Kansas City Christmas Lights
December 20, 2010
Last night was our annual Christmas light tour! With beverages of joy (i.e. peppermint hot chocolates & caramel apple spiced ciders) Caleb & I (plus two friends) cruised around the Kansas City metro checking out Christmas light hot spots. Much joy and merriment was had by all!
We’ve always enjoyed Christmas lights this time of year. However, a couple of years ago, I got the bright idea to google “christmas lights in Kansas City.” (See my post from 2008.) Lo & behold! There was someone who was documenting all the great houses, businesses, and neighborhoods that go crazy with decorating this time of year!
You can find that website here – created by Keith Stokes.
This particular site lists most of the great light locations in Johnson County and even lays out suggested map tours. We like to pick some of our favorites and make our own route. Either way – this website is an awesome resource.
Last night we visited a couple of places for the first time. Paulie’s Penguin Playhouse – was INSANE… Over 150 inflatable Christmas themed penguins IN THEIR YARD. You can actually walk through their yard and they even have a snow machine. If you have small children that can handle the 20-30 min car ride there… this might be a fun stop. Here is a long review of it.
Another one, that you’ve gotta stop and see at least once in your life is Mike Babick’s House. All of those individual “store front” windows have moving animatronics inside.I’ve never seen anything like it. Honestly, (as I mentioned in the post from 2008) all the moving creatures kind of creep me out, but it’s incredibly impressive that he does this to HIS HOUSE.
We also particularly enjoyed driving through “Christmas Place” a small neighborhood that completely decorates each of their homes. It’s located at 131st Place West of Antioch Rd in Overland Park.
The Ultimate Holiday Tree is pretty impressive – a giant tree shaped LED light screen coordinated with Christmas music. Again, amazing what lengths people will go to decorate their homes. This house was even featured on a TV show.
I do tend to be a sucker for displays in which the lights coordinate with the music (you just tune your car radio to a particular radio station to listen). Places like Vince & Associates light display on Metcalf . That’s probably the biggest one I’ve seen. I’m not a huge fan of their music selection this year but the size of their display is rather impressive.
Anyway… if you’re looking for a fun holiday activity in Kansas City – check out the Johnson County Light website, hop in your car, turn on the Christmas tunes, and go on an adventure!!
The Most Important Thing About Me
November 24, 2010
This year for me has been an emotional roller coaster. I often wonder if this is a “season” or if it’s just the reality of human existence. My guess is the latter. In the midst of traveling, circumstances that have been out of my control, and beholding suffering, I’ve been trying to find a place of rest. I long for communion with Jesus that transcends circumstance and the inevitable storms of life.
My tendency throughout my journey has been to numb my heart (false rest). This can look like keeping incredibly busy, spending all my spare time with people, or gorging on entertainment. I admit I have done all of those things this year, but in the midst of it all I keep reaching for Jesus. I keep striving to fight against those tendencies and place my broken and weak heart before Him.
In the midst of one of those reaches several weeks ago, I pulled out “The Knowledge of the Holy” by AW Tozer. I stopped short at the first line:
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Somehow, this statement got me back on track in a way that I needed so desperately. I have thought about it repeatedly since then. When you don’t know what to do, set your eyes on Jesus (2 Chron. 20:12). Beholding & declaring Jesus is always our way forward.
So, who is my Beloved to me?
He is faithful, exceedingly faithful. He never leaves me. He is always working everything together for my good, conforming me to His image as I choose to love Him (Romans 8). He hedges me in and afflicts me in faithfulness (Hosea 2 & Psalm 119). He speaks tenderly to me and upholds me with His right arm. At times His works are invisible to me, at times He whispers, and at times He thunders. Always, He is good.
He is true. Never has He, and never will He, lie to me. He’s not like mere man (Numbers 23:19). I can trust His Word. I can trust His actions. He lived a blameless life and then chose to die for me. I can trust a God who has bled for me. I can trust a God who IS truth. He is who He says He is.
He is humble. The fact that a divine God chose to put on flesh forever, in order to raise up kings and priests (as His family) astounds me. Not only has He died for me, but He lives to intercede for me on a regular basis (Hebrews 7). My God is a God who washes my feet, cleanses my heart, and shepherd’s me (John 13, Psalm 23, John 10). Have you ever heard of a God who is a Shepherd?
