My Public Private Journal

2006-08-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

Some interesting new turns in this ongoing story.... First of all, I'm excited to announce that I will be a guest on EWTN's "The Journey Home" program, hosted by Marcus Grodi on October 30th. Second, I've scheduled five concerts for the month of September, which is the closest to being full-time with my music as I've ever been. Third, I've started designing websites again in order to support my family. I feel like I'm supposed to be my own boss, rather than take a full-time job with another company, so that I may have the freedom to pursue more concert opportunities.

Please pray for me and my family as we consider the next step.

2006-07-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Still no full time job offers, but I do have some temp work with a road construction crew. That should carry us through the next couple of weeks. God is good. I'm hoping that the absence of full-time offers means that the Lord intends to bless my concert ministry.

Two concerts are scheduled so far. Would you like me to come to your church?

Thanks for your prayers!

2006-07-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

More prayers are needed!

After quitting a very good job, moving 1000 miles North, and closing on our new home, I was told (about an hour after the closing) that the job I had been offered is no longer available. That puts me and my family in a bit of a bind, but I believe that God will provide. I am beginning to wonder if the timing may be right to launch the concert ministry that I have wanted to do for a long time. May God's will be done.

I intend to speak with a few nearby priests in the morning to see if those doors start opening. I hope they do; I would love to travel from parish to parish proclaiming Christ in song. But can I support my family doing so? That is the question. And only God knows the answer.

Please pray!

2006-06-26T22:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who have prayed for me through the last several posts regarding my family's desire to move back to Minnesota. In the last few weeks we have seen God provide with some powerful answers to prayer.

We sincerely believed that the Lord was leading us to rejoin our extended families, so we prayed unceasingly for a new job and for the ability to sell our home in Mississippi. I was particularly inspired by the Lord's parables, where he taught us to persevere in prayer. My wife and I were confident that God was leading, so we stepped out in faith and made an offer on a home in Minnesota. It was a little backwards, and eyeballs were rolling I'm sure. Usually you get a job and then buy a home. But within two weeks I had a job offer (in a completely different trade!). And within another two weeks we found a buyer for our home, and we are closing on the sale at the end of this week.

After more than three years, we are finally moving back to grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and cousins. We are completely in awe of God's wonderful mercy and rejoicing in His goodness.

On yet another positive note, my fifth CD is almost completely written. I'm hoping to save up for a good keyboard and start recording. Please keep this project in your prayers, too. I hope that the songs will draw many closer to our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ.

2006-05-17T08:09:00.000-05:00

I still don't have a job in Minnesota, but I am more convinced than ever that God is moving us in that direction. This has been a good lesson for my two young sons on how we need to persevere in prayer. It's been a good lesson for me, too.

Maybe today...

If you're reading this, please offer up a little prayer for me and my family.

2006-02-24T11:49:00.000-06:00

My family and I would very much like to move back to Minnesota. But I have no job prospects up there, which is sort of a problem since my family likes to eat and have beds to sleep in, etc...

Lord, please either change our circumstances or change our hearts.

Jesus, I trust in You.

2006-02-21T07:43:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm still alive... I simply haven't had any time to write anthing lately. My wife and I bought a fixer-upper, so when I'm not at work...I'm at work fixing the fixer-upper. Painting, tiling, fixing holes in walls, etc, etc, etc.

We've been praying about eliminating some of our debt, and this opportunity presented itself.

St. Thomas More once said, "The things that we pray for, good Lord, give us the grace to work for."

Sometimes when we pray for a new house, God answers by sending us a hammer and some nails.

2005-12-05T16:54:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to begin a career as a songwriter lately. In the process I've been trying to get recordings into the hands of Nashville celebrities (with some success). No big name celebs have actually decided to record any of my songs yet, but I have been able to get a few "hearings". It can't hurt to try, right?

I was a little disappointed that no doors seemed to be opening for me, but my Advent Season reflections have helped me overcome some of that. What I mean is this....

Jesus didn't spend time rubbing shoulders with celebrities. He was born in a stable and identified with the poor throughout His entire life. He never took center stage and spotlight. I guess I should consider it a great honor, then, if the Lord intends to keep me and my music small and unnoticed.

I keep praying that I would be able to do something BIG with my music, but maybe God is best glorified by my littleness and by the fact that it never comes easy. Maybe He is better glorified when I struggle for His sake then when I succeed and it all comes easily.

May the Lord's will be done.

2005-11-06T14:21:00.000-06:00

I released CD#4 for free on my site last week. It's called "My Heart At Worship". I was debating whether I should even put it on the site, having some self-doubt about the quality of my work. Finally, I came to the conclusion that it might as well bear a little fruit with all its imperfections, instead of waiting indefinitely in my recorder for me to get some time to re-work the songs. One never knows how long we have left on this earth to do the work of God. My prayer is that a few people will be drawn deeper into the worship of our great God and King as a result of these simple musical reflections. Maybe some day I will have time to re-visit the songs, too. For now I'll keep the CD on my site as it is (on the bottom of my recordings page, however).

2005-10-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

OK. It's been a LONG time since I've written anything here, and probably no one ever reads this anymore. Oh well....

It's worth a journal entry at least, and if you are reading this, then welcome to my private thoughts.

I have been praying hard about trying to get some of my songs published and into the hands of some serious recording artists. I am coming to the conclusion that I am a better songwriter than I am a singer/performer. And that's just fine with me. I would be very happy to let someone else take the stage and spotlight and remain that anonymous songsmith in the background. No one has to know my name. I just want the songs to reach their full evangelistic fruit bearing potential. It would be nice, too, to be able to make a modest living to support my family with my own craft.

May God's will be done.

2005-08-05T12:21:00.000-05:00

It's better to be cheated than to cheat.
It's better to be despised than to despise another.
It's better to be wronged than to be wrong.

2005-07-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

CD#4, entitled "My Heart At Worship" is just about done. This will be my third project that I've recorded in my closet. I think all the recording is completed, but I would like to have it professionally mastered. In fact, I would really like to have all four CDs professionally mastered and duplicated. From what I understand my CDs would sound so much better if I did. Perhaps some day the Lord will provide a way for me to get that done.

For now I'll keep muddling along with what I have. I pray that God will be glorified by my humble efforts.

2005-07-19T11:54:00.000-05:00

My grandfather just passed away yesterday at 102 years old. He will be sorely missed.

Living a long life is a blessing, but according to Grandpa, it has a downside, too. The worst part for him was that he had to grieve the loss of so many loved ones whom he outlived. Two wives, siblings, and numerous friends... You can imagine how many funerals he attended in 102 years.

This life has its joys, but also its heartaches. These momentary sorrows on earth, however, remind us to look forward to our eternal reward in Heaven where sickness and death are forever abolished. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, who is the Life and the Resurrection.

