Friends.

Sometimes in life we find ourselves lost and hopeless, not knowing exactly where to go or what to do. Time to time we all feel like that. Time and time again we all know what it feels like
to be lost, scared, and alone. We all know what it is like to be on the so called "outside". To be looking in. To be wondering what that particular group of friends does and what that friendship is like. To be wondering if there would be anyway you could be there friends.. If you could be like them.
Regardless, everyone needs friends. Everyone wants friends. And hopefully everyone has friends.
Friends can lead you, guide you, and influence you. Friends can change your life. Friends can be a positive influence and a source of light. You always have those friends. Those people to count on. To call on. That one person or those people that are there for you no matter what.
I'm so grateful For my friends. For my family, who are truly my best friends and the people in my life that I look up to more than ever. I'm so thankful I was blessed with people here to help me and make my journey here that much better.
Thank you.
For you i am truly grateful.
For all of you that are a friend to others. You have no idea how great of an impact you make on them. They look up to you. They define you. They are themselves when they are with you. And I guarantee they are the person they want to be when they are with you. I guarantee they look up to you and think of you as a hero.
If you have ever been one of those people to go up to a lonely person in school. If you have ever seen a boy or girl sitting alone at lunch. Wandering around the halls looking lost. Seeking for someone to change their life, to push them along, to get them back on a path of hope.
Then you are truly a hero.
Heroes are not always known, the most popular, the prettiest, or the most athletic. Heroes can be just an average person. The best heroes are usually the ones who no one knows. Everyone can be a hero. Everyone is a Hero, yes? In one way or another.
We all strive to be like each other, to inspire, and help. To be looked up to. To be humble and to give care when necessary. We as people, are good people.
Friends are good people.
Friends are good to people.
All in all it is just one big circle of friendship and examples. Teaching, loving, and sharing a little bit about yourself with someone you care about.
Thank you for being a friend. Cause when it comes down to it.. You were a friend to me. Even if i don't know you personally. Even if you didn't intentionally mean to, you made a difference.
Be a friend. Lift someone else. Show you care. Be an example. Be a good influence.
And most importantly thank those who do that for you every day.
Live. Laugh. Love. For one day you'll make it.
Love,  Madeliene Louise 

Things Happen.

When I walk through the halls all I see is
 inspirational quotes talking about life.

When I listen to a song on the radio all I hear is
 lyrics about smiling and being positive.

When I see people in class all I see is
 people watching out and helping others.

When I see people struggling all I see is
family and friends there for support.

It's interesting that the day I sat and thought to myself..
Wow. Life is hard today. 

Was the day that we had a benefit for a
family member suffering from MS.

Watching him and how he could barely walk.

Watching him smile as his friends and family walked in to see him.

Watching him publicly thank his wife
and express his love to her with tears in his eyes. 

Brought tears to my own eyes.

I may not know him all that well. 

But he said something of huge significance to me.

He said, to everyone, this very sentence: 

"Life is Journey, and this is part of my journey."

He continued by simply saying..

"Thank you for being a part of it and for supporting me through this."

He may not know it. 

But he truly touched my life.

I look at him as a huge example.

He made me realize, yet again, how blessed I am.

He made me realize that everyone is a hero and can be an example.

How everyone has different trials.. for a reason.

How everyones lives aren't perfect.

Some may seem harder than others.

Some may seem easier than others.

But we all go through what we need to go through.

and it all hurts to us just the same.

Thank you for your example.

Thank you for your radiating smile and confidence that everything will be okay in your own life.

Thank you for reassuring me that things happen.

and that things happen for a reason.

I know there are people all over the world like this. 

Who go through something that isn't necessarily fair.

Divorce. Abuse. Rape. Death. Health Problems. Disorders.

the list could go on and on.

When you see these people..

Learn from them.

they are strong people.

We all have problems.

we are all strong people.

I believe that.

"I don't believe in luck.

I don't believe in coincidence.

I believe that everything happens for a reason.

I believe good things fall apart, 

so better things can fall together."

Small acts of Service.

On this nice, warm, summer morning.

I woke up and I thought to myself...

ahhh. Today.. I will go swimming.

I will get tan and wear my new swimsuit.

Then, I'll go shopping and use my gift cards I still haven't used since my birthday.

Then, I'll get ready and go to mutual.

and somewhere in between I'll do my jobs and go to the gym.

Now that would be the perfect summer day!

Shopping. Tanning. Swimming.

Plans aren't going as they seem.

I got a letter from one of my leaders. Probably the 4th letter I have gotten from her and I haven't replied to one yet.

So, I am going to reply to this one and let her know how much her little cards mean to me.

They are simple. Sweet. Loving. and they show that she cares.

It wasn't a text. It wasn't a message on Facebook. It wasn't an email.

It was a hand written letter. Short and sweet. To the point. She took some time out of her day, to make my day a little bit better.

Thank you.

That made me realize what is actually important.

Today, I am going to write some letters
 that I have been meaning to write.

I am going to visit this cute lady in my ward
who I have been meaning to visit.

Today, I'll do the things I never have time to do,
or things that I  have put off doing.

Love, Madi Louise

Spotlight of the week. My favorites.

So I am going to start I guess talking about (spotlighting) people in my life. 

Just to show my appreciation in one way or another and to say how much they mean to me!

 I have a lot of these people. So it will take quite some time! 

and its in no specific order. :)

So here it goes.

Today I am going to have to talk about Krista Saltmarsh.

She's beautiful.

This girl and I have become so close this year. 

It is easily one of the best things that has happened to me since I moved here.

I don't even know where to start.

First of all, she is the most caring, sincere, considerate person I have ever met. 

She is always thinking of others and does her best to make me happy even when I am having a bad day.

She listens and gives feedback. 

I can't tell you how much I appreciate being around her at school, work, etc.

She is one of my biggest inspirations.
She has a beautiful voice and is a talented actress.

She loves the gospel and I adore her for that.
She is a huge example to me.

She knows who she is, and what she stands for and no one will ever take that away from her.

I am impressed about how she carries herself.
She teaches me to love who I am and to be only me.
She helps me and excepts me for who I am!

I love that she calls me telling me about amazing quotes and insisting that we go to the temple!

Thank you for always being there for me.

We have so many funny memories. 

Sleepovers occur instantaneously.

Her family is awesome and all fight over who gets to spoon with me! hahah maybe next time Rachel! :)

Bunny kisses!

"I'll talk to you later."

"Like in 10 minutes?"

"Yeah, probably."

She calls me constantly. Its okay, she is just a little obsessed. :)

Hurry! Randy's not looking! (fast dance like a crazy fool!)

"Cheese fries? Shakes? Done."
"Our regular."

Thank you for being one of my best friends ever! You will always be a part of my life and I am so grateful I met you and got to know you! 

They always say you are, who your friends are.

So If I am anything like

 Krista, Rachael, Michelle, Nneka, and of course Amanda 

then I must be doing alright!

I love you girl!

Love, Midi.

We don't drink. usually.