Adventure Time

I'm a serial songwriter and dinosaur enthusiast. Here lies far too much information about my life. Please enjoy responsibly.

[lucyroseboxall]

Sleep Song - Lucy-Rose Boxall

(I’m getting married in 5.25 months woohooooo!!!)

[lucyroseboxall]

21

Last week I turned 21. I officially have ‘come of age’. A fully fledged adult (lol). But I’m not really at the point in life most 21 year olds are at. The majority of 21 year olds are in their 2nd/3rd year of university figuring out their next steps/or in an apprenticeship of somekind.

I didn’t choose that. I decided to say ‘no’ to going to university straight away and even now I only study part time and I am in my second year of six. (I could always start full time next year but let’s just wait and see.) Instead I chose to move away and pursue music. I then managed by some miracle* to play over 50 gigs in two years across the UK. I loved it. My dream is to write songs and spread them alongside some pretty good news and I’ve not had a bad start. The dream is still alive and well but my personal circumstances have changed.

In my second year of this ‘pursuit’, I met a wonderful human being who turned out to be the man of my dreams. Nine months later he put a ring on it and now at 21 I am getting married in 5.75 months (and I’m so excited!!! But..) This was not part of my original plan. (How dare he be so handsome and charming? I know!) So in June 2015 after much, much prayer and consideration I moved home to get a job and to save to get married. Even though I thought/knew I had done the right thing. I panicked that it had perhaps thrown me slightly off course. In the first few months I struggled to get a job and the 157.2 miles distance between myself and Chester (if you travel via the M1) was not the dream. It has certainly challenged us both.

However I recently had confirmed that I am in exactly the right place and where God wants me. Following this I have got a job and I reckon I must work in the happiest office (I love it) and it’s strengthened our relationship (I also love this). PLUS I have more time to work on my music behind the scenes by practicing my guitar, singing, writing new songs and posting new videos for you.

What I’m trying to say is you don’t have to do the expected. You don’t have to follow the crowd. Only dead fish go with the flow. You don’t know what’s just around the corner. I’m on the brink of new decisions and an exciting adventure with my best friend. But also, life is not expected. Just because it’s my plan doesn’t make life go quite that way and it certainly doesn’t make it God’s plan. (Which is significantly better than my plan may I add.)

I’d love to say that I’d been calm and collected through this whole process so far. That, unfortunately, has not been the case. It has been a real challenge. There have been many tears and wrestling matches. As I was writing this post, I found this verse "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. (Mark 11: 22) and at the end of the day the answer is that simple. Or is it? It’s about trust. 

Trust starts with the simple; Do I trust this chair not to collapse when I sit on it? Easy to do? Alright.

Do I trust the pilot to fly safely? Still not too bad?

What if there’s turbulence? 

What about this? Do I trust the parachute to open when I jump out of the airplane? A little harder maybe? What if the parachute fails?

Well... Do I trust God to catch me?

Some things to ponder on:

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6: 34

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 11

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10: 29-31

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14: 27

*it was God

[lucyroseboxall]

Hello - Adele Cover - Lucy-Rose Boxall 

[lucyroseboxall]

[lucyroseboxall]

Christmas & Chill?

Jesus is here! Mary can chill. Joseph can get the turkey on. No? 

Mary and Joseph’s probably wasn’t perfect, in a interesting-smelling stable with a crying newborn, an exhausted Mary, presents (that probably weren’t the type we have at the top of our lists) were a year or two off in the desert with some wise strangers following a star and there was no sign of a kosher turkey.. BUT they had each other and the Saviour of the world had just arrive so that probably balanced it out. 

I’ll leave you with that thought. Don’t get too caught up in the details. Merry Christmas! Hugs to you all. x

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ Isaiah 9:6  

[lucyroseboxall]