2005-06-19T00:31:00.000-05:00

OK. It's been way too long since I've written anything new here.

My wife and kids went up to Minnesota for the summer again this year, so I have set up my recording gear in my closet again for CD#4. Please pray that God will bless my humble efforts.

I had an interesting phone call this past week from a nun in Washington. Sister Patricia hosts a radio show, so she asked if she could interview me regarding my little music ministry on the web. The Lord used her phone call to fill me with new hope and encouragement.

I've also been motivated to start praying about possibly saving up for a small inventory of professionally made CDs that I could sell. I still would like to let people download songs for free from my site, but it seems that there are many who would rather just buy a CD. Maybe they have slow internet connections or just don't have the time to burn CDs, etc.

I'm praying that God will make His will abundantly clear as I consider this new direction.

2005-04-18T20:34:00.000-05:00

My family is missing Minnesota. Almost three years ago we moved to the Memphis area for a new job. My career is better than ever, but my family is miserable.

It's the little things that we miss the most. Going to the cabin with Grandma. Walking in the woods with Grandpa. Birthday parties with the cousins. The lakes and trees. Small towns where everybody knows your name....

While I am providing well enough financially for my family, I am torn by the sinking feeling that I am actually doing them a disservice by depriving them of these intangible riches.

Lord, You know the sadness of our hearts. You know all things. Please shape our lives according to Your perfect will. Jesus, we trust in You.

2005-04-03T21:25:00.000-05:00

Lord, I am thankful for the life of your servant, Pope John Paul II. His holiness, his meekness, and his fearless defense of the Truth inspires me to draw nearer to You, my God and King. May he enjoy forever the vision of your glory and majesty, his eternal reward.

Holy Spirit, lead our Cardinals in the selection of our next Pope. Grant us a man of bold conviction who will continue John Paul's legacy and be a vessel through whom many heresies will be defeated. Lord, in your Divine Mercy, cleanse us. Drive out the wolves in sheep's clothing who seek to inftroduce doctrines of demons through our seminaries, universities, and political institutions.

Jesus, I trust in You.

2005-03-09T12:23:00.000-06:00

I've been praying for direction lately about what to do for CD#4. I have two possible options at this point: 1) Write another folk-like CD in a similar style to "The Simple Life", or 2) Complete my worship/Mass themed CD.

I'm leaning towards the latter.

If anyone out there ever reads these little posts, maybe you could say a little prayer today that God will lead me in the decision making process.

Thanks,

Karl

2005-03-08T06:53:00.000-06:00

I was laying wood laminate flooring in our living/dining rooms this past weekend, and my two young sons were "helping" me. At the start of the day I remember thinking, "This is how it should be, just like St. Joseph showing Jesus how to use a saw and hammer." By the end of the day, however, after numerous scoldings and temper flares, I was mindful of how unlike St. Jospeh I really am.

Lord, give me the grace to become the kind of father you want me to be. Left to myself, I will fail you every time, but I trust in You and know that I am not alone. Jesus, I am prone to sin, but your grace is strong. With the help of Your Holy Spirit, I will stand.

2005-02-24T06:57:00.000-06:00

Lord, help us build a Culture of Life. Heal Terri Schiavo. Protect her. And help our society see her worth as a person and as a child of God. Help us, through the strength of Your Holy Spirit, to defend those who are not capable of defending themselves, especially the sick, the elderly, and the unborn.

Amen.

(Inspired by the following e-mail I received today.)

"Dear Karl,

I am writing to invite you to become part of an organized effort among over 160 bloggers to help bring a just resolution to the plight of Terri Schiavo. Terri Schiavo is a disabled woman who has been denied appropriate medical treatment and whose life has been threatened for the past fifteen years. Right now there is a massive effort in the Blogosphere to first save her life and then restore her rights to appropriate medical treatment. You can help in this effort.

Here's how:
1. Educate yourself on her situation. A good comprehensive website to start with is her family's official website at www.terrisfight.org. You can find the latest breaking news on her case at www.blogsforterri.com. In addition, there are many other linked websites and blogs you can visit, and you can find your own sources with the help of your favorite search engine.

2. Get the word out. Email your family and friends, your local radio stations, newspapers, and anyone else you can think of.

3. Join the effort at http://www.blogsforterri.com/archives/2005/02/where_do_i_begi.php.

Since you have a blog, consider joining the blogburst and post about Terri on a daily basis. Contact the key people in Florida provided here at http://www.blogsforterri.com/archives/2005/02/people_to_conta_1.php.
You also have an opportunity to participate in a pledge drive to raise funds to place a full page ad in the St. Petersburg Times, Terri Schiavo's local paper. Go to http://www.blogsforterri.com/archives/2005/02/blogsforterri_a_1.php for more information. No doubt, there are other ways to get involved in the works. Check back at www.blogsforterri.org often for updates.

I know we can't all do everything, but if we all do what we can, we can make a difference. Please join our efforts to help save Terri Schiavo's life and provide her with the medical treatment she has been so long denied. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Beth Cleaver

http://bamapachyderm.com
http://blogsforterri.com

2005-02-15T20:20:00.000-06:00

I am learning more about how utterly dependent I am upon the Lord. In absolutely every area of my life--my family, my career, my finances, my music, my progress in Christ--apart from His grace and blessing, I can do nothing. Even my best efforts will fail, for unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

It seems that my best efforts can bring my goals just outside the reach of my fingertips. I can see the prize. I can almost feel it. But I can not take hold of it. And there it shall remain--so close yet unobtained--except for the grace of God. Only the blessing of the Lord can deliver it into my hand.

So the question, then, is this: How shall I obtain God's blessing?

He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you. Do justly. Love mercy. And walk humbly with your God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

It's such a delicate balancing act between working and trusting. I've heard it said that we ought to work as if it were all up to us, and pray as if it were all up to God. I think there's an element of truth in that, but I don't think it's 100% accurate. If I were to work like it was all up to me, I think I would never see my family for all the overtime that I would be putting in. No, I think it's all about cooperating with the grace that comes to us by the Holy Spirit. His blessings flow when I faithfully do the work He sets before me in the strength which He supplies me on a day-to-day basis.

2005-02-08T06:51:00.000-06:00

I received an e-mail a couple of weeks ago from a guy who is starting a new music ministry on the web. It's called "Soul Amp", www.SoulAmp.com.

You can listen to all of John's songs for free online, and they are excellent. He's what I imagine David would have sounded like if he were our contemporary and familiar with our modern musical landscape.

I also appreciated his fervent desire to bear fruit for Christ. This is a lesson I wish more people in the world could learn. To be yoked in the service of Christ is not burdensome. It is liberating and a constant source of internal joy, even in the midst of sorrow.

