Rock Star

I don't think I have blogged that I finally have outfitted myself with an electric guitar. It was time to start playing and recording with those sounds, and the March song of the month definitely needed it. Last night was great, laying down some guitar tracks for the new tune, which is really starting to shape up.

I have to admit, there is a completely different feeling playing electric. Overdrive, delay etc., so fun. Kind of makes you feel like...well a rock star. I highly recommend it.

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The End Game

I just finished reading the memoir of Warren Bennis,"Still Surprised." It was definitely An interesting read from the perspective of an educator who lived through WWII and so much social change in North America and Europe these past 70 years.

One of the things that struck me...again..was the process of the journey. The best way I can describe the sentiment that I I want to convey is this.

My beautiful wife wakes up almost everyday to the same "chores". Making meals, taking care of all of the sundry cleaning and operational tasks that keep our family running. I think if you look at it as plainly as that, who needs it. However, when one looks at the vision of what we are trying to accomplish and her role in it, you realize we are trying to raise children who know and love God and see the world for all that it could and should be. Stef creates the space, the infrastructure, and has the lions share of relational time with the blessings that we are trying to do right by. What a wonderful vision for a job: Change agent, motivator, inspiration, hero, and she is all those things.

Understanding vision and context is so important. It may not change the fact that they are emails to write, meetings to go to, production to be done, a good part of which seems to lack inspirational qualities. But when all of those tasks are leading towards the end game, they become far more meaningful and I think enjoyable.

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I Lost it in Worship.....

I had an interesting week. I was completely tired when Thursday night worship practice came around, and exercise that often lasts two hours. For whatever reason the band hit it amazingly that night. Great parts, a couple of unique arrangements, and in the end we were done in an hour. Hard to believe really.

Sunday morning came and the first service was great, really great worship. The second service I lost it. I don't know if anyone really noticed, I held it together kind of, but it was rough, and brilliant. God was there, and I suppose one way of saying it is that I noticed, I engaged.

Don't get me wrong, that is always the goal, but sometimes trying to lead and pull the band takes so much attention that as the leader there is not much brain space to engage with God. I have long posited that bands need to be semi-pro or better....this is why. When the music fades, because it is not effort to those playing, worship emerges. I spent two years in Toronto leading a church where we had pro bands, I felt like last Sunday almost every Sunday I led. I had forgotten. The congregation knows too. The band almost disappears when there is no train wreck coming, and they can "fall" into worship.

Although there may be some who find this philosophy of worship too exclusive or excellence driven, for me it keeps being proved over and over. God will show up whenever and to whomever He chooses, He just does. That doesn't negate the truth in Psalm 33:3, paraphrased, "Make a joyful noise to God, play skilfully to Him."

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Corrections and Omissions Included

My plan is to continue to share how my goals for the year are going, and to encourage readers here to regularly throughout the year re-boot as necessary to get/keep on track to having a great year of moving forward and achieving personal goals.

One goal I have not mentioned is getting in shape. Forgive my simplicity but I finally realized something, I needed to permanently change what I was eating. You see, I have been working out regularly for several years. My blood pressure, blood work, heart and general fitness were good but I was carrying too much weight. Diets always get you to omit and correct eating habits. The issue as we have all heard many times is once the diet is gone, then what? We return to our old ways and the pounds return as well.

I have finally embraced that I must change what I eat....forever. I must omit certain things forever. I must correct certain habits forever. Wow....

But I have done that in other areas of my life: spiritually, at work, in my marriage, with my kids. I have practiced instruments, even when I did not want to, certainly I can do this.

I have and continue to do it, and it is very difficult, but getting easier. I am not sure what the tipping point is, but I have embraced  the change and I have lost 24 pounds so far this year. I have more to go, but I have every confidence that I will achieve it, and maintain it forever.

There is one very fun and interesting thing I am trying to do. Find new treats. Just because I have had to give up less than healthy habits, doesn't mean I can't find some really cool new ones. Exotic foods, unique recipes, changed workout routines, there is so much good to replace the old to make the new life not difficult, but exciting.

Like anything, there is change, transition and new processes. So how are you doing? If you feel like your goals are slipping, re-boot. Take this weekend and re-clarify how you are going to start/keep working towards your goals. Incremental change begets big change. Nothing begets, well nothing.

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Wonderful Pathways

When you meet new people you often are asked to tell the short synapse of your journey. You do that enough, with the occasional deep question thrown in like "so where do you think you are going?" and it forces you to ponder. I dislike the word regret, but I would be lying if I did not say I have made some career choices that I would do over.

That being said, I also have tried to learn from all of the experiences life has given me to build them into something quasi-cohesive. You can probably tell from this blog it is a work in process.

One of the  best learning's is a theme we all hear, but is worth repeating here as an encouragement to us all. The joy is in the journey. Let's be real, not in every step, but it is important to keep the positive eye on progress and experiences and even the brief moments of pure happiness.

I remember the first Christmas my eldest daughter was truly aware of what was going on. We came down Christmas morning, the tree lights went on, the smell of coffee was in the air (oh wait, that was my memory), the tree had presents under it, and the stocking was full. Hands together clapping she cried out "joyous, joyous, joyous!" To my recollection she had never uttered that phrase before, and hasn't since. A moment of overwhelming wonder and excitement. My daughter joyous!

My wife and I have worked hard to create those moments as regularly as possible for our children, each other, for others and I am so excited for how all of the wonderful pathways from our history will influence our future. Take some time to remember your pathway and work hard to create some joyous moments for you and all those around you!

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Nothing New...

There is that Biblical philosophical pondering: "There is nothing new under the sun." I am not trying to refute the underpinnings of the thought, but there are many things new to me and you. First smiles from our first child, first house or apartment, first kiss with the one! Lots of great firsts.

One of the joys in life is finding, creating and sharing something new with someone.

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Update from The Studio

I think I am still a couple of weeks away from the release of the March song of the month. This month, as I mentioned is to be a worship tune. I had a great weekend last weekend laying down beds and finally found a great groove between bass and drums. Very excited. I am planning on this being a little bigger production than last month's simpler love song production. I will also be releasing a lead sheet for those interested in it for their church.

I did change the website up a little creating a music page. The songs of the month can be found down the right side full CDs/EPs can be found down the left.

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You Thought it Would Be Different

I have used this phrase many a time, but I did not know it was attributable to Albert Einstein. "Insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result."

It is not enough to write a new vision or purpose statement. Saying that over and over might be the start to casting vision for change, for forward progress, but without substantive practical change, change in process, new skills development and different communication strategies, what makes you think anything will change?

One of the biggest obstacles to change is "fair" competence. It allows you to fend off those who may be following you with mere words and inspirational speeches while underneath you are not doing anything to grow your own skills and abilities. In the end, however, what you have created is an expectation that you will not meet, and sadly, that will actually make you go backwards as those who are watching start to see through the words and realize there is no substance behind.

This, of course, could be seen as a rant, but it shouldn't be, because you can always make a concerted effort to not ride on the talent, skills or processes you already know and instead start changing what you do to line up with the vision you are casting.

There is a finer point here. Many leaders reach "the top", or their goal and feel that they have arrived. They deserve a break, they have garnered the skills and positional level they need, now they just need to lead others. True leadership is not authority, it is accountability, it isn't honour, it is humility, it isn't being served, it is serving others. Desiring to lead is a good thing, understanding that leadership is service: priceless.

