To find out more information, just follow this link: http://tyandtim.eventbrite.com/

Blessings my friends!
Daniel

It’s really just a few ramblings about 2010 (in between learning phone/text etiquette – haha). Also, I’m using it as a way of premiering a brand new song entitled “Love Always Finds A Way”. I hope guys enjoy it as much as the audiences who’ve heard it have… So check out the video below & let me know what you think!!!

OneCubed

You see, I’m in the process of finishing up a pretty busy week. In fact, this may have been one of the busiest weeks I’ve had all year (& it’s been a whirlwind of a year). By this time tomorrow, I will have played for 7 different events in 5 days through 5 different states (TN, MA, CT, RI & NJ)…WHEW! Of course, after the show tomorrow night in Jersey, I get to travel to New York for a few days off. This will be my first trip to “The Big Apple” & it’s taken almost 31 years to get there…I can’t wait!!! However, for now, it’s nice to enjoy a quiet evening of simple reflexion.

So let’s reflect: If I’m being honest, 2009 has been a year of some amazing highs but at the same time discouraging lows. Now I know there will be people from all different walks of life that’ll read this but I’m sure many of you know what I’m talking about when I say “lows”. Despite the various specifics that surround our lives, I’m talking about those situations that make your stomach churn & your heart ache…those instances you feel that despite all your work & striving you still fall short. The kind of moments that, at times, make you question everything you know & trust. Those are hard seasons for anyone to walk through…& I’ve been there!

So what do we do in those seasons? Well, I remember a pastor once saying that most of our lives are meant to be lived in the valley yet oftentimes we fool ourselves into believing life is to be meant to be lived on top of the mountain. He went on to say that those “mountain top experiences” were God’s way of encouraging our souls along this journey of life. I love that image…an image where my God knows & cares enough about my daily situation to send deliberate moments of encouragement for my heart. I believe something like that can only be described as a glimpse of heaven.

Tonight, as I’m looking out on the freshly fallen snow, all I can think about is how much I feel blessed. I can say with full confidence that I’m resting on the mountain-top this evening. When my time here in New England comes to an end, I’ll be walking away blessed & overly encouraged by the people I’ve had the chance to meet &/or reconnect with; those who trust me enough to share their time and stories; those whom I lovingly refer to not as fans…but as friends, family…my brothers & sisters! I know God is purposeful in our lives. His love finds a way to each of our hearts…& most times it takes us completely by surprise.

In saying all this, I’m in no way deluded by that fact that the beautiful glow of this week’s experience will gradually fade into a memory; something I’m bound to sit with friends & reminisce fondly over. Surely just as gradual will be the inevitable journey back into the valley. However, as it comes, I’m resolved to face it without fear but with a renewed hope; hope in my fellow man but more importantly in my Heavenly Father. With 2010 is right around the corner, I can’t help but look forward to a new year & the chance at new beginnings…convinced more than ever that whether we’re seeking it intently or not… God’s love always finds a way to our hearts…

Blessings my friends -
Daniel
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LOVE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY
written by: D.Kirkley/S.Hart

Verse 1
Lying in bed and it’s raining
Can’t seem to open my eyes
Lately the world has been draining
All of the joy right on out of my life
But I got shake off these covers
I gotta put on my shoes
Walk in the rain with my head held high
Cause I know that you’re gonna come through

Chorus:
Yeah you’ll open the skies
And the sun’s gonna shine
Love always finds a way to me
Gonna reach through the dark
Put the light in my heart
Love always finds a way to me

Verse 2:
Maybe I don’t feel like dancing
Can’t keep my two feet in step
But I will keep moving in spite of myself
Cause I know you’re not through with me yet

Bridge:
My life ain’t easy
Cause this life ain’t easy
This world’s all together a mess
But since you for me
There’s nothing against me
Lord I could not make it unless

As those of you who follow me on twitter know, I got together with my good friend Adam Smith this morning for a little co-writing session.  I always enjoy getting together with him for a little writing-time…& I’m REALLY loving the tune we finished up today

As promised, I’ve uploaded a worktape/demo of the new song so you all can hear the product of a hard days work (haha).  HOWEVER…this is an exclusive listening party for those who are “fans” on my facebook fan-page.  So follow the link…and take a listen.  Hope you guys enjoy what you hear!

