So, I went to camp for 2 weeks. It was amazing. I've been going to this camp for 6 years now but it has never been so life-changing. Before i go any further, I'd like to say that it is a Christ-Centered camp. So, if you are uncomfortable with the subject or just don't agree with any of my comments that are sure to come, you are welcome to leave the thread. I'm not going to start any arguments here so let's keep any negative comments to ourselves. I learned a lot about God, Jesus, and even myself over the past two weeks. I really do feel different, as if I've found another piece of the puzzle and put it in place. I really don't want to hear about how everyone says this about retreats, conventions, and camps they go to. To me, it is genuine.

Anyways, now that I am home, I find it strange to look back on what my life was like only 2 weeks ago. The part about loving music, specifically Paramore's music, hasn't changed. I simply have a new perspective on things. It's like listening to all of my favorite songs with new ears. "Miracle" from Riot has become one of my favorite songs. "It's not faith if you're using your eyes." Sounds a lot like my favorite verses from 2 Corinthians. "We walk by faith not by sight." All of this is just new to me.

I'm not the kind of Christian to go around beating people down with Bibles and drowning them with scripture. In fact, I hate people that do that. It sickens me when Christians think they're better than everyone else. I'm not going to tell you what to believe. Far from it. I may sit down and tell you what I know and what I believe but I won't force anything on you. That's the beauty of free will. To make our own choices.

Another song I've come to adore is "Turn It Off" from BNE. I have the journal that Hayley wrote in, as I'm sure many of you do. I remember her talking about growing up in a Southern Baptist Church. While she loves her family and friends there, she didn't like how the Christians would try to force God onto others. I can definitely relate to that. The little church that I've gone to fro 11 years is dying out because of that. They are set in their ways, stubborn, and never open to anything new. It's sad to see but I can't really stand it anymore. My family is currently searching for a new church, hopefully one that isn't so radical.

It seems that I can really relate to some of the songs Paramore write. I'm sure we all can. It just comforts me that an amazing band of Christians can be so successful and have such a large range of fans. As a musician myself, I look to them as role models. I know very well that the music business is tricky and very moody. It is very rare that a group should make it as far as Paramore has. Despite all of this, I feel that I'm being directed to a path where music is crucial.

Thanks to anyone who bothered to read this. Again, if you have anything negative to say, I ask that you kindly keep it to yourself.

~GoodnightNeverland