Church Leadership

This is a re-post from several years ago. Although I might have written slightly differently today, I still fully agree with the point...especially the thought that we are not called to use our gift of leadership to become excellent leaders, but rather to fulfill the mandate of the church with passion. Too many leaders are flexing their leadership chops with little positive effect towards the the mission of the church. Lots of scripture to back up the premise: (original link here: Church Leadership)

 

I have heard it said that: 

 "I believe the local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders."

No matter how hard I try I can't see how that as a statement would honour God. To me the hope of the world is Jesus Christ, and the future of Christ and His church rests in the hands of God the Father. I understand that Romans 12:8 (or a portion therein) talks about leading with diligence, but I would posit that is referring to people who are gifted in an area, say like teaching or playing in worship, and are also gifted to lead in that area. I do not think it is referring to the gift of diligently leading in leadership. Within your gift, lead with diligence. Serve God and be used by Him to create His prevailing church with the gifts He has bestowed on you for the edification of the body. Perhaps this is splitting hairs, but I think that is putting the emPHAsis back on the correct sylLAble. My biggest struggle with this is that I love the heart of the quote and the quotee. It makes no sense that the church today would not operate organizationally with excellence, in fact it certainly honours God to do so. I simply think that the primary message of the church ought to be the message of the cross and the fact that Jesus Christ is our hope, not that the church is the hope of the world.

Psalm 25:3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,

Psalm 25:5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long

Psalm 25:21 May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD .

Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD , my confidence since my youth.

Psalm 119:74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.

Matthew 12:21 In his name the nations will put their hope."[ 12:21 Isaiah 42:1­4]

Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[ 5:2 Or let us] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 1:12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Colossians 1:23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

I think you get my point. By the way, I did not find a scripture yet that says or intimates that the hope of the world rest in church leaders. There are plenty that put their hope in the true head of the church, Jesus Christ.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Studio, Radio, Tour

Now that sounds like a process doesn't it!! Really I am just giving updates.

Last night in the studio was great, my eldest daughter put down her
tracks like a pro. Her comment was, "but Dad I want to sing more, I
like singing in the studio". I had to break it to her that when you
basically lay it down in one take it is actually better than repeating
over and over....besides it was bedtime!!

As I mentioned earlier I just released "One Night" to radio. It looks
like it is getting some listens so I will get back to you when it
starts getting played more. Joy 1250 in Oakville was WAY ahead of the
curve, but let's see what happens now that it is officially out to
Canada.

I need to update the appearances page on the site, but I will be back
in Windsor this fall on labour day weekend leading worship at Heritage
Park Alliance. I may be adding some dates around that so stay tuned.

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Ship It...Sorry Seth

Well I have been pushing myself greatly to get these latest bits of
content out to you on time (June 30) but I fear now it will be the
second week of July before it is all done. The actually work has been
slow but rewarding as I really like how the songs are coming. I am
also ready to produce the podcast but I just have to do it. I know I
have to get something out by June 30, I think it will be the podcast.
Look for it by Wednesday......

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A Great Night In The Studio

So I was able to record two of my three girls last night and it was a
blast. They sound great and were amazingly cute. They are going to be
studio naturals!! Can't wait to share the tune.

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Buried Thoughts Going to Radio / More Recording

I believe I have intimated that Buried Thoughts would be going to
radio in Canada soon and it did go out last week, so, please give your
local station a call and ask for the single "One Night" off the Buried
Thoughts CD, or alternatively email in.

Tonight should be interesting as I will be recording my girls for one
of the three songs I am supposed to have ready for the end of June. I
will let you know how it goes tomorrow!

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Churches Wandering Aimlessly (Church Leadership Part 2)

I am overwhelmed by the number of conversations I have had recently
about struggling or failing churches, right close to me. The "uniting"
theme has been a lack of direction or vision. It doesn't seem that
there was a lack of trying or ideas, but I have been shocked by how
different leaders or leadership are grasping at almost anything trying
to regain a foundation to a struggling congregation.

I truly believe that many churches are losing their way so fast it
might be too late for many of them to ever recover. Proverbs 28:19
addresses the issue of a lack of vision clearly, but I think the
majority of us our interpreting this passage incorrectly. There are
two things to consider:
1. Don't stop reading at the semicolon, because it is after this
punctuation mark that the clarity of what the vision should be is
given: the Bible. Happy is he who follows the teachings of God.
2. Don't let anyone tell you that vision means a man made idea of any
sort. Fire any pastor/leader who claims God has uniquely gifted them
with a vision for a community or congregation, telling you there is a
program, or a property, a method, or an answer in his or her head.
Vision here is best translated by the second half of the verse. With
"God's revelation", given to us through the Bible, we will not wander
or perish spiritually, we will have direction and find the answers to
life.

We have a book that has proven itself a gift from God, a gift that
unleashes it's power when we practice it in our daily lives. It is
unleashed through, acts of love, kindness and mercy. It points us to
Jesus Christ, who speaks through the Holy Spirit, which in the end
re-unites us with God our Creator if we believe and have faith in what
Jesus did and who He is.

The Great Commission reiterates the truth in Proverbs 28:19 with a
directive. In essence the orthodoxy of Proverbs becomes orthopraxy in
Matthew. I am begging the church, which is you if you are a Christian,
stop chasing waterfalls and start chasing God through the teachings of
Christ and the Bible and while doing so - live it!

Proverbs 28:19

New International Version (©1984)
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but
blessed is he who keeps the law.

New Living Translation (©2007)
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever
obeys the law is joyful.

English Standard Version (©2001)
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but
blessed is he who keeps the law.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he
who keeps the law.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Buried Thoughts on iTunes and CD Baby

On Content:

Buried Thoughts is now available for download on iTunes as well as CD Baby. It should also be released to Christian radio in Canada this week. I will keep you posted in case you are interested and able in emailing or calling your local station to support the song. FYI, the first single is "One Night" which is the first song on the player when you open my site.

 

New Content:

Last night was a great night of getting some vocals down on song number two. I am incredibly excited about how it is coming together. I am also excited about the story behind the song which will be revealed with it in a couple of short weeks.

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So You Had A Bad Day

For whatever reason I really like that song of a couple of years ago. We all have bad days. For me I often find that bad days are about me. How I have been treated (rightly or wrongly), what didn't go my way or as I planned. I also find it is about what I expected as reward, money, sales whatever. For me the last couple of years have represented huge accomplishment without matching reward. Kind of have had that bad day feeling quite a bit.

 

But what do you do with that? I try and fight it. At the end of any day there are two things that are true. Life isn't always fair, and what we did with what we are given matters. I write songs to try and inspire, or push people into a better day. I volunteer in church situations to help propel my belief that the best way to live is within the reality of the teachings of Christ under girded by the faith that the assertions of His deity are true. I work at a children's charity everyday because I believe that pragmatically, actually helping children eat and live is one of our highest honours and calls as a human family.

 

I suppose we always hope for more for ourselves at some level. It is pretty hard to turn "self" off, but everyday it needs to not be about me. There are thoughts that need expressing, good deeds that need doing, and a bigger picture of making the world a better place that must be achieved incrementally. To use a Biblically example that is still helping me through my bad days, I am still sewing, and watering, and fertilizing, the harvest comes in the fall.

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Sweating It

If I have a fault, it is that I dream big, perhaps bigger than I am able to accomplish. But this I will do, I will ship what I have promised to ship by the end of this month in some shape or form. I am incredibly happy with how song two is shaping up for the 3 song EP, and now I need to start producing song 3.