Blessings,

Daniel

IN SURRENDER
written by: Kirkley/Smith

I have fought my battles
They have worn me down
I convinced myself
I could stand my ground
They have left me broken
Stolen all the strength in me
But I know rest is waiting
When I fall to my knees

So I will
Live in surrender
Every second give you all I am
Live in surrender
Where all I bring to you are open hands

In the depth of midnight
I will speak your name
But let me not forget you
In the light of day
Though I’ve found my safety
I would leave my home
When I hear you calling
I promise I will follow

And I will
Live in surrender
Every second give you all I am
Live in surrender
Where all I bring to you are open hands

Father God,I am ready
Take me life, use me completely
Father God, I am yeilding
To you will to your heart to your leading

I will
Live in surrender
Every second give you all I am
Live in surrender
Where all I bring to you are open hands

Hope this Sunday evening finds each of you doing well.  I wanna first say a BIG thanks to all of you who’s come to a show in the past few months.  It’s been great to meet new friends & reconnect with old ones.  Now I’ve been meaning on posting a new video blog for a while; but between consistent time out on the road & an array of computer problems (including a hard-drive failure)…time just got away from me.  But hey…better late than never…right?  More to come…  I promise

Blessings,

Daniel

I heard a story once about a guy who was wearing one of those big Panama straw hats. A stranger saw him and asked where he had gotten it, adding that he had always wanted a hat like that. The owner of the hat (let’s call him Jim) promptly removed the hat saying “Here, take it, it’s yours.” The stranger (let’s call him Bob) went into the typical stammering and stuttering saying “Oh no! I didn’t mean I wanted YOURS! I was just curious as to where you purchased it since I’ve always thought I would like one.” 

He has now released a brand new worship project through Integrity Music entitled “Wash Away”.  I just downloaded my copy & I’m loving it!  Below is a video where you can get an idea of the project in his words.  Take look & get to know him…then head over to iTunes (or your local Christian bookstore) to pick up your very own copy.  

On a side-note:  You have got to hear the last song on the project.  It’s called “Joseph” (co-written by another friend of mine, Tony Wood).  It’s one of the best Christmas songs I’ve heard in a long time (yep…Christmas in June;  it’s never too early).

I hope this little update fins you all doing well this Sunday night.  Now I know it’s been a little while since my last update so I wanted to make sure I gave you all a bit more detailed account of recent life.  There are definitely some new and exciting things going on.  Obviously, the first thing you may notice is the look of the website (www.danielkirkley.com).  YES; we’ve done a little update to the site.  From now on, it’s going to focus on my blogs.  So I guess I’m gonna have to start saying a little more than the 140 characters I’ve gotten used through through Twitter – HAHA!  (www.twitter.com/danielkirkley)  Don’t worry though, all other info from touring to new music can still all be found here.  So let me get started…

Hmmm…so what’s been going on with me?  Well, since returning from the dates in New England, things have been a little crazy.  I still can’t believe that June is quickly coming to an end.  I’ve really been wearing out some tread on my tires (from the trips & tour stops through FL, TX & LA).  I’ll tell you, as tiring as all that car riding can be, the reward of meeting new friends & reconnecting with old ones has been more than worth it.  I’m currently writing on my couch;  I literally just got back from a weekend down in West Monroe, Louisiana.  This is the second year that Jaime & I brought our Moments of Worship Tour down to LA.  In fact, West Monroe was the site of our very first MOW tour date back in 2008.  This year, we had a talented young singer from that area open the night up for us.  Her name is Hayley Masters & I have a feeling you may be hearing from her in the future.

