::trust::

I have never been happier to be where I am now.

I honestly don't know what decision I made to get where I am today. I have never been so happy so… content to be where I am. And I feel like it can only get better, like nothing could get me down. I don't know how I got here.

…But at the same time I do. At the beginning of this whole college process I figured out I couldn't do it alone. Auditions, applications, essays, deadlines, plane tickets, flight times… it all became so overwhelming. I cried at night praying it would end soon. I became depressed from the pressure and stress. After that I realized I just had to give it all to God. I prayed that he would hold all of my essays, auditions, songs, and everything else in his hands. Jeremiah 29:11 kept ringing in my head. "For I KNOW the plans I have for you…"

I sang my heart out at every audition and by the grace of God, never hit a sour note, never got sick, and even in the midst of a snowstorm, made it to every single one of my auditions.

It wouldn't be for another two months before I knew the outcome of my auditions. And then it came… the final acceptance letter to Webster University in St. Louis, MO. The one I had been waiting for. I screamed, I cried, and I thanked JESUS that I was going to college.

And here I am… three months later and I just don't want to go. I have found incredible leaders, inspiring pastors, a church I LOVE serving in, and made friends that have become more family than anything. I am happier than I have ever been, and so content where I am. But we all know that doesn't last very long…

In trusting God, he has blessed me more than I could ever know… but now it's time for a new adventure. It's time to go through the flames again and let God use me in a whole new way. Going to a non- christian college will be a new challenge I have never faced. Growing up as a homeschooler, I have always been surrounded by christians and other people who shared the same values. But once again, I turn to God's word and listen to his promise of having a plan for me.

The moral of this incredibly long story… that God BLESSES THOSE who trust him with everything. I didn't even know if I'd get ACCEPTED to any colleges, but I had to let God fully take hold of the wheel and let him do his magic. I am a witness to his amazing love, and his miraculous work on his people. Don't get me wrong, I still have issues letting go and letting God take hold of my life, trust me… I don't have it completely down yet. But I can tell you… when you DO trust God, AMAZING things can happen.

It breaks my heart to think of what I'll be leaving behind when I leave, but God has already proven to me how he blesses those who trust in Him, so I am.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5

feeling the love

To say that God is good would be the understatement of the year.

Today, I graduated. I love saying that. Today, I GRADUATED. It's been a long time coming, but I did it, but not without help. This past year God has showered me with unfailing love, faithfulness, wonderful friends, incredible leaders, unexpected blessings and plans for a bright future. Without Him, I would be nowhere, and certainly wouldn't have the support I have today.

I am overwhelmed by the amount of love received today, and I wanted to say THANK YOU. Never have I ever felt so blessed. I would not be where I am if it weren't for all of you. SO excited to see what God has in store for next year and absolutely ecstatic for all of the adventures I have yet to have! Just don't know how it could get any better than this!! :D

luck's got nothing to do with it

I...like to switch things up...a lot. So, here's for the sixth blog name this year... "Luck's got nothing to do with it." And I think this one will stick. Why? Because I believe it with my whole heart.

Although I swore on my grave that I would never bring up college auditions again, it is what's going on in my life right now, and I completely believe whole heartedly that I never would have gotten through it without the help of Jesus Christ. Not to be rude or anything, but I'm not even sure if you guys understand how stressful auditions are... and I had to do THIRTEEN OF THEM. I mean, really.

No, I'm really not trying to brag about how much stress I was going through just a week ago, but it was truly the scariest thing I've ever had to do and by far the most difficult task I have ever had to complete.

Though it's tempting to think that all my perfect flights, smooth auditions, and a myriad of no mishaps are just coincidence, I happen to know that I wouldn't have gotten through a second of it without God's help. It is truly a miracle that I made it through this season and I can only hope God will continue to smooth my path.

till worries melt like lemon drops,

lindsey

one thing i have realized...

...is that I would be nowhere without my friends. I have learned that friends are not only there when you need them most, but they also make you want to be a better person. Or they should anyway.

Over the years I have realized that friends are the most important way that God speaks to me. Through my friends, I have come to see who I really am as a person. They truly draw out the best in me, and I really don't think I could possibly be blessed anymore than I am.

