North To Alaska

Part of my soul is a deep love to travel...explore new places and meet new faces. It gives my heart such joy!

This past week, my family and I ventured to Seattle, Alaska, and Canada to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my grandparents. Honestly, words cannot paint accurate pictures of how it felt and what we experienced. My breath was caught time after time, and I probably whispered, "How great are You, my Jesus?" a thousand times.

To the best of my abilities, I will briefly attempt to recount with words AND pictures our amazing trip north to Alaska.

Day One:

Wake up early.

Last-minute packing.

Pre-travel crises ensues.

Fly to Chicago.

Fly to Seattle.

Collapse into bed three blocks from the Space Needle.

Day Two:

Wish all the Daddy's a "Happy Father's Day."

Venture to the Space Needle.

Take lots of selfies.

Eat lunch in a repurposed army supply warehouse.

Drink Starbucks (alot).

Pike Place Market.

Ferry ride around Seattle.

Chipotle.

Park.

Chihuly Glass Museum.

Day Three:

America's first Starbucks.

Victor Steinbrueck Park.

Pike Place Market (again).

Armory for lunch (again).

Seattle Art Museum.

Seattle Mariner's Baseball game.

One last visit to the Space Needle.

Day Four:

All aboard the Carnival Legend.

Bible time on the deck of the ship.

Marveling at the creativity of Jesus in the beauty of nature.

Day Five:

Seasick. So, so seasick.

Workout.

Formal dinner.

Two shows in the Follies theatre.

Day Six:

Tracy Arm Fjord.

Hot chocolate.

Laughter.

More laughter.

(And relief because no more vomiting.)

Day Seven:

Port in Skagway, Alaska.

Shopping.

Starbucks.

Taffy.

White Pass and Yukon Route train ride.

More shopping.

Day Eight:

Port in Juneau, Alaska.

Bus ride to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.

Macaulay Salmon Hatchery.

Salmon Bake.

Day Nine:

Port in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Shop.

Duck tour.

Lots of bald eagles.

Day Ten:

Sad last dinner with the fam and our sweet new ship server friends.

Port in Victoria, Canada.

Butchart Gardens.

Empress Hotel.

Legislature building.

Late night froyo.

Coming home, I am filled to the brim with joy...time spent with family and new friends adventuring God's creation together. 

He is good.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

Ephesians 3:20

Love,

Lydia

Ten Lessons From the Pageant World

I miss the pageant world so very much. It's hard to believe that fifty two weeks ago, I was praying and packing and preparing to compete in Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen! When reflecting upon my time as Miss Heartland's Outstanding Teen 2014, so many beautiful memories and lessons flood into my mind. I was able to see and experience incredible opportunities that I never would have  had without the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, and as a "former," I am forever grateful.

When I decided to enter this system and compete in a preliminary, I must admit, I had my doubts. I mean, aren't pageants a little flaky and ego-centric? 

Boy, was I proven wrong.

I don't know if I've ever been so on-my-feet, exhausted, and challenged.

Sure, there was the definite temptation to compete for the crown in order to gain personal glory. But, WOW, how Jesus redirected those thoughts with humbling situations and opportunities. And WOW, those ministry opportunities. I was able to represent and advocate for a very personal battle- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Additionally, while competing, I met SO MANY beautiful and talented girls whom I am still friends with and love dearly. And most of all, I got to represent my Savior, Jesus Christ, as I put myself and my abilities on the line to serve and grow as a young woman and leader in this world.

Without further adieu, here are ten lessons the pageant world taught newbie Lyd:

1. The way you represent yourself is so very important.

People are always watching, whether young or old. The way you dress and speak and carry yourself is an indication of your heart. What an important (and sometimes humbling) lesson to learn. I learned to question my heart constantly- "What does this dress say about my heart? Was that response encouraging? How can I make her feel included?"

2. Never underestimate the value of interview skills.

I had an incredible board of local directors who pushed me to be informed and knowledgeable; poised and prepared; trained and confident. In preparation for the state level of competition, I would attend "mock interviews" as frequently as possible. In the process, I learned so much about myself, society, and my state/country. I have found myself to be much more relaxed and informed in conversation- both formal and informal. (College interviews were also MUCH easier and more comfortable than they would have been without my pageant training!)

