Merry Christmas To All, & To All... Lots of Love?

(I'm not sure where I was going with that title.  Moving on.)

This is an early Christmas gift to you all from myself and my friend, Mr. Scott Nichols and Guitar Pit Studios!

Remember the real reason for the season.  It's too easy to get caught up in everything else!

Lots of love to you all!

In His Love,
Lex <3

Reasons It's Great to Be Single

The real deal!  Eiffel Tower, Paris (November 27, 2011)

It's been a while since I've posted.  In fact, since my last entry, I've become a world-traveler.  For almost two weeks in November, I was in Europe.  And it was amazing.  But this post isn't about that.

Since being back, with the Christmas season in full swing, I came to realize that this is the first Christmas season I'll be spending as a single woman in several years.

Therefore, I decided to make a list of reasons why it's super fabulous to be single.  The following list is comprised of things I've thought up in the last 30 minutes.

I realize some of them sound completely ridiculous, but I thought it would be a fun way to get my brain feeling the joy of the season, rather than lonely or disappointed!

REASONS IT'S GREAT TO BE SINGLE

• No gift purchasing worries/stresses or extra money spent for holidays or birthdays on a guy.
• Not worrying about what time you'll see him.
• Meeting new people and not having to throw out the obligatory, informational, "Well, my BOYFRIEND (hint, hint, cough, cough)..." sentence so they know you're off the market.
• Always get to eat where YOU want to eat.  And when.
• Never waiting on his phone call.
• Never being late because he just can't seem to make it to your place on time.
• Not having to miss holiday time with your family to spend time with his.
• Sleeping with a teddy bear that you proudly display on your bed.
• You always get to pick the movie.  And you don't have to watch that new action flick if you don't want.
• Never have to worry about ways to bring up "the future" without scaring someone off.
• Don't have to worry about splitting time between a guy and your friends.
• No fighting!
• No missing a boyfriend who is away.
• Exciting trips and new adventures.  That you plan.  
• The secret thrill that Mr. Right could be just around the corner.
• Mind is open when doing things rather than being pre-occupied by thoughts of him.
• Calling close friends instead of a guy to vent or when you're bored.
• Never wondering if they're going to start hating you or becoming disinterested at any given time.
• No worry about rushing things.
• Not hearing or saying, "I love you" too soon.
• No worrying if he secretly hates your dog.
• No more ESPN (unless you turn it on yourself).
• No one telling you what to say, do, listen to, eat OR how to dress, etc.
• Girls' nights!
• Family nights/time.
• Chick flicks
• Disney Channel!
• Leaving a box of tampons (and/or other things guys pretend don't exist) in a visible place in your room/bathroom and not thinking twice about it.
• Call/hang out with guy friends completely guilt/stress-free.
• GOD TIME!!!
• No in-law issues.  FANTASTIC.
• Not having the urge to check all sources of social media to see if that super flirty girl he talks to at _______ has written all over his profile.
• Never waiting on his texts.
• The freedom of spontaneous weekend plans.
• No make-up.
• Time for baby-sitting, dog-walking, etc.  (a.k.a. EXTRA CASH!)
• Flirting with the cute waiter at dinner.
• Obsessing over the movie star in the movie you're watching.  Out loud.
• Freedom to travel.
• Performing when/where you want to.
• Belting Disney/Justin Bieber songs in your car.
• Spontaneous road trips.
• Turning your phone off.  And being okay with it.
• GLEE!
• Flirting with the cute, single groomsman at your friend's wedding.
• Not having to think about how you're going to afford a wedding.
• Don't have to secretly look at bridal magazines and wish he'd bring up ring-shopping.
• Eating the entire bag of Reese's Pieces.  Ha.  So there.
• Going to Europe for two weeks on your own and only missing friends and family.
• Letting a French stranger kiss you once on both cheeks.

This is where my list ends currently and where you come in!  (Hey, I said this was a spontaneous, quick list of things I'd thought of THUS FAR!)  What are great reasons for being single (especially around the holidays) that you can think of to encourage single individuals?  

Ready...  GO!!!

In His Love,

Lex <3

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

So I was thinking this morning.  Scary, I know.

I was thinking about the sunshine.  I was thinking about the warmer weather.  I was thinking about the future.  And I was thinking about that verse.  You know, "This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us be glad and rejoice in it."  (Also known as Psalm 118:24)

Let me take you back a few years...  There was a time when I was going through something not very great.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, there have been a few of those times for me, as I'm sure there has been for every single one of you reading this post.