I feel like a couple of these people need a shout-out... so here we go. :)

Allie Betancourt-- Oh boy. We're going on two years now, Allie and I am truly blessed by our friendship. We've had our share of ups and downs, but I know that I can tell you anything and you will still love me-- no judging. You stand by me even when I act incredibly stupid and I hope you know that I would do the same. You are definitely my "sistah from anotha mistah" and I am so proud to call you my best friend. DON'T HATE, LOVE.

Lily Scott-- Where in the heck would I be without your encouragement?? You are seriously the most cheerful and caring person I know. I definitely know I couldn't have gotten through these hard times without your prayers and your encouraging spirit. You are wonderful.

Lucy Hamilton-- You are a new bestie. I love the fact that we can chill or talk for hours and never run out of things to discuss!! I'm so glad that we got to hangout this past year and I got to know you. Definitely one of the coolest people I know. ;) "Can we just have 5 minutes on..."

Abbey and Maggie-- You guys get to share one. ;) Umm...our friendship literally came out of nowhere. Hahaha. I don't think I've ever connected with somebody inside a show as much as I have with you girls. I really hope we will stay in touch in college...cuz you guys are awesome. Thanks for giving me the courage to reach for my dreams in this crazy art we call theater. I love you girls. BLOOD SISTERS FOR LIFE!!

Kathy-- You are in a category of your own. I can't tell you how much of an encouraging, loving, caring, understanding person you have been over this last year in my life. I seriously don't think I would have made it without you. You have challenged me to be the best that I can be in everything that I do, and I know that God sent you to me so that I would make it through this awful time we call Senior year. I am truly blessed to call you my mentor, friend, and second mom. I love you.

And to everyone else who has been there for me this year, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! You know who you are, and I am so SO blessed to call you all friends.

till the ink dries,

lindsey

seven- a person or a thing that has had a great impact on your life.

Okay, this one is definitely a cop out, but it would have to be my parents. So many of the things i'm interested in/LOVE are because my parents introduced me to it.

Did you know that my parents met in a theater? My Dad came to see a show my Mom was in, (although he came to see some other chick), and I guess it was love at first site. They had mutual friends and it just...worked out! My Dad proposed to her after going to see Phantom of the Opera together. Oh yeah, and they sung "All I Ask of You" at their wedding. I guess you could say that musical theater runs in my system...

Even though I'd like to take credit for the piano thing, (cuz i begged my mom when i was five to take lessons.) it would never have happened if my mom and dad didn't encourage me to work hard and practice. I wouldn't be were I am now if it wasn't for them! (well...OBVIOUSLY.)

Most people say it's your friends that influence you the most, but I think we all know it's really our parents. I couldn't and wouldn't have done everything that I've accomplished to this day without their support and encouragement. I am so blessed to call them Mom and Dad.


till the baby pictures come out,
lindsey.

school, piercings, and the end of Bye Bye Birdie.

I am very sad.

Bye Bye Birdie ended yesterday and I can already feel the hole in my heart getting bigger. This cast has been the most talented, hilarious, heart felt, stylish, adorable, dedicated and FRIENDLY casts I have ever been involved with!! I have made so many good friendships, and now I hate to actually put them to the test; can you say long distance relationship? I know they don't work out most of the time, but these kids are my family now, my brothers and sisters, and I have to make it work somehow.

Maggie, Michelle, Abbey, Hayley and Ali (a.k.a. my "blood sisters") I will definitely miss the most. These girls are so beautiful in every way, and I'm so sad that I won't be able to see them constantly anymore. To think that we spent every hour of everyday together and we never got sick of it! You guys truly are my sisters and I will never forget you. I mean, I got my cartilage pierced with you!! Love you girls!!

Speaking of cartilage piercings...(i know, seamless right??) I GOT MINE DONE!!! :D And of course, because I am a responsibly 18-year-old, I didn't even need my parents permission!! I know, I'm so BA. ;)

It's still a little sore, but only when I touch it. Most people say that when you get it with a gun (which I did) that it stays sore for a longer period of time, but it seems to be getting better each day! And although my parents weren't absolutely thrilled, they still liked it. :) Up next: NOSE PIERCING!! :D

and NOW comes the part of the show when Lindsey talks about SCHOOL.

can I just start by saying EW?? Seriously, I hate school with a burning passion. I really don't know how I'm going to get through high school, let alone four more years of college. I mean, we spend half our lives in school!! (or something like that, anyway...) I'd rather be out in the world actually learning things from real people then sitting in a classroom (or in my case, on my couch) and just reading about them! And now that I'm a senior, it's really crunch time. Since I'm going to college for theater (i think) I have to get my lead role before the year is through, and it's SO much harder than it sounds. I have some hope though, The Center For The Arts is doing "Hairspray" in January and I actually think I have a shot to be Tracy! Being in Bye Bye Birdie really helped me in getting to know everybody at the Center, including the Director for Hairspray. And since I'm a little bigger than the other girls, I think I have a leg up with the physical appearance. Now, I KNOW from past experiences that I can't get my hopes up but a girl can dream, right??

till the song ends,

lindsey.

great friends and the big 18.