Chopping Onions

So I'm the kind of lady that if you tell me I can't... I become the I can, I will, so there kind of lady. Some people call it stubborn... I prefer to use the word determined. This may sound arrogant and I promise it is not with that intention, but I have always believed I could do anything (I mean I personally wouldn't trust me to perform open heart surgery but you can guarantee with a lot of prayer and an instruction manual I would* certainly give it a pretty good go... Or maybe not). In fact during my younger years I have probably wanted to do everything and anything - my parents can testify to that - I went through a phase where I changed my dream job twice a week. (We'll ignore the fact that at 20 I may or may not still be in that phase.) Now, personally, I blame my parents. They are the most encouraging humans on the planet. I'd like to tell you about one of my secret hidden talents... And I know you want to hear all about it... Okay *takes a deep breath followed by an X Factor length pause* I am extremely good at chopping onions. Yes, chopping onions. Now many of you I can imagine are right now undervaluing the importance of this skill. And you're probably right too. But until quite recently I have always believed I am an excellent onion chopper, a connoisseur, if you will, of the onion chopping world. Okay, so you're right onion chopping won't win Britain's Got Talent BUT - there is a reason I believe this. When I was small but old enough to be trusted with a knife so... last year. No. I joke, I was about 10 (maybe?) I was helping my mum make spaghetti bolognese and after inspecting my work she told me how wonderfully neat and beautiful my onion chopping was and since then I have always taken great pride in my skill. I have chopped many onions since and occasionally I still get complimented on them. (Albeit only by my mother but that is not the point - I probably should have figured out by now that it was a ruse to coerce me into helping cook dinner.) It's funny because, until I declared these skills to my fiancé (and his following look of pity) did I then realise that most people chop their onions pretty much the same. It's not really that special a talent. And that's fine. I'm fine with that. Totally fine. Stop asking I’M FINE. *sniffs*

Aside from my mother, my biggest cheerleader is God – he’s always there cheering me on and you too! He constantly puts me on the right track, encouraging me to follow him and he thinks I’m great! In the book of Genesis (very beginning of the bible, chapter one) it talks about God making everything and it being GOOD. The last sentences of that story declare that ‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.’ This is in reference to humans! YOU, my friend, are GOOD. Yes, YOU. You are good. Maybe that’s something you’ve never heard before or maybe it’s something to think about. But I hope this helps.

We all need cheerleaders in our lives to help us throughout life. I would encourage you to surround yourselves with people who will encourage and positively challenge them. Consciously look out for the people who compliment or encourage you. Pay attention to them. They probably know what they’re talking about. 

Just remember you ARE good. (and you’re great at that thing)

*I wouldn’t

[lucyroseboxall]

The Blog is Back... Part 2!

At 40:3 Trust I have been part of the rebranding project and done some designing for them. It was really exciting to see my designs in print in an actual brochure that people will look at and use. I am a little overexcited about the whole situation.

Other bits and pieces include;

I recently applied for a new grown up passport all by myself. The most challenging part was navigating the post office. I was told off for not writing the address’ on first by a lady who proceeded to thrust a pen in my face. Charming. I am proud that I got the form right first time though.

I also baked a cake recently on the 31st of March(important date). It was a momentous occasion as it was the first time I had baked since summer and it was for my boyfriend’s 21st! What a woman I am (lol). It was a lemon drizzle cake for your information, as it is his favourite. Why anyone’s favourite cake would be a lemon drizzle is beyond me(personally I’d prefer chocolate) but anyway with a recipe from Mary Berry, it was a success.

I then spent the weekend before Easter at home with my family and celebrated Easter with them a week early as I would spend the next weekend in Birmingham. I don’t think I have ever been so well fed. I got back on a Thursday night upon which I was bought McDonalds. I then went out with my father on the Friday for lunch, we did our usual trip, buying the food in Pickering from a bakery and then going to eat it on a bench in Thorton Le Dale. Obviously. On the Friday evening I went out with my mother for Chinese. On the Saturday I went to Costa with the lads (my female friends) and then Sunday, my mother cooked a lovely dinner. I was sad to leave them just due to the change in diet. It was so lovely to see them as I hadn’t been home since Christmas. Plus Jodie and I made the ultimate Easter nest... even thought I accidently burnt the chocolate. Oops.

Finally Easter was an incredible weekend at BCC. I was part of the worship team for the Good Friday service which was fun. On the Saturday I helped out at a beautiful wedding and on the Sunday I was just part of the congregation but it was an amazing service. There was a drum line which sounded awesome. I loved celebrating Easter surrounded by friends, excited about what Jesus has done for us.

Working out is my new thing and I also really, really like starbucks and cinnamon lattes. Together, not separate. And on that, I shall finish this blog. Love you all. x

[lucyroseboxall]

Could you book me for an event?

[lucyroseboxall]

The Blog is back... Part 1

So this year has gone pretty quickly don’t you think?! WE’RE IN APRIL.

I’ve been to the Evangelist’s conference, sat my first couple of exams for my degree, been to Malvern for the Spring into Life week, performed from Swindon to Erdington. It’s been awesome!