We are made by Him and for Him. And there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction in doing what you were made to do--that is, serving Jesus. Just as it was our Lord's "food" to do the will of the Father, so it is for us. A feast for the soul, if we would only accept His invitation to dine.

When we take His yoke upon us and learn from Him, we then find that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

2005-01-25T06:43:00.000-06:00

I was in a car accident on Friday. A humbling experience. Three cars were involved, and two young women were hurt to some degree. They were walking after the accident, so I don't think it was too bad. They were taken away in an ambulance, however, to be checked out. Please join me in praying for all involved, that they might be restored to good health and that the whole insurance thing can be worked out. My car may have been totalled. We're still waiting for word from the insurance company.

I thank God for his protection and that my 5 year old son was not with me (I had just dropped him off at his school). I am also thankful for the calm and peace that accompanies me even in the midst of trials and hardships like these. I think it sometimes frustrates my wife that I'm not more worked up about the whole matter, but I firmly believe that I am in God's hand. He will work this out for our good and for His glory. Somehow I know He will.

2005-01-15T10:44:00.000-06:00

I received some exciting news this morning. The producer of a documentary called "Living Hope" just told me that the film, which uses one of my songs, will be aired on EWTN. I am so glad to be a part of this work of God.

The documentary follows a group of young men and women as they travel across the US to pray in front of aborton mills and speak for the rights of the unborn. They drive home the point forcefully: You can't be Catholic AND pro-abortion.

The producer chose to use one of my songs "Give Me A Chance" off of my first CD, "Through the Dark". I am so grateful to our Lord that He has allowed me to be a part of this noble effort to save children's lives. I hope and pray that the video will change the hearts and lives of many, and that it will motivate many others to get involved in the cause. We can not be silent. These little ones are not old enough to speak for themselves. We need to "give them a chance" to live. Give them a chance to grow. Give them a chance to fulfill the mission God has prepared for them in life.

Please join me in praying for the impact of this powerful documentary. While you're at it, say a little prayer for EWTN--a consistent voice in the world for orthodox Christianity.

Lord, in your mercy....STAMP OUT HERESY. In your love, drive out the wolves with your rod of iron. You are the Good Shepherd of the flock. Protect your little ones from errors that can only lead to the ruin of souls.

2005-01-12T20:22:00.000-06:00

What a tremendous responsibility it is to be a father! I have been increasingly aware of how important it is to teach my boys to follow after Christ. This is my primary ministry and calling--to be the best husband and father that I can be. The music has to take back seat to my family.

2005-01-10T20:49:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about trying something new with my CDs. Many people are downloading the MP3s each day now and making their own CDs for free from my website. Yet I think there are just as many more that are not download savvy or don't have high speed internet access. So I've been kicking around the idea of selling my CDs through a service called cafepress.com

That way more people could have access to my music and the Good News proclaimed therein. And I might be able to save up a few dollars to continue building this little music ministry.

If anyone out there still reads these posts, maybe you could pray about this idea for me.

Thanks

2005-01-05T17:05:00.000-06:00

My wife, kids, and I enjoyed a wonderful trip up North to be with our extended families in Minnesota over Christmas. We enjoyed ourselves immensely in spite of the 100 degree temperature change (60 above in MS, to 37 below in MN).

I am overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for the gift of family and the many blessings He has showered upon me this past year. I was particularly happy to celebrate the birth of Christ with my 102 year old grandpa.

2004-12-12T15:45:00.000-06:00

I have been drawing alot of inspiration from Saint Joseph over the past few weeks. I think the Christmas Season got me thinking about him inititally, but what a superb example I have found in him of a loving father, a faithful husband, and a strong worker. I've got a long ways to go.

I am further inspired by the near anonymity of this great man of God. No matter how small and insignificant I feel, I still believe that God can use my humble little efforts to spread the Word of Christ. I just need to persevere in my primary vocation of being a husband and father. If I'm faithful in these everyday things, perhaps the Lord will allow my little music ministry to keep bearing fruit for His Kingdom as well.

I so desire to be fruitful in the service of Christ. Father, help me to learn from the holy example of Joseph, and make me a faithful follower of Your Son Jesus Christ whose birth we are about to celebrate.

2004-12-09T06:36:00.000-06:00

I am sensing a growing drive within me to pray for the renewal of the Church. So many reports of scandals and heretics in positions of power can start to weigh heavy upon the soul. But Truth will prevail, and the Church will stand. Jesus has promised it. I will pray in faith, then, for renewal and cleansing. And God, in His time, will anwer me.

2004-11-17T06:47:00.000-06:00

I received this letter about a week ago, and it's such a beautiful illustration of how God works I thought you might like to share in this:

"Karl,

A few months back I left our local Right To Life Board Meeting on a mission to find a pro-life song for our annual banquet in October. I did an internet search on pro-life songs and yours--Give Me A Chance--was the first I listened to. No coincidence there! Your song fit PERFECTLY with our current Billboard campaign with slogans such as "I will find a cure for cancer in 2048"...and "I will be the first woman President in 2004." Thank you for sharing your beautiful music with the pro-life community"

Take a look at their billboards at iChooselife.org and click on "MEDIA". Then have a listen to the song or read the lyrics on my site.

I love it when these little "coincidences" occur. In my heart I know that God truly orchestrated the whole thing. Praise Him!

2004-11-08T20:56:00.000-06:00

It's done!

Last night I posted my third CD for free download on my website. I pray that many will be drawn to Christ through my little efforts.

Lord, I want to spread Your Word. I want the world to know of your awesome love and sacrifice. Help me to reach as many as I can, as deeply as I can, for as long as I can. Amen.

2004-10-25T20:02:00.000-05:00

CD#3, The Simple Life, is completed, I think. I just need to work on cover art and label printing. A friend of mine helped me master it on her computer this Saturday, and it is much improved. Thank You, Lord!

Then, just after finishing this CD on Saturday, I was encouraged by the opening melody that the organist played to introduce our closing hymn. It was the melody for the song "Simple Gifts" (or more recently, "Lord of the Dance". I quote that melody in a guitar part for my title song "The Simple Life".

Many people would probably see this as a coincidence, but I have learned that sometimes God speaks through these quiet little messages that only the listening and believing heart can hear. I think He was saying, "It's ready to go. Now send it out."

2004-10-20T06:49:00.000-05:00

A vote for John Kerry is a vote against the unborn. Take your conscience with you to the voting booth.

2004-10-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

I was bothered by one of the scripted prayers at Church today. I'm paraphrasing, but the basic idea was, "Lord, help people vote, paying particular attention to the issues peace and social justice."

Now don't get me wrong. These are two values that I believe in strongly. But I found it disconcerting that there was a noticeable silence in regards to the fundamental right to life. I hope this was simply an oversite, but it seemed a glaring error in light of it being the national Right To Life day.