3. Laugh at yourself.

Mistakes happen. You forget names. You fall in heels. You don't know the correct answer. But you lead and love and laugh. Others are more likely to respect those who not only admit and apologize for their mistakes, but can turn around, smack their foreheads, and laugh, "OOPS!"

(You also make funny faces like this on stage and still laugh about it a year later:)

4. Serving others is the most beautiful and fulfilling experience.
It never gets old! Loving on others and learning about their lives is humbling, eye-opening, and a true fulfillment of Jesus' call for our little lives.

5. Poise is the key to gaining respect and clear communication.
Confidence, posture, eye contact, and clear speech are traits very rarely found in today's day and age. People always remember how you make them feel, and that includes how you act in their presence.

6. Take care of your body (!!!).
Because I was expected to complete in a fitness portion during the competition, I ate better and worked out more than ever before. And it felt GREAT. This training reinforced in me that an individual who treats their temple with care and respect reaps greater energy to do what Jesus has called him or her to do.

7. Create, don't wait.
Pageantry taught me to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for the "perfect one" to come along (the "perfect opportunity" doesn't even exist, by the way). For example, was there someone I wanted to talk to and work with? I learned to just call them! Thinking outside the box and living without fear of rejection invited me to new territories and fun experiences.

8. Be a student always.
There are ALWAYS new things to learn. What fun is it to pretend like you know everything? Learning about the history of my state and the people within it was TOO FUN to miss out on because I wanted to come off as "previously informed." Come on, y'all. Learning is such a gift.

9. Always have a quality pair of black and/or nude heels.
No explanation really needed on that one. 
(Honestly, they're invaluable.)

10. You can only offer what you can offer.
A semi-cliche bullet point, but I gained so much confidence in my persona and identity as a young woman through pageantry. The things that I can bring to the table in this life are things only I can bring. No one else has my voice or my body or my brain. Once this is understood, you are able to utilize your personal gifts better and encourage others to pursue and expend their own. Again, I'm always learning.

I'm so grateful for the many opportunities brought to me through one year with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Scholarship Organization. I hope to compete in the "Miss" competition in the near future, but until then, I'll sit back and continue to laugh at pictures of myself trying to conduct a serious interview while wearing eight inch heels.

XOXO,
Lyd

P.S. If you're interested in getting involved with this amazing organization, check out maoteen.org!

My Samford Story: Orientation

Do you ever have a moment where chill bumps overwhelm you, and the experience is so beautiful and near-perfect, you feel as if you were watching your life from the outside?

Maybe it was pure exhaustion and the fact that I was running on very little sleep, but this past weekend, I had one of those moments. That moment happened during a 9:00 PM worship service in a college campus chapel. Not just any college campus, but the Birmingham home I will indwell these next four years.

A chapel filled with slightly terrified, purely exhausted, and hopeful future freshmen. A chapel where candlelight danced on old walls and the heat lightning flashed outside bright stained-glass windows. Hodges Chapel echoed with simple hymns of timeless truths, paired with the gentle strum of a guitar. Life flooded those pews. My arms extended, I let His Truth wash over me afresh. 

"He will never leave me nor forsake me."

"Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Thee...How I've proved Him o'er and o'er."

No matter where we go or what we endure, those words will never change. And maybe that is what made that moment so very beautiful. Especially considering what the day had held.

Let me back up. This past weekend, Mom, Dad, and I journeyed down to Samford University for orientation and class registration. The trip down included tears (no really) and lots of reminiscing as we looked to the future-- grateful for the past and its many, many blessings.

The trip started off with a bang. The first day of orientation included multiple sessions of information and new friends (my new Birmingham people are AMAZING and I cannot wait to spend these next years by their sides). 

