Thursday, March 19, 2015
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Saving Tiny Hearts Gala
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| Eden, Paul, Eliza Cardall |
Bret Baier and Tom Riles - Comedian seamlessly ran the event and Paul Cardall and Geneva IL Mayor Kevin Burns provided entertainment (musical performance and live auctioneer respectively). Chicago Bears, Charles Tillmanand Alex Brown, were incredible sports and took all of the humor at their expense in stride. Max Page (Mini Darth Vader) was able to tell his story this year and donned his world-famous Darth Vader garb for the crowd.
We want thank all of our sponsors including our Platinum Sponsors Step2, Volkswagen, The Claro Group, LLC and Premier Design and Build Group for their continuous support! Without you we would not be where we are today!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Ephraim's Rescue | New Album from Paul Cardall
After the success of "17 Miracles" in 2011, legendary Utah cinematographer and film-maker TC Christensen (Forever Strong, Emma Smith) invited me to work on his next big independent film due in theaters June 2013.
Photo: Soundtrack Cover, Ephraim's Rescue, In Stores April 2013
Over the past six months I've been scoring original music for the film. I'm also producing the soundtrack.
I am honored that TC believes my heartfelt music has meshed wonderfully with his movie making skill to introduce listeners to the remarkable story of a faithful believer in God's power. Both the music and the film capture the essence of pioneer era frontiersman Ephraim Hanks, a man filled with the Spirit of God, yet endowed with the profound gift of childlike faith.
From the haunting thematic melody of Traveler through period pieces and additional songs by Dallyn Vail Balles, Steven Sharp Nelson and Aaron Ashton, this soundtrack will take the listener on a journey through one of the most iconic events in Western American history.
Look for the soundtrack in Deseret Book, on ITunes, my website, and/or wherever you like to download music.
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| Download the album on iTunes, Amazon, PaulCardall.Com |
Over the past six months I've been scoring original music for the film. I'm also producing the soundtrack.
I am honored that TC believes my heartfelt music has meshed wonderfully with his movie making skill to introduce listeners to the remarkable story of a faithful believer in God's power. Both the music and the film capture the essence of pioneer era frontiersman Ephraim Hanks, a man filled with the Spirit of God, yet endowed with the profound gift of childlike faith.
From the haunting thematic melody of Traveler through period pieces and additional songs by Dallyn Vail Balles, Steven Sharp Nelson and Aaron Ashton, this soundtrack will take the listener on a journey through one of the most iconic events in Western American history.
Look for the soundtrack in Deseret Book, on ITunes, my website, and/or wherever you like to download music.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Finding Comfort beyond the Grave
My heart transplant and the fact that I survived Congenital Heart Disease has opened my view into pandora's box filled with countless number of parents who continue to endure life with empty arms.
Death, the enemy of life, comes to all. The old, the young, the innocent, the guilty, each of us will walk that path. The difficult part, for me, is watching people fight illness, especially children.
This morning, according to the Deseret News, "The McDonald family, who expected to spend the week celebrating the life of their daughter Mia on the trip granted her by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, found themselves instead in a hospital room in Tampa, Florida."
"Just hours after arriving in Florida, 4-year-old Mia got sick — her body rejected the transplanted heart she received when she was just 4 months old. During a biopsy, she went into cardiac arrest. Mia suffered brain damage and has been on life support since. The family has removed her from life support today."
I had the privilege to meet this beautiful family a while ago. I've been invited to play my music at the funeral on Saturday. I'm always humbled and honored at the opportunity to help send off the pure & meek through the medium of music.
With each death that occurs, many find comfort knowing there is life after death. From experience, I know this is true. There is life beyond the grave.
However, the separation of a mother and father from their child is tough love that God puts us through.
Life is not easy. In fact, it's really painful. There's a popular Mormon phrase, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." I'd rather my people say, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be hard, but if you endure it well, you will understand what it means to truly know joy, and understand how to experience, share, and live in the next world where I am."
There are those in the world who have no faith or relationship with God because they allow tragedy to harden their hearts or rebel from goodness to dull the pain. We want to numb our feelings. Even the great philosophers of Christianity like C.S. Lewis said in his book Grief Observed, after losing the love of his life to cancer, "Why is it that when I approach him at the door it seems as though he slams the door in my face." Some of us begin to philosophies that if God does exist, he simply doen't not care about me. Some wonder, "if he has favorites and are we just little chess pieces like portrayed in greek mythology?"
When we feel like the door is slammed in our face - we have to keep knocking. Pound on that door. Be persistent. Yet, be humble and submissive, willing to listen. We have to be submissive enough to continue to inquire of the Lord, especially when things are going well in our lives.
