Monday, April 15, 2013

Life is Short - Make it Count.


Someday, we'll wake up and it will be our last day.

Life is so short.

What impact will we leave before our time is up?

Every day is full of opportunity.

Life is about relationships, and showing the love of Christ through our words and deeds.

The world is full of broken people who are waiting for someone to show them how to heal.

We don't need more medicines, rules, money or stuff.

Trusting God is our only hope in this ever changing world.

Each of us just longs to be loved and to know that someone cares.

What if we made a point to share the love of God with just one person a day?

What if the way we lived spoke even louder than the things we say?

Smile at someone today. You never know what they might be going through.

If now is the only time we have, let's make it count.

Every day is a miracle, and a gift.



"Life is more than money in your pocket
Your worth is far above your tax bracket
And who you are is not defined by what you do
You're already successfully you."

- My song, "Successfully You"

Friday, March 15, 2013

Smelling the roses...


Most days, in the busyness of life, we don't think past the here and now. With friends, family, work and crazy schedules, there's hardly time to take a breath. We crowd our days trying to do everything, and are actually proud of ourselves for being "multi-taskers" and "always doing something". I'm as guilty of this as anyone.

But then there are moments of clarity where we glimpse a piece of the bigger picture. When our life is frozen for a minute and we see in slow motion. When suddenly a feeling of a bigger purpose and almost an out-of-body experience shows us that we are part of a bigger plan. I am grateful for moments when I realize I am right where I'm supposed to be.

For me, sometimes I look up at the stars, feel the wind in my face, or see someone laughing, and it triggers a moment of thought. Stopping to thank God for the opportunities he's given me, and realizing that He is in control.

The old saying to "stop and smell the roses" can apply to pausing and being thankful for where we are. In spite of us, the world spins on, with roses blooming and fading. Will we stop to smell them and be glad we did? Take a moment to be still and take a breath, thanking God for the blessings of today.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
-Proverbs 19:21, ESV



Check out my latest video, featuring Manna Cafe

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Passion: Everything's the Same, but I'm Different

It's a crazy feeling to come home and everything's the same, but you're different. 



On January 1st, I boarded a church bus at 6am to ride to Atlanta, Georgia to be a part of the Passion Conference in the Georgia Dome. The conference consisted of worship sessions with writers of songs I have grown up singing, teaching from the Bible by some of the biggest names in the modern Christian circle, and family groups of complete strangers who share their hearts and become good friends.

Being one person in a crowd of 60,000 college age students who are all singing the name of Jesus at the top of their lungs changes your life. Separating yourself from the normal routine, and absorbing the Word of God for 4 days helps you feel the presence of God in a new way. When you take a breather from the stress of life and realize that God has a greater purpose for you than you could ever plan... it opens your eyes.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21

Louie Giglio, founder of Passion and 268generation.com, focused on this verse in Ephesians throughout the conference. He spoke of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, and compared it to our generation. Louie reminded us that God has the power to bring life, and He wants to replace our heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Can these bones live? Can we reach this generation? If you hear the Word of God, then breath will come into you. God will restore and repair what what broken. You will come to life and know that He is God.

Another thing that Louie said really caught my attention. He talked about the things that we think are impossible, that we wait on and only dream of them happening. When Jesus comes into our hearts and lives, anything is possible. He is alive and powerful. In our own power, we have so many limitations. But with Jesus, those dreams can live!

Francis Chan reminded us that God is the only person you can trust 100%. If we endure, we will reign with Him. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

It was my 3rd year at Passion, and I knew that I would get something out of it. I found myself asking, What did I come here for? I think there was a deeper longing that I didn't even know how to express. And in that crowd of 60,000 people, I had a personal, one-on-one connection with God. He started stirring my heart and showing me deep desires that I didn't even know to ask for. I realized I was there because I wanted to hear His voice in a new way - to put myself in a position where I could hear clearly from Him. I wanted to break away from selfish habits that I had allowed in my heart. This was a desperate attempt to feel alive again.

