Goodnight Moon

Merry Chistmas Fuller

2007-12-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Christmas isn't my favorite holiday. That honor belongs to Thanksgiving. I feel like Thanksgiving has all the great aspects of Christmas without all the stress. Still though, I do love Christmas.

We had a concert the other night at Juanita's with a band called The Christmas Fuller Project, but they didn't play any Christmas songs. We don't have Christmas in our name, but we decided to sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" at the end of our set. It was a great concert. Hopefully we will have the audio posted on our myspace by early next week.

We played a new song that we wrote the night before. Normally that would never work... but this time it did. I think it is called "For the First Time."

I would drive through your mind just to see
the emptiness you've felt since you left
but you are free; you say you're free,
but I can see

So let me drive you back in time just to see
the love and happiness that you left
but you are free, you say you're free,
but i can see for the first time

Just how blind I was
I was blinded by trust

The same blood that flows you flows through me
so I will learn from this mess that you left
And I'll be free, Yeah i'll be free
Cause I can see for the first time

Just how Blind I was
I was blinded by trust
Just how blind I was
You were blinded by your lust
And now I see

Be ye full of peace and joy
For only those who are full can spill on others...

Truth and Peace

2007-11-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

This time don't be afraid to cry
let the tears run down your cheeks
cause I will take you far away
as you slip into your dreams

I'll take you to a place I have prepared
Its so alive and free
A place where the lies cannot tear
A place full of truth and peace

So rest your head in my strong hands
I can hold you until you are well
And even then you will barely stand
Because this world will tear you down

But I'll take you to a place I have prepared
Its so alive and free
A place where the lies cannot tear
A place full of truth and peace

I'm not sure if that is finished or not, but those ended up being the words that I needed to hear last night and so thats what came out. I think it may turn into a nice little song.
Sometimes it is nearly impossible to continue hoping and praying for something when it seems like it will never happen. If we could change people's hearts it would be so much easier than waiting on God to do it, but then I know that God knows exactly what he is doing and I don't.

I'll just keep waiting and hoping and trust that He is good. I know He is.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! We have much to be thankful for.

Go Hogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Year

2007-11-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

Wow!

One year of marriage under my belt. It went by so fast. So many things happened: first car purchase, first home, first long period apart. Its been quite a trip and I am looking forward to many many many more years of it.
Rebekah and I were able to go back to the place we went on our honeymoon for our anniversary and it was amazing just like the first time.
It really is true when they say that you love each other more as time goes on. I see things in her now after a year that I had no clue about when we were married, and I assume that will continue to happen for the rest of our lives, because we are both constantly changing. The great thing is that we get to change together. Of course it hasn't all been perfect. It is tough sharing your life with someone else.... cause that what it is; sharing. It takes such a sacrifice to not only put her before me, but to put God before both of us. It is such a struggle daily, but I can feel him making me a better man because of her influence in my life, and I can see God making her more radiant because of how He can love her through me.

On another note,
I am really missing playing music right now. This one concert a month thing is really getting old. We have to figure something out soon or I am going to go crazy. We have all this new material and no time to put it together or rehearse our live show. I'm having a hard time being patient with God in all of this. I'm ready now.

We have a new guitar player playing with us right now and his name is Stephen. He is ridiculous, and he is tasteful which is sometimes rare with really good guitar players. Most of the time they just want to shred it up instead of finding their place in the song, but Stephen is finding his place more and more every time we practice (which is like once a year so it still may take a while.)

Also, Dave nearly died yesterday. I haven't checked but I'm sure he is going to write about it on his page which you can navigate to from this page. I'll let him tell it because he will do a better job, but it has something to do with a big bite of chicken, choking, and a cute girl giving him the Heimlich.

Alright now i have to go finish unpacking this house.

Later.

What is it to you?

2007-10-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

I just got finished talking with Zach on AIM. We were discussing a blog post by Adam Duritz (lead singer of counting crows). I have always admired Adam for the passion that he puts in every song. This blog is a description of one of their live shows. As he talks about the show you can hear and feel the passion for his music. It moves him, it is him. I can identify with that, and I want to be that way about FM's stuff.