The musical theatre program is simply exploding, and I am absolutely thrilled to see how Jesus will allow me to spread His love through this department. I will be pushed beyond what I think possible (this fall, I will be taking ten courses--with 8 AMs every morning of the week), and know that I will graduate four years from now with a lot of training and love stored and extended. Even this season of shows is SPECTACULAR, and I look forward to revealing the different projects I will be working on. In addition, I will be working with an inner-city arts ministry to serve and instruct underprivileged children in the area of musical theatah! WOW, what a gift. I get absolutely giddy on the inside as I think of the smiles and giggles of precious babies learning to dance and use their voices in new and exciting ways. Additionally, I will most likely be heading out of the country for a time next summer to study and perform in Europe. Needless to say, Jesus is so faithful and HE WILL bless your passions when you surrender them to Him. Grateful that He has opened up this door that is Samford University.

That first night, I fell asleep in a Samford dorm room-- exhausted, emotional, fulfilled. There is seldom a better feeling than knowing you are where you are supposed to be.

The second and last morning came far too soon. Sleepy, I rolled up my belongings and headed to breakfast with new friends. After a crazy time of registering for classes and speaking with the dedicated and amazing arts department staff, I handed in my keys from the weekend and picked up my student ID. Yes, it was so real...crazy how a piece of plastic with your face and name on it makes everything so official. My Samford story felt like it had really and truly begun! I have a cool piece of plastic to prove it!

Hugging friends "goodbye until August," I grasped my roomie's hand (and SHE is another story, that girl), and we both whispered, "I'm so happy."

(Ellie is my lifelong sister--literally--and her heart is ridiculous. She is a nursing major and will most likely end up across the globe healing and hurting babies in the near future. Her attitude of constant encouragement and her prayer warrior spirit push me to pursue Jesus always. To be her roommate is a dream, and I am so grateful that her face will be the first to greet me every morning.)

These next four years will most certainly not be rainbows and all As and perfect relationships and complete happiness. And I'm so grateful for that. No matter what is to come, I am confident that this is where I need to be. And like I said, that is a beautiful thing to FEEL (when He gives you that confirmation in your spirit, praise Him).

But as we pulled off campus for back home, I couldn't help but mentally note the weeks left until my return.

Here are some pictures from the action-packed weekend!

We even received a warm welcome at our hotel! These people!!!

Home for the weekend! What a sweet and helpful glimpse at what the next couple years in a dorm will look like (SOS- SO MANY CLOTHES, SO LITTLE SPACE).

A little peak at Vail Hall-- one of the couple buildings available to the gals on campus. The trees and terrace are absolutely stunning. Makes me excited to think of the many memories to come that will take place on and around the site.

First session of the day where we received our lanyards-- WOW! "Musical Theatre: School of the Arts." So good to see that in writing. 

Orientation Group One! All of us became instant friends. I'm so grateful for this crazy crew of people--we spent a fun few days together and can't wait to be reunited.

(#firstgroupbestgroup)

The first day of orientation ended with rain, karaoke, popcorn, swing dancing, and Step Sing reruns in the planetarium. Grateful for my sister and roomie.

Back at it on day two! This was us being super happy that we are all registered for the fall!

It's official! Next time on campus, we'll be Birmingham livin. RUFF 'EM UP!

Pulling off campus. Also, who wouldn't want to live here??? What a sky.

Had to throw this last picture in...we got home with so much Bulldog Memorabilia...I think Dad was most excited about the 20,000 cups we brought back with us-- and the RUFF EM UP paw. 

_____

All of this is to say, when you apply yourself and trust Jesus with your heart, passions, and prayers, He will bless that. 

I am so grateful for Samford University. For the countless people who have already poured into my heart and made sure that my Samford experience has been an incredible one. For the instructors and programs working to advance the Kingdom and prepare students for a life of future ministry.

There is no place else I'd rather desire to spend these next four years.

Until August, Birmingham!

The Unspoken Lessons of High School

As I prepare to walk down that aisle and receive my high school diploma in SIX DAYS, it's only natural that I lay in bed each night and think of all that the past four years have brought...and all that is to come.

People say, "I don't know where the time went!" 

