Through the Eyes of Christ... not Katie

Hello world,


I'm still alive, flu free, and healthy.  I did not feel well last week at all but fortunately, I am now back to normal!  Hooray!  Last week was a pretty good week.  Nothing tooo exciting but great nonetheless.  Thursday was my favorite day!  Classes went well in the morning then choir in the afternoon.  I love choir. It's my favorite "class" by far.  Then I took a nap and while I was snoozing, my phone rang and it was Ashley!  Her, Nathan, and the boys were in Anderson and they wanted to know if I wanted to eat dinner.  Of course I did!  So Brittany, Michelle, and the Neighbors went to Chick Fil A!  Praise the Lord!  Hooray! Then Thursday night was BCM!  Woo hoo!  It was an awesome time to just wind down from a crazy week and just worship.  Pretty sweet if you ask me!


 Then it was Friday!  I went home to Lancaster!  I didn't realize how much I missed my family until I actually saw them!  I went home for the 40th Anniversary of Andrew Jackson High School.  Please imagine those festivities as you wish.  My parents did an awesome job of helping plan the events though.  Yay Mom and Dad!   Then Saturday night was an adventure like always.  It consisted of a visit to the movies and back to Jamie's house for chocolate cake!  In the meantime, Caleb sticks his head out the window and loses his glasses on Highway 521.  Then thinks we should turn around and look for them.  Nice.  FBC was same old same old on Sunday.  I have missed those people.  There are some awesome individuals in that place.  Wagon Wheel was for lunch!  Praise!  Then a short nap and it was back to AU!  My time at home was too short!  Luckily for me, Jeanette is coming home with me this weekend for Labor Day! I love my family!  I'm thankful for them.  Some people don't care about going home once they get to college but I do.  Call it lame or childish.  I don't really care.  My family is cool and love me.  Why wouldn't I go see them.


Currently I am eating some of my grandmother's chicken salad.  (See.  I told you they are awesome!)  Just got done listening to some tunes for Musical Masterworks.  Who doesn't love a Concerto or a Sonata?  Now I'm blogging before class.  This week is going to be pretty great.  Matty's tomorrow night!  PRAISE!  Maybe swing dancing? I'm not positive.  Dinner Wednesday with Amelia!  BCM Thursday and home on Friday!


Now I should move on to thought provoking conversation.  People.  I've discovered in the past few weeks that people are do not necessarily keep their word.  When does it get to the point where you give up?  Or do you give up?  I think it depends on the situation.  Do you allow yourself to get hurt by the same individual(s) over and over again because you think it will be worth it in the end?  Or do you just walk away.  I think it's hard to say.  On paper, one would definitely say that they would walk away and give up.  But once you are in a situation, things change.  You look at the person, the reasons, and the situation.  You continue to think it is going to get better, but then you are let down once again.  


It happens in all types of relationships with people.  Relationships, friendships, familyships (yes I created that word), and even just mere acquaintances.  Sometimes it feels like we are always in a battle with another person, group of people, or ourselves.  It makes you wonder if you can trust anyone completely and what spoken words actually mean.  Because these people supposedly mean a great deal to us, are we to hold them to a higher standard and have greater expectations for them?  Part of me wants to say yes but people change or sometimes the person we thought we knew, isn't really that person at all. It's so sad and I wish it weren't so but it is.  


As Christians though, we are still called to love just as Christ loves us.  He did not give up on us when he was on the cross.  And to think about how many times I personally turn away from him.  Not intentionally of course but because of human nature, we all do.  Christ still loves me.  His love overcame the cross and the grave for me and for you.  Next time I have to deal with a difficult person or difficult situation, I need to remind myself that I need to love with the eyes and heart of Christ, not with the eyes and heart of Katie.  I must focus on having an attitude like Christ.    


"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2: 5-8


Is this difficult?  Absolutely but we are still called to do it.  Christ did not live an easy life and no where does it say life will be smooth sailing.  But it is an adventure.  One that has good days and bad days.  Hopefully at some point, I will realize why people choose certain actions, change (not always for the better), and sometimes simply hurt your feelings.  In the meantime, prayer is the answer. 


"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12.


God is love and fortunately has surrounded me with amazing people who uplift me and love me. That definitely outweighs the bad.  When I face difficult situations however, my faith is strengthened and Christ can work through me and be glorified!  Praise to him!


forget regret
-k


Ohh.... prayers are needed for a potential summer activity.  That's all I'm going to say now.  Just pray for guidance, for wisdom, and discernment.  Thanks! :)