I can do small things

This past weekend I travelled with four other musician friends of mine and we put on concerts in small churches in the mountains of Norway. The towns we played in are so small, they're unknown even to some Norwegians. About 10 people came to every concert. And I have never been happier to be a musician.

These churches were simple and beautiful, filled with a spirit of peace and joy. They were nestled between the mountains, and the sound of waterfalls and rain falling on the windows and roof accompanied our 2-hour long concert.

We're just a couple of kids from Norway, the U.S., and Azerbaijan...

...who just happen to be passionate enough about this idea of music that we play with our entire heart and soul for each of the ten people who come out of their warm, cozy homes just to hear music played by us.

"I can do small things with great love."

-Mother Theresa

Five Mile Radius

Today I learned that Jesus did most of his ministry within a five-mile radius. Five miles! Oh, how easy it is to think so much about the people "over there," while forgetting to love the people "right here." And how hard it is to love at all when our mind is so preoccupied with self.

Tonight I played my flute in a concert. It is always dangerous to sit with someone after they have just performed because you're most likely going to get empty stares or sharp self-criticism from them. Luckily, God spared me from harming the people around me too much by having me witness my composer-friend dip his chocolate cookie into his milk. Oh, the things God will do to get us out of the trance of self...

Later, I came home and read this quote on my dear friend's blog. Fitting for us all:

"We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds back nothing for self." St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Wintertime in Bergen

I may complain about winter, but oh how I love it! What would springtime be without winter? The whole earth seems to sleep whenever it snows. Snow is so...silent. When I walk in snow I feel like I shouldn't be talking because I'll miss out on some secret that is being whispered to me. Bergen is such a different city in the winter. I have been sick lately so my teacher told me to go outside and get some sun. For me, that is just a great excuse to take endless photographs.

This is my particular favorite. The view from my practice room. Every time I see a bird I just tell myself it's a sparrow, even if it's not, and scream in my head, HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW!! One day I'll just have to say it to someone...it's way too tempting not to when you see all these people feeding the birds with their bread crusts.

A little Nat King Cole

Like most every other human being I know, I very much dislike transitions. Too bad they happen so often...you'd think I'd be good at them by now. But I am always happy to find that God surprises those of us that admit our terrible weakness in this area with little gifts that give unexpected comfort. The grand idea this time? My father's LP collection. Who could beat "Nat King Cole Sings Hymns and Spirituals" for the perfect packing music?

I leave on the plane tomorrow, soon to return to the beautiful land of Norway.

In honor of Epiphany

This past weekend a friend of mine hosted an Epiphany party in her home. I had never been to an Epiphany party before and was not surprised to find that this one, unlike most parties, was filled with light. I guess this is fitting, as Jesus is the light of the world and all. But I am still, three days later, exceedingly happy from it, and really have no desire to attend another mediocre party. I guess when you get a taste of goodness, purity, and the exact love Jesus tried to emulate, one can never go back. Back to those parties that...well...have no light at all.

He is born, God with us.

"It was indeed wondrous that Christ was conceived in a womb, but it is no less striking that he be borne in our hearts."

-St. Peter Damian

What is Christmas without cookies?

I wouldn't know.