He is beautiful. I long to be captured by something bigger than the day to day and Jesus is my answer to that ache. He is beautiful to my eyes – dazzling & radiant, shining like a jasper diamond, surrounded by an emerald rainbow and living creatures (Revelation 4). His eyes burn with fire (Revelation 1). Christ is beautiful to my heart – His Name is my comfort & if I really run into His name, I will find fascination.
He is attentive to my cry. Knowing that a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50), He who is seated above the circle of the earth (Isaiah 40), the one who created all things by the Word of His power (John 1), is listening to me (me?!) is terrifying and glorious. I have the ear of the One who can actually bring change (Psalm 18). I have everything I need if I have Jesus (2 Peter 1:3).
This list could go on and on and on… but in the midst of the whirlwind of life I seek to come back to the first things. I long to behold Him and bless Him. I long to love Him and declare His name. What I believe about Jesus and living like I believe it, is the most important thing about me.
Turning Away From Entertainment
September 8, 2010
I received a comment recently about when I’d be writing about “cutting back on most forms of entertainment”. So, I thought now would be a good time to address this. Turning away from media and entertainment feels like an ongoing, every day battle for me. This also seems to be a very controversial topic within the Body of Christ (at least in the West).
Some say that it’s freedom to be able to watch whatever you want. Some say that turning off your TV or not watching movies (for the sake of drawing near to Jesus) is “religious”. Most people will try to convince you that there’s “grace” for entertainment. I’d rather make a case that Jesus is worthy of all of our time and attention.
I don’t think not watching TV or movies earns me anything. I do watch movies occasionally, and I have spent HUGE chunks of my life staring at a screen watching someone else’s story. I wish I could get that time back. I don’t want to spend my time that way and am striving to turn it off and turn to Him.
Even outside of the spiritual implications – wouldn’t you rather live the life that you desire, rather than live vicariously through someone else?
Regardless, for me it comes down to:
1) I have to give an account (to Jesus) for how I’ve spent all my time on the earth, and I will be judged by what I DO with my time. He looks at my heart, absolutely, but what I do really matters (Rev. 20:12). I am pained by the fact that I will have to give an account for the thousands of hours I’ve spent in front of the TV, at a movie theater, or surfing the internet. Those are hours I can never get back.
2) I believe there is a higher level of communion and satisfaction available in Jesus today, that I have yet to taste. I believe that drawing nearer to Him will bring me more pleasure than a movie. A movie will play with my emotions and let me escape for a little while, but most likely won’t draw me closer to His heart.
I want to live in constant communion with Jesus. When I say that, I don’t mean I sit in a dark room, rock back and forth, and talk to Jesus all day. I DO mean that certain activities are more prone to take me out of dialogue with Him. Practicing the presence of God is all about talking to (and listening to) Jesus in the day in and day out of life. Unfortunately, with most movies or TV shows or surfing the internet, that is difficult for me.
I don’t think entertainment or media is inherently evil. I do value the age that we live in. I love that information is readily available, and I think that movies can be made—and the internet can be used—to glorify the name of Jesus. I pray that the Lord would anoint men and women who are living the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to declare the message of Jesus’ beauty through media.
At the same time, I want to turn my eyes from looking at worthless things (Psalm 119:37 and Psalm 101). Most TV programs and movies (even kids movies) are saturated with the spirit of the age. I believe we become like what we behold or consume. I want to look like Jesus, not like the world. I want to love those that are in the world, and I believe the best way to do that is to spend my time meditating on, agreeing with, and living His word, so I actually have something to say. I want to become the message of truth. I want to become true.
He is worthy of all of my heart. Oh, that I would strive to surrender all of it to Jesus. Life is so short. Jesus, grant me grace to love you with every moment of it.
A Milestone
August 13, 2010
Well, I hadn’t realized how long it’s been since I’ve posted. Yikes! Obviously, (as evidenced by my lack of blogging) it’s been a crazy summer for us. I hope to get back into the discipline of blogging again, and thought I’d start that out by sharing some good news. I ran a 5k (3.1 mile race) on Sunday with my dear friend Kari!
Unless you knew that I’ve dealt with sickness for the past 5.5 years – this probably wouldn’t seem like a very big deal. But it is a HUGE deal. The Lord is healing my body and I actually ran 3 miles.
Several years ago running AT ALL seemed impossible. Walking was often a struggle. But little by little the Lord has been strengthening my frame. Thank you Jesus!
I debated about sharing this on here, because it feels like such a private and personal thing. BUT I wanted to share what the Lord has done. He has brought me so far.
