There are so many moments throughout life that just make you stop and smile....

Many people either don't know or forget that I used to work with special needs children part time and that I still do. I love them so much. There's part of me that only they can fill, and I love being a part of The Centers for Habilitation, it's such a great organization and they do so much for special needs people of all ages. So, with that being said....Today, I went to the gym, and I don't know what organization they were with, but in the middle of my workout, I realized that there were about 15-20 special needs people working out around me. They have such a beauty that can not be described accurately or with enough reverence.... Yet, it just made me smile and be so proud of my gym for welcoming them in... I'm sure that there are others that are open to them too, but I know from having relationships with people, that they aren't always comfortable... and I could tell that all of them were at ease and comfortable there.

Yesterday, I was with all of my little cousins and my niece at the park. I was able to help Lily learn how to climb the mini ladder to get to the bridge and the slides. Before I knew it, I didn't even need to spot her, and she was well on her way and went down the slide before I could even look back. She was so proud of herself for accomplishing it all on her own and for trying and succeeding a new task. It was amazing to witness.

With my main work Insight, I get proud that they help with UMOM every year and do sporadic drives and fundraisers for different causes that come up throughout the year.

I am also proud to be a member of my church. I know that there are no perfect people that attend it, however, I know that everyone loves God and loves and appreciates God's grace and live by it. There is a sense of family that I feel every time I enter it... and even though I'm sure that God would tell us things that we need to improve, I think He would also see that most people have great hearts and are truly trying to seek Him and live for Him by love and with His strength.

I have found myself not listening to as much Christian music lately... and I think I finally figured out why... To me, there's something so beautiful about someone singing a message of God's love or even just His simple truths in a market that doesn't consider it common or even always wanted... See, it's so much easier for Christians to announce their faith among people that they know have the same beliefs... and it's so much easier for Christians to support Christian ministries (ie. Air1, YFC, etc)... Yet, when I see radio stations, companies, or just random organizations taking care of God's kids and God's work... it's then that I really realize how much God is in control of everyone, no matter if they admit it or not. And it is then that I want to be a part of those events...like supporting Phoenix Children's Hospital. So, with all that being said... here are some excerpts from some of my favorite songs.

Nada Surf - Always Love

To make a mountain of your life
Is just a choice
But I never learned enough
To listen to the voice that told me
Always love… Hate will get you every time
Always love… Don’t wait til the finish line

Self-directed lives
I want to know what it’d be like to
Aim so high above
Every card that has been dealt, you...

See complete lyrics at http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Always-Love-lyrics-Nada-Surf/862D4E93A9637D1A4825705F002BBC1B

Anna Nalick - Breathe (2 AM)

But, my God, it's so beautiful when the boy smiles,
Wanna hold him. Maybe I'll just sing about it.
Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable,
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table.
No one can find the rewind button, boys,
So cradle your head in your hands,
And breathe... just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe

See complete lyrics at http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/annanalick/breathe2am.html

Carrie Underwood - Jesus Take the Wheel

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this all on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

See complete lyrics at http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/jesustakethewheel.html