Revolution!

George Barna in his book, Revolution, © George Barna 2005, had this to say:

"Many well-intentioned pastors promote this perspective by proclaiming, "The local church is the hope of the world." Like most advertising slogans, this notion is emotionally appealing. The trouble is the sentiment is not biblical. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the hope of the world. The local church is one mechanism that can be instrumental in bringing us closer to Him and helping us to be more like Him. But, as the research data clearly show, churches are not doing the job. If the local church is the hope of the world, then the world has no hope."

I have "published" a similar thought (July 28, 2004) previously to some criticism. Now that someone with a name has said it, I am sure I will be told who I am quoting:)

What's Going On?

• Spring, sweet spring is bringing energy back with gusto. Man I love the heat, any heat, when it comes to weather.
• Vacation. We have not taken a break since last October. Poor planning in some respects. Making up for it with a 10th anniversary break in Cancun!! (sans les enfants) with amazing friends!!
• Music:
• At church the bands and singers have been soooo good. I have really been enjoying some of the musical ideas and progress we are making. Worship has been great.
• Personal Music. Not enough gigging is getting me down a little. That being said, and I think I have several times, I am writing some cool new tunes. Also it looks like the jazz thing might come back onto the table soon. Kind of cool.
• Beyond that looking forward to slowing down a little (I hope) over the summer. Connect stronger with family and friends.

Eating Out

Humoursly the name of a new song I wrote. But that is already a tangent. I wanted to give you a picture of the pizza but I can't. All that said here is the meaningless link. The real point is that we don't eat out that often and if we do, well it's on coupons or gift certificates or something. But heh, here's a full price you can afford once in a while. $5 pays for three little princesses to chow down!! A buck and change a head. Come on, that is unreal. Not always healthy, but a parent saver once in a blue moon. Just thought I would add little to no value to your day - or....

Le Bible

Two languages. Cool eh?

Do you know what kills the message of Christ in culture. Opinion. That's really it - opinion. My own success in living a Christian life is often helped or hampered by how much of an opinion I have on something. And here is the rub. The degree to which what I am saying AND living agrees with the Bible is the degree to which I am living a 'successful' Christian life.

How does that play out without becoming legalism?

1. Interpretation of the Bible should agree with historical interpretation of the Bible throughout time. (e.g. saying that this is a dumb point based on an abuse of the Bible during American slavery, which was later corrected back to better interpretation is not valid)
   
2. The principles applied should be applied as principles rather than as practices. What do I mean? One person may show love by giving away tonnes of money or possessions while another only gives away a little bit of money and stuff. Both are applying an Acts 2 (the Bible) view of the church and how a Christian should act so both are doing right. One may have given a car - does that mean giving a car is the right way to "do" church or Christianity, of course not.

This can be applied to many things can't it. Very often the principles are clear, and if we were honest, practices are grey. Jesus himself was accused of being a drunkard and a glutton (for socializing basically), and John the Baptist was called demon possessed (for hanging out in the desert where they thought demons lived and not socializing and eating and drinking). Seems to me that there is only one way to God (Jesus), but many ways to be a Christian:

1. Poor
2. Rich
3. Middle Class
4. Simple
5. Complex
6. Educated or not
7. Single, divorced, married, youth, children, le aged.
   
8. Right brain, left brain, a little of both (please a little of both:))
9. and so on....

Where does this leave us? I think humbly realizing that far more of the good in life than we give credit came to us from God through the Bible. Literary style for instance in Western culture. The concept of goodness and charity. A healthy (but fading) view of money, work ethic, family, creativity, music, art, friendships and so much more. Why don't we live the origin of our best stuff simply, PASSIONATELY, through the lenses of the greatest book every put together.

Changes a coming

Well I just found out from a friend that it can take up to 10 months for an independent to get tunes on itunes. Wow, not a very quick way to get stuff out there eh. I also am also considering some other options as it pertains to distributing music. I really enjoy the ministry and creative aspects of the music career, but I have not had the time with everything else to try anything new lately. I have been writing more tunes, some of which I think are pretty cool. Hopefully I will have more news for you in the next few days.

Writing on Guitar

Well this year has been slow on the gig side of life. The positive side of that is perhaps a little more balanced with all that is going on and...I am writing more new tunes! I suppose you always hope that your writing improves as life goes on, and I feel like that is the case with the new tunes that are coming out of me right now. Moreover, as happens because of all the songs I have written and never recorded, some of the old good ones that have never made it to CD have been re-visited and re-vitalized. It has made for some real fun jam sessions.

Another real cool thing is the writing coming out of playing guitar now. My goal is to be able to play everything I write on both piano and guitar, no matter which instrument I write it on. I think it helps shape the songs more fully. Also creates more grooves or textures to play with.

Anyway. I am already dreaming up new sets for concerts and I am looking forward to getting out there a little more and sharing them with all of you. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later.

Peace for now.

The Bible

If I thought I had a passion for the Word of God before this course I just took I was wrong. My passion level has risen to levels like a nuclear reactor about to explode.

I get to preach on the Bible at Valley View on May 7th. I can't wait.

Gaining Knowledge

I, as most who would read this blog, am on a journey. There have been some incredible things I have learned from God in these past few days. I don't think I could ever write them in a single entry. It feels like a book of information, and that has been so encouraging.

At the same time I have been on a very regular journey. A plugging away journey. I am taking a masters course right now on Biblical Interpretation for Preaching and Teaching. Besides being incredibly humbled by the process, I am finding it a source of personal comfort. Comfort because although I leave every session or assignment feeling inadequate for what I don't know, I am caught in the truth that at least I am trying to add knowledge to this proud foolish man. The verses below speak to the need to do so.

link

So be encouraged. If you are on the regular journey of trying to grow in God, it is the right thing to do. If you are not, be encouraged, the process can be very simple to start, not always "easy", but right!

God Bless.

Going Electric

Well ok, probably not in the near future, but you never know. I have been playing acoustic now for a couple of years and feel like I have finally hit a place where I can rapidly get to where I want to be.(be able to strum any pop tune you put in front of me on site - well)So as I near the completion of goal number one, it naturally leads to thinking about the next goal - starting to expand skills and sounds to the electric medium of guitar. I will need to experiment a lot with sounds - but I know I want to be a little different than the norm, probably steering away from a Stratocaster or PRS. No options are closed however, got to try them all! Shopping should be fun. Below is a Gretsch. I will have to try one of those soon at the local music store.

A little time to reflect?

Played a bit of Tiger Woods Golf on X Box with a buddy today - his house. I am not blessed with such a machine at this point in my life.



Things have been simutaneously viciously busy and kind of slow. So chilling out was a welcome respite.

The day job (being an Associate Pastor) is very important on many levels and has been nuts. I have been trying new things, continuing old things and generally working around the clock to get everything done.

The extra curricular things have been there but not to the degree I would like. As noted in some of my other blogs link I have been doing some speaking, a little consulting and a little singing. I have been hoping for a little more singing to come my way (yes I know I have to work at getting gigs), but it has not materialized so far this year.

There is a reflecting time going on in all of this as well. I am analyzing all of the things that I do and wondering if I am really supposed to be doing so many different things. It does not give me much time to reflect and write (songs poetry, and prose) or time to hear God as it were.

Not to be cliche, although to be cliche, I think I have become so busy I am not stopping long enough to listen to God. (you thought smell the flowers, admit it) That is a major thing. When you feel you have responsibility to be God's representative on earth (really let's face it, that's what you are saying as a pastor) than even being too busy doing God's work can be a problem. You have to hear to translate.

Alas, kind of random, but true. Going to bed. Trying to slow down and listen. I also recommend it - for anyone. Listening to God that is.

Peace.

My new studio - not

I am sorry but how cool is this!!

I Have Hit iTunes

At long last I have hit iTunes. I have been waiting since late last year for my distributor to get me there. Alas, tell all of your friends, they can get there favourite tune for a buck or so. I am obviously very excited to be on such a huge distributor. Hopefully it will be a major way I can open up more ministry opportunities and get my music out to a larger audience!

Singing in the Rain

My middle child will be having her first dance recital this weekend. My first has been through this once or twice already. Life is firsts with children. It is amazing to see them process the firsts. I honestly don't know how much they get out of it of lasting value at 3 or 4 years of age. More than anything I hope it builds in them the love and appreciation that mom and dad have for them. Three girls, and they are all amazingly beautiful and cute. What can I say. Oh yeah, it is raining outside, and if you remember the movie that is the big dancing scene. See what I did there?

