It is a pretty unique time for me -- besides having fun doing music and youth ministry these days, we just celebrated two graduations in my family -- my two daughters Paula and Amy. Paula just graduated high school, now headed to the University of Illinois and Amy, 8th grade, is off to Cor Jesu Academy.

So the last few days and weeks have been filled with Senior send-off's, goodbyes, and more than a few tears and hugs, not just with my daughters, but all of the awesome teens and young adults who are moving into the next chapter of their lives.

I remember a few years ago when I met Danielle Rose. She is an awesome, gifted, and holy Catholic singer. We were both performing at the Crossroads Music Festival in Steelville MO and I had a big brother moment, and I asked her, with all of her travels, how does she stay grounded in her life? She responded simply, with a smile, Karl, she said, I find a chapel and go to Mass or just sit before the Eucharist everywhere I go. Because I know when I am with Jesus, I am home.

To my kids, and to everyone going back to college or moving into another part of their lives: know that no matter how you are feeling -- homesick or giddy, stressed or lonely, happy or sad, strong or weak, lost or found --

My prayer for you is you will always know you are loved, you are being prayed for, and that you will seek and find Jesus every day. For when you with the Lord, you will be truly home.

Greetings again!
I am a little bit in awe of the great XLT we had last night in St. Louis at St. Catherine Laboure Church. Adam Bitter and I led the music and we had 200+ teens in the house. Leah Darrow, a fashion model turned youth minister gave her testimony on how God changed her life and we prayed over all the college people. Mostly though, it was just a great night in the Lord!

And now for some news.....
LOVE WILL LEAD US HOME is now on I-tunes! Just go to the Apple I-Tunes Music Store and search for Karl Zimmerman, and there it is, pretty nice!

Updated schedule:
XLTs at St. Catherine's in St. Louis: August 23, September 27

September 7 St. Joe's Parish Festival, Freeburg IL
September 12 XLT at Holy Spirit Church, St. Louis MO
September 14 Holy Trinity Parish Festival, St. Louis MO
September 29 Crossroads Music Festival, Steelville MO
October 20 Youth For Life Rally, Paris TN
December 15 REAP Benefit Concert, St. Louis MO

We are also talking to folks in Kansas City, Lincoln NE, and San Antonio TX about some future events. Let us know if you are interested in having the AND Band do some music in your 'hood.

My prayers are with you, may God bless you all!

Your friend in Christ,
karl