Come on, Church! Where's your backbone?

As for me I will vote for the man who will give 1.5 million babies who have a death sentence every year a better chance to live. I may not agree with every thing President Bush does or says, but I am completely convinced of his sincere commitment to the unborn. I could not in good conscience vote for a man like John Kerry.

Lord, protect the little ones. Give us good learders in our government who know the difference between right and wrong, and rid us of leaders in the Church that can't take the heat. Cleanse us, O God. Purify us. Drive out the wolves in sheep's clothing. And give us Shepherds after Your own heart, who will lay down their lives for Your beloved little lambs. Amen.

2004-09-29T07:16:00.000-05:00

Still praying for a way to get my 3rd CD mastered and ready for public consumption. I don't have the know-how or the money to get it done at this time, but I am waiting on God to see if He has an answer. Maybe He will miraculously provide a way. Or maybe His answer will be something simple like, "Save up some money over time and get it done!"

2004-09-10T07:09:00.000-05:00

I have been struggling with my position in life lately. I'm a business man now. How did that happen? I studied for the ministry. I used to be employed as a full time minister. And now I'm a Director of Sales & Marketing.

But that's not all I am. I am also a husband and a father. I'm a provider for my family, responsible to get the bills paid and put food on the table.

Last night it began to dawn on me that there's nothing wrong with who I am, where I am or what I am. What I need to work on is the how I am. I need to be a better father, a better husband, a better son, a better brother, a better employee. I need to walk in love, no matter where I am or how I am employed.

2004-08-31T06:38:00.000-05:00

Lord, deliver me from junk mail.

2004-08-29T19:32:00.000-05:00

Today my thoughts are turned to loving God more. It seems to me that the key is developing a deeper contemplative life. As I meditate on all the good things God has done, especially fixing my mind on the cross of Jesus Christ, my heart wells up with a rich voluntary love and appreciation.

Since the goodness of the Lord surrounds me every day, I am constantly suppied with opportunities to meditate on His wonders and grow in the love of God.

2004-08-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

Jesus, I Trust In You
(Closing song of upcoming CD "The Simple Life"

What can cleanse my guilt and pride?
Blood of Christ the Crucified,
From Your hands, Your feet and side.
Jesus, I trust in You.

And what can quench my thirsting soul?
Purest water make me whole.
Let Your streams of mercy flow.
Jesus, I trust in You.

Though the mountains fall into the sea,
Though the rivers rise I still believe.
For Your mercy stands and Your Word is true.
Jesus, I trust in You.

And when I face that darkest night,
What will be my guiding light?
Shining rays of red and white.
Jesus, I trust in You.

O sacred heart, in You I find
Mercy seated for all time.
I am Yours and You are mine.
Jesus, I trust in You.

© Karl Kohlhase,2000

2004-08-13T06:54:00.000-05:00

It's been almost two months since my last post, so I think an update is in order. The reason I haven't written is chiefly due to my work on the third CD which has taken a drastic turn in direction. I had originally planned to write a Mass but seemed to meet with road blocks all along the way. The idea then hit me to sit down and just write a plain old folk song about fatherhood.

My wife and two boys had been up in Minnesota visiting family for almost a month, so I was missing them badly. The song flowed out in a matter of minutes, and the recording was finished in only a couple takes. It came so naturally that I decided that this was the direction I should be taking with the next CD. I dubbed the project "The Simple Life".

It's much less "preachy" than my first two CDs, but I think that's good. I have been feeling like my site and music has been basically "preaching to the choir" for quite some time now. I think this less confrontive, folk-styled music might draw a different group of people. The songs are about family, marriage, fatherhood, forgiveness and trust. Themes that anyone and everyone can relate with. Then, for the closing song, I am including a song I wrote a few years ago called "Jesus, I Trust In You" which is a very personal expression of trust in the great mercy of our Lord Jesus.

Please pray for me as I look for a way to master the recording (the final step in the recording process) and get it out there.

Thanks for your patience. I'll try to start writing more regularly again.

Grace and peace,

Karl

2004-06-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since my last post.

I am busy working on my third CD. Most of the songs are written, but I am still not sure what instrumentation to arrange for. The theme of the CD is worship and follows the basic form of the Catholic liturgy: the Kyrie, Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, etc... But it will have a decidedly personal flavor to it. I'm not sure if the songs will ever actually be used in churches, but I am leaning to towards conveying my personal expression of worship within the boundaries of these ancient texts. Should be interesting.

2004-06-02T06:54:00.000-05:00

I have been praying for a fresh new manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life during the weeks leading up to Pentecost. But I have been feeling everything but refreshed recently.

Waves of unworthiness have been beating my shores. And every time I try to stand another wave of guilt knocks me down. Has the Lord refused my prayer? No!

I think this, too, is the work of the Holy Spirit. A sense of conviction about our sins is needed if we are to make any progress in holiness? How can a man repent if he doesn't feel an inward sorrow for his sin? And How can a man be sorry for sin that he is not aware of?

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for showing me more areas that I fall short. Now please help me to improve. Fill me with Your grace so that I can stand in battle against my old fallen nature, putting to death the deeds of my flesh so that Christ may be manifested in my life more completely. Amen.

2004-05-27T17:58:00.000-05:00

I was just told of a young man today who was interviewing to become a priest in a diocese near where I live. He was denied. From what I gathered from this conversation, the reason the young man was denied was that he was "too conservative". For instance, he wasn't open to homosexuality as an "alternative lifestyle".

Does this make anyone else out there want to vomit?

Too conservative?! How could that be possible? Is it possible to love God too much? Is it fathomable for a man to try too hard to be close to the Lord and faithful to His Word?

Someone has to stop these people. How in the world did the wolves slip in among the sheep unnoticed? And who let them in to positions of power and authority?

May God send a fresh new outpouring of His Holy Spirit on the Church this Pentecost. May the fire of God consume the chaff. And may He lift up the heads of all who seek to be faithful to Him.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner, and on us all.

Come, Holy Spirit! Amen.

2004-05-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

If anyone out there is inclined to pray for me, pleae pray about this next project. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and inspire as I seek to write music that is appropriate for the Mass. How impossible it would be for me to do this without the grace of God!

As I am looking for the melodies that convey something of the majesty of His glory, I find find myself entirely inadequate. But I am determined to try; that's all I can do.

I have also started praying for the funds to purchase a good keyboard and some music notation software, since I am leaning towards writing for guitar, organ and piano.

Your prayers are much appreciated!

2004-05-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

I am pretty much settling into this idea of writing music for the Mass for my next CD project. Some of the music that is being used these days is just plain cheesy. I'm sorry, but I don't see how a cute little jazzy swing can serve as the backdrop for "Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us."

I enjoy contemporary music, don't get me wrong, but thought needs to be given to convey the spirit of the text. Prayerful meditation needs to begin the writing process, not some notion of being "hip".