I guess that started me thinking about people and how music affects so many people's lives. What is it to you? How does music affect you? Is it deep and life changing, or is it just something that you enjoy? I know that not everyone makes their own music, but I think that music has a profound impact on lots of people's lives. Tell me if you would like.

So many things.......

2007-09-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ok Joe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here.... now stop with the countdown.

RCA records...... read Dave's blog over there ------->
Thats pretty intense.... we still haven't heard back from them and I would like think that they are actually going to call us back. But I have decided to put it in the King's hands. I will lose no sleep over it; well not much anyways.
Other FM news.... Other than Tim Remington (check out his pics over there ---->) playing with us lately, we also have a guy named Stephen who is a really good guitar player
(with The Breakthrough) that is playing with us right now. I am excited, to say the least, about what lies ahead.

The Razorbacks are really pissing me off. Seriously.... win. thats all i have to say about that.

The Steelers are not pissing me off. Seriously... keep winning. thats all i have to say about that.

I love this time of year because it is the kind of weather that is perfect for smoking my pipe and sitting on my porch. Pretty soon I will have a nice new porch in a pretty new back yard... ( see below)

I miss John Raines (Africa) and Lee Shepherd(Turkey). "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till its gone..." They are good friends and I miss them a great deal.

Rebekah and I are buying a home. Its an investment for us. The house is in a nice old neighborhood in North Little Rock and we will be living close to Grant(check him out over there---->) and Kim, and Chris and Jessica, so that is pretty exciting for us. Its pretty crazy how life just keeps moving along. I was thinking this morning how it seems like just the other day that i was thinking about moving to Nashville right after college. Who would have thought that I would be married, living in Little Rock, working at a bank a church, and trying to make it as a musician.

I owe Nick Flora an apology for making fun of him for liking "The OC" wow I was addicted there for a few weeks. Seriously Rachel Bilson, If you ever read this... call me. My wife said it is ok (As long as Adam Brody calls her.)

I think that is all for now.

Stayed tuned. I am going to try to post more often than once every two months, but I don't promise anything.

A minor (or Ab minor depending on my tuning that day)

2007-08-03T12:17:00.001-07:00

There is just something about that chord and its various inversions that controls me. I don't know why. Its like within those 3 notes (and maybe a 4th or 5th note to color it) My soul finds answers to questions. It is open; sad but hopeful. It feels incomplete, but could almost be complete if I found the right lyrics to answer its question.
I think if I were a chord, I would be A minor.

What chord would you be??

New Songs Part 2

2007-07-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here's one...

If this is a war we must fight,
then I am obliged to tell the truth...
Your guns won't change their mind
You can call me a coward,
You can call me what you like,
but I'm not afraid to die

There is a death that comes from love
And it will not take your life

I have no faith in war to bring peace
And hate will never breed compassion
I have no faith in time to bring change
If all we do is wait for it to happen

Not finished but i wanted to follow up on my hunch from a little while back.
(thanks for reminding me andrew)

New Songs....

2007-06-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

No Dave, i haven't written them yet.

I have this feeling that I'm about to write some new stuff. I'm not sure, I never really know when I will write new stuff that is worth anyone listening to, but sometimes when i feel like this, soon after I come up with something worth writing.

Dave and I have been working on some new stuff that is already mostly written, it will just be a matter of sitting down with Zach( and whatever other member of Father Maple's bullpen happens to be present) and actually work them out. We have been talking about recording again soon. I'm excited because i feel like we have some stuff that is really cool and that you will enjoy hearing it.

We have a couple of shows coming up. Click our myspace link over there ---> and check out the dates. We would love to see you there.

That is all for now. Hopefully i'll have more to write about later.

Give me your money!!!!

2007-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

I saw him coming and i knew before he ever reached my teller window. His red baseball hat was covering his face to his nose. his black jacket and dark pants were baggy. he walked slowly but intentionally straight to my window without acknowledging my greeting. He reached in his pocket to grab a note with illegible scribbling on it and then from the other pocket he pulled a small pistol and pointed it at my chest. "give me your money" he said quietly. I had already pulled my bait money and my tracking money, so i handed him those first, then i preceded to give him some smaller bills. He was not happy about the smaller bills so he got aggitated and started coming across the window at me with the pistol demanding the larger bills.... "give me your 100's. 50's, and 20's!!!" i gave him all i could, and he ran out of the bank leaving money scattered behind him.