God was waiting for me with open arms. In fact, He's been there for me all along, calling me to Himself. I was afraid that if I gave everything in my life to God, that I couldn't keep my end of the bargain. Knowing that I would mess up, and that I would let Him down kept me from going all in. But that's just the point. The verse that Francis Chan quoted about God remaining faithful because that is His character, really connected the dots for me. He knows we can't measure up to His standard of holiness, yet He loves us anyway and continues to call us to Himself every day.

Starting the new year on a new page with God is so refreshing. He spoke to me through the Word, and through the music, and He placed a desire in my heart to focus more on worship leading and not as much on performance. He also gave me a new desire to prepare to be used in more girls ministry and women's ministry. That's something I hadn't been focused on but now I am starting to see how that may unfold. I'm very excited to see what this new year holds, and what God has planned for me.

On January 4th, around 8pm, I stepped off the church bus with a sleepy grin. My hometown, family, sleeping in my own bed... everything was the same as when I left. But my heart will be forever changed. Praise Jesus!


P.S. Passion raised over $3 million dollars to help end modern day slavery. I am excited to be a part of the movement! Learn how you can help at www.enditmovement.com!




Watch my latest music video for my song, "Butterfly". Share and help us reach 5,000 views!


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

What I Love (And Don't Love) About Fall

God has brought me through ups and downs and blessed me much more than I deserve.
It's amazing how...

He knows every detail of every sunset, every sunrise, and every season.
& He knows my every action, every word, and every thought.

There are things that I love about every season, but I think fall is my absolute favorite!
There is beauty in change.
Here are some of my favorite things about the fall!

LOVE <3 NATURE

Leaves changing colors and trees bursting into blended hues of orange, yellow, red, and brown. A scenic drive, especially during a sunset, takes my breath away.

LOVE <3 FASHION
I absolutely love LAYERING. I wish I could rock this look all year long. I feel like there is a bohemian style inside me, trying to express itself. I probably have more fashion mistakes than successes, but this is the goal of my fashion efforts. Love the peasant style shirts, neutral colors, scarf, and boots.

LOVE <3 SCARVES!
My favorite accessory by far. Scarves give extra warmth and provide a nice accent for layered outfits. I'm learning new ways to wear them, and trying to keep myself from adding too many to the collection.
LOVE <3 COFFEE
Fall is the perfect time for a hot latte, my favorite being a caramel mocha with whipped cream. I will drink hot espresso drinks in the middle of summer, and I love them all year long. Fall just seems like an appropriate time to always have one in hand. Any excuse will do! ;)

Now, the one thing that I dread about fall are those eight-legged critters...
I hate spiders. I apologize if you cringed or suddenly are paranoid of things crawling on you. For about a week straight, I found a spider a day crawling on my jeans, across my foot, or touching my hand. Today, I faced one and cornered him with a shoe. Spiders are the thing I could probably do without.

Other than that, I say bring on the fall! I'm so ready!
What are your favorite things about this season?



Monday, July 30, 2012

Why I Love Chick-fil-A...


This was my lunch today, at one of my favorite restaurants. I love the food at Chick-fil-A, and have always had a great experience at their restaurants. Today I ordered a #1 combo, with the Original Chicken Sandwich & Waffle Fries. I used a coupon from the Clarksville City Saver to get a free Hand-spun Peach Milkshake, which is their limited time flavor right now. Of course, I requested their special Chick-fil-A sauce, which I use on my sandwich and with my fries. So yummy! This meal definitely hit the spot.

There are many reasons why I love Chick-fil-A. Over the years, I have had friends who worked at our local Chick-fil-A, and remember them saying it was a great work environment. As a customer, I have always been treated respectfully, and seen employees and managers go above and beyond to create the best atmosphere possible. The quality of the service and the food is always impressive and consistent. I appreciate that they smile, and respond to my "thank you" by saying, "my pleasure". Good attitudes are a huge part of customer service, and they are definitely at the top of my list for fast food.