Learning New Things

I was asked to speak at a nearby university (Ancaster, Ontario) called Redeemer University College at their "Church in the Box" monthly service last night. I hadn't really researched the event itself, I was asked to speak at it through one of the students that from our church and was very pleased to go and be apart of it. I anticipated something similar to what I run for about 10 to 20 called The Church Coffee House. It had some of the same elements, except there were over 600 people in attendance last night. I was instantly humbled. I definitely didn't feel worthy. Some things about the talk went better than I thought they might, from my perspective other things did not go as well I had hoped. Ultimately, I hope the message from God's Word was heard over my nervousness. Ironically I have sung for thousands many times, I used to sing several times a month at a church of more than 3 thousand, but preaching and singing are different, and not anticipating the environment correctly is just, well, different. Alas, I would covet another opportunity like that. The worship was really good, the vibe was amazing. The potential for God's kingdom to moved ahead through a ministry of that size is amazing. I pray that God will bless them richly, and if you are ever in that town, I recommend you check their online calendar and see if Church in the Box is on. It is worth a visit.

Technology Woes

I have been previously pleased with some of the things I have been able to accomplish through gifts of friends outdated technology. Or at least there redundant equipment as they upgrade.

Well my wireless router has been great until this past year. Since moving to this new house I have had a terrible time keeping it on and engaged. Not only has it been inconsistent wirelessly, but it has also been bad wired. Jumping in and out, constantly needing to be rebooted. What a pain.

Alas, I am trying to implement some advice about changing the channel to something other than the default. I have done that, and have been up for awhile. We will see if it can stay up for a few days and prove the point. Another weakness is our 2.4ghz phones as well - which is the only type we have on our house. Alas, we will see how much improvement we net (pardon the punn).
Maybe I will get back to blogging more if when I fire up I can actually get on the net.

Peace.

The Speaking Thing

I have begun preaching or speaking on the Bible now for a year and a half. As is my nature, I am relatively self-critical. When I began, I received good feedback and mistook that to mean I was good at preaching.

I have really begun to critique my past performances and I am not very impressed. The good news is I think I have many things I can get better at. Time to dig in and really try and move this part of my life forward.

The second peice of good news is even for my newness to the task I am starting to get asked to guest speak other places, so I must have done something half decent. Looking forward to some preaching at Redeemer University in the next few weeks. I will let you know how it goes.

Peace.

State of the World

Much has transpired recently. "Big news" in Canada is that Stephen Harper and his Conservative government have taken over rule of Canada with a minority government. I personally am not very impressed by the result as a conservative. I think that ultimately the conservative view is one somewhat rooted in Christian morality, although it would be a massive stretch to think it is a significant influence in reality. The only way that the conservatives, in my opinion, will get more seats is to further distance itself from a Christian worldview, or moral view. That would allow it to "appeal" to those who hold to some sort of morally relative post-modern view. That really just creates two liberal parties and does not give a real choice. I think that the bottom line is that Canada is sufficiently morally bankrupt to ensure that those who have any moral agenda whatsoever will never gain any significant political control of the country. Influence is another question, but control - I think not. When crookedness to the level that Canada has seen barely begets a tap on the knuckles for the perpetrators then I think that more than lets us know the climate in Canada. What's the golden rule? Do unto others. Apparently most of us are afraid of being held to account ourselves, because we sure don't want to be accused of holding the liberals to real account.

Going away!

Well I am heading out to Niagra Falls to do three days and 5 sessions of worship for out sister district in Ontario for the Alliance.

I am very excited to have been asked and to be going there to lead this group of pastors.

On the muscial side I am priviledged to be taking my constant drummer Kevin Jongsma, Fergus Marsh (of Bruce Cockburn fame) on bass, and friend Ryan Fletcher to run the technical side of life.

I will let you know about the highlights, and I will see if I can get some pics.

Peace.

New Things

Well I am trying to get over my fears of the technical. It is starting to work. I wouldn't go as far as to say I am turning into a geek, but as it pertains to creating music and trying things out I am having a tonne of fun.

I am currently starting to lay down some demos of new songs I have written this past year. The equipment I currently have is pretty humourous:

1. Dell Pent 3 866
2. Cubasis VST
3. Audiophile 2496 audio accelerator card
4. Beringer 8 channel mixer (four "mic pres")
5. Korg O1/W
   

The rest is not worth mentioning. Perhaps to some the above wasn't. Anyway the real fun is in learning the technology available. Free drum samples on the web, syncing things up, seeing your songs come to life with "bed tracks" etc.

I have much more to learn, but I can sure see how guys get addicted to the engineering/producing/mixing side of things. There really is alot of creative outlet in there.

Computers, Yeesh

Well my old Dell, actually a good computer to us, had to be re-done this past week. It is a few years old and after various upgrades and far too many programs installed, including too many kids games etc. it was time to wipe it clean and start again.

Through connections we have the Pro XP and Office Microsoft stuff so I was able to reformat to NTFS and put clean versions back on old bessie. Of course then you have to go up and put every security upgrade and SP2 back on it, but I am hoping (and it seems to have) re-stabalized the home machine. No loss of data as it was all backed up in preparation of the endeavor.

Who knows, maybe I will get blogging more again.

Taking a Break?

Phew. Have a good Christmas.? Hope so. It has been the usual busy one for us. Busy and wonderful with the kids. My 6 year old and I have had a couple of interchanges that have been fun.

"Why do we give presents?", I asked,
"Because we love each other", she responded.
"Is that the reason we celebrate Christmas?", I asked,
"No, it is because Jesus was born." she returned.
Just checking.

I must admit I am a "bah humbug" when it comes to Christmas. My family never really over did it with presents - were not a Christian family in the early years, just was not a HUGE thing. Now don't get me wrong - I struggle with my desires for things. I tend to desire big ticket items, which to this point in my life I have rarely if ever satisfied with any frequency. They also usually have a practical purpose - equipment for music etc.., but I often find myself thinking what would I choose to take if I had to pack it all in a car and live in one room with my whole family. Would I take my guitar - still try and take some form of a demo studio with computer and all, a piano? Would I be online anymore. Would it change who I am, what I do, how I dress, who I hang out with, how well I served Christ or not?

Sometimes the way we celebrate Christmas seems to fly in the face of evaluating how we remember Christ's birth and it's impact and influence in our lives, and instead it awakens our material short-comings. Our inability to gift our children, our spouses, or immediate family with much or anything. Should we not sacrifice, even go into debt to gift people with things?

Well it seems an absurd statement, but it is what we do as a culture.

We didn't this year, haven't for years really. I think I have begun to succeed at not emphasizing the material, commercial side of Christmas - now I feel I must find a way to radically change the way we celebrate the birth of Christ. Perhaps I am talking about 365 days a year - but I think I am talking about Christmas time. I do not know how yet - but I will get back to you. Hopefully before next Christmas.

Peace.

The Year in Review

Ministry life has been growing there is no doubt. This will be one of many blogs that analyzes different parts of what I have been doing this past year. One of the things I do is lead worship at Valley View. It is part of my day job as an Associate Pastor there. When it is all said and done I have done alot of singing and leading this year.

1. Morning Services (many Sunday morning for 2 services both counted estimated) 84
   
2. Church Coffee House Services conservatively 15
3. Cliff Cline Concerts/Appearances 21

That is a total of 120 Services, concerts or appearances this year. That is probably a little on the low side. Just an interesting look back for me. That doesn't include that I have preached and/or taught (many times at the same service) an additional 20 times this year. When you think that I probably average 10 hours of prep for a talk and 4 hours of prep (including rehearsal) for a worship service you are looking at 680 hours of my year. That of course doesn't take into account the sound checks or the actual service time or concert time and travel. Too much to look at the extra-curricular 21 gigs, but the church stuff estimates in around 290 hours a year. So about 970 hours in prep and execution of the music and speaking side of my ministry.

The Digital World 2

Well I have finally hit the digital world where you can buy Noticing the Sky songs one by one. I am excited to be offered on both Napster and Emusic. I should be available on ITunes soon as well. I will let you know when that happens.

Sick as a Dog

Man, got a flu that turned into a cold and has knocked me out. I am on the rise finally I think. Not blogging much these days, bad Cliff. I have a tonne on my mind. I am planning my next series for Coffee House, looking at the new year and things to do for music, thinking of more "improvements" to the worship area at church, looking at the reality or not of doing another CD this year and much more.

Typically there is a lot of reflection this time of year for many people. No different for me. If I am going to make a major initiative or move it is usually decided on at this time of year. Just works into the yearly planning and review schedule I impose on myself and that literally seems natural.

I will let you know how some of these things pan out. Talk to you soon.

Peace.

Long Time No Blog

Well I feel bad that I haven't been consistent at all in the blogging. Life has been more than a little crazy. I have had a couple of gigs, plently of outings ala Chirsitmas parties and just social things and well, the day job has been a little crazy. To some degree that will keep going until Christmas day. Makes sense.

I have been really active in the songwriting area in the past few months. That generally happens when I hit a reflective time in my life, and there has been lots of reflection. The end of the year is a natural time to consider all things pertaining to ones existence (yes perhaps overstated and poorly used). Good time to reflect on the past year and the one coming.

