awful beautiful weekend

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15

It is an odd, emotional weekend for God's children who are called to do both at once. 

With God's help, may the sadness we share work only to increase our joy as we are reminded of HIs faithfulness to our Confirmads.  May He train our hearts to find joy in those things that will last: in His love for us, in His promises, and in hearing them once again applied to us and our children.

Not even death can remove them from His hands.

And may we grieve not as those who have no hope, but always looking into the face of Him who is our Hope, clinging to Him to preserve us until that day we are called home to eternal joy.