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Forced Creativity

Is that an oxymoronic phrase? I actually don't think so. I do know that in life we practice in a disciplined way, study in a disciplined way, and show up and perform once the date is booked. For many of us though, songwriting or producing waits for the inspired moments. I thought last month was tough trying to get "I Want To Tell You" released. This month has proven harder. Song is finished, has been for a while, but the producing is a grind. Making some break-throughs, and it will ship this month, but I am have to pull the creative out of me.

I think this process is true for all of us. We don't have to be a musical artist, or even in the arts to need something creative to come out of us. The challenge is to force ourselves into a space where we are actually, actively trying to break through the barrier in our way rather than waiting for the inspiration to hit.

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God and our {un}Spiritual Western World

One of the philosophical arguments for the existence of God is the universal belief in a greater power. One of the arguments against said thought is that humans are wrongly looking outside of ourselves for purpose or meaning, a crutch as it were.

Another approach to this question is: "Do we "create" God to fill a meaning void, or do we have a spiritual being, a soul, which senses a connection to something outside of ourselves, maybe something we are related to somehow?"

Western civilization has become {un}spiritual. Think about it. We are becoming experts at "cleaning" things of their spiritual roots. Yoga, Karate, sometimes even churches. We don't teach about spiritual things in lower levels of school at all, and even our spiritual schools are accused of becoming academically focused rather than spiritually minded.

There are various reports I hear about Canadians and Americans professing belief in God. Reports that declare large percentages believe.

There is an interesting and difficult theme as it relates to the God of the Bible, and His son Jesus. Repentance. God is the creative force of the universe and perfect. Most of us would freely admit we are not perfect, nor capable of creating matter at any level. God's laws or guidance on how to live are clear and understandable, and we need to correct to those laws when we are not in alignment with them. The Biblical and somewhat scary, humbling word that represents this process is to repent. To say sorry, to ask forgiveness of God and move back towards belief through adherence to the laws the One we claim belief in gave us. Jesus reiterated and became a permanent way to actually know God, a replacement to the old system of repentance that had to be be physically repeated. But you can't get around that word and the action it requires, repentance.

This is far deeper than a few paragraphs except it isn't. There is no such thing as an {un}spiritual God of the Bible. We cannot say we believe in Him and strip Him of all that He has given to us (The Bible, and the life of  His own Son Jesus) and our very life. When it comes to God, belief in Him requires acknowledgment and alignment with all that He is. Otherwise you may believe in something, but it is not the God of the Bible.

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How To Inspire Those You Lead

This may sound oversimplified, but the way to inspire your team, your company, your family is to give them something to follow. I heard Bill Hybels of WillowCreek say years ago (I don't know if it was his line) "speed of the leader, speed of the team". It is not enough to be President or Vice President and use positional authority to demand submission. It is not even enough to provide tasks lists so long that days are full of work. No, you have to grow yourself and pass on that growth. You have to walk with people and help them succeed both at work and in life. In the end, like it or not, being the leader can't be about a larger salary, more perks and the ability to sit back and have everybody else do the work. To truly lead, you need to set the example in all things, and care enough to help others along the path you are blazing.

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"In" Production

The year marches on. One of the things I am learning is that network is so important. Who likes you or buys your music is often influenced by who you like and who you buy. I have long been passionate about the concept of Canadian artists supporting each other, and I think many of them do. Since I have this forum I thought I would start highlighting some good work when I see it from time to time.

Andrew Horrocks of A.M.E, Recording Studio has been pumping out many great artists and music as a producer for years. Although I have not had the ability to work with him professionally I have really appreciated the work he has done for several Canadian artists. Some of you may know Ali Matthews. Andrew's work was included on several tracks on her new CD. Ali is a very decorated musician in Canada, and it is good to see the growth and change that working with Andrew brought her on this last project. We all need to keep growing and developing, and often we need to try new things to get there. Check out here new CD.

As you have read here I am pushing myself this year by producing a song every month. I have changed my music page on my website to make navigating through my releases easier. On the right are my songs of the month, Jan and Feb released and ready on iTunes ad CDBaby. My other 3 CDs from 2002 to 2009 are there as well. I am in pre-production on the March song of the month, it will be the first worship song of the series.

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Hunger and Drive

I had the opportunity to be a panellist at the 6th Annual World Universities Fighting World Hunger Summit. Now that is a title. It is a student driven, university supported movement trying to energize, educate and motivate students who are interested in making a difference in this vital area of world need. In the session in which I was a panellist, a young lady asked the question, how does one do everything and fit in the time to fight hunger?

 

In fairness to her, I think she saw a panel of people at various stages of life. One in particular who is very successful in both business and philanthropic endeavors, Joey Adler. All of us look at people like Joey and say, how can you do it all?

 

My response to the question was simple, you don't do everything. You can't. You make decisions to do what you deem most important. If ending hunger is important, than you make time to end hunger.

 

One of the thoughts I included is one I am trying to practice and recently had named for me in the book by Peter Arnell, "Shift". In it he talks about how he learned to have "one life". I think having one life allows you to be driven. It allows you to integrate and use all of your  skills talents and passions to make a change, make a living, be a spouse, a parent, a friend, a musician (in my case) and executive amongst other things. For me it has been freeing as I allow myself to do the things I love and the things that are important to me. I love fighting hunger (Day Job). I love writing songs (Night job). I have not married those two things together as a career or anything, but I am increasingly allowing both to inform and inspire each other.

 

If I am honest, I had a dream of "making it" in music, of having buckets of money, and being able to help those in need with those resources. It hasn't happened. But something interesting has. I realized I was passionate about helping people. I also realized I didn't want to stop creating music, even if I don't make a living at it. So I do both. I think I will always find a way to do both. It looks way different than I thought it would, but it is happening.

 

I, like you, do not know how life and occupation will change for me. We live in a different world now than just a few decades ago. I am convinced that with focus and drive, we can all make space to help our fellow man and pursue our passions, even when at times they seem unrelated.

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History is a Powerful Thing

Never underestimate the power of the art you create. Great art has a habit of lasting, and of trying to find ways to come out into the light. The only cautionary tale there is to be responsible. Make sure it is something that you believe you can be proud of forever.

Incremental creation builds into a substantial body of work, and you may be surprised what rises to the top.

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Bringing Clarity to Your Passion

One of the things that I enjoy doing, both for myself, and others, is bringing clarity to passion. For me, learning how to do that has taken years of learning in different settings and situations. One of the biggest challenges in the process is distilling vision-compatible ideas from on-vision ideas. Why?

If I want to be a songwriter, one would think that anything that contributes to that should be done. So I write a song, then another. I attend songwriting conferences. I co-write songs. I teach seminars on songwriting at the local music store...etc. Of course in the process I never publish a song. Somewhere we think that doing closely related activity should help us achieve our goals. Maybe we will meet someone who likes a song and wants to use it, publish it, fund our CD, but it rarely happens.

No, I have to write the song, produce the song, publish the song, market the song, sell the song, either to the public or other artists, and I have to keep doing that until I win. Some people are very fortunate and arrive at a place where all of the things that happen after they use their skill, all of the business "stuff", is handled by someone else (for a fee of course). For the rest of us, we have to realize, that the way to fulfill our dreams and passions is to both practice our passion, and do all of the business things that allow us to share and benefit from sharing our passion with the world.

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February Story Behind the Song "I Want To Tell You"

A love song for February seemed appropriate. I Want To Tell You is very simply a few highlights about the journey my wife and I have been on for the last 13 plus years! There is a mention of Benny's Bagels in Kitsilano for all of my Vancouver friends!! How is that for s simple story behind the song.