Knowing I'd felt trapped and caged in my own situation, my aunt would call me every day- rain or shine, grouchy or no- to say the following:

"Good morning, Lexie!  This is the day the Lord has made!  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I love you!"

And each day, I felt a little less resentful toward hearing that verse.  I had felt a bit like a caged bird.  I felt trapped in the situation I found myself in, clinging to God and having hope that new and better things would come.

This aunt, the one who dutifully and faithfully called every morning for months, was the aunt who taught me to sing.  Both figuratively and literally.

When I was very young, my aunt would sing to me, and then I would sing back to her.  Occasionally, during the holidays, we'll sing together for the family.  And how I cherish those times.

In this case, I was an adult, and she taught me to do the same thing.  She sang to me God's praises.  And I would sing them back to her.  But it took a while to FEEL them.  At first, it was just out of habit.  Like a mockingbird.  I would copy and regurgitate what I'd heard, though I didn't always feel it.

Then, one day, I woke up, and I called my aunt first.  I left her a message:

"Good morning!  This is the day the Lord has made!  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I love you!"

The same message she'd left me for months.  The same message I'd finally begun to feel and know, rather than just repeating.

I may have been that caged bird still, but I was singing something I believed.

It's like that in life, sometimes, isn't it?  Some days we just have to make it through.  We go through the motions when life is hard, knowing- someday- we'll FEEL again.

So, if you're in that spot now.  You feel trapped- or caged- know that there is hope.  There is a brighter day ahead.  (Think Jeremiah 29:11- it's my favorite verse.)

Say the following until you believe it:

"This is the day that the Lord has made!  I will rejoice and be glad in it!  He loves me!"

It's super cheesy, and it may take you a while.  But, one day, you'll wake up singing His praises.  Not because it's habit, but because you FEEL again.

Today, sing His praises!

In His Love,
Lex <3

Seasons, Change, and Blissful Ignorance

Not exactly politically correct.  But still in a state of blissful ignorance with my cousins (circa 1990).  

{From left: Ben Montgomery, Jason Hunt, Seneca (Hunt) Spindler, Sam Montgomery, myself}

The leaves are changing colors here in central Illinois, and- in some ways- I feel as if I'm changing colors too. 

As it moves into a new season outside my window, I'm starting to move into a new season of my life.  In less than three months, I'll be graduating with my Masters and moving my life to Nashville, Tennessee.  Am I excited?  Yes.  Am I terrified?  Absolutely.

Things are changing.  It's a difficult economy with a lot of uncertainty.  People are unemployed.  Businesses are going under.

But I look outside my window, and I'm seeing that the world is still spinning.

In fact, from where I'm sitting currently, I can see past the multi-colored leaves on the trees into the daycare on campus.  The children are running around the play area- screaming and laughing.  And I can hear it through these heavy walls.  They have no idea what's happening with the budget or the economy.  They're blissfully ignorant to the trouble around them. 

I want to be like those children, in a way.  So often, I find myself worrying about what's going to happen in the next hour, the next week and the next year.  I wonder when I'll find employment in Nashville and when my music will pick up again. 

But we really don't need to worry about those things do we?

I mean, God makes sure the world spins every day.  Therefore, I think I can trust Him enough to keep my world spinning.

That's my challenge to you today.  Spend less time worrying and more time being blissfully ignorant.  Scream and run and laugh.  And look at the leaves.  God has painted them a million different colors just for you.

Stop worrying about what you can't control and start focusing on change.  It's a beautiful time of year, and it's a beautiful time in life.

Trust Him.

In His Love,
Lex <3

Dealing: Broken Hearts, Divorce and Life

Yesterday, I had the honor of joining Melody Miller for A Positive Start to Your Day on WIBI.  I didn't expect to be so moved.

Let me back up...  A few weeks ago, I joined both the Southern Illinois Miners and the Gateway Grizzlies (along with the staff at WIBI and Greenville College) to sing both the National Anthem and God Bless America at the games.  As a baseball fan, this was right up my alley.  Throughout the games, I was able to talk and joke with my new and old friends, as well as get to know the guys of Remedy Drive.

However, it was during that time that Melody (whom I'd known for quite some time being a listener of WIBI and the winner of Opening Act) really was given the chance to hear my story.  And it's quite the story...

In previous posts, I've given you some raw, real emotions.  Now, I'm going to give you a little more insight into my heart.  I won't give you my whole testimony, but I will lead you down the path of my relationships over the last 10 years.