 

I also have a podcast and webisode of some sort to deliver. Things are going to start rolling out soon. Stay tuned!

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How Do You Do?

I have been reading infrequently a couple of magazines for a few years now, Success and Fast Company. One of the things that I have recently re-discovered is a simple trait of successful people....doing the simple things that lead to success are easy not to do.

I remember when I was in the finance business, one of the things that stuck out to me at learning conferences was that the successful financial planners were not necessarily smarter in finance than most of us who had gone through similar training, they simply gutted out doing some simple but challenging tasks. Cold calls, answering angry calls, constantly making contact with clients, it wasn't rocket science, but most people just don't do the simple but difficult things it takes to succeed. When I started doing those things I began to succeed.

It's funny, in music I have actually resisted doing many of the things that others do that allow them to succeed. I am going to change that. What about you? What things should you be doing? Simple but difficult things, in your relationships, in your spiritual life, in your job, that would cause you to be more successful? Know this, this blog represents where I am today, I am passionate about looking back on this time from a vantage point in the future that will prove this writing useful, to me, and hopefully to you too!

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And Now A Word From Our Sponsor...

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Greedy for Good

I guess I understand greed intellectually, but I don't understand how it is that more people with the power to actually change things for the better aren't "greedier" for a world that looks more like the good pictured in this video.

Posted via web from Cliff Cline

How Do You Spread the Word?

I recently read a post by Seth Godin where he talked about asking for referrals. One of his thoughts was if you have to ask for referrals then perhaps you don't deserve them. I completely agree that one's goal as they go out into the world and create and do work is to do work worth talking about. I do think that sometimes however, people don't realize how much they can help by mentioning, hitting a like button on Facebook, forwarding (not in that chain email way) something they do like. So I thought I would humbly ask for, well a referral:)

 

If you like this blog, let someone know. If you like my new CD, Buried Thoughts (this link to CD Baby download), send on the link. I am committed to continuing to create content, both on this blog and musically, which I hope adds value consistently to those that read/listen.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

It Is Still About God

Ahh. Today I led worship at my "home church". Two services, 7 extra hours of work this week unpaid to pull it off (as it was for everyone with me), and I feel fulfilled.

I didn't achieve all that I dream of artistically, but I shipped with several others the extra 10%. In the words of Seth Godin, we shipped. Why? Because of God, for God, to God.

I wrote a song years ago called "But to God", and it captures this sentiment (you can find it on itunes). At the end of the day, today was great, because it was about God.

Peace.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Rough Cut of Song One of Three Done!

June is a big month of production for me, so I have to get ahead of the game. Last night I finally fired up the studio and got a rough cut of song one of the three planned for my impending to be named June EP. Ahh, sweet progress!!

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Rejuvenate You

We were invited out to camp this weekend by some new friends. People we truly like and want to get to know better. It became somewhat of a running joke, after the first conversation when my lovely bride informed the group, they would never get me to go. Why? I truly dislike camping. Not only does it not make me feel better, it drains me. Hey, I am older and wiser, and I know I will find a way to bond with these great people, but like the hulk being green, they would not have liked me camping!

 

Conversely some great friends did the last minute, "come by for a swim and burgs", call! We went and had an amazing leisurely afternoon with solid conversation and fantastic family time... Energizing!

 

Now you may conclude from this that I am simply a wimp, but I would posit there is something deeper here.

 

We all need to know what feeds us and what drains us, and when we can afford to spend of ourselves, and when we need to fill the tank. I am incredibly convicted in my life that there a several areas I need to move forward, and I am constantly on the edge of spent, so I am seeking rejuvenating activities.

 

What about you? Is there something that you need to find the energy to do? If you are dogged tired you won't likely go for a run. If you are mentally drained, you probably won't create much of anything. Life is a balance, and most of us want to contribute more. Are you making sure you have the energy to realistically get it done? Find a way to rejuvenate you, and then start knocking things off the list.

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New Ideas and Support

I wanted to tease and give a soft announcement. Next month, as I continue to create and ship more content for those following these meanderings of the mind, I am launching a podcast and starting a series of webisodes. The podcasts will have a bit of a talk radio show feel to them, the webisodes are going to start as "live" musical performances and we will see where they head from there.

 

An exciting piece to this is I have a sponsor/advertiser to launch with from day one, and obviously I will be letting you know more about them in due course. Exciting news indeed.

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Feeding Children and Families

I spent yesterday morning at Rexdale Alliance Church in Toronto with Concord Hospitality giving back to some of those in need in the area. All in all we distributed 400 boxes of food and 400 hundred hygeine boxes to help out. A little glimpse into the day job!

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More Songs Brewing

I know I keep threatening, but their really are several on the go. The real challenge is going to be in the production, I sense several of these tunes may end up having multiple iterations. OK, 3 by June 30, lots of work ahead. In the words of Seth Godin, "time to ship it!".

 

 

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R & R

I suppose everybody needs it. I am currently playing golf with four buddies, new and old, in Florida. The weather is brilliant; hot and humid, just the way I like it.

I sitting on the balcony of my friends apartment overlooking the pool, listening to the fountain, while they all sleep (and I am the oldest?) and contemplating life, as I too often do, here and elsewhere I am sure.

So I just turned 40, might as well get that out there, and the natural self actilualization content is brewing: have I done enough, what is the measure of success, what makes a man so to speak?

I know a few things: knowing God and living a life that shows that means a tonne (for me sadly, always great room for improvement), loving my wife, and making her feel stellar is radically important, loving my kids and showing them 1 & 2, and lastly, finding a way to do one and two and stay focussed on the Great Commission.

That isn't everything, but it is a start to the next ten years of bucket list. Songs will follow.

Peace.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

One Thing Every Would Be Worship Leader Should Know

The Bible!

 

Huh? A worship leader is not a professing Christian who is musically talented and has the ability or desire to lead from the front of a church in an attempt to inspire people to feel something towards God through music etc.(although on the surface that sounds OK doesn't it)

 

A worship leader is a professing Christian who has a deep understanding of, and passion for, the truth of scripture, and why in the context of all scripture, the church practices congregational worship. Moreover, with that understanding their foundation, they also possess the necessary skill to lead a congregation musically, and have a desire to help lead the church in the practice worshipping God together.

 

A person desiring to be worship leader must develop the knowledge with the musical gift.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Ship It!! {It is why you were made}

One of the folk I have been learning from lately is Seth Godin. Besides trying to read his blog regularly, I read his most recent book Linchpin. One of the things I really appreciate about his writing is that he is a motivator. Consistently positive. One of the key things that I am trying to practice from his writing is "shipping it". Aiming at something and not only trying, but to quote Yoda, "Try not, do or do not" (something like that), but actually "gettin' er done"

But that is hard isn't it!? With family to pay attention to, a house to care for, money to earn, there seems to be very little capital (time or cash) to spend to make other things happen, or at least happen faster. Right now I have several areas that I need to push forward, and I have read and try to practice the David Allen-esk "Getting Things Done" way of being, but sometimes, I think you need to simplify even more than that.

What I am trying to do is one thing to move something forward everyday. (work doesn't count, I move several things forward most days). But in terms of those other emphasis areas (family, spiritual, music etc) if I can start to close one item everyday then I should ship more.

