Hi Everyone!

Welcome to day two of the countdown to departure! Exactly one month from today, I will be having dinner with my awesome new roommates: Natalie, Jillian, Lauren, and Ellen. This is all becoming an exciting, official, reality! I just cannot grasp how fast time is slipping away.

Today, sadly, was one of the hardest days I've ever endured however as I had to push "pause" on my happiness to officially celebrate, and ultimately say goodbye, to a dear friend. April was one of the happiest, and saddest, months of my existence. On a Sunday night, I officially accepted my invitation to the Disney College Program. The next morning, I got the call that my dear friend, and sweet mentor, Connie, had passed away after battling cancer for fifteen years. She was only 44.

This post--and her life, as a matter of fact--have much to do with DCP, I promise ;0) Had it not been for this incredible woman (whom everyone should have had the blessing of knowing and loving on), I might have taken a different path in life...and that could have made all the difference. I attribute my being able to do this program to the guidance, from people like her, that has been bestowed upon me. Connie, you're still with me and your story...needs, and deserves, to be told.

"For Connie, Part II"

No matter how far we are apart, no matter how many years or miles are in between us, it won't matter--because God has given us a gift of love that will last forever.

Today was one of the hardest--and yet, most joyful--days of my life. A group of us gathered at the park to celebrate the life, and legacy, left behind by one of the finest women I've ever known--one of my lights, my mentor, and most importantly, my friend, Connie Edwards. I wish I could say there were no tears...just laughter and memories, but that wouldn't be a true statement. For the truth is, God put Connie into this world to make it better, she did that, He was proud, and there is now a hole left in each of our hearts as we're the lives she not only touched, but left behind. God's presence was very much a part of the celebration, from the prayer that was whispered with broken tears, to the birds flying above the water, to the pink balloons that became stuck in the tree--ironically, they were to be released as the unveiling of the memorial bench occurred--proving that God does have a sense of humor as did Miss Connie!

Connie became my friend after I had her as a teacher. She saw the "spark" for the writing talent I have, and nurtured and supported me in every aspect of my life. She was simply magical. And, once magic touches your life, it's never the same.

So, today marked the end of the mourning: It is now time to readjust to life without her presence. But, she lives on in my character, heart, and soul. One day, I'll be sitting around the fireplace, rocking my grandchildren to sleep, telling them about the wonderful life she lived for God. And I'll be oh-so-proud.

I can't help but be filled with gratitude--she was my angel for seven years--for everything Connie did for me...which was a LOT. She comforted me, and dried my tears, as I cried at the possibility of losing her every time the horrible, ugly, cancer returned. Had it not been for her love, and her push when needed, I would not be embarking on a new life journey in just a few short weeks. I shudder to even think where I may have been had I never known her.

Sooner or later, in this life, we are all chosen by God to do something wonderful, miraculous, and beautiful so long as we say yes when the time comes. However, it is not always easy to do the things that God asks of us. Be He can, will, and does use us in His timing to witness to others...to set a fine example of how to handle adversity.

Do we remember the story of Esther often enough? Esther was the queen of Persia and she held a secret: She was Jewish. One day, she discovered the entire Jewish nation was about to be wiped out. Yet, she held the power to change that. At first, she didn't--out of fear for her own life and the possibility of losing her throne. But, then, her uncle said to her: "Who knows? Maybe this is what it's all for. Perhaps you were brought to the kingdom for just such a time as this!"

Connie was my Esther.

I'm a firm believer in inspiration. God gives us inspiration for a very special reason: He carves into our spirits words and thoughts that could never possibly come out of our human minds. The form of inspiration He has given to me--aside from my love of writing--is the gift of music and lyrics. There are songs that are so powerful to me that they rise in my spirit again and again. When the going gets too tough, and grief overcomes me, these songs of praise for life help me see another morning. One of these songs is Wayne Watson's "For Such a Time As This," inspired by Esther's story. And, I'd like to share it with all of you now.

Connie lived this song and I'm oh-so-glad she did. This is the first, and last, blog I'll be writing about my beloved, sweet, Connie this fall. But she is still with me, and will be, forever. Who knows? Maybe she'll be one of the angels God sends to protect and watch over me this fall in California--if our loved ones really do, in fact, become our guardian angels like some believe. And, one of these days, when I make it to Heaven, I just may have to ask her ;0) Thank you, Connie, for the memories. I will ALWAYS love and miss you.

"For Such A Time As This"

Now, all I have is now--

To be faithful, to be holy, and to shine lighting up the darkness,

Right now, I really have no choice but to voice the truth to the nations, a generation looking for God.

For such a time as this, I was placed upon the earth,

To hear the voice of God, and do His will, whatever it is.

For such a time as this, for now and all the days He gives.

I am here! I am here! And I am His...for such a time as this.

You, do you ever wonder why?

It seems like the grass is always greener under everybody else's sky?

But right here, right here, for this time and place:

You can live a mirror of His mercy; a forgiven image of His grace.

We can't change what's happened 'til now,

But we can change what will be.

By living in holiness, that the world will see Jesus.

For such a time as this! I was placed upon the earth!

To hear the voice of my God, and do His will, whatever it is!

Oh, for such a time as this! For now and all the days that He gives!

I am here! I am here! And I am His! For such a time...as this :0)