My Music in Christ by Cliff Tompkins

I’ve been a struggling Christian for many years, backsliding and returning to God’s word and backsliding again. It is called sin. As a sinner, my growth is often suppressed because I don’t include Jesus Christ in my process of struggle. I will make a decision and knowing that my heart is telling me that it just isn’t worth it and I still struggle with that truth. The voids in my life are lessons and when I finally come to a point of submission in the Holy Spirit, I have that inner peace. At times, like anyone else, I’ll trade the truth for a lie. For example, I know for certain that music and words are a tool. In my mind, I justify the fact of creating an illusion and using a substance like marijuana. Time and time again, I try to vindicate my processing and where I’m going in my deed, only to find that nothing has changed. Why do I continue to set myself back, knowing that patience is a virtue, often tested by God. Like I said, I return to the word of God and know that my error has similarities in the pattern. When will I learn?

I am very disciplined in many ways but foolish in others. I’ve known Jesus Christ long enough to know that many obstacles in life are beyond my control and that is where the test lies. I am learning that there is no “wheeling and dealing” with the Holy Spirit, only strength in the lessons if I will lean and trust his leading. Again, sin tries to tell me time and time again that Christianity is a lonely place and time and time again, that is a lie which robs and cheats me from growth. I get angry just thinking about that. When will I fully trust in my God, even when I think I am lonely? I am gifted, you are gifted but knowing the values of our gifts often and most definitely requires submission to the Holy Spirit!

When I sit at my piano, I feel a void. I know for certain God is trying to tell me something but my anxiety will cause me to avoid the love of my life, my piano. I have a great composition waiting to come to life but I lack the ability to surrender to the music, the way that God wants me to surrender and that causes extreme fear and anxiety within my heart. That is because, once again, I do not fully trust the lord. So, I just wanted to tell anyone who is reading that you are never alone in your lessons of life, regardless of the choice/s one makes! As for my piano, I need prayer and it probably would benefit me to go to a place that will accept me. I’ve never given that a chance. Nevertheless, I will continue to seek my God in Christ. I will continue to battle myself but I also love the progress that I am continuing to make in trusting God without getting a thrashing. The lord knows that I beat myself after the error and that is another lesson that I am learning about my God. He is not like us, he is patient, he is compassionate and he is the one with reason. That makes my heart rejoice in saying that as I write it down. I’m finally waking up, praise God for my sake.

I would like you, the reader, to pray for me and my music. I can’t be afraid to learn and in turn share. That is what music is all about, the universal language that heals and brings joy. Music is the most fascinating avenue of having the ability to tell a story of some kind. Why am I so afraid? Hear my prayer, heavenly father. I am eager, reluctant and I am not listening. That robs of so many blessings.

Now, for you, I pray that you have a Merry Christmas in Christ and above the music, peace!

In Christ,

Cliff Tompkins

11/19/25

A black treble clef symbol on a white background

The best happiness in a dancing exercise is when you have a dance partner/s that compliments the dance and vice-versa :)

I have a dancing wound but that doesn’t stop me from spelling it out, when I >>>dance!

Universal language!

-Cliff Tompkins

Four people jumping on a beach with the ocean in the background
Screen displaying music production software with waveforms and controls, alongside a bright yellow-green background with the number 12 and 'Ableton Live' text.

Cliff here. I need to better understand Ableton live by hands on learning (including Zoom, FaceTime or Google Meets). Do you understand Launchkey 25? Are you looking for a mentoring job? I need you, if you are experienced with these basics, which are tutorial troublesome for me, at this time. Help…. I need the “hands on” education.

A musical keyboard controller with colorful buttons and various control knobs and sliders.

Let’s make some music, Bossa Nova style. I’m on keyboards. Now that I have the time, I am going to dive into my passion, my love for music! I only wish I would’ve listened sooner to the passion of my heart! I was too busy with business and now I have some regret but going forward is all I can do.

-Cliff Tompkins

Here is a little composition that I wrote at Los Angeles Film School. I had to keep it under 2 minutes. So, I used my Yamaha and did a dub. Now, I need to dive in and better understand how to compose with technology, Ableton and Launchkey. Help. Anyone want to create music with me, both in person and online???

-Cliff Tompkins