A Night at the Opera

There's a first time for everything right? Well, a couple of nights ago was my first time experiencing the art form that is opera during a trip to see Seattle Opera's production of Puccini's "Tosca". Now knowing myself, as I do, I'm really surprised I haven't dabbled in this art form before. After all, I love classical music and classically trained voices, as well as the stage - plays and musical theatre. However while opera encompasses both of these, it is also unique unto itself. My foray into opera began a few weeks ago when one of my classmates, who had been part of an opera club in high school, suggested we gather enough people to get a group rate. I was game to go and am so glad I did. The opera was full of all sorts of sordid details....love, murder, jealousy - as any tragic story should be. The actors were wonderful and their voices just beautiful. With English subtitles discreetly displayed on a screen above the stage you didn't even have to speak Italian to enjoy it. At times, I would even stop reading the subtitles and just listen to an aria being sung. Additionally the sets were gorgeous, Act I nailed an Italian church spot on. Now I know opera isn't everyone's cup of tea...too many high notes, or what is perceived as "overacting", but I really enjoyed myself. If you haven't ever given opera a try, think about it, you might be pleasantly surprised. And you also just might see me there, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Just one of the (many) reasons my teens are amazing!

As most of you probably know, I volunteer with my parish's high school youth ministry program, Life Teen. Being a Core member is so wonderful and my teens never cease to amaze me with their love of God, His Church and their insight into their blossoming faith. This year I'm not sponsoring anyone for Confirmation an am too busy to help out with the planning so I didn't get a chance to go on the retreat. A few days ago, however, during our Guatemala committee meeting, our Pastoral Associate brought in for our opening prayer, a compilation of Beatitudes written by our teens and their sponsors during the Confirmation retreat. They were asked to think about times that teens face challenges in their faith, and how they might stand up to them. He picked a few to share with us, and now I'm sharing them with you, so that you might get a chance to be inspired by our Church's young faith!

Blessed are they who see themselves as a child of God,
for they will know His love.
Blessed are they who see God in others,
for they will be blessed with friendship.
Blessed are they who resist and do not exert peer pressure,
for they will have the confidence to stand up for themselves.
Blessed are they who are unafraid to verbalize their beliefs,
for they will sing with the angels.
Blessed are they who live out their uniqueness,
for they will accept and understand themselves and others.
Blessed are they who help the stragglers,
for they will find themselves welcomed.
Blessed are they who act when they are called,
for they will not miss the opportunity to share their gifts.
Blessed are they who can cope with life's pressures,
for they will relieve the pressures of others.

Amen!

Time flies!

I just noticed my last post is four days shy of being a month old...time to get back into the swing of things (and take a break from studying neuro).

This week is notable for two reasons:
1 - I have officially passed the halfway point of my second quarter of PT school! This quarter has absolutely flown by, helped in large part by not having two or more tests every single week. My classes are interesting, and I love what I'm learning! I do have a big neuro midterm tomorrow that I'm currently studying for so any thoughts/prayers you could spare around 12:30 would be much appreciated ;)

2 - We are in the first full week of Lent! Hard to believe, since Lent fell so early this year...I feel like we just got done with Christmas. This a time for reflection, prayer, fasting,almsgiving...a time to journey into the desert with Christ and get our own faith journeys on track as we await the death and resurrection celebrated at Eastertime. I am hoping to focus on my prayer life which always seems to need an uplifting, especially when the busyness of life and school and even ministry get in the way.

School work calls back (alas!) but if you're in the mood for some more blogging fun, a good friend of mine just joined the blogosphere, check out Fact, Faith and Feeling on my list of friends' blogs!