TV Shows and Movies

I have no qualms with entertainment, however, regarding TV shows and movies I have this conviction. As the Lord refines me for His purposes, this scripture has taken on renewed meaning.....Psalm 101:3 "I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me." Upon realizing the virtue of Holy Spirit, I try to protect things that affect my sensitivity to Him.

It makes me sad to see amusement that portrays sin and godlessness as acceptable and many times desirable. I am sure it saddens the heart of the Father too. It is my experience, if I choose to watch that kind of entertainment, I become calloused and desensitized to the gentle purity of the Holy Spirit. I don't judge others for their choices but if I want greater intimacy with the Lord, I know I can't allow my eyes to partake of things that don't edify the Spirit of God living within me.

Sage words of wisdom concerning a music career.

From time to time, people ask me to share what I have learned after being a singer in the music business for over 25 years. I’ll admit, looking to the future is easier when the road behind me has been well traveled and marked with signs of God’s faithfulness. I look at things a lot differently now then when I started the journey. From the 20/20 vantage point of looking back over my shoulder, here are some truths that have settled deep into my life.

The most important advice I could ever give is to stay close to the Lord and put Him first in your pursuit of a career. Be faithful in whatever He gives you to do. Treat every opportunity as the biggest thing you've ever done. There are no “little gigs" with God. Whether you are sharing one on one with someone or standing in front of thousands, they’re all “big gigs” to Him because each one is a divine appointment. I have learned to relish them both.

As you make a relationship with the Lord a priority in your life, He will open the doors for you. In fact, He is the only one who can. Keep training. Strengthen your gift, spiritually, vocally and physically because one enhances the other. Your diligence will eventually pay off but typically not on the timetable you expect.

You may be surprised that I’m not sharing a secret business formula that offers instant success but there is no such thing. What I'm telling you is what I do everyday. I pray and trust Him to fulfill the desires of my heart. The music business often brings disappointment but He never will. I have learned to let my heart sore with passion for the Lord instead of making music my “center”. As I am tethered to His heart, that security has held me in times of uncertainty. I simply remain ready and available and He does the rest.

 

 

April 20, 2009

The soil of foot traffic from winter months of rain and mud, holidays and four pets begin to show up on my light colored floor covering. I couldn't stand to look at it anymore so I arranged for the carpet cleaners to come. Carl and I moved all the furniture into the hallways and kitchen to give them plenty of access. Of course, I didn't mind the mess because I knew it would only last for one day.

The next morning, when I got up at 7:30, the carpets were dry, so I started to put the house back in order. As I dusted the furniture, I noticed how filthy the curtains and windows were as well. So I took down curtains and put them in the laundry, washed the windows, dusted pictures and wiped the trim at the ceiling and floor. It seemed every time I thought I was just about finished, there was something else that needed detailing.  

Before I knew it, it was 4:00 and I was supposed to have dinner ready for guests who were coming over at 6:00! By that time, I was so sore from stooping, lifting and cleaning, I could hardly move. The physical state of  "I've way overdone it" is typical for me, because I get so charged when I'm in the middle of a project. I don't want to stop. However, I knew if I could just get through the evening commitment, I would finally sit back, nurse my aching body and relish my accomplishment....a sparkling clean house!

The following morning, Carl was sitting in the den and said, "Oh my gosh, look at all the cobwebs above the ceiling fan!" He promptly got a wet cloth and began to clean. While he worked he said, "Now isn't that funny, here we thought we had cleaned the house really well. In fact, I would never have noticed the cobwebs swaying from the ceiling had the sun not been shining on it at just the right angle." 

At that moment, it struck me. Isn't that just like our lives. We make every effort to renew or minds and hearts and let go of past failures but because our lives are so complex, there's usually layers of our "flesh" that God is still redeeming. In fact, there are things that we don't even see until His light illuminates them. Things like behavior habits or response patterns that don't glorify Him... even well meaning "ghosts of traditions" from our past that keep us locked in unbelief. 

It reminded me to always keep the doors of my heart open to Him for further purifying.  I realize He sees me in His garment of righteousness but my pursuit is to become more like Him in every way. And since becoming virtuous and holy is a process, I invited Him to always shed light on any part of my life that does not make Him smile. I can trust He will.

The First Blog Of My Life

This is an amazing phenomenon.... to be able to touch a world of lives who's faces are peering into a computer screen. I will never be able to meet all of them this side of eternity but when we meet in Heaven, I look forward to getting acquainted with those whose names are engraved in the Father's hand. John 3:16

Have a blessed day!

Leann