When You Get The Time

New Blog

2011-10-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is so old... blogging continues here http://davidgamboa.posterous.com/

Thank You!

Hello Fall

2009-09-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Woah, haven't been on here in a while! Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks for the most part. A new tour/record is in the works, and I'm super excited about it. All this week we have been tracking 4 new songs, and they are a dream come true to me, to hear my songs on a real drum-kit with real musicians and instruments! I have also been working hard with help getting the 1000 STORIES tour going, and we are currently producing promo material, and seeking sponsors. If you, or your business are interested in sponsoring an unforgettable event involving music and building libraries for orphans in Nicaragua then I need to get you the information and more details! So let me know if this interests you. It's all coming together so fast, and I'm excited to see where God is going to take us.

It has been crazy to see what God is doing all around us! More stories to come.

New Beginnings

2009-08-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I have neglected this thing for the most part of summer. (I'm apologizing to myself and maybe the two people that I know read this.) A lot has happened in the past few months. Last Wednesday I made the big move to Houston, well Pleak actually, let's not blur the lines. I'm sorry if you didn't know about this, and I really tried to let everyone know. I'm staying with my Aunt and Uncle, and they are kind enough to feed me and allow me to stay. I decided not to go to school this year, and I'm in the middle of figuring out where and what God wants from me. My hope is that I can be in a place where I can have the resources to use my full potential to serve the Kingdom.
In other news, the new CD is coming along, and I have started working on two new demos for the record. In the next few weeks I plan to hit it hard and see if I can write some more material. Another thing I've been hitting hard is working out. Blake Quimby, Michael Cash, and I have commited to 90 days of working out at 7:30am to P90X! It has been 3 days so far, and it's been intense. However I'm already feeling the effects of a healthier lifestyle with more energy, and plenty of sleep. Anyways, that's what I have been up to, be sure to engage in all that life has to offer. That's what I have been trying to do, and God is going to do some great things, I'm excited and I hope you are as well!

-David

Is this the kind of love you desire?

2009-07-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be outside so that he can personally open the door and welcome us back in.

^33-36Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

Paul was very right when he tries to say it's way over our heads! God has a reckless grace that is mysterious and every time I come back It is the greatest feeling. It won't let me go, and I'm glad.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
that God has to ask his advice?

Everything comes from Him;
Everything happens through Him;
Everything ends up in Him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

Romans 11 the message

Love Unctontainable

2009-07-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

This song is called "Love Uncontainable" and it is a little more "rocking" than the usual songs I write. No, i'm not trying to change, however I am trying to portray a feeling. I'm so passionate about the message of this song. I've seen God take things that are ordinary, and make them extraordinary, and it overwhelms me at times. God is teaching me how to love, and serve, and it is something I want to strive for with all that I have. Its funny, music is a strange thing, because so much can stem from just a song. A couple of notes, melodies, and some words can go way past the ears, and into our hearts and minds. God will take a song and allow it to reach out and help others in ways that we will never see or understand. I hope to somehow share this feeling I have, this uncontainable love. I don't know how to explain. I mean I'm nowhere near Paul from the Bible or anything, but I am going to change, and I have a feeling. I just want to SCREAM!

strive with me.

Jesus Calls Us

2009-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love the words to this song.

"Jesus Calls Us; o'er the Tumult"
by Cecil F. Alexander, 1823-1895


     Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
     Of our life's wild, restless sea,
     Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
     Saying, "Christian, follow Me."
  
     As of old Saint Andrew heard it
     By the Galilean lake,
     Turned from home and toil and kindred.
     Leaving all for His dear sake.
  
     Jesus calls us from the worship
     Of the vain world's golden stole.
     From each idol that would keep us,
     Saying, "Christian, love Me more."
  
     In our joys and in our sorrows,
     Days of toll and hours of ease,
     Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
     "Christian, love Me more than these."
  
     Jesus calls us; by Thy mercies,
     Savior, make us hear Thy call,
     Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
     Serve and love Thee best of all. Amen.

Sing.

2009-06-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Worship. After taking a break from leading worship corporately I have had a different perspective of worship appear. First off, it is my passion to lead worship, but I have recently ran into the big doubt of, "maybe I'm not called to do it anymore?" Or maybe I'm not good enough? Maybe I'm too different? Maybe I'm typical? No one is "engaging" when I play my songs, and all of a sudden it's a failure! All of a sudden the worship is not successful! We are down 10 people, and maybe it's cause I played too many slow songs? Maybe people just don't like music? Let's try something different, and let's make it succeed this time.

But why try to succeed? Isn't worship and singing supposed to be valuable time spent with God, our Father? When I spend time with the people I love, it's not measured on how good the food was, or how fun was the board game. It's just us relating, encouraging, laughing, crying, dancing, eating, walking, joking, etc. I don't look at the time I spend with the ones I love a success or failure, it's just their presence that is enjoyable. So why do that with God?

I think it's cause a lot of the times I forget what God has delivered me from, and how many times he has encouraged me to play music and do what I do. I'm more outgoing than I used to be, I can carry a conversation, I can write a song, I can listen and try to be aware of other's feelings, I try to encourage, and there is so much more that God is responsible for! I forget all about it though. I'm trying to remember. Then I will be satisfied with His presence, and our time together will never be measured.

Flickr, Photography, and Favories

2009-06-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

In my free time I like to browse through the picture on Flickr, and it amazes me some of the pictures these people take. I don't consider myself a good photographer at all, because I haven't tried to work on the craft much, and I have yet to develop a style. Hopefully, someday I will be content with my photos, and develop my own style, but in the meantime I'll enjoy the works of others. The pictures above are my favorites.

Song of the Week: Ohio- Damien Jurado

2009-06-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

OHIO
BY DAMIEN JURADO FREE DOWNLOAD

Out from my window across from the city
I have what's considered a good view
Two blocks from the subway, three from the fountain
Where I walk to break in new shoes

She stands on the sidewalk just waving at taxis
Like horses in parades in passing
I ask where she's headed she tells me,
"Ohio, I've not seen my mother in ages
It's been a long time, a real long time."

Out from my window "How far is Ohio?"
She laughed and pointed out east
She said, "I grew up there with my dear mother
And I haven't seen her since thirteen.

You see, I was taken while she lay sleeping
By my father's hired man
We moved to city so far from my family
I haven't been back there since.
It's been a long time, a real long time."

Out from my window please hear me Ohio
Your daughter wants to come home
She longs to be with you to hug you to kiss you
To never leave her alone

And I've gotten know her to live with to love her
It's hard to see her leave
She belongs to her mother and the state of Ohio
I wish she belonged to me

See you sometime, see you sometime

The Shadow and Night Fire

2009-06-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

The new album artwork is in the works, and what you see is what I've kinda thrown together. The album will be 10 songs,(free downloadable) and the focus is Bible stories. The title "The Shadow and Night Fire" is the title track, and I saw it fitting for this record and it's mood. Throughout the record it somewhat jumps between dark and bright, tones, and feelings. The song is taken from the story in Exodus when God leads his people as a cloud, and as a fire at night.

