Your Great Name: Oh Jesus....

In light of holy week, I have been doing some reflecting on life, where I am in my spiritual walk, & what growth or insight has occurred over the past almost 40 days.

I have so many thoughts/desires/things to potentially write about, and am hoping to do over the next few days. But tonight, I simply wanted to share a song, that I am sure you have heard, although I hadn't heard until last Friday.

This song, has been on repeat. Over and over, in my thoughts, on my mind, its been kinda crazy. I find myself singing it and not even realizing it. There is so much truth in this song.

With Easter quickly approaching, we will be recalling Christ's great sacrifice & defeat over death. This song, for certain, is my anthem. Give it a listen, I hope we can all share in this together<3

& all the world will praise, Your Great Name

Beloved. dearly Beloved.

The dearest word to my heart.

As many know, I finally got my first tattoo. The scariest yet most invigorating day of my life ha.
In all seriousness, getting a tattoo, I feel, is not something that should be taken lightly. At least for me. This was something that would essentially become a part of me. Something that couldn't be washed away or would eventually disappear. This was permenant. I knew that I wanted to have one, but I wanted its meaning to be something far beyond just a cultural trend....

It was last summer that I heard the song "Beloved"by Tenth Avenue North. I was in the back seat of my moms car, and it was playing amidst the conversation. It seemed to just be like any other song... until I heard,

"You're My Beloved. Lover I'm yours.
& death shall not part us, it's you I died for.
for better or worse, forever we'll be.
My love, it unites us & It binds you to me.
It's a mystery."

Beloved..... You're My Beloved.... Beloved....

This rang a tune, deep in my heart. Despite the fact that I had heard this word many times before, this time it was different. There was a deeper meaning... a more significant meaning...

Months had passed. And I came across the term once or twice more... again, the same resounding notion of peace... and an erie accord struck with my heart.... I had the opportunity of hearing a song at Aletheia Church, in which the lyrics were,

"I am the Lord your God & you're My Beloved child." - again, the feeling!

What on earth was it with me and this word? I could not help but feel as though it was the name in which God would address me, when I first see Him, face to face.

Wanting to know more about this precious word, I looked "Beloved" up in the bible... get ready!

"Let the Beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rest between His shoulders" Deuteronomy 33:12

"How is your Beloved better than others? most beautiful of women?
How is your Beloved better than others, that you charge us so?....

......My lover is radiant and ruddy, 

outstanding among ten thousand" Song of Songs 5:9-10

"What is My Beloved doing in my temple as she works out her evil schemes with many? Can consecrated meat avert your punishment? When you engage in your wickedness, then you rejoice?" Jeremiah 11:15 {boy did that one pull a heart string}


"Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19 


I know that this has great meaning. I know that God calls not only me, but you as His Beloved. You need to know tonight that God longs to reveal to you His eternal love for you. That He has set you apart. And that He has called You to His purpose. 

I knew as soon as I heard it. I knew that it was it. It was my statement not only to the world, but to myself, that I was finally found. That I finally heard Him calling my name, He was calling me, Beloved. For so long, I just didn't want to hear Him.... <3

"Place Me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame." Song of Songs 8:6

I believe wedding bells are in my future....

& by believe I mean photographing.

Essentially this week alone, I have received 7 requests/inquires about photographing upcoming weddings.
Needless to say, I am thrilled.

I was a little uncertain as to where the Lord was going to lead me after graduation, but I can not help but feel that He is calling me to this world of weddings. After this past weekend, where I had an awesome opportunity to co-shoot a gorgeous wedding with one of my dear friends, I knew that this was something that needed to continue pursuing. And after the extensive interest and requests for me to be a part of so many special days for newly engaged couples, I believe that I have heard God's message for my immediate future.

Over the next few months I am going to start seriously looking into the business side of things. A lot of work needs to go into this before I can be runnin the show. Not to mention how much more I still need to learn!

Regardless, This is what I feel God is calling me to do after graduation. It is amazing feeling to have some sort of peace in knowing that there is a plan, even for the time being. Although, I am open to His amazing ability to change that plan at any moment...

