It's Friday, February 1st, and this is my favorite month of the year? Why? Because this is the month of Valentine's Day (14th) and our wedding anniversary (24th). This year Tom and I will celebrate 29 years of being together, and what a joy it has been. I've updated my playlist to reflect the songs that have impacted our love for each other in a way that only music can. There is a quote that says:

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life! - Berthold Auerbach, February 28, 1812 - February 8, 1882

How true! May these songs make you smile for a few moments as the dust clears from your busy day!

The first song, by Chuck Mangione is one that we played over and over when we were first married living in Bradenton, FL. Just hearing it takes me back to our apartment with the lemon yellow carpet, and I remember the joy of being a brand new wife - Tom's wife!

The second song, Europa, we heard on one of our date nights while walking through the mall, of all places! It is one of those songs that makes you stop and take notice!

The third song, reminds us that even though there were people who told us that our love wouldn't last (some of our friends actually said that to us!) God has done an amazing thing in proving that my husband is still the one I run to after all these years! This is truly a gift from God - allowing us to represent Christ's love for the church in our daily lives.

Unforgettable, is one of the first songs that Tom and I slow danced to. It was at Allen and Beverly Rejonis' wedding reception. It was a very special moment! What a treat it was to actually hear Natalie Cole perform a few years back.

I know, I know, Wind Beneath My Wings, is one of those songs that you've heard so many times that you would rather not ever hear it again. BUT, God used that song in my life to bring me to a place of seeing the gift that Tom is to me. We were once again on the dance floor at an industry event in Las Vegas. Tom and I had been going through a very difficult year in our marriage - communication was strained and adequate words were hard to find - when this song began to play. The line, "You're everything I wish I could be", was when I realized what a gift Tom's love is to me. I am who I am in large part because of his unselfish and unconditional love for me. I tear up every time I hear this song because I'm reminded of God's love for me and Tom's love for me. Two things I will always cherish, but never fully understand!

Jim Brickman has a DVD out entitled, My Romance, that I bought for Tom one year for Valentine's Day. We had a romantic dinner at home and afterwards we watched this concert in our living room. Each time I hear this song I remember the look on Tom's face that evening. It is one of our favorite memories.

The last two songs are by Josh Groban, who we absolutely love! You Raise Me Up clearly states the affect that Tom's life has had on me. For his 50th birthday party, Noelle Ballinger - a dear friend that dances beautifully, performed a ballet interpretive dance to this song. Ah! It was breathtaking!

The Prayer was sung at our daughter, Tracy's, wedding by Heather and Todd Twining. It reminds me that although we are entering into the empty nest season of our lives, our love is stronger than ever. For that I give God the glory, because if it wasn't for the fact that He first loved us, we wouldn't have any idea how to love someone other than ourselves!

Thank you, Tom, for the amazing journey we've shared. You are my best friend!