In this record, I really want to shift attention away from me, and I desire no credit for these songs. For me, it's about what God has done with me and everything, and He is the real creator, not me. I've always been fascinated with the Bible, and to this day it remains my encouragement and hope. So I'm extremely excited to share the stories(well, they are really way more than stories) with everyone. I want to share the music with everyone, and I think it will be well recepted. It doesn't matter where, anywhere is where I'll play, and what's funny is the churches(except for a select few) are the ones I never get booking responses from, you figure they would be interested? It makes me somewhat discouraged and sad. Anyways, It's a long ways from being finished, but join us in prayer and keep this in your thoughts as we make it.

love,
dave

2009-06-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

Olmos Perks Show

2009-05-28T18:48:00.001-07:00

Come check out the show:

San Antonio, TX

Friday 7pm-9

Olmos Perks Coffee on 5223 McCullough

Ideas and Whatnot

2009-05-27T12:31:00.001-07:00

So where to now? My new CD "Dandelion Heart" is doing well it is on iTunes now and we are also selling the CD at shows. Yesterday, we had an awesome show at Spiderhouse in Austin. It was a full band show and my band sounded killer! The next upcoming dates are as follows

May 29th 7pm@ Olmos Perks in San Antonio
June 5th 8pm@ Clementines in Austin

Hope you can make it to one of these shows. If you can't that's alright. I have lots of ideas that I would like to see happen in the next coming weeks, and here they are.

1. I need a newsletter, with updates, free songs, and videos
2. "Bible Stories" A CD of just Bible stories and make it a free album
3. I bought all of these books and have yet to read any, and I want to read them.
4. A Barnes & Nobles Tour would be awesome!
5. Book more shows.

If you can help me out in any of these areas please let me know. Other than that stay safe.

Frans, Friends, and Family

2009-05-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am a mess without my mic stand. Gosh darn where are you

I Can't Hear A Thing

2009-05-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Musings. Maybe this means something to you, not quite sure what it means to me yet.

Something's welling up in me
An explosion of some sort
While all around screams
Life is still quiet as a dream
I can't hear a thing
I can't hear a thing

A noise like steam
That propels you and me
Unheard, and unseen
Now I've had dreams of flying
But does everything require dying?
I can't hear a thing
I can't hear a thing

This is the glorious mystery
The parts I can't see
The collision of a relation
So loud it can't be heard, or seen
Only a feeling
I still can't hear a thing
but I do have a feeling.

Illuminated Words

2009-05-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

And you should proclaim in the bright light of day everything that I have whispered to you in the dark. Whatever whispers you hear- shout them from the rooftops of houses.

Matthew 10:27

iTunes, Free Books and Art

2009-05-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

FREE Out Of The Ground Book

Click the picture to get the Songbook E-book it includes: the lyrics and some artwork from the new record Dandelion Heart. We are also now on iTunes so it's available for you to listen to, just click the link below. While your at it enjoy the book, and I'm so glad to share all this with you.

iTunes Dandelion Heart CD

enjoy. :)

Box.net

2009-05-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is a cool new tool I found for many different online collaborations, that involve tossing files back and forth to each other. You can sign up free, and they also have pro packages with more features such as a direct link to whatever file, instead of having to download. It is also a great tool to distribute music in my case. Stay tuned.

Dreams of Flying

2009-04-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

photo by jan von holleben: check his work out

This song was featured on the King of California movie soundrack (It fit the movie so well), and during watching the movie and hearing it, I fell in love with it. So I bought the soundtrack and I've listened to it everyday this week. I, myself, am a dreamer so this song really resonates with me. I can get so caught up in my imagination and ideas, and to me this song is describing the constant chase for our dreams, and you never know which ones you'll catch, and when you do don't let go, and "try to stay afloat in this flood of dreams."

FLOOD OF DREAMS BY JOLIE HOLLAND

Oh how can I stand aside
and watch all these colors fly
out of this world and into the next
my heart is on fire
and I’m getting reckless

Lord the dream is slippin on
through my hand’s
are not made to hold
this flood of dreams is taking control

When you were mine
the sky was so high
forest were green
and the stars were bright
I’ve got the road leading me off
gravity dissolves

My home is floating on away
my dreams take to the road
as I try to stay afloat
in this flood
in this flood of dreams

Daily Journal #15

2009-04-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

This is what I write about in school.

What if we could say this is extremely not worth your time?
A recent poll suggests the most loved to hear phrase is "What If we..." now I don't know if it's the the three words that engage interest, or maybe it is the expressed option of a choice that one is given. Either way, it should be used as much as possible to test this theory. Apart from that, lists are making a comeback! Well, I'm not even sure they were as big of a deal as they are now. Lists are everywhere though, there is no escaping them. Everyone wants to categorize their favorite subjects of interest into an organized list. One through ten, with one being their said "favorite." Lists are interesting though, in some way they are kind of like photographs, the subject changes, and lists capture a section of a moment of our interests. None of this rambling is worth any of your time, but as a writer it's fun to expand on just a small thought and see where it goes. In this case, I didn't really go anywhere, but occasionally you strike GOLD! Anyways, where can all the small thoughts go? That's my question.

Swine Flu and Celebration

2009-04-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

26,000 plays. Praise God, I never have noticed how many plays I have on this myspace deal, but I have quite a few and I am very surprised and excited! iTunes here we come, sometime, anytime this month.

This Swine Flu is scaring me now! My mom is overdosing me on Vitamin C, which I really don't mind. The chewy, chalky tablets have a nice taste, and bring back fond childhood memories. I think It's getting pretty serious, or that's what the news leads me to believe.

So what can YOU do to prevent Swine Flu?

click here PREVENT SWINE
See ya.

Divorce, Seperation, and the feeling of coming back

2009-04-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

For some reason divorce has been heavy on my mind. So, I decided to write a song about that. The feeling of divorce, seperation, fixing mistakes, and the feeling of coming back to someone.

Oh I can hear the ringing bells
You and the sound are next to each other
The echoes that run through your mind
The feeling of coming back to someone
You sweep up the heart put love away
I always thought we could change

All the lines we've seem to blurred
are coming back

so why can't you say
We've gotta find a way to each other
We've gotta find a way to recover

let's run back to the starting line
look for the pieces lost from the puzzle
find out how we can stop time
And cut the wire before we stumble
Dig out your heart for words to say
I always thought that we were safe

The feelings that make You and I
where never meant to be lost in the struggle
Sometimes I want this more than life,
just to be found, its so simple

Emotion and Intellect

2009-04-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is just an observation, but I seem to have paid attention to this a while back and never got to writing about it. Loneliness is a feeling that no one likes, even though it might be something everyone experiences, I've only experienced it as a feeling. As bad as it feels as just a feeling I couldn't imagine what a intellectual realization of loneliness would feel like. Let me explain this. I know for a fact that I have a God, family, mentors, and friends that would always do anything for me, and always be there. Yet, at the same time there are times when I feel lonely. Even though I know I have these people that surround me, I still experience this lonely feeling. I am thankful it is only on an emotional level. I could never imagine feeling loneliness from an intellectual standpoint. Let's be careful about how we spend our time, and make sure no one gets left out. Just an observation.

Night of Music Saturday

2009-04-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

San Antonio, TX

2009-03-31T22:00:00.001-07:00

We played twice in San Antonio once in the afternoon and at night. Trinity Academy was really awesome, I've only been there twice and they say they consider me family! Just a great group of kids, they were very responsive to the whole vision of the tour and we were blessed by them. Later that night we played at River City Community Church which was great because its my home church and my family finally got to hear my songs. I also had my full band play with me so it was a lot of fun! After the show we ate at Chuy's and then decided to take Tally to the alamo (he's never been) Now, the alamo experience is a whole different crazy story. Here it goes.