I have to tell you, I am really please with this song from a production standpoint. One of the goals for this year is to challenge myself with the monthly deadline to increase my creativity and chops as it pertains to writing and producing. I am definitely growing.

Hey if you like it, check out "I'm Right Here" on my Buried Thoughts CD from a year ago. Jazzy love song, again for 'me bride!

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How's Your Year Shaping Up?

Maybe you have made plans, maybe you haven't, but whether you have or not, the days are passing by.

One of the things that can help you assess things is a picture. A graph, a shape or something that represents what you were trying to accomplish against what you actually have. Shapes are great and less scary than numbers (although numbers feed them in the case of graphs).

You don't need to use excel, you can freehand it. On the x axis right down several points that you are trying to achieve. Going on dates with your spouse, learning guitar, making a move in your career etc. On the y axis, simply write from the bottom to the top, 1 to 10. Spend some time evaluating your activities and rate yourself on how you are doing. The 1 to 10 might represent progress rather than "a mark". Maybe realistically you should only be 10% into one of those goals so 1 is on target. Then join the lines to create a curve.

Although this sounds terribly rudimentary, you now have a shape. Mentally, you can easily see the lows and highs of your goals and re-shift efforts to shore up some of the low lying areas.

Why? Because it is early, and you will probably be encouraged by one of two things: You have accomplished more than you thought; or that although you are not far yet, you are sure glad you checked with over 10 months left in the year to re-commit to the goals.

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February Song of the Month Released

I am excited to share that the February Song of the Month, "I Want To Tell You" is now available for download on iTunes and CDBaby. It is a love song in keeping with both the Family Day holiday and Valentine's holiday this month!! At least around these parts. Enjoy!

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Be Happy - Be Social

I happen to be an odd fellow. Years ago I took a leadership evaluation. It dealt with both skills and personality factors. One of the personality things that came out was that I am both highly introverted and extroverted. Usually, of course, a person is weighted towards one or the other. In my case I can get re-energized by either situation, and to some degree I naturally seek out the method that I need at the moment.

There is some discernment needed though. For instance, sometimes I am in a writing mood, and getting alone in the studio is productive and energizing. Sometimes though, a retreat when I am feeling low, which actually amounts to navel gazing and is not helpful.

In the book that I have referenced a few times here, "The Happiness Advantage", I was reminded of the fact that those with a healthy social circle are happiest. In fact, those who rely on their social circle in tough times fair much better and bounce back faster than those who do not.

So if you are having a tough time, don't retreat, engage.

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Be Brave - Keep Growing

I remember reading a motivational piece years ago that talked about learning new things, and in a sense, taking risks to do so. The example the story gave was a fellow who mused to a piano-teacher friend how he would like to learn to play piano. His friend mentioned that it takes 10 years to become proficient in piano, but it starts to become enjoyable fairly early on in that journey. Ten years later, the two were chatting again and the conversation came to that same point. You know what the teacher said. If his friend had started when they had their last conversation on the matter, he would be playing well today.

I have always wanted to produce, over the last several years I have purchased the equipment and learned and produced several things including a full CD, Buried Thoughts. Since I was a teenager I wanted to play guitar. About 10 years ago I traded in my trumpet and bought an acoustic guitar. I lead worship, perform and record on guitar now. Last week, after years of wanting to try electric guitar, I purchased a very inexpensive electric guitar. Time to learn a new style and technique.

Here is the thing. All the way a long there have been many people who have discouraged me from trying. People better at producing, or playing etc, and you know what, they are still better than me. Two things though, I have learned to do several things that I couldn't do before, and it makes me incredibly happy!!

What things do you want to try in life? The fact that U2 exists, that Chris Tomlin is out there etc., didn't stop me from growing. I don't need anyone to tell me they are amazing and better than me. On the other hand, I also don't have to accept that because I am not at that level, I should not try at all. Not everything we want to try needs to be about reaching the top. In fact, most of us will not reach the top at anything. But happiness and success can be defined many different ways. I set goals to become proficient, to grow, and to enjoy. I have achieved those goals and want to continue to improve.

What new thing do you want to try? Make a plan to start. Don't let others discourage you, after all, it is not about them.

For the record, I am not talking about major life change here either, although it might be valid to take steps on big picture things, that does take more buy-in from spouses etc. But little things can become significant. So write that book, blog, paint that picture, take that course, take up golf....to Nike-i-FY....just do it!

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Big Plans

I read a lot of Seth Godin, especially his blog. I resonate with today's post on making big plans. Big plans do create pressure, and although I bragged about pushing through, I have ended up hitting some snags in the release process this week. Very draining.

I wrote before how obstacles are opportunities. I have an opportunity this week to keep pushing and win, and I will. More to come....

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The Marathon Wall

OK, I have never run a marathon, not even close, but I have read about the wall one hits late in a marathon. Learning how to break through the wall is essential to finishing the race. I am not sure if I should be concerned or not, but I feel like I have just broken through a wall with music production. For whatever reason, the February song of the month was a beast I could not tame until Sunday afternoon, almost a week behind when I wanted to release it (but still on time for February!!)

The upside is I have shipped the February Song of the Month to digital distribution. I will let you know when it hits iTunes as soon as I know!

I had mentioned that one of my goals this year is to "get bigger", to grow, intellectually, spiritually, in my body of work etc. I didn't think that I would hit a wall in month two, but I did , and I broke through. I must admit, it was very difficult. It took all of my physical and creative energy to finish the job, I pushed myself as hard as I can remember ever pushing, but I am over the moon, not only with the accomplishment, but the song itself.

So why do I share? Two reasons: I have committed to being as open and honest as I can on this journey this year, sharing the ups and downs; The other reason is I hope you can take something for yourself. What do you want to accomplish, really want to accomplish? Set a date, and push through all walls until you accomplish it. In the process, I think you too will grow bigger!!

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Lead Yourself

It has been noted many places, by many more notable than I, that a core characteristic of leaders is their ability to make quick decisions. The thing that makes them a leader is that they are far more often right than wrong. Those who are fighting change, or simply can't keep up will often criticize those who possess this skill. They may try to accuse the leader as making snap judgments, as seeming to be a know it all, even arrogant, but what can't be refuted in the end is the results that flow from the decisions that were made.

Process flow charts stop at the triangle that represents a decision. They start again once the decision has been reached. Everyday our decisions move us forward or stop us in our tracks.

If you feel like you are stuck, if you feel like you are being held back, then lead yourself. Make the decisions that will move you forward. I am not suggesting you do that vacuous of data, but I am suggesting you find a way to stop making excuses and find a way to make a decision.

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From the Studio

Another great night of recording, I think I have finished tracking for the February song of the month. It most likely won't be available until late next week. Completely different sound and feel from the January song (Beautiful For You) which is available for download and viral social networking!!

Have meetings about today so I will be listening to a rough mix in the car at times while driving. I hope you are enjoying the January song of the month, and I am getting really excited about releasing February. Did I mentioned it is a love song to go with the holiday.....

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Pushing Through

Does it feel like sometimes the world is against you? The circumstances are just not helping you get things done? I think it is all about perspective and having a longer view.

I just lost a night and a day to sickness, and in the process slept 18 hours straight. That hasn't happened since I got back from two weeks of camp as a kid (during which I am sure I didn't sleep but a wink!) The has really challenged my short term goals. I could feel like things are conspiring against me to prevent me from getting things done or, I could appreciate that my body is now on the upswing and do the little things - incrementally that it will take to ship.