Am I adequate for the job? No. Not in myself. But I am praying, and I'm going to give it my best shot to write music more fitting for the worship of the Almighty.

Lord, send Your Holy Spirit and help me write melodies that will inspire Your people to more glorious insights of your awesome majesty. To You alone be all glory, honor and praise! Amen.

2004-05-11T21:35:00.001-05:00

A curious thing happened to me this week. Last week my family drove to Flordia for a 5 day vacation. We stayed three nights in Orlando and one in St. Augustine (what a beautiful city, so full of history).

I checked my e-mail the night we got home, and I was surprised to find an order for one of my CDs from someone in Orlando. I thought to myself, "What a neat little coincidence. Wouldn't it be cool if I got something from St. Augustine tommorrow?"

Guess what came in the mail the next day? A package from St. Augustine! The diocesan magazine sent me a package informing me of an upcoming article they wanted to run on my little music ministry on the web. This was completely unexpected. Totally out of the blue!

Something tells me that both of these together are not mere coincidence. I'm not sure what God is trying to tell me here, but I suspect there's a message somewhere in all this for me. At any rate, I am thankful to the Lord for these little reminders of His love and grace. I praise God for these small hints of encouragement that let me know He is near.

2004-05-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

A curious thing happened to me this week. Last week my family drove to Flordia for a 5 day vacation. We stayed three nights in Orlando and one in St. Augustine (what a beautiful city, so full of history).

I checked my e-mail the night we got home, and I was surprised to find an order for one of my CDs from someone in Orlando. I thought to myself, "What a neat little coincidence. Wouldn't it be something if I got something from St. Augustine tommorrow?"

Guess what came in the mail the next day? A package from St. Augustine! The diocesan magazine sent me a package informing me of an upcoming article they wanted to run on my little music ministry on the web. This was completely unexpected. Totally out of the blue!

Something tells me that both of these together are not mere coincidence. I'm not sure what God is trying to tell me here, but I suspect there's a message somewhere in all this for me. At any rate, I am thankful to the Lord for these little reminders of His love and grace. I praise God for these small hints of encouragement that let me know He is near.

2004-04-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

I have been getting some of the most vile spam e-mails lately. It is so sad how these poor people are in the strangle hold of Satan, and they don't even know it. Though I am annoyed by getting all this vomitous junk mail, it reminds me to pray for the lost.

Lord, have mercy on these who are in most need of Your mercy.

2004-04-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

Almost every time I make a concerted effort to pray more things get worse instead of better after a week or two. Ah, but now I've seen the pattern! Satan will not be able to throw me off so easily this time. I'll press through this little test of my resolve, and when I come out on the other side real victories will be won.

Lord, give me the grace to persevere.

2004-04-20T16:44:00.000-05:00

A new idea for the next CD is taking shape in my mind and heart, and since the thought seems rather persistent perhaps it is the leading of the Holy Spirit. I've been thinking about writing a worship CD that follows the liturgy of the Mass.

Songs like:

In the Name
Lord Have Mercy
Glory To God In The Highest
Psalm of David
Speak, Lord, Your Word
Hear Our Prayer
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lamb Of God
I Receive You

Just a few titles and melodies whirling around in my head at the moment... Please pray that it will begin to take shape if it is the Lord's will.

2004-04-16T07:11:00.000-05:00

Lord, help me run this race full speed right to the finish line. Help me to carry the Gospel to as many as I possibly can. Let me sew the seeds of Your Word liberally.

Send forth the rain of Your Spirit upon these seeds, and let them take root and bear fruit to Your glory. Lord, You alone can cause the growth and bring new life. Please, my God, do not let my efforts be in vain.

My heart burns with the need to be a faithful servant. Help me to tend this little patch of garden that you have entrusted to me. I can not do it alone. I need wisdom, grace and endurance--all of which come from Your hand. As the Master Gardner, guide me and bless my little efforts.

Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen.

2004-04-13T07:02:00.000-05:00

I have often said to the Lord, "I would rather hear your rebuke than silence."

Well, I thank God that I have been hearing His call to repentance in my heart these past few weeks. I have become aware that I watch far too much television, and then complain that I don't have much time to pray. This needs to change. And change it will, by the grace of God.

Lord Jesus, draw my heart into prayer, for my inward motivation is weak and my love is cool and sometimes even cold. May this little spark in my heart grow to be an inexhaustible flame of love for You, and may seeking You become my highest joy. Teach me to intercede for the lost, for the downcast, for the hungry, and for the sick. I lean on You for this grace, Lord, for apart from You I can do nothing.

2004-04-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

So far I have had a quiet day with the Scriptures and some good meditational programs on EWTN that have filled my heart and mind with thoughts of Christ. Lord willing, I am going to try to go see "The Passion of the Christ" for the second time tonight. I just think that would be the perfect way to end this day of remembrance and prepare my heart for the celebration of Easter.

2004-04-03T12:44:00.000-06:00

Come, Lord Jesus.
How much longer will evil be allowed to persist?
How much longer must the little ones suffer?
Come, and take vengeance for the oppressed and downtrodden.
Put an end to the abuse and destruction of the innocent.
Save the little lambs who put their hope in You.

2004-03-30T12:51:00.000-06:00

Lord, teach me,
For I have much to learn.
Help me to be an attentive pupil,
With ears perked up and ready to hear.

2004-03-26T07:18:00.000-06:00

Spring is here in Mississippi!

I love this time of year, when everything comes back to life. The air is fresh with the smell of budding flowers. The warm night air invites us out for a stroll.

I had a good long walk last night, and as I went along I was singing and making melody in my heart to the Lord. By the end of that walk, my soul "felt" full, as if it had dined on a kingly feast.

This morning I am feeling refreshed and ready to face a new day, living and breathing in the presence of God.

Thanks be to God!

2004-03-24T07:52:00.000-06:00

My back is sore today. Two days ago I came home to find that my wife had rented a tiller, and since I was home from work it was my turn to go churn up the soil in preparation for spring planting. About half way through, as my hands were getting sore and my back wrenched, a Scripture started to come into my memory. Once it had lodged itself in my mind, I knew there was a message for me to learn.

I can't remember which Old Testament prophet it was, but I remember reading how he pleaded with the people to "break up your fallow ground". I think that is precisely what I need to know do in my own life. And perhaps it is the purpose (to some degree) of my second CD as well. It is much more confrontational in nature than my first CD, but maybe that's what the Body of Christ needs at this time. We need to be shaken awake from our deep slumber. We need to clothe ourselves with readiness for the return of the Bridegroom. We need to break up the hard and fruitless ground, and let the Word of God start producing a rich harvest in our hearts again.

It's hard work, but necessary.