Why is this important? A friend of mine once taught on creation (from the Bible), and brought an interesting point to light. When God created Adam and Eve in the garden there was perfection. In perfection Adam and Eve were supposed to work, to create, to enjoy the earth and all that was there for them. In perfection that was to be humans reality. Now the world is far less than perfect, but if we practice this one thing: create something that makes the world a better place everyday, however small, then hopefully over time we will be net contributors to this great planet.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

How to Change the World - Be Humble

If I have learned anything, the hard way, it is that being right in one's own mind isn't the same as being right. Humility is an interesting thing. It doesn't mean being a doormat. It certainly isn't denying or not standing up for truth, but it generally does mean applying the concept of "a gentle answer turns away wrath."

 

Now, when I consider trying to lead something towards positive change, change towards truth, I generally try to avoid the top spot. There can be value in that kind of control, don't get me wrong, but I find that if I am forced to influence, forced to create a business case, forced to prove truth rather than declare it to be so, I am also forced to speak softly. I am required by circumstance to put energy into actually knowing what I am talking about instead of relying on a positional strength to force my way. And at the end of the day, you learn through all of this research to prove "your truth" that you knew less before the process started than after, and it keeps you humble, and keeps you learning, and best of all, generally keeps things moving towards a better future!

 

 

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Free Social Media Icon Set

Here is a nice fellow putting this together and giving it away. Elegant Themes Blog I need to add some to my site, and this will make it far easier. I pass along the love.

Posted via web from Cliff Cline

Just Do It

Nike really has something there and most of us know it, but ironically, few of us do it.

Here is my ten cents. Just doing it is often the culmination of time and little efforts rather than one great idea or success. The Bible describes it as "running the race in such a way as to win the prize" (paraphrased).

Personal experience and learning from others has taught me that chipping away at strategic, focussed task and project lists produces results.

One of the key points here is forward momentum. Inevitably we all have bad days, sometimes weeks, but you have to avoid the months. Finding a way to get back in the routine of getting things done, the little important things like touching base with clients and friends, delivering on commitments, even self care like exercise and rejeuvenation all adds up to balance ,and success.

My favourite expression from many musicians is how they became an overnight success after 10 years. 10 years of just doing it.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Great Time At the Well

Over the past two years I have been helping a friend launch a new service at the church he pastors in Toronto. It has been a very interesting experience as I have had the opportunity to implement a strategy for church worship that I believe strongly in. The strategy aligns with my philosophy, derived from the Bible, that worship should be done excellently (see Psalm 33:3) In essence instead of hiring one worship leader we have been bringing in four excellent musicians, one of which is a worship leader, every Sunday. You can imagine, it is a great experience, and solves a common issue with start-ups or small churches: poor music.

Yesterday was another amazing day playing with my friends Eric and Rick and my old friend Kevin Birch. Playing music at a high level is inspirational in and of itself, and I think the effect of great musicality is often lost in the philosophy of worship in the church in general these days. Too many churches value participation over excellence at the expense of properly informed views on Biblical worship. Please note I am referring specifically to the musical expression of worship, but excellence should apply to all our offerings of worship to God.

Although I receive a fair amount of criticism for this view, it should be noted that I do not hold this view vacuous of other Biblical truth. I believe in the importance of the heart and spiritual maturity of leaders, but all cannot be covered in one post. What I think can be agreed on by all those involved in this service is that the out-workings of the philosophy have been reflected to the benefit of this church service plant within a church. In essence, the music is a non-issue every week. Although it is excellent, it simply facilitates worship, does not hinder, does not create debate, it simply serves the church. The musical competence creates a loving barrier to those that might want to hi-jack the worship agenda with any other. We simply worship in spirit and truth with excellence. Who can really criticize that?

Posted via web from Cliff Cline

Leadership (The Problem with the Church in Canada)

As a change of pace from my fluffier posts, I will start to address a burning issue in me.

 

Despite a few glowing examples to the contrary the major issue with the church in Canada is that we have too many of them, and we have too many of them because we have too many men and women who think they are, or want to be THE leader. Too many pastors have bought into the career path of pastor which culminates in Lead or Senior Pastor. Trying desperately to figure out how to grow the institution rather than proclaim and defend the truth and build the kingdom of God. Further to that, the lay leaders or Elders are often not really qualified. Good family men, maybe, wealthy, more often than not, but that isn't a qualification. Able to teach, my experience is mostly not, in fact many don't know their Bible nearly well enough to be protectors of the truth contained therein.

 

I hear a lot of talk about servant leadership, but it is mostly empty. At the end of the day, Jesus Christ, for whom the church is bride metaphorically, simply proclaimed the truth. He really did not try to build anything besides a relationship with those who he did not have one. To bridge the gap between humanity and God His father. The sum of those relationships is the church, and our mandate is clear, build more relationships.

 

I have much more to say on this, and I need to include much scripture to contextualize, but this is a teaser to get some thoughts moving.

 

One last thought. I am not a Pastor, but I once was. I am not bitter, just not called in that way. I am not an Elder and never have been one officially. The authority I will continue to build this conversation on is the Bible, not purely my opinion (but we all come with some lens right). I am also a regular attender and participator in a local church that I am pleased to be a part of. So if this sounds like the beginning of a rant, it really isn't. Perhaps it is a warning shot over the bow.

 

 

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

More "Studio"Photos

It's coming along. Although functional I have not recorded yet, that will happen soon. A few new songs to share once recording is complete.

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Site (Blog) Changes

In the next few days I will be changing around the blog. For those of you that come directly to this page I am recommending that for the next while you access my blog via www.cliffcline.com. This will either become the blog itself, or the link on the right side of the page will go to the new blog. In terms of history, I hope to be able to have the whole blog there from day one, but it may take some time to transfer the whole thing to the new situation.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Fish Bowl

I have chosen to live in a fish bowl to some degree. I have grown to
enjoy the "power" or influence that public performance brings. I use
the term lightly, in that, I realize I am not famous or wealthy
(financially) because of it, but I enjoy performing and leading.

I also publically grapple with the level to which I am experiencing
success. Right now I am trying to redefine that. I am {re} discovering
that I love creating. I am pleased that over two hundred people have
downloaded my new CD for free. Others have purchased in physical
form at concerts. Several hundred come to this blog each month.

The studio is back online, and June is coming. I am looking forward to
releasing some new music soon, and I think there maybe some new other
productions as well.

I am looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Creating Again

I am not officially done the studio, but, getting the majority of it done and getting the rig back up and running has had an immense lightening effect on the brain. So much so that I wrote a new song these past few days, and I really like it. It will definitely be on one of the two 3 song EPs I have committed to producing and releasing for download in June and September.

 

Lots of activity with the free download of my latest CD, and some great feedback as well. I must admit there is a real freedom I am experiencing currently as I have moved away mentally from trying to sell, sell, sell, towards creating. I know at some point I have to find a way to monetize something so that I can upgrade equipment etc., but for now I am going to keep creating music and see where it leads.

 

I also have to find a way to change this blog in the next couple of weeks as my host blogger has changed the game on me a little in terms of how I can post, so hopefully there will be no interruption.

 

Thanks for dropping in!!

 

Updates

Worship Leading

Last night we had rehearsal at our home church for this Sunday's worship service. It was great fun, worked through some solid vocal harmonies, so hopefully we will execute well Sunday and lead with passion. This is only the second time I have led at this new church. It is always great fun to begin to connect more in a church community and feel like you are belonging and contributing.