So we are at the alamo. We run into Maggy, she is very drunk, and her friend Sam who is really in love with her. He said he suffers from anxiety and nervousness so much that he lost tons of weight due to the amount of love he has for Maggy. Maggy doesn't like Sam very much at all. Well Maggy decides to give us a ghost tour of the Menger hotel. While incredibly drunk she manages to give us a pretty detailed description of the stories and ghosts that haunt the place, 36 confirmed ghost folks. Anyways, Tally in the middle of the tour gets lost and wanders around taking pictures. This worries us so we start asking "Where is Tally? We should wait for him" then Maggy abrubtly tells us "F*#* Tally" in the middle of the hotel lobby. So the security guard comes and helps us find Matt and Tally, and the security guard is totally rocking guyliner. Anyways, the tour continues as Maggy and the security guard with guyliner have somewhat of a tour guide off. We finally leave San Antonio, and make it to Houston at 4 am.
Our final show on the Texas leg of the tour is Wednesday. Then we head to Wisconsin.

Burleson, TX

2009-03-31T21:55:00.001-07:00

Burleson was a really awesome show! More people came than we had thought, and we had an awesome time of worship after our usual set. I snapped this picture of Tally encountering a donkey right outside the place. Afterwards we were treated to a nice steak at Logan's Farmhouse by our nice friend Rick Eubanks. We had an encouraging conversation about college and ministry, and our waitress was the nicest person ever! After the meal we headed out for San Antonio, but we go too tired to make it, so we stopped at a hotel in Buda and got some sleep.

Brenham, TX

2009-03-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

I'm far behind in this whole blog thing. Just for old times sake I want to write a little bit about where this tour takes us for memory. This Saturday we got to play for our friends in Brenham at 1302 Washington, a very cool community and place. We got to stay at our friend Peter's house, where he showed us his closet that has 3 doors! I have never seen anything like it. I didn't get too great of a sleep. We woke up to a -19 degree house, so cold! After that we enjoyed an awesome breakfast at Chappel Hill Cafe which is a really great place.

Sugarland, TX

2009-03-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

The CD release went great, we had a really good turn out. Everything sounded and felt good. It was amazing to see people get excited about Living Water International as well. Brandon Baca from LWI was there and he is a great guy, and it was very cool to see and hear about all that Living Water International does. Next stop, Brenham, TX 1302 Washington if your in the area or in College Station you should try to make it out.

Return Tour

2009-03-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's finally here Return Tour 2009! I would like to try and write a little something everyday for the tour to share with you what God is doing with it. We'll see how long it lasts. I'm still kinda sporadic with this whole blogging deal. Although, I've been on a good streak so far.

Weird Facts About Nicolas Cage

2009-03-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

1. Nic once ate a real cockroach in a movie. Actually, he ate a trio of real cockroaches, because it took three takes to get it just right.

2. Nic has been known for owning exotic animals. He admitted once to having a pet octopus, claiming that studying beings that are totally different helps him with his acting.

3. Nic is an avid buyer of real estate. He has been known to own up to 15 properties at one time, but he still seems to suffer from a serious case of castle-envy. Even though he once lived in a fake castle on the outskirts of Los Angeles, it has been reported that he always wanted to import an authentic castle from overseas.

4. He owned the Shah of Iran's Lamborghini.

These are just a few the rest of them are here

Strange guy.

The Damnwells FREE Record

2009-03-23T19:53:00.001-07:00

This is exciting news since I had no idea they put out a new record. The best thing is it's free. I fell in love with this band listening to Air Stereo and Bastards of The Beat. Very influential artist to me and my music, and I think you should definitely download this one. Just click here to get it. Help get the word out.

Little Heathens

2009-03-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

I just picked this up the other day. It looked very interesting it has recipes, pictures, and various how-to-do's throughout the book. I'm a big fan of cooking and how-to-do's, especially ones about skinning rabbits and making pies. It's about hard times and high spirits on an Iowa farm during the Great Depresssion. I'm all about a book that can depict high spirits during a depression. I hope it is as happy as it seems to be. I'll let you know how it turns out. I think I'm going to enjoy it.

Unadorned Self

2009-03-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

^"1And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. ²For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, ⁴and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
-1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Just a reminder for me, when I get caught up in myself, my knowledge, and my talents... Well, Nouwen puts it better than me. Sometimes, I must be "forced to let go of my relevant self: the self that can do things, show things, prove things, build things- and force myself to reclaim that unadorned self in which I am completely vulnerable, open to receive and give love regardless of any accomplishments."

Featured Music on Powerhouse Studios Website

2009-03-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

My new song "Dandelion Heart" is featured on Powerhouse Studios website now. Check it out! Also If you need a photographer for anything: senior portraits, weddings, parties, etc. you should really give it a glance. She is a great person and very cool to work with. I'm a really big fan of all the work and pictures she does.

Whitley- More Than Life

2009-03-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

This is my go to song when I want to relax, it's by an artist named Whitley

A leaf in the breeze
The smoky northern haze
the sun on your face
and the touch of lovers hands
the pain that comes today
is here then goes away

and we are homeward bound
and I
I want this more than life

To touch something real
will help your wounds heal
like the sun on your face
or dreams of starry nights

Twitter, Widgets, Status, and etc.

2009-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

I don't really think people care too much about what I'm up to, but it's fun to pretend!

Walk On

2009-03-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

"If it had not been the Lord Who was on our side when men rose up against us. Then they would have quickly swallowed us up alive when their wrath was kindled against us; Then the waters would have overwhelmed us and swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; Then the proud waters would have gone over us. Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We are like a bird escaped from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." PSALM 124

Walk On
there's a people who are windswept
body shaking to take another step
Somethings rattling here in our chests
and its louder, yet a whisper
and it's fading, yet it's so clear

there's a worn edge on a cliffside
there is a lulling in the swolen tide
into the unknown where no one wants to go
its too safe here, above or below
we will make it, but not on our own

There's fire that keeps getting higher
There are monsters that tear us apart
we're surrounded and we're trapped here
in a prison full of our fears
there's a door with no key hole
and no handle
if it wasn't for You
they would have killed us
but we will walk on
we will walk on
we will walk through that door

Unordinary

2009-03-09T23:56:00.000-07:00

“No child on earth was ever meant to be ordinary, and you can see it in them, and they know it, too, but then the times get to them, and they wear out their brains learning what folks expect, and spend their strength trying to rise over those same folks.”-ANNIE DILLARD

I don't think I want to be ordinary.

We'll Never Make It

2009-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Just finished a really great week at DNOW 2009. It was so cool to see different churches come together to worship and go out and serve. Some kids painted, other helped out at assisted living center, some walked around the mall praying for people. I was in charge of all of the video work and capturing everything.

A phrase stuck out to me when I was interviewing a kid and he said " We are just walking around and praying and doing all that we can." For me it is so liberating to know I'm not a hero. Only through Christ can I take part in any goodness of life. At the end of the day I'm beat, and I know I can't do it all, but I also know that God is faithful and in that I find rest when I can no longer go on. We will never make it on our own.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go."
John 21:15-18 (ESV)

Bring Your Knifes!

2009-02-19T19:49:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm back home now after a 3 day vacation to Sugarland, TX. I was there helping some friends out recording a live worship cd. We knocked out 6 songs in 2 days, and even managed to squeeze in time to shoot some videos for the upcoming Return Tour. I had a great time enjoying Bob's tacos, having a sleepover, good conversation, and good friends and family time. I'm terribly tired and I have school tomorrow, but I'm gonna choose to be glad and enjoy the rest of my busy week. So should you!

Heart Day

2009-02-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

What a great week! The weather has been great, the lightning storms, the sunshine, the hail, its all really great. This Friday is the Sad Accordions show at Lambert's BBQ (you should come), and I cannot wait to hear these guys live. I heard about them through a friend, and I love their songwriting and sound. A Bad Year For The Sharon's is a great album that you should look for.

