Finding Balance

Photo Credit: Paul Riley Photography

I've had a lot on my mind lately, and the best way I've learned to organize my thoughts is to write them down. Sometimes that comes in the form of a song, and I can express that entire thought or feeling into a 3 minute song. Other times I make lists, of ideas and plans. And then sometimes, I ramble. ;)

A friend encouraged me the other day to blog. My response was "I do!", but she explained that she would like for me to expand on my perspective of young married life, living out in the country, baking, crafting and handling my singing career. She also said, "I wish I had it all together like you do." I assured her that I don't think any of us ever have it all together, and if we think we do then we're setting ourselves up for disappointment.

I'm just as guilty of comparing the simple and mundane parts of my day to the glamorous filtered view of someone else's Instagram feed. Those people inspire me and I love getting new ideas, but it should never be a game of who has it all together and whose life is an epic fail. I try to post about things that matter to me, and use social media to encourage others in their lives as well. Positivity and kindness goes a long way. I try to remember to ask myself why I'm posting it and have a good reason for what I choose to share. Once it's on the internet, it's out there. 

I've been trying to find balance between dreaming big, working hard, staying busy, and taking time to breathe and have flexibility. I believe there should be less pressure and stress from myself to always be doing something. There should be times for rest, and designated times to just chill, and to have an open mind to change. As a list maker, I cringe when I have to mark something out or white-out, but that is part of life, and change comes with the territory. I love being spontaneous within structure!

I've started something new this year. In January I got a new monthly calendar and switched things over from my weekly calendar. That has helped to see a month at a time, and be able to look at my whole year in perspective. I wanted to make sure to plan ahead and block off time to prepare and promoting the things coming up. So that has been helping me get ahead and constantly have a work in progress.

Since getting married back in June 2015, it's been fun getting into the new routine of married life. I want to make sure to have plenty of time with my husband, and thankfully he is very supportive of my music. I am still busy traveling and singing, and love getting to do something I love. I'm so grateful for my family and friends who help keep me on track and bring me back down to earth if needed. ;)

God has been teaching me new things and showing me more of himself since going through a study on the Holy Spirit, called "Remembering the Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. At the same time I just went through "Restless" by Jennie Allen, and I feel like they both came at a good time for me. I need to be reminded daily to listen to the Lord, and let His guidance define where I go, what I do, what I say, and who I am.

Currently I am booking music gigs for 2016 and writing songs for an album of Lullabies to be released later this year. I'm also in the process of expanding my Etsy store and learning new crafting skills.

More blogs coming soon!! 
What would you like to know about? What kind of topics are you interested in? Also, what things have helped you find balance in your life? 
Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

Check out one of my latest videos on YouTube!

New Worship Album + Videos

I'm excited to announce that my new worship album, "Communion", just released on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby on September 10, 2015. The goal of the album is to be a resource for a personal worship time. It includes upbeat praise songs, reflective worship songs, scripture reading and prayer. I would love for you to download a copy and hear the new music!

Download "Communion" on Amazon!

Watch my latest music video, "I Lift My Eyes", filmed at Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville, TN. Featuring a shofar call of worship, and Native American flute. 

Based on Psalm 121. 

Also, here is a live version of my song, "Come and Fill This Place", also on the "COMMUNION" album. This song is about welcoming the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for watching!

Supporting / Partnering with Missions

There are many organizations and ministries to choose from to make an impact for good in the world. I wanted to share about my experience giving and some of the people that I support. A little effort can make a big difference. A few people united for one cause can change the course of history.

I'm a 22 year old full time musician, and I believe that I should give to people who are doing Kingdom work. God has provided for my needs through people who are willing to partner with me and who believe in my ministry. I believe that giving is a revolving door of sharing what God has given each of us. If I can do something like this, anyone can! We all can make a difference.

I've been so blessed by supporting several missionaries. I love hearing their stories of building relationships, sharing the gospel, and going wherever the Lord calls them. I know them each personally and I have seen their dedication to their faith. Most of them have been interviewed on my radio show to share their testimony with my listeners. I also support a 10 year old boy named Jason through Compassion. I have not regretted it! It's important to know what you're giving to. Let me share with you about people that I support, to inspire you and give you some examples of how you can give:

 

Jason, a child from Nicaragua sponsored through Compassion International
Sponsor a child here: http://www.compassion.com/

Lydia Grider, Every Nation, Youth Leader at Bethel Community Church
Go to https://admin.everynation.org/giving/, select "give to individual" and find Lydia's name

Heather Theilacker, Every Nation, Ministry to Students at Austin Peay
Go to https://admin.everynation.org/giving/, select "give to individual" and find Heather's name

Gregory Hayes, Long term mission trip to Africa through Operation Mobilization
Type in Greg's name to sponsor him: https://my.omusa.org/OM-Missionary-Search 

Maggie Norfleet, Missionary to Central Asia
Partner with Maggie - Enter code 44073 at https://antiochcenter.webconnex.com/support

Gathering In Oz - Missionaries to Australia
Donate to the Chapmans: http://web.nazarene.org/goto/ChapmansinAustralia
Donate to the Tarrants: http://web.nazarene.org/goto/Tarrantsgatheringinoz

Those are a few examples of ways to give towards building the Kingdom of God. Each person has a story and a specific calling. I'd like to give you an opportunity to have the blessing of giving to any of these missionaries, and also to share an opportunity to partner with me this year.