I think I will have more to share in the coming weeks, I will endeavour to step up the updates.

Peace.

From the Kid File

Well we have entered, or shall I say continue to enter, the ever increasing activity list that is part of this eras child developmental cycle. Our eldest (6) is now in basketball, which I think is hilarious. Truth is, I am very proud of her. She really likes to practice her dribbling and running and really loves the whole deal. Seeing the joy that she experiences is a great parental experience, and this seems to be a father daughter connection point she really likes. Very cool.

The Trio Returns!

Well the Great Wodden Trio, one of my favourite names for a group, dropped by with their brand of story telling and music and brought wisdom, humour and inspiration to our church last night. I haven't got the count, but it was well attended.

Had the opportunity to go out after for some wings with the band. A great time of catching up on old times and hearng the massive history that this group of guys has together. For sure it is part of the unseen appeal of this group. May they do this for a very long time to come.

Thanks guys. www.greatwoodentrio.com

A Great Read

Some my wife dictated that life had become to work-centric, to the point where my recreational reading was to educationallly or carrer based. In short, I was not leaving work at work enough. I am a Pastor, you see the challenge.

Regardless she picked out a book for me based on another passion - coffee. "The Coffee Trader" by David Liss. link



By puritanical standards this book might not pass the test of cleaniliness, but by reality and life's standards it felt quite accurate. Ultimately, however, it was masterfully written and a great, if short due my enthusiasm, read.

I mostly include this because I am very uninteresting sometimes in my blog and write too much of the gig life and not enough of the "mundane" and frankly lately I feel my "deep thoughts" are as deep as the groove in my front hall tile.

Alas, I am happily diverted. Have a great day.

Peace.

The Great Wooden Trio

Well, I thought I might as well advertise for friends considering they are coming to our church this Sunday night @ 7pm. The Great Wooden Trio will be performing (and I will most likely join them on a number - no guarantees) at Valleyview Alliance Church. It is a free 'show' and will be one of the most entertaining you will expereince for some time.

We hosted these fellows recently and could not resist having them back. It is a Christmas theme so it a great way to start you celebrating this season.

www.thegreatwoodentrio.com

Can you hear me now?

This one has two themes. First is the 100 Huntley Street thing. It was a real blast to do. As I mentioned before, I think, it was my first time being interviewed at length on Huntley and I was nervous. It seemed to go very well. You can check it out on their site and download the whole show if you want. link You can also view it right from here streaming, by clicking on this link.

Secondly I have finally bought a webcam. Way behind the times I know, but I finally come to the place where it is necessary for cheap, visual, cross-country communication (video conference) and I have purchased a cheap logitech camera to see how it flies in general. Alas, I have now done a test via msn (oneway) and it seems pretty cool. The next thing is a true conference. Can you hear me now?

100 Huntley Tomorrow, Etobicoke on Saturday

I am very excited about going on 100 Huntley tomorrow, looking forward to bringing my percussionist, Kevin Jongsma, with me. Really cool. I am interested in the whole experience as I have never been the interview guest on 100 Huntley, although I have been a musical guest several times. Hopefully God will use what is said and done to touch someone - that's my prayer. Show times are through this link. (it does repeat at night many places)

I am also singing at Hilltop Bible Chapel (Torotno area) on Saturday night with an acoustic band. If you want to come out you can get directions through this link. I think the tickets are around $6-8 at the door, I will confirm tomorrow. Love to see you there.

Peace.

Lots of Things Coming

I have a few things coming up that I thought you should know about. This Saturday I am doing a fundraising event for the Neighbourlink churches in Newmarket at Newmarket Alliance Church. I am doing several songs as part of a greater event. I am also going to be on national television next week on 100 Huntley Street, both as the musical guest, and being interviewed. Lastly, I have a gig in Etobicoke at Hilltop Bible Chapel. It should be an amazing intimate "unplugged" thing with acoustic guitar, percussion/drums, and myself on piano and vocals. I think it would be a great event to catch a different side of the music.

Anyway, just thought I would give a quick update to keep you in the loop and informed.

I am on the charts at Indieheaven again, but a long way down. If you think of it you can vote once a day at Indieheaven Radio. Just look for my song "We Cry Out", click on it, look for my CD at the top and vote 5 stars and watch it climb!!

Fun Stuff

I am starting to build out links to friends and other things I am doing on my website. It is really at the new stage but there are a couple of things you can check out through the page now. I will try to keep building and updating as things go on.

Have fun. link

The Church

I think the thing I love most about the church when it works well is the relationships, both deep and new, that transcend circumstance and unite us. I was able to go to a sister church in London this past weekend and teach and lead worship with their people. It was a great experience (for me anyway). The thing about God working in peoples' lives is it is real, it shows. I was blessed to know them, even at the level I was knowing them at, and God was definitively working in their lives. Man that's cool.

What's also cool is coming home. Came into church Sunday morning and interacted with many people from the home church. Same thing, God working in peoples' lives. The excitement of God at work. So good to see the fruit of Christian living up front and centre!

On the road again

So this weekend is going to be a blast. I am in London, ON doing a worship workshop and then doing a worship concert with the folk from the church I am at. I am really looking forward to meeting all these fellow padres in worship and music.

I am finding all of the travel right now refreshing. It is constantly rejeuvenating the creative juices. Writing songs like crazy. Anyway, I will let you know how it goes.

Oh yeah, don't be afraid to keep voting for the new song on the Indieheaven radio show, "We Cry Out".

Peace.

Preaching and Such

I preached last Sunday morning for the first time in the morning service at my church. I haven't tallied how many times in this past year I have preached at the Coffee House, but it should be up in the teens. Nevertheless, it is a different vibe speaking to a bigger crowd at two services than to 20 to 30 in an intimate setting. Frankly, it is easier to speak to a larger crowd, at least it was for me.

The point, though, was the learning. Now hopefully people got some good content from the way that I spoke from the Bible. The positive, strong and plentiful feedback would indicate that was the case - very encouraging. It was also encouraging to feel like that forum was not above me, that I was well received and effective.

Preaching in a church environment is not about ego or status, but when you feel like God has laid on your heart the desire to share His word, and has given you the ability to communicate it - it is a very fulfilling thing to get the opportunity to do it. Fun, really fun.

Nominate Me?

Hey, why not ask. There is an opportunity to get nominated for some awards with Indieheaven. You guys seem to do such an amazing job of getting me up the charts, maybe you can get me nominated as well!!

Just go tho this link and fill out the form in the categories you think I should be nominated. Some facts that will help you with the nomination:

Nominated Artist Website: www.cliffcline.com
Nominated Artist Style: CCM, Adult Contemporary
Male Vocalist: Yes
Female Vocalist: No
Songwriter: Yes
Album: Noticing the Sky
Song of the Year: Sure, how about Noticing the Sky
Hardest Working Artist: Sure
Perseverance Award: I am old
Best Indie Radio Station: No
Best Indie Radio Promoter: No
Best Indie Music Website: Your call
Best Indie Venue: No
Best Indie Recording Studio: Dont have one
Best Indie Music Producer: No

Hope this helps.

Deep Thoughts?

British Columbia. Lived there for several years in the lower mainland. I am one of the few, apparently, the willingly came back to Ontario from the land of milk and honey. I came back in part due to the awful weather they have there so much of the time. I am affected by the dinginess, alas, Ontario works for me. Having spent a week in Florida in October (non-hurricaine)....

Anyway, I miss the people there. I think most of them hardly give me a whip of a thought, but I really liked so many of the people I went to high school and university with. There were certainly more friends at the latter, but people get lives and a circle of friends - and me moving here didn't help that much, so it becomes a distant ache of missing. But I do from time to time feel it strongly.

I was looking through some old "achievements" and "participations" from those times. I was so young, and some of the things done were pretty amazing, pretty inspiring. I think sometimes they are inspiring because of the age of the source. Young people achieving excellence is, well, surprising, inspiring, rare. At least in the context of what I am thinking. The counter is perhaps what is hard. Excellence in the "more mature" is expected, not original, and simaltaneously highly valued and disregarded. Hmmm.

Watched 'Batman Begins' last night. The one phrase of the movie that was central (paraphrased) was, "It doesn't matter what is on the inside, it is what you do on the outside that makes a mark".

It seems to me that life is:

1. Spiritual: How are we doing with our creator;
2. Relational: How are we doing with our family, friends, and neighbours, and;
   
3. Vocational: What good are we actually accomplishing with our lives for and in the above two.

Just thinking.

Indieheaven Charts

Hey guys,

I have submitted another song to the indieheaven radio charts to see if we can climb to number 1 again. There is a little more of a payoff this time as the top hits by the end of the year make it onto a compilation CD that will be distributed widely, for sure across the states, but possibly beyond as well.