I simply wanted to share my excitement with you. I feel beyond blessed to capture the beautiful moments of these most sacred days, and preserve a memory that will be a lasting one.

I look forward to the journey, and will sure to keep everyone posted <3

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
Colossians 3:17

All Honor, All Glory, All Praise, to You.

Rebekah Kay: A Birthday Wish for You...

I've decided that I am going to just start blogging birthday messages to those who are close to me. An extension of a card if you will... :)

I first met Beks back this fall... our encounters were brief and simple. To be honest, I couldn't read this lady all too well... slight hesitation. It wasn't until our first (of many and more to come!) road trip to NYC that I really got to have some conversation with this girl. She seemed totally sweet and relished in my Starbucks obsession with me, as we ventured into, hmm idk, maybe 4 that day? Over the simple conversation and small talk.... I was totally unaware that I was talking to a person who would be in my life for years to come...

that night in NYC, a group of us had ventured up to visit Hillsong Church. During this time, I still was struggling finding my way re-establishing my faith. I can easily recall that night I was literally unable to connect with Jesus. In a room with hundreds of people worshiping with their whole hearts... there I was stone cold and straight faced. I was like, "Seriously?" I was the heart of Manhattan, the city of pulse and life and was in a place where God was totally present to the fullest... and there I was incapable of feeling Him. Thats when Bekah reached over and put her hand on my shoulder... praying over me... and thats when I felt the walls around my heart melt into a sea of tears... and had total peace. On the ride home, I processed life with this girl. I could talk to her. I could trust her. I also could fall asleep in her lap, for 3 hours straight...

Although far away in Bridgewater, (no mans land), I somehow felt that she was sort of walking with me, daily. Days when I just wanted to quit or felt completely broken.... I would receive that unexpected-yet-perfectly-timed text/message/call/care package from this lovely lady, encouraging me, building me, believing in me. I knew this girl was different. She had been a better friend to me in short months, than some friends had been to me for countless years...

I have come to know her well. And I must say, the most amazing part of getting to know Bekah, is feeling as though I've known her for years. I've often told her that I feel like our friendship is like picking up where you left off with an old best friend from childhood. And now we're playing catch up.

I have never met a more genuine person. A person who is beyond creative, motivated, inspired, hopeful and courageous. Despite a lot of adversary in her young life, she doesn't lose hope. She has helped me learn a lot about self growth and inner strength. She has also taught me about love, hard work in relationships and most importantly, forgiveness. I have never met a person who cares for such a large amount of people, more than herself. I am beyond blessed to know this amazing young lady. If you do not know her, I suggest you make an effort to do so. For you would be missing out on knowing a beautiful life.

I look so forward to sharing many nights together this summer. Thank you for being you. Your life is a gift. Celebrate you today my friend. You are beautiful. Happy Birthday <3

Rebekah Martindale

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up. 

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Eccl 4:9-12 

Re-Inspiration. ah :)

absolute awesomesauce.

The past couple weeks, I've been faced with a lot of criticism... more than anyone's fair share I feel. To be honest, It's worn me down and kinda left me unsure as to how to carry on....

UNTIL TODAY.

I swung down to the Baltimore Museum of Art where they are currently hosting an exhibit called, "Seeing Now," a show that is featuring some outstanding photography from the 1960's until modern day. And from well known photographers too; Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, etc.

The thing I found most exciting about this exhibition was the large amount of photo's that incorporated text in their photographs... essentially what I have been doing this entire semester...

This work by Vernon Fisher is titled, "Lecture on Photography." The first line of the text reads: "“of all the arts, photography seems to be the best suited for penetrating the nature of reality and existence.” I couldn't agree more Mr. Fisher...
 

I had to include this. Everything Duchamp says is some how applicable to my life right now....

This piece was incredibly moving. It was photographed by Carrie Mae Weems about the hardships black women faced during this time in history... essentially this woman is looking out onto the struggles of her people... and at the end, crying.

