I was only eight years old, when I first heard what our piano can really sound like. Grace Pederson, a sweet blind lady that my father had invited over for dinner sat down to play some of the finest classical music that anyone has ever heard.It wsn't until the age of ten that we were able to afford piano lessons from Grace Pederson. I seemed to pick up the piano fairly easy at first, until we got into the more difficult classical pieces. We lived in a tiny three bedroom house, all seven of us and it was difficult at times to know when to practice so as not to disturb any of the other family members.
...oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me...
... oh the riches of His grace, it makes me truely rich indeed....
As a great actor learns all he can about his character, so we must learn all we can about God's son, Jesus and become just like him....My life has been quite a journey and...
Somehow I made it through seven years of piano lessons. I stopped taking lessons because of work and moving out on my own. I would have loved to have continued my musical training in college, but alas we were poor and growing up with all the hurts, rejection and loneliness during the 60's and 70's left me with the question of where do I go from here? Who am I? What am I hear for??Did I want to stay in Fargo the rest of my life???? No way!! IT'S TO COLD THERE!!!
So I found myself in Pasadena, California at the William Carey Univeresity where I attended school at YWAM.An Englishman, named Richard, accompanied me on our adventure in a 4 cylinder Toyata Carola. We barely made it through the many twists and turns we encountered on the way.It was a year later and I landed in Tulsa. Jump ahead another ten years and somehow I find myself playing the piano in the finest Restaurant in Tulsa. I had dreamed of playing in such a place. It was amazing and a bit scary at first, but I soon began to learn enough songs that if I received a request... I could play it.Famous actors came in to have dinner, including Kevin Sorbo- for those that don't know- he was Hercules in the TV series with the same name, Adam West, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and singers such as Carmen, Phil Driscoll, First Call, and even Miss America Shawntel Smith!In 1995 my father had passed away... my mother had died of cancer in 1984. It was a difficult time... and out of tragedy and loss, I wrote the music for my first album. Everything seemed to come together in the studio. A peace settled over me as I sat down to play the nine foot Baldwin grand piano that once belonged to T.L. Osborn. Scott Mathew's studio had just gotten the piano in time for me to do my recording.So in 1996 my first CD, Quiet Resting Places came out and even more wonderful opportunities came my way.... I was invited to perform on two national television shows, "Something Good Today", and "Make Your Day Count'! I can still remember Richard saying..."and Daniel Kleefeld will be back tomorrow!"One evening a couple came up to me to comment on how much they enjoyed the selections of music that I was playing. I sent them one of my CDs and John Bevere wrote me the following: "... The first time I listened to Quiet Resting Places, I was drawn to it. I have taken this everywhere I go..."Another gentleman would come in to the restuarant, and I noticed that he always had someone with him to guide him. He would usually request Canon In D, among several other requests. His name is Jim Stovall. I later found out that he created television for the blind by adding narration to TV programs and movies. You see although Jim became blind in his late teens, he didn't let that stop him from accomplishing great things. I recently read his book The Ultimate Gift, which he made into a movie. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, please do so.You also need to read John & Lisa Bevere's books and listen to them speak. They are really amazing people. I would also like to mention that our Grace Church with Pastor Bob Yandian has really imparted the truth of God's word and has greatly enriched our lives.
I thank God for the people he put in my life- including Steve and Shannon, who came out to hear me perform on my very first night at the Warren Duck Club. Steve would call me to come over to play his piano after he had a really stressful day. Years later, Steve began to see his dreams come true and has been a great friend. He has supported my mininstry and paid for my lunch numerous times, and say it was because of how my music has ministered to him.My story and muisc is my minstry. I pray that my story and my muisc will minister healing to your spirit, soul, and body. May God's love and grace and peace surround you.
"Come let us return to the Lord, let us press on to know him, for as surely as the sun rises, he will appear, he will come to us like the rain .... that waters the earth.."There's so much more to tell... it's getting late, but if you have been blessed and touched, the greatest compliment you could give- is to write me and then order a set of my CDs.
Just paste this link into your browser and it will take you to the music page of my website:
http://www.kleefeld.com/music.htmlThe CDs will make a great gift for yourself and others.
God bless you, be sure to check out my video in the video section.
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