2004-03-21T20:18:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a week since I offically released the second CD for free download on my website, and already over 1,000 songs have been downloaded and 62 people have downloaded the entire CD.

62 in one week! That sounds like peanuts, I'm sure, to the pros who sell millions of copies. But for me this is exciting. Lately I had only been sending out about one or two CDs each week, so this is real progress. In essence I just multiplied my fruit bearing potential by 62 times!

To me this is what it's all about. Jesus is expecting fruit from our lives, and the more the better.

Now I just pray that the songs reach deeper into people's hearts than mere entertainment. I hope that people are inspired, encouraged and challenged to draw closer to Christ. I hope that sleepy Christians are wakened from their slumber. I hope that the comfortable and complacent are stirred up, too.

It's time for the Church to rise up and be what we are called to be. I hope that these songs are used in some way to help that process along.

2004-03-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

For the past month I've been thinking alot about my own mortality. I don't mean to seem negative or morbid, but for one reason or another the thought has been crossing my mind lately. Maybe it means something; maybe it doesn't. Does it mean I'm going to die soon? I don't know. Probably not, but then again.....

One never knows. Right?

Maybe seeing the Passion of the Christ has brought this on. I am only weeks away from my 34th birthday, and I know that my Savior died at 33. He was my age when He said, "It is finished" and breathed His last.

At any rate I have been trying to make the most of these thoughts and view them as "moments of grace". Here's what I mean. It's a good thing to be aware of the temporary nature of this life on earth. I am little more than a vapor–here one moment and gone the next. This kind of insight helps me to set my mind on eternal and heavenly things and to seek those things that matter most.

And what can matter more than the nearness of God? What could be a higher pursuit? What or who could bring greater joy and fulfillment? Nothing! No one!

Lord Jesus, be the focus of my every pursuit. Let me seek You while I still have breath, and let me complete my course with grace. Let me reach as many as I can, as deeply as I can, for as long as I can. And when my time on earth is over, when my fruit bearing has reached its quota, let me die a godly death and praise You with my final breath.

2004-03-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today is a big day for me.

I have just released my second CD, "The Least of These", on the internet. People can now freely download both of my CDs (complete with cover) and make copies for themselves and for their friends.

My website host recently upgraded my hosting account. The additional server space enabled me to load all the songs and make them available to the world. It is my prayer that even more people will be reached with the Word of Christ through this approach.

Please pray with me for God's blessing on this project.

2004-03-10T07:55:00.000-06:00

Lord, You have numbered my days.
Teach me to live each day as if it were my last.
Give me the strength to pour out my all in Your service.

2004-03-05T12:47:00.000-06:00

I received three emails today, all about the Passion of the Christ, so I think I will say a bit more about that today.

First of all, let me encourage all who read these pages to go and see the film. I recommend going now, before Lent is over. Go tonight. I found it to be extremely good for helping me dig deeper into my soul and find a fresh new well of love for our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ. And since Lent is a concentrated season of repentance and reflection on the suffering of Christ, this film set my feet on the right path.

What a wonder that God chose to woo us to Himself with love and Self Sacrifice to freely surrender our voluntary servitude. He could have simply barked out the command, complete with lightning bolts. But instead He chose to send His only begotten Son to stretch out His arms upon a tree to invite and draw all humanity to Himself.

I am more convinced than ever of the urgency to release my second CD, called "The Least of These". I don't want a single drop of Christ's precious blood to be "wasted" (as if that were even possible). What I mean is this.... If one more soul can be reached by His sacrifice through some effort of mine--wether small or great--then reached he or she must be. I want His suffering to have its fullest effect. I want the world to hear about what He has done. I want to do whatever I can to shout it from the mountaintops. I want to spend my life proclaiming the glory of His Gospel. I will not be silent. I cannot.

This great love of Christ Jesus demands a response--and a whole-hearted one at that. Such love must beget more love. It is the only natural response.

He died to draw sinners to Himself. And by God's grace I intend to tell them about it.

2004-02-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

I went to Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" last night. I managed to make it through the film without losing it, but once I got into the privacy of my car my heart just about broke. Tears came from that deep place that is seldom reached in day to day life.

All I could do was cry out, "Lord, I want to do MORE for You!"

I praise God that we can still see films like this in this modern age. It was such a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus and of the suffering that He endured for our sakes. What an awesome love!

Thank You, Lord Jesus.

2004-02-20T07:56:00.000-06:00

I cried out to God for help:

Lord, I need a little encouragement.
I could continue to cling to You in the desert,
But I would really appreciate a drink of water.

In His mercy He answered me.

2004-02-18T21:00:00.000-06:00

A Psalm of Karl

Everywhere I look, Lord,
Everywhere I look
I see Your hand of blessing.
Your goodness surrounds me,
And Your grace has taken hold of me.

Who am I to be granted such gifts?
And why has Your kindness rested upon me?
I do not deserve any of it.

Lord, though I stumble along,
I have delighted in Your Word.
The wisdom that pours from Your lips
I have sought for as a treasure.
And You have rewarded me
Just as You promised your servant, David,
As well as all who value Your Word above gold.

Wisdom makes the poor man rich.
And knowledge makes the empty full.
Discernment puts everything into perspective,
So that daily chores and even our trials bring us joy.

Here is the abundant life,
The land flowing with milk and honey.
Delight yourselves in God, you servants of the Lord,
And take your fill at His Table.
Rejoice in His goodness,
And be satisfied with His Word.

Take up the yoke of Christ,
And learn from the humble and gentle Savior.
Drink the water offered freely,
And you will find rest for your soul.

2004-02-15T11:31:00.000-06:00

We had snow this morning in Olive Branch, Mississippi! About two inches. This is the most snow we've seen since we moved here from Minnesota back in 2002. My four year old son ran into the bathroom while I was taking a shower. He was yelling excitedly, "It's snowing! It's snowing! We get to play in the snow today!"

If only we could keep that kind of excitement and enthusiasm for life as we grow older. There are little gifts and blessings all around us, if we would just learn to accept them with gratitude. Our Father pours out His love upon us every single day. If we look for evidence, it's not that hard to find.

2004-02-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

An interesting idea has been swimming around in my head for the past few weeks. I wonder if there would be a charitable organization that raises money for the poor that would be interested in selling my CDs. I have a good job, so I don't need to make any money. And if it was a large enough organization, they would have a broader reach than I. They could use 100% of the profits to help the poor.

The poor would be helped. More people would be reached for Christ with my songs. And I would be free to write and record, instead of sending CDs, handling money and such.

I am going to start actively praying for this. I think it would maximize the amount of fruit that this one little man could bear if I didn't have to do it all alone.