I’m not completely healed yet. Running the race was hard on my body, but I did it. Thank you so much to all of you who have prayed for my healing… keep those prayers coming! He is good!
Why ‘Practice’ God’s Presence
May 17, 2010
I’ve been working on a blog post for o
ver a week, on why we should ‘practice the presence of God’. Honestly, it was reading something akin to a car manual. While that would probably please my mechanically minded husband—I didn’t think it would agree with 99% of the rest of the populace—so I chucked it and started over.
So, why seek to give God my attention and my affection throughout every moment of my life?
Simply—Because He is worthy. He is a God who bled for me. He was beaten beyond recognition after living a blameless life—never giving into the temptation of sin even one time—so that in His death and resurrection He could claim me as His own. The King of Kings has given every ounce of His strength—His mind, His will, His emotions, His resources—to possess me and draw me into His kingdom—all so that I would reign with Him in paradise, forever!
Jesus was more than aware of every time I’d reject Him, and yet He pursued me. Willingly, the Son of Man laid down His life that I would rule with Him forever. Even now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father living to intercede for me.
How could I not seek to lay my life down for Love? How could I not seek to worship Him with my every breath, my every thought, my every step? The eternal God is worthy of abandoned worship!!! He is worthy of every moment of my life.
I’ve been thinking about the axiom, ‘Life is a marathon—not a sprint.’ Usually what people mean by that is, ‘Slow down. You’ve got to pace yourself. Don’t push too hard. Remember life is long—you don’t want to wear yourself out.’
And I think it’s ridiculous.
For one thing, those who live by this motto probably aren’t runners. Because runners (whether sprinters or marathoners) are consumed with their sport. Real runners change their diets, their sleeping habits, and their schedules in order to get faster and stronger. They can’t compartmentalize their training and continue in sloppiness in other arenas of life. If a runner is serious about improving their best time & beating their last record, running will touch every aspect of their life – regardless of the race they’re running.
Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 9, “24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Life on this earth is short. I’ve only got one life to live. AND I never know when my turn to stand before the Judge of the Earth will be. However, I know that I will. I also know that I don’t want to look back and wish I’d just run a little bit harder into His heart. Oh the pain I’d feel upon realizing that I could have leaned more into His love and therefore loved others more because of it.
He is worthy—so I run. Life on this earth is short—so I discipline my body and my mind. I want to gain eternal reward—So I set my eyes on Jesus in even the most mundane circumstances. He loves me—so I want to love Him.
As I close, I’m thinking about running cross-country in High School—particularly the invitationals. Early on a Saturday morning, a hundred to two hundred girls would line up next to each other in preparation for a 3.1 mile race. As I would stand there (hopping up and down trying to shake out my nervous energy) I’d be thinking about the whole race— the turns, the hills, the straight-away’s.
I’d visualize the finish—how I’d ‘kick it in’ with my last bit of strength. But I’d also be thinking about the challenge at hand—that first 100 meters. I knew that if I didn’t give the initial part of the race everything I had, I’d get stuck behind the pack and probably wouldn’t get into the position I wanted at the front of the race. I also knew that maintaining a strong pace would be critical to success.
Ah, I love to run!! The thrill of pushing myself as hard as my body will allow, giving myself to a higher goal moment to moment, setting my eyes on the prize - glorious. Paul’s analogy is excellent because how hard we run in this life (through every part of the race) – will determine “how we place” in the age to come. We don’t compete against each other, but we war against powers and principalities. We war against the darkness within and all around us, and we run to obtain the prize.
So I visualize the finish. I think about the twists and turns along the way. I set myself for a strong steady start. I practice the presence of God – because I was made to run.
A Few Years Ago – I Got a Wake-Up Call
April 21, 2010
One of the most painful things to me of late is how I spend my time. Or perhaps better phrased – how I DON’T spend my time. I desire to give the Lord 100% of my attention and my affection – no matter what I’m doing. However, I’m painfully aware of how short I fall of that goal!!
Revelation 20:12 – “And I saw the dead great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”
I absolutely believe that we are saved by grace through faith – not by anything we do (Ephesians 2:8-10). But I believe there will be varying rewards based on how we have chosen to love Jesus with our life (Matthew 25:14-30).
Those choices break down to moment by moment decisions. Will I partner with Jesus and agree with truth or will I love a lie? It’s the difference between getting lost in unhealthy fantasy or choosing to set my mind on things above. Sometimes it’s even a decision between what’s good and what’s best (spending 2 hours surfing the internet vs. 2 hours reading the Word).