In the last five years, I have experienced:
-a marriage (a short one, at that)
-a divorce
-an abusive relationship
-a broken engagement
-and several confusing break-ups and non-starts to relationships

While that might not seem like much to you, it's made for several broken hearts and times of distress and confusion.

As a young woman in our world today, I could have chosen to become bitter.  I could hate males and question God.

But that's not the path I'm choosing.

While I don't understand why some of these things have been apart of my life, I do understand that God has an AMAZING plan.  It's so much bigger than anything I could ever imagine.

Please, listen to the conversation between Melody, my mom and myself from yesterday morning by clicking HERE.

If you have questions or would like to share you story/experiences, please e-mail me at lexiemontgomerymusic@hotmail.com.  I would love to hear from you.

Being a single woman isn't easy in this world.  But, I know that God has a purpose.  And I'm trusting Him.

I hope you will too.

In His Love,
Lex <3

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

I have been a complete slacker this summer.  My blog is lacking.

So, I promise it will get better!

I just spent an incredible weekend with WIBI, the Southern Illinois Miners, the Gateway Grizzlies, and my new friends- Remedy Drive.  More details to come.  But, for the time-being, enjoy my renditions of God Bless America and the National Anthem!

In His Love,
Lex <3

Someday I'll See Myself As Beautiful

‎((i want to be beautiful. make you stand in awe. look inside my heart and be amazed. i want to hear you say who i am is quite enough. just want to be worthy of love and beautiful.))

This song has really been on my heart this week. 


Sometimes, I get so bogged down and discouraged by all the things I'm not. 


As women, we have an innate longing to be seen as beautiful.  And I just haven't felt that way for a long time.  I've wanted to.  But I just haven't.  


Want to know one of my deepest, darkest secrets?  For years, when I would look in a mirror, I would cry.  Not just a little, but a lot.  I hated how I looked.  


It started when I was in 9th grade.  I remember walking into the concession stand with my cheerleading uniform on and a young man I attended school with decided to comment on my appearance.  Two words that meant nothing to him- simply a thoughtless statement- cemented inside of me a thought that had been tumbling around my brain for some time.  

YOU'RE.  UGLY.

While the young man probably thought nothing of his comment, I found myself scarred.  Everytime I looked in the mirror, all I saw was that label:  UGLY.  And I wanted to be anything but that.


We all walk around with labels.  Words that were thrown at us, most of the time in a thoughtless manner, and those words stuck.  They stuck and they stung.  They still do.


Recently, I've been really struggling with this.  (I told you all a long time ago that you were getting the real Lexie here.  A little raw, and really difficult to admit most of the time, but the real me.)  


And "Beautiful" by Bethany Dillon keeps popping into my mind.  Listen to the words of the song.  Think about what they mean to you.   


I often forget that I need to be focusing on HIS kind of beautiful. Not my own ideas of what it means.  


Tonight, I don't feel beautiful.  But someday I will.


In His Love,
Lex <3

Q&A Time, Kids...

How has He blessed you today?

Dancing In the Moonlight...

Let's take a little journey down memory lane...

The warm weather turnaround here in central Illinois has had me thinking.  As I walked out of my house this morning to head to my car on my way to work, I took in the humid, warm weather.  It reminded me of a warm July day last summer.

My best friend and I decided to attend the 4th of July celebration in downtown Springfield.  We sat on the lawn of the Capitol Building with our families and prayed for no rain.  After all, rain would put a damper on our activities.  As everything was held outside, the rain would have ruined all of our fun.

We walked around, from food stand to food stand, visiting with friends we bumped into along the way.  We stopped to take pictures and to listen to the music, provided in part by WIBI!

However, a little later in the evening, the dreaded rain came.  Not only did it rain- it POURED.  Individuals were huddling under tents and running for cover in all directions.

Sporting a lovely white outfit with tiny red stripes, I decided to bolt for a tent.  Unluckily for me, the side of the tent I was standing under decided to be the side that hosted to run-off from the rain.

I had two choices:
1) I could get upset that I was getting rained on.  After all, I'd taken the time to get ready.  I'd avoided the dirt and tried to stop the sweat forming on my brow throughout the afternoon.  Then, the rain ended up ruining all the activity, and I was cold and sopping wet!
OR...
2) I could enjoy it.  I could welcome the cool water as a break from the hot, humid weather I'd been in all day.  I could take the chance to dance in the rain while other people stood under tents, not enjoying the moment.