This month, however, actually started with a trip down to FL.  I had a concert in Vero Beach & then played for the morning services at Morningside Church in Port St. Lucie.  Besides the thrill of playing in two new places, I had the chance to spend a little time on the beach & later hung out with my good friends Tim & Heather Williams (not to mention their AMAZING kids).  Heather is a STELLAR musician who I know you’re going to hearing A LOT of in the near future (be sure to check out her stuff here:  www.myspace.com/heatherwilliamsmusic).  After my time down on the East Coast of FL, I drove up to Orlando for a few days off.  I have a wonderful friend, Charles, who works for Disney…and was kind enough to hook me up with tickets to the park.  Thanks so much my friend…it was AMAZING!  Now I had not been to Disney in about 12 years;  its crazy how being there really makes you feel like a kid again.  My buddy Kevin even took some time off from school to keep me company.  I had an absolute BLAST…

After FL, I swung back up through Nashville to pick up JaimeJam so we could hit TX for Moments of Worship.  We were booked at a church we played this past December for Centricity’s Bethlehem Skyline Tour (Bulverde Baptist)…so it was fun getting back.  Now in the planning stages of this leg, I don’t think we thought traveling to TX would be that tough of a drive (well, at least I didn’t think it would be that bad).  I mean, 15 hours in a car one way…that’s totally doable…right?!?!?  HAHA!!!  Let me just say that this was one of those things I had to learn the hard way.  We have now determined that length of time in a car is well beyond normal physical limits.  We drove in on Friday, played a concert on Saturday, played for the church’s two Sunday morning services & then drove ALL THE WAY back to Nashville (we got in around 5:30 am).  We did have fun in Bulverde though…especially playing with the church’s worship band that Sunday.

As far as other “new” things in my life go…  I have a brand new hard drive in my computer (since it decided to crash on my down in TX).  The lesson I’ve learned from that is to ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS back up your valuable info.  For the most part, I didn’t loose EVERYTHING (I had done a back-up a few months back) but it still makes life a little aggravating.  However, this hard drive failure hasn’t in any way weakened my support in Apple products.  YEP – I’m the proud owner of the brand new iPhone 3Gs – WOOHOO!  I know I’m a dork, but I love it!  Okay, I think this is a pretty good length for a blog.  I’m a little tired from trip up from LA so I’m gonna turn in.  Now there’s no telling what I’ve written or if it’s even made sense…so I’m sorry if that’s the case.  Keep checking back, I’ll be updating a few new blogs a week (hopefully at least – hahaha)…

I hope you each have a wonderful night & until next time!

Blessings – Daniel

So I’m sitting in the Jamgochain living room on our last night here in Reading, MA. Wow, it’s hard to believe that a week ago, Jaime-Jam & I boarded a plane to head up to New England for the first leg of our Moments of Worship Tour. I’ve gotta be honest…this trip has absolutely flown by; but God has been so good to us. What a way to kick off this year’s tour; and to recap this week, here’s a new “little” blog!

As some of you may know, Jaime is from the Boston area, so it made perfect sense for the two of us to stay with her folks while we were here. Now I have never stayed with a family from here, so I had no idea what to expect. However, I’ve gotta say, the Jamgochians have been amazing hosts & made me feel right at home. As busy as our days have been, our evenings have been nice & restful because of them.

Now, Jaime & I have had very little down time while we’ve been here. We played on Tuesday for a Women’s Bible Study in Lexington, MA. where we saw & met almost 400 women. Now that’s a lot of ladies in one room (the men included a husband or two, myself & the sound guy…talk about a lot of estrogen in one room – hahaha). On Thursday, we played for another ministry called Mom To Mom (you guessed it…all ladies once again); but we had a wonderful time. I’ve done several things with this ministry over the years and I LOVE the chance to reconnect with all the moms. Each time I visit, I feel like I walk away with a few hundred more moms here in New England – hahaha!

