One month ago, today...

One month ago, today, my friend, mentor and business partner, Denai Vaughn, died in a car accident.
It's still hard for me to really wrap my mind around the fact that she is gone.
The life she lived was just that... a life. She was full of life. She didn't stand on the sidelines, waiting for things to happen for her. She got out there, she made them happen. She enjoyed life's little moments as much as she enjoyed life's big moments...
and she saw God in EVERYTHING.
Denai didn't waste a minute living her life. She didn't put things off until tomorrow. She didn't wait to tell people that she cared about them. You knew she cared about you just by the tone of her voice.
When she entered a room, she immediately grabbed the attention of everyone in it without commanding it in any way. When she hugged your neck, she made you feel like you were important, appreciated and special. She always said, "YOU are WORTH IT!" More importantly though, she really made people feel like that.
I met Denai simply because God told her to send me an email. Our friendship was a whirlwind of blessings, excitement, and fun. I learned more from her in the time we shared as friends than I ever dreamed possible. Neither of us entered the friendship with any sort of gain in mind, but what we came out with was more than I had ever hoped for.
All of a sudden I loved this woman like my own sister. All of a sudden we were close enough to call one another at midnight...
"Happy tomorrow! I figured you'd still be up working... I was thinking about something and wanted to run it by you..."
Those are conversations I will never forget.
Denai made an imprint on the world that won't soon be forgotten. She made an imprint on thousands of people's hearts that won't soon be forgotten, either...
There are still voicemails from her on my phone that I can't bring myself to delete. When I really need to hear her voice I listen to them.
There are still emails from her, sitting in my inbox, awaiting a reply... I can't delete those yet, either.
Some day I'll be able to. For now, the wound is still fresh.
I don't cry every time I think about her these days, like I did at first. This is the first loss I've felt so close to home, and man was it a big one.
When Denai died she took a piece of my heart with her. There's now a hole there where the light of her life shines through.
Somehow she reminds me every day to find God in everything... that God is good... that family is everything... that we are here to bless people in whatever ways we can.
I learned so much from her in our short time as friends, and I continue to learn from her after her death.

So this is my prayer for today;
Lord,
Please help me to live like a bright, shining light like Denai did. You are so good God, so faithful and just. Thank you for the knowledge that Denai is in heaven, "WOOHOO!!!"ing it up with the angels, singing praises at Your feet, networking and keeping everyone busy. Also thank you that she is reunited with her little heavenly children, and with her brother. What a wonderful Christmas she will spend in the heavens with You. I can only imagine how amazing it will be.
Father, help us to remember the important things, especially during this time of year. Your blessings are truly astounding on every level. Guide us as we walk, day to day. Help us to enjoy the moments we have here, and not take them for granted. Help us to live a life that reflects Your love, a life that makes an imprint on those we encounter. God, help us bless as many people as we can in the time we have here... for only You know when our hour to reunite with You in heaven will come.
Oh Jesus we sing Your praises... Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! You, Father, are sovereign and good. So, so good.
Continue to be with all of those mourning the loss of our sweet Denai, especially her precious family. Lord, hug her for us, because we sure do miss her down here...
Amen

Guys, we just never know when our time will be. Life is so short. Love everyone you encounter. Find ways to bless people, because what is life for if not to love one another?
During this Christmas holiday, remember God's love... a love so strong that He sent His Son to die for us.

Today, I remember my friend's amazing life. Forever, I will remember the legacy she left...

May your day be filled with blessings, your moments be warmed with laughter, and your praises be sung to the Most High.
- Maddy

May you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior forever, sweet Denai.
July 26, 1974 - November 7, 2011

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:10

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28