I took one look at my best friend, and I could tell we were both thinking the same thing.  "Let's go."

And we left the tent to dance in the rain.

Despite the stares and the unbelieving eyes, I found myself enjoying the rain that I'd so carefully avoided.  I was completely soaked, and I didn't care.

It was such a freeing feeling.  Just letting go.

Tristen (left) and myself (right with no face) dancing in the moonlight :)

How many times have you been able to do that?  Just let go, I mean.  Life's given us all some pretty not-great situations, but it's all about how you respond.

Instead of being upset, learn to dance in the rain and the darkness.

It's been said that life is 10% what happens to you, and it's 90% how you react to it.

I'm learning to dance in the moonlight and in the rain, rather than crying in the darkness.

How will YOU dance your way through the rain in your life today?

In His Love,
Lex <3

Video from AgapeFest 2011

How about a little video footage that my dad was able to catch at AgapeFest 2011? 
You'll notice my mom loses her phone, and my dad gives it back to her somewhere in the middle.  Apparently, she was pretty excited.  :)

Also, keep in mind that this is festival sound, so it is going to sound differently than it would've had we been performing indoors. 

AgapeFest was such an amazing experience for me, and I'm so grateful that God blessed me with the opportunity!

Woohoo!

In His Love,
Lex <3

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

So, after much thought…  okay, not much thought at all really, but some discussion…  I’ve decided that some of my dear girlfriends need to be reminded of some things.  

*****

How about some excerpts from a little book called, “He’s Just Not That Into You: Your Daily Wake-Up Call” (2005)…  Do I agree with everything this book is about?  Absolutely not.  However, I DO agree with the idea that you were made for MORE than wishing someone else would notice your worth.

14: Don’t waste the pretty

40: “Hey, let’s meet at so-and-so’s party/friend’s house” is not a date.  Even if you live in New York.

45: if I were into you, you would be the bright spot in my horrible busy day.  Which would be a day that I would never be too busy to call you.

56: Meeting someone you like and dating him is supposed to make you feel  BETTER, not WORSE.  That’s always a good rule to live by, no matter what the special circumstances (i.e., excuses) are.

65: He’s just not that into you if he’s not dating you. “Hanging out” is NOT dating.

101: Your lost self-esteem may take longer to find than a new boyfriend, so prioritize accordingly.

152: Don’t spend your time on and give your heart to any guy who makes you wonder about ANYTHING related to his feelings for you.

164: Don’t be flattered that he misses you.  He SHOULD miss you.  You’re deeply missable.  However, he’s still the same person who just broke up with you.  Remember, the only reason he can miss you is because he’s choosing, every day, not to be with you.

191: Don’t ask yourself what you did wrong or how you could have done it differently. Don’t waste your valuable heart and mind trying to figure out why he did what he did. Or thinking back on all thethings he said, and wondering what was the truth and what was the lie.  The only thing you need to know is that it’s really good news: He’s gone.  Hallelujah.

195: He might be lying in the hospital with amnesia, but more likely he’s just not that into you.

231: We are all tired of operating from a place of fear.  You want to believe you are better than all the crap you’ve been taking from all these men all these years.  Well, you are.

239: Freaks should remain at the circus, not in your apartment.

247: When you think about it, making all those excuses for someone and trying to “figure someone out” takes up a lot of energy. Think of all the time you’ve opened up for so many other more positive things besides obsessing over HIM.

251: A standard is setting a level for yourself of what you will or won’t tolerate. You get to decide how it’s going to be for you.  You can now design the person you want to be in the future, and the standards you want to have. Make sure you know what you stand for and what you believe in.

258: I WILL NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, SPEND MY PRECIOUS TIME WITH A MAN WHO HAS ALREADY REJECTED ME.

****

Okay, so now let’s talk about a guy who will never reject you.  He’ll never keep you waiting by the phone.  He won’t lie.  He’s always wanting your attention and misses you when you don’t make time for him.  He’s not clingy, and he’s not forceful.  He’ll never yell at you, and he will NEVER leave you.  He loves you more than anyone could ever fathom.

Guess who this guy is…  Yep, you’ve got it.

Here’s what the bible says about us…

Psalm 139:14- “I will praise you because I am wonderfully and fearfully made.”

