Madison Sanders Writes

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 respec

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 G

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. L

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

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 r

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!

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 peopl