I know in my newly transplant heart just as I did in the one that died, that God is our loving Heavenly Father, the creator who organized the universe and is omniscient. Never quit on Him. He is not an umpire looking for failure. He is more like the Father in the stands cheering us on. He is teaching us compassion, faith, hope, and eternal principles of love that we'll take with us into the next life.
Most of us can agree that humans have primitive understanding of reality and truth, especially with our massive telescopes and knowledge of the sciences. If I can call a friend from a device that sends a message directly to space and some satellite sends it back to my friend on their device at that very moment, how can we doubt the ability to communicate with God, who is our friend and Father.
I am sad, frustrated, and discouraged when someone I love passes on into the next world, even though I believe they are surrounded by loved ones who have gone beyond. Belief in God gives us hope beyond this mortal world. It's not a bad way to live.
Overall, there is a parable that explains life in simple parable by Bruce R. McConkie. I hope it helps.
Death, the enemy of life, comes to all. The old, the young, the innocent, the guilty, each of us will walk that path. The difficult part, for me, is watching people fight illness, especially children.
This morning, according to the Deseret News, "The McDonald family, who expected to spend the week celebrating the life of their daughter Mia on the trip granted her by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, found themselves instead in a hospital room in Tampa, Florida."
 |
| Mia just before her biopsy10/03/2012 |
I had the privilege to meet this beautiful family a while ago. I've been invited to play my music at the funeral on Saturday. I'm always humbled and honored at the opportunity to help send off the pure & meek through the medium of music.
With each death that occurs, many find comfort knowing there is life after death. From experience, I know this is true. There is life beyond the grave.
However, the separation of a mother and father from their child is tough love that God puts us through.
Life is not easy. In fact, it's really painful. There's a popular Mormon phrase, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." I'd rather my people say, "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be hard, but if you endure it well, you will understand what it means to truly know joy, and understand how to experience, share, and live in the next world where I am."
There are those in the world who have no faith or relationship with God because they allow tragedy to harden their hearts or rebel from goodness to dull the pain. We want to numb our feelings. Even the great philosophers of Christianity like C.S. Lewis said in his book Grief Observed, after losing the love of his life to cancer, "Why is it that when I approach him at the door it seems as though he slams the door in my face." Some of us begin to philosophies that if God does exist, he simply doen't not care about me. Some wonder, "if he has favorites and are we just little chess pieces like portrayed in greek mythology?"
When we feel like the door is slammed in our face - we have to keep knocking. Pound on that door. Be persistent. Yet, be humble and submissive, willing to listen. We have to be submissive enough to continue to inquire of the Lord, especially when things are going well in our lives.
I know in my newly transplant heart just as I did in the one that died, that God is our loving Heavenly Father, the creator who organized the universe and is omniscient. Never quit on Him. He is not an umpire looking for failure. He is more like the Father in the stands cheering us on. He is teaching us compassion, faith, hope, and eternal principles of love that we'll take with us into the next life.
Most of us can agree that humans have primitive understanding of reality and truth, especially with our massive telescopes and knowledge of the sciences. If I can call a friend from a device that sends a message directly to space and some satellite sends it back to my friend on their device at that very moment, how can we doubt the ability to communicate with God, who is our friend and Father.
I am sad, frustrated, and discouraged when someone I love passes on into the next world, even though I believe they are surrounded by loved ones who have gone beyond. Belief in God gives us hope beyond this mortal world. It's not a bad way to live.
Overall, there is a parable that explains life in simple parable by Bruce R. McConkie. I hope it helps.
Imagine A man walking along the road happens to fall into a pit so deep and dark that he cannot climb to the surface and regain his freedom. How can he save himself from his predicament? Not by any exertions on his part, for there is no means of escape in the pit. He calls for help and some kindly disposed soul, hearing his cries for relief, hastens to his assistance and by lowering a ladder, gives to him the means by which he may climb again to the surface of the earth.
This was precisely the condition that Adam placed himself and his posterity in, when he partook of the forbidden fruit. All being together in the pit, none could gain the surface and relieve the others. The pit was banishment from the presence of the Lord and temporal death, the dissolution of the body. And all being subject to death, none could provide the means of escape.
Therefore, in his infinite mercy, the Father heard the cries of his children and sent his Only Begotten Son, who was not subject to death nor to sin, to provide the means of escape. This he did through his infinite atonement and the everlasting gospel (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:126–27).
Here is Mia and her family. If you would like to help offset some of the costs associated with this sad new please visit: http://www.giveforward.com/achangeofheart
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
China was an Epic Experience!
Come to China with me next year!
March 14-27, 2013
Touring China is an epic experience that will change you and how you see the world.