Alas, go over to the indieheaven radio site link and check me out near the very bottom. Click on my song (We Cry Out) and the rating you give me (5 stars) will help me climb the charts. Do it everyday and we will see how we go. Last time it went great!!

Talk to you soon.

Kids Meals, Cold Weather and the Internet

Well we are back. Back from an amazing week in Florida. Perfect weather and a great start to two weeks off.

Side note one. McDonald's restaurants. Hit way too many of these on the way down and back for "potty breaks" and meals for the kids. They have more than lost their shine. The food is still eh and formulaic, which means consistent, but the facilities are ridiculously inconsistent. They are a failed dream in my opinion. They have nothing to offer, every place we went to is radically different, but one thing consistent. Very dirty, and generally poor service.

Side note two. Man it is cold up here. I guess that's why we were there. God was good to us, perfect weather, and we missed the hurricane.

Man, absolutely poor opportunity for connectivity where we were down there. Tried a little dial-up and what not, but did not enjoy the experience, hence the lack of blogging. Kept me away from work, which was good, but also kept me away from the fun of working on some music stuff. Ah well, maybe a little more fun this week.

I shall blog a little more.

On Vacation

Hey dudes,

Sorry for the break, on vacation. Down near Orlando, man it has been great weather. Talk about coming the right week. Rain last week and hurrucaine or its effects next week.

Vacation has been great - basically totally offline, mostly because I have been having trouble, but it is good for me. Great break. Weather has been mid 80's plus and did the Disney thing yesterday with my three princesses. Now that's fun.

So you probably won't hear from me until early next week, too busy doing an active nothing!!

Till then.

The Digital World

So I continue to try to develop all sides of the career and my understanding of this ever evolving industry called the recording business. Next frontier: the digital domain - you know the whole itunes thing.

So I have begun the very involved process of an independent artist getting distributed wolrdwide in this venue. What else can I say?, I will let you know if I hit itunes etc.

Peace.

Great Quote

As you travel and put your music out there, there are always two levels on which you operate:

1. I am just doing this to positively influence as many people as I can and,
2. Man I hope they like me.

Well I have had my share of feeling like people don't like me or my music, but it is real fun when people discover your stuff and then really like it. Especially when they are radio people!! Check this unsolicited quote out from my indieheaven site:

"ROCKIN RON (Rating: 10)"heard "noticing the sky" yep had to add that to my kbcu 88.1 playlist. but its when i heard the whole cd.. my heart told me this is one of the best praise and worship cds to listen to with no distractions. good stuff. EVERY SONG a winner on this great cd."

Thanks Rockin Ron - you made my day.

Feasts and Family and Laughter

Ok, my blog has been fairly devoid of cute kid stories, but this one I have to relate. I am still chuckling a simmering chuckle. I don't know that I have ever laughed so hard in my life - and for those of you that know me that is saying something on the weirdness and volume meters.

The picture is my sisters living room, very cool and newly decorated I might add. We had just had a great meal around a unique and marvelous table. The conversation was animated and delightful as were all of the guests. So we moved into the living room and continued in the celebration of life that it was. Much laughter, joking etc. Hannah tends to not be a showboater. She likes to be loved and appreciated, but not necessarily the centre of attention. Last night she seemed to find something knee slapping funny - literally, and she kept doing these very facially and physically slow motion chariots of fire animated knee slaps while she laughed - in her own world. I lost it, I could not believe how funny it was, and even though I was laughing way too loud the whole room was in an uproar so she didn't think it was about her, and she kept joining in thinking life was just hilarious.

Laughter is truly a healing balm. There is a lot to be said for the unconditional love and friendship that comes from family. For my part anyway, it makes me wonder why we chase occupations around the country and the globe at the expense of proximity to this heavenly gift.

Yes I know the answer is complicated and varying, but just give me this moment ok? Just one layer of the onion this time around.

My Blue Suede Shoes

Ok so they are not suede, and not entirely blue, and I don't own them, but I did not really have anything intelligent to say and was surfing and saw some great shoes. Have a couple of pairs of Fluevog. Great quality, I like quality shoes. Just thought you would like to know.

Living Truth

I have been involved in leading a "post-modern" service at our church for about a year now. link It has been a stretching and growing experience for me in many ways. I am slowly seeing the volunteer base grow, but more importantly I feel like we have begun to develop our own spiritual growth path. Doing the sermons or talks has been great and challenging. I personally find the core reason to talk/teach the Bible is to actually move ahead with the teaching. Key words, moving ahead. The biggest challenge personally and corporately is to engage to the level where there is actually noticeable forward movement.

Last night we spoke about the persistent widow in Luke 18. Consistent dogged prayer to God for justice. Our practical moment was to try and pray constantly for one thing for the next two weeks seeking God for movement towards a resolution. One hundred times a day - one thing. I know I have to walk the talk on this one - as with everything - but this is specific. I have a discipline to practice and "report on".

Biggest moment for me in the last while. If one is not growing, participation is still not enough. A fruit tree which is alive but dormant is still useless as a fruit tree. A Christian that is alive but not bearing fruit...

Off we grow.

Google Me

I google myself everyone in a while to see if any of the marketing efforts are actually taking effect. Well a cool thing happened this time around as I found I was featured on an indepedent internet radio podcast link letting people know about some independent Christian artists that you may not have heard of. Anyway, very cool to see my tunes hitting Boulder, Colorado. Talk to you soon.

Cleaning up the desk...

Well a funny tidbit about me. I am simultaneously organized and well, not. I am detail oriented, but not. At my last job as a consultant I kept a pristine office. I dealt with everything in a viciously organized manner, and although I was very busy, I was able to maintain control as it were.

Well for three years I have felt out of control. Picture an old movie which is a life-u-mentary. You see a guy starting a business and doing what it takes to get the thing off the ground, working out of a basement, a dirty rented space etc. But as he progresses things get nicer, more established more polished and more together. Well I am hoping I am beginning a phase of "growing" up in this position. Part of the issue has been the absolutely massive portfolio I oversee. I don't just push paper and request others to do the work: I paint, strategize, implement, hang stage lighting, plan, counsel, advise....

Alas what is my point. I have had everything mounting in my office from garbage - literally - from various sources - to stacks of paper to deal with, storage tyoe items etc. Well I think I am down to 2 stacks of paper. The goal: get to pristine and keep it there!! I will keep you posted.

Hmmm

Ever have something feel so wrong, only to find out it was right?
Ever feel you were nearing the end of something, only to find you were just starting out?
Ever write an amazing song, you could never sing?
Ever feel the pain, that irony brings?

Dreaming

Every once in a while I get a newsletter from Digidesign with their new stuff or offers. ProTools is the software and hardware that I recorded my last CD on and is industry standard for digital recording.

Anyway, I have never really keyed in how much a mini (home) version of the system would cost should I ever be able to start doing some recording and pre-production at home. Too much. Ah well, there is always dreaming...

Reflection

Man it has been one of the most trying times I have ever experienced. I know you are not supposed to question your own leadership in a public forum like a blog, but let's just call it analysis.

Being a good leader I have often heard is not simply about setting a vision, but mainly about taking people through to the realization of the vision. Drawing a sketch but then actually building the town.

So the past several weeks have been: a trip to Nashville, personal concerts, several church services, and a conference that took major effort and expense. Absolutely none of the aforementioned were wild and famous 'successes', and yet, they all created forward movement towards a vision that has been painted. I guess the hard part is that most of us are so worn out from achieving the events we haven't experienced the joy of accomplishment. Some of us have experienced the opposite. I think several lives were challenged and changed for the better through these experiences, comments like "this has been life changing" tipped me off!:). Nevertheless I now need to go to a more restful quiet place where I listen to the the feedback waves along the shore of the past few weeks and see if there are things to be changed - maybe some major things.

Concert Tonight - Conference Tomorrow

Well I am feeling widely human these past few weeks. The pressure has been high, the relationships have been strained, the stakes in my mind (undoubtedly overthought) are life altering, and I am just plain burning out.

I look to some of the folk I respect in life. I guess I dare not name them, the super stars of Christian teaching and discipleship, and the schedules they have kept for decades and I think - what is my problem? Why can't I handle the pace? The humourous part is that ministry/show time, if you will, is only now finally coming. Perhaps this is when it will all fade away, and I can just work at the stuff I am most passionate about. Sharing the stuff I am learning about God through the bible and worshiping through music. Well, I hope to see lots of people this weekend and do a heart dump, hopefully it will benefit them!!

Peace.

Site / Blog Hits / Still # 1

Well I have hit about 217 unique visitors a week to the site and the blog. Kind of cool. Pressures on though. I am trying to keep it consistent and updated as I try to grow towards ohh 1000 or more in the next while.

I have to admit I am surprised that I am still number 1 on the Indieheaven Radio Chart with the title track Noticing the Sky. I have to thank many of you I know for such a long run at number 1. I think at some point they are going to just take me off the chart and make me submit another song. I will let you know.

