The Break

It has been a very busy couple of months for gigs and work and social things. The social stuff has been amazing, starting with a friends 40th birhtday party and ending with our friends annual, now Burlington, Christmas party, it has been great.

The Cliff Cline Jazz Club is starting to gain some great momentum (with and without me!) an I am looking forward to making tonnes of music with the guys this next year. The CD, as expectd, has slowed in December but will have to resume on the break week and into January.

With some transitional things at work, the CD, The Jazz Club and the hopefuly more gigs in general this year should be very busy in a good way.

An Interesting Season

Ironically I am not talking about Christmas, although what I am pondering is related - closely. Life throws many different things and experiences at you. I would have to say that I have not experienced anywhere close to the harsh or tragic things others I know are dealing with or have had to deal with just to survive.

Have I had a easy life? No, I don't think so, but everything becomes very relative quickly, and really it is not a contest. What I do know is that being able to go through life with others and do more than survive, indeed to thrive and grow, is a blessing.

Now you do get into the issues of what is surviving, growing etc., but I think if you read this blog at all you realize that, although I may struggle with materialism and the like, I uphold the ways of God as the ideal, and try to follow what the Bible teaches in that regard.

The mystery is in this. The Bible is simple enough that a young child can grasp and believe its fundementals, but complex enough to keep one pondering its meaning for a lifetime. Moreover, it seems as we get older, living those fundementals becomes more difficult to do, not easier. And yet, the basic concept never changes. Truth about life and its "keys" are given to us through the Bible. Christians believe that the Bible is the supernatural (although strikingly simple by today's standards) method by which the Creator of the universe has revealed everything we need to know to survive this chapter of existence. 1 Peter 1:3

What strikes me as most important as a person who believes in Jesus and in God (Yahweh, the name that the Bible uses to describe the God of Israel) is that I live a life that is defined by my submission (a dirty word today) to what the Bible teaches. A life that truly seeks to learn what the Bible says, to do what the Bible says and to teach others what the bible says. That progression can be seen well in the life of a teacher of Israel from the old testament times Ezra. Ezra 7:10

I think the opposite is true as well. It is important not to be defined, if one calls oneself a Christian, by thoughts, actions or proclamations that do not help others see the truth of the Bible more clearly. In the end, too much time spent on ideas or thoughts not aimed at doing what the Bible teaches as the keys to life is simply a waste of time.

Living a life akin to that of Ezra harvests a God honouring crop as it were. That is a narrow focus I admit, and one which I am striving to regain. Simple, focussed and true. It is hard to vacate the mind of the wisdom of this world which can seem all too enticing and logical in favour of the wisdom that is contained in the Bible. 1 Cor 1:20 All to often techniques and thoughts that the world reveres are the exact opposite of what the Bible would teach.

The simple focus is that success will come with a life lived in the truth of what the Bible teaches. John 17:17 Jesus was clear on that. Success of course looks very different than what the world thinks is successful. That concept is true, but very unpopular, cliche, unrealistic and trite to many. But it is a simple truth to dwell on and study. Look at Matthew 5: 1-13, Jesus' teaching is simple but completly counter to every human instinct it would seem. I am looking forward to preaching on that Dec 31.

So what is so interesting about this season? Well at a time when I could wrongly try to conjure up all that I think is right by the standards of this world to aid in succeeding in the eyes of many who may be watching, I am prfoundly pleased that I don't have to rely on my own wisdom, or the wisdom of other men, but to jointly rely with other trusted friends on the wisdom of God to stay focused on this simple truth: I need to learn more of what the Bible teaches, do more of what the Bible teaches and teach others more of what the bible teaches everyday. There may be other strategies out there, but I think that is a simple way of describing what Jesus would have us do for life. John 8:31.

KISS

Do you ever feel that for all of your striving, you are ever failing? A walk around the block is a circle, not a journey, and a debatable amount of exercise.

Sometimes I relate too much to the movie It's A Wonderful Life. By that I mean, I can't see the good stuff. It might be there, but I can't see it. As some other movie said, after a while the bad stuff is easier to believe. (because it is just way more prevalent)

I have been reading several blogs lately. Quite a few of just folk, linking through a friends blog to their friends etc., not artists or intellectuals, not "thinkers" or writers, just folk.

There is so much criticism in our society. It seems that many many people feel judged, not good enough. Like they don't measure up. I am there. How can you not be. Almost everyday I/we are told how we do not measure up to someone's standard.