Check them out here. Sad Accordions

Valentine's day is coming up this weekend. I'm not terribly excited about it. It was cool in 3rd grade, where everyone received cool cards and candy, and you where able to write secret letters to the girl you liked and put it into her decorated valentine card box. I miss that, kinda.

Tuesday

2009-02-10T10:20:00.001-08:00

Call me a girl, but veggie chips and spinach dip are my new favorite snack. Amongst these new changes and discoveries, I have found myself to prefer whole wheat bread over white bread. Now don't get any idea that I'm trying to eat healthy or anything, all of this has come upon itself naturally. Here's recent proof.

Every Grain of Sand

2009-02-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

I feel compelled to share this after I heard Emmylou Harris sing it.

Every Grain of Sand by Bob Dylan

In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed
There's a dyin' voice within me reaching out somewhere,
Toiling in the danger and in the morals of despair.

Don't have the inclination to look back on any mistake,
Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break.
In the fury of the moment I can see the Master's hand
In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand.

Oh, the flowers of indulgence and the weeds of yesteryear,
Like criminals, they have choked the breath of conscience and good cheer.
The sun beat down upon the steps of time to light the way
To ease the pain of idleness and the memory of decay.

I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name.
Then onward in my journey I come to understand
That every hair is numbered like every grain of sand.

I have gone from rags to riches in the sorrow of the night
In the violence of a summer's dream, in the chill of a wintry light,
In the bitter dance of loneliness fading into space,
In the broken mirror of innocence on each forgotten face.

I hear the ancient footsteps like the motion of the sea
Sometimes I turn, there's someone there, other times it's only me.
I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man
Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand.

Hot and Bright

2009-02-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

First Fig by Edna St. Vincent Millay

My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends —
It gives a lovely light!

Time and Prayer

2009-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 7:3-13 (ESV)

I find it a wonder to think about how God uses; a letter, a story, a prayer, written thousands of years ago, by a man in prison, to impact the lives and stories of so many. Sometimes I take for granted the time I am given to pray for others, but more importantly the ability to pray. To recognize the goodness of God, the father role he continually fills in my family. In the words of Nouwen, prayer is the unceasing recognition that God is wherever we are, always inviting us to come closer and to celebrate the divine gift of being alive. To some people prayer is a hoax, to some it's just a conversation with God, a plea for help, but it's something way bigger than all of those. It's loving God, and knowing the heart of God, and in this we experience what we desire most, true steadfast love.

ecce homo

2009-02-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

George Rouault, "Ecce Homo" ("That is the man")
Paris, Musée national d’art moderne, 1937-41. canvas on wood. in 34 + 24.4

Dandelion Heart EP

2009-01-30T19:22:00.001-08:00

I know I've been mentioning it a lot, but it's almost done! The EP will consist of 6 songs and currently I only have one more song to finish.

1. All Things New
2. Dandelion Heart
3. Strangers
4. No Ones Listening
5. Ships
6. Hope is Answered

I just finished designing the cover. It was an old statue I had lying around the house of an angel and a boy and a girl crossing a damaged bridge. The direction I'm going with this record had a lot to do with my over exaggerated fear of school, and finding where I fit in with others, and the big scheme of things, but in the end just enjoying the peace God gives and knowing that He sustains everything. So keep your eyes peeled for the new cd!

World Unworthy

2009-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

"They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."

Hebrews 11:37-40

Nighlight Poem

2009-01-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

It's too safe
This cliffs worn edge is too safe
This cool mist grains against my face
Where it will have it's place in me
To mark my time of greatest need

The march of drum beats
Playing their songs of fear
The rattling of old bones ready to breathe
The stretching emptiness screams
It's too safe

Hunchbacked, stumbling
Running, clawing, crawling
Just to take a risk, to take a chance
Just to fall, to fail, to lose it all
Once we've made it to the end

Over, out, and past the cliff
Into where we do not want to go
Uncertain of what we know
Uncertain of what's above and below
It's too safe here
This, certainly I know.

Artwork and Inspiration 2

2009-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
-Sylvia Plath

Adventures of Steve & Dave 1: Dairy Queen Dreamland

2009-01-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

So, we find ourselves craving a hot fudge sundae one night. Dairy Queen is our only option, because Steve has $0 and I only have $7, that makes it the only logical choice. It's 9:15 pm and we head out to meet a friend Trevor at Dairy Queen, whom we invited through facebook, to tag along this adventure. When we arrive I order 2 large hot fudge brownie sundaes. To my dismay, they gave us warm fudge and the brownie squares had dust all over them, like that puppy chow stuff girls make for us guys all the time. We sat ourselves in the most well lit booth in the way back hidden from anyone at the counter's view.

We devour our desserts, what once looked and tasted so good, was now somewhat disguisting. The soft serve, the now cold fudge, and dusty brownie squares were not cutting it. All of a sudden the lights go out! Only one thought instantly goes through all of our minds.

WE MAY BE LOCKED IN ALL NIGHT, SURROUNDED BY ICE CREAM AND ALL THE BLIZZARDS WE WANT. Endless amounts of dilly bars, ice cream cakes, hot fudge, and m&m's. So we stop talking, hunker down and hide. Someone walks by and doesn't even see us, at this point we felt for sure we were in. Unfortunately, they made another round and found us, and made us go home. This is only a glimpse at something greater, and rekindles our hope of maybe spending a night in the promised land. Dairy Queen.

Artwork

2009-01-12T15:00:00.001-08:00

The Daytrotter Sessions

2009-01-10T20:45:00.001-08:00

Site of the week: The Daytrotter Sessions

I have known about this site for awhile, but I feel compelled to write about it now that I have grown to find myself on it everyday. It's a site dedicated to music; with reviews, original recordings, handrawn album covers, and great articles about the songs and the recording process. Some of my favorite bands such as my brightest diamond, bon iver, and damien jurado have some songs to download on here, and the cool thing is that it is all free. I hope to be on here some day, simply for the handrawn album cover.

I just finished watching Eagle Eye, and if you look past the fact of it being really far-fetched and unreal I thought it was a great movie. Oh and add me on twitter if you have one! I don't know what it's all about yet, but i have one now, and it feels good to tell "the world" what I'm doing during the day. So if your interested in what I am doing add me on twitter. It is ridiculous, but I think It's about to become an addiction. Or maybe I'm really caught up in writing about myself? Who knows?

Your probably wondering what I'm doing now? So your gonna go to twitter and it's gonna say "updating the old blogspot." I don't know how you knowing what I'm doing helps in the grand scheme of things, but EVERYONE'S DOING IT. I'm gonna follow the crowd on this one.

Oh yea and on top of that your probably wondering "Geez I wonder what David is listening to this very second?" Bam, to the right of this is a list of songs I have or am listening to. So now you can be as virtually connected to me as you want.

So This Is The New Year

2009-01-04T17:50:00.001-08:00

I think everyone is a witness to God's glory. Some people decide to put it aside and go on with their lives. Then some people spend their entire lifetime trying to figure out what it is.

I think people aren't always aware of the times when their friends need them the most. That's when we usually hear God screaming "LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME!"

I'm finally working on a record. I hope you can hear it soon.

Home. Where is it?

2008-12-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

"In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is"

"Where thou art - that - is Home."

"I know I'm searching for something
Something so undefined
That it can only be seen
By the eyes of the blind"

Fog

2008-12-19T22:04:00.001-08:00

Lately it has been foggy as ever. Sometimes at night, while driving, you can only see a few feet in front of you. It's the scariest feeling in the world, because the lights of the oncoming cars get blurred in the fog and you can't see anything. I'm staying home until it seizes. Lately I've been listening to Joan Osborne, and I have never heard about her until recently. I still don't know a bunch about who she is or the stuff she has done. I picked up "Little Wild One" and its a cool cd. I really like the way she writes and the lyrics she uses. If you can you should give it a listen. Here are a few that struck me.