Anyway, I am very pleased to have you guys along for the journey. I hope to add some value and entertainment to your lives whenever it is possible.

For now, good night!!

Success?

How does one measure success? There are so many variables, quantitative and qualitative, that play into that question. Sometimes, though, I think it is just a matter of getting the things that you said you would done well. The last two weeks have been pressure cooker weeks for me. Trip to Nashville with the showcase, concert up here, and a leadership gathering last night at church. In some respects I think future success is predicated on the implementation of these things across various parts of my life and ministry. I don't feel like there is a specific thing I can point to except that in the midst of the busyness, planned activity is being achieved with effectiveness. I think in many respects I am still laying the groundwork for the next 10 years. Am I allowed to think that far ahead?

Keeping Busy

Well the week continues and I have had guilt for not blogging enough. This week has been incredibly fun. Concert on Friday night went very well. Man I forgot what it was like to be your own set-up dude. (rodie?) It has been a long time since I was in need of renting, but the venue we were at demanded it, alas we did. The concert was great, as was the band. Reallya privilege to be able to work with these guys.

Today we are back to 2 services at church and we have a very cool Leadership Gathering happening at the church which I have coordinated and will be "producing" this evening. Then a heavy week getting ready for the Fusion Conference, a worship conference we are hosting at our church. Tuesday night meeting, Wednesday and Thursday rehearsals, a Cliff Cline concert here at Valley View to kick off the conference Friday night and then the whole day conference followed by two services and then I lead and speak at the Church Coffee House Sunday night. I think this will be the busiest stretch this fall, but there is still time to book more!

Day in the Life

Concert day!! Pretty excited. We have had a couple of rehearsals to get back in the groove after a bit of a lay-off from the concert thing. Now we have at least 2 or three as a band in the next couple of months. I am hoping the new year brings more. The band sounds amazing.

Anyway today will be busy. This morning I pick up the sound system. Then we go to the concert venue to set-up the system and do sound checks. Then we go home get ready for the concert and get back for final sound checks and then the concert.

I am very excited about tonight. Although it is a small venue, the hosts are pumped about the concert, the Christian radio station Life 100.3 is part of the promotion and will be there. It's so fun.

Anyway, tonnes to do so I better get started. Have a little work to clean up as well. Maybe we will see you there.

Peace

Life 100.3 FM Radio Interview Tomorrow Morning

So September is a great month of gigs. This Friday I am in Bradford ON at our daughter church Bradford Alliance to be apart of their 10th anniversary celebrations, followed by a gig at my home church Valley View.

To kick it off I am being interview by Life 100.3 FM (listen online) to promote the Bradford concert tomorrow morning at 8 am-ish. Check it out online, or on the radio.

Back From Nashville

Well, Nashville was a great exeperience. Funny thing happened, I know, I know, I should know better, but Nashville was demystified. What does that mean you ask? Well, I did not go expecting to come home with a record deal. I didn't go expecting a mega gig. I just kind of thought Nashville was like the Magic Kingdom for musicians. The shops and restauarants and the feel man, the feel. I thought it would be energizing, mystifying. You guessed it, same as every other town. It was a great gig, met some amazing people, had a great time, and am more commited than ever to serving the "fans" that I can gather here. I am but a minstrel, and I want to sing a song and tell a story, so I shall keep doing it with a sparkle in my eye and a smile in my heart cause that was created in me.

Pic in the Nash for your pleasure:

Road Trip

Well, I will be offline for a few days here as I am not one of these wireless bloggers (RIM/Blackberry) and I have decided to leave technology behind to keep things simple on the trip down to Rocketown.

So later today we head to drop the kids off at their grandparents for the next 3 or 4 days. Boy do we have it good. That doesn't even cover the fact that they are all ill. Unfortunately, I think I am as well as I head down to do this songwriters showcase, but what are you going to do. Hopefully be acceptable.

Alas, I hope to post lots of pics of our time down south, This is a mini-vacation for Stef and I as well, really mostly, as it is a networking opportunity rather than a gig so hopefully the 24-30 hours of driving and one day and two nights down there wil rejeuvenate:)

Talk to you when we get back.

Fun Night of Manual Labour

My "day" job definitely gives me variety, tonight was no exception. My portfolios at church under the title Associate Pastor include, but are not limited to:

• Music (Worship and the Arts)
• Operational Finance
• Facilities
• Small Groups
• Creative Communication (marketing and the like)
• Strategic and tactical planning and implementation

There are more, but that should be the big headings. Anyway, I indulge myself, bad Cliff bad. Tonight was a facilities night. Our kids program is now headed by a great new pastor. She determined there is a need for some more and better classroom space - so in comes the project manager side of the facilities portfolio. We have some amazing volunteers who help with one-off projects as well as weekly tasks. Tonight was the one-off project crew which includes several from our church and a friend who is not. Man this guy is cool. Doesn't even belong to the church and gives of his time and energy.

I lament there are not pictures to show tonight, I will try and get some over the net week or so, but it was a great night. Built two classrooms, all the drywall and the doors in in one night. I will sleep well, thanks guys!!

Three Generations

Well I am taking the day off tomorrow. It seems like the summer is going to be over so quickly. It is the first, perhaps annual, guys golf day. My brother, his son, my dad and I are going golfing. A three generation foursome. Should be a real treat. My brother is a member at Criagowan G&CC. It is a good course, I have played it once or twice before, kind of old school. Gets some mention on Mike Weir's site because of some tournament play there this year. Alas, I would think it is really good shape because of that to boot.

Let's see how I score. Seems to be getting better than worse these days for me on the links. What's the definition of insanity?

Membership Has Its' Privileges

So we are preparing for our little excursion to Nashville. Sadly, the one soul I know down there will be away while we are there. Granted, the purpose is to sing and meet some new friends, but a little comfort is always good.

But I digress. I am a member of the Canadian Gospel Music Association, and they get discounted rates for travel through Choice Hotels. Ok not the hotel I would like to stay at (link) but to stay at that hotel would mean I did not leave out of guilt, and then I would not do any site seeing.

Alas my hard to reach point is this. Huge discount, felt cool, paid for the membership in one trip. Not bad.

Number 1 on the charts!!

Hey guys. Thanks so much for the daily support on this. I have reached number 1 overall on the Indieheaven Charts. Let's see if we can keep it there until Nashville in a couple of weeks. I plan on taking lots of pics and posting them once I get back with some stories of the experience. Talk to you soon.

Peace.

Three Girls

So God has blessed us with three girls, and I am getting more and more scared. They are all young now, the oldest (6) is just getting to the place where prolonged conversations are a regularity. The younger two (3 and 2) are still very physically demanding and less inclined to want to recline with pops and chat about the day. I am a chatter. It seems with life's business that we are more often than not in survival mode rather than proactive development mode. Obviously our main goal is to provide an incredibly loving environment, and give them the security that gives, but where from here? Sports, school, music lessons (one would hope I will pick up the slack and start teaching my own kids more music), and other things?

Alas, literally musings. In some ways this is such an amazing time of watching them grow up and mature and interact together. But three teenage daughters, three in marriage age, three in university, wow, I better enjoy the moment.

Peace.

A Pastor in an Audi

Ok, ok, so it is not actually mine, and it is one or two years older than this one, but.. some friends of ours generously have loaned us their Audi A4 to drive down to Nashville for the songwriters showcase that I am doing at Michael W. Smith's club Rocketown. We need to lend our van to my in-laws so they can take care of the kids for us when we go, and the Subaru Justy (an upscale version pictured below) just won't do it.



Anyway, I hope to have some stories to tell when I come back. The Audi will make the ride that much sweeter. Thanks Del and Lor.

Peace, and see ya.

Response to an anonymous comment

anonymous comment:
"Someday I hope to hear of a Canadian Church that American Churches are listening too via Satellite feed! Does every church in Canada have to copy Willowcreek, Saddleback, or Harvest! Can't just one have an identity of their own???"

Man you could not hit more at the heart of how I am thinking in life. Truthfully, I am a pastor in Canada primarily because I think I should be here. There is far more "career" opportunity in the States, but there is no where near the need.

Just so you know, the church I am the music pastor at is starting to build its own identity. Moreover, we are trying to help other Canadian churches develop their own identity. We are starting with worship, although the approach we are taking is more holistic. Starting this fall we are beginning the Fusion Conference, a conference not about industry etc., but about the biblical context of worship and worship leaders in the church. Our goal is to develop and find Canadian Christian leaders who can speak to, over the long haul, the surprisingly different Canadian landscape as it applies to trying to fulfill the mission of the church in Canada.

