Although it happened over 30 years ago, I'm often reminded of my baptism. I thought about it again when I took my family to see the Disney movie Toy Story.

Toy Story is about the adventures of a little boy's toys, which come to life whenever human beings aren't around. The boy's name is Andy, and the two main toy characters of the movie are Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, an action figure who really thinks he's an intergalactic space warrior.

Woody and Buzz are Andy's favorite toys, and to show it, Andy wrote his name on the bottom of one of each of their boots so that no one, not even the third-grade teacher's nightmare Sid from next door, would mistakenly or intentionally take Woody or Buz away from Andy.

And so it happened at my baptism. There the pastor poured simple tap water from a bowl no bigger than a candy dish. Yet there, through simple washing and God's powerful promise, God put his name and staked his claim on me. No one can mistakenly or intentionally take me away from my God.

Do you often think about your baptism? Do you know how God feels about you because of that event which took place so many years ago? So many sully the sacrament by forgetting the name put on them—the name of God: Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In a society where drug dealers steer our kids wrong, in a community where dad is so often delinquent, in a world where there is so much turmoil, wouldn't you agree we need those names of God engraved on our hearts—to give us guidance, protection, and contentment?

Realize what comfort is found in the water of life. Because of your baptism, no one can steal you away from God. The Old Testament writer Isaiah wrote in chapter 43 of his prophecy: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Those words apply also to baptism.

Experience what power is connected to the promise. All the blessings Jesus the Christ purchased through his ministry here on earth become yours in the humble, simple sacrament of baptism. There God clothes you with his Son's perfect life. There God cleanses you of all your wrongs against his holy name. There God puts his holy name on you and sends you off to live as his child.

Have you thought about your baptism lately? Think about it now. And take to heart that God has claimed you as his own.

James Schulz is pastor at David's Star, Jackson, Wisconsin.