Yep, you read it right. As of yesterday, I am now officially a legal adult! What did I do in celebration you ask?

Not much.

Really, 18 isn't all it's cracked up to be. Because I still live with my parents, I still have a curfew, school, and I have to make my bed. :P ( Well, not ALL the time...) Not that I thought there would be some magical change or anything, but I wanted to feel some sort of accomplishment, instead I woke up and lived a rather normal day for me. No clubbing, smoking, or buying lottery tickets for me.

As horrible as I'm making this sound, my birthday wasn't a complete failure. Turns out I have some of the greatest friends ever. I was surprised TWICE by my friends! Once was a surprise party dinner, and the other was at rehearsal for Bye Bye Birdie! They even made me cake!

It's really funny to think that just a few hours earlier I was thinking how lame my birthday was going to be. I had always wanted a surprise party, but didn't think my friends/family would care enough to do it. Turns out they did, and walking in the door and hearing "SURPRISE!!!" was probably one of the best moments of my life. I have never felt so much love at a single moment!! To see that all my friends had cared enough to plan, organize, and follow through with such a difficult task amazes me, and I am SO blessed and thankful to have such awesome friends!

There is a verse in the Bible that fits perfectly here, so I guess I'll share it.

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to God."

-Phil 1:3

till the clubbing begins,

lindsey.

this girl is finally getting ahead.

I have always been the type of person that has to work for EVERYTHING. I have to pay my dues and work very hard to achieve anything.

Or so I thought.

Lately, things have been going pretty good for me. I was awarded "Most Talented" and received a $200 scholarship through Junior Miss, I was recently cast in the role of Deborah-Sue in Bye Bye Birdie, and as of late, I have become a recipient of the Merit Scholarship for Voice at Belmont Academy. But instead of praising God for being so incredibly faithful, I automatically give myself all the credit.

Which is sooo not right.

After all, who got me here in the first place? Who provided me with a piano? Who gave me this passion for music? Who gave me my voice?

God did. And it seems completely unfair, for someone like me- who has doubted God so many times- to take all the credit. So many times I have underestimated his faithfulness and his ability to make everything right, yet He still proves his loyalty to me time and time again.

So now, everytime I fail (or succeed for that matter), I will still praise Him. I will thank Him, and rejoice in Him because it is HIM who got me here thus far. I have absolute faith He will make everything the way HE wants it to be. And although I don't agree with everything He does, I know it will all work out in the end.

till the rock crumbles,

lindsey.

wrapping up junior year

Wow. What a year.

I have to start by saying that my junior year in high school has been one of the most busy/fun/productive/hectic/exciting/tiring and INCREDIBLE years of my life. I've had sooo many great memories from this school year and LOTS of awesome new friends.

Here are just a few highlights of my year:

~Demi Lovato concert with Alyssa. "Nashville is the GHET-TOE at night." Lys, that was sooo much fun!! I lost my voice for three weeks after that...

~Tie Dye at Pinkerton Park! "You guys fail at this." :P

~West Side Story at Pull-Tight. Wow, what a cast. Even though Cranky Cathy almost killed me in my sleep, it was worth it. Logan, you will forever be the butt of many jokes, I love you. :)

~IHS homecoming. My first 'real school' function. I don't think i have EVER seen so many...umm...well...PDA's? :P Lindsey, thanks for being my date. ;) (oh yeah, and borrowing your dress.)

~MAKOS!!! wow, SO many memories with you guys!! The bonfire at Ben's house ("I can talk like a black woman!"), THE TEA PARTY ("Crime of Passion!!"), Girl's night a my place (this is when Charli and I realized we were soul mates), and Allie's-not-so-surprise party (so. SAD!), The Cheesecake Factory, Our photoshoot (Maddie, your amazing) Jason' Deli after the Riverdale Meet ("It's a BOAT!!"), and of course Prom. (BEST. NIGHT. EVER.)