Time to push through.

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A Social {Networking} Experiment

One of the sub-themes I am trying to be transparent about on this blog is my current musical journey. My goal this year to produce a song a month has wrapped in it two larger goals. The primary goal is of creation, forcing myself to get the many songs I have competed or nearly completed into final form. The second is monetization, which I suppose is most artists goal with their art.

My distribution network is iTunes (and all the major digital stores), but iTunes does not market for you, you must bring them the customers. So I am blogging, not simply about music, because I feel hearing that I recorded this part or that part day after day would be boring, but also about all the things I am learning that are speaking into some of my other goals this year.

I related that my goal was to sell 2000 downloads of Beautiful For You, but that I obviously needed your help in terms of networking to the greater sphere which is our social networks combined. It is true I need advocates and patrons, so I am simply continuing to share my vision and story and to ask for help.

One of the risks I am taking is I am going to share the good the bad and the ugly. So when I get the first sales figures (not until the end of this month) I will share how we have done together. I am praying/hoping for good results!!

A good story I can share is that the traffic in terms of visitors to my site and blog has dramatically increased since my output on this blog has increased. Between my website and blogcast I estimate about 600 or 700 people are coming to the site over the course of a month. That is up many times over last year, so a good start there!!

Thanks to the many who keep coming here, I hope to keep you amused by this story, entertained with my music and add value through some of my other thoughts. 'Til the morrow.

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How Do You Relax?

The last several months have been a lead up to this year for me. Long hours when combining all things together, day job, music, church activity etc. The reality is that there is no end in sight. I see this pace for the next 10 years at least. That's a marathon. In the meantime, there are sprints. I have my second song of the month to release by next week. Massive projects at work, family commitments and additional goals on top of that.

One of the things that I am finding is that if I am diligent about creating space to relax well, it energizes the rest. I work weekends and evenings, that is my reality. But I get great family time, church time and time for myself as well. How is a long story, and it is tailored to me. The question is, if you are looking to do more, are you working at creating space for learning, growing, and yes rejuvenating so you can be more?

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Point - Counterfact

As I continue to grow and learn on the subject of how to be happier (one of my goals for this year) I thought I would pass on a practical highlight again from the book I am working through by Shawn Anchor (The Happiness Advantage).

A counterfact is an imaginary scenario that our mind creates to help us analyze a situation. The example Shawn uses in his book is as follows: You walk into a bank full of 50 people, men, women and children to do a deposit. Several minutes into your wait a gunman comes in to rob it and shoots you in the arm. No one else was injured. Is that a fortunate or unfortunate circumstance?

To answer the question your mind forms up other scenarios to decide. One who considers it unfortunate might say, "of all the banks in all the world with the statistical probability that I would be the one person shot, very unfortunate".  One who considers it fortunate might say, "no one including children were even hurt or killed and I simply got a "flesh wound", how fortunate for all".

His point here is that one of the practical ways we can own a more positive happy life is to choose, even train ourselves, to find a positive counterfact in difficult times. It will radically affect the way we see and live life.

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Snow Day Reflection

So it is February...how did January go? Did you start working out? Are you still working out? Did you ship anything? Did you start your way to your goals for this year? If you haven't done anything or much, do not give in to discouragement. Today is the day to analyze what is keeping you from one of your goals. When you discover it, you have not discovered an obstacle, you have found your key to success. Develop a plan to go around or through it, and get something done on that front this next week.

 

If you have started down the road and are succeeding, celebrate, enjoy! Then do the same analysis, except if you have broken down an obstacle, make sure you know how. Don't let the old way creep back in because you have succeeded. Stay firm, build good on good, and re-commit to doing more this month. The process is to create right actions incrementally towards the greater idea or goal.

 

The next 11 months are going to be brilliant, own what you want to accomplish.

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Shipping - By Doing The Little Things - Incrementally

How to get from our starting point to our end point? When I worked in the financial services field as a salesman, I remember so many of the most successful people recounting their way to "the top". The grinding it out in the trenches as it were. There were very few rocket ship stories. It took them all a few years, or the equivalent in hours worked, to get there.

What struck me the most is that it was the little things they all did. Emails, returning phone calls, making cold calls, keeping things ordered and never letting up. It really did not seem like rocket science. So how do you stay motivated to do the mundane, because it is the hard work of creating and building that leads to success, and frankly, it never changes. A trick is to break the little things down into increments.

You want to send 50 emails today - just do 5 right now. You want to redecorate your house on a dime, spend 15 minutes tonight surfing the web for sites that give tips on that, gather ideas for your next step - tomorrow. Progress is not only encouraging, each little increment builds until you have shipped one little thing, one goal, you win!

If you are having trouble getting started, break your goal down and do something...just a part of a little thing, and keep "shipping" those increments. Write down your progress in a notebook. In a week, you will be smiling!

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Top Ten Reasons to Help Me Sell 2000 Downloads This Month!

I thought I would have some fun while reminding you of the new single, "Beautiful For You", and perhaps poke some fun at myself.

1. If you like it is, only .99 cents, not even one coffee.
2. I don’t have 2000 Facebook/Twitter or any other kind of friends; I need your help to get it beyond my circle.
3. You have thought more than once, “Cliff’s pretty good”, I wonder why he never seems to get anywhere with music.....
4. “Beautiful for You” has a great message, it needs to be passed on...see story behind the song: http://cliffcline.blogspot.com/2011/01/story-behind-song-adoption.html
5. You will officially be a supporter of the “Cliff Cline Song of the Month Club” (I don’t know if it is a club, but what else to call it?)
6. You have actually heard me laugh, and singing is like me laughing in tune...
7. If you do, you can definitely claim to be responsible for something spreading virally on the web, I mean, who else was it?
8. There is a very cool surprise in the song.....you have to buy it to hear it...
9. You are my record label....
10. Is there a kinder way to support an artist than referring them on?

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

Fear and Happiness

Two other books I am most of the way through right now are Fearless, by Max Luxado, and The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor. I have conveyed some of my learnings from Shawn's book. From a learning perspective I am valuing the way these two books are addressing the same overall issue but from different angles.

Ultimately fear keeps us from doing and enjoying so much. We fear failure so we don't try things. That might be the most fundamental way of saying it. Fear paralyzes us. It keeps us from enjoying everyday. So the simplicity described in The Happiness Advantage of being positive can be augmented by some knowledge of what keeps us from being positive. It is hard to be positive about success, when you actually are more ruled by fear of failure.

Most of us have personal experience with those who have had to deal with dying. Cancer or some other terminal disease robbing our friends of a full life here on earth...or has it? I have learned more from those who have significant obstacles to deal with than those who don't. Isn't it true that often those in situations where death is imminent enjoy life, friends and family all the more. They embrace the good, they find the good, they look for the good, because it is a waste, literally, of the life they have left to do otherwise. To accept the inevitable frees them up to pursue passionately everything they deem important. The cliche holds true, perhaps we should start saying it daily, live today as if it were your last.

The Bible has a similar thought, "This is the day the Lord has made (given), I will rejoice and be glad in it". (Psalm 118:24)

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The Great Debate - Success

I am most of the way through Robert Herjavec's book (of Dragon's Den fame) "Driven". The book truly conveys, in my estimation, the vibe or feeling of what it takes to be driven. Robert describes his journey to his current success. It is an interesting one, and not one dimensional. He does articulate the need for keeping all the balls in the air between business and personal life. He seems to have successfully done that, although I must admit, I do not know the details of his personal life. He speaks about it often and fondly.

