In John Kasica’s amazing 46-years as percussionist with the world-famous St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, it is notable in that he and wife Paula came to lifechanging saving faith in Jesus, marriage recovery and victory with joy, the founding of the “Creative Arts Fellowship,” and a positive impact on many lives.
A nearly destroyed marriage so impacted John and Paula’s life that, early on, they separated for two years. But something happened during that time in Paula’s life. God spoke to her and said, “I want you back together!” She didn’t know HOW it could ever work because they were so different. Upon her return, John saw such a positive change in her that it aroused his curiosity. He discovered the source of Paula’s change. It was Jesus!
God intervened, healed their marriage, healed all the things they had said and done to each other, and restored new life to them individually and separately! Now it is like a perpetual honeymoon! “Give God a chance to work,” she says
Paula is an accomplished “flautist.” (To us common people, that means she is a very good flute player!)
Now, 40 years later, all that time his being the percussionist for the SLSO (widely used abbreviation for the “St. Louis Symphony Orchestra”) they, together, have found a meaningful, joyful, lives of service that honors the One Who positively changed their lives … Jesus!)
Enjoy the humiliating story John tells of the time of his SLSO solo: In turning the pages of his sheet music, the pages fell all over the nearby floor. Thus, he did what any self-respecting professional musician would do. When he was supposed to be featured in solo, when scrambling on the floor for his music, he hid under the nearby xylophone!
Prominent on the back cover of their book, The Master’s Work:
“John and Paula Kasica are classical musicians who believe that God will use the Arts to profoundly affect the world. As founders of the Creative Arts Fellowship they encourage others to recognize the gifts that God has given to each of them and then allow Him to use those gits of Beauty to bring healing inspiration, and encouragement.”
Also, on their book’s back cover from John and Paula …
“Allow the mighty Holy Spirit of God to take you on a ‘Divine Treasure Hunt’ into the beauty of Jesus. Through the use of ideas and poetry, scripture and songs, teaching and creating expressions for meditation and prayer, Jesus will begin to reveal Himself to you in the most amazing ways. He will change your heart by softening the hard places, comforting you and counseling you. Ultimately, He will change your life to make you more like Him! It’s not about information in your head, but learning to experience Him in an unending myriad of ways in your heart and your life …. “
Among the Key Chapter Titles
- “Knowing who God is
- Conquering Fear
- Thoughts on Forgiveness, Bitterness and Strongholds
- Humility, Grace and the Power of the Tongue
- Spiritual Warfare
- Thoughts on Beauty, the Arts and Creativity
- The Glory and Being an Overcomer
- Thoughts on Prayer”
Their book is a great work that I am already using, profitably, to enhance my “Quiet Time” with Jesus!
To order THE MASTER’S WORK … A HANDBOOK FOR LIFE + GODLINESS … let John know with an email to johnkasica@gmail.com. An autographed copy from John and Paula is available for $23, postage paid.
Links to earlier recording related to John Kasica and the St. Louis Symphony …
To hear … “John Kasica, 40+ years in St. Louis Symphony, shares impact of the Gospel in his marriage, life … click on … http://haroldhendrick.com/2017/07/31/john-kasica-40-years-st-louis-symphony-shares-impact-gospel-marriage-life/
To hear … “John Kasica, longtime St. Louis Symphony percussionist provides inspirational update. His Asia visit” … click on … http://haroldhendrick.com/2013/06/22/john-kasica-longtime-st-louis-symphony-percussionist-provides-inspirational-update-his-asia-visit/
To hear … “John Kasica, 40-year percussionist, St. Louis (MO) Symphony Orchestra; his inspiring, humorous story” … click on … http://haroldhendrick.com/2011/05/26/john-kasica-40-year-percussionist-st-louis-mo-symphony-orchestra-his-inspiring-humorous-story/ And …
To hear … “Tino ‘Flying’ Wallenda performs with the St. Louis Symphony; tells How to have Peace with God!” … click on … http://haroldhendrick.com/2012/12/12/tino-flying-wallenda-performs-with-the-st-louis-symphony-tells-how-to-have-peace-with-god/