The first time I was really gripped with this was several years ago. I had been dealing with prolonged illness that required me to be mostly confined to my bed. I had a Netflix subscription, and believe you me, I was getting my money’s worth!! I felt rather worthless at the time. I couldn’t think clearly, couldn’t ‘DO’ much of anything, and it seemed like the only thing I could do was get lost in someone else’s story for awhile.
I believe I was binge watching some ‘Little House On the Prairie’ episodes when I became very aware of my utter boredom and the ache inside of me. I remember beginning to dialogue with the Lord about the frustration I had about the season I was in. I wanted to be in the prayer room. I wanted to be singing. I wanted to be in the House of the Lord!
I don’t remember exactly how Jesus spoke to me that day. But I remember being struck with the awareness that I would be judged for how I was spending my time – even though I was sick. I knew He wasn’t angry with me or even disappointed. But I had a distinct awareness that one day I would stand before the King of Kings who sees EVERYTHING.
He would say, “Do you remember that season I gave you – when you didn’t have any responsibility? That season when you didn’t have any children or a leadership position? You lived in a tiny apt and there weren’t dozens of people vying for your attention. Yes, you were struck with a momentary light affliction but how did you love ME in that time?”
I became SO aware of how little time I was spending in the Word and how little time I was just talking to Jesus as I laid in my bed. If I could watch hour upon hour of Little House on the Prairie… I could certainly commune with the Spirit in my weakness. And yet I spent very little time doing that.
I began to realize the offense in my heart towards God, and how my lack of believing He was who He said He was – my Healer, my Friend, my Savior, my Redeemer… was keeping me from coming to Him in my own poverty.
In some ways that was the beginning of a journey for me of figuring out how best to give Him my time – within my frame and my circumstances. It’s a never-ending, always changing journey to discover how to give Jesus more of my heart. The more I seek to be focused – the more aware I become of my lack of focus! I’m so thankful He loves to give grace and mercy because I need a lot of it.
I hope to do a couple of posts of ways that I seek to ‘practice the presence of God’ (great book by Brother Lawrence if you’ve never read it!) Certainly, it looks different for everyone. But the more we can glean from one another’s practices in this arena, the closer we’ll come to being conformed to His image. That’s what I want!!!
On The Eve of My 29th Birthday…
April 7, 2010
I’m so aware of the ache inside of me for Jesus. I’m so aware of how desperately I need to be consumed by Him. I’m so aware of my proneness to sin – to pride, to lust, to seeking to be satisfied in what has no lasting value. As I face my 29th birthday I’m so aware of my lack. And so I’m full of prayer for less of me and more of Christ. I MUST become One with the One called Love.
Oh Jesus, let me finish my twenties more disciplined in love – giving my strength to what has eternal value. Let me love my family, friends, and strangers both with my words and with my life. Make me a vessel of truth – not consumed with my own agenda but with Your very groanings.
Oh God, I want to be whole-hearted, FULLY pleasing you – taking up my cross and turning from immediate comfort, and pleasure for the sake of Your name. I want to be near to You forever, so draw me nearer today. Let me have no regrets upon the day I stand before You.
Let the thoughts I think and the words I speak bring joy to Your heart and a smile to Your eyes. Oh, though I be unseen by man - I want to be great in Your eyes. Give me a greater resolve for sacrifice as I choose to fix my gaze upon Your throne and Your face. Give me a vision of Your beauty. Open Your word to me and let me stand with You there.
Let me see You, beautiful Man. Let me hear You – Your voice like thunder… even if You choose to whisper. Let me know You. I have no other option but to stay in the ache of this prayer. Oh Jesus, I love You – let me know You more.
On the eve of my 29th birthday, I ask Lord, let me bear the cross of my lack of You and humbly ask for more.
The Will of God For Your Life
March 29, 2010
I don’t know who you’re supposed to marry, where you’re supposed to live, or what career path you should take – but I know the will of God for your life.
1 Thess 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”
God’s highest desire for me as He looks at my life – both in this age and the age to come – is that I would become holy like He is holy. That I would be conformed to His image and become one with the One who IS love – both for His glory and unto greater and greater joy for me.
When I was younger this answer would have frustrated me to no end. I would have said, “That’s it?! His will for me is to become holy? I want to know what kind of ministry I’m going to have! I want to know who’s going to fall in love with me! I want to know how many kids I’m going to have one day! I want to know His will for me! What am I supposed to DO with my life?’