 

Le Studio

Hmmm, maybe that should be the name of it:). I am definitely feeling a little burnt out. Last night and early this morning was mudding and taping second coat. Tomorrow will be sanding, and unfortunately I think some spots will need a third coat. Colours a picked though, so I will then prime and paint and lastly put in the sub floor before moving in. Still a lot to do, since that has to be done by next weekend. (Self imposed deadline)

 

 

Lots Doing

If you are like me you have a lot on the go. If you are like me you dream of getting to the next place, that place where what your day is mainly made up of is the stuff that you either have to do (day job), or want to do (spend time with family, friends, and doing music).

 

For me the challenge is trying to get to the place where most of the bigger "to dos" are done. Fixing up the house so that everybody has what they need...closets that work, beds that fit, curtains that hang, a family room to hang out in, and , oh yeah, an office for daddy to keep all of his music stuff in!!

 

Well I am close to finishing a fairly major phase one of the "One Room Studio", and I am looking forward to coming home at night, spending time with the kids playing basketball on the drive, tucking in everybody, and then going down and writing and producing some new music.

 

I have two projects in mind. A worship EP and an "other" EP. One done by June the other by September. Should be fun.

Studio Photo 2

Under Construction

The "One Room Studio" is coming along. Thought I would share a photo
or two!!

180 Downloads and Counting

"The Gift"

It is good to see that many of you have taken advantage of the free download of my new CD, "Buried Thoughts". 180 donwloads so far.  Being a part-time musician has its challenges as it pertains to pushing ahead musical endeavours, but my goal really is to get as many as possible listening and enjoying and hopefully being moved by what I am able to create.

 

Seth Godin in his book Linchpin talks about the need to ship, in other words create something worth delivering, putting out there, and do it, on time and on budget. To that end I want to commit to shipping something to you all soon. By June 2010, I will be shipping a three more brand new songs, so look for that, it should be a very intriguing little project.

 

"The Studio"

I had a major break-through this week and finished the electrical in the new office/studio in my basement. I think I have to come up with a name for it. Any suggestions? The plan is to finish (ship) the studio and get it on production by May, giving me 6 weeks to produce the three aforementioned songs. They may end up being piano and vocal only, but that has been a common request of late from many of you.

 

"The Tour Phase Two"

I am trying to start putting together part two of the "Buried Thoughts" tour. If you would like to have me come out to your church, piano bar, coffee pub, let me know and we will set it up.

 

 

Fly Me To The Moon

Most of us would recognize this phrase a the classic jazz standard title, which by the way you can hear me sing on my website, www.cliffcline.com. It is the last song on the flash player on the front page.

 

Songs can take us to a happy place as it were. They can uplift us and make us feel happier, convicted, well the whole range of emotions. I have been watching videos and listening to, it feels like, too many people "preach" on the value of doing what you love. The concept underlying it all is satisfaction in life. If you are doing what you love, then surely you will be more content. It might cost you something, but it is worth it.

 

I don't know about you, but this is a massive struggle for me. I love music and singing, writing music, playing music, producing music, the whole deal, but for whatever reason,  the charges I have made to further this love never turn into a full-time gig. But that is life isn't it? Some make the NHL, others don't. Please note, I realize that part of the reason for my lack of success might be my talent level, but people keep buying my music and coming to the few concerts I put together....so I am lost in quasi "success".

 

The flip side is your stage of life. I am married with four kids, and they are my priority. I personally don't think I am making an excuse, I am trying to give them as good a life as I can. Moreover, I work for a charity that helps children in Canada and around the world. I am trying to do the best I can in balance.

 

The argument against me, I think, is that I am a bit of a Jack of all trades, master of none. In Gladwellian terms, I am not focused enough to put in my 10,000 hours. So where does this leave you or me. Right now, somewhere in the middle. I am building "proper" studio in my basement, and will return to producing soon. I have a newish CD with lots of legs left in it, (which I am gifting in download version should you want it http://www.cliffcline.com/2010/03/cliff-cline-new-cd-free-download), and I am trying to stay true to a vision of music I have had since I was 16.

 

Over the past year I have struggled with giving up music because I have not attained the success that I had always dreamed of, but I am renewed in a saying a friend gives me credit for, although I am sure I did not come up with it. "It isn't art until it moves someone". Why am I giving away my latest CD. I hope to move a dream in some one else. I hope to share my faith with someone else. I hope to share my struggles and loves with as many as I can, and move someone: towards God; towards loving their wife or husband more; towards good deeds; or living better and giving more. If I can do that, and continue to do that, I will be living my dream, in fact I may fly over the moon!!

 

 

 

 

 

[re]boot the church

Cliche with all of the post-modern chatter of the last few years?....maybe, but what if you viewed it like a real computer reboot. (Yes mac users it happens to you too, just less often.....I work on mac and PC, I know).

 

Think about rebooting your computer, it is stuck, or lagging, what have you, so you do the dreaded hard reboot. What happens? It completely shuts down, powers off momentarily, and then restarts fresh and new. The code or process that had stalled or slowed production rectified. The programs are still there, the files (except perhaps the recent unsaved ones) and operating system again operating. It is different than refreshing an Internet browser, which sounds more pleasant, because you actually power off. It is different than a force quit as well, which is more like a refresh - only completely powering off will do. But the fact remains, what is not there is the problem, and what is there is what you were looking for in the first place, a working computer.

 

A reboot is only useful, however, if there was nothing inherently wrong with your peripherals, or your machines code. If there is and you don't change anything, you will crash again.

 

So how do you reboot a church. Well, I dare say carefully, with alot of humility, and with the full knowledge that if you are a part of the church, whether you lead the charge or follow the leader, the only person who does not shut down during the reboot is the person pressing the button. And no offense to any of us, if we can't complete the analogy with that person being God (meaning we all "power down"), then it isn't a reboot.

Intellectual Dishonesty

All of us are intellectually dishonest sometimes. Sometimes it comes through necessary compromise (which hurts), or unnecessary self justification (which is self-serving), or just plain denial. The problem that has developed in society is there are very few willing to confront this dishonesty, because they know they are themselves caught in some level of the same pragmatic hypocrisy. This creates a cycle of never truly pursuing better ideas or thoughts (of a moral nature) because to do so calls those ideas of less superior merit into question, which is by default fraught with peril, due to the unfaltering criticism of those who dare to challenge - well, anyone or thing.

 

What then shall we do? The hope I suppose is that at varying levels, we see a few brave souls willing to take the criticism of the masses on to propagate better thoughts, better ways, for a better world. Those that will not only tackle the big problems of today like hunger and poverty, but also the "seemingly smaller ones" like poor parenting, lying and a general lack of respect and love.

Infusing Higher Creativity into Worship Music

Yesterday I led worship at the Well with my friend's worship band. When I have the opportunity to play with new players I like them to influence the sound. We ended up using an arrangement on "Here I Am to Worship" which included a significant lick from a Switchfoot song. Pretty out there really, but effective, why?

 

There are many reasons why creating unique arrangements are effective. Here are three:

1. When we have a body of music that is familiar enough to sing, then it can become predictable. Infusing a familiar song with an unfamiliar line rejuvenates our conscious and subconscious and has the effect of making the sentiment new, improving our focus on God.
2. The musicians themselves are challenged and re-inspired, making their leadership and example more impassioned and effective.
3. It is impressive or impressing. Whether we are musical enough to know it or not does not matter. Hearing something difficult played well and musically impacts us positively.

In the end, your average musician can't accomplish this kind of feat, one of the main reasons my time at the Well is so inspiring to me is that I get to play with such great players. To read more on my opinions on excellence in church music go to this post.