Mamas cry, Daddies beam, students smile.

As for me, I know exactly where my time has gone. It went to hours at the Arts Center as I continually attempt to perfect my craft. It went to hours poured over books and flashcards in front of the computer's glow. It went to hours spent at coffee shops...meeting new friends, encouraging young hearts, learning from older hearts, and laughing with dear brothers and sisters. It went to hours by the piano in voice lessons. It was spent in mornings and afternoons and nights of prayer and Scripture reading. It went to hours of worshipping and learning in the pews of Southeast Christian Church. It went to shows and goofy spend-the-nights and concerts and dances and long runs and basketball games. It went to late-night talks with Mom and Dad, as well as fits of both laughter and tears on my bedroom floor.

Yet, as I prepare to leave the things that bind my past eighteen years together, I feel a little broken. I have fallen in love with this season. Why is everything so much sweeter when it must be placed aside for the purpose of new? For this, I cry and laugh and rejoice.

Wherever you are...whether about to enter high school, in high school, the parent of a high schooler, or a non-affiliate of the high school era, I somewhat feel that it is part of my duty as a senior and daughter of Jesus to pass on the unspoken lessons I learned during this time. They are a beautiful and brutal four years of chaos and glory...and somehow, I both love and hate them with all my might.

Without further delay...

Lesson One: Accountability is everything.

Difficulties are a little lighter and life is brighter with the power of someone else's word in and knowledge of your struggles.

Lesson Two: School dances are just as fun with friends of the same sex as they are with a date (if not more fun).

Seriously, girlfriends are comfy and obnoxious and goofy and so very precious.

Lesson Three: Always, always, ALWAYS listen to your Mama.

Kills me a little to say this, but she's always right.

Trust me.

Really, she is.

Lesson Four: Being involved in everything doesn't make you successful.

I cannot tell you how many times "being involved in everything" gave me nothing but trouble and anxiety. Choosing your passions wisely gives you the freedom to invest in AND reap from hard work.

Lesson Five: Ending something does not make you a quitter.

Within good reason and with the guidance of a mentor, ending a relationship or activity does not, under any circumstances, make you a quitter. In fact, it can make you a real winner and grant you a whole new level of freedom.

Lesson Six: Morning Bible time is the most precious Bible time of all.

Before turning on the phone or speaking a single word, opening HIS Word sets the tone for the entire day ahead.

Lesson Seven: Guy friends are some of the best friends.

Some of my dearest friends are males. Honest, loyal, protective, and kind, they open my eyes to so many things I could never have understood without them. I love them dearly.

Lesson Eight: You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to.

Don't throw your pearls to swine. Save your breath and live out your convictions...words are optional.

Lesson Nine: Love on the kid that's sitting alone.

High school is seriously rough. You never know how a conversation, nonetheless a smile, will affect someone's day. Love big.

Lesson Ten: Take a million pictures.

I don't care if they're a screenshot, selfie, or something fancy, pictures are beautiful. Honestly, I scroll through my photo stream daily-- thanking Jesus for the beauty He has placed in my life. Because of these pictures, I will never forget the fun, friends, and food high school brought me.

Lesson Eleven: Get a job as early as possible, and understand how to manage your money.

The responsibility of a job has taught me respect, punctuality, organization, time-management, public relations, dignity, and poise, and I only wish I had gotten one sooner than junior year. Once you begin to earn your own money, you value expenses through a totally different set of lenses.

Lesson Twelve: Keep old voicemails.

You never know when you'll need a laugh. Or the reminder that someone loves you. Or just a simple memory from the past. I love listening to the voices of those I love, even if it's regarding something silly like a reminder to get hamburger buns from the grocery.

Lesson Thirteen: Keep a journal.

I know journaling isn't for everyone, but even just one word a day is enough to spark a million memories. I love seeing the visible hand of God upon my life as I flip pages from days past.

Lesson Fourteen: Dual credit is THE BOMB.

Seriously, if you have the chance to earn college credit while in high school, TAKE IT. Because I took the leap, I will be entering college as a sophomore. And THAT, my friends, is thousands of dollars and many hours saved.