Psalm 45:11- “The King is enthralled by your beauty.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-…13- “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. … And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

****

Here’s the deal.  He loves us with a love that we could never experience here on Earth.  So, why in the world do we keep seeking it here?  Why do we secretly look to men for our validation?  Sorry, guys, but He’s the only one that can satisfy that longing- that hole that we all feel inside.  

So, here’s what I have to say.  It’s easier said than done, but…  Put down the phone.  If that guy wants you, he’ll call you.  Just know that you have me and the rest of your girlfriends to show you a glimpse of the love and acceptance you’ll find in Him every single day.

I’m here, and I’m ready to love on you like Jesus loves on you.  So, instead of calling that guy…  Call me.  I’ll remind you of what our awesome God thinks of you.  And how you don’t need anybody’s else’s words but His.

In His Love,

Lex <3

Opening Act 2011... And The Winner Is...

We did it!

More to come a little later on, but with YOUR help, this blogger is the winner of Opening Act 2011!

Here's a pic to hopefully tide you over until I can fill you all in on my experience at AgapeFest!

 Singing my competition song, "Rain Down" with The Mark Roach Band

WIBI Staffer, Craig; Myself: 2010 Winner, 'Kayce Kraut; Finalist, Crystal; WIBI Promotions Director, G.W.

In His Love,

Lex <3

The Procrastination Queen

I am a last-minute person.  I work well under pressure.

But, sometimes, that can be a problem.  I put myself in situations where I HAVE to work under pressure because I know I can do it (re: writing my 8 page paper on Monday morning.  You know, the one that was due on Monday night in class.  No, really.  That was this week.)

Sometimes, it's a good thing.  Over the last couple of weeks with online voting, I've procrastinated my, well, nerves.  I would be fine all week, and then- right before the announcement- I would turn into a nervous wreck.

Okay, so I realize I should be telling you that I'm always calm, cool and collected.  I should be saying that I always feel the peace that only God can give.  You should be hearing from me that I just go with the flow.

Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll...  That's not always the case.  It generally takes a whole lot of nervous conversation with my Jesus to make me STOP freaking out.

So, I'm just here to tell you that...  I'M NOT PERFECT.  Pretty sure I've blogged about that before, but wanted to throw it out there again- just in case you'd forgotten since then.

Sometimes, I have a really hard time trusting God to take care of things.  I try to twist and turn and pull things into scenarios that I want.  And I end up making a bigger mess.  Imagine that.

Then, God picks up the pieces.

I'm not sure what the outcome of the voting will be this week.  And that makes me nervous.  I wish I didn't care as much as I do, but that's not the case.

Today, I want to thank you for following me through my Opening Act journey.  Thanks for caring.  And thanks for your support.  It means so much to me when I receive words of encouragement.  In fact, I generally print them out and hang them up to see on the days when I don't feel very positive!

Please know that, no matter the outcome tomorrow, this is NOT the end of my journey.

It's just the beginning.

So, hold on tight.  It's going to be a bumpy ride.

But it will be fun.

In His (All-Knowing) Love,
Lex <3

Help!! Voting Ends TOMORROW!

I really need your help!

Please vote for Lexie 20x per computer at www.wibi.org/contestants!

Your vote will help determine the WINNER, who will be announced on Saturday morning.

Voting ends TOMORROW morning at 8 a.m.  Please, please, please vote 20x per computer and then share with anyone and everyone you know.

Sorry for the begging, but it's crunch time :/

In His Love,
Lex <3

Thoughts On Being A Princess... HIS Princess

 With one of my pageant friends, Lisa Sauter, after a Miss Indiana Pageant

A few days ago, I received some words of concern about my "princess-ness".  I thought I'd post my response on my blog, as I've also posted it on my Facebook fan page.

One individual reported concern about my joking about crowns, tiaras and all-things princess.  I wanted to tell you a little bit more about why I joke so much about being a princess.  Here is my response to the concern:

"I noticed the comment you'd left, and I just wanted to let you know what that was all about.

I'm sure, at Mt. Vernon, you heard me talk about my time in the Miss America Organization when I was younger. Frequently, any time we could get our hands on a crown or tiara (plastic, paper, foam or whatever), my younger sister and I would do a "mock" crowning. The purpose of this crowning was to be as cheesy and silly as we possibly could be, all in fun, to emulate the silliness we'd seen in the pageants we'd attended and competed in.

The individual you saw holding the crown over my head in Mt. Vernon was, in fact, my younger sister. We were just being silly. And, we also did the "mock crownings" with the secretary of my work, my cousin who drove in from Kansas City, Missouri and little girls who came up for autographs and hugs after the performance.

