Last night I had such a wonderful time. It was moving and fulfilling. 130 people (mostly 8th graders --but also the 4 adults from my class) were confirmed in my church. The bishop was there. Whatever his shortcomings (and we all have them) he has been very visible and accessible to the people of his diocese and he is a great homilist. He shared with us a letter he received from a young lady currently serving in Iraq who he had confirmed about 5 years ago. Her letter was poignant and beautiful. I think everyone had tears in their eyes as he read from her letter that he should make sure that people know forgiveness is the key. She had chosen St. Sebastian as her saint's name, and he had asked her about it. She chose him because he is the patron saint of athletes and she's very athletic. Bishop Lynch told her he always remembered that as St. Sebastian pulled the arrows from his body, he forgave each of his aggressors. She wrote of how little forgiveness she has seen in Iraq and that forgiveness is the only way to peace. Like I said, it was very moving.
So my emotions were running high between the story and watching 4 people I've personally watched grow in faith become confirmed. Then the Singer was the cantor and sang so beautifully. The Singer may not be the best singer ever (although I think she is...and yes I'll concede I may be biased), but she is an awesome cantor because she recognizes her role. As cantor she is not to perform, but to lead and encourage others into active worship. And she believes in her heart all that she sings and it shows! As she stood on the altar singing for the Holy Spirit to come I felt her true supplication that the Spirit would touch all of our lives. She is quite the young lady. I am truly blessed to have my parish and my daughter.
Saturday night the Imp took Hubby to the Father-Daughter dance at her school. It was the first time her school had done this, but it was such a hit, I think it won't be the last. Every girl was announced as she arrived and walked down the red carpet through a lattice archway. "Suzie Smith escorted by Joe Smith." There was a professional photographer there who took pictures of the "couples" and donated all the proceeds to the school and there was a dance instructor who taught the Salsa and the Merengue.
I've been busy crocheting lately. I really love the intricate patterns and designs that are so easily created. I love creating. This past week, I've mainly crocheted bookmarks, and it's great to be able to start and finish a project in a day. I actually gave each of my confirmation students a bookmark for their Bibles. I think I made about 10 bookmarks last week. The previous week, I worked on a bookmark that was wayyy too involved for my tastes, but once I started I wasn't quiting. I think it took me 7 or 8 days to complete. It's nice...but I'm not sure I'll make another one. I don't think it looks much different that the other ones, but it definitely is much harder.
The weather is cold. The coldest thus far this winter. I put a turtleneck on this morning for the first time this season. Tonight there's a freeze warning. I don't like the cold but when it's cold and cloudy, I really feel blah. Today is cold and dreary. No sun shining, wind blowing and COLD. Yuk. Fortunately, I'm off to scrapbook so my day isn't a total loss.
The girls have a voice recital tonight. They'll be singing "Sisters" (the song from 'White Christmas') together. I can't wait. I'm sure I'll be tearing up tonight!
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