Thankfully I have passed all my papers and exams so far for Regents. Thank you to all who have prayed and supported whilst I stressed out. I send hugs.

I have had tonsillitis and so I spent a week very poorly and feeling sorry for myself. I don’t think I’ve ever felt pain quite like it, even the doctor felt sorry for me. Can I get a sympathy ahhh? No? okay. Well I’m much better now, thanks for asking and not even a cold phases me anymore. I am strong. I am woman.

Spring into Life was incredible; I spent the week across three schools; Dyson Perrins, The Chase and Malvern St James. I partook in lessons by performing some of my songs to the students and also providing general support to the teachers by helping out in music lessons. On one of the days I helped out with year 7 music and was asked to teach ‘Fur Elise’ to the students – I can neither read music or play the piano particularly well so this made it an interesting experience for all but hey! - challenge accepted and in the end I bluffed my way through rather successfully. I also went in to RE lessons and helped answer any tough questions the students had about God or Christianity; it felt a little like ‘grill a Christian’! I felt really privileged to have the opportunity to offer my answers and thoughts on various topics but it was also good to be able to say ‘I don’t know’ and be honest with the students that we also struggle with the same things they do. Another highlight was being able to encourage some of the students by going to watch their school show ‘We Will Rock You’. I really appreciated being able to spend time doing a variety of things and also learning by watching Mark and the team lead assemblies and lessons. Also, there were some quality moments where the kids literally screamed the woah ohs to Lost Boy. Quite something to behold. 

My two most recent gigs were in Erdington and Swindon and I want to mention these because I have never heard Amazing Grace sang so loudly and so passionately anywhere else. It really was something else and made me quite emotional (and that’s impressive as I am usually incapable of human emotion), it really impacted me and I hope I did the same.

The Erdington evening was a ladies event and we had so much fun together. Thank you for laughing at my jokes.

�

[lucyroseboxall]

Life Update

Regents

I have been across to study three modules so far, handed in one paper, a précis and taken a lot of notes. I have made quite a few friends who take it in turns to babysit me whilst I’m there. They’ll never get rid of me.

I also went up for a few days to just chill out, I went up the hill (which has the most beautiful views) and spent time in a cloud, drank a lot of tea, spent a day in a Sully onesie and played on the xbox, watched Godzilla and basically felt like a real student. It’s great to get away and chill but also learn so much.

Oh and I now know far too much about Hebrews 6:1-12.

Birmingham Christian Centre

I have recently become a member of BCC! How exciting. I’m really settled here. I have some of the most amazing friends and having some of the best times.

It’s great being back in the office answering the phones, stapling a great many things, stuffing envelopes, designing various leaflets and posters, chopping various leaflets up, singing in the office corridors, eating cake... I love it.

40:3 Trust

I went through 7 hours of Mark Greenwood footage and got it down to less than 4 minutes. I think I probably deserve a medal... possibly a knighthood... and a castle. Too much?

Gigging

I played in the town of Bury St Edmunds, it was a long, long train journey but a great evening. Charming human beings! 

I recently played in Peterborough which was lovely and had some great chats with the audiencefolk. I love being able to encourage people and just talk about what God has done in my life. There was even this lovely little elderly lady who asked for my autograph and danced the whole time.

I spent my bonfire night playing and chatting on Radio Plus and even saw a firework! You can hear the interview and songs here: www.soundcloud.com/lucyroseboxall

Bonus Bit

God has really being revealing himself more and more to me. I am the happiest I have been in a long, long time and loving life. Here is something he gave me to think about, let me know what you make of it: Romans 11:6 ‘And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.’

I think that’s beautiful.

[lucyroseboxall]

Radio Interview, Radio Plus, 5/11/14 

[lucyroseboxall]

Nobody's Baby - Lucy-Rose Boxall (Original Song)

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New Season (I forgot to post this, oops)

So I’ve just dived in head first to a new season in which I am doing 4 things:

I am back at Birmingham Christian Centre working two days a week

I am still gigging

I am working for the 40:3 Trust training as an Evangelist

I am starting the Open Learning Theology degree course at Regents Theological College

All of these things are awesome. But it does mean I’m going to be one very busy lady.

On my first day back I helped unload a lorry of food for foodbank, the next day I helped a friend move into her new house and the day after that I went to work. I loved every second of my first week, I felt like I’d never left and my housemates are wonderful. Then on Sunday I had my first gig back with Mr Mark Greenwood. I had a lovely time playing to the ladies of West Brom Elim.