Come on out, if you are near, whether you are involved in worship or not. It's our start in response to your good comment, although, it won't broadcast to 50,000 people this year:)

Thanks

So the support keeps coming, thanks. Noticing the Sky has climbed to number 6 on an ever increasing list of songs on the Indieheaven radio charts. Very fun, and I really appreicate all those that are going there daily and supporting me in this way. Hey maybe we can get to number one before I go to Nashville!!

Owning a home

I have always heard people say that owning a home is this ever present hole of work. Having owned two previous places (both condo townhomes) I have been spoiled with how much of the work gets done for you. Enter the semi we are in now. Besides the fact that I have put a deck and fence on this summer (deck not completed) and painted a major portion of the house - the work keeps coming. Lawn care (which needs work anyway), new flower beds, more painting, cleaning fixing etc. And I was worried I would never get into the groove of working out again. Oh my aching body!

The Leadership Summit from Willow Creek

Forgive the simplicity of this blog, but I thought I would pass on some "first thoughts" from my learning today. I am attending the satellite feed for the Leadership Summit out of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago up here near Toronto in Ajax. Today I was challenged on the following points:

1. "Cliff, you know what your passions are, are you really pursuing what you think God would have you do for Him to fulfill His will?"
2. Have you appropriately responded and sacrificed when necessary to actually accomplish what the Holy Spirit has laid on you heart to do?
3. Do you have a minute to spare, a single minute, where you are not leaving every single available ounce of your being on the floor serving God with all that you have and are - all that he has given you to use for His purposes?

Dudes, there is an unbelievable amount of work to be done everywhere. I need to be doing so much more of it. God help me clarify, focus and move forward strongly and effectively.

The Charts

Well, I made the top 10 on the overall Indieheaven Radio Charts today, and am still number 2 on the CCM. Kind of cool. Thanks for the support! Continuing to check in and vote would be most appreciated. The pics are just me playing with this whole blogging and picture thing.

Peace.

Climbing the Charts!!

Wow, thanks guys. Obviously several of you went over to the Indieheaven Radio Site and rated me highly because I moved up 10 spots today alone.

• Number 2 on the Indieheaven Adult CCM chart.
• Number 12 on the overall chart!!

Thanks so much!! Keep loggin' in and we will see how close we can get to number 1!! I say WE because I literally cannot do it without you.

Peace.

I am on the Charts!! (you can help)

Kind of fun. As I mentioned earlier I am going to Nashville through an independent artists association out of the same town for a writer's showcase in September. Well yesterday they released some information on their radio program, a way they help artists get exposure to Christian radio primarily in the states. They have started a chart to track the popularity of the songs that are in the program according to fans and passersby.

To my surprise I was not at the bottom of the list but about half way up, and I hadn't e-mailed my "fan" base yet to alert them to the opportunity to vote me up the charts (I have as of about 10 minutes ago).

You can help too!! Check out the Indieheaven Radio Show, look for my song Noticing the Sky at about 22 and rate me (5 preferably:))and let's watch it move up together. You can vote once every 24 hours.



Anyway a quick update. Having fun with this stuff, hope you are too.

Peace.

Radio Interview on the Site

It's a bloggy morning I guess. Just catching up on everything. I keep meaning to tell those that come by here rather than the site directly that there is 3 clips from an interview I did a while back on a radio station from Woodstock, Ontario.

It is under the Latest News section right on the first page link. Just scroll down a little and have a listen. I think I did alright.

I think I can get to work now.

Peace.

Encouraging Comment

Generally I get some very encouraging comments from those that frequent the blog. Yes I do get the occassional one that makes me go hmmm, but nevertheless.

Recently I got one directing me to this scripture, link. Even in english, the words seem to be put together poetically and are beautiful, powerful and encouraging. Ponder these for a few. Thanks anonymous.

Peace.

In the Dark

I have been continuing the implementation of the lights and sound upgrade at the church this month as scheduled. Phase 1 of the lighting rig upgrade was massive. I will not list the large and tedious amounts of work the crew did, but we hung all the new lights. The test was far more successful than the reality. The good news is, I think I can re-position 4 of the lights for a 1000% improvement. The bad news is, my first cut was 40% wrong. Ah well, the hard stuff is done, now we tweak, and tweak and.....

Bound to Happen

What you ask? A blog in the late evening on my new deck!! That is a bout the only relation the rest if this blog will have to the title, but hey, it's blogging. There aren't too many rules.

This isn't exactly the Worship Part deux that I think will be in the works at some time, but I have been thinking and surfing lately to see how I might improve my "performance" at "work".(forgive the cynic in me, but for those that might be scrutinizing the blogging habits of yours truly a question - am I working now? Was I working as I cruised the net to develop and learn more about my job on my weekend. Things that make you go hmmmm.)

Alas, I came across the site of a fellow who was previously unknown to me who shared the same last name. Drew Cline He is a worship pastor near Nashville, TN in Franklin, TN. He wrote in his worship journal on his site about his challenges. Trying to stay fresh and cool. Adding multiple elements and variety (something I do poorly) to the services he runs.

So valid I think. So cool to see someone struggling to come back to the normal, at least for a time, because the stretch to be cool or fresh can be distracting. Man I appreciated the openness and honesty. I also saw the diversity. Something I could add to my ministry. Just cool. Something to look to. Gotta keep learning and growing, you know?

Peace.

That Moment

Is there a moment in your life, maybe several, that are like a song? I am not thinking about a sad song, or a lament, I am thinking about the theme song moments, the course changing moments.

There are still milestone moments, and more importantly, memories of the people that go with them, that stick out to me. I think sometimes we live life to create those moments. We spend tonnes of our time trying to achieve something lasting and meaningful, and frankly fail. The real interesting thing to me is that sometimes, in our consistent efforts to go somewhere, we build some of the moments over time. In deep reflection we can see that the moment was the culmination of many smaller, almost trivial successes: successes in loving others, showing kindness, trying to do the right thing, building relationships, encouraging someone else.

The Bible says in James 1 says:

"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

That is a deep passage, but the perseverance part sticks out to me. The sticking to it part. The concept that the moments that we create are milestones of perseverance finishing its work.

Part of the reason I write this is because I do not feel like I have had one of those moments in a while, maybe you are the same. Do me a favour, stay the course. Persevere towards something meaningful. My prayer is that we will all persevere towards something that God would have us do. Then maybe, just maybe, we will change the world for His sake.

Learning on the Path

There is so much information out there, good solid, academically accumulated information. The challenge for everyone, I think, is clarity. Clarity of purpose, and of vision. Parsing through tasks and projects and quickly, instinctively knowing what matches up not, only with job description and charge, but one's greater purpose in life, is so important.

As a Christian, the challenge becomes how does one focus on the greatest biblical mission in the midst of trying to do good. In essence, without being selfish, how does one continually self-improve, not for the sake of self, but to become "holy as God is holy", to please God, while at the same time constantly working towards influencing others to consider the Christian life. To be a contributing part of a local church community. For clarification, the "contributing part" there does not mean fulfilling a task the church needs, rather it means being a catalyst in building loving relationships throughout the community, and therefore by definition, not doing the opposite.

Conclusion: I am struck with the simplicity of my purpose in this world. It is not to "succeed" as a Pastor, a musician, or any other role that can be applied to me. It is to grow deeper in my relationship with God, becoming a better human as I become more like Him, and a better lover of mankind through the strength and wisdom gained from further surrendering myself to God.

Rocketown Here We Come!!

Well it looks to be firm that I will be going to Nashville to Michael W. Smith's venue, Rocketown to be part of a writer's showcase!! The date is September 2, 2005. Still kind of in shock as to how it came together, but it is through my new partnership with Indieheaven (thanks guys!!):




Buy Our Product At Indieheaven.com!!


What else can be said, I have wanted to go to Nashville since I was 16 or so and it is finally happening. How super cool. I will keep you in the loop as things progress!!

More Radio

Hey guys! Good news. Two more stations and counting have picked up the CD. I am really excited about the progress and the work the my friend Fraser is doing to promote the CD. Alas, just a quick update in the middle of deep existential blogging.

Peace.

Working Through Worship (Music) Part 1

Life is a juxstaposition of the encouraging and the not so. I have been inviting criticism of my CD, Noticing the Sky, and asking for some honest responses. Well, thankfully I think, I received some which will definitely leave a mark.

I am not going to spend this time defending against the criticism, that defeats the purpose of asking for it, but rather I am going to try to work through the bigger issues that were raised through the correspondence.

I anticipate this will be a multi-part discussion, as the topic is massive. Some background. I think that we are entering a new worship debate that we need to be very careful not to turn into a battleground. Currently, to oversimplify, there are two forces at play. The creation of art (in this case with the expressed intent to worship God), and industry. These two things playing against each other have always created tension between artist's and business people. Where these two meet most "plesantly" is pop music, or as John Mortensen refers to it "masspopcult". John's comments are in response to Brian McLaren's letter here.