I’m by no means old (fast approaching 30) and I am NOWHERE close to ‘figuring things out’ but the more and more I come back to seeking to become holy (which is seeking the First Commandment – loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength) the more all the other details come into focus.
I LOVE that the Lord cares about ALL of the details… He cares so much about who I married (and I married REALLY well). He cares about how I invest my time and about every step I take. And He is so committed to leading me day by day and step by step – I am so thankful for His leadership!! God loves to speak to us about intimate aspects of our lives. We should ask Him about everything.
But as I go about my day to day business, and I ask Him questions about what’s next and which way to go, if I can come back to Jesus’ desire for me and live from there – I find peace. His desire for me is to be His. The longing in His heart is that I be His pure and spotless partner. When I focus on HIM then my anxieties dissipate, my decisions become easier, and life becomes simpler.
1 Thess. 4 goes on to say – “4 that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”
God wants me to agree with every part of Him, and as I say yes more and more to His leadership on what is clear in His word – He WILL lead me and my joy will overflow. Oh, that I would set my heart to just keep looking at Jesus – for He is writing my story and He will see it to it’s completion. This is the will of God for my life (and yours) – looking unto Jesus (Heb. 12:2) and becoming more like Him.
I Like Twitter – Therefore I Tweet (& Why)
March 20, 2010
I have avoided Twitter like 
the plague. I didn’t want to just be another person posting about my latest trip to the grocery store or the fact that *gasp* I was out of toothpaste. (This was my preconceived notion about what Twitter ‘was’.) I also tend to have a bit of an addictive personality, so I didn’t want to get hooked on yet another form of social media.
But a few things persuaded me. (I’m really into lists lately, can you tell?)
1) I heard John Piper (@JohnPiper) was tweeting.
John Piper the ‘Desiring God, Focused On the Word, Don’t Waste Your Life’ Guy. Here is his explanation as to why and how he tweets. If you’re going to read anything – read his post. He explains it much better than I do!
2) I saw a couple of people that I respect doing it really well.
Stuart Greaves (@stuartgreaves) – tweets thought-provoking and inspiring 140 character messages that are focused on the God-Man, Jesus Christ.
Bob Sorge (@bobsorge) – I am learning so much by single sentences from this man. I am spurred on to press on toward the prize because of the truth he is proclaiming through Twitter.
Josh Hawkins (@joshprays) – Josh is an musician and intercessor at IHOP. I have been learning a great deal and am challenged to look at the Word in new ways because of his tweets.
3) It’s a simple way to be provoked!
I want to use Twitter as a tool that encourages me to go harder after God. This means following people that are focused on the word (in their tweets). I can even ‘follow’ AWTozer and CSLewis – which basically means I get quotes from them on a daily basis. How cool is that?
You can use Twitter any way you want to. Some people use it to follow all the people they love. That’s great, but I use Facebook to do that (I’ll save that for another post). I’ve decided also, if a friend’s Twitter feed posts in Facebook as well, I probably won’t follow them on Twitter. No need for double duty. I like it simple!
4) It’s an easy way to encourage others and proclaim Christ.
I love the challenge of trying to say something meaningful and inspiring in 140 characters. I mentioned this to my friend, Bret Mavrich (@jbmavrich) who was also influential in my choice to join Twitter. He gave me this quote by William Zinsser, “Make every word work.” Twitter is the perfect application for this!
I can post a bible verse, a book recommendation, or a favorite quote and then share it instantly with anyone who is following me. John Piper currently has over 64,000 people following him on twitter… He can influence so many people for the good, in a moment, with a simple sentence.
5) Twitter can be used as a resource.
You can ask a question like, ‘Does anyone know a good local mechanic?’ or ‘Does anyone know who wrote this worship song?’ and within seconds you can have your answer. Or it can be a way to ask for prayer. What a great way to get the word out in an emergency!
Those are the main reasons. These may not be new to some of you – as I realize Twitter has already been around for a long time! But it’s still new to me! I think I’ve been on Twitter for about a month, and I have been surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed it. I find that I’m growing more intentional about what I want to say overall. My desire is to proclaim His heart! I love things that are focused, to the point, and cause me to fall more in love with Jesus. Used intentionally, I think Twitter can do just that!
PS – For those of you new to the world of Twitter – those are my Twitter updates in the right-hand column.
Why I Don’t Listen to Secular Music
March 12, 2010
I grew up listening to secular music. Truthfully, I could probably sing most popular songs that were produced between the 50’s and the 90’s. In High School, I would drive for hours with the windows down, and my radio blaring. I loved many different genre’s and especially how the music made me feel.