Pageants were a big part of my life, but it wasn't about the pageants, crowns or fancy clothes. It was about God being able to use my experiences to touch and speak to other people. That's why I was involved in the pageant world. Not for me, but for Him. And He used it on multiple occasions. And I'm so thankful for those experiences and the individuals I was able to meet because of them.

In addition, I had severely low self-esteem as a young person that carried into my early adult years. At school I was made fun of and called ugly, and that left some pretty nasty emotional scars.

God has worked on my heart so much in the last several years. He has shown me that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made". That I am a work of art. A masterpiece. I am beautiful.

And I am HIS princess.

So, to me, the crown represents His light. I'm outgoing and loud and excitable. I've been told that I'm "sparkly". So, we use the crown to get the attention of individuals so that they can hear HIS message.

So, I apologize that the wrong impression was given. It was just my family and I having some fun and enjoying each others' company. We love each other, and we absolutely LOVE to laugh.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue to follow my fan page!
Have an amazing and blessed day :)

From one princess to another,
Lexie
Jeremiah 29:11" 

 I hope you'll understand that we are ALL children of God.  He has created us each for a unique and special purpose.

One of the things He has created ME for is to show other girls that they, too, are His princesses.

As I mentioned in my response, I fell victim to severely low self-esteem.  And I know I am not alone in this battle.  Young women around the world are dealing with similar situations.  Similar self-hatred.

I'd like to see that changed.  And I'd like to be apart of that change.

I hope you'll join me in BEING the change we'd like to see.  Please remind ALL of the young women in your life that they, too, are His princesses.

And they're beautiful.

In His (Royal) Love,
Lex <3

In The Final 2!

On the way to Round 2 of eliminations for Opening Act 2011!

P.S.  Don't forget to vote for Lexie at www.wibi.org/contestants!  Your vote could help me WIN Opening Act this year!  Please encourage your friends to vote!

Round 2 of Eliminations THIS MORNING!

Well, it's that time again.

Online voting has been going on all week at www.wibi.org/contestants, and- this morning- someone is being eliminated from the competition.

Tune in at 90.5 in the Springfield area, 91.1 in the St. Louis area or ONLINE to listen to the elimination, which will take place between 8 and 9 a.m.

Here's my experience from last week.  See if you can count how many times I say the word "nervous" in this video...

I hope to come back to you with some good news after the eliminations!  If it's not good news, however, that's alright.  I've had an awesome ride :)

I'll keep you posted.  Check me out on Facebook/Twitter for immediate news after the elimination at www.facebook.com/lexiemusic and @singlexiesing.

In His Love,
Lex <3

I Wish I Were More (Fill-In-The-Blank)...

Okay, I'll admit it.  I've been on Facebook ENTIRELY too much in the last 2 weeks.  I've been promoting Opening Act like a crazy person, and I'm fairly convinced that I'm not going to have any friends after this competition is over because of all the "Vote for Lexie" posts I've made.

(So, this is my apology to all of you who follow me on Facebook for the ridiculous amount of posting I've been doing lately.  You'll only endure it for a short while longer!)

Anyway, I caught myself doing something really bad today.

I clicked on an acquaintance's profile picture when it came up in my NewsFeed, and- IMMEDIATELY- I started comparing myself to this young woman.

"She's so much prettier than I am.  And skinnier too.  I wish my eyes were blue like hers.  I can't wait until my hair gets that long.  Her dress is so gorgeous...," I thought to myself.

I had to snap myself out of it!  Who am I to judge myself against others?!  I'm certain that it says in the bible that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made" by a Creator who thinks I am beautiful.  So, why am I comparing myself to this young woman?  I need to be proud of who I am and what I am.

It's time we stop wishing we were someone else.

Did you know that God created YOU to be exactly what He wanted YOU to be?

Ephesians 2:10 says this:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

 Well, I'm convinced that those "good works" He created us for DO NOT involve wasting time comparing oneself to some other person who is just as flawed as YOU are!

Stop looking at others, and start looking within yourself.

What amazing things did God create you to do and to be?  Start concentrating on THOSE things, not the things you believe you're lacking.

In fact, Philippians 4:8 says this:

"Finally, [awesome people reading Lexie's blog], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Is comparing yourself to someone else considered thinking on these amazing things listed in Philippians?  DON'T THINK SO.

