Hodge Podge of Thoughts

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a Senior. And I feel like it too. Lots of college stuff. Ready to graduate (I know... its only September 22 and I am READY to be done!) But its all good. It's fun. I like my classes, the people, the insane amounts of possibilities for the future. It's an adventure, and so far, its been fun.

I really thought this would have been the most stressful and sad time of my life, but it's not. I do not feel stressed about any of the college stuff, scholarships, ACT, SAT, applying to schools, the thought of leaving. I am at total ease about it all! Thank you Jesus! Seriously though, He is really the reason I am not loosing my hair and going insane, cause I know He's got it all figured out. 

On a random note that kinda sorta fits into this blog post if you really stretch it...

I was reading a blog post written by Mike, the lead singer of Tenth Ave North, and he said "Take rest in the fact that all Jesus wants from you is praise, not performance" And that actually has helped me a lot with a busy time in my life. Jesus does not expect a perfect GPA, amazing college essays, lots of scholarships, a happy smile all the time, no stress, lots of giggles, always doing my homework. He expects me to praise Him. Now, I can praise Him through these things. I can do my best at school as I would do my best for Him; resulting in a good GPA. I can trust Him; resulting in no stress. I can believe He already has a college picked out; resulting in a peace I have about the future I can't even explain. Praise doesn't require certain qualifications or abilities but it does require a willing and obedient heart. That's not easy, but it is such a relief to know that Jesus does not expect an amazing star quality performance from Amanda Arend all the time.

Praise not performance.