»Remembering what God has already done for me«

Interview with US-Singer-Songwriter Krissy Nordhoff

(Deutsche Übersetzung hier...)

In 2004, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Krissy Nordhoff hit the top of the New Christian Music Europe Radio Charts with two songs from her album Thank Him: the beautiful "Ninety-Nine" and the deeply honest "It All Comes Down To Mercy", a prayer for renewal. CCM-Rezis asked her to tell more about her new album, about her musical influences and also about her struggle with Lyme disease.

Monica Seidler: Krissy Nordhoff, With your 12-song-album Thank Him you have gained recognition in the States as well as in Europe. Is this your first recording?

Krissy Nordhoff: Thank Him is my first full length recording. I did record an EP in 2001, which included 6 songs.

Monica: What does music mean in your life?

Krissy: Music is a spiritual language for me. There is definitely a part of my heart that can only be touched through music. Music gives me a way to express my prayers, feelings, thoughts, and emotions to God in deeper ways than anything else could.

Monica: Who are your musical influences?

Krissy: My main musical influence was Amy Grant. I grew up listening to many other Christian groups such as The Imperials, Harvest, Twila Paris, B.J. Thomas, and Margaret Becker to name a few. There was also lots of Barry Manilow (thanks to Mom), and Crystal Gayle (thanks to Dad). As an adult I find myself being pulled toward certain songs more than artists. Writers of some of my favorites include James Taylor, Billy Joel, Sara Groves, Carolyn Arends, and Cindy Morgan.

Monica: Your songs are very personal, especially "Love You Like Crazy", "Doubt My Doubts" or "Daisy Days". And yet they are universal and timeless, too ("Thank Him", "You Are A River"). Do you think of a specific audience when writing a song? Or are these all your personal prayers?

Krissy: When writing a song, I definitely tend to lean toward writing from my own experiences. I find that it is easier to be inspired when it comes naturally. There have been times that I tried to write a good song without being inspired by the Holy Spirit first, and it seems to be less powerful that way. – Many times I have written songs when I feel a certain rush of emotion about something. When that happens, I can't do anything else until I get out what is inside.

Monica: Are you usually performing with a band or solo?

Krissy: I rarely perform with a band. I just have not reached the point where I can afford to pay one, although I would love it! Many times when we play in churches, we get some of the members of the congregation to play with us. Recently at a concert in Michigan we ended up with a live cellist, which was wonderful!

Monica: When you say "we play", do you mean you and your husband Eric? Does he play with you?

Krissy: Eric plays piano and will occasionally accompany me or play some of his instrumental music during prelude, postlude, or offering. He also speaks at concerts when asked.

Monica: In 2002, you were diagnosed with Lyme disease, as you tell in the song description to "Love You Like Crazy". Do you still struggle with this infection? How does this affect your daily life?

Krissy: In 2003, I attended a healing conference at my sister's church. God touched me in a way that I can't even explain. I just knew He was real and that He was answering my prayers for healing. The new testament says many times that »Your faith has healed you.« I clung on to that for a long time. I just wouldn't quit asking (like the man knocking at the door during the night for bread). Despite many doctors and treatments, the true healing began that day at church. It has definitely been a process, but a blessing too. I am now almost at 100% physically, and have gained so much spiritually.

Monica: It's striking that even your songs written in 2002 do not remain in fear and doubt, but are full of faith, hope, and encouragement. In "Doubt my Doubts" the key verse is: »I gotta doubt my doubts / So I can believe my beliefs.« What gives you the strength to do so?

Krissy: I get my strength to doubt my doubts from remembering what God has already done for me. Things like in 1997 when I had lost my job, had no place to live, my car was breaking down every week and I had no health insurance. God restored it all. I remember my pregnant sister having spinal meningitis, and God healed her and the baby. He saved my brother from drowning. He took my precious Grandmother to be home with Him. He helped me get through two high risk pregnancies safely, with two healthy boys. Currently, he is helping us make ends meet financially while my husband starts his own business. It just seems like there is always something big to be trusting him for. My faith is not perfect by any means, I know I still have a lot to learn. Sometimes the lyrics I write are things I need to be encouraged by as well as wanting to encourage others.

Monica: Of all the songs you have sung, which one best conveys the basic message you have for your audience?

Krissy: I think Thank Him, which is why we decided to give that title to the CD. It is easy to be thankful when things are good. When things get bad, we often forget to be thankful. Philippians 4:6-7 says, »Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.« I hope to help people look at their current issues in life and the future through the eyes of thankfulness, so that they can know peace.

Monica: Your favorite bible verse at the moment?

Krissy: Zephaniah 3:17 is my favorite verse. It says, »The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.«

Monica: Krissy Nordhoff, I thank you so much for your answers and for taking the time to write them down for us!

For more information and audio clips visit www.krissynordhoff.com