2004-02-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

Lord, I am a fool of a man
In your patience, teach me
In your mercy, guide me

2004-02-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

I have been teaching my soul to relish the little things. For instance, I am finding that I can take pleasure in simple accomplishments like doing the dishes. This was a mess. Now it's not. There's a small sense of satisfaction in that. Then there's the added bonus of a smile or a kind word from my wife who appreciated the help. More joy. And when Mom and Dad are happy, my kids are happier, too. More joy again.

I am surrounded by the goodness of God. Everywhere I look I see His blessing. Even my work responsibilities and tasks I once deemed tedious are becoming moments for praise and thanksgiving.

I wonder how long this will last.

2004-02-01T17:23:00.000-06:00

When God gives you a bit of insight, it's not so the two of you can share a secret (as you would with your best buddy). What He whispers in your ear you are to shout upon the mountain top.

If you do so, your soul will be ready to receive more, and you will grow in wisdom as God continues to invest in you. If you hold the insight in to yourself, even that little bit will be taken from you. You will dry up and whither like the fading flower.

2004-01-27T20:31:00.000-06:00

I have two young sons. I try to find little opportunities to teach them the Word of Christ. For instance, tonight my 8 year old ran to the table and said, "I want the first piece of pizza!"

So I said, "OK. Your little brother will have the first." He immediately knew what I was getting at and said, "No. I meant I want the last piece." (We've been working on 'The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.")

Nice try.

It's my hope and prayer that someday when they're older these words will be more than a little game to them, and the deeper meaning of Christ's teaching will sink into their hearts.

Mine, too.

2004-01-23T07:13:00.000-06:00

I have sent my second CD to be mastered, and the cover artwork is nearly completed. The title of the work will be "The Least of These". There are seven songs and one instrumental. My goal for this second CD was to boil down the teachings of Jesus into seven songs, hitting on the major themes that He emphasized during His public ministry. It was a tremendous challenge and a rewarding excercise that forced me to dig for the heartbeat and the essence of our Savior’s message.

It is my fevent prayer that God will use these simple songs to draw people deeper into the knowledge of His will, and to clearly communicate the heart and mind of Christ Jesus, His beloved Son. All praise, honor and glory to Him who loved us, died for us, and rose again so that we may have newness of life in His name.

2004-01-18T20:23:00.000-06:00

Woe to the shepherds who feed themselves, and not the sheep! They neglect the preaching of the Word of Christ, because they are too busy playing politics and planning socials.

They water down the truth for the passing of the plate. Little do they know that the people would give more heartily if they were given a little inspiration, a satisfying drink of the pure milk of the Word of God. The truth may shock them at first, but it would gladden their hearts in time. It would satisfy their deeper longings. It would set them free.

Yes, the truth will offend some. Some will leave. But if they do, it will just become apparent that they were merely wolves in sheep's clothing. The true sheep of Christ do not mind hearing His voice. They rejoice at the sound of His voice and press in closer to hear His every command.

2004-01-14T12:32:00.000-06:00

The Lord has been putting some interesting new opportunities in my path these last few days. As a result, I'm beginning to get excited again about my little "mission". It's so little and so insignificant that I was letting it slip into nothingness. But I am learning there is a difference between little and nothing. Even the man with one talent was expected to invest it and produce a good return on his Master's investment.

So I don't have ten talents. I don't even have five. I have one. But I am going to forge a plan that will make the most of that one. I will spread the Words of Jesus Christ. I will proclaim His wonderful Gospel. There will be lives affected. By God's grace, I will run my course.

I thank the Lord for this second wind. This subtle encouragement.

2004-01-09T07:56:00.000-06:00

The little I have
I give to You, O Lord
Though You have need of nothing
And You already own all things
Yet I take comfort in this...
As a father, I still delight
In the crayon scribblings
Of my four year old son
So perhaps You will also delight
In my musical scribblings
Since it's the best that I can do
And I gladly present them to You
My Heavenly Father

2004-01-06T11:56:00.000-06:00

It's been a long time, I know. There is probably no one out there even reading this any more. But that's alright. This journal is a good way for me to track my own spiritual journey, and perhaps one or two folks will drop in and be encouraged along the way.

My website took a nose dive this past month. I forgot to renew my web account, so I lost service for about a week. Search engines like Google thought that my site no longer existed and took me off their listings, significantly reducing the number of visitors.

That's OK, too. I, for some blessed reason, have not been stressed out about any of this. I think I am learning to let go and let God take care of things. If it is His desire for me to fade into greater anonymity, so be it. May His will be done. My one desire is to only hear Him say at the end of my life, "Well done. You accomplished what I sent you to do."

2003-12-23T07:56:00.000-06:00

I have been flooded with memories this week. Wonderful memories. I think that our first Christmas away from "home" has made me a bit nostalgic, so I find myself missing my Grandmas and Grandpa who have passed. I'm also missing my mom and dad, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

I am so very thankful that as a little boy I was granted a family full of love and all these beautiful memories swimming around in my head.

Let's not forget to pray this Christmas season for all the little ones who are not so fortunate.

In case I don't have an opportunity to write again soon, Merry Christmas. May you draw nearer than ever to Christ this year!

2003-12-16T07:57:00.000-06:00

We have moved into our new house and are feeling very blessed. I thank God for my new job, the new house and some new friends. Two guys from work broke their back with me for an entire Saturday to help get my family moved in. I don't know if there is a better way to show your faith than that. Others can talk about their love for God all they want, but these two men put love and faith into action. Now that's Christianity!

2003-12-12T07:55:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling a little homesick today. My wife and I won't be able to go "home" to Minnesota for Christmas this year to see our families. Every time I hear another rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" it makes me sigh.

On the other hand, perhaps this will be good for us and the kids. I don't think Mary, Joseph and Jesus had their extended families with them on that first Christmas either.

2003-12-10T07:18:00.000-06:00

I've been busy. But then, who isn't at this time of year? Everyone is running off to the shopping mall to buy presents and decorations. The lights are being hung. The Santas are being placed. The hair is being pulled out.

On top of all the normal Christmas preparations, I've been working on moving to our new home in Mississippi and on finishing up the new CD. Things have been abnormally busy at work, too.

I am sensing the need to find a quiet place where I can be alone with the Lord. The temptation is to say, "I have so many things to do that I don't have time to pray today". But it would be wiser to think, "I have so much to accomplish; I better double my prayers today."

2003-12-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

OK. I'm home from work so here's that house story....

When I decided to become a Catholic three years ago, it was terribly upsetting to my family. I was a youth and music minister in my church, so it was a big "scandal" (not to me, of course). My decision hit my marriage particularly hard, and there were times when we felt like the two-denominational challenges seemed insurmountable.

One night my wife and I both had particularly strange and memorable dreams about floods. The message seemed clear in the morning when the Scriptures read in church that day (it was a Sunday) spoke of how the Lord is with us even though the rivers rise and the mountains crumble.