In this crowded city,
I was so alone
Stranger to my own eyes
Heart without a home
Hallelujah.

In the cathedrals of New York and Rome
There is a feeling that you should just go home
And spend a lifetime finding out just where that is

Strangers

2008-12-08T21:32:00.001-08:00

"In all this sober glory, something surprising appeared. At this desert trickle, beneath this cyclone fence, behind a young rock, I saw motion. Along came a blue crab. It picked it's way down some sharp grains between rocks and settled in to work the area. The crab's shell was five or six inches long from tip to tip. It's blue-and-white legs minced on their points; it squatted to feed. Why are you wandering around in the desert, I thought, instead of swimming in a Chesapeake slough, or in a pot of steam? In fact, freshwater crabs are a delicacy; the Chinese, especially, prize them.
I looked for someone to show. In all the immense space under the dry sky, only one distant man was walking, probably one of the Dutch- speakers.
And what should I call out to him? "Mynheer!" I shouted. He made his way to me over the bare ground. I showed him the crab. He was gratifyingly amazed- a big blue crab in the desert. The crab was easing itself along the chips and sand the water wetted, behind the cyclone fence. Its eyes moved on stalks. The Dutchman, too, looked for someone to show, but saw nobody. We discussed the crab, I think, and the sight of the crab.
Possibly the magnificent accent with which I'd shouted "Mynheer" impressed him, for he spoke dutch, none of which I understood. I spoke English, which he doubtless understood. His tanned face showed pale creases everywhere, in the sun, he had laughed. Pleased, he thanked me, and before wandering off he looked at me significantly. So: his look said, we meet. So: in this queer bare spot, home of nobody under the sky, two humans stand side by side to look at a crab.
Later, I thought: This fleet meeting was not so deep as, say, a marriage- but it had its moments. Who are we people? "

-Annie Dillard

Nosegays= Flowers

2008-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

My nosegays are for captive;
Dim, long- expectant eyes,
Fingers denied the plucking,
Patient till paradise.

To such, if they should whisper
Of morning and the moor,
They bear no other errand,
And I, no other prayer.
-Emily Dickinson

The Lost Maples

2008-11-18T08:23:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I was invited by a friend to go to Lost Maples state park. Apparently it is a really big deal this time of year, because the all the maples are turning different colors. I was skeptical because it was only 1.5 hours away from San Antonio. We arrived there sat in a car line to get into the park for about 20 minutes. Once we got in we started our 9 mile hike, the trail was tougher than expected. Luckily there were a few still standing maples covered in bright red, orange, and yellows. I find it interesting that everytime something as beautiful as this only is a round for a brief moment. It is almost like we have to chase beauty until it shows itself and then it goes back into hiding, waiting for another moment to just give us a glimpse and blow us away. Maybe its best for us. maybe beauty wants to us to be uncurably afflicted with the desire to see more, and more, and more.

POLADROID

2008-11-18T08:15:00.001-08:00

Recently I stumbled across this very cool app. How you use it is, you take a picture on your computer, drag it into the little virtual polaroid, and out comes the picture polaroided. You can even shake it and watch it develop faster or just watch the picture fade in. You can even sample it a different development stages. Right now it's only available for mac users, but you can download it for free here.

Thanksgiving is Coming

2008-10-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lately I have strayed away from this blogging deal, but I'm hoping to find more inspiration to write. I worded that wrong; I need to find the drive to write, the inspiration is there I just don't want to write about it. This week has had it's ups and downs, and I want to write about how thankful I am to have people who are mentors in my life. In case you didn't know my father passed away when I was 6 due to pneumonia. Before that my parents were divorced so I wasn't around a fatherly figure much, when I was younger it was actually my grandma who I spent the most time with because my mom was a single parent working to raise my sister and I. By the way I love grandmas because they are crazy and kooky and are somewhat like kids; somewhat carefree but the littlest things they worry about, like if you fall and start bleeding they act as if your dying. So as much as I miss my father I am thankful to have God and people that can fill that hole in my life. Today my car broke down, and my friend Aaron took the time to help me fix it, and we did, and I learned something new about cars, and I'm sure he missed some quality time with the family on his day off, but I'm extremely grateful for his time. This weekend I get to go to huntsville and do worship at a retreat with my cousin Blake Quimby, and he's helped shape me and realize God, and I owe him a lot, but I am also grateful for his time. There are a lot of other people I'm not mentioning, but I'm thankful for everyone. I am blessed and I hope that I can share this with others who share my situation.

Chalk It Up

2008-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Chalk It Up took place downtown today on Houston street downtown. 3 whole blocks of street shut down so people could come and draw everywhere with chalk. It was a great atmosphere to relax and somewhat relive your childhood spending time drawing pictures. I hardly take the time to draw anymore mostly because I'm not real good at it.

The amount of talent in this world amazes me. It's nice to go to an event like this and go home feeling smaller and the world feels bigger. I've heard some people say they see God mostly in the mundane things in life. I have to agree that something as mundane as a child drawing with chalk, or a group of kids breakdancing, or an old man drawing a mural of jazz music is how I saw God today. Hopefully I'll begin to look for Him more often.

Sax and Violence

2008-10-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Victors and Vanquished

2008-10-02T09:03:00.001-07:00

If anyone keeps up with this blog you might remember a time were my number one thing about college was the chance to read a book about the Aztecs and Spain in Victors and Vanquished. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money to buy the book to read it so I did my report with information that is accurate from a video game called Medieval Total War: Americas. Not only do you learn about the clashing cultures and battles, you actually get to experience it somewhat virtually. I played both sides the Spaniards and the Aztecs and during the load screens it plays random quotes from people of that era, so I incorporated some of those. As much as I dislike playing video games, they have taught me a lot. I swear when I was 12 I should have been able to fly a plane because I completed Flight Simulator. I have learned about global trade and different economies, the pros and cons. I know many different types of handguns and weapons. It was from Madden that I learned the rules of football. So here's a toast to video games, as bad as people say they are, and as much as I dislike them, video games have done some good this time.

When You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

2008-09-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my friend Matt Low and I went to Austin to drop his little brother off at ACL. While there, we found out the Robbie Seay Band is playing in Austin at Jesus Christ the Nazarene church, so we got our tickets and it was a great concert.

Lately I have been reading Phillipians, and I usually don't focus on one book too much, but i'm trying to this time. The more I read it the more it seems to come "alive." This passage has been tossed around in my mind a bit, Phillipians 2.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross

I feel like I'm going nowhere. Everyone else in college has a goal of achieving some certain degree in some special field that interests them. However I do not have any goals. Lately I have been longing for God like never before. I have been extremely unsatisfied with everything else. I want to give more, I want to love more, and I want to care more about what's going on.

Thursday

2008-09-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Hell

by Tim Keller

1. It is important because Jesus taught about it more than all other Biblical authors put together.

2. It is important because it shows how infinitely dependent we are on God for everything.

3. It is important because it unveils the seriousness and danger of living life for yourself.

4. The doctrine of hell is important because it is the only way to know how much Jesus loved us and how much he did for us.

full article here.

God is enough.

2008-09-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of months I have been thinking and praying about this phrase "God is enough." I've just been thinking, what would be the effect if everything we do reflected the realization that God is enough.