The old battle, and unfortunately it was a battle, was between contemporary and traditional music. It still rages in pockets, but let's leave it lie somwhere else for now. The new emerging debate is over depth of art (and theology) vs. industry. I have said, most likely unoriginally, that "it isn't art until it touches someone". Some might argue that it may touch someone and not be good art, but then we are debating levels of skill or influence rather than it's ability to meet the criteria. Negative art can send successfully a negative message. I don't like it, but I think it meets the criteria.

So now we come back to it. Where are we with art in the church, say specifically, musical art? The music we use every week to worship God.I think McLaren brings up some great points about the depth of topics that should be re-introduced into our music. He talks about eschatolgy, songs of mission, using historic lyric to new settings, songs about God himself, and songs of lament. When I look at my CD I only see one or two of these categories being hit, and I am motivated to look outside myself more, and in some cases more inside myself, to wirte some songs that would add value to the church by covering some of these important areas. I will say in response, not to my critic, but as an expanation of my CD in the context of McLaren's letter, that it was an attempt to authentically reflect my journey with God. I used lyrics that I thought pushed the envelope of comfortable for congregational singing (e.g. "I'm wrecked by my shortcomings") in hopes that it would take worship for its users somewhere deeper. My CD speaks heavily of the learning that I experienced in chasing after God to be more holy as God is holy: tracks 3, 6, & 12. To share my faith: tracks 5 & 8. To worship God as Creator and Saviour: tracks 4, 11 & 13. To worship God for who He is, track 1. There is more but I will stop.

My biggest fear as we enter into a massive time of experimentation and depth chasing in worship art, is that we will focus our energies, and lose spiritual focus, by always critiquing the art and not just worshipping. By shutting off when the art level does not reach our ever increasing standard. Remember our mission. It is not, go into the world and create amazing artful expeiences, it is, "to make disciples of all men". There are many interesting and valid expressions of emergent worship. (link 1, and link 2) I often, as a worship leader and pastor, remind myself that I am to make disciples, and love. Then I ask, how am I doing in those areas? I am paid to create worship environments that help people worship, it is a passion and something I want to get much better at. My life, howver, is about making disciples and loving everybody as best I can in the name of Jesus.

I think I have some growing to do artistically. I really appreciate the time, comments and correspondence of my critic. They sent along two of the articles above, and that is what sparked this blog more than there critique of my project.

I have to be careful not to judge those who are, with the way God made them, trying to go deep in their understanding and worship of God. Likewise, "deeper artists" need to be careful not to judge those, who with right motivation are more simply (get the double meaning there) expressing legitimate worship to God through their art.

I might add, I have written much deeper, frankly more artful, music and lyrics that I have not recorded. I have not recorded it because, although they are some of my favourite songs, I don't believe anyone would buy them. The struggle between art and commerce rages in me. Maybe some more success (whatever do I mean?) will give me the ability to record something of high quality that will lose money and touch many. Who knows? I guess it would be art then, but not industry, and certainly not masspopcult.

s-t-r-e-t-c-h

I guess there are many ways to describe the same thing. I like the way Robert Frost put it in his poem:

ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference


Robert Frost

Interpreting poetry is wonderfully subjective, and unlike intepreting say, the Bible, taking some liberties is more appropriate than heretical. Alas, right now this screams to me of the difficult, but right. The challenging, but necessary. In long, the choices in life that we must make to press ourselves forward into becoming better people. Sometimes I think we can interpret this "lyric" as a step of defiance, or independence. I choose to look at it, tonight anyway, like: working out or learning, not cheating on, well anything, apologizing, being the "bigger person". Most of all, perhaps, staying true to the cause, the vision, life's purpose, no matter the cost. Cryptic as this will remain, it seems I need to make more of an investment. X doubles at ten percent rate of return every seven years, but you must start with X. Time to stretch.

Say No To Commuting.

I remember my dad saying once after a career of commuting to Toronto that he had spent the equivalent of several years, 24 hours a day commuting to and from work. My friend comments on the mental anguish associated with the suburb to city commute here (link).

For the last three years I have been within 10 minutes of work after spending several years commuting anywhere form 45 minutes to 1 and 1/2 hours each way in various jobs.

What can be said. On the one hand it is great. Really no aggravation around driving etc. If you have any work-a-holic tendencies, however, it does prove to be a discipline not to put in all the hours saved in commute directly into work. At times I lament I have not changed my family dynamic by being closer, I simply work more. And of course, it is infinitely harder to not physically respond to requests for meetings etc. There isn't the distance buffer.

Still, I think if one has the discipline to set boundaries, no commute is much better. The real problem is that, except on rare occasion, the real money is in the big cities.

I am all fenced in and rested up?

Well today marks the partial return to work. Vacation has been productive. Re-established the home office in a much better environment. Very happy with that. Formed a new play room for the kids, even cut a little window in the wall and put the sill in. Whew! Fenced in our yard at the back, which was a pretty big project. I was out there with all the neighbour kids and some of their parents helping out.

So am I rested? I have never been so physically tired in my life, I think, nevertheless I feel kind of energized. I think I will be more ready for the brain work ahead now that my body has been beaten into submission. Perhaps a case for working out more often?:)

More Radio!!

Well, we are up to 8 stations playing some or a lot of Cliff Cline pretty much right across Canada now. I need a little help in the middle, but we will get there. I am going to try and put all the stations supporting me right now up on the site with links so those who live in those areas can continue to show support for the tunes and the dude behind them!!

Anyway, just thought I would give you the progress report. More later.

Ahhh Sweet Vacation

Well it is no secret that I have been stretching it thin this past year or three. I usually try to take two weeks vacation in the summer to re-coup but this year I am only taking the one. Had a great start, went up to Balsalm Lake near Lindsay, Ontario to some great friends cottage and had a blast. A little water skiing, tennis, golf and some sweet family time with the girls.

The rest of the week is going to be house chores. Building a fence, re-setting up a proper home office for Him and Her for some real blogging action!!

Blogging is about the only thing I will be doing that remotely resembles work, so I will probably see you this way a couple times this week.

Peace.

Link Issues

Thanks to my blog reader who pointed out a small issue with my links. I have been inadvertently adding some extra http:// and causing the links to be inactive. Anyway. The current stuff is all fixed up and the older posts will be corrected soon.

Cool to have people read, and help out.

Peace.

Friends are cool!!

So I had my derriere firmly kicked by a friend recently who discovered that I am not doing enough to promote the CD. He is one of the founding members of the singing group I used to be with (Heart Mind and Soul), and a real talent in his own right. Truth is he needs to start playing, singing and writing again himself, but I will bring that up when its my turn to kick!!

Anyway, sometimes all you need is someone to show a little support to get you moving in the right direction again. Well my buddy has done that. Not just moral support either, he is phoning all over the place, putting my stuff on forums (Rocket Town Records) and phoning radio all over Canada. By the way, starting to work already.

Like I mentioned on another blog, the struggle is huge. I want to shout some of the things I have written to the corners of the earth. There is so much truth and love and suffering and joy and pain that I think can help others when it is expressed. In some small way, I think I can be apart of the minstrels that tell the human story in our time. So I will keep on trying to tell the story in as excellent a way as I can. As I have said before, it isn't art until it touches someone. Enough said.

Raining and Pouring

Well the summer still looks to be quiet, but, September is pretty much stacked. The last few days has brought in a few more bookings. Busy pretty much every weekend there with more to come in November. Check out appearances at cliffcline.com!

Where to buy the CD

Besides online, I keep meaning to tell everyone you can get it at Good Books in Oakville ON, or you can get it in the Christian bookstore in Woodstock, ON (they've already sold out once, think I should go there?!). My mom is a good promoter!!

Just thought I would let you know.

Peace.

Anything New?

Well yes. I continue on this road of self-discovery and feel that I am finally coming out of the valley of self deprecation. Sometimes I think the most challenging thing to do is take the 30,000 view of your own life, and wrestle with your own shortcomings from the perspective of committing to improvement.

My primary commitment in work life is to my role as Associate Pastor at the church I am employed at. That is not a particularly visionary look at life however. So what else makes up the journey. Many who come to my site and this blog are following the trip of the artist. How's the CD going, what's coming up in concert dates. The overall list isn't long, but it has some fairly major implications:

1. Associate Pastor of rapidly growing church in Greater Toronto Area
2. Recording Artist with career needing much more investment of time
3. Regional Influencer for the Alliance Denomination in Eastern Ontario and technically out the East Coast (not including Quebec)
4. Consultant with various opportunities continuing to arise

So what is the big take away tonight. It is not about me. Rocket science eh. The hard part is number 2. It has always been the hard part for me. When I was in Heart Mind and soul (my old band), you weren't promoting yourself, your were talking about this entity. It was more easily about sharing an authentic vision of God and Jesus through music. That is still the vision, but now, there is no name to hide behind. Hey I am Cliff Cline and I am good. Bring me in, let me inspire you etc. Lot of me in something that is not about me. Very difficult existential wrestling match all of the time.