In 2014, I have the opportunity to go on several trips. The first is a mission trip with Community Life Church to Puerto Rico in June. We will be prayer walking in the areas where other groups will be leading Vacation Bible Schools during the following weeks. Some of us are musicians and will be singing and playing worship music in the different areas, and promoting the Bible Schools.  The cost of the trip is $300, with the rest being covered by the church. If you would like to partner with me and sponsor part of the cost of the trip, please send me a message.  I believe this is a great opportunity and I'm thankful for the chance to go. UPDATE! The trip has been completely paid for! PTL! Please be in prayer for us as we prepare. We will be in Puerto Rico June 11-16.

In October, I have the chance to go to the Hillsong Worship Conference in New York City (www.hillsongconference.org). I was sent last year and absolutely loved it. I got to spend time with friends there who are leaders in Gallery Church, and had great conversations with several people that attended the conference.  As a worship leader, I was refreshed by participating and learning from such great leaders. It was a breakthrough moment for me spiritually and I still am inspired by what I experienced there. As my friends and I are preparing for the trip, I've created a cost breakdown to estimate my expenses:

Registration - $179
Airfare - $250
Hotel - $200
Meals - $150

Total Budget: $779

If you feel led to give towards my trip, please send me an email at lydiawalkermusic@gmail.com.
If you choose to partner with me, I will give you updates on my trip and bring you a souvenir from New York! Thank you for your love and support! I'm excited about how God has provided for each opportunity so far, and I'm grateful for this season in my life to be able to go. God is good, and He gets all of the glory!

Here's a video of me singing in Central Park for a busker (street performer) named Bert.

Confessions of a 21 Year Old

In my last hours as a 21 year old, I want to encourage you to not underestimate youth. You might be young and think you have plenty of time to live your life or you might wish you could go back to your younger days and change things. I've come to realize that our culture has low expectations of the impact we can have while we are young. Once we finally realize how much the decisions we make now will end up affecting us later, it's too late to go back. 

I've heard so many people talk about their teenage or college years as a "phase" they went through, and using that to rationalize rebellious behavior in the younger generation. "I was crazy when I was 21 too. Let them experience the real world and live a little. They'll grow out of it eventually." That type of thinking has been fed to us and we don't even realize the damage we're doing by not expecting more than the status quo.

These years should not be wasted. They are a gift. My perspective is that I want to use this precious time that I am given and use it for good. Youth shouldn't just be thrown away, but we should embrace these years as a time to be intentional and purposeful. I think it's important for me to speak out about this as a young person, to show that there are people out there ready to take up the torch and be a change for good in the world.

I am so thankful for people in my life, in my family and in my church, who saw potential in me at an early age, and encouraged me with opportunities to grow in my gifts. I have a strong example of leadership and my parents have supported me and my dreams. I know that not everyone has that strong family background, so I am grateful for their legacy. I have heard many stories of young people defeating the odds and making a difference in their community, by stepping out and being a voice in a dark and hurting world.

This can be an encouragement no matter what age you are. Age is just a number, and it does not determine your level of maturity or responsibility. God can use each of us in the specific situations we are placed in, to bring Himself glory. We each have opportunities that we can choose to use for selfish gain or to benefit someone else.

The problem with freedom without accountability is that we all have an innate sin nature. In and of ourselves, we cannot be good. Without the love of Jesus and the grace he has given me, I would not be who I am today. I may not be partying or sleeping around, but I struggle every day with selfishness, negative attitudes or negative self talk. I am so far from being good, but I believe that He can use me for good with His power. When I try to control things or do something in my own power, it fails miserably. I can tell the difference when I'm not trusting God in a certain situation. When I remember that He does not require perfection from me, I am overwhelmed by his grace and his peace. God loves me in spite of my mess, and He can use me in spite of myself.

I've learned a lot about expectations this past year. I've learned that I'm not as patient as I thought I was, and that my plans don't have to work out. I've found out the hard way that I should set realistic expectations on my time and my energy, and not expect to get everything done in one day. I've also learned not to underestimate God, because He has a bigger purpose planned that will blow your mind.

This year, I hope to face each day expecting God to do great things. I don't want to be held back by my age, or my own limitations. I want to continue the prayer I prayed when I was 7 years old and accepted Jesus... "God, I can't do this on my own. Take my life and use me however you want to." That's a powerful prayer, and I encourage you to ask him the same thing, and see what He does!

Remember that our youth is not a phase where there are no consequences. We are responsible for our actions and should be held accountable. In a world where everyone goes with the flow, we have an opportunity now to make an impact for good.

Our decisions now affect the future. Pass the torch.

Moving Forward, Big Things Ahead.