Another thing I appreciate about Chick-fil-A is the family friendly and kid friendly environment that they consistently present. Kids love eating chicken nuggets and playing in the playground area. It's a safe place to bring the whole family, and there's something for everyone. I have seen people from all different backgrounds in the restaurant, and they are treated with the same respect and speed of service. Businessmen and college students using the store's free Wi-Fi, young families with kids in baseball uniforms, local police officers, ands groups of high school friends sharing a meal after a small group bible study. 

For the past two years, I have been hosting a live music night at our local Chick-fil-A of Madison Street in Clarksville, TN. In 2012, Music Night is held every second Monday of the month, from 6-8pm. I play guitar and sing original songs as dinner music for my fans and patrons in the restaurant. Chick-fil-A offers a sweet deal for anyone with a college ID, to receive a FREE Chicken Sandwich when they purchase Medium Waffle Fries & a Medium Drink, every Monday night from 5-10pm. Everyone is welcome, and we always have a great time! As an independent musician, I am grateful for the support they have for local music, and their willingness to invest in our community. 

There has been some controversy lately spreading through social media, about what the founders of Chick-fil-A believe. Each store is independently owned and operated, and everyone has their own personal views. Even if people don't agree with the founder's stand for what constitutes a Biblical marriage and family, I don't think boycotting or protesting (and thereby depriving yourself of their amazing food) is going to help anybody. I see the founder's statement as consistent with how they have successfully and honestly built their business. I was not surprised to hear that they still stand for what they have always stood for, even when it's not popular or politically correct. I admire anyone who stands up for what is right, and for what they believe.

In closing, I hope that you will research for yourself what the other businesses you buy from stand for. You might be surprised to find out what your hard earned money is supporting when you buy from other companies. It's important to be informed, and to make decisions that will leave a positive impact on our world. Eat Mor Chikin. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Drum roll, please...

There's a big opportunity that I have been so excited to announce, and can finally tell you!


I'm going to host my own radio show! :D


After working out the details, I am proud to announce that the show will start airing in July! We will broadcast every Tuesday & Friday, from 11am-noon. It will be called, uniquely, The Lydia Walker Show! The station is 105.1 FM WVRY, and has a huge 50,000 watt signal across Middle TN & KY.


We met with some friends who own the station, and were talking with them about getting airplay for my songs.  They mentioned needing someone to host a morning show during the week. I jumped right in, and said, "Hey, I could do that." :)


I am so excited about this new endeavor, and can't wait to see how it all comes together. I plan to interview other Christian musicians, discuss various topics, and play inspirational and uplifting music. Watch for new updates on who I will be interviewing on the show! If you have any suggestions, please let me know. :)


My next step in the preparation process is to find sponsors for my show. If you, or someone you know, own a business that would be interested in radio advertising in the Middle TN  & Southern KY area, please let me know! I believe that the spots will fill up fast. Pray with me that the right people will hear about it and be able to sponsor the show.





Tuesday, May 8, 2012

My God Shall Supply All My Needs

I just want to brag on God, and how He provides for His children. The Word tells us...

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches in glory in Jesus Christ." - Philippians 4:19

Let me tell you, God provides for me in more ways than I realize. But sometimes He likes to show off. He moved some sweet friends to give me a brand new sound system. I hadn't even asked, but He laid it on their hearts to bless me with this wonderful gift. I have used my sound system for several years, at hundreds of shows, and it has a lot of wear. We have patched it and fixed it several times, but it was falling apart. So thankful for this provision, at the perfect timing!

The Lord is bringing new opportunities and opening doors. Pray for me to have guidance and to move in the right direction. I want to make good decisions and use my music for God's glory.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me. Your prayers mean the world!