The next week, I had a couple of days to sort my life out(my room) and I went to Regents Theological College(aka Bridal College.. I tease, I tease) for 3 days for my induction and first module ‘Study Skills’ which was about as enthralling as it sounds. Unexpectedly(sorry, but I wasn’t that thrilled about the idea of going) I had an amazing time and met some incredible people to do life with. I loved the studying, the food, the double bed in my room(so comfy!). I can’t wait to go back!

I got back to Brum and I went straight to my friend’s wedding, it was so beautiful to see people so in love and dedicated to one another. I had a little bit of a dance. I can’t dance. It was great.  

Then on Sunday, I had an awesome time at church, I’m just so happy and falling more in love with Jesus day by day. It’s a great place to be in life. In the evening I had a fantastic gig at Sunday Night Live Coventry. I had a lot riding on this gig and it went so, so well. There were moments where people said they could sense the presence of God and moments where you could hear a pin drop. The audience were also so great at joining in and clapping and singing. I had the best time! I also dropped a few new songs that went down really well and can’t wait to continue to share them with people.

Basically, I’m loving life and God is awesome. 

[lucyroseboxall]

Dating Myself

A few months ago I ended a relationship which kind of sucked BUT it taught me a heck of a lot about myself and the importance of taking time to DATE YOURSELF. So I thought I’d share what I learnt with you.

To begin with, here are a few plus sides to dating oneself:

You pick where you go and what you eat without judgement from another human

You know who is paying

No pressure to interact and make conversation with other beings

You get Ben AND Jerry.

One of my favourite place is the beach and so I took myself for a little romantic paddle in the water and just got to think about who I am, who I want to be, what I want to do and I guess most importantly chat to God about everything. And I mean EVERYTHING, even my favourite flavour of ice cream. So all the important stuff. I even sat in a little coffee shop by myself. It was great, no one disturbed me, although I didn’t realise how loudly I was singing along to the radio in the background(until the staff started laughing at me.. oops). It was good to just take time for myself and not care. Appreciate the beauty in Scarborough beach, yes SCARBOROUGH. Let your heart heal a bit. Make memories with yourself. Realise you actually don’t need anyone. It’s okay to occasionally spend time alone. It really is okay to go to dinner or the cinema by yourself. Or sit in a coffee shop by yourself. You can read or observe the world. Enjoy it because when you get time to yourself you can relax, de stress, recharge your energy and think clearer. It’s great.

I started a list of things about myself to enable me to figure myself out, I recommend writing a list like this every so often, it shows you how much you change over the years but also it just teaches you a little about yourself.  Here some of the more ‘superficial’ things to help you get started:

My name is Lucy-Rose Boxall. Always a good one to start with.

I am 19 years, 9 months and a few days old.

I love Jesus and telling people about Jesus.

I can sing and play guitar.

My favourite colour is probably green.

I like dinosaurs.

I like baking.

I know how to use a sewing machine.

I like rock. As in the music. Currently my favourite bands are Lower than Atlantis, Mallory Knox, Twin Atlantic, Arctic Monkeys and Of Mice and Men. Most people are surprised at this. I like all types of music, but the heavier the guitar, the better.

Clothes and my appearance are important to me, but not in a vain way, in a ‘I want to be presentable most of the time’ way.

My family are the most important people in my life.

I name my guitars. I’m that kind of person.

My favourite place is the beach.

I love the stars. They’re the most beautiful things.

I would love to climb a mountain and learn to surf. Maybe even parachute jump(or maybe not).

I love to laugh.

I am incredibly impatient.

I don’t like my nose. Especially from certain angles. Don’t ask.

I want to change the world.

So finally, I guess the point of this post really was to let you know, boys and girls, males and females, everyone, you really don’t need anyone. You are fine by yourself, you are an awesome human being. You are beautiful, handsome, funny, clever, talented, amazing, lovely, caring, kind, creative and loads of other wonderful things. It’s okay to be single, in fact, it's awesome to be single AND it's great to be in a relationship too, don't get me wrong. However our value and self worth doesn’t come from being with another person. Trust me, I know and I learnt most of this the hard way and it's hurt and been a rollercoaster ride but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. It has taught me so much about myself, who I want to be and eventually the kind of person I actually want to be with. I came to the conclusion only person I believe I actually NEED is Jesus and don’t hear this wrong, I am not saying it’s not okay to want a husband, God definitely designed us to be in relationships but it’s not the be all and end all of life. There is so much more to do and see and my value comes from God. A great place to start reading and thinking about that is Psalm 139. It really shows how much God cares for us all. I hope these ramblings make sense and that it helps someone. Congratulations on making it this far. Thank you for reading.