People ask me all the time why I haven't tried out for the Voice or American Idol. I take that as a compliment, that they like my voice and they think I could be on the show. But I see my purpose as being much more than being famous. I would actually be quite content if I'm never world famous, because that's not where I put my hope. If I trusted in music or money or stuff to make me happy, I might as well quit now. The only solid thing I can put my hope in is Jesus Christ, and He is the one who gives and takes away, opens and closes doors.

It's been awhile since I posted an update about my goals and the future of my music. Frankly because I've been trying to figure that out myself. Last year, I launched my own radio show which airs twice a week, and preparing those shows has taken a lot of time. I have learned so much from that experience, and have heard many testimonies through the interviews that have encouraged me along the way. God has such a creative plan that we can't always see coming. His bigger picture is way better than anything I could dream up.

That's where I'm at. I'm in awe at where I've been placed in my life, and I see how things in the past have shaped who I am. I have had so many de ja vu moments, where I feel like I've been in places or situations before. It almost feels familiar. I take that as a confirmation that God has gone before me and He is never surprised by what happens. He is not confined by time and is always working towards the good and towards His glory.

I'm 21, and it has almost been 10 years since I began writing music. All through middle school and high school I wrote songs, practiced and learned about the music business. I have been willing to work hard, to do something every day, and to always try my best. Music is an expression for me to share what I'm going through and what I'm feeling. It's been a great outlet that helps me process my own thoughts. I have played these songs hundreds of times and met many amazing people along the way who have encouraged me and supported me. I try to pay it forward and invest in other people's lives, like so many do for me.

By the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to play music full time. For the past 3 years, I have been playing around 200 gigs a year, at weddings, coffee shops, restaurants, churches, colleges, community events and festivals. I have been songwriting, recording, traveling, marketing, designing, printing, booking, and learning how each piece of the process works. As an independent self-employed musician, I've had to do a little bit of everything. As momentum builds in my music career, I realize I can't do everything myself. I am currently praying that God will help build a team of people around me to help and organize the business side of the music, so that it can continue to grow and thrive. Please pray with me in that! He knows what I need.

There are some big opportunities coming up that could potentially take my music career to the next level. I am working with a different producer to begin recording a new album! I am very excited to experiment and create the sound and style that I hear in my head. It's going to be an indie folk sound, with lots of acoustic instruments, strong vocals and creative harmonies. We are going to release the first song as a single soon, to give everyone an idea of the new direction. The first song is called "Troublesome Heart". The message goes against the popular opinion of following your heart, and it is about choosing to do what is right, no matter what it feels like. We are at the beginning stages of writing the rest of the songs for the album, but I will keep you updated on the progress.  I'm planning to set up a crowd funding campaign where fans can be a part of creating the album and helping me fund it while getting some awesome rewards! That will probably happen this fall. Let me know any ideas that you have for rewards!

This year I have also had many opportunities to record background vocals on country albums. Several of those artists have cut songs from my last CD, "Beloved". I love being in the studio and gaining experience. It is the biggest compliment for someone else to sing my songs, and to know that it relates to them.

We have released several professional music videos to songs from my last CD, and I plan to make several more videos before the end of the year. Never underestimate the power of YouTube. This past week, a company called me that found a live video of one of my songs on YouTube, and they asked about licensing it for a new commercial! We are in talks now to work out the details, but I'm very excited about the opportunity for my music to reach a whole new audience, possibly on a national level.

We will be re-designing and re-launching my website in the next month or so, with a more professional presentation and easier navigation. I am willing to invest in taking things to the next level, one step at a time. I feel peace and motivation at the same time, to be a good steward of the time and resources that I have. I want to do the right thing, and try to have discernment about what to say no to and what to move forward with. I feel like this is perfect timing to work on defining my image, to be ready when the world wonders what I'm all about.

With so much going on, it's hard to keep everyone updated through Facebook. I try to let everyone know what's going on, but it's difficult to get through all the clutter and "noise". With the re-launch of my website, I will be setting up an email list to keep you in the loop and get new music to you first!

If you read through this whole post, I just wanna say WOW, and THANK YOU. I know it's a long one and the fact that you took the time to read it shows that you care.  I appreciate your support of my music and ministry. Please pray for me to continue to have direction about the decisions that I need to make that will honor God and give Him the most glory. I would love to hear what you think and any ideas you may have. Don't be a stranger!

Email me at lydiawalkermusic@gmail.com, call me at 866-672-9034, or comment below!


DOWNLOAD LYDIA'S MUSIC ON iTUNES: CLICK HERE!

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!

Picking Up My Dream Guitar!

Today I picked up my dream guitar at Mary's Music in Clarksville, TN! I've always wanted a Taylor 314ce, complete with the Taylor Expression System. The most exciting and amazing part is that I have YOU to thank! On my birthday this year, I set up a "Guitar Fund" for my friends and fans to donate towards my new guitar. And they did! This would not be possible without you! Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting my music.

I made a video of picking up the guitar, to show you how excited I was and so you could see how your donations were used. I will be taking good care of the guitar and playing it at my shows. Watch the video here:

If you'd like to support my music, you can download a copy of my new "Beloved" album wherever you download music!