 

A friend of mine in ministry commented to me about the gait of Sunday. "Sundays", he said, "keep coming relentlessly." He really did not mean it negatively. He meant , I think , that the work of getting ready for Sunday is a non negotiable discipline. When we are able to bring something new, something different, something beautiful to bear every Sunday, then we please God and inspire others to do the same.

Cliff Cline New CD Free Download

Sorry for the delay, but here it is, my gift to you. (http://cliffcline.com/btcd.html)

 

As I have mused, I am not sure where it all leads from here. I love creating music, and if I have any frustration, it is that I would like to share it with more people. One of the potential barriers to that is commerce. It is not a gift if I charge you for it, and I really want many to hear and enjoy it, so no commerce means, well a gift.

 

Do pass it on if you like it, FaceBook it, Twitter it, and let me know your favourite song or songs.

 

I am working to finish off my new creative space, and hope to be back writing a new CD by spring. I will keep you posted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A New Day, A Gift Coming

We are all in transition aren't we? Those that know me know that I have been doing music pretty seriously for 25 years. In the last 16 I have recorded 5 CDs and performed many places. I suppose to some degree or another I had always hoped it would turn into something more, but it hasn't, and that is ok.

 

What isn't as ok for me is that I still want to create and share music. I hope to share art that changes people. Art that encourages and inspires.

 

The problem is that the "CD" as we know it has become a commodity. There are so many artists out there doing great stuff (I would like to think I am in that category) that many of them can not make an economic go of it (I am in that category too). For me though, I would far rather people have my music as a gift, than not have it at all. For me to have files on my computer or CDs in my basement collecting dust makes no sense. I have poured hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars into producing a gift, and now it is time I give it away to as many as possible. Will you help me?

 

Although I can't afford to give away the CDs in my basement, I am going to treat them like the commodity they are and sell them as cheaply as possible. But the files, the mp3s I am going to give away.

 

Check back here next week and you will find a link to my music, my gift to you and whoever you share it with. See you then.

Linchpin and Natasha Bedingfield

I have been reading Seth Godin's blog for a while now, and finding it very useful to spark my mind to action. I just purchased his latest book Linchpin and for me it may just be life changing. I am not talking life changing like Jesus or the Bible, but life changing nonetheless. I recommend the read. You are welcome Seth.

Natasha Bedingfield is inspiring me huge right now. I am currently re-building my "studio" and am in physical pain that the inspiration is not being turned into my own creations right now. Natasha, we are on a first name basis you see [not], is a brilliant singer, huge voice, and her music is well, joyous. I like it, she's given me a "pocket full of sunshine"!

What is next:
2010 is the year of "Buried Thoughts" the new CD. If you like it tell someone, buy it, share it, and come see me sing or even book me!!

Worship:
I led music for a prayer service last night at Forestview, cool. Small gathering, but great environment at the new church we are going to. I lead for the service a week this Sunday, so I am looking forward to that huge.

I lead and speak at The Well tomorrow. Maybe I will see you there.

Work and Haiti:

I was able to get another small team out this morning from Trenton air force base. A missionary teacher, and two nurses and a medic to help with our partner Mission of Hope. To support the work we are doing there in Canada you can go to www.ftccanada.ca. I have confirmed thy have arrived safely and are on their way to engage in work. Bless them as they give!!

Last word for today......be encouraged, in the midst of pain and disaster there is hope, there are wonderful loving people who are giving so much, yes to help in Haiti, but also right here in Canada, in neighbourhoods, in downtown cores to bless those without. Be encouraged that thy are doing this, and well, figure out how to be a apart of the blessing too.

Peace.

Concert Pics, Leading at Our New Church and Haiti

New Content:

I finally have some decent concert shots to view: photo page

New CD Buried Thoughts is still fresh, you can buy or download it on the site.

 

New Church: http://forestviewchurch.ca/

We have finally landed at a home church where we seem to fit, it's great, and after five months I am slowly getting involved in worship. I will be leading my first service this Friday night, most likely solo with a little mac thrown in. Then in couple of weeks I lead at the main service.

 

This Sunday I am speaking and leading at the Well in Toronto, so it will be good to see my other family after a bit of time away.

 

Haiti

As some of you know my day job is COO of a charity called FTC Canada (Feed the Children). It has been an intense couple of week as we had staff on the ground that needed support. We were able to get a medical team and medicines in fairly early and they are already back. You can read about what we are doing there by linking on the news and blog link from our site.

Much Music Haiti Special

I have been invited to be part of a special Much is taping tonight. I
may not get a word in, but I will be there to source.

This last week has been surreal. Normally something like Haiti would
be a news item, something I would follow, raise and give money for and
to, and pray that things would work out.

Two and a bit years ago I moved from being a Pastor to working to help
feed kids in Canada and around the world at www.ftccanada.ca.

We have two partners on the ground in Haiti. I have friends working at
one of those places that we partner with. They have four kids there,
one is my eldest daughters age 10.

I am not a front line guy. I am an organizer, a talker, and show off,
a big mouth, and it has been time to use it all ( even if some of that
sounded negative) to help.

Dozens of hours of calls, getting a great team firing on more
cylinders than we have, getting a medical team to Haiti to help our
partners, our friends bring hope to Haiti. Raising awareness and money
to pay for the meds, people and supplies they so desperately need.

The team is there, day two and I am waiting for the stories that I
know will tear me up. And I am here, wishing I could do more.

I will say this, it is time for us that have to give something,
whether it be to my organization or another trusted one doing work
there right now. Lots of helping hands make the incredible work that
needs to be done a little lighter.

For news or to give: www.ftccanada.ca

Peace.

Haiti Disaster Relief

Since the earthquake hit in Haiti last week, my focus has been there.
Whereas in the past this would have been a news item, in my new role
it is my 24/7.

With partners/staff on the ground in the thick of things we have been
desperately trying to get a medical team of supplies and professionals
to Port au Prince to re-inforce the effort our amazing team is doing
there.

Tonight at 3:40 a.m our team of 16 is to leave via Montreal straight
to PaP airport to be met by some of our team and provide relief and
renewed supplies.

I pray they get there and that the work goes well. I will update as I
know more.

To help the efforts of our relief work go to:

www.ftccanada.ca

My Wife is Amazing

My wife is building four little cathedrals, and they are beautiful! This is a great take on how amazing she is.

First Post of the Decade

As I look at the next decade I see it as crucial to me and my family. This is the time for me to do something bigger, something more meaningful, something lasting. There will be university starting for my eldest, there will be dreams formed in all my children, and I must encourage. I must show them the world God has created and the nuture the gifts they have been given to serve God in this world.

Interesting motivational thought from Seth Godin's blog. I definitely do not want to wake up 7 to 10 years from now having only dreamt of doing more.

Seize the day!!

Hello / Goodbye Newmarket and Updates

So last night the "Buried Thoughts" tour continued. In fact, it continued at the church I was a pastor at for five years. I had Kevin Birch on drums and Fergus Marsh on bass. They are both amazing, and it was a great concert!! I am looking forward to booking out 2010, with this CD.

Worship

Back at The Well this morning which was great. One of the bigger crowds since this second year started (since I have been there) and the vibe was amazing. Definitely a place to hang if the westside of TO is your home and you want modern, or should I say post-modern, or should I say, well cool place to hang, nuff said.

The Studio

As I plan for the next project, work on creating a better studio space commences this weekend. Hopefully the new space is created by Jan, and I can get back to spending sometime writing etc. I also have to do some more recording of the kids, they are amazing.

