the water sustains me

This is one of my new favorite songs, sung by the wonderfully British Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling. On every Friday afternoon, the Diomede school has music class at the end of the day for about a half hour. Willis played this song on his guitar, and we all tried to sing as best we could.  It's such a good Diomede song, and I think that for the rest of my life, every time I hear this song, I'll think of this little island.

 "The Water"

All that I have is a river
The river is always my home
Lord, take me away
For I just cannot stay
Or I'll sink in my skin and my bones

The water sustains me without even trying
The water can't drown me
I'm done with my dying

Please help me build a small boat
One that'll ride on the flow
Where the river runs deep
And the larger fish creep
I'm glad of what keeps me afloat

Now deeper the water I sail
And faster the current I'm in
That each night brings the stars
And the song in my heart
Is a tune for the journeyman's tale

Now the land that I knew is a dream
And the line on the distance grows faint
So wide is my river
The horizon a sliver
The artist has run out of paint

Where the blue of the sea meets the sky
And the big yellow sun leads me home
I'm everywhere now
The way is a vow
To the wind of each breath by and by

The water sustains me without even trying
The water can't drown me
I'm done with my dying

rejoice, oh unwedded bride

This is beautiful, and it makes me miss Russia.

we should keep silent.

When we are among a large number of people, say at our workplace, people often argue there, especially at large meetings.  It is always best to keep silent at large gatherings.  Let the others bring out their suggestions.  We should keep silent.  If you absolutely must say something, then say it so as not to offend anyone’s dignity.  It is better not to become involved.  Mind your own business and try to keep your peace.

- Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives

again you sinned, again repent

“Tell me, Father, in what consists the major steps of spiritual life?” Answer:  “No one saves himself without humility.  Remember that until the end of your life you will be falling into sins, whether severe or slight.  You will get angry, you will be haughty, you will lie, you will be proud, you will hurt others, you will be greedy.  This very realization will keep you in humility.  What is there to boast about if every day you sin and you hurt your close ones?  But for each sin there is repentance.  So you sinned, you must repent, again you sinned, again repent, and so to the end.  If you keep on doing that you will never be despondent and gradually will come to a peaceful state.”

~Elder Michael of Valaam