Legacy

The first GSM of the school year DC pulled all the seniors together and talked to us about this word legacy. He said that we have a big impact on how this year goes and then he asked this question, what legacy do you want to leave with this ministry and these students when you graduate at the end of this year? I've been thinking a lot about legacy lately. How many people I come into contact with in a day and the impact that I could have on them. As I begin to lead a small group of sixth grade girls this idea weighs heavy on my heart. I'm far from perfect, but I want to be a good example of Christ to these students. I cannot do this on my own though. Because on my own... I am nothing. I need God to be in every step I take and word I say this year to make the biggest impact possible. I also need people around me that are lifting me up, encouraging me, and challenging me to become a better person. I can't be the best leader I can be if I am only reaching out and helping others, without being fed spiritually myself. Which is something that challenges me a lot. I hardly ever just sit and listen. There's a story in the bible about Martha and Mary. Long story short, Mary was the one sitting at Jesus' feet soaking up every word he said while Martha was in the kitchen preparing a meal. And at one point she comes out and tells Jesus to tell Mary to come help her because she is by herself doing all the work. And Jesus says to her, ""Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." Mary was doing the most important thing at that point. She was listening to her father's words. I want to be the kind of leader that sees a need and and jumps in to fill it, but also the kind of the leader that doesn't become too busy with seemingly important tasks that I miss things that God is trying to tell me.

College

Like any senior, I've been thinking about college. A lot. What I want to study, applying for scholarships, getting ready to make big life altering decisions. And as all of this weighs heavily on my mind, I keep wondering where all the time is going. Days keep going faster and faster and faster. So, the other day as I was reading mt bible and doing some journaling I was reminded to just sit a breathe for a while. Not worry about my plans for the day, the week, the month. Just sit and enjoy the moments that I have to be with my family, to hang with my brother and sister. Because soon enough those moments will become fewer and farther between. Because of the kind of person I am, I tend you get in the mind set of one thing, like tunnel vision and I forget everyone else and everything else that is going on around me. But it so incredibly important for me to sslllllooooowwwww down. I don't want to miss things, or opportunities because I'm too focused on later instead of here and now. There is absolutely no point to me being anxious about what tomorrow will bring.

Matthew 6:30-33 If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.


34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

I love when this passage says 'What i'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.' This is so convicting for me, and as I am continually faced with decisions this year, I pray that God will help me to turn it over to him and to realize that I am not gaining anything by worrying.

10,000+

Friday night was the mishawaka-penn football game. It was basically the biggest game of the year. Tons and tons of people were there, parking was a nightmare, people were walking for 15 minutes just to get to the stadium, then standing in line for another 20 just to get in. Someone told me that there were 10,000+ people there. WOW. It is crazy to me that that many people were willing to go through that much just for a football game. The 1st thought that came to my mind when I heard this statistic was this... What does this game have that so many people are drawn to it? The 2nd was... What could a church do that would make their service and encountering Jesus so electrifying that people would park 1/4 mile away, walk in the cold, and stand the whole service because they just want to be a part of it and see what God is up to??

I don't really know how a church could do this... but it's something that I am passionate about finding an answer to.

Riley.

I just officially met Riley Vandervoorde over the summer at Camp Adventure.. but ask anyone, I stalked him before that. (and still do...) He is seriously one of the coolest kids I know. And as a freshman at Penn he has already made more of an impact that I probably made over all 4 years. He's also hilarious.

I have lunch with Riley every other day with a bunch of other gsm friends. So today, we were talking and Riley told us a story...



"When I went to Little School, errrr Elementary school, I used to think that when the teacher was taking attendance before class started and she would call everyones name and the girls would raise their hands and say "Present!" I thought they said that because they thought that they were a present to the class. And i found out that I was wrong... last year." Ohhh Riley, you're so cool. Haha we all got a good laugh out of that. Riley also wants to be a pastor, which is AMAZING!! If you don't know him... you probably should, just sayin. Riley, you're awesome buddy. Glad to call you a friend!!!!

The End... Sort Of

Since this school year has started I've had tons of people ask me how it feels to finally be a senior. I always say the same thing "You know, excited, can't wait to be done!" But inside I'm screaming, It can't be over, I just started high school!!!!! I was a little 14-year-old freshman like 2 days ago. Wondering around Penn High School figuring out the fastest way to get to Biology from lunch. I'm not ready to leave yet; slow down, give me a few minutes to catch my breath. I never share this information with anyone however because I like to appear composed and cool, like a mature senior in high school.
But straight up, 2 things scare me about the fact that I graduate in 8 months.
1. I can't figure out how in the world the time started going so fast!! When every physics and geometry class seemed to drag on for hours, but then suddenly the year was over. Then, suddenly summer was over and classes were starting again....
2. I'M ABOUT TO BE DONE WITH HIGH SCHOOL. Like over, like I won't be coming back. I will walk out on the last day and never return as a student. Even as I write those words it doesn't seem real. But I have tons of college applications and a huge senior exit project packet to prove that fact.

If i get a chance, you know with all my busy senior things, I will write a post on highlights from every year of high school, but for now... I found a picture from all four years that I think you'd enjoy... warning... they're a little bit scary.

Freshman Year... mehhh braces.

Sophmore Year... still had braces, but LOVE this girl.

Junior Year... j-love!

Senior Year... so far.