Something with a good beat could seemingly cheer me up in minutes and songs that told a story could make me cry. Some of the songs took me back to moments that had long past and some songs felt empowering. If someone had told me even 5 years ago, that I would give up secular music – I wouldn’t have believed them. And yet, I did.
Why?
1) I want to love Jesus with my whole heart.
Matthew 22:37 – Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment.
When I take this verse as it’s written, ALL really means ALL. When my time and attention is given to music that doesn’t glorify God, by people who( typically) aren’t living lives that glorify God, then I’m giving my heart, soul, and mind to something less that God.
Matthew 12:25, Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
When I listen to (meditate on) secular music I’m setting myself up to be ‘divided’. What do I mean by that? If I say that I believe that the scriptures say that premarital sex, getting drunk, or a covetous lifestyle are sin, but I listen to music that is rife with such topics – I am subconsciously (sometimes consciously) agreeing with these lifestyle choices. If I don’t agree with those things, why do I allow my heart and mind to meditate on them?
When my heart is divided I lose my ability to stand on issues that really matter to Jesus’ heart. I believe that darkness is increasing in the earth and I want to have an undivided heart to be able to stand in truth at all times.
2) I want to love others as I want to be loved.
Matthew 22:39 – ‘And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
I love being around people who’s hearts are on fire with the Word of God, and who’s spirits are sensitive to Holy Spirit. I am provoked, sharpened, and encouraged by them. I want to be that kind of person!!! I believe that a wholehearted person – someone wholly given to Jesus – will love others better than someone who’s heart is divided.
3. I don’t want to open myself up to demonic influence.
I believe that’s exactly what I’m doing when I listen to that which has demonic ideas, influence, or even blatant demonic worship. When we open the door to this stuff – we are more fearful, depressed, and discouraged. If secular music is not only ‘not helpful’ but actually causes me to lose ground… then what’s the point?
Even in the case when secular music feels like a temporary ‘pick me up’, is it really worth the cost?
1 Cor. 10:20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.
4) I become like what I behold.
This one speaks for itself. I don’t want to look like the world. I want to love the world, but I want to look like Jesus.
5) Life is short and I will stand before Jesus and give an account for how I spend my time and attention.
The fact that Jesus gives us grace upon grace, and moment after moment to choose to love Him is astounding to me. And the fact that He will reward our choices rooted in love is even more amazing!!! I want to please His heart and do whatever I can to be pure and spotless. I believe what I do today will have ETERNAL consequences.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
6) I want to be a friend of God.
A friend is someone I esteem, walk with, and listen to. I don’t want to esteem, agree with, and feast on what the world says and does. James tells us that being a friend of the world is hostility towards God. If I’m being hostile towards God will He want to tell me His secrets on a regular basis?
I want to hear what Jesus is saying in this hour. I want to hear His whispers and His longings. I want to be filled with His word, His truth, and His spirit. I want to walk with Him.
James 4:4-8 Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “ God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
7) I want to write worship music and sing oracles of heaven.
To truly sing the oracles of heaven I believe you have to BECOME the message… I am a LONG way from this reality, but that’s what I want to do. In order to be a living oracle – a living song – I must consecrate my life.
Now before anyone say this is religious… I don’t think that not listening to secular music earns me anything. It doesn’t. Turning off the radio and throwing away many of my cd’s won’t make Jesus love me more. I DO believe though, that it will make my spirit more open to receive His love.
One last thing (if you’ve read this far… hang in there!) I remember a time 3 or 4 years ago when I was up late, feeling sick, and couldn’t sleep. I decided to get on Itunes and find music that I’d enjoyed over the years. Several hours probably passed as I purchased old music and found new songs that I liked. I remember a feeling of comfort as I listened.
However, I remember waking up and feeling almost hung over… and it had nothing to do with what I’d consumed the previous day. I realized that I had given my soul over to the spirit of the age as I had drunk song after song that did not glorify Jesus. Soon after this incident, I heard a teaching on turning away from secular music because of what it opens our spirits to. I was sold. I threw away my cd’s and deleted a lot of music out of my ITunes library.
I’m amazed at how much better my spirit feels on a regular basis and how much more sensitive I am to His Spirit. I’m not as anxious, fearful, or depressed as I used to be. That could also be because I cut way back on most forms of entertainment. But I’ll save that for another time… 