For Robert, success definitely involves making serious money, and he has done that. I tend to take some of the wise advice he gives on many subjects and temper it with this: success is actually achieving your calling or dream holistically.

I think many people don't define success as making obscene amounts of money, or owning their own business. At the same time, I do think most of us have a dream, have something we actually want to do passionately. I think accomplishing that is what allows you to feel successful. I recommend that all of us should acquire, generate, learn are way into finding enough drive to accomplish our dreams, AND, I believe we should enjoy the journey towards it. This may include doing other things well in the process - be happy everyday in the journey.

This is where I am. I do not feel that I have accomplished my dream, however, I am gaining happiness and re-focusing on getting there. I used to feel like I would only be happy once I arrived. Now everyday feels like I am arriving, getting closer, moving forward...and that in itself is enjoyable. So, have I succeeded, no, not in the goal I have before me, but I am happy trying to get there....and I will!!

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Authenticity - Upside Down

In my efforts to become more happy (one of my goals for this year) I am starting to wrestle with my personal definition of authenticity. I have used the word a lot to describe what I crave in relationships and from those I try to follow. Authenticity defined means many things, but ultimately being real, legit, credible. I have always thought that those who were honest about their faults, sins or shortcomings were more authentic. An artist that bares their soul, business leaders who are self-aware. Often however, this can become a downer. It is true that there are many things going wrong in our own lives and in the world, acknowledging that is being authentic, but what about the opposite side of the story.

Is it not also authentic to know your strengths? While acknowledging the human condition, can we not also note that our strengths, when joined together, can provide hope and solutions to things. And although I know there are some who read this blog who do not share my belief in Jesus Christ, I personally gain hope and freedom from the negative of who I am from my belief that in Christ and His teaching, there is a spiritual forgiveness I am given allowing me to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe - God. Heavy I know, but that is my reality.

For me that turns my personal definition of authenticity upside down. Maybe more accurately it fills it out. As I seek to be more positive and happy about all things in life, so that I can be more successful and hopeful about all things, I am choosing to embrace a holistic view of authenticity with a positive bias.

Yes, there is hunger in this world....I am part of a team that has fed millions of meals to those in need in the last few years.
Yes, I am still a struggling singer/songwriter, but more than just my friends and  family like my music. (But I they still count huge!!)

I have hopes and dreams, and I have the ability to realize them by believing my strengths can be built on, joined with others, and turned into something bigger. By the way, I think the same goes for you!!

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Instant Gratification - Not

In the spirit of honesty with which I have approached this blog of late I wanted to mock myself a little.

In this world of instant information where I can see how many people come to the blogs I write, how many surf my site, and know instantly when I sell a CD (sadly doesn't happen much), I was quite excited as I launch into a new year with the Song of the Month initiative to track my progress towards my goal of 2,000 downloads of "Beautiful For You" and to share it with you. My hope, of course, was to update and encourage networking and referral support for the new January tune. Apparently I should have read the fine print from my digital distributor, that there can be a 1 to 3 month delay in reporting. No instant gratification there!!

So I am left to beseech you to surprise me with your viral activity being my "street team" to use the old vernacular, or "web team" as the case may be to help me reach my goal. You will be the first to know once I have any updates to that number!! I will share regardless of the outcome!

Looking forward, last night represented me starting to produce the February song of the Month, and yes it is going to be a love song in the month's honour. March is scheduled to be a new worship song...so stay tuned.

You can go to the "Beautiful For You" blog release and links to CD Baby and iTunes from here.

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Story Behind the Song - Adoption

I actually wrote "Beautiful For You" a little over a year ago. I was at a music conference in Nashville and David Nasser was one of the speakers. He spoke passionately about the issue of adoption. He actually had an interesting way of looking at it.

He first talked about how the church is the bride of Christ. He used that metaphor to illustrate how a bride goes to great length to look amazing for the bridegroom. (please note, this is not to say we need to anything to earn salvation, which is a free gift from God through Jesus) That being said, the church does have a mission. First we believe in Christ and then that belief leads to adopting His teaching. When we adopt His teaching and live it out pragmatically it is a beautiful sight to Jesus the bridegroom.

He then applied this message to the issue of adoption. His bent was on the USA and Canada, but he ultimately pointed out how the church in the USA and Canada has the resources and families of appropriate age to completely adopt all the children of all ages that need families. If we would rise up and do that, wouldn't that be beautiful to Jesus.

Lastly he said that the cause needed advocates and those who could actually do it. Songwriters and artists to make the issue known to those who don't, who could then be part of showing love to those who are without a permanent family situation.

So it took me a while to produce this song, but I am proud of it. I think it has a great message and purpose, and I would love if it could help make a difference. For now an advocate, we will see what the future holds.

The iTunes link on my blogs or website will take you to the song for a listen.

Posted via email from Cliff Cline

New Cliff Cline Single "Beautiful For You" released for download

I am terribly excited to release this song, the first of 12 this year to come out. That's right 12, the Cliff Cline Song of the Month (Club?). I will be letting you know more about this endeavour through this blog, but the best way to get involved is to buy this song. Would you be my patron, my record label?

Below are the links to CDBaby and iTunes. So here is my big goal for everyone to hear: I would love to sell 2,000 downloads of this song to start the "Song of the Month" initiative off, but I can't do it without some serious help and referrals (re-tweeting, Facebook "liking" etc.) Please feel free to write reviews, or rate it on iTunes.

I will be releasing a story behind the song video as well which I think you will enjoy hearing. Some of the story can be read on the CDBaby page for this song. All to say, happy listening!!

CD Baby

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Do you need to Shift?

Let me answer this one for you, yes! I started and finished Peter Arnell's book Shift last weekend. It is a compelling story of the journey he undertook in the last few years to bring his existence together in "One Life" rather than living in silos of work, family etc.

I really do recommend the read, especially if you are looking for inspiration and motivation. To build on yesterday's post, let me suggest a next step. Once you find that positivity, start to identify your dream, that thing you always have wanted to accomplish or be. Then start to develop a plan to achieve it. Do not let the potential obstacles create any form of negativity, in fact, breaking through those obstacles are the successes you can look forward to on your way to achieving your dream. But the shift you can start now begins with these last two posts:

1. Fill your mind with that positive thought, and keep it there;
2. Focus on your dream, and start to write down a plan to get there.

Do you feel it, something just Shifted!! Thanks Peeeeetah (as they say in New York)

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Act As If It Were Impossible To Fail

Dorothea Brande penned this. It was the mantra that led her from being a writer of many unfinished things, to a well respected writer and editor in New York. I have not read her books, I was made aware of her through the Success Magazine Audio series (thanks again Success). I will now seek them out and add at least one of them to my "to read" list.

This little sentence has power. It calls us to believe in success, and it calls us to act successful before we attain it. I have heard the phrase "fake it 'til you make it". I like this version better. It is more like the pop song "Believe" by Suzie McNeil, "if you just believe", and act out that belief, you can do anything, be anything. How do you do this?

This is not the full answer, it can't be, but let me give you a boost for today and maybe this week. You can only hold one mood, one attitude in your head at once. It can either be negative or positive. Stop now, and find a positive thought about, well yourself. Find something to be grateful to God for, a really good one. For the next week, every time a negative thought comes, replace it with the positive thought you just found...repeat!! Then pass it on. Encourage your spouse, child, co-worker, parent or even stranger and make your world, hence the world, a better place.