Here we are three years later, and I thank God to be able to say that the flood waters have subsided. We have learned to love and respect each other through all our differences. We have learned how to serve the Lord together again, even in the presence of our disagreements.

Yesterday we bought a house in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Seven days prior to the signing of the papers, my eight year old son–who has been reading to me nightly stories from his children's Bible–happened to read the story of Noah and the dove who brought back an olive branch to let him know that the flood was over. It seemed to be a little message from the Lord that the flood waters have indeed receded. It's time to build a new home on the rock of peace, with Christ as our foundation and cornerstone.

2003-12-02T07:58:00.000-06:00

We bought a house yesterday in Olive Branch, Mississippi. I'll have to share the story behind that at some time, but right now I have to get to work.

Thanks be to God for His provision!

2003-11-27T07:06:00.000-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
And His lovingkindness is everlasting.

2003-11-26T07:58:00.000-06:00

I think I've decided upon the title of CD#2.....

All I Ever Really Wanted

The first song on the CD is called You Are and one of the main lyrics is a prayer from me to God, "Everything that I could ever need, You are." The middle song on the CD focuses on how the Lord's main desire is our hearts, not just going through the motions in a Pharisaical manner. It ends with the lyric: All I ever really wanted. The rest of the songs are all about the Lord's desire, as expressed in the bulk of His teaching while on earth.

I think the title fits well.

2003-11-24T11:49:00.000-06:00

I have been working on the final mixes for CD #2. Now I need to settle on a name for this project, so I can stop calling it CD#2. Here are a few options so far:

Welcome
Let Them Now Hear
The Least of These
All I Ever Really Wanted

Any suggestions?

2003-11-19T07:53:00.000-06:00

My Grandpa's house was sold this past month. He is 101 years old and has been in an assisted living home for the past year. It saddens me that I didn't get the chance to have one last walk through of his home, since I now live 1000 miles away. I have so many cherished memories of that place. So much of my childhood revolved around Grandma and Grandpa. Weekly "game nights" with Scrabble, Wist, and Button-Button-Who's-Got-The-Button. Large family dinners. Prayers sung in Norwegian.

Now someone else lives in that house, and things will never be the same. This world is temporary. We're only passing through. We look forward to our eternal home in the Heavens with hope and expectation.

2003-11-12T12:43:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine has been called to serve in Iraq for the next 6 months. May the Lord grant our troops safety and bring peace to these troubled lands. May He also bless the Iraqi people and protect them from harm. May the light of Christ shine upon us all and teach us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

I pray for the day when nations will beat their swords into plowshares and plant gardens instead of landmines.

2003-11-10T07:53:00.000-06:00

Lord, send the rain
Your people are dying of thirst
Those who were given the charge
Of leading us to the well for water
Have forgotten the way
Or have forsaken it deliberately

2003-11-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

I'm starting to mix the final versions of the songs that will be introduced on my next CD. I'm excited and nervous about it at the same time. The musical styles and lyrical themes are different than "Through the Dark". Some people will probably love the new direction; while others may take offense.

I've come to the conclusion that there's nothing I can do about that. I am called to create...not stagnate. I am called to proclaim...not placate. I am called to please God...not men.

May the Lord's will be done!

2003-11-07T07:55:00.000-06:00

NBC is taking a poll to see how many Americans support President Bush's move to ban partial birth abortion. Show your support by clicking the following link and answering YES to the poll.

Way to go, President Bush!

www.nbc4.com/health/2612623/detail.html

2003-11-06T17:00:00.000-06:00

Fasting is a difficult discipline for me. I've noticed that I am easily agitated and extremely short tempered when I get tired and hungry. I am tempted to think, "Well that defeats the whole purpose then! I should just stop trying."

But it occured to me the other day that this is a good way to determine whether I am leaning on the grace of Christ or my own strength to walk in love. If I can only love when my body is strong, that tells me that I am not relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. If I was totally reliant on the Spirit, I could love even in my most difficult hour. I could pray, for instance, "Father, forgive them..." even while hanging from my cross.

Lord, let there be
More of You and less of me!

2003-11-03T12:19:00.000-06:00

Be patient, O Lord
Be patient with me
For I am slow to learn

Make your direction plain
And more easily grasped
By this feeble mind

Though I stumble often
I long to be pleasing in Your sight
You know that I do

2003-10-29T06:29:00.000-06:00

My car broke down on the way to work the other day. It had overheated. Thankfully, I was able to start it again after letting it sit for about a minute. The people behind me were rather annoyed, and I was flustered (to say the least). I finally made it to work with 30 seconds to spare and learned that my boss was in the hospital. It was starting to look like it was going to be a bad day.

But everything turned out fine by the end of the day. I learned that my boss was going to be fine and my car was easily mended. As I reflected on these things, it came to my attention that it's moments like these that a man learns to lean on God. I think when things go too smoothly I tend to forget to pray about my little details and daily needs. I start to assume that "smooth" is the just the assumed norm. It's not! Not in this world, marred as it is by sin. Smooth is not the norm; chaos is.

I am thankful for the Lord's reminder to surrender EVERYTHING to Him. He alone can bring order to this chaotic world. He alone can bring forth righteousness from this fallen man. In Christ all things are held together. Without Him the very planets would spin out of orbit. Apart from Him I can do nothing.

Thank God that I am not "apart from Him"!

2003-10-28T07:52:00.000-06:00

Rejoice!
God is with us
We shall not be swept away
By the rising river
That pours forth from the mouth
Of our ancient enemy, the Devil
The gates of Hell shall not prevail against us
No!
We will weather the storm
Taking refuge in Christ Jesus
Our able Defender
For it is promised in the Scriptures
That those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God
Shall overcome the world
Let all who believe, therefore,
Stand and rejoice
For victory is ours in Christ our Lord

2003-10-26T08:57:00.000-06:00

Lord, give me the wisdom
Required to know what is right
And give me the courage
To do what is right

2003-10-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

Jesus, let me never lose sight
Of that simple and pure devotion
To You--the only Savior
My Lord and my God

2003-10-22T07:59:00.000-05:00

Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees!

2003-10-21T17:30:00.000-05:00

I've been reading 1st John lately, which has led me to start praying for two things on a daily basis:

1) To be filled with more of the Holy Spirit.

2) To be more perfected in love.

2003-10-17T12:35:00.000-05:00

Lord Jesus, help me to see You in the faces of the poor;
Fill me with a greater compassion and move me to action.
For what use have You for another well-wisher only?

2003-10-16T07:53:00.000-05:00

Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying
to enter.

Jesus

2003-10-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

It looks like some of my music is going to be used on some Catholic television programs coming out of the Minneapolis area. I am grateful that the Lord is finding some use for my work. My prayer is that my these simple songs will spread the Word of Christ to more people.