So, I'm encouraging you to think about all the things that make you AMAZING.  The things that make you absolutely PRECIOUS is God's eyes.

In His Love,
Lex <3

((You'll Find That Life Is Still Worthwhile If You Just Smile))

During my time in the Miss America Organization (yes, I DO want world peace.  You don't even need to ask.), I had the opportunity to speak with kids, educators and administrators all over central Illinois.  One of the exercises I did with the students involved a mirror.

We talked about respecting yourself and respecting others, and with that- I mentioned the importance of smiling.  I would have a student make a "mean" face (i.e., frowning, scowling, etc.), then I would have the student look in the mirror.  "If you saw this face coming toward you in the hallway, how would you feel?" I would ask.  In a chorus of voices, the kids would respond, "Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad."  (That chorus is sort-of like when you ask a kid ANY question in Sunday school, and all the kids say together, "JEEEEEESSSSSSUUUUUUS!"   Even if the answer you're looking for is bathtub or something equally boring.)

Then, I'd do the same exercise but I'd have the student smile.  The kids would giggle and clap every time as I had the student look at him- or herself in the mirror.  "So, how would you feel if THIS face was coming toward you in the hallway?" I'd ask.  "Good/happy/nice," were the general thoughts voiced by the students.

Maybe, as adults, we should all be required to go through this exercise at the beginning of our day. 

Last Friday, after the announcement of the Top3 at WIBI's Carlinville station, I was exhausted.  I drove from Carlinville to Morrisonville High School, where my parents are educators.  I sat down in my mom's classroom.  I was worn out.  I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes.

My mom quickly grabbed a chair and sat down next to me.  "Lexie!" she exclaimed.  "You need to smile at these kids!  They voted for you, and they're so excited that you're here today!"

I sat up in my chair feeling embarrassed.  I'd let my selfishness get in the way of shining my light.  I made it a point to walk around the school, smiling at the students as I wandered around looking for my dad (yes, I'm a teacher's kid, so wandering around comes with the territory). 

I guess I need to practice that exercise a little bit more.  Frowning is so not as pretty as smiling.  So, I need to step it up and smile!  I've been told you'll never know whose day you might brighten just by smiling at them! 

So, that's my challenge to you today.  Smile. 
You never know who you'll encourage :)

In His Love,
Lex <3

P.S.  If you haven't voted yet, please visit www.wibi.org/contestants and vote for LEXIE!  Also, please share this link with anyone and everyone you know!  Help me NOT get voted off on Friday morning!

Sisters=Mandatory Best Friend

"KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRSTEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!  Can you (fill-in-the-blank, whatever it may be in that moment)?"

This is generally what can be heard ringing throughout the duplex I share with my younger sister. 

Kirsten is one of the most genuine, selfless, caring individuals I've ever had the privilege of knowing.  And I'm not sure what I'd do without her. 

For years,we fought.  A lot.  About everything.  So, the prospect of the two of us sharing a living space once again (I'd moved out of my parents home after undergrad), made a lot of people who knew us very nervous- and rightfully so.

However, with the occasionally yelling match about bathroom time, dirty dishes or SOMEONE wearing my shoes and not telling me (ahem, Kirsten Renee...), it's worked out remarkably well.

Especially lately.  Kirsten has been my biggest cheerleader in the Opening Act competition.  She's worked hard to constantly encourage and support.  On days when I feel like throwing in the towel, I feel like she might as well have a pair of my old pom pons in her hands, shaking them in my face. 

If you would have told me five years ago that my baby sister would turn out to be one of my very best and closest friends, I might have laughed at you.  Now, I cherish our late-night heart-to-hearts and morning venting sessions, getting ready for work and school.  They're moments I'll cherish.  I wish everyone could know the heart of my little sister.  It's beautiful.

It makes me think about all the girls out there who have someone watching them, like my little sister did with me while growing up.  I wonder if those girls have some sort of role model. 

As an artist, that's what I want to be for those young women.  I want to them to see a Christian woman who is living life the right way. 

Who has done that for you?  Who has been YOUR role model?

Better yet, who has their eyes on YOU?

In His Love,
Lex <3

P.S.  Online voting started YESTERDAY!  Vote until it tells you that you can't vote anymore at www.wibi.org/contestants, and please pass the word along!  The contestant with the least amount of votes gets kicked off at the end of the week!  Help!

To Everything There Is A Season

 ¹To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 ²A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

 ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace…  

¹¹He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…

Ecclesiastes 3 (KJV)

Time.  