In addition to visiting the beautiful ancient historical sites me and the very best native Chinese guides will take you into the heart of China's Guilin Li River with it's picturesque mountainside and the Yangshuo's Rice Terraces. One night you'll hike up through the Yao Village, one of the many ethnic groups in China, to stay in one of the most beautiful resorts overlooking the landscape.
Explore the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Great Wall, Olympic Village, Temple of Heaven, Sacred Path, Parks, Markets, Silk - Jade - Pearl Factories, and much much more. This is truly a mental journey that makes you appreciate life and all it's beauty. You should be in somewhat good health for this experience of a lifetime.
Hotels are top notch with healthy food everywhere.
Call today and make your reservation.
1- 801-917-1131 or visit http://alanmckaytours.com/asia/march-2013-china/
Invest in a spiritual journey full of memories that will change your life.
Beijing Only Tour with Airfare from Los Angeles: $1364
(includes tour and air for $899 & taxes for $465)
Fly from JFK Airport: $100 more
Xi’an Add-On – Double/Triple Occupancy - $499
Shanghai & Guilin Add-On – Double/Triple Occupancy - $699
Call For Single Occupancy Pricing
Children 11 and under – $100 off per person
Chinese Visa - $185
Credit Card Fee – 3.5% (only applies to final payment-pay by check to avoid it)
Deposit Required for Reservation - $1200
Sponsored and Organized by Alan McKay & Dick Jensen Tours, with more than 25 years of experience, these are extremely affordable for what you are able to do.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Time and Oklahoma City
Some pianists compose a beautiful sunset with each key on the piano like a painter with each stroke of the brush. Others force their gift by working to meet a deadline that keeps bills paid. For me, the song that is a defining moment in an artist’s career usually happens in an odd moment, and often while noodling (improvisation). I found this to be true for my composition titled, Time, from Miracles – A Journey of Hope &; Healing (2001) and later put on Sacred Piano (2009).
Time happened while I was on a tour with author Richard Paul Evans who had commissioned me to create a soundtrack to his #1 New York Times best-selling book "The Christmas Box.” I came home for a few days and sat at any piano. I was noodling around with a little circus tune that made me smile. It had a melody that imitated the ticking of a clock. As I played this unheard melody that was coming through me, I realized that although at first I found it quite humorous it reminded me of time and that it was a haunting to those who sit and watch clocks. It reminded me that time seems to stand still in our youth and as adults time moves too quickly. This thought, of course, came to me while also reading Richard Evans pre-published work called Timepiece.
One morning on tour, I was watching a memorial ceremony on NBC Today Show about the Oklahoma Federal Building Bombing that took place 5 years earlier on April 19, 1995. It was two minutes after nine when a 5,000-pound bomb, hidden inside a Ryder truck, exploded just outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The explosion caused massive damage to the building and killed 168 people, 19 of whom were children. Those responsible for what became known as the Oklahoma City Bombing were homegrown terrorists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols.
I remember the devastation and now here America was, on the 5th anniversary dedicating the outdoor symbolic memorial. After a few short sermons and prayer, families of the deceased walked to various sculptured “empty chairs” and placed flowers on the ground next to them. It was then that I heard my compositions from my “The Christmas Box” album being played at the memorial. I was in shock and grateful for the gift of music.
We later learned the organizers responsible for the dedication said families specifically requested that particular album be played through the sound system. Humbled by the grief and choice of music, I wanted to respond to with new music, hopefully to heal my own broken heart and possibly others.
I began composing songs and playing new ones. I asked my brother in law and music mentor Ryan Stewart to help orchestrate the album. After playing a lot of different tunes I had composed, I laughed about the circus tune that reminded me of clocks. He said, “Play that.” I replied that I thought it was a little goofy and didn’t’ know what to do with it. While playing the piece that Ryan got excited and thought it was brilliant. He began to be filled with ideas. Together we came up with a piece of art that somehow conveys the emotions associated with the haunting feeling of life and how quickly it moves along and yet we hope to maintain a sense of longing for time to stand still. It was beautiful to us.
While finishing the album, my distribution team and I decided on the day when the album would officially be released and available in store. Ironically, that day was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Obviously, the excitement about the album faded as time stood still in that period of American history.