Ah yes... The works below belong to Jim Goldberg. Essentially Jim's work is what pushed me to include  the written text of the subjects in my pieces. Below are photographs of the subjects and their handwriting on the image itself. It was so cool to see these and the others in this series in person today...

I must say, this gallery visit definitely breathed some life back into my creative slump. Seeing the work of visionaries that I admire so greatly firsthand all the more motivated me to continue building upon what I have already started... And how could you not be inspired by standing next to the lovely lady in the photograph below??

Ms. Allison Beth

I spent the afternoon being photographed by one of the best photographer's I know, Ms. Kimberly Brooke Green. I knew I wanted to have some nice photographs taken of me prior to graduation, and she is the only one I trusted enough to take them. Kim has an outstanding eye and an ability to connect to the person she is photographing, allowing them to feel completely comfortable and willing to open up to the lens. I admire her work and her charisma and grace demonstrate, an example for me to follow in my journey as a rising photographer. I'm super stoked for these pics!!

Yesterday I had a discussion with Sue Bloom, the Art Department Chair and a highly respected and successful Fine Art Photographer in the industry. After showing her my messages series, and asking for an honest critique, she simply left me with this: 

"Lindsey, I have told you from day one, you have an eye. That's something that can't be taught. I feel that "Messages" is a strong body of work. I see such potential for this project. This must be continued past graduation. I believe, that it is indeed, bigger than you yourself."

After being defeated, for weeks now, I finally feel I have been given the wind for my sails to press onward until the close of this semester. This verse is all to familiar to me, but I can not think of a more appropriate time to use it, once more:

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." Psalm 46:5


thank you to everyone who has believed in me.... but most of all.. thank you to everyone, to those who I know dearly & those who I will never meet, that have inspired me.



James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.


This isn't the last of me. In fact... I believe I'm just getting started .... <3

To you, my Brother...

I decided that instead of buying my bro a card this year, that I would post something that may be more lasting, and not in a card that he'll throw away in 2 weeks lol.

For those who don't know us all too well, there is a 6 1/2 age gap between Jono and I. I remember all to well when I was little, all I wanted was a sibling. I didn't care if it was a boy or girl or what hair or color eyes they had... just anything so I wasn't alone!... Then that day came when my mom told I was going to have a baby brother... and I remember bursting into tears saying, "But I really wanted a sister!"...... ah sad day...

A total joke. I am so blessed to have a brother and be spared by that sister who always is trying to be just like me and take my clothes... Instead I take my brothers clothes...ha jeeze.

In all seriousness... being able to say that Jonathan is my brother is one of the greatest joys of my life. Over the past few years, I have seen Jon meander through life trying to find his niche in this world. I have witnessed talent beyond any person of his age... and the dedication and motivation to make his dreams reality.

Jono.. I remember when I turned 15. and to be honest, it doesn't feel like it was that long ago... Time goes fast dude... really fast... Looking back to 15 in my own life, and seeing where I am now... I made some seriously stupid mistakes... and fell short all too often. I have a lot of regrets bro. And regardless of the fact that you are just a person, and of course you'll stumble through these next few years a few times... you don't have to have regrets at 21 years old. YOU have the power to make decisions to better yourself, to protect yourself, to elevate yourself. The next 5 years of your life will be some of the hardest years you'll endure... and you need to be ready to stand firm and confident in knowing that no matter what anyone may say is cool or think is cool or make you think if you change yourself that you'll be good enough, know that you ARE already all of those things. And we all see it.

My birthday wish for you Jon, and I mean every word, is that you, above anything, seek Jesus. Dude, we can't do it without Him. I tried for a long time to figure it out on my own... I wasted time. Don't waste time. Seek Him. He loves you. Beyond your wildest dreams. And desires nothing else than to have a personal relationship with you. To walk with you daily to meet with you as you are. And above all things, to help you on your path to discovering His amazing mind blowing plan for you. Trust me. but first, Trust Him. <3

Keep believing in your dreams. Keep believing that you'll make it. When the day comes that I'm standing in the crowd looking up at you, totally rocking out on guitar, writing music that changes peoples lives, just like mine, know that your sister is out there, watching, with the rest of the world & is so proud of the man you've become. I love you. Always. Happy Birthday.