I cursed. I slammed my cash drawer in. I was mad because no one from security had called yet, even though it had probably only been 30 seconds since he left. I felt like it should have never happened. The blood left my head and hands and i felt faint; I felt violated; I felt threatened; I felt vulnerable. There was nothing i could do.

Why did he do it? What was he going through that made it worth him to put another person's life on the line for a couple thousand dollars? It was stupid and irresponsible.

but to him.... it was necessary( or so he thought.) I want to talk to him. I want to know what is going on in his life that made it worth it. He needs to know love and purpose. I want to tell him that i forgive him and that there is so much more out there than what he is seeking.

Our society is full of people who will do anything to fix their situation. They will do anything...

We are required as carriers of truth to give them the real solution. Please help me. I want to provide the people in my life that are hurting and desperate with the real solution.

PS
He could not have taken my life. My life has already been taken. I am waiting to go home.

A week without my guitar

2007-05-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

Actually its just been since Sunday, but it feels longer. I'm not shedding tears, but i have definitely reached for it instinctively quite a few times and it is not there. I never noticed how often i just need to play it, whether its with a new song idea or its just that i need to play.

Father Maple has never played a ton of shows, but right now I am really missing playing like we used to. We used to at least do 3 or 4 shows a month and right now its 1 or 2 if we are lucky. With Zach living in Missouri it makes it harder. I did talk to our friend Joey the other day and he seemed to be interested in filling in for the shows that Zach can't make, and that makes me feel better. When Dave moves back we should be able to spend some serious time on getting the new songs ready to record. I'm so excited about our new stuff. I feel like people will really love it if we can ever get it to them.

If your life was a movie

2007-05-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUND TRACK BE?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool..

Opening Credits: Wrong Man -- Derek Webb
Waking Up: Friends-- Michael W. Smith

First Day At School: Jesus etc.--Wilco

Falling In Love: Closer To You-- Wallflowers

Fight Song: House of the Rising Sun-- Bob Dylan

Breaking Up: I Will Wait-- Hootie and The Blowfish

Prom: I'm Not Sleeping-- Counting Crows

Life's OK: A Murder of One-- Counting Crows

Mental Breakdown: Rainy Day Women #12 and 35

Driving: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart-- Wilco

Flashback: The Wizard and I- Wicked

Getting Back Together: Are You In? Incubus

Wedding: Anna Begins-- Counting Crows

Final Battle:Standing in the Doorway-- Bob Dylan

Death Scene: Maria-- Steven Curtis Chapman

Funeral Song: I'm Waiting for the Day-- The Beach Boys

End Credits: Ballad of a Thin Man-- Bob Dylan

Wow, so that was fun... it might be more fun to go back and pick my own songs for each category instead of it being random.... maybe another day.

Jerry Falwell

2007-05-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

So the father of super right wing conservative Christianity in the last 50 years has died( his brother Pat Robertson is still around). I'd like to know your thoughts on this guy and his contributions (or lack there of) to the faith and to our country.

I personally find it sad that what most people will remember him by is his hatred for sinners (whether he truly hated them or not, that seems to be what came across). I feel like he had such good intentions in the beginning, but when he intertwined faith so strongly with politics he alienated himself from the people that God wanted to use him to reach.

What are your thoughts?

Mom

2007-05-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day!!!!!

There aren't enough words to thank you, so I'll just say thank you.