Lyrics to Title Track of the new CD

Buried Thoughts

Buried in the thoughts of elsewhere moments

Is the sad loss of immediate and close by ones

What of distant scenarios, if they can't be grasped, even a little?

Perhaps pondering painfully in the present

Is more valuable than longing for a more desirable impossibility

Perhaps, but who's to say? Perhaps, but who's to say?

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

 

Perhaps perfection lies in the perception, of that which stimulates the mind to see?

Or maybe some absolute truth, guides what may actually be?

But arbitrary pain and angst and hate

Seem to roam free in he mind with any time or reason, to host misery

It leaves nothing, good to say, it leaves nothing good to say

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

 

And to be a rebel without a cause, or with one, changes nothing

Are they not valid, the emotions, that run wild to find the truth?

Perhaps some friends and some prayer

And some good advice would clear the air

And free the fire in the foundation, that runs wild to find the truth

Perhaps but who's to say, perhaps but who's to say?

'Cause I 'm looking for authenticity, in the midst of this reality

What'd you say, what you say?

Lyrics to Buried Thoughts Now Available

By "popular" demand, I have made the lyrics to the Buried Thoughts CD available on the website to download, for free of course. You can link to it from the front page. Happy reading!!!

www.cliffcline.com

"You Found Me" in Concert at the Well

Definitely a weird affect with the lighting, but let's call it artistic. This is from the old CD, I will post one of the songs from the new CD soon.

The Well Concert

Here are some images from the Well "Buried Thoughts" release concert:

The stage:




The Sound Check:



The Concert:

A Great Concert at the Well

Last Saturday night was a great intimate solo concert with my community at the Well. Thanks to Bryn and the gang for hosting it! It was followed up with leading music for the Well service the next morning, so a full weekend for sure.

 

As the "tour" evolves I am enjoying seeing how the "show" or set is starting to have a better feel (to me at least). I am far from done my tweaking, but the my favourite stories for the songs are refining the more I tell them, and judging flow based on audience reaction is starting to become more innate.

 

I have another trio concert coming up in Newmarket in two weeks, so that will be another opportunity to grow the band flavour of the tour.

Reboot

Have you ever thought that you would just like to reboot your life? I like the metaphor of a reboot for a couple of reasons. Often, we have to reboot our computer (yes even Mac users once in while) because the system has crashed or a program is not responding. The thing is, once the computer starts again, if we are fortunate, all of the previous good work and files are still there, it is just that the computer is functioning well again. Now, any of the bad work and useless files are still there as well, but in a sense we instantly get a fresh start at work. To emphasize, unless it is a full crash, we can't erase the past, you never can but that is very computer and life philosophical, but the point is -  line in the sand....reboot.

 

I currently feel like I am in reboot mode in every aspect of life. I have been working out for over a year and a half now, but I need a refresh to move forward. I finished the CD Buried Thoughts and have started to promote it, but I need a new wave of creativity and energy to promote for the next year and keep fresh musically. Spiritually I feel like it has been a tough two and a half years since I left being a Pastor to where I am today. Even in family, all of the above has led to the hard drive of life feeling over worked. Many of the "files" that have been created are good files, but I need to refresh the system, put things in their folders, organize, take a deebreath as my eldest daughter used to say, and embrace a new more productive, fresher (is that a word) future.

 

Keep you posted.....

FTC Canada is Feeding Families in Hamilton again this year!!

Last year we partnered with Marwan Hage of the Hamilton Ti-Cats to distribute 1000 food boxes to help families in Hamilton. This year with more partners and a tonne of work, we are doing it again, but this time 1500 boxes!!

Here is TSN's coverage of last years event, hopefully they come out again.




Here is the link to how you can help FTC do this and other drops in the future: http://ftccanada.ca/hamilton

Do what you can when you can.....

My Dual Life

I have had a good run of pushing both the day job and the new CD forward this past month, starting to fatigue now though. Time for a week off next week, and then back at it pushing until Christmas, starting with the cool gig at the Well Nov. 7.

You can but the download of the new CD "Buried Thoughts" at www.cliffcline.com, or buy the physical copy, not to mention listen to a couple of tracks to see if you like it!!
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The Problem with Music in Church Worship - A Lack of Excellence

I seem to find myself in an interesting conversation with regularity these days, in fact for the last several years. The simple desire or question is: "how do we make our music for church congregational worship better?" To me the answer seems obvious, but I do feel that I am in the minority in my conclusions. Grant it I am accused of being black and white on this issue, but walk with me.

 

In my opinion there are two major factors at play. 

 

Firstly, it is church, so you need people who are established in their faith in Christ, and frankly, relatively mature as Christians, and therefore as people, to make up this team. I am not suggesting necessarily the qualities of an Elder, as the Bible describes, but not far off, possibly that of a deacon. Please note, no reference to gender here. The reason this must be the first quality in the people on the team is it answers the "heart", or motivation, or attitude question first. Why is this important? Because the second criteria, although seemingly the most straightforward, is the one where all the controversy comes in.

 

Number two: THE MUSICIANS MUST BE VERY GOOD!! "Ohhhh but Cliff, they have such a great heart!" Bully for them. So when they finish playing on Sunday do you walk up and say, "great heart, playing needs work, but great heart." No, most likely that is not what happens. Everybody either secretly whispers between each other that the music was not good, even though they like the person, which breaks unity in the church at some significant level whether you like to believe it or not, or they lie right to the person's face justifying the lie with some thought of practicing the gift of encouragement Does no one else see this as horribly dishonest?

 

Psalm 33:3 paraphrased says when you worship God do it with skill.  1 Chronicles 15:22 talks about the talent of the leader being the reason he was chosen to lead. We are all given to understand King David was skilled at his instrument and writing.

 

Here is my compromise; the musicians must be at a semi-professional level of play. "But we don't have anybody that good." Hmm, that raises a couple of other issues, which I can't begin address in this post. So let me point to some questions worth exploring to find your own conclusions.

 

1.   If God created the earth and everything in it, including the overtone or harmonic series (which gives us our sense of tune and harmony), and calls us to play skillfully to Him in worship, what makes us think that we should compromise on this Biblically? Another way of exposing another discussion point is, why have we elevated volunteerism (people willing with a good heart) over God given gift and obvious work ethic leading to skill.

2.  If the skill doesn't exist in your congregation is it possible that a) your church isn't ready for public gatherings or b) that your church body should be a part of another body which has sufficient leadership and skill present?

3.  Is it possible that we have lost our way in our desire to multiply and/or follow a Senior Pastor's "new" vision and embraced society's individualism (e.g. every church having their own logo and vision and building etc.) at the expense of true humble community, where we actually nurture, encourage and develop those with gifts in many areas to the end of a much healthier group of communities that are ONE church rather than a series of denominations and churches.

I will personally never understand a leadership of a church that does not practice truth, in love, and place those in spiritual and musical leadership who actually possess the skills to accomplish the tasks necessary. This very notion, I know, creates some tension and controversy, but that tension and controversy to me reveals not that my premise is wrong, but that there are unrelated sub-issues allowing this elephant in the room to propagate in many churches. What is the elephant? That the one or both of the qualities above are not represented properly in the music teams of the church.

 

Some Different Musings

I thought I would write something a little different today, a little about the musical journey I am on right now. Well, actually it is the non musical part of the musical journey. For those interested in a career in music this might add some insight.

