I Wouldn't Change a Thing

I was recently having a conversation with some other people. A really thought-provoking question was asked. "What event do you wish you could have prevented?"

I said a friend's suicide. Another person said the life-changing car accident that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Her response got me thinking. I've never wished that I was born a different way.* Sure, I've gotten frustrated over the years when I couldn't do things my friends were doing. When I was younger, I wished I didn't have to have so many surgeries. As I've gotten older, I've realized that all of the events in my life have shaped me into the person I am today.

If I had been born with no physical handicaps, I would have an entirely different outlook on life. I wouldn't be as compassionate. Unfortunately, I probably would have been one of those snarky teenagers who thought the world revolved around them. I would have been concerned with the latest fashion. So, in that respect, I'm thankful that I didn't end up like most teenagers. I would much rather give than receive. I'm always looking for ways to make someone's day better, even if it's just a smile or listening to them. Basically, I learned at a young age that it's not all about me. There are hurting people all around us, but most people turn away. (If I wished I was someone else, I would just get their problems. Yes, they would be different problems, but everyone has things they deal with.)

While my life has had its share of ups and downs, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I'm still believing for my total healing because God has promised that healing belongs to me in His word. I have so much I want to do with my life that requires me to be healthy. Until then, I'm going to keep writing and using my gifts for His glory.

*The only thing I have ever said in regards to having a disability is that I would be glad to trade places with those people who think I have an easy life. I'll have to write a post with some of the dumbest things I've heard in regards to my disability. You would be surprised at things people say.

Still Learning

I'm in the homestretch as I countdown the end of this semester. I have two group projects to film today, a speech, and then finals. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I've learned a lot about communication and designing publications, but most of all I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that I can do things that seem impossible if I'll tackle them one page at a time.

I've learned that everything has a way of working out in the end. Countless times this semester, I've been frazzled and stressed. But, everything always comes together when I give it to Him. Why is it so hard to do sometimes? We know God knows what to do, yet we think we've got everything under control.

I've learned that you learn a lot about others in the midst of stressful situations. Some people stick it out with you, while some hide away in the rooms away from reality.

I've learned to trust even more in the grace that God gives each day. Just when I think God can't get any more awesome than He already is, He does. He comforts me when I'm stressed, He provides encouragement from the most unlikely places, and He is continually helping me see what I can be through Him.

One of the most profound things I've learned during this semester is delay is not denial. My mom said this after one of my doctor's appointments didn't go as planned. This phrase has echoed in my mind many times since that day to remind me that just because something doesn't happen when I think it should, doesn't mean it won't happen.

Whether you're a student like me or an employee, what have you learned in these past few months?

Memories Rewind: Kite Day

I've asked my friend Katie Griffin to do a guest post for Memories Rewind today. Go on over to Katie's blog The Greatest is Love and welcome her. She is finishing up college, so she hasn't had much time to blog. But I know she would love to read your comments. Enjoy!

As a seven year old little girl, the event of the year was Kite Day. My dad and I would go to the hardware store and buy the plastic, wood, paint and string needed to build a kite. Then my brother, Isaac, and my older sister, Lauren, would race us down to the basement to see who could finish making their kite first. It was never a real contest because there were three of us and only one dad, and we couldn’t do it without dad’s help.

As dad glued the sticks together to make the frame we would unroll the plastic and try to drape it across the wooden sticks just right so we could get to our favorite part of kite making- painting. We got to choose three of our favorite colors and mine were pink, purple and green. Last year we just had swirls of color on our kites but this year was extra special because dad helped us make stencils so that our names could be on our kites along with a few hearts and flowers. As my dad held down the stencils, I poured my heart out on that kite in colorful rows of pink and green. I saved the purple for the hearts and flowers that floated around my name. When the last dab of color had been added to the plastic we stepped back and both mine and my dad’s brows wrinkled as our eyes were wide with joy. “Good job, Kate” he said as we carefully picked the kite up and carried it outside to dry underneath the sun’s rays.

A few hours later we had changed from our paint-covered clothes and put the dry kites in the back of the truck and were on our way to my favorite event of the year. We arrived at our church and unloaded the food and the kites and made our way through the crowd. Adults and children alike eyed my prized kite. The wind picked up, blowing my blonde curls all in my face, and I knew it was time to set this kite free from my grasp. Dad helped me hold it as I readied my hands on the spool of string. I watched as he took off running and then released it into the hands of the strong wind. For just a moment, I panicked, but then saw that it was flying just fine in the wind. Its colorful tail danced back and forth above me and in that moment I was completely content. I began running across the yard not taking my eyes off of that kite for a second.