I waste a lot of it.   But, why?

Our Maker has only given us so much of it.  So why do we spend that time doing things that aren't going to further His will, His plan, His kingdom...?

God has called me to sing.  And, for so long, I've been just waiting- not doing anything about it- just waiting for Him to move me.  Well, it's time for me to make a move.  

By sitting, I'm not letting Him work.  

He can't do everything.  We have to be willing to do the work when He calls us to do so.  

So, move me, God.  I'm ready.  I want to do Your will.  I want Your plan.

You know who was also ready?  Charlie Brittin, a good friend of mine and member of Hope Church (my home church).  He knew that God's timing was perfect.  He knew that God had a purpose and a plan for his life.  He knew that, even though he was battling cancer again and again, God could use him.  And God did.

Charlie lost his battle with cancer yesterday afternoon.  And since then I've consistently found tears streaming down my face.  What an amazing man!  What an amazing testimony!  I feel so blessed to have known such an incredible man who knew how to use the time God gave him.

 Charlie

So, I've decided to be brave and courageous like Charlie.  Brave and courageous in God's will for my life.

Will YOU hold me accountable to keeping that promise?

What kind of things is God calling YOU to do today?  How can you have courage like my dear friend, Charlie?

This one's for you, Charlie.  (I'll see you in heaven, and I'll be wearing my best shoes):

In His Love (and perfect timing),

Lex <3

P.S.  Please pray for Charlie's wife, Sallie. 

Pass It Along!

Ask and You Still May Not Receive...

Wow.

Feeling a little under-the-weather today, I decided it would be a great time to sit on my couch and click through pictures on Facebook.  I mean, I can't do much else at this point, so why not stalk people on Facebook, right?

Actually, as I was furiously clicking through these photos, I came to a realization (other than the fact that I seemed like a complete creeper).

Are you ready for it?

I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR NOT GETTING SOME OF THE THINGS I'VE ASKED GOD FOR IN MY LIFE.

I know, I know...  You're sitting there thinking, "Hello, Lexie!  Duh!  God always knows best!"  But, for some reason, I forget that from time to time.  I, being the silly human that I am, get this wild idea that I always know what's best for me.  Then, I find myself frustrated with God because He's not doing things the way I think they should be done right at that particular moment.

Then, I wake up on a random day two months (or two years or two lifetimes) later and think, "WHOA! God really knows what He's doing.  He definitely spared me in all of this!"

I think about how many mistakes we, as humans, make every single day of our lives.  And somehow we seem to think that we have the answers to all of life's questions.

NEWSFLASH:  We don't.

So, today I am thanking God that He always knows what is best for me.  And you.

Have you every thought about the times in your life when He's spared you from heartache?  Maybe today you should.

He loves us so much that He does the things we may not have the strength to do at the time.

That's REAL love :)

In His ((REAL)) Love,
Lex <3

I Need YOUR Help!

I was hoping maybe you could pass this along to EVERY SINGLE PERSON that you know?  Please?

I'm a FINALIST in WIBI's Opening Act competition, and I need help with online votes! 

For more info on the competition, visit www.wibi.org/contestants. It's sort-of like a Christian version of American Idol. There were hundreds of auditionees at 8 locations, and it was narrowed down to EIGHT semi-finalists.  Last Saturday night, I was voted into the TOP 4 FINALISTS for the competition by a live audience at our Semi-Final concert with Addison Road.  This is huge!

I need your help! The next step is online voting, beginning April 11^th.  In order to NOT be eliminated, I have to have the most votes.  We need to get the word out.  You can vote every day, maybe even multiple times a day.  What I need is for you to pass this along to ANYONE AND EVERYONE you know.  For the next month, a contestant gets voted off every week.  So this starts over EVERY Monday.  All you have to do is visit www.wibi.org/contestants, and click “Vote” by my name (Lexie Montgomery) starting April 11^th.  Please help me spread the word.  This is an incredible opportunity!   

To listen to my demo, click “Listen Now!” by my name on the website (www.wibi.org/contestants).  Literally, every vote is incredibly important, and you could help me achieve a dream by performing with bands such as NeedToBreathe, Tenth Avenue North, Remedy Drive, Third Day and more!  I’ll be sending out reminders as time progresses.  Also, you can become a fan on my Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/lexiemusic by clicking “Like” at the top of the page!

I need your help!  Will YOU vote and spread the word?

THANK YOU!!!!!
Lexie :)

In His Love,

Lex <3