On the other fronts, and inclusive of number 2, I have had a personal breakthrough. Develop others. Tonnes of others. Everybody that I work with now, and those who I do not yet know. Make them into the best disciples of Jesus Christ, the best promoters of a Godly vision as possible, and multiply the work and the vision of my big visionary areas aggressively.

It is freeing to see that possibility going forward. Much to be done, and oh, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Charge!!

John Maxwell is killing me!!

You know, committing to grow in knowledge is intellectually admirable, practically painful and always an eye opener. Those that don't commit themselves to it will often find they are self un-aware. (check this blog)

I have been reading a couple of John Maxwell books lately. Finished 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and am most of the way through the 17 Irrefutable Laws of Teamwork.

Obviously there is a lot in these books that I know. The issue quickly becomes, even though you have knowledge, how well are you implementing it into your reality. Leading and Team playing, not mutually exclusive. A friend of mine has repeatedly said to me having a big vision is one thing, but the true test of a leader is actually taking people to where you claim you are going.

Not particularly planning on revealing much more than that today, but man do I have to take it to the next level. Another year of growth it is. Pray for me!

A Little Competition

Well sad to say the golf game is not greatly improving this year. (Definition of insanity may apply here) I did get out early this morning for a round. Front nine, enh, 43(Par37). The back nine started out much worse.

Humourously my playing partner and I were matched with a couple of fellows. One was around my capability (14-18 hdcp). Well, he went on a 5 hole even par stretch. Two things spurred me on, a call from my wife telling me she loved me, and the humiliation of getting whooped. I don't know if I beat him over 18, but he did slow down a little, and I par'd out. Another 43 (Par35).

Nothing like a little competition to get a guy going. This guy at least.

What are your Friends Doing?

So here is a funny and interesting story. When I was 15 I played in a band. Truthfully, for a bunch of 15 year olds we were very good. Vocally I was very strong for my age, but the drummer was also amazing. Frankly, so was the drummer and bass player. The drummer, however, matured first. He moved to Toronto after living with my family for a school year and had amazing success, young, as a drummer. He, I think, is probably some kind of a genious, but drumming is not what he decided he would set his mind on.

I connected with him when I moved to Toronto and found out he was still drumming, but more involved with the technology industry.

The amazing people that designed my new CD cover at Riordon Design have lost a couple of people recetly to a gaming/technology company. Riordon are amazing, and do amazing work, so when I found out they lost these people I assumed the company was one of the bigs. You know where this is going don't you.

So I was working on a booking with someone who used to play with my friend and found out that he no longer plays, but has a gaming company, and has lured the folk that I know from my friends company to his. Small world. More power to you Kevin. All the best. (Silver Birch)

Radio Interview in Woodstock

I am doing a radio interview by phone tomorrow at Woodstock's new station Hope FM 94.3 at 4:30 for any of you who may be able to tune in to such a broadcast. Just thought I would let you know!! Peace.

What Next?

Three years ago I made a transition from business into ministry. At the heart of the decision was a desire be apart of an environment that was relevantly communicating the reality of God to the community it was in. I ended up saying no to a church of nearly 1000, to say yes to a church of 260. I knew going in that the smaller church would be way more work, but also that I would have far more involvement in direction and leadership.

Three years, how's it going? Well, we are a church that has seen many more people hear and believe that God is real, that Jesus Christ is real and decided to pursue a life in relationship with God. Very cool. The first year was a year of transition on almost every front. The average attendance was 260. The second year the average attendance went up to 282 and last year the average was 324. That has looked like almost 400 on several Sundays through the past six months. Our evaluation tool (Natural Church Development) has seen improved scores across the board. In fact, we are up from an average score of 51 three years ago when I first arrived to 65. 51 was a sign that pretty much everything needed a great deal of improvement, 65 that everything is running fairly well.

Wow, cool eh. Well here's the kicker. I never thought I would be able to exercise many of my convictions on leadership, administration, strategy, relationships and much more. I have seen the positive effects of being given the freedom to follow my beliefs and abilities to a logical end. So what is the problem? I have done what I always thought I could do. To a very real degree I have been a major part of a difficult but positive turn around. Both from a spiritual and organizational sense our church has gone from less than great to almost great. Now we need to go to the next level. From both a spiritual and a organizational standpoint we need to become the greatest that we can be under God.

John Maxwell in his book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" describes the Law of the Lid as the innate ability a leader might have to lead an organization to a certain level but not beyond. Two things here, I am not THE leader. I am the Associate Pastor, so I realize that ultimately I needn't fool myself with how much influence I have. Secondly, I do not think I have come anywhere close to my lid, but... I know that I have some serious work to do to make sure that I get way out ahead of where I am today in all the areas I lead. My mission in life is to tell people about God and Jesus Christ. My gift in the church is to make sure that upon hearing and believing, there is an organization there that can properly mentor and disciple them in the way they should go! It's going to be a busy summer of learning!

More Radio

Well it is a slow build, but another station has picked up the CD in Woodstock Ontario - very cool. In fact I may be doing an artist spotlight interview by phone next week. They keyed into the Coffee Shop song which is defnitely a favourite of mine. Every little bit helps. They will also be playing the single and another worship song "We Cry Out". Fun to see the build.

Crazy Month, Delayed Post

Man what a week. Started Sunday night with leading worship at The Church Coffee House and speaking there. Elder's meeting Monday night, Conference Tuesday, lead worship Tuesday night 2 hours away (4 hours round trip), Conference Wednesday, rehearsal Wednesday night, and conference Thursday. I taught a seminar on worship on Wednesday at the conference.

Beyond that we are expecting another staff member to arrive this weekend and the last few weeks have been PM'ing the office reno etc. Moreover there is the short and long-term strategy, annual meeting and report, and audit. There is a lot there.

I am also entering the season of infrastructure changes to the church AV area. I have some amazing help there, but it is still my PM responsibility. The sound board went in this week and there will be many more changes coming, I will keep you posted.

Through it all, it is so important to keep the missional, big picture stuff at the forefront - with humility. That's a constant gut check, a process that is never easy to go through. Through it all one thing - press on man, press on.

Maybe Really Independent (About Distribution)

Well at this point I have not penned a national distribution deal for my new release, Noticing the Sky. I may, however, have to start considering the self distribution option. The gigs have been piling up a little, although slowing right now, and requests from concert goers to bookstores has and will pick up. I may do some additional marketing regarding the online option, but I think I am about to become self-distributed as well. Interesting, I will let you know how it goes.

Talk to you soon.

Peace

Meanderings

This will truly be meanderings tonight. I expect I am going to parse through several very un-related topics but here I go.

I had planned to spend some time reading Fast Company magazine this late evening, one of my favorites, well I relaxed and contemplated life. I am constantly in a state of flux as I evaluate my journey. I went into ministry (as a pastor) 3 years ago tomorrow. I left behind some friends, and a management team that I worked with. When I look back, we were a unique gang of characters, but I really liked them. Very smart, diverse, even eccentric, but good people, I miss them.

I left them, decent money and the potential for one heck of a lot more to chase God. Yeah, THE GOD. The one who some use as a swear word, the one many hate, the exclusive, you don’t get into heaven unless you believe in this one God. Man, weird eh. Not just a career move, not just chasing a dream of music, trying to convince others that God is real. That we are all created by Him and find our meaning in Him.

So how and what I am I doing. Well…. I am a pastor. About 8 months ago I started preaching too. You know, the old fashioned, talk about the Bible and what it means for us today kind of thing. You can check out some talks at www.thechurchcoffeehouse.com. Well, the how gets complicated. I am just a guy. I don’t have all the answers. I do believe I have The answer, just not all the little answers. I know where I am going for the rest of this life and for eternity – but man, a friend on mine’s wife has cancer. I ache for them. Another friend of mine’s wife left him. Heavy.

I love to sing. Love it. Mostly I love to express the spirit of God, of the universe moving in me, but that’s complicated isn’t it. Kind of mystical, kind of weird. But listen to www.cliffcline.com. On my site is the song “Coffee Shop”. That’s the reality of God in my life. The struggle, the art, the beauty of God.

There are people who I loved, still love really, who don’t talk to me anymore. Perhaps I love too easily. One thing I said to one of them years ago, was that “it isn’t art until it touches someone.” In the end I want to create art that touches people. That touches people with the reality of an existence that includes God. I have tried to do that with my CD, “Noticing the Sky”. I humbly recognize that it is an offering, not a masterpiece. I know that, in the end, I will lay my talents and abilities (hopefully ever improving) at the feet of those who will listen to this minstrel and say: “I have been thinking of you, I love you all, you are beautifully created and deserve to be loved in the name of the God of the universe.”

Peace.