 

I am in the midst of trying to revive my musical dream in what is probably one of the most challenging times in commercial music history to do so. At the same time, the opportunities are also great. I have been able to produce my own CD, "Buried Thoughts", at a high quality with complete artistic control because I was able to buy my own "studio". But there are ups and downs. I personally have had very little success historically, and with the semi-release of this CD, selling online. I am going to keep hammering away, but it is a reality. That is a down. On the other hand, an up, I always seem to do very well when I sing live. Both of my release concerts have seen CD sales at a high percentage of the audience, very encouraging.

 

I know, and have read, that in the end, touring is the way to truly build a career. The above musings confirm the difference in the response between advertising and actually going out there a creating an exprience. I know I have to create some more expriences, I'll keep you posted.

Mike Janzen Jazzes

I have never actually had the pleasure of working with Mike because he does the same thing as me, plays and sings. Admittedly he is much better!!! Great job Mike!! Love the jazz stuff.

Concert in Oakville Tonight

Really looking forward to the first trio concert for "Buried Thoughts" tonight at Oakville Bible Chapel. Tickets are available for $10 the door. Concert at 7pm. Hope to see you there!!
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CD Review/Feature at Godbeat.com!!

I connected with Godbeat.com in Nashville when I was there for GMA's Immerse, and have an add running to gain some exposure in the US. They have also written a feature on the new CD. Check it out here, and please fell free to share it with many.

Concert tomorrow night in Oakville, come on by and say hi!!

Radio Interview Tomorrow Morning

I am being interviewed tomorrow morning on Joy 1250 in Oakvile, Ontario by Jim Leek. If you are up at 7:05 am and in the area, have a listen.

Another CD release concert this week

Hey come check out the Cliff Cline trio at Oakridge Bible Chapel in Oakville this week and hear the new CD live, and of course pick one up if you haven't!! Tickets are $10 at the door. See you there.

What is meaning for you? {more thoughts on Buried Thoughts}

I think I have always struggled with meaning, meaning for me I suppose. The title track on my new CD certainly deals with this.

What is it for you. Being spiritually centered, not to sound too New Age-y. Doing something meaningful in your day job or free time? Being married and raising kids? Having a significant income and perhaps notoriety. Those that know me know that music has always been a major part of my make-up, but it has never been my full-time thing. No lack of desire, just never happened in reality.

I think the process of Buried Thoughts, which I might add is significantly bigger than simply writing and producing the CD, has taught me that music brings far more meaning in my life than perhaps I have ever known. It is the way I express myself most purely, which for me in part, is poetically. I find more power in words that leave room for the listener to wrestle, to process, to read between the lines. For budget reasons I did not release the lyrics in the CD cover. I have already received requests for them. They will be offered on the site soon.

I have rightly been accused of being very intense in life. I am discovering that I am happiest, most content in that place. Life to me is to grow. Life to me is to serve in the dirt. Life to me is love til it hurts. Life to me is to laugh hard, loud and long. Life to me is to abandon self to the point where God can fill the void. Life to me is big, bigger than today, because if God wills, I can do more and better tomorrow.

Some of the bigness of life has come out in this newest CD. Someone, not my mother:), said that they thought this was my best CD so far. Cool, I hope I can grow and make my next even better, in the meantime I hope that Buried Thoughts is bigger and better in every way than that which I have done in the past.

The Buried Thoughts Evolution

I am having fun with the different kind of work that goes with starting to launch the new CD. Planning gigs (please feel free to call and book more), updating the website and promoting the CD. I really haven't really gone into earnest, this month is really pre-drop month in terms of "the world", with those that know me being first on the list to call as it were.

To that end, the site is a little cleaner now, better flash player with the whole new CD to listen to. If you like it, you can buy it for one more week for $12. After that is goes up to $15, although downloads will be available soon for $10, so keep a lookout if you don't like to have something in your hands (you own an iPod)

As I have mentioned before this CD offers a unique view I think. Not original (see my song 'Nothing New" from the Apartment Sessions on the flash player on my site) but a useful set of stories, songs and thoughts for churches to use as community building concerts. Building community with the outside community I mean. I am excited to see where this leads.

Thoughts on Buried Thoughts "The Tour" (Windsor)

The first stop on the tour was amazing. I must say it was a tiring weekend doing three worship services and then the concert at night, but it was very rewarding. As strange as it sounds, I really did not know what to expect from the songs as I had put them together. I listened to the songs on this CD a million times, but when you go to perform them live you start to get the feel of how people respond to them and how serious the content is. It is an interesting mix between the two CDs (technically three) that I perform from for this tour. The new CD is dark, spiritual, Biblical, but dark, dealing with more of the serious themes found in the Bible that we experience in life. The whole first set basically was the new CD, but I was very pleased to see people respond to the stories and songs by picking up a bunch of new disc!! The second set acted almost as a resolution to the first with many songs from the Noticing the Sky CD.

I will be tweaking the set for sure, maybe adding a few more songs from "The Apartment Sessions" CD. Looking forward to sharing from the next "tour" stop in Oakville in September. Love to see you come out if you are in the area.

Picking Up the CD

I am literally standing in shipping at Cinram to pick up "Buried Thoughts". Hard to express the excitement of finally producing stem to stern myself my own CD. Where this albom of songs and stories will take us (cause it really takes my whole family and "fans" for the ride) is yet to be seen. But I am very excited.

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New CD, New Single

You can listen to the new single One Night on the flash player on my site right now. I hope you like it!! Moreover, if you are on my email list you will get it for free in the next e-news that will be coming out shortly. My last e-news gave away the single Freedom, starting to hit in Christian radio in Canada as we speak. As I try to build a community around the work I am trying to accomplish with my music I hope to add value to those who are supporting me. Keep looking for free stuff and resources from time to time in the e-news. Tell your friends to sign-up for the emails as well so they can get the same benefits.

The new CD Buried Thoughts is coming out in a couple of weeks, but you can get it for 20% off if you pre-buy now. Go to www.cliffcline.com.

Month in Review

This might in fact take in more than a month in review, but I thought I would mention some highlights.

Family
We had an amazing time at a friends cottage last week. The weather was finally summer-ish and hot, and seeing the Cline's, all six, paddling around in a canoe must have made a couple chuckle, but it sure brought joy to this Dad and husbands heart!! The rest was amazing, especially after what you will hear has been happening before it.

The CD, Buried Thoughts
It is finished and currently been replicated. It was an very intense couple of months pushing to get it finished. Not only did I have to finish the vocals and some other tracking, I mixed and mastered this one as well. Honestly, I am tickled with the quality for my first self-produced CD. I think you will love it too. The beauty is you can taste before you buy by listening to the single (and probably some more tunes soon) on the flash player on my main page..right now...really...go do it and then come back and read more. Or open it in another window and do both!!

Touring
It starts this weekend, and I hope it will continue with a fury, so feel free to help me get more gigs.

"Business Development"
I am marketing more than ever this time around, trying to let people know about the music and hopefully inspire them to support and use what I have created to build in their lives and others. I feel it is time to reach out more than ever, I am excited to see where it leads.

Nashville
I feel like my trip to Nashville will be an evolving story for the next year or more. So many great connections and things learned that I need to get into my plans and actually implement. I hope that you will see the growth from that trip in many things I do for the next while!! You can read about some of it in my July and August posts below.

Labour of Love

Buried Thoughts is a title and verse that I remember writing on the top floor of the library at Trinity Western University in my first year of university, over looking the pond at sunset. Yes, that was twenty years ago. It was written as a poem. Years later I ended up writing two more verses to that poem and then setting it to music. Very few have heard it, but they did seem to like it a lot, so I ended up not only putting it on this CD but naming the CD after it. Fair warning, it is an art song ala Leonard Cohen; poetry to music.