While sitting in a freshman orientation class, we were in a computer lab and the librarian was showing the class how to use the internet and look for books and research. (how many times have you sat through one of those before?) At that moment I began to feel like my life was wasting away, this is pointless, I wanna just leave and eat. Then out of nowhere I stumble across this article about children being used as soldiers. It caught my attention and stumbled across a profound quote that really shook me and has been haunting me. It was by a boy named Salifu Kamara, it said, "I was not born a boy soldier; my captives forced me to become one. I had to obey them to stay alive today. When you have nothing left but God, that is the time you realize that God is enough." (here's the story)

I'm not sure the means or what it means to have nothing left but God. It's a phrase that at times scares me as a christian to say that God is enough because there is so much that I want, money, success, attention, girls, comfort, etc.. In my heart I know God is enough, but my head wants to doubt that and say that there is better satisfaction in other things. It just does all sorts of things to me thinking, what it would look like, if the way we lived reflected the realization that God is enough. I want my life to have purpose, and when I take away everything about life that is meaningless: selfishness, anger and concern over stupid small things, worry, unsatisfaction, overspending, desire to be accepted, I end up with nothing left but God.

Freakin' Texas

2008-09-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

If you paid any attention to the republic convention, the Texas delegation should've caught your eye at least once. Decked out in cowboy hats, sparkles, and shirts of the Texas flag (notice I capitalized Texas, because I am proud of the state, just when this happens I question myself).

"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Delegate Dawn Gilbert has gotten her fair share of attention at the Republican National Convention this week.

She wanted a hat to wear, so a friend decked out a Dr. Seus hat with a boat on one side, a basket of blueberries and a lobster on top.

She has been interviewed by several news outlets, including some individuals from the Republic of Georgia.

Across the floor was the Texas delegation, who waved their cowboy hats in sync. She stopped by.

“Well boys,” she said she told them, “how’s this for a hat?”

“Now that’s a real hat,” Texas said......"

"If you want know how to act at a convention, check out the Texas delegation. First, they all wear the same outfit topped with a cowboy hat, so they are really noticeable. Anyway, the Texas delegation also leads cheers. On Tuesday night, during some of the breaks, the delegation would yell "McCain!" and the alternates would respond with "Palin!" They're also encouraging people to stand up and wave their signs, and they even tried to get the wave going."

Dandelion Heart

2008-09-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is a new song I've been working on. While praying and talking with a friend of mine we got into an interesting conversation. He was telling me how hard his past was, and how making the transition back into high school was scary because he felt old and had this fear of not succeeding. I can relate, I'm not sure where I'm headed, but I think it's too early to worry about that.

are you way up there?
I hope that you are listening, hope to hear you whispering
how long can this heart beat
sink or swim is what they tell me and I'm a little scared
I'm jumping in the deep
but you can turn it all around and put me back in
the ground where you once found
my dandelion heart

what have I become
Am I the only one still hanging from a tree
shaking like a leaf
what if I should run
I'm like a ghost with noone to haunt
running in the dark

You will always shine
and together we'll brave the winters
you'll open up my eyes
and let me see your bigger than
what the world keeps telling me
what the world keeps telling me
You will hold me in your hands
and there i know my heart will be safe

you can change my mind
change is strange but im still listening, hardly hear you whispering
you know i can't stand long
had to bring me to my knees just to put me back on my feet
Lord your all i need
cause you can turn it all around and put me back in
on the ground where you once found my dandelion heart

Top 10 Tracks This Week

2008-08-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

1. Sylvia Plath- Ryan Adams
2. Here Comes the Flood- Peter Gabriel
3. Possession- Sarah Mclachlan
4. Videotape- Radiohead
5. Time to Pretend- MGMT
6. Lost! and Lost?- Coldplay
7. Hold On- Emmylou Harris
8. The Embrace- Unwed Sailor
9. Heart Attack Time Machine- Waterdeep
10. The Night Starts Here- Stars

As of Aug. 29, 2008

2008-08-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

School has started and it's nice to finally get back to learning. I'm usually not real excited about the curriculum school's have, but college has given me hope. Here are some things I'm looking forward to:

1. Reading victors and vanquished in history class
2. My essay about creation vs. evolution
3. A psychology project, which I am not quite sure what it is, but it looks promising.
4. I'm an ace at algebra so I'm the genius in that class

Currently I have a borderline mullet, one could say, which will hopefully be taken care of soon. We have finally began working with the church, planning and looking for ways we can help others and build friendships. I hope it does not turn into a thing were we just throw money at people and do some random acts of kindness just cause we feel obligated. I hope God will allow us to build friendships and meet some great people on the way.

Be Thou Our Vision

2008-08-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

Be Thou our Vision, O Lord of our hearts;
Nothing be all else to us, save that Thou art.
Your our best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Your presence our light.

Riches, we don’t need, nor man’s empty praise,
You’re our Inheritance, now and always:
You and You only, first in our heart,
High King of Heaven, our Treasure you are.

I Wish I Had A Sylvia Plath...

2008-07-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

A good read. Very depressing. Everything goes wrong for the main character. She goes insane. I really like her though. She's lovable. Check it out.

10 Thing I Love about Clarksdale, Mississippi

2008-07-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is the Crossroads, where famous delta blues player was said to have sold his soul to the devil to play blues music.

1. "Abe's BBQ" and "Mississippi Burnin' Wings"
2. Old Friends
3. Clarksdale is the home of the Delta Blues
4. Alligator hunting (maybe not this time, but it was a trip)
5. Most people's rims are nicer than their cars
6. Various Hole-in-the-wall Food places
7. People drive around the neighborhood all day
8. The Bakery/Bar/Trance Metal/recording studio/venue/restaurant? its really one of a kind
9. Stealing wireless from hotels
10. Walmart and everything else closes around 8... if they want to stay open that late.

Community Missions Coordinator

2008-07-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have recently been given a new title at my church. I am lucky to be interning with my friend matt low, helping start bible studies at school's and coordinating service projects. I get to meet new people and do what I love doing, so I am thankful. Off to mississippi, saturday. IM PUMPED! OH and emmylou harris is playing in austin at stubbs August 6th. If your a fan ( I am) let me know, cause im alone in my love of Emmylou right now.

Land of the Living

2008-07-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Catacombs have never really interested me, partly because I never took the time to think about their significance or purpose, but recently I did. Scattered throughout the catacombs are (Now, this is my account from tv and pictures, and readings, I have never been there) various drawn artwork of daniel in the lion's den, and the resurrection of Lazarus. It's haunting to realize that the people and artists, who occupied the catacombs, were experiencing persecution. On a regular basis they would find their friends or themselves being torn apart at parties by wild animals, or impaled and lit on fire to light gatherings, just to entertain the Romans. They never fled.

There are more dead people than there are living.

"Late in the 17^th century city growth in Paris, both in population and urban expansion, as well as the slow accumulation of generations of the dead had begun to overwhelm Parisian cemeteries. The largest cemetery in Paris, Les Innocents, was so saturated it began to affect those in surrounding neighborhoods. Residents began to suffer from diseases due to improper burials. For centuries, French officials condemned the cemetery to no avail. In 1786, officials decided to exhume the entire cemetery as well as other cemeteries in the city and to take the bones into the now abandoned tunnels of the rock quarries beneath the city. This was a process that would take two years to complete and moved an estimated six million bodies."

