Hi friend,
Have you ever had life take an unexpected turn that completely changed your path?
In this week's powerful episode, I sit down with Ana Munoz, bestselling author of "Perfectly Loved" and a true force of nature in the special needs community on Kauai, Hawaii.
Ana's story begins with a moment that changed everything - when her doctor told her after giving birth that her daughter had Down syndrome. With raw honesty, she shares:
- Her initial feelings of shock, grief, and uncertainty
- How her faith carried her through the most challenging moments
- The beautiful transformation that happened when she learned to celebrate "small beginnings"
- How she built an incredible community for adults with special needs on Kauai
- The annual prom event that even attracts the mayor and former mayor as security guards!
EP 15: Creating 'Perfectly Loved' Spaces: Effective Programs for Teens and Adults with Special Needs
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📖 This Week's Devotional: Perfectly Loved in All Circumstances
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
— Psalm 139:13-14
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Reflection
When King David wrote these words in Psalm 139, he celebrated a truth that resonates deeply with the special needs community: each of us is intentionally crafted by our Creator with no mistakes in His design. Ana's journey reminds us of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Through her daughter's life, Ana discovered that what began as an unexpected diagnosis transformed into a powerful ministry serving hundreds—revealing how God uses our challenges as pathways to greater purpose.
Ana's story teaches us to celebrate "small beginnings" – those little milestones that slow us down to notice God's presence in everyday moments. By creating spaces where teens and adults with special needs are recognized as "perfectly loved," Ana embodies Christ's words in Matthew 25:40: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Today, let's remember that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, each with a divine purpose worth celebrating.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating each of us with intention and purpose. For parents navigating the journey of raising children with special needs, we ask for Your strength when the path seems unclear. Help us see the "small beginnings" worth celebrating and teach us to notice Your faithful presence in moments of growth and change.
Inspire us to create "perfectly loved" spaces in our communities – places where every person is valued not for what they can do, but for who they are in You. Guide those developing programs for teens and adults with special needs, and help us remember that in our weakness, Your strength is revealed. May our challenges become pathways to greater purpose, just as You did with Ana. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Connect with Ana
If you're inspired by Ana's story, you can find her:
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! What unexpected journey has shaped your life's purpose?
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🌿 Did You Miss The Boost Your Brain Workshop?
The good news? You can still access all the brain-boosting strategies and solutions we covered.
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If you've been following the podcast, you know I'm passionate about helping moms reclaim their health and wellness - especially those navigating the unique challenges of special needs parenting.
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR MOMS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
As mothers entrusted with children who have unique needs, you carry a sacred calling that demands extraordinary cognitive resources. Your ability to advocate effectively, track complex medical information, implement therapies, and still maintain your family's spiritual wellbeing requires optimal brain function.
Philippians 4:13 reminds us that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," but part of that strength comes through wisely stewarding the incredible mind God has given you.
When you prioritize your cognitive health, you're not being selfish – you're honoring the sacred work God has called you to do. Just as Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray despite constant demands, you too need moments of renewal for your mind. Your child needs you at your best, and God's design includes caring for the caregiver.
WORKSHOP REPLAY NOW AVAILABLE If you missed the live workshop, you can watch the replay here: Watch Now​
During this information-packed session, I share:
- The science behind why "mom brain" is a real physiological phenomenon
- Four pillars of brain health with immediate implementation strategies
- Essential oil protocols for different cognitive challenges
- The 3-2-1 Brain Boost Protocol that takes just 6 minutes daily
NEW PODCAST EPISODE:
Is Mom Brain Impacting Your Special Needs Parenting? Holistic Faith-Based Solutions You Need Today
To complement the workshop, I've just released a podcast episode that explores why God's design for motherhood includes cognitive changes and how we can work with these changes rather than against them.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Biblical insights into cognitive stewardship and self-care
- Hannah's story as a parallel to special needs parenting
- Three science-backed, scripture-supported strategies to enhance brain function
- Why caring for your cognitive health is an act of faithful stewardship
Listen to the episode here: Listen Now​
🌺 Wellness Corner
Whether your trying to be more holistic, of just need a change in your current wellness routine, essential oils can provide so much for exhausted moms. This spring, I have exclusive freebies to new doTERRA customers and would love to help you move towards better wellness by cutting toxins and incorporating natural tools.
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Mama, it's time to relax!
Special Spring Gift: Find your calm with a FREE Lavender Touch roller when you place a 100PV doTERRA order this spring.
- Instant relaxation in a convenient roller for your most overwhelming moments
- Gentle enough for the whole family, including sensitive skin
- Soothes restless children at bedtime
- Calms your mind when you need a moment for yourself
Perfect for your purse, car, or nightstand for on-the-go stress relief
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​Subscribe Now and never miss an episode!
Reviews Make The Difference!
Ratings and reviews help me reach and help more people. Please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
I truly appreciate your support!
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Have a topic you want discussed? Interested in being interviewed on the podcast? Looking for natural solutions for your family? I'm just an email away! :) I'd love to hear from you!
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Share your thoughts, prayer requests, or simply connect with our growing community on Instagram @speaking_life_into_motherhood or join our private Facebook group Speaking Life Into Motherhood.​
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With love and grace,
Elyse
P.S. If this episode resonated with you, would you consider sharing it with a friend who might need it? Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another mother is the reminder that she's not alone in her struggles.
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Elyse Scheeler
Podcast Host of Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Speech Language Pathologist, Wellness Coach, doTerra Wellness Advocate
"Empowering transformations by speaking life into mind, body, and soul."
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