Friday was another pretty full day. We began the day by playing for Jaime’s 100 year old Nana at her assisted living condo. That was such a fun lunch…getting to meet so many men & women & hearing some of their stories about life. I for one was excited that the audience had balanced itself out between the ladies and the guys! That evening we had yet another well balanced audience (hahaha). We played a concert for Trinity Evangelical Church in North Reading, MA. Talk about an amazing turnout; we had just over 350 people!!! One really amazing story came from the concert that night:

To give a quick background:
Here in New England, people aren’t using air conditioning QUITE yet (and being from the south where humidity is king…that’s quite an odd thing to me); so when we got to church, we were informed to keep things cool, they were going to open up all the windows. So the concert begins…windows open and a wonderful breeze blowing through the sanctuary. It was nice! At one point (I’m guessing somewhere around the half way point) a lady just came in off the street. She had been been out walking her dog and had heard the music playing from the open windows. Out of curiosity from what she heard, she wandered into the church. For me, the coolest part of the night (and maybe the trip) was seeing the pastor of Trinity praying for that same lady at the end of the concert.

Saturday we had a great time at a local Christian bookstore called Christian Book & Supply in Burlington, MA. You can check them out here: www.christianbookandsupply.com They were very hospitable & we had the chance to meet so many people who were there were shopping for a “last minute” Mother’s Day gift or two (a BIG thanks to those who purchased our albums for that gift – hehe). That night, Jaime’s folks treated us all to dinner at a killer restaurant up in Salem, MA. I had my first taste of haddock (I think it’s now my favorite fish…mmm-mmm good!!!)

So yesterday was Mother’s Day (I hope everyone remembered to call their Moms); obviously, I missed being with my Mom on her special day. As hard as that was, Jaime & I were given the chance to lead worship together at one of the largest churches here in the New England area. This all went down a bit last minute (nothing we had planned before the trip) and we had an absolute BLAST. So a BIG thanks to all the pastoral & support staff as well as the band that learned a couple of new tunes on the fly. You guys were AMAZING!!! If any of y’all find your way to Lexington, MA (or the Boston area at all) – you should really check out Grace Chapel (www.grace.org).

After the 3 services, Jaime & I returned home. Jaime’s Grammy made an AMAZING spread of homemade Italian. We’re talking baked lasagna, chicken parmesian, eggplant parmesian, meat balls (of which I’ve eaten my weight in) & sausages. Of course, I was expected to eat everything…and I gladly obliged. I have never been so pleasantly full in my life. We’re talking so full that I could barely move or leave the table – HAHA! i have since referred to the aftermath as my Italian Food Coma – HAHA. Needless to say, I slept REALLY well last night.

That brings us to our last full day here in MA (I’m pretty bummed that it’s already here). In fact, I’m writing this just as Jaime & I are getting ready to head into the city for a little excursion. I can’t wait to hop on “The T”. She wants to show me Berklee’s campus (where she graduated from college) as well as hit up the local Apple Store down on Newberry Street. If I’m being honest with you guys, I’m also excited about the Apple store. In fact, I hear it’s the biggest in the world… I’m smiling already!!! We’re also gonna try and shoot a little video blog while we’re there. We’ll see if it turns out…

Tomorrow Jaime & I board our flight back to Nashville. I can’t help but think I’ve lost a bit of my Southern accent while being here. Jaime actually called me out on a word just today. Uh-oh…could I have really picked up a Bostonian accent in a week?!?! HAHA!!! I guess I’m ready to make it back down South; it’s been almost 3 weeks and while I hate I’m leaving here, I’m feeling excited about getting reconnected back with some friends I haven’t seen in what feels like forever. I hope you each have had a great week & I’ll talk with y’all soon!

Blessings,
Daniel

www.danielkirkley.com
www.momentsofworship.com