Scattered throughout the catacombs are plaques that remind living visitors of their own mortality. Though I have not been there to see it, I have read that as one exits the catacombs a plaque by the door offers a word to the bones:

Listen, dry bones
Listen to the voice of the Lord
The powerful God of our ancestors
Who in one breath created them
Will re-tie your undone knots
You will have new flesh
On which new skin will form
Dry bones, you will live again

We are bit of a long way in getting here, but I imagine that all of those bones – six million bodies worth – is something akin to what Ezekiel saw as he looked out across the valley of dry bones. (ezekiel 37) There scattered across the valley lay countless bones, lifeless, and windswept. Then, in classic Ezekiel fashion, which is to say something we would accuse someone of being high for seeing, or doing, Ezekiel begins to talk to the dry bones on God’s behalf. He calls out to the bones to get up, order themselves into skeletons. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons attach themselves to the bones and organs, skin, hair, teeth and eyes grow over the body. Ezekiel has commanded the bones to get up and to become a field of…well, zombies. You see, though they had all the attributes of a living being, they lacked that most basic of spiritual elements, breath. So Ezekiel calls the breath of God to come and from the four corners of the earth the breath fills their lungs and they are alive.

For Ezekiel, such pictures were wonderful object lessons. This is Israel. A people windswept and lifeless, all dried up. They are a people without a hope of living again; a people who live and yet do not live, zombies, in a foreign land. However, there is hope. God will bring them back from the grave and God will give them a new spirit and a new life. God will restore them to the land of the living.

Maybe that's why they never fled. Whats worse than death?

Yanni

2008-07-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

For some reason this is really funny. Live at The Acropolis Yanni performed at the greek gods stadium. He cant read music, so he writes his arrangements in code. Only his band understands them. He now has his own recording studio, and has sold over 10 million albums. Being a self-taught musician, Yanni can neither read nor write music, but rather write down his compositions in his own special shorthand. He has perfect pitch, and composes all of his own music.

House of Cards video

2008-07-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Radiohead continues to surprise me. The entire music video was made without cameras or lights, but with lasers. Radiohead used technologies called "Geometric Informatics" and "Velodyne LIDAR" to scan their heads with lasers while singing the song. I have never been this excited about a music video, but this stuff is awesome.

Sermon Reflections

2008-07-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am poor. I am blind. I am oppressed. I am weak. I am a sinner. I am a stranger. I am selfish. I need God just as much as you do. God is enough. God will rescue us. God will watch over us. God will be glorious in suffering and in peace.

Jesus & The Kingdom

2008-07-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dinosaur Dienosore

2008-07-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

An old friend of mine has started a new musical endeavor and I offered to help him record it. It has been fun so far, I've never really recorded anybody else besides myself. The vibe of the songs are real ambient and soothing, its nice to try and make things softer instead of louder. So I hope it turns out swell, and im glad to be apart of it check them out dinosaur dienosore. The new stuff we did will be up there soon. Other news, I'm most likely staying in san antonio to attend college as of right now. Some loan and scholarships fell through. Im not upset about it. God doesn't make mistakes. If anything the whole situation has made me become more thoughtful of my mom and sister and I am very thankful for that. Thank you for your prayers.

Wonder Wasting?

2008-07-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Ever try to feel the arc of the earth while walking? Or try to peer over the horizon as if it were a fence? Todays been one of those days, everything is alright. I think I have to leave room for wonder sometimes or I'll go insane.

Victorious One

2008-07-09T13:47:00.001-07:00

Victorious One
V:
oh victorious one
rise above in splendor
tear the old skies
the new days dawn
you've broken down the walls
now there's nothing left between us.
Victorious one you have finally freed us
B:
we will sing of your promise fulfilled
C:
We have won through victory in Christ
the risen one, you bring hope to our lives
victorious one, vicorious one
V2:
Your light has broken through
blurred lines that divide
mystery and truth
now can coincide
death now turns to life
now nothing can come between us
Victorious one, Lord we surrender

Tres Leches "three milks"

2008-07-08T14:47:00.001-07:00

In no way will I ever attempt to make tres leches again.

Black & White's

2008-07-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

My Orchid Tree

2008-07-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Orchid Tree is native in India and China and is related to the Redbud tree Jerusalem-Thorn tree and beans. It grows in both South and Central Florida to about 25 feet. It is a deciduous tree with medium green leaves shaped like the footprint of an ox or cow. The flowers look somewhat like an orchid and are about 3-4 inches across. They may be in colors like red, purple, lavender, yellow or white. I started growing this tree 6 years ago and after moving houses, it now sits in a pot, on my back porch. I'm not real big into growing plants, but this tree is a big deal to me. Hopefully I can find a place to put it permanently so it can grow, and it really is one of the prettiest things to see when the flowers come in. I've forgot about it recently because I have not been home, but it kept me company while I barbecued in the rain
all day today. Just me, the barbecue, and the tree.

Look On Us

2008-07-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

More stuff Blake Quimby and I are working on.

The greatness of the Lord
Cannot be captured by a song
its hard to grasp or imagine
the power of this eternal god

his name alone can drive away
all the evil that plagues us all
with his breath hes made everything
that dwells within our soul

Sing high the almighty name of our God
lift your hearts and sing
come alive you church of complacent ones
oh that God would look on us

lover of the unloved
father of the abandoned ones
his compassion for the desolate
is wild and strong

arise, render the love that saves
its a furious fire that overtakes
although fears and doubts come flooding in
come lose to gain ,become awake

“Thy look is Thy being… I am, because Thou dost look at me… if Thou didst turn Thy glance from me, I should cease to be.” – Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464)

Noise Trade

2008-07-05T10:27:00.001-07:00

"Some artists have good music they're willing to give away in exchange for a little help. Some fans have a few bucks or a few friends who'd love to hear about good, free music."

Started by Derek Webb, noise trade allows artists to give listeners the option to pay what they want to pay for the cd, or tell 3 friends by email about the cd in order to download a copy. Check it out for yourself I'm sure its gonna catch on fast. This is a great way to get your stuff out there through social connections. As of now they have such artists as Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Matthew Perryman Jones, The Allens, and Waterdeep.

Where did all the fireworks go?

2008-07-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today I figured out how to apply rss feeds. So I spent most of my day trying to figure out which feeds I would like to stay updated in. I got a new e-mail its davidmatthewgamboa@gmail.com write me a letter and i'll write you one back. Thanks to gmail i'm able to unlock all the mac email features, stationary, photos, nice letter frames. I was preparing for a night of fireworks with my camera trying to catch something, but there were none. I hope to keep this thing up. Two posts in one day thats a record.

Songs In The Making

2008-07-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

This week I got to hang out in Palacios, TX helping out with worship. Blake Quimby and I worked on some new stuff which we are both pretty excited about.

You reach down and train our hearts

, but set in our ways we fell apart

just like the moon that guides the tides

you guide our hearts in your direction

sin-soaked and tired we came

Isn't it just like you, to find us

chained in a prison of a dying place

, but love came and seized us, and link by link

these chains brittles and breaks when you breathe

creation sighs and wakes

can you hear the sound

Of your saints that await

from this lowly ground

Our love is restored

My soul burns within me

waiting for Your hand to move

Constantly you've made a way

though near deaths gates we've escaped

You've shattered the fear that held us down

If all thats light turned night, surrounded us

somehow you would find us,

oh to be lost no more

The Loser Year

2008-05-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a challenging year. I am very thankful for it though. I've realized success isn't always satisfying, and sometimes may leave you feeling emptier than you've ever been. I've realized taking the time and effort to build friendships is much more rewarding. To sit down and share someone else's loneliness, fears, hopes, and joys. I didn't always know the right advice but It's nice to have people to think things through and pray with. Failures: spending money wisely, caring, being thoughtful of my mom, calculus, service. I've discovered reading to be a new hobby, and definitely not a waste of time, or something that people say is lame because they associate it with being unsociable. I've realized I have idolized sports and academics and at times put them above God. It's a trend that seems impossible to fix, parents don't realize it, we force ourselves not to realize it because it feels too extreme and foolish, or crazy whats the difference? God has seemed really close and really far away at times but continues to be faithful, and continues to bless my family and I and I'm extremely thankful for that. New house, less stress on my mom, health, less bills, nicer neighbors, almost kind of a fresh start. What else.... oh credit cards are bad. I've overcome my deathly cat allergy and asthma. I have caught myself thinking what's the responsible thing to do which is new and good. hmm Girls... didn't really date anyone, blew some chances but oh well. I have met some awesome girls though and i admire them. I realized i'm more comfortable talking in a group of girls than guys, maybe cause thats all that i live with, but i still trip over words with the pretty ones. anyways some Goals: be more thoughtful of others, read the word more, write more, read more, learn how to play a shuffle on drums, exercise, figure out how the heck I'm paying for college.

