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You're wired. You're wireless. You're digital. You're more plugged in than ever before. In the midst of all the noise of life, can you still hear from God? Is it possible for you to make out that still, small voice?

The answer to the question is easy—yes, of course you can. Making it happen and living it out is not so simple. I'm reading a book by two professors at the Berklee College of Music called The Future of Music. These guys "get it" and know that, though the record industry is dying, the music industry is exploding and has never been more vibrant.

In the opening chapter, they paint a picture that is very possible and probably not too far down the road. I'll just share the beginning with you:

It's the year 2015, and you wake to a familiar tune playing softly. It gets you out of bed and makes you feel good. As you walk into the bathroom, your Personal Media Minder activates the video display in the mirror, and you watch a bit of personalized news while you get ready for the day. You step into the shower, and your personalized music program is ready for you, cued up with a new live version of a track you downloaded the other day. It is even better than the original recording, so while you dress, you tell your 'TasteMate' program to include the new track in your playlist rotation.

Their scenario goes on throughout the day, but you get the picture. We are a wired bunch of people, and it will only get worse. Those that know me know I love technology. I embrace it. I speak and write on it. But, I simply throw out a thought and a challenge that I have to daily remind myself: With all the new movies, X-box games, iPods, podcasts, blogs, and an endless web to search, we must work harder than ever to find that alone and quiet time with our Creator. With all the noise and many cool distractions around us, we must fight for intimate time with God in that "secret place".

Unfortunately, I don't see things getting easier in the years to come. I think we will be more plugged in (wired and wireless) and living this fast-paced life of a digital culture for the rest of our time here on earth.

Recently my family and I went to our church's "Family Camp," which took place in the middle of Nowhere, Arkansas. Not only did they have a rule about not bringing laptops with you, but I couldn't even get a cell phone signal, so trying to find an internet connection would have been a joke. Though I was not crazy about the idea, I went totally "unplugged" for the entire week of Family Camp. I mean: no cell phone, no iPod, no laptop, no TV—nothing! The first day and a half, I was having withdrawal symptoms and really wanting to check my email. But eventually, I accepted the reality of the situation and decided to make the most of it. Now, don't misunderstand me, I'm glad to be back in civilization and checking email, etc., but that week of being "unplugged" was amazing. I had some amazing quiet times with God, and could actually hear from him for the first time in a long time.

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