Lesson Fifteen: Make quality decisions ahead of time.

This motto, so frequently sung by my Aunt Ren, rings throughout my head during times of difficult choices. Create your standards in advance of decision-making so that, when the time for a choice comes, all you need to say is "yes" or "no" (and pray for self-control).

Lesson Sixteen: Dating isn't designed for high schoolers. And purity books aren't always the best counselors.

I could write a whole book on this topic, but simply put, you won't get married in high school. And purity books aren't always your best friends, even though they establish some beautiful ideas and help one set standards. Again, accountability is everything. Establishing authentic relationships with guys is precious and awesome and being free in singleness is SO RAD. Studying God's Word on the topic of purity and relationships and marriage is so fulfilling. Learn who you are without the responsibilities of being tied to another individual at such a young age. NOW is the time to discover the TYPE of man you'd like to marry, not necessarily the young man himself. If Jesus brings him to you during this time, AWESOME! If not, I promise you will live.

Lesson Seventeen: Netflix is great, but so are books.

A marked-up, dog-eared book is so much more precious to me than hours spent laughing at "Friends."

(But I do love some good ole Ross and Rachel drama.)

Lesson Eighteen: Cherish every meal with your family.

Spilled milk and pointless laughter is so much greater with those who share your blood than in a dorm room.

Lesson Nineteen: Take the ACT/SAT seriously.

These tests have so much say in college scholarship, as much as I hate to say that. All you can do is buckle down, get a tutor, and take the tests as many times as you can. Push yourself! I promise you will be so grateful when you get that scholarship letter in the mail because of that hard-earned score.

Lesson Twenty: Challenge yourself to craziness.

Go on a missions trip. Run that marathon. Eat that krispy kreme donut burger. Ride that roller coaster. Sing along at that concert. Reach out to that new kid. Take lessons. Fear has held me back from so many neat things, and I have slowly learned to smile and say "yes" to new opportunities that scare the living daylights out of me. Like I said, NOW is the time!

Lesson Twenty One: You don't have to listen to everyone's opinion.

Learn to listen to your own instincts. When you're living in the Word of God, His heart melts into yours. Trust the Holy Spirit's guidance, and compare every word against those of Him.

Lesson Twenty Two: Celebrate the little victories.

Everyone has their own set of struggles. No victory is a little one. A step in the right direction sets a precedence for the decisions ahead.

Lesson Twenty Three: Coffee is your best friend!!!

If you didn't love coffee before high school, by senior year, you'll be a caffeine monster. Promise.

Lesson Twenty Four: Don't ever say something behind someone's back that you wouldn't say to their face.

A humbling lesson to learn. Speak kindly, and others will respect you. Plus, it's the Jesus thing to do.

Lesson Twenty Five: Let go of the things that aren't made for you.

Sometimes things feel right even if they're not. Trust God's sovereignty as He removes things from your life. This is a lesson humanity learns all throughout the journey of life.

I could not be more thrilled to throw that cap on May 15th, 2015. Summer and Alabama promise light and fresh, and I am so ready.

High school, thank you.

Jesus, thank you.

Lydia Grace Johnson is ready for the next.

Snow Day

Journal Entry 2.15.15

"How can man so finite predict something so elusive as weather? How can one look into the sky and use a tool so complex as technology to estimate what will fall from the sky? And thus, the news is spread via "weather specialists" who are not always the most spot-on individuals. And yet, people rush to the grocery and cancel school without even one drop of snow. The word of its coming is more than enough to spark motion in all town.

Could there be something here? A gem in the everyday that He wants us to get? What if we were to respond to the Gospel in the same way we rush and prepare for snow that will melt in a few days' time? Oh, the fragility of our feeble nonsense. See, the thing is, we have been told of a Coming far greater than that of clouds. And we sit. Not only do we sit, but we ignore and sometimes act opposingly to the Coming. What if every day looked like the rush to buy bread? And yet, the Bread of Life is before me and I choose not to eat and not to share and I choose cavern over glory and gross versus righteous.

