The Main Idea

As you may have noticed from the change of the URL, we believe we've come up with a title for our book. It is, "Don't Freak Out!" We thought this to be a wonderfully simple, encompassing phrase for the point we, and all the artists we interviewed, are trying to make with this book. We'd like to thank Josh Pearson, former lead singer of the former band Nevertheless, for this title- it's a quote from their interview.
That said, this post is dedicated to Nevertheless. They just recently decided to part ways, amicably, to pursue other interests and God's will. We wish each member the best in their future endeavors.
Oh man, I loved these guys! Everyone we interviewed was great, and I truly mean that, we have been amazingly blessed, but these guys definitely stood out to us. Half of that was that they were SO funny. I wish I could share every little funny moment in that interview on this blog, but that would probably be spoiling things to come in the book.
"Don't freak out." Hearing these guys' stories, it's obvious they took this advice. They had total confidence in God, or at the very least they were totally apathetic- Guitarist A.J. Cheek said "Looking back, I probably should've been MORE nervous about my future!" They didn't worry about conventions, or societal pressure. Some of them went to college for awhile, and they all emphasized school as being a valuable experience. However, they did eventually trade school for a full-time music ministry. Their hearts are so passionate about helping hurting people.
These guys want you to know you don't have to have it all figured out, especially not at 17 years old. Despite what some school officials and others may tell you, you have time, and you don't want to waste money and resources and be stuck somewhere God doesn't intend for you to be. When it feels like everyone else around you knows exactly what to do with themselves (psst... they don't), it's perfectly okay if you don't. The main idea- "Don't freak out, and rely on God."
Thank you, Josh Pearson, A.J. Cheek, Adam Rowe, and Adam Wann. We know we don't have to worry about you and, whether it be writing scores, working for the Travel Network, or anything else, God will lead you all to great things!

The Path

We got a Christmas card from these guys yesterday, so I thought this an appropriate time to say some really nice things about them!
Philmont's an up-and-coming band with great hearts and ceaseless energy. The energy explodes from both their music and their personalities. Have a conversation with them, or even just follow them on Twitter, and I promise you'll walk away with a smile on your face.
They certainly kept us on our toes in our interview with them, with suggestions to make it a pop-up book with pictures of them, making fun of each other's answers, and all kinds of other clever remarks. With such big personalities, they exude confidence. But even the most confident of people can struggle with anxiety like the rest of us.
The guys in Philmont had some great things to say on the topic of uncertainty about the future. They all had periods of time where they had no idea what they were going to do with their lives, and it was really stressful. In college, one member was basically only after money, another didn't know what to major in, and in the end, only one graduated- the others "postponed their enrollment" to play in the band full time. Money, as always, was a huge stressor, too. Thankfully, they all have been blessed with great parents who are incredibly supportive, even financially.
A cool thing they learned from the path God has taken them on is that there are all kinds of people in all different stages of life who don't know what to do with themselves. Theoretically, you never really know. God can sweep you up at a moment's notice and take you to another corner of the world. So Philmont is just doing what God's leading them in now. Their hearts are open to wherever He may take them. That's an awesome place to be- the place we all should be, and the only place that casts out worry.
Thanks for the cheer, Philmont- both summer and Christmas!

The Dream

We were blessed with backstage passes at SonShine Fest in July, because we were interviewing some of the main stage bands. We took advantage of this by meandering around backstage a few times, in hopes of scoring a few other bigger bands.
"Uh... Mom... That's the lead singer of Hawk Nelson right over there."
"Well... Are you going to be brave?"
Pause.
"Hey Jason! I'm Kelsey and this is my mom Lisa..."
When Jason Dunn tells the story of his life thus far, it seems as if he has lived out a fairy tale in terms of becoming a rock star. Hawk Nelson began when he was in high school, and, if he couldn't play professional hockey, being in a band was his career plan. Half your high school has/had the same dream. And a lot of them have no plan but that. For Jason, it worked out.
Our interview with Jason was definitely unique among all of our interviews. He was all about giving your all to your dream, whatever it may be. He had no plans other than music, and he is now a successful musican. This advice may be controversial- especially among parents- but there's something to it. If he'd had inhibitions, would he have made it as far as he has? It's certainly food for thought.
Hand-in-hand with his jump for the dream is gratefulness. This was awesome to see in Jason, as success is easy to take for granted. He was practically gushing about the wonder of how his life has unfolded. There are so many wonderful aspects of his life that he never would have dreamed of. As he said, "If I got to pick my plan, I would not have picked this one. It's a good thing I don't pick my plan..." That is one of the coolest things about the future that looms ahead. With God, there is no reason for a fear of the unknown. Usually things turn out best for us when we have no idea what's going on!
Thanks for the awesome opportunity, Jason!

Side note: 3 prayer requests- We are working on creating the perfect title for the book. Titles are neither my nor my mom's forte. Please say a prayer for us! We also absolutely love getting suggestions on this, so bring them on!
Also, we are trying to get some female voices into the book. We only have one so far; all the other bigger Christian female musicians' agents have shot us down. So please pray for open doors, and let us know if you have connections!
Last but not least, SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Thank you so much for your support, you have no idea how much it means to us!