Another Day in Paradise

Why then, rejoice therefore.
-Henry V (Pistol)
O, rejoice
Beyond a common joy, and set it down
With gold on lasting pillars
The Tempest (Gonzalo)

Greetings and salutations!
It seems that I have been neglecting this blog! For shame!
It is now the season of Lent, a time to be disciplines and reflection. One of my projects is giving up all desserts and carbohydrates. I would like to say that I will therefore write a snippet every day, but I honestly don't know how well that will work. Things like school work and SAIL events tend to dominate my days. They are probably more important.

For example, tonight is the "International Dance Party" in the basement of my house. Should be quite a hoot! (Lots of international music and dancing!)

Also, the University Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra is performing tomorrow at our concert "War and Remembrance". Our venue includes Prokofiev's "War and Peace" (not the entire opera, but the good bits); Morton Gould's "Holocaust Suite" and John Williams' "Schindler's List." The music is incredibly beautiful, albeit a tad difficult. The real grabber is that we are showing some scenes from Holocaust footage while we are playing. Tough stuff.

Other than that, life is pretty fantastic. The sun is shining, I like my classes.

Psalm 97

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.

Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.

His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.

All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!

Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O LORD.

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.