~My never ending day with Charli. Wow, I don't know how. in. the. WORLD we have so much fun all the time?! We had a photoshoot, tried on hats, ate sweet cece's...I'm going to miss you sooo much. :*(

~WOZ at IHS. Wow, my SECOND school function!! Haha, even though it was totally and completely stressful, it was fun to hang out with all my awesome public schoolers. You guys will go on to do great things. Let me know when you get to Broadway!!

~Junior Miss. haha, even know this was a completely RANDOM blip in my life, it actually paid off! I was awarded "Most Talented" and received a scholarship of $200!

~GETTING MY LICENSE!!! Haha. FINALLY. After waiting for TWO YEARS I am now street legal. Turns out being able to drive wherever, WHENever is totally not overrated...haha.



~My first College visit: Lee University. It's really scary to think that by this time next year I will have already been accepted to a college!! As sad as it will be, I'm SO excited to see what God has in store for me in the upcoming chapters of my life!!

~PROM! WHOAA. I never knew that dancing in a ridiculous dress could be so much fun! My favorite moment of the night? The Single Ladies Dance. Maddie, Kay and I kept bugging the DJ and he finally played it!! Just goes to show that nagging pays off...not that I have experience or anything...;) and girls, you are the most beautiful, funny and talented girls I have ever met. Thank you for inviting me as your "third wheel." You guys are fantastic. :)

As much as I will miss these fantastic memories, the time has come for newer and betting things!

Senior year, here I come!

till the gown is donned,

lindsey.

Ridin' Solo.

Today, while expanding my iTunes library, I stumbled upon a song called "Ridin' Solo". by Jason Derulo

And it basically describes my life. Here's the chorus:

I'm puttin' on my shades to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride, I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm ridin' solo, I'm ridin' solo, I'm ridin' solo, solo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine, I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm ridin' solo, I'm ridin' solo, I'm ridin' solo, solo.

Not gonna lie, there are times when I would absolutely love to have a boyfriend. But truth be told, at times I actually LOVE being single. There are sooo many things you don't have to worry about when your "Ridin' Solo".

1. You can flirt with, text, and call as many guys as you want. Cuz...it doesn't matter. haha.

2. You never have to worry about upsetting your bf/gf.

3. You can hang out with whoever you want.

4. You never have to worry about clashing outfits!!

5. You never have to worry about him/her cheating on you.

6. You can be yourself!! You don't have to hold back so you can impress them.

So, tomorrow I will show up at Prom as a beautiful, confident and pretty hot "Single Lady".

Cuz that's how I roll: Solo. :)



till this girl is taken,
lindsey.

God's wonderful promise to us. :)

After so many people made the joke about building an Arc during the horrible floods, it reminds me of God's unfailing and beautiful promise he made to us.

Genesis 9:13 (The Message)

12-16 God continued, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth. From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth."

It's so reassuring to know that even though hundreds of people had to flee their homes, that God is still there. He will help them get through this like He does is any bad situation. He is watching us, and He is faithful!!


Psalm 18:16 (NIV)

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters."


till the clouds clear,

lindsey.

Blessings: Past and Present

Not a single day goes by in which I don't remember our trip. Although it seems like a million years ago when we actually packed up and left, most of the trip is still fresh in my mind. It's so weird to think that four years ago today I was looking at the vastness of the Grand Canyon, or searching for buoys in Key West, or even sleeping on a couch while driving! Ha!

Looking back, I can't help wondering where I'd be now if we never hit the road. Would God still have lead us to Franklin, TN? Would he still have provided us with the friends and great relationships we have now? Yes, we had to give up a lot to get to where we are now, but it was so worth it! Just look at how God has blessed us! We have a brand new house (built by us, of course), an awesome church family, super friends, and we have also grown very close as a family.

Even though living in the RV was trying at times, I can't help but miss the adventure and the spontaneousness that came with it. I have always lived a rather hectic life, but knowing what's going to come every week is just a little boring. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade our current lives for anything, but I have to admit, I definitely took the time we had in the RV for granted. I didn't always appreciate the fact that we didn't have anything tying us down. That it was just "us and the road."

till the reminiscing stops,

lindsey