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"The Fierce Urgency of Now"

Thanks to Seth Godin today for reminding us of this quote from Martin Luther King Jr. (The title of this post) I feel this right now in my life. I wrote about it last September and it has not left me. Today is the day I must move forward. The journey of a thousand miles starts/continues with another step today.

This past weekend was amazing, I taught a workshop Saturday morning, had some great chill time with the family in the afternoon and evening, led worship at church for two services Sunday morning, a great lunch with new friends after church, cooked home made potato soup for dinner (easier then it sounds), and finished mastering the January Song of the Month which will be available for download soon....I will let you know.

I know I can't keep things this intense all the time. The weekend felt like several steps, not one, but as tired as I was last night going to bed...I was energized.

My three revealed goals for this year (so far):

1. Produce a song a month
2. Be happy
3. Get bigger - Be more to do more..

Number one is very pragmatic...just do it. Number two is how I am finding the energy to break through walls. Negative walls of fatigue, self-doubt, doubting my abilities, wondering if anyone will buy my music. But being positive and optimistic is helping me "get bigger", helping me believe I can do more, expand my territory as it were.

Why do I share this with you? Two reasons, because you are there..you are reading this. The more I write, the more of you show up, and I am putting pressure on myself to not fail. It is all down here in black and white. I have said it, now I must do it...I must! Secondly, I am trying to grow and learn, and I feel like I am on a positive Godly road. Perhaps there are some encouragements for you here, and if this spurs you on to be bigger, happier and accomplish something positive in your life that you are passionate about, then I will be overjoyed!!

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Get Bigger - Goal Number 3 2011

I am smiling as I write this, because it sounds like the opposite of the most common New Year's resolution. No I am not referring to body mass, I would like to decrease that, but to contextualize, this quote is having an impact: "In order to have more, you must be more." (I heard it on the Success Magazine disc)

Lest this be understood as a purely commercial phrase, I might even say it "do more". There is a truth that we view the world as we see ourselves, therefore to do more, we must be more. I do want to get bigger, to be able to offer more. More skills, more vocabulary, more  (intelligent) thoughts, more music, more empathy and value in general to those around me. So yes I want to get bigger!!

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Goal Number 2 - 2011 - Be Happy

Ok, so I am releasing my goals very slowly, but that is because I am really trying to process this. I think I have increasingly become a happier more joyful person over the course of my life, but I still think I have to grow in this area.

For those that know me, I love to laugh. I have an embarrassing laugh, an incredibly loud laugh, but it doesn't always come out of me very easily (some might disagree). I really have to find something funny.

It is kind of the same with me and happiness. I have a deep sense of blessing from God, and even when I get down, I remember my gorgeous wife of almost 14 years, our 4 healthy, wonderful children, and that alone brings me back. But I think I do poorly at the quicker, everyday hit of gratitude and thankfulness, a more present existential happiness.

I am reading, listening and learning a lot these days. One of the biggest things is being positive, having faith in God, and not having fear. So yes, 2011 is to be a year to be increasingly happy!! Did I mention not to worry? Is there a song in there somewhere?

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Finished Vocals

Late-ish night finishing production. This song feels big to me. It has actually been in the works for a long time, but I think I am happy with the vocals, specifically the lead as of tonight. So that means we are within in a week of shipping the Cliff Cline January Song of the Month. I am excited!!

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Why Do We Say "Can't"?

This thought is not new or original, but let this post act as an encouragement and a reminder. The concept of "can't" in our vernacular should be all but forgotten, because we can! In almost every environment I enter where there is discord over quality, or vision, there is a culture of "can't", when in fact they can.

"I can't learn that software, I can't change my ways, I can't make the deadline or that meeting....I can't." But the truth is we can. For some, if not all, it is not an easy road to the result associated with the "can", but the first step is almost always simple and somewhat easy: To decide I can. I will.

More often than not I can't can be translated "I won't", but we don't say "I won't" because it exposes the child within who is having a tantrum. Now the tantrum in a child may be caused by the fear of the unknown, but it exposes the truth, we can, but we won't.

Here is the truth, you can be more kind to everyone in your life, you can grow your business, or even start one, you can finish that project, or start it, you can be more and you will, with one change in your internal culture. Start saying I can. Literally find ways to say "I can", and stop saying the other.

Two caveats:

1. There is such a thing as boundaries in life and in work, times that we need to find a way to say "I won't", but that is the subject for another post;
2. There are those who have impediments to "I can" that most of us cannot comprehend, and we must have grace for them - they actually can't; however, I might add that more often than not when I run into those with disabilities they put the rest of us to shame. Their "I can" existence is worn in their smile, in their accomplishments, and causes them to accomplish comparatively more with their resources than we ever do with ours.

So please....You Can.

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"Vacation Day" - Getting Things Done

So today I am taking a vacation day from the day job to try and get things done on several fronts, not the least of which is the first "Cliff Cline Song of the Month". I am excited to begin this journey. I know the most difficult thing will be simply executing and releasing a new song every month. This one is scheduled to be released by the beginning of next week!

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Simply Leading

What is it about a nature scene that makes you take a deep breath and relax. That makes life and the moment seem simpler than the second before. The creative force behind this scene is far from simple, in fact the complexity of the tides, waves, make-up of the sand, structure and strength (and fragility) of the coastline itself is mind boggling, but we don't see that do we.

I recently read or heard a discussion on simplicity as it pertained to casting vision, and leading a company or project. The speaker referred to the fact that we as people long for the person who can come into the chaos and bring a simple message, but the truth is, very few things are simple. Underneath project plans and our day is immense detail that needs to be collated, processed, prioritized and executed.

I believe that the real art is being able to wrap all of that up in a package that controls the “free-radical” ideas, ensures that all elements in the package are “on vision”, and brings the priorities to the surface for implementation. A leader who does that will instil confidence because they have created an environment where the foundation of the detail is handled, providing stability, leaving all else to simply look at the beautiful, simple, scene of prioritized vision and purpose.

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Simply Worship

A brief thought. As so many of us continue to think about what worship is, I wonder if we have become too intellectual and abstract in our thinking.

For instance, if I want to create a chocolate bar (a noble goal), I would go through a creative process of thinking about the flavour I wanted, how it would be put together and held together, how it would be packaged and produced. All of that would take time, planning, creativity and execution. There would a simplicity to it though, because through the whole process there would not be much room for error. The bar would either taste good or not. It would hold together or not. It would fit in the package or not...etc. By focusing on what I am trying to accomplish, making a chocolate bar, I simplify so much of the process.

I think an area that needs improvement in many churches is defining worship simply. Again, this might take some work, time, creativity, planning, but if we do not have a simple picture of what we would like it too look and "taste like", it quickly becomes cerebral. Terms like "having a good heart" need to be defined in connection to a pragmatic thought that it should be good. How do you know if the packaging fits if you don't know what you want to put in the package?

If one creates a simple picture, and develops a reasonable plan to achieve it, it becomes simple to see if we are achieving the goal. I do realize there is the other problem, the picture is well defined but there is little appetite or ability to execute the vision, but that is fodder for another post.

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To Be Honest - Goal Number 1 for 2011

That is a phrase which I have started to use way too much in the last year or two. I think it is actually out there a bunch in the masses right now. Someone started it, but I am not sure who. It is something for which I mock myself from time to time by adding, "as opposed to lying, which I am sure you would prefer." Interestingly, one thing I have found is the phrase is usually a set-up or softener to a stronger statement or ask.