Ps, This song really challenged me and made me think: Christ Is Enough

[lucyroseboxall]

How to tell whether you’re addicted to social media and your phone. Log out and turn them off for four days. If it hurts, you have a serious problem.

So, for personal reasons, I decided to leave humanity for a few days and I thought I'd document it for your enjoyment. Here is what happened:

Day One

Day one was fairly optimistic and I was ready to take on the world(or maybe just a lot of emails) without getting distracted!

It turns out when one doesn’t use their phone, you no longer have any concept of time but also you have a lot more of it. I had a lot more time to get on with the stuff I had been putting off and then do the things I wanted to do. It was nice to be productive.

Day Two

I took up baking. 

Day Three

I started to feel really out of touch with the world. After not hearing from anyone outside my family or meeting up with anyone, it kind of gets a bit lonely. Without my phone or facebook, I wasn’t able to contact anyone. It was pretty weird.

It’s also quite strange realising how many funny(well I think they are and that’s what counts right?) things I think of in a day and want to post on facebook or things I want to share when you’re not able to.

But on the upside, I baked bread.

Day Four

It’s was on the way up. I was ready to communicate with everyone and discuss my baking ventures. However I actually started to enjoy life without a phone in my hand. It’s much nicer to do stuff and just enjoy the moment. Apparently it takes 4 days to feel comfortable without checking your Facebook as soon as you wake up or responding the the 301* texts you received whilst sleeping. (*figure may be exaggerated)

It also turns out, when you finally turn your phone back off airplane mode, you haven’t missed much in 4 days. It may feel like a lifetime to you, but in reality, no one has even noticed and nothing has changed. Although I’ll admit it was nice to have some peace and quiet without notifications buzzing every few minutes.

Finally, I learnt your battery lasts a lot longer when you don’t use it. 4 days and it still had 79% battery. 

[lucyroseboxall]

New song! 'Starting Fires' with Ben Reid, Jodie Boxall and Andy Boxall. :) 

[lucyroseboxall]

So I have been a little off the radar as I have had a busy, busy past few months and weeks. I had my last week in Birmingham, Sunday Night Live Walsall, Elim Festival and Infuse. AND FINALLY I’m on holiday! Woohoo!

So my sibling joined me for my final week in Birmingham, we did far too much shopping and then my final gig of the Brum adventure was in Walsall. What an encouraging crowd, thank you for having me. Here is a photo of me singing/sneezing(?!)

I had a whirlwind 3 days at home and then to Elim Festival. It was an awesome ten days with it’s ups and downs but God really spoke. It was such a privilege to be playing in the Celebration Marquee’s worship team rocking out for Jesus. I shared a caravan with my sibling, now I’m not the tidiest human bean but man, she is messy (sorry Jodie, love you) but it was so lovely to spend some quality sister time. We saw each other for at least 10 minutes a day and at Elim Fest, that’s impressive for us. ;) I came home excited about the adventure God has for me, and I also came home with a beautiful cold.

Then another 3 days at home and I was on the train to Infuse 14, which is an Elim Youth Summer camp. In these next 48 hours, I travelled on 7 different trains, you can see my tweets about this on www.twitter.com/lucyroseboxall using the #trainjournieswithlucyrose. It was a pretty emotional experience. My praying mainly consisted of ‘Lord, please let me be on the right train.’

Upon arriving to Infuse, I was shown my tent(living the glamorous life), sound checked and met lots of lovely people, including A Star, Faith Child and the lovely Cenacle guys! The evening meeting at Infuse was awesome, God speaks in the most awesome ways, you never know how or who through. Then it was TIMEEEE. (for me to perform).

Now, I’m not going to lie to you, this was probably my favourite gig so far! The youth were so loud and it was awesome to see people singing along to my songs(people know my songs, HOW COOL), clapping and having a great time. Especially singing Single Ladies a cappella was a special, special moment(if not slightly interesting, hehe!) Then the other guys performed. It was an awesome night of music (although a little deafening). I had a great time, so thank you so so much for having me.

One final thing, these guys – www.facebook.com/cenaclemusic are awesome. You need to check them out. Great hearts, great music.

To celebrate 607 likes on facebook, here is a brand new cover, it’s of their song ‘Rise Up’ (which they kindly said I could cover.. I really hope I did it justice!) Please enjoy responsibly.