One of everyone's favorite episode of "I Love Lucy" is the one where Lucy and Ethel are working at the chocolate factory, it happens to be one of those things that no matter how many times you've seen it still makes us laugh. One of my other favorite ones is the "Vitameatavegemin" one (I digress). Anyway, back to the factory with Lucy. That brings me to how I feel right now. The conveyor belt keeps going faster and the chocolates are closer together, and I just keep thinking tomorrow or next week I will make some headway on it. We all know how that goes. Sometimes like Lucy and Ethel did, we do well hiding it for a while, but we feel like we are going to go under just any second. Anyone with me?

One of the conveyor belts in my life this year is recording the new CD. All of my recording projects grow out of necessity. Sometimes it's just time to record a new CD and we go from there. Interestingly enough though, as I look back over those recordings I can see my spiritual journey reflected in those songs, my heritage, my struggles, my successes... So this time I find myself trying to make sure this one does too. It isn't just a recording of great music. It is the struggle of sifting through all of the wonderful music and styles, mixing them up, and coming out with another episode of my journal that God can use in other people's lives. One of the biggest challenges I face as I go to the studio is song choice. It is the spiritual side of a very tedious and mechanical process.

Darren and I have had two sessions and I go for my third session tomorrow morning (Thursday). Every week I leave the studio with a little better view of the overall project, so I know that I will toss and turn in my sleep tonight in anticipation of getting yet another glimpse tomorrow.

As humbly as I know how, I ask two things of you, my loyal bloggers. First, know that Darren and I truly covet your prayers. Pray that we will be open to what God will want to say through this CD. Secondly, if there are any particular songs that you would like for me to consider making a part of this CD, I would love to know. So the second part would be to send me your suggestions - I will post your comments and I think it will be interesting to see what the "Cliff Hackler Community" is listening to and would like to hear on the CD. So let me know what you think.

I will keep you informed on this CD through my blog in the category "New CD" (until I come up with a category title). If you get a chance I would love to know what you think.

In His Grip!
Cliff