
Ahhhh....Gotta love summer!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Date with Griffin
Griffin and I had our own special date yesterday! My dear friend, Angie, had emailed me a couple of weeks ago asking if she could get a "baby fix" and watch Grayson. She suggested she come over and play with Grayson while I did something special with just Griffin. (Did I mention I have incredible friends?) Our original plan was to go to the pool for a couple of hours, but the weather didn't quite cooperate. So, off to the Como Zoo.
Neither one of us had ever been to the Como Zoo, but I am so glad we went. (Thanks Jill!) I had so much fun giving Griffin my undivided attention, and I am sure he was psyched too. He can't stop talking about riding rides and watching the lions fight. (By the way, seeing the male and female lion go at it was kind of cool:) For young children, the zoo is perfect in size, and a must see attraction.
So, thanks to Angie, I had a wonderful date with my first-born son, and we created memories that I will always cherish. I look forward to having individual time with both boys in the future. To all you mothers of multiple children...I definitely recommend scheduling time for each individual child. Yesterday was priceless!
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