This morning we went to the local First Covenant Church. Some friends (and neighbors) of ours asked us to be god-parents to their daughter. We felt very honored to be asked and, of course, we accepted. Our church does not do god-parents and I really sometimes wish we had asked somebody to be Rosemary's god-parents anyway. I really like the idea of asking another couple to pray for your child.

Anyway, we went to their church service morning and I just loved it. It wasn't as traditional as the Catholic church I grew up in, or even as traditional as some Lutheran churches I have been to. In my opinion, it was a very good blend between modern and tradition. And the baptism was one of the sweetest blessings I have ever seen. My church does not practice baptism, we practice a dedication and allow baptism to be a personal decision. I really feel that, at this age, baptism is pretty similar to a dedication. This baptism was really moving to me. The pastor was really purposeful in her words and it put me in tears. The way she introduced the child to the church was moving and the whole church sang a prayer of grace and peace over her. I long for reverence like that. It was beautiful.

Deep, deep in my heart I want to go to this. I have always wanted to go to one of these conferences and now it is not only coming to my home town, but to my home church. I just don't see how to do it with Rosemary. But I have a month to try to figure it out. I want a catalyst to step away from this cynicism and complacency. I want to be deeply moved and changed. I want something, I need something different. I know I don't need a conference for this, but I feel it is what I need right now.

We got to church this morning ... and found out the service was going to be outside! It was so cold at first. The wind was incredibly strong. But it was kind of fun because we didn't have to worry about the small child making too much noise. If only we had known in advance, we could of brought Owen ... he needs a Lord and Savior too.