Listen to TIME on paulcardall.com or Itunes
Time happened while I was on a tour with author Richard Paul Evans who had commissioned me to create a soundtrack to his #1 New York Times best-selling book "The Christmas Box.” I came home for a few days and sat at any piano. I was noodling around with a little circus tune that made me smile. It had a melody that imitated the ticking of a clock. As I played this unheard melody that was coming through me, I realized that although at first I found it quite humorous it reminded me of time and that it was a haunting to those who sit and watch clocks. It reminded me that time seems to stand still in our youth and as adults time moves too quickly. This thought, of course, came to me while also reading Richard Evans pre-published work called Timepiece.
 |
| Terrorist attack (1995) Oklahoma City |
I remember the devastation and now here America was, on the 5th anniversary dedicating the outdoor symbolic memorial. After a few short sermons and prayer, families of the deceased walked to various sculptured “empty chairs” and placed flowers on the ground next to them. It was then that I heard my compositions from my “The Christmas Box” album being played at the memorial. I was in shock and grateful for the gift of music.
 |
| Miracles (2001) |
I began composing songs and playing new ones. I asked my brother in law and music mentor Ryan Stewart to help orchestrate the album. After playing a lot of different tunes I had composed, I laughed about the circus tune that reminded me of clocks. He said, “Play that.” I replied that I thought it was a little goofy and didn’t’ know what to do with it. While playing the piece that Ryan got excited and thought it was brilliant. He began to be filled with ideas. Together we came up with a piece of art that somehow conveys the emotions associated with the haunting feeling of life and how quickly it moves along and yet we hope to maintain a sense of longing for time to stand still. It was beautiful to us.
While finishing the album, my distribution team and I decided on the day when the album would officially be released and available in store. Ironically, that day was Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Obviously, the excitement about the album faded as time stood still in that period of American history.
Listen to TIME on paulcardall.com or Itunes
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Optimist Cancer Survivor Lacey Furner
This past weekend I met cancer survivor Lacey Furner. She's an optimist and has a great attitude. She e-mailed me her inspiring story. She agreed to let me post it here. I appreciate her gratitude to God for her experience and for what she has learned. She is proof that suffering is not always a horrible experience because of what it can do in helping us grow spiritually.
"Dear Paul,
This is Lacey Furner. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet you Monday night (01/23/2012).
I was the person who told you that your song "Letting Go", helped me during my experience with cancer. This song helped me to be at peace, to know that its OK to give it all to the Lord, for He is the only one that knows everything. My life was in God's Hands and I knew I could not control whether I would live or die.
In July, 2010, I was attending my first semester at BYU-Idaho, when I noticed a mole/skin lesion on my left clavicle. I went to the doctor to get it removed and a week later he called to inform me that I had been diagnosed with a serious type of skin cancer.
July 22, 2012 was my first day of chemo therapy, just one week after I had received the results.
I struggled with cancer for one year and I was on oxygen for half of it. So I pretty much got tons of sympathy dates from guys, which was way cool!
Going through chemo opened my eyes to so many things. I was able to see how many people truly loved and cared for me. I was able to grow closer to the Lord. The veil between life and death was very thin for me. God taught me patience, (when the nurses could not get the I.V. in the FIRST time, or when the hospital food looked like it would give you cancer, or having an oxygen tube on your face 24/7), He always helped me to be patient.
The most important thing that I learned is to love everyone, for all of us are God's children and we are all in this together.
Mr. Cardall your music was the soundtrack to my life for a long time. "Letting Go" helped me fall asleep every night when I was deeply discouraged. It made me feel so warm, and it helped me to give my worry and discouragement to the Lord. It helped me to trust in Him.
Thank you,
Lacey Furner
"Dear Paul,This is Lacey Furner. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to meet you Monday night (01/23/2012).
I was the person who told you that your song "Letting Go", helped me during my experience with cancer. This song helped me to be at peace, to know that its OK to give it all to the Lord, for He is the only one that knows everything. My life was in God's Hands and I knew I could not control whether I would live or die.
In July, 2010, I was attending my first semester at BYU-Idaho, when I noticed a mole/skin lesion on my left clavicle. I went to the doctor to get it removed and a week later he called to inform me that I had been diagnosed with a serious type of skin cancer.
July 22, 2012 was my first day of chemo therapy, just one week after I had received the results.
I struggled with cancer for one year and I was on oxygen for half of it. So I pretty much got tons of sympathy dates from guys, which was way cool!Going through chemo opened my eyes to so many things. I was able to see how many people truly loved and cared for me. I was able to grow closer to the Lord. The veil between life and death was very thin for me. God taught me patience, (when the nurses could not get the I.V. in the FIRST time, or when the hospital food looked like it would give you cancer, or having an oxygen tube on your face 24/7), He always helped me to be patient.
The most important thing that I learned is to love everyone, for all of us are God's children and we are all in this together.
Mr. Cardall your music was the soundtrack to my life for a long time. "Letting Go" helped me fall asleep every night when I was deeply discouraged. It made me feel so warm, and it helped me to give my worry and discouragement to the Lord. It helped me to trust in Him.
Thank you,
Lacey Furner
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