Ironically that is a message that can too often come from the people who bare the responsibility to pass on the message of God's hope for the world. The hope that the world would try and know who He is and hat He's about. I know I mess up with this all the time.

So what is the message of God. On one hand, yes you don't measure up to God, but.... you can. As has been said often, it is not easy, but it is simple. KISS, keep it simple stupid. Man do I need to remeber that. Just be the truth that is in the Bible. When you fall short, just try and be more the next day, knowing that the very exercise (humility, repetence, trying to live the truth, not just know it) is success in God's eyes. Following the teachings of Jesus and the Bible (accepting and following them) allows us to live in this positive and hopeful reality. We are better than ok with our creator God.

Yes it is incredibly difficult to keep that simple focus, but I write this to remind myself, and I suppose others - Just Do It.

Had rehearsal tonight with the Jazz Club. Quite a blast. Drums, piano, stand up bass, sax and vocals all in my basement. I was blown away by the fact that my kids just fell a sleep. It was not quiet by any stretch, but they were out. Thought that was a neat experiment gone right. A little jazz to put them and keep them a sleep!!

The band itself, although behind schedule in our aspirations, is starting to realize our vision in some of our repetoire. (not all yet) We are doing standards, but are starting to out our own spin on several, with the goal of doing that to all plus starting to wrtie our own jazz tunes etc.

Anyway, our Christmas jazz party is next Thursday night December 14th at Not my Dog link to link. Love to see you there. We can't wait to make music and enjoy everybody's company!!

Just One Thing

A lot of reflection lately on many things. One of the things that has been bubbling to the surface again is purpose in life. As a middle leader in an church I often have to consider how am I doing at conveying the one important thing that all members of this community need to know and do. What is that thing. I think the answer is simple, the process is also simple, not particularly easy, but simple.

We are to make disciples of Jesus Christ Matthew 28:19 and of course be disciples by following the teachings of Christ, The Bible John 8:31. That is very Christian sub-culture language, but I do not know how else to say it.

As with anything it goes much deeper. Look at these thoughts on leadership:
link 1
link 2

One of them talks about Marcus Buckingham who talks about the need for clarity from a leader. I like the picture in the other article that shows the "one thing" a leader needs to be.

Nevertheless, I think this underscores some of my thinking and learning. You must be known for something. One thing. You must lead people towards one thing. That one thing may have incredible depth and breadth, but it must be clear and you must lead people towards it.

Simply, I need and want to be someone who follows the teachings of Jesus and helps others, who want to, do the same with passion and integrity. Not just a Christian nominally, not from the Christianese perspective a disciple because that's the right term. In the end someone who says what they will do and be (this is part of that) and then outside the blogsphere (the hard part) actually does it. Oh yeah with depth and breadth.

A Long Week

Hey Guys,

Sorry again for the lack of blogging. It was a great week, but incredibly busy.

The FTC gig went great in Burlington last week. There I played with Ali Matthews and also warmed up with a little set. Moreover, I had a jazz practice and a board meeting at church, two "gigs" last weekend and a tonne to do at home and work.

I spent a little time on the CD today after the service this morning at church. I am still optimistic that I can get this thing done "on time" (lot of ""'s today eh?) but I need to find time to press through December so I am ready for some heavy recording in the New Year.

Anyway, more as it comes. Thanks for reading and keeping up. Hope to see you at a gig or church or something soon.

Gigs a Coming Come on Out

Hey it's been a bad week for blogging, sorry. Lots going on.

I had a rehearsal this week with Ali Matthews who I am warming up for and playing with 4 times this Christmas in the FTC Christmas shows. I have done very little playing for other people in my life and this is a great experience. So fun to be able to "sit back" and have fun in the background. The whole band is great and the music is all Christmas and fun. You have got to see this!! We wil be playing in Hamilton first Nov. 30th at the Royal Botanical Gardens, sounds cool non! Then a few days later in London at the Lamplighter Inn in London on Dec 3rd.

For tickets call FTC 1-877-382-2262. Hope to see you there!!

The Cliff Cline Jazz Club Christmas Party

So mark your calendars Dec 14th, 2006 and come out to Not My Dog for our first annual Christmas bash. Love to see you there. We will have lots of the Jazz Clubs guys out that night, should be a casual hoot!! Come by and say hi, love to hang for a few hours.

