Madison Sanders Writes

I'm sitting in the computer lab thinking about my granddaddy.  It's been two months since he died, and I still miss him. Today I'm thinking about him as I prepare to take a quiz in history.  He always loved watching shows about how things were made.  "What are you learning about now, Madison?" he'd ask enthusiastically as he leaned up in his chair to hear me better.  We'd talk a lot about what I was learning.  I loved those times because he'd get the biggest grin on his face. I  think about him at night, missing his random phone calls to ask me about my day. I think about him when Mason comes over, knowing he would be laughing at how big he's gotten. I can still hear him saying, "How's my sweet granddaughter doing today?" in a gruffly voice. Every night as I wash my face before bed, I remember all the times he used to hold the wash cloth under the sink for a few extra seconds, making sure it was good and warm for me.  I alwa

Today I woke up and got ready for school.  I sat in Bible class talking about things that we would have gotten to experience with Jesus if we were alive during his lifetime.  I didn't really think much of today until I wrote the date on my paper.  September 23, 2011. That date probably doesn't mean anything to you, but it was the day of my second surgery, which was exactly  seven years ago.  I still remember that day vividly.  I was fourteen years old.  My new doctor informed me that if we didn't take the hardware in my hips out, one fall could cause me to need a hip replacement.  I had no idea that every fall that I had taken since the hardware had been in my body could have been a disaster. My family woke up when it was still pitch dark outside.  Today was the day my hip was going to get straightened (again), and I wouldn't have to worry about airport scanners going off.  Now, you have to understand that I had never been to an airport, but I always try to fin

These past weeks have been rough emotionally.  I usually don't write about this kind of stuff here, but I thought it may help someone. Let me just say this before I go any farther. People have this idea that admitting they have hard days is a sign of weakness. That is a sign you are human!    I have just been in a slump where my personal writing is concerned. Satan comes to all of us telling us lies, and he has been talking to me a lot lately. For instance, he has been telling me that I don't have anything of value to say. This blog doesn't matter. You know how it is. He bombards your mind with lies so you will be quiet. Needless to say, it has affected me. I'm guilty of  letting Satan slip in and silence me. I've found myself feeling down about things, but that is changing now.  When I realized what had happened, I immediately opened up a post and started to write. Instead of being quiet, I'm going to continue writing.  I'm going to continue sharing what

This is a poem I wrote during my church's seeking time.  It's a time we set aside to pray and seek God with other believers.    In the quiet time, I sit alone; The familiar whirring of the computer is all I hear. I am alone with my thoughts, or so it seems. I feel a tugging in my heart; He is calling me. In the quiet time, God speaks. I am able to listen, soaking in His awesome presence I am only one person, yet the Alpha and Omega talks with me.   In the quiet time, I am reassured. He gives me a clearer vision of the path I’m on. As I see more, I’m overcome with peace. Jehovah Jireh is all I need. In the quiet time, I realize even more it’s not about me. There are people wandering in darkness, unable to see. God nudges me to pray for them. I say, “Lord, let Your light shine through the shadows that hide their destiny.” I stand in awe of The Great I Am because He continually uses me.

It's been a few days since I've posted.  I've been super busy with papers and projects for school!  I have a test in History tomorrow, but I couldn't resist sharing a cute photo my mom took of my nephew today.  He is 4 months old today!  He is the happiest baby and I'm so glad I get the chance to love on him! This photo is just begging for a caption, don't you think?  So c'mon! Give it your best shot!  I will pick a winner and they will get a book from me. :) 

Awhile back, someone came to my blog searching for poems about making their mark. I thought that was a fantastic idea, so here is my first one. I may make this a series.  Who knows? :) When I was a girl, I struggled to know what my place was in this big world I got more questions than answers; my head felt as if it would twirl What could I do, what could I say  That would leave a mark on the world to stay? As I got older, I found my way It was full of twists and turns and even a few stumbles The good thing was I had found my voice I didn't even mumble! I didn't shout nor did I scream I just did what came naturally I looked for ways to help those in need My oh my, how their faces beamed! So whether you are young or old Don't tuck this poem away in an old dusty drawer Let it touch you to the very core Get our your pen or use your voice.  It doesn't matter just be bold!

Since I have had some new visitors in the past few weeks, I wanted to take this time to welcome them.  I'm so glad you decided to stop by my little corner on the Internet!  Feel free to look through some of my old posts.  In case you don't know, you can subscribe to my post by typing in your email address into the subscribe box on my right sidebar.  This ensures you never miss a post! :) I also have a FacebOok page this blog.  Click here to visit my page.  I will share things about my day, upcoming blog posts, and ask questions.  Basically, it's a community for all who love Making my Mark.  I would love to see you over there as well! Hope everyone had a fabulous Labor Day weekend!  I caught up on some much needed sleep and went to Olive Garden with my mama.

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I’m going to celebrate! Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I’ll make someone smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don’t even know. Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I’ll tell a child how special he is, and I’ll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for

Note: I actually wrote this months ago, but debated about posting it.  I hope it helps someone else. Tears streamed down her face as she thought of what just happened. In trying to be a good friend, she got burned. Her heart was breaking because there was nothing left to do. Her help wasn't wanted, so she was no longer going to be there. Matthew 5:38-40 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." In other words, you are supposed to turn the other cheek and forgive them. I don't know about you, but that is hard for me because I have to be willing to be hurt again. It hurts to be misunderstood. It is a pain of knowing that the person that needs help is within arm's reach yet you can't get to them. They a

I haven't officially announced that I'm writing for my church's weekly publication called The Celebration, so I wanted to take time to do that. We have a team that puts together The Celebration for our church and whomever else may want one.  What you may be interested in is The Celebration blog . The Celebration blog features things that the team members have written, including myself.  It's a good place to stop by for encouragement, challenge your thinking, and a laugh or two.