"20 bucks says you'll remember me, when you see me on your tv screen. It may be the first time. But It won't be the last time."-adtr

Jonathan Plevyak

Provoke me. I dare you.

Warning. The follow blog entry contains raw emotion from one angry, frustrated, and ultimately apathetic woman. Brace yourself.

Tonights entry is ultimate ventage. I never imagined that another human being would be able to essentially quench my creative process and inspiration. But over the past few weeks. One has managed to do so....

It was only a few short months ago that I came up with the idea of "Messages." For those who have not seen, my "Messages," is about the personal messages of the subject(s) within the picture. Prior to photographing them, I asked them to think of a message that they could say to someone who had impacted their lives significantly, whether good, or bad. Ultimately, this has been a window to some very intense stories, all powerful in their own way.

I must say that I felt completely compelled by God to do Messages. I felt that God wanted me to highlight those around me and help those who were photographed make a statement, not only to the world, but to themselves.

The one who holds the key to my grade... aka they-who-must-not-be-named (laughable) however... thinks otherwise. I'm not sure if I was completely insulted..or... no I was completely insulted today. In all of my years as an art student, never have I ever been snickered at when presenting my work to someone for comment. Welp. Today was the day. When handing back my work, the response was simply, "I don't really have anything to say about it..."........well. good for you. Because I do.

Psalm 143: 3-4 "The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; So my spirit grows faint within me, my heart within me is dismayed"

I am not bitter because of criticism. As an artist, when you put your work out, obviously you allow yourself to be set up for failure, and critique. I respond to critique. I respond to criticism. I don't respond to only criticism. If I am doing something that needs significant improvement, In your opinion, then please by all means, point it out to me. However, along with that, would it be possible to provide some positive insight... would a "hey, this looks good, but work on this, in order to strengthen this..." be like... too much to ask for?

I suppose.

I must be honest here. It was a blow to my inspiration, one that had finally reached it's pinnacle after weeks of culmination. So, with 6 weeks left in the semester... and literally no enthusiasm or creativity... what is one, me... an art major...to do?

Nehemiah 4:4-6 "Hear us, O our God, for we are despised...for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half it's height, for the people worked with all their heart."

2nd Tim 1:7 "For God did not give you a spirit of timidity, or fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind."

Through out this process, I've discovered that while I am the closest with the Lord, as I have ever been... my life, it seems, has never been more oppressed by satan's constant attempts to set me backwards in my footing. he wants a broken spirit. he wants me to quit.

To him, and to all... I will not submit or be turned around from this, or any great hardship of my life. I know that God called me to do Messages. God wanted me to be the one to tell those stories, to share people's hearts... and ultimately through the works, draw people closer to Himself. And reader... I have witnessed it. I have had overwhelming feedback on these works, which has been above all, a humbling experience. In fact, recently I received a response to my work, sent to me by a friend that was photographed for the series:

"Much credit should go to your photographer friend for her skill and eye. You seem really open and raw in the pictures. {Name} told me you were nervous about them going on facebook, but I'm really proud of your vulnerability on these. They wouldn't be as hauntingly beautiful as they are without your willingness. Like seriously, they moved me. A couple of them felt like a swift punch they were so moving (like the air just got sucked out of my lungs and I kinda wanted to cry . I'm really thankful you for your contribution to this young lady's photographs. Your collaboration has made for some amazing artwork. I can say that; I work at an art studio now."

I will press on through this adversary. I will obey the Lord, and serve His purpose for me... despite what any person may have to say. Niave? Perhaps. Ignorant? Possibly. Or maybe just maybe... no other opinion or blessing or word of congratulation or award or degree or honor... is greater than that of My Lord Jesus. After all, He has instilled within me my gifts. For He is the greatest visionary and creator of all. I think I'll just make sure that I have His critique.... yeah.

"No longer will the critics or academies decide what is art. The artist himself will decide if the work is art"
- my man Duchamp.

Messages