Computers - Yeesh

So I am not technically much of a computer geek. I know enough to be dangerous and generally right a wronged ship, but I am not energized by the process. I run the computers at church - three went down last month. Without boring you with the details, it si also crucial in a small environment that all of computers work, well all of the time. There is no pad. Needless to say I have been wokring like crazy to make us ready for this weekend and the staff able to do their respective jobs. Now they are back to normal, I better go and catch up!!

The Cliche Police - A Tribute

I was recently cited and fined (rightly) for cliche (Christianese to be exact) use on my blog, something I try very hard to avoid. I was reminded by this fine, payable with remorse and apologies, that sometimes trite sayings or expressions get in the way for what you are actually trying to say. I will take better care in trying to write with more intelligence and clarity in the future. In fact, I will definitely put my best foot forward and give it 110%, take it one word at a time, and leave nothing on the keyboard, put my sholder to the computer, and not accept cliches as an answer.

Phew, now that I got that out of my system, maybe I will stay clean for a while.:)

Joy In Work

I definitely think it is a struggle to keep constantly motivated. I also think it is tough to stay totally positive in the midst of high pressure and high goal setting. On top of that I think it is very difficult to keep balance across all areas of life in the midst of pushing on all fronts, positively with great motivation.

That is, however, what I think we need to do. I am reading a couple of John Maxwell books right now. In one of them he cites Edison as an example fo a incredibly positive thinker who succeeded through positive attitude and thought.

Many of the thoughts have caught my attention as I read these books. The one thought recently is this: Remain positive, hopeful, persevere, don't give up.

I am totally pumped by the work I am doing both at church (and at home for the CD and book etc.) I am working out, trying to do even more with and for the kids, and the decision to keep it positive is helping me get up in the morning. When you decide life will be good, it tends to agree - even when all of the circumstances you ind yourself in are less than ideal.

Technical Difficulties

I have been having some technical difficulties as of late. I think I have figured out it is FIrefox and/or the Mac OS. Alas, I have put in a couple of backdated ones that you may have read when I publihed a couple of posts in iWeb format, or maybe not. Just letting you know.

Cool Find

So one of my laments over the years has been the lack of ability to record and keep easily accessible demos of all the songs I have done. For obvious reasons, when you have written as many songs as I have and you are not performing and recording, well every year pretty much, unless you are diligent at writing them down and/or recording them, then you are in trouble.

I have always known that I have lost a few good ones, but lately I think it has become worse. In part because I have written so many "secular" songs that I am not really using in any venue right now.

Interesting the journey I am on in life (to me anyway). This CD project is pulling and pushing me to, perhaps, re-find my voice artistically.

Anyway, I did a concert 7-ish years ago, if you can believe it, at a friends photography studio downtown (link). He no longer has that place. I found a video tape of the concert, and have hence found several songs that I must consider now for recording. I am starting to think I am going to have to release a volume one and two under the same title a year a part or something.

Anyway, re-finding the songs in my hands and voice tonight. Very fun. Thought I would share.

Studio 60

So there is a new episode of my new favourite show (apparently already cancelled) on tonight. After a long but productive week, and at the start of what looks to be another one (Sunday is my first workday of the week) I am excited to chill with my bride and catch some entertainment.

Was at a friends triple cool 40th birthday party last night. Great friends he has. You can tell a lot about a person by their friends (or lack of them I suppose). The people were amazing, and the so was the get together.

Going to be a busy month of singing which I am excited about. I will be in Stratford, Burlington/Hamilton, London and Toronto over the next few weeks with Ali Mathews and FTC Canada. Should be a blast!!

Blogger has been having some problems, so I put up a couple blogs from the mac. I will have them re-entered under this format in a day or two.

'til next blog.

Questions

The discipleship journey in Christ is both simple and complicated. Tonight I want to concentrate on the simple.

Several conversations about this topic have led me to this blog. How do I know I am moving forward in Christ, or more specifically, how do I know that I, as a Christian, am in the right place?

The answer to me is simple, but multi-tiered. If you are moving forward in Christ, than you are in an environment that God would like. He wants you to grow in Him. Therefore, the environment itself may or may not be totally positive (e.g. can one under persecution grow - of course) but if you can find are focussing on God and are able to grow, it probably is an acceptable environment. If not, move on.

In the Bible, some related to Paul, some to Apollos ( as I understand it) Paul was like, dude who cares as long as Christ is being taught. Makes sense non?