I usually analyze life twice a year, not at even increments: September and January. One of the things I have been trying to do for the better part of the last couple of years is push myself. Push myself to produce more music, more blogs of use, more value in general. As I look at the next year, one of the things I working towards is actually selling more music, especially online, but, to be honest I am terrible at it. When I sing live I sell a great percentage of the crowd CDs which is great, but I am not out there singing a tonne.

To be honest I need your help. My goal for this year is produce a song a month for sale. If you would download my monthly song it if you like it that would be amazing. Moreover, if you would pass a link to this blog or the song with a recommendation to your friends, I would be over the moon. At the end of the day I can't do it alone, and I know many of you who frequent this blog can help!

Below is a link to iTunes as well, in case you are not up to speed with what I have out currently. Look for my January song in the next couple of weeks. It is almost ready to be released.

The Little Things

I am more convinced than ever, it is the little things, done right and consistently that lead to success. Returning email, sending a thank you card, making the call. Maybe another way of looking at it, is that it is the relationship little things that are so important. Building into your spouse, your children, your co-workers, vendors, clients, church community and friends.

In this New Year, what if you were to intentionally build into someone in a little way every single day. Imagine the positive change!

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Year In Review (What Shipped)

Last year was not the year I planned for music, that is for sure. I imagined touring with my just released CD "Buried Thoughts", and being very busy. In the end my year was more defined by the work that came out of my day job due to the earthquake in Haiti and a massive internal restructuring of operations then musical endeavours. My hope is to change that this year, and over the next two weeks I will be sharing how.

But for now, what did I do last year?

1. Blogged 83 times, my second highest since starting in 2004.
2. Led worship 13 times (including my home church). This also included wrapping up my time with the Well church plant in Toronto. There might have been a couple more.
3. Released Buried Thoughts to radio...a few stations picked it up.
4. Completed phase one of the creation of my studio, phase two is this year.
5. Started writing many more songs and released one worship song on the site on my new worship resources page.
6. Had one post read over 650 times, "One Day to Today", which is one of my favourite too! It is still my thought going into the New Year.
   

Although I am pleased that I can post those accomplishments, I do plan for much more this year. In fact, this next year is going to be very focused. I will share with you later this week how you can follow my progress, support my endeavours, and God willing be blessed by what I am setting out to do in 2011.

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Worship Leaders Workshop {sold out}

I am very excited to be hosting a worship leaders workshop for young worship leaders in mid January sponsored by a patron who cares about developing young leaders in his church. Speaking of passions, I love encouraging young (and older) worship leaders to really dig in and continually improve at what they do. God deserves to be worshipped, and we as leaders have to encourage and raise up as many amazing, gifted passionate worship leaders as we can.

If you are interested in seeing how such an event could be put together for your church, you can get me through my contact page.

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Christmas Eve Worship

I am very excited to be leading worship at our home church Forestview this Friday.  It has been several years since I have done that anywhere. One of the biggest challenges, of course, is to bring some level of interest to songs that have been done so much. Although we are doing a couple of newer songs, the vast majority will be the standards. Nevertheless, I think we will have some fun and infuse our spin on these classics.

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Harnessing Passion

I have always associated the word passion with something positive. Far more linked to a calling, or something that really drives me. But the word is far more powerful than that. {definition} Maybe most importantly historically is that is refers to the Passion of Christ, his sufferings before His death..and subsequent resurrection. But the word is really an intensifier. A crime of passion is referring as much to the love that drives one to an inappropriate act, as it is to the in-saneness that has accompanied the break from reality that allowed the person to commit the crime.

I have heard it said that any passion that leads you towards positive work is valuable. For instance, hatred of injustice could spark the start of a charity as easily as a passion for performing could ignite an acting career. As I continue down this journey I am on, I am starting to realize that acting on some of my negative passions might be the pathway to growth and improvement not only in me but in life. I am passionate about music, I consider that a positive thing. But I am passionate about a great many things, many of which I would put in the negative category. My goal is to identify the useful ones and turn them into something positive.

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Integrity - Be the Change

Integrity is really being consistent and honest about who you are and what you do. When people lack integrity, they create an environment of  derision. That environment might be their workplace, their friendship community, church or home, but if one lacks integrity whether one knows it or not, their reputation will disintegrate with those in their various spheres.

There is an interesting point here though. If one is a self-centred, unkind person, but is honest about who they are, there is generally less tension in all of their environments. In fact, a jerk who acknowledges their own narcissism generally manages which environments they will even participate in based on the fact that they have no interest in true friendships or family or church, they have interest in themselves and create environments around themselves that serve their interests. It is a sad state, but an honest one, and ironically people at least respect their integrity in representing their true self.

The tension filled spaces are created by those who are trying to portray a life of love, honesty, and "goodness", but are in fact not living up to the facade and not admitting their own short-comings. {Note:admitting one's shortcomings, apologizing, and trying and succeeding at improving actually creates a state of integrity} When one holds oneself up as a leader of anything, organization, church, family or business, it is vitally important that they check their actions against their pronouncements - daily. Without it, one will travel down the slippery slope of hypocrisy  unaware, or worse.....with some level of awareness.

How to read this? With yourself in mind. Although this may be a post that brings another to your consciousness, the best way to process this is in self-judgment. After all, we can only change the world one person at a time, if we are the change. (Cheesy but true)

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The Old Violin - Focus

When I was around 13 I discovered I had a voice. It was a radical discovery, I landed the lead in a grade 7 play. It was also traumatic, I was a rep goalie, a provincial league baseball player, but not an artist. In grade 8 I did nothing artsy, I think the whole experience freaked me out. I might add, I wasn't really a Christian at this point in my life.

Shortly thereafter though, life changed. I did become a Christian (phase 1), and started attending with my family a Pentecostal church in Mississauga called MGT, now Portico. The charismatic like their music, and I flourished there, and when we moved to BC at 15 I attended another church Christian Life Assembly in Langley. Sports were now behind me, and I was off into music land forever.

There was a famous, albeit cheesy, song about an old violin. It was really a song of redemption, but this morning as I reflect on my musical journey, I am interpreting it another way. The violin was old, beat up, and out of tune and for sale at an auction. A master violinist walked up to front during bidding (which wasn't going well) and played it so beautifully the instrument was revealed for its true purpose, its true value.

I feel like for me, my true musical value has been revealed to me over the past couple of years. I have played at jazz, and pop. I have tried to "make it" in various and sundry ways musically, but in the end, I believe the church is where I belong. When I worship God musically is when I am most alive. Over the next year, as you come to this blog or my site, you will see a growing number of new worship songs appearing, that will be my focus.

Will there be other songs...love songs..etc. I am sure there will be some, but my focus will increasingly be to build up the church. I'm excited!

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Great Sunday in Caledonia

I have know the Lead Pastor, Steve Kerr,  at Gateway Church in Caledonia for a lot of years, but we finally connected in terms of me getting out there to lead worship. I had the privilege of bringing a band, made up of mostly the usual suspects, as well as a new friend Luke on guitar.

The guest speaker was amazing, and I was encouraged by the engagement of the congregation in worship. This is a good story of a church thriving in these times where that is often not the case.

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New Worship Song Posted

I had mentioned in August (link) that I had written a new chorus. Although my plan had been to record it more professionally, which I still probably will, I did want to ship it so to speak. To that end you can go to my Worship Resources page and listen to a demo of the song and download the chord chart for free should you want to use it in your church. I am having fun re-engaging not only with my home church in worship, but networking and connecting to a greater community of artists. I will keep you updated as I post more new songs.

