I call these sweet ceremonies the generic term “baby blessings” which may include christenings or baptisms or baby naming ceremonies. Each ceremony is created according to the faith and beliefs of each family. We can include christening or baptism or anointing. I do them all as I am a non-denominational minister and honor all faiths. All my ceremonies for babies are a welcoming to the world to the baby and usually include parental promises or pledges to the baby, grandparents, god parents, siblings of the baby, etc., whatever the parents want. The ceremonies can be religious or spiritual.
So, we set a date of August 22, 2009 and began creating the ceremony for these two babies and their families. It turned out to be a beautiful day in August when we all gathered in the garden area at Michele and Patrick's home.
Grandparents, friends and siblings gathered for the event.
Grady did not seem to mind me sprinkling water on his head.
But, Lanie was not too happy about it!The ceremony was a spiritual one. Michele and Julie included this poem by Amanda Carter that I really like:
If a child lives with criticism,
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance,
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement,
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns to find love in the world.
Grady is the sweetest thing! He was fascinated with my bracelets.
Lanie would not let me hold her so here she is with Mom holding her but she still looks quite suspicious of me!
It was a delightful day, delightful families, and here we all are after the ceremony!
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