Desert Songs

2007-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Dave did this on his xanga and i want to do it here so..... here are the cds that i would take with me on a desert island. These are in the order that i thought of them

Live in Amsterdam- Counting Crows
This Desert Life- Counting Crows
Highway 61 revisited- Bob Dylan
Time Out of Mind- Bob Dylan
Let it Be (the naked version)- The Beatles
Revolver- The Beatles
Gold- Ryan Adams
Cold Roses- Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
Self Titled- Caedmon's Call
Parachutes- Coldplay
O- Damien Rice
Transatlanticism- Death Cab For Cutie
Make Yourself- Incubus
Futures- Jimmy Eat World
American IV- Johny Cash
Live at Folsom Prison- Johny Cash
War- U2
Achtung Baby- U2
How The West Was Won- Led Zeppelin
Coming To Life- The Normals
Good Monsters- Jars of Clay
I See Thing Upside Down- Derek Webb
The Ringing Bell- Derek Webb
Songs 1-Rich Mullins
Divine Discontent- Sixpence None the Richer
To Chase Away The Birds- Waterdeep

I tried to keep it short, but that is just impossible... i know i left something out.......but these are my list for today.

I know i'm not supposed to hate but.......

2007-05-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

I HATE ELECTRONIC DRUMS.......

I JUST DO.

AND I DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT IT.

The Pontiac

2007-05-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last night Father Maple played at a new place in Springdale called The Pontiac. Its a coffee shop/soda fountain/sandwich shop/venue. The venue is in the back in what looks to be an old body shop. It was a blast. The sound was great( i could actually hear my vocals in the monitor) and the people were fantastic. If you are ever in Springdale you should visit them. Roger , the guy who does all the booking , was super cool. He was really concerned with being fair to all the bands and creating a great atmosphere to play in.

www.myspace.com/thepontiac

Rebekah and I are getting ready tonight to head to Memphis tomorrow right after church. We are taking our first trip since the honeymoon. I'm really excited. We are going to see the Counting Crows and The Bare Naked Ladies at Memphis in May, then on Monday we are going to do some shopping. Being married is so much fun.

I think that is all for today....

Make sure and check back in a day or two and read my next post which will be entitled......

"Concerning Rocky"

2007-04-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Angry Grandma

2007-04-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

...Upon receiving the news that we were not able to cash her money order because it was a high risk item, she proceeded to curse at me because her bank across town does it for her. I kindly let her know that we could deposit it and she could withdraw the equal amount of the funds out of her account, but we could not cash it because she was not a regular customer that we know. I told her that she was more than welcome to take the money order to her bank across town, but that did not go over well. She continued to berate me in front of my coworkers and HER YOUNG GRANDCHILDREN (who were laughing at mean old grandma) until I politely turned the microphone off and asked my coworker to finish the rest of the customer's transaction and say thank you.

Why?

Because we feel justified in being hateful when things don't go the way they should.

We do the same thing when we are driving. If someone gets our parking spot or if someone gets in our way on the road, We pitch a fit because its not the way we wanted it to happen. We do the same thing at the restaurant when the waiter messes up our order. We embarrass him because the cook messed up.

It is as if we are justified in our behavior just because we have been or think we have been wronged.

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to His own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaih 53: 5-6

That wasn't very fair. Love and fairness don't have a lot to do with one another. God is fair, but God is also gracious, and we as new testament believers are called to be the hands and feet of grace and love, not fairness (or justice). Someday we will judge the nations, but that time has not come yet.

There are better ways to deal with being wronged.... try being willing to die for the person that wronged you or me.

This is for me because I am not very good at grace.

Half Day

2007-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

I love half days at work. I have to work saturday so i get off at 12. I know it sucks to work on saturday, but it makes it so worth it to get off early during the week. I don't know why that is, but it is.

I'm about to go play golf.

Ask me about our drummer and i'll tell you a sad story.

Back again

2007-03-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

I haven't done anything like this since i stopped doing xanga, so I think i'll start by posting some new song lyrics...

Goodnight moon, there's no place to rest our heads tonight.
Our time has come and gone, there's no use in putting up a fight
We're all alone, our starry friends have all left town
But don't hang your head, cause our time will come around

Goodnight friend, this world has torn us both apart
but we still have the night, the darkness uniting both our hearts
I was yours; You were mine and thats enough to know
That when the end must come, we'll still be holding on

Goodnight Moon, there's no place to rest our heads tonight
cause our time has come and gone. there's no use in putting up a fight
You have yours, and I am quite content with mine
But we will sing again on the other side

Love does not end after the end has come, after the end must come...

yeah

2005-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

so i have a xanga site, but i guess i will do this too, because Joe has one.
more to come later...