The time has come to where hiding underneath covers, desiring warmth and comfort...that is not an option. The snow will fall and the world will stop. The Son will come and all will melt away."

Go

I don't really know how to word what happened to me in this past week. Honestly. Searching for sufficient words is an increasingly difficult feat as I decompress all that's happened.

It's amazing when I think of how He blesses our dreams. Never would I think that I would audition for a Broadway show at age 17.

A long time ago, I prayed for Him to bless and guide this passion of theatre within my heart. And He has...He has brought along the most amazing people to support, inspire, teach, and encourage me. Never have I been left to grow on my own.

However, there are times when one must be pushed. Pushed beyond the comfort level to test the waters of the unknown. If you never leap, will you ever know?

I've learned that no...it requires scary territory to reach scary dreams.

So I left home and flew on a plane alone and navigated layovers and three airports and hundreds of actors and long lines and early mornings and train rides and a snowstorm.

And it was good. And I toughened up.

Sometimes, you have to jump head-first into something...knowing it will either push you or break you. Either way, you are given a direction, and that brings peace. 

I know where I should start walking from here. 

What do you need to do to achieve that dream deep in your heart? Do you need to jump? Write a letter? Make the song, invite the person, say yes, buy the ticket, lock the door, hold the phone?

Because once you do it, there's no going back. How sweet it is to come out on the other side...more ready than ever before.

Today

The country road is dark and winding in front of me. My eyes fill with wet, and my heart beats with the anxiety I've tried to beat off all 15 hours of awake.

Flustered. Frustrated.

Exhausted. Enervated.

How can I move when I can't see the road in front of me?

I wonder this in the mind and the heart.

The letter of rejection comes. The door hits on the way out. The person says the wrong word.

The heart breaks and the eyes fill.

I don't know how to make beautiful words erupt from a tired heart. Just plain tired. No drastic hurt; no massive life disaster.

The sunrise didn't take away my breath this morning.

I didn't want to dance tonight.

I didn't choose the healthiest foods to eat.

I spoke harshly against one I love most.

And when the eyes fill and the heart beats in hurt, I hit my head against my headrest and don't understand why He has chosen me to fulfill what's in front of me.

"But Lord, you've promised me...'I have been put to no test but such as is common to man; and God is true, who will not let any test come on me which I am not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that I may be able to go through it."(1 Corinthians 10:13) Jesus, where is that confidence? I merely feel pressure. Exhaustion...Lord, bring me through this."

And in the nighttime Oldham County air, He whispers, "Today."

That's it.

Today.

T-o-d-a-y.

My brain flits to an event five days away; my heart pounds in response.

"Today." His peace tickles the crevices of my heart.

The enemy crawls in...slowly...as he reminds of a failure last week.

"Today," the Father says a bit firmer.

I struggle to fight for that place in my brain; my knuckles turn white on the steering wheel.

I turn on my brights.

"Today is what I do best, my love."

I see a bit better. Not all the way down the road, but just enough to let me progress with vision.

"Why are you looking behind? Why are you grappling for the next 24 hours? Don't you know each day is a precious endowment?"

I round a corner to face a large hill. Two skunks cross the road.

I drive with the radio blasting, and somehow, the lyrics aren't anything but letters pieced into words I can't understand.

"Oh, my daughter. You've missed so much today."

Tears buckle in my throat.

"That sunrise...I painted it. That lesson...I ordained it. That friend...I put them there when you needed that word. That chicken noodle soup...I created warmth. That little Asian hand...I brought it from China to America. That breeze...I blew it into motion."

A little brick crumbles from the wall built around my heart.

"Let me in."

My house becomes visible. I speed up a little. The light glows from the kitchen window. The familiar structure of the front porch brings me comfort.

"Let me in."

Conviction fractures another brick.

The front wheels; the back wheels. I pull into the driveway.

"Okay, Jesus."

Arms loaded with memorabilia of the day, I punch in the garage code.

Home's familiar smell greets my nose.

Okay.

Today.

Warmth, comfort, pain, turmoil.

Today.