Maybe too simplistic, but we need to serve God to out fullest in humility and with passion. If we move from place to place and never hit that, it is probably us, if we move and find it - good move.

Progress Report

It feels like I am writing a lot about the CD to come. I have spent a fair amount of time thinking about all aspects of it this last week. Production, marketing, tour support, all of those things. For sure part of it has been invigorating and, of course, a big part of it is stressful. There has been a great progression people getting into my music since the release of "Noticing the Sky", I am very excited about the prospect of building that even further, and hopefully adding value to peoples lives through the art that I can create. The most encouraging comments are the ones from people who describe how this song or that has helped them through a tough spot, or in their daily or weekly walk for a time.

That being said, it continues to be the process of producing this CD that is juicing me. I have set an aggressive target date for release, but I am not going to share it publicly - yet. All that to say, I am thinking sooner than later - it's the carrot to keep coming back here and reading. All that to say it will be months.

Some of the tracks are really coming alive in this stage of the production. (Still pre-production really) I am excited for where this CD is going. I think it is going to represent a new flavour for me, and from all aspects that excites me. I think it represents growth in several areas, musicianship, writing, singing, arranging, producing and more. That alone is making it all worth while.

Ahh the Sun

Well it has been a great week of soaking up the sun. Temperatures in the 80s and the 90s have rejuvenated the soul. Yet another week of relaxing before I am back at it around various places including, of course, work.

I over exposed this picture a little, but you get the idea.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

We haven't been as busy as we were this past Thanksgiving in years. Three dinners: one Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (throw a church service in there as well!) Saw almost all of our immediate family and some friends, that alone something to be thankful for.

Unfortunately I came down with a pretty good cold that has gotten worse today. Hopefully I can fight it off before the big drive to Florida for vacation at the end of this week!

Pre-production on the CD has been happily taking up alot of time lately. What can I say, the process has really lit some creative juices and I am growing more and more comfortable on the engineering side. I have been reading for a couple of years now on mic techniques, mixing techniques etc. trying to get some knowledge into the brain, and although I got some practice on the really low end version of Cubase I was using for some songwriting, working in Logic (Express) has been a great experience. Anyway, I am sure I need to find other things to post about, because the CD is months away, but man am I enjoying the process!!

Where Am I?

I wasn't refering to the amount of posts recently, but some may have assumed that was the context of the title:)

Anyway, I am really talking about the progress on the new CD. I am absolutely having a blast recording. I am about seven songs into the pre-production of about 14. Although that would make it seem like I am half way through at least this phase I am not, because I am not finished what I think I need to on all of the songs either. I do have to remeber this is the 'scratch' phase of the recording, nevertheless, I want to be happy even with this phase.

The CD is shaping up to be very different from my first, so down the line I will be interested to see what people think of the change. I would describe it as more of an artists CD than a worship CD, more songs for listening to then songs for singing to. Anyway, jsut felt like shooting up some info up here to keep something flowing from me to you.

Have a great day eh!!

Peace.

An encouragement!

Well I found it encouraging or inspiring, maybe you will too! I am an instant fan of the show Studio 60. I really liked West Wing for the most part, and have really enjoyed the stylized kind of TV that Aaron Sorkin has put out. I have not personally ever experienced that intensely cool of a work environment, but then again I have never worked in a premier studio in all of the world, or the White House - so it makes sense. I get that may never be my reality in terms resources and environment, but one verbal exchange from the show was very inspiring.

One of the characters was slightly at odds with another character regarding some historic issues between them. It was crunch time and the one wanted to make sure with the other that they were good. Paraphrased it went:

"Hey about yesterday"
"Forget it, let's work"

So many things in life, so many successes and failures, and challenges. Sometimes so many "good things to do", or tensions. Too often they are distractions from the cause.

Jesus faced this too. I am still processing the learning I did from this within the last couple of years, but really early in Jesus' ministry (Luke 4:38-44) He was healing people and the people did not want Him to leave. His response, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Surely you can stay a while and heal Jesus, I mean that's good stuff right. Nope, got to work, at the right thing, not just the good things.

So what's the encouragement? Simply I think it is to stay focused on the mission of Christ. The other stuff will happen, but we must keep it from defining us. Jesus was known for His ability to heal, but His legacy is His message of the kingdom of God. We can know God through Christ. To be like Jesus, that needs to be what I am about. So back to work.