There are a couple of songs like that on the CD, but the rest of it is more accessible in terms of pop hooks etc. The production is really simple, piano, drums, bass and acoustic guitar, and I play flugal horn on one song!! It is also not a worship CD like my last one, but more of a listening CD. I am very excited about this project and the prospect of sharing it in concert on radio and the web this next year. You can pre-order it for $3 off right now - $12 (next two weeks only) and have it by September. Download version will be for sale the week of August 24th.

I have my next two projects conceptualized as well. Over the next few months I will unveil how there will be much more consistent content coming from my studio!!

Staying Connected

If you are reading this but you are not on my email list, I encourage you to sign up. I am going to begin being more frequent with the blasts (once every month or two) and there will be free things too. For instance if you sign up right now you get my new single "Freedom".

Also check out the website, www.cliffcline.com, you can now easily link to me on twitter, myspace, youtube and facebook. I am reaching out here people, so tweet, poke, shout out etc, back k!!:)

I am this close to sending the new CD to press, it supposed to go this Friday, pre-sales should start next week as well as digital downloads.

Alas, I must run. Talk to you soon.

Last Day in Nashville @ Immerse

Day four came with even more wonderful conversations with peers and pros. The ones I can remember (mostly because I got cards - see business cards still work!!!)

Don Koch, my goodness. You gave me tonnes of time (that's the Canadian spelling and a Canadian tonne is bigger than a imperical one!!). Thank you for the great teaching conversation. Sorry to gush, but you were very encouraging, thanks.

Hisjuliet.com.....You guys are very cool. Hey I like the foo foo fighters too..lol!!! All the best!!

Dave Mohr and Greg Cobb. Dudes, make it kay!! We will talk. Send me your stuff!!

Michael Ross, thanks for your time. Wealth of knowledge, you are....did that sound like Yoda or Gollum?? PS Michael is from Sweetwater, a sponsor..buy their stuff....

Janelle Ross and Jamie Howe, thanks for the kind words about my music and the great conversations. Bless you in your work.

James Leo Oliver and Greg Brayton, dudes, you have great hearts and spirits. So great to meet you. Killer song dude.

The Wrap-up on Immerse

Well this might not be "it" but here it is. I was dissappointed not to make the finals of the artist competition, but I blame me. Should have chosen a more accessible song.

However, this has been the most encouraging musical week I have had in years. So many folk "loving" on my late night performances. Both pros and joes!!

If peers you think you are great reciprocate in large numbers, it usually means something. Woohoo.

So I am meeting an old friend tonight, it will be a highlight of the trip for sure.

Flying home tomorrow, can't wait to see my gorgeous bride and beautiful children. One more sleep!!


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Still in Nashville

On Nashville

Well I sang in the semi-finals this morning of a artist competition. I know, seems oxymoronic, nevertheless, as I try and discern how to proceed in life with this music thing that so many of you reprimand me for not going full time with, I thought I would humble myself to 19 year old status and sing down here for scary professional people. Man I am humbled. They are all very nice mind you, but the other singers are great people with great voices. To quote an line from a new song from Buried Thoughts coming out in August from yours truly (taken out of context) "and I keep walking, to see what this might all mean".

On weather (in Canada and Nashville)

It's hot and humid and I love it. I wish I was playing outside instead of in the AC. I keep forgetting to ask or look what the weather is in TO, but sweaty armpits rock!!!!! I love the heat. Hey, those who remember me leading worship anywhere know I go through a shirt every half hour, it feels like home.

On the New CD, Buried Thoughts.

Released in August as promised (well that was my last promise and I am sticking to it). Digital last week of August, physical first week in September, except for Heritage Park in Windsor who I get to launch the new CD with. I have two firm bookings Aug and September and a more in the TBD stage.

On God

Wow, the Cline's are growing as a family, spiritually - come on did you really think a fifth child?! We know we irritate some of you with our constant wrestling with God, but can I say something? (Of course, it's my blog) the more we focus on what God wants for this world, how he made it, created it to be, the Bible refers to it as Kingdom "business", the more everything else just works. To be very Biblical, seek first God's Kingdom, and His righteousness, and the other things that SHOULD will follow because God will make it so. Should could mean nothing I imagine hope or dream, but at least it is what God wants.

Credits (new friends or generally friendly folk)

Guy Zabka, dude, God gave me a one on one with you. Thanks for being so honest giving such great advice. I will keep you posted...unless you don't want me too:)

Zandra Brown.com. Ok wow, so encouraging, people have come up to me to tell me you told them I was good. Thanks, gift of encouragement anyone?

Jason Whitehorn, Godbeat.com. You prayed with me. Thanks, that was huge.

Charles Dorris. Again, I know that you were there to do it, but man you were kind with your time, and you are just so very generous in spirit.

Brigette Hammers.com and your husband, (sorry already forgot your name, you need to get a card too Manager.) Again with the encouragement. Thanks for the CD swap!!

Jenna Miller, I felt bad chasing you down, but I got that you were so into the church, so I just wanted to say hi. Again with the kindness. Thanks for the time.

David Breen, dude so real. Thanks for your authetic words on autheticity. Makes sense really, but you can't have one without the other. Drop you a line in six to nine months!!

GMA, thanks for connecting us. For my TO friends, it was worth the drive to Acton, and oh, it's not over.

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Immerse in Nashville

I am so pumped. I found my people!! Learning so much on songwriting and the business. Michael W Smith spoke, great, Travis Cottrell led worship, powerful!!
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Five to Go

Well I was hoping to be done all of the lead vocals for the CD by tonight, but my voice has not been cooperating. Nevertheless, only five songs to go, so I should be to touch ups this weekend and mixing next week. Getting close!

A Way to Change Poverty

Paul Polak on CBC's The Hour w/ George Stroumboulopoulos

City Kids

One of the places we support at FTC Canada. Great story.

We Love City Kidz 1 from City Kidz on Vimeo.

CD Progress

So last night was another late night of productivity tracking BGs for the song Kyrie. This may end up being one of my favourites.

This week is going to be key in getting all the BGs done and maybe some lead vocals. If that is accomplished, I should be good for the deadline.

Oh the pressure

So I have two CD release concerts booked. Check out the appearances page on my website and look in August and September. The exciting thing is that I will be doing solo concerts froim piano (something I am being encouraged greatly to do from both sides of the country) and with the trio that played on my CD. The September concert will have Fergus Marsh and Greg Woods playing with me, so I am very excited about that.

Father's Day CD Update

CD Progress

I have three phases left in my recording process for the last CD. Due to the erratic production schedule (long and lacking continuity) these phases will overlap some, well one and two anyway. Currently I am importing all of the final bass files into the mixes. I have been working with the mp3's originally received from the bass player Fergus Marsh. As part of this same phase I now have to go back and clean-up up and re-record all of the lead vocals and do the same for the BGs and acoustic guitar. There is still an outside chance I will not do the acoustic myself, but that remains to be seen. Then of course is the mixing then the mastering. The schedule is tight, so we will see what we can do. Keep you posted.

New Single

I can't believe I have not put this on the blog, I have a new single: Freedom. You can listen to it and purchase it on my website. I have also released it to Canadian Christian radio, so hopefully they will start picking it up in the next few weeks!!

You can also sign up to be on my e-mailing list which I am now starting to update far more frequently (maybe monthly?!).