A gust of wind came from the opposite direction and suddenly my eyes were staring at the ground where my broken kite lay. Tears filled my eyes as I carried it’s corpse up to where dad was and he assured me that it could be saved. I thought it was beyond repair, but he took it to the truck and pulled out some tape and glue and before I knew it he turned around with my beautiful kite completely fixed! I stared at him in awe because I realized that my dad could truly fix anything. After thanking him a hundred times, we released it back into the sky and I was once again completely content as I watched my colorful diamond flutter across the big blue sky. Kite Day had once again been a success.

I’m 22 years old now, married, and living two states away from my dad. But looking back on that day, I realize that I no longer can run to my dad when my heart gets broken or I get disappointed. Now I run to my heavenly father, usually with tears pouring out of my eyes, and He does exactly what my dad did years ago- He fixes it.

A Steady Rhythm

As I lie here, waiting for my medicine to work, I can feel my heart beating. Bump ba dum. Bump ba dum over and over. My heart still beats in the midst of everything around me. No matter how many doctors appointments I have sprinkled throughout the month, life goes on.

Each day, I have a renewed hope to face the day. This past week was hard and frustrating. All I wanted to do was work on my assignments and I couldn't. The reality that I needed to rest...HAD to rest hit me like a ton of bricks.

I sighed as my face felt the coolness of my pillow. "When I wake up, I will feel better," I told myself. I was right. I did feel a little better. I made a choice to do some work that day no matter what. As I eased myself into the right position, I felt satisfied. No, I didn't get everything crossed off my to do list that day, but I did something. My pace was steady. I have to keep living my life in spite of what's going on in my body or around me.

With God's help, I will get my work done for this semester. I don't have much longer. :)

What about you? Are you going to make the choice to really live your life to the fullest?

Memories Rewind: Nine Dollars

I went down to my Papa's house and ran up to the door. "Papa, guess where I'm going?"

"Where?" he asked. "I'm going to Wal-M@rt to get my ears pierced!" I said excitedly.

He was a little skeptical at first since I was only nine years old at the time. He fished around in his pockets and handed me some money. "Well, here's $9, but you better come back with your ears pierced."

"I will, Papa! Don't worry!" I assured him. When I got to the jewelry section, Mama told me I needed to pick out some earrings first. I scanned the options and settled on a pair of little studs.

I climbed up on the seat in anticipation of getting those sparkly earrings. After cleaning my ear, the earring was in my ear. "That wasn't so bad" I thought to myself.

Well, I didn't know whether to be nervous or excited because we were almost done. I knew what to expect, so I tried not to get too nervous.

Before I knew it, my ears were red, but they had earrings in them! I couldn't wait to match my earrings with my bracelets and rings.

As soon as I got home, I couldn't wait to show my Papa. Always the teaser, he said, "Whatcha got there?" I'm sure I rolled my eyes at this point while explaining to him that I got my ears pierced just like I said I would. "Woo! Let me see those things!" he said. "Those sure are pretty."

As I left, I wrapped my arms around his waist and thanked him for the money. It wasn't much, but it sure brought me a lot of happiness.

Have you ever had something simple that made you happy?

Being Productive

I want to check in with everyone today. In the midst of many final projects and doctor's appointments, the blog has been a little neglected. I'm sure you understand that school comes first. :) Blogging is something I enjoy, but I want to have the time to make good posts, not sloppy ones.

I have some posts coming up that I think you will enjoy. So, I just wanted everyone to know I'm still alive. I just have some things that must be done this weekend.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Understanding

As I go about my daily tasks, I can't help but think a little more understanding would go along way. These are just general thoughts. This post isn't directed towards a specific person or group or people.

For example, when I'm tired after a day of school and assignments, a little understanding would be nice. I'm not talking about treating me like a queen bee, but just put yourself in my shoes. So often, people are rude, and it shows.

They don't hold doors and they barrel past you in a store without a second thought. This reminds me of a horse with blinders on. People are in such a rush that they can't see much of anything around them.

Others are snappy, and you can't figure out why. In my experience, this leads to frustration because I don't know how to help them. I have to be patient with them regardless of how they act because I don't know what kind of day they've had.

But, that's easier said than done. Sometimes, I would like to give people a dose of empathy to make them care about someone other than themselves. If I had a magic wand, I think I would find a few people and zap them. Who knows, maybe it would have lasting effects? :)

Can you think of anyone that fits this description?