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Discipline a Dirty Word?

I am learning something about the true meaning of the word discipline. I think historically I have seen it as a quality to revere in someone. A characteristic that I should always strive to have more of. An intellectual concept of great value when properly implemented, but in all of those thoughts, discipline is work. Not necessarily to be avoided, but not something to look forward to.

 

But something has changed in me over the past few months. Discipline is my tool. I own it, and use it with visionary focus to accomplish the things that I think I should. I wake up early and have started investing in my whole life using the tool of discipline. Whether it be developing spiritually, working out, writing a song, doing some brainstorming for work, planning family time or accomplishing some other goal, I am viewing discipline as I would a computer. It serves me, I don't serve it.

 

What a marvelous gift to me, I have a new powerful tool in my tool box to achieve more in this life!

 

PS You can have it too!!

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More Cliff Cline Worship Resources

I have re-released several songs on my worship resources page. There are 4 choruses up from the Noticing the Sky CD as well as one that I wrote for the CMA National conference in Ottawa a few years back.

My plan is to get a brand new chorus up with a mp3 track as soon as possible. It is the song I have made reference to before, Abundant Life.

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Wonder

Do ever wonder
Why not more?

Do you ever cry
More God, more?

More of You

More of Jesus

More abundance More life

More redemption

More freedom

More creation

More peace

More

You

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Don't Deserve It

I know I don't deserve it
But I received it just the same
Grace like rain

It's free and comes to all
It floods your mind and your soul
Its what you need, not what you want

It dulls the pain

In a pub with C. S. I sing The praises of the King

Grace like rain
Grace like rain

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Guatemala, Florida and Music

The day job took me to Guatemala a couple of weeks back. I really should have blogged from there, but I didn't. My visit there was successful from a business standpoint but challenging otherwise. I will fist say that I think it is very important to help the helpless, that is what I do in my day job, but as I get more experience in the NGO/NFP world I am realizing the complexity of this task. Political agendas, corruption, prejudice are just a few of the major things that impede progress. I think sometimes it is very important to do the good while you look for the great. I think there are bigger and better solutions out there, but I currently they must be shared or created. I don't know what they are yet.

Family connections have let us vacation in Florida for several years now, and this year is only different in that we have been able to come for two weeks. Such a blessing! I hope to come back rested and rejuvenated to continue to press on with the current plan on workouts, personal goals and working hard at helping kids.

Small victory while I have been away, another radio station has started playing my new single "One Night", so I am very excited. I will endeavour to blog once more this vacation.

Peace

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Worship Wars

I may have tricked you. Traditionally this oxy-moronic statement has referred to the fight between church goers trying to preserve the old hymns vs. those trying to contemporize worship (all aspects I might add not just music). I think, though, that there is another war afoot. It is the war in our heads, in our hearts and in many of those around us as we worship every Sunday. The war that keeps us from getting over ourselves, that keeps us worried what others think while ironically we give very little thought to what God (who we supposedly worshipping) thinks. It is tough, it is a battle.

 

I hate getting up early in the morning. I generally hate the process of waking. Don't get me wrong, I love to be alive and I love the prospects for the day ahead, but waking ugh. The later the better, and bring on the coffee. But lately I have been waking early, really early, front end loading my days, getting more done. I have learned I literally have to focus myself into action. As my alarm goes off I think about the things I will be doing and how good I am going to feel when they are done. Yes I hit several snoozes!

 

I think preparing and entering into worship is similar. I think we need to focus mentally on how God would be pleased. Why he would care to hear us sing (loudly). How showing God gratitude and appreciation for everything he does and has done for us is inspiring. There is an element where when we finish doing that, we have accomplished something. I am not trying to paint it as pain, but I do think that it is something that takes energy.

 

Almost two months ago I started working out an hour a day. At first, I sweat ridiculously, and felt physically challenged the whole time. A month passed, I lost weight, and I barely could break a sweat. So now what? I have had to take it to the next level. Try more intense exercise, different things to go to the next level. You see where I am going.

 

It is not always about amping it up, but even in our relationships we need to mix it up. Dinner out is a great treat, if it is a treat. But if it is three times a week, it probably doesn't feel like a date anymore. I need to find different ways to express my love to my wife, and after a while I can return to one that I haven't used for a while, and then it feels special again.

 

At the end of the day, the best relationships are the ones where you invest and where an investment in you is returned. I know something for sure. God will always return blessings to you. Are you investing, really putting energy into worship. Mixing it up, not coming with the same gift every Sunday (did I just engage the worship war aforementioned?). I will tell you this, wars are won a battle at a time. Working out nearly 28 days for an hour was accomplished 1 hour at a time. Worshipping God at with intentionality, energy and passion can start this Sunday, one hour at a time!

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One Day to Today

Something has had to change, and is, because of that, now changing.

 

I had to change my mind, and my speech, even my heart, from One Day to Today. You see, I don't want to change the world one day, I want to change it today. I don't want to worship God greatly one day, I want to worship Him greatly today. I don't want to love my wife better one day, I want to love her better today, I want to inspire my children today, I want to breathe out love today......I don't want to live out my dreams one day, no, today I wrote another note, another tune, I spoke a positive word, I hugged, I kissed and I will love much more.....today. I cannot live any longer for one day, I will live today.

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Worship Resources

Last weekend was what is now my annual trip to Heritage Park Alliance to lead worship with a team there. As always is was great to connect with the community there, even had a great lunch with a long term colleague and his wife, always encouraging to meet with those who are geographically so far away, but part of the same community, the church.

That morning I sang an old chorus that I wrote several years back, "But to God". It is definitely one the best I have ever written. I have re-arranged it in a new key that I think is more song-able for the masses. You can listen to it, and you can download the lead sheet from my site as well. It can be accessed from the homepage of www.cliffcline.com, under the NEW "Worship Resources" link. There will be more coming on that page as the weeks continue, so check back fro free or inexpensive resources. Do drop me a line if you use it for a church service!

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I Feel Welcome!!!

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Two Hours a Day (will change your life)

It has been three weeks today, so I feel a little more confident sharing this. I have been trying to break down some walls in my life lately. Walls of lack of productivity, walls of reaching goals, both personal and dream related. I have been trying to learn from those who have succeeded by listening to sermons, reading magazine's like "Success" and business leadership books like Linchpin by Seth Godin. I am reading books on parenting, and on spiritual subjects like fear ("Fearless" by Max Lucado) and I am trying to refuse to be overwhelmed, but rather inspired to make little changes aggregately that will take hold and build on each other.

 

What all of this has led to currently is a discipline of giving myself two hours each day. One hour to work towards my dreams and one hour to work out on my body. What that has meant practically is that I am waking up a little more than 2 hours earlier to fit all of this in to an already full schedule.

 

Is is working? I think so! I have lost 12 pounds in three weeks and I am starting to see things really develop on the dream side (yes I am being somewhat mysterious). Stay tuned, through my blog and website I will keep you informed as the journey continues.

 

 

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"Buried Thoughts" Tour

Buried Thoughts is still in its first year of life and I would like to finish giving it a proper tour. From January to June 2011, I am declaring it the official “Buried Thoughts Tour”. Of course, I need bookings!  Could you help me!? Would you host a house concert; make a connection to your church; connect me to a festival or conference you are involved with? To start the process just contact me through my website : http://cliffcline.com/contact_me.html. We can start the brainstorming by email and then turn it into a reality!

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