"The Devil and Daniel Johnston"

2008-01-29T21:17:00.000-08:00

"Devil leads us into that dark, uncharted valley where evil, genius, divine inspiration, insanity -- and other unfathomable mysteries -- commingle." -Washington Post

This is everything a good documentary should be. I loved it you should give a try.

Luke 2

2007-12-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Liberator! He is the promised Liberating King. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

//Luke 2:8-12//

Whenever people receive a message from God, often from a heavenly visitor, their first response is that they were terrified! I admit I've seen my fair share of ghost movies (I'm really scared of ghosts more than anything, serial killers don't phase me. I mean all they really needed was some Jesus and a good friend....right?), and as soon as I get in my room by myself I can get a feel for the same fear these shepherds must have felt. But the messenger calms them down and tells them of a Liberator, a Savior is born. This spurs thought and conversations amongst the shepherds so they decide to go see in Bethlehem, and experience what the Lord has told them about. Don't forget that shepherds were humble and poor people who had little status in the world. Yet they were the first to be called to visit the Savior of the world, the great King. Sometimes I wish God would communicate with me through some kind of burning bush or a loud thunderous voice full of reverb, but that hasn't happened, I'm not saying it can't. But a lot of times I catch myself praying for God to give me direction, yet I don't seek his direction. Now that I reflect on that it feels like I'm trying to make God my servant. When I seek God whether through songs, art, reading, fellowship, or prayer, all I get is silence from God. Then this whisper saying "trust in me or not at all!" I am blown away, and overcome with thankfulness. But the more I think about it the more I think about what I really talk to God about. Most of its filled with the same old catch phrases. Do I mean them or do I just say them to make me feel better. Feels like sometimes I really don't mean them. Sometimes It seems like praying is like throwing a coin in a wishing well, and I'm deep down flooded with doubt, asking God for this and that, but not seeking and engaging who God is. In the end he is always faithful, and i'm looking fir what he will do next.

No One's Listening

2007-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wait, oh wait, please.
The secrets out,
But no ones listening
No ones listening
The stars are singing songs.
While the moonlight dances on,
But no one’s listening.
No ones listening

But the leaves are rustling
With rumors it’s gonna change
There’s a splinter in my heart
I’m a desperate flame
I’m captured by a glimpse of better days

Time is moving on
But the future and the past
Are keeping me
from meeting you here
Maybe if I lost everything,
if it all could disappear
‘till all that’s left is you here.

Once we get a glimpse of the kingdom of God nothing will ever fully satisfy us.

What Are We Struggling For?

2007-10-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

I ask myself this question occasionaly, and I found a poem that comes close to answering that question. Im not too big into poetry but it is definitely something that i find a lot of beauty in, and it really spurs some good thoughts in my head.

"A Future Not Our Own"
by Archbishop Oscar Romeo

It helps now and then, to step back
and take the long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of
the magnificient enterprise that is God's work.
Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
that the kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said,
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection...
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about:
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development,
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything
and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results...
We are prophets of a future not our own.

Thrift Stores......

2007-09-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Theres something about thrift stores that I like. Maybe its the mystery and intrigue of what treasures sit inside the place. Or maybe it's that everything is under $5 most of the time. It truly is a beautiful place, I would even argue thay are better than the Walmart's and Target's. I've had two of my best finds at thrift stores. A few days ago i found this old, small casio keyboard, with a strange tape playing deal in it that looks like its before the time of the 8 track. When i got it home i began to play it and noticed the pitches were wrong.......it was out of tune? how could this be? Apparently you have to tune it. Never before have i heard of tuning a keyboard, but this one is special i guess. So I searched my entire house for a screwdriver small enough to fit in the hole to turn the screw which does something to tune it. So I hooked it up to my tuner and tuned it and it hasn't gone out of tune yet. However this little keyboard is really neat, it has 8 different sounds in it. Plus on the side it has buttons dedicated to playing chords and you can change it to -min, or add a 7th, while you play melodies on the main keys. Hooked up to a Line 6 dl4, I can get some pretty cool tones out of it. the organ preset it has is great, and im sure it will have some more great sounds if i keep messing with it some more.

My next really great find was at a place called thrift town, I found a pretty old hardcase suitcase, that just so happenned to be perfectly sized to house all of my guitar pedals, chords, and such. The oustide of it has a really unique tan color to it, however the inside is light pink, which is fine by me, i would much prefer a different color but ........i could work with rose pink. So I bought some strips of velcro, which costs more money than the actual suitcase, and plastered the inside of the suitcase with velcro. and Wahhllaaa.......pedalboard. Im anxious to find out what other great treasures are sitting out there waiting to be found and put to use.

When You Get The Time

New Blog

Hello Fall

New Beginnings

Is this the kind of love you desire?

Love Unctontainable

Jesus Calls Us

Sing.

Flickr, Photography, and Favories

Song of the Week: Ohio- Damien Jurado

The Shadow and Night Fire

Newsletter

Olmos Perks Show

San Antonio, TX

Friday 7pm-9

Olmos Perks Coffee on 5223 McCullough

Ideas and Whatnot

Frans, Friends, and Family

I Can't Hear A Thing

Illuminated Words

iTunes, Free Books and Art

Box.net

Dreams of Flying

Daily Journal #15

Swine Flu and Celebration

Divorce, Seperation, and the feeling of coming back

Emotion and Intellect

Night of Music Saturday

San Antonio, TX

Burleson, TX

Brenham, TX

Sugarland, TX

Return Tour

Weird Facts About Nicolas Cage

The Damnwells FREE Record

Little Heathens

Unadorned Self

Featured Music on Powerhouse Studios Website

Whitley- More Than Life

Twitter, Widgets, Status, and etc.

Walk On

Unordinary

We'll Never Make It

Bring Your Knifes!

Heart Day

Tuesday

Every Grain of Sand

Every Grain of Sand by Bob Dylan

Hot and Bright

First Fig by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Time and Prayer

ecce homo

Dandelion Heart EP

World Unworthy

Nighlight Poem

Artwork and Inspiration 2

Adventures of Steve & Dave 1: Dairy Queen Dreamland

Artwork

The Daytrotter Sessions

So This Is The New Year

Home. Where is it?

Fog

Strangers

Nosegays= Flowers

The Lost Maples

POLADROID

Thanksgiving is Coming

Chalk It Up

Sax and Violence

Victors and Vanquished

When You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

Thursday

The Importance of Hell

God is enough.

Freakin' Texas

Dandelion Heart

Top 10 Tracks This Week

As of Aug. 29, 2008

Be Thou Our Vision

I Wish I Had A Sylvia Plath...