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?

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. 

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.

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!

Something Amazing I Guess...

My favorite part from The Incredibles movie, is when Bob says, "What are you waiting for?"


The little boy on the tricycle answers, "I don't know. Something amazing, I guess."


Then later on in the movie he gets wide eyed in amazement, and yells, "That was totally wicked!"


Sometimes I feel like that kid.


When I take a step back from a situation, and stop trying to make things happen the way I want. I choose to trust God and watch what He does. It makes me feel like a little kid, still using my training wheels, and watching God do super natural things all around me.


God likes when we get excited about Him, and when we give Him credit for the incredible things that He does. I think He enjoys our wide eyed amazement when something extraordinary happens. When things are out of my control, I can see Him orchestrating a better plan than I would ever have thought up.


I feel like standing up on my pedals, leaning forward above my handle bars, and saying, "God, that was totally awesome!"

Surrender.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: 

it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis

There has been a battle raging within my Self, causing me to be stressed, frustrated, depressed, and discouraged. I have been torn between what I thought I wanted, and what I was made for. I've been running. Maybe it's not as noticeable on the outside, but those close to me have noticed my struggle. I knew that I was not at the place with God that I wanted to be, and that I should be. I felt stuck and not sure how to express the pressure I was feeling.

For eight years, I have been writing songs and performing at various venues. Also during that time, I have been leading worship at my church and other churches. Sometimes they seemed to be two separate things, like I was bouncing back and forth. I haven't felt the freedom to fully be either one. In the past few months, I've questioned my motives, wrestled with unrealistic expectations, and wondered what I'm really here for.

A few months ago, I decided to get a "real" job, and re-evaluate. I was in the work force for exactly a month, and then went back to playing music full time. The day before I lost my job, my car was rear-ended and almost totaled. It was almost surreal, having things happen to me back-to-back as if I was just watching, realizing that I'm not in control. I know that God orchestrates everything for His glory, and I am seeing more of the big picture as I look back on the situation. He put me in the job for a reason, and brought me out of it for a reason. He allowed me to be in that wreck, and showed me how much He takes care of me and provides for me. My hope was not in my job, or my car. Those are things that can come and go at any time. God allowed me to see how vulnerable I am, and how much I need Him.

A great piece of advice was given to me recently: Find what brings you the most joy and gives you peace, that thing that makes you feel alive. Embrace it, and you will find fulfillment. That peace that we all long for is found in God. If we embrace His will for our lives, and walk in His ways, there is an unspeakable peace and joy that fills our hearts. EVERY time I try to make something happen, my plans fail miserably. But with God on my side, all things are possible.

Life is a journey. I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future. He has revealed pieces of the mystery of Himself, and given me the chance to take His hand to watch what He does. Wherever He leads, I'll go. He is teaching me not to rely on things and circumstances to make me happy. Material things and worldly accolades will only leave me empty. I choose to be content with where I am and who I am. To enjoy the present, I must realize that it is a gift. The biggest relief is that it's not about me. The story's ending is already written, and it ends with victory. 

This song gives me reason to sing:

Oh Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed

And When I think that God, 
His son not sparing, 
Sent Him to die,
I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden
gladly bearing He bled and died 
to take away my sin
When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
With humble adoration
And then proclaim My God
How great Thou art


Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art 

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!