The Power of Music

Please check out the following video whenever you have a chance. It is so INCREDIBLY moving!! It combines the power of music with the innocence of a child...love, love, LOVE this!!



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/29/emotional-baby-moved-to-tears-by-moms-singing_n_4173272.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

Incredible!!

Please take a few minutes to watch this video - it's incredible! Another powerful example of 'regular' people doing extraordinary things!! Thanks to my good friend, Melissa Pasquinelli, for sharing this with me!! :-) 

Good Samaritans...

Please check out the link below whenever you have a chance. It is another inspiring story of 'regular' people doing amazing things. There truly are good samaritans all around us! Happy Monday!!


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/dairy-queen-worker-confronts-woman-blind-man-money-article-1.1460961


Love,
~Jen

Inspirational Story Alert!

I'm officially on a mission - I absolutely KNOW we live in a kind, loving, decent, wonderful world! If we would only open our eyes to the goodness that's all around us! So, that being said, several times each week (sometimes each day), I will be posting inspiring stories of 'regular' people doing amazing things. If you feel inspired or moved by a story I post, I would ask that you please share it on your page as well. Thank you!!! Love always, ~Jen :-)

Georgia Family Donates Cancelled Wedding's Reception to Homeless
http://abcnews.go.com/US/georgia-family-donates-cancelled-weddings-reception-homeless/story?id=20344600

MJ

I remember this like it was yesterday. Miss you every day, Michael.

I Look to You

Missing you SO much, Whitney. Love you ALWAYS!!!!

Listening to the iTunes stream of John Mayer's new album, 'Paradise Valley', right now. The album's official release date is August 20th, so I'm completely loving every minute of this sneak preview. :-) I've been a huge John Mayer fan since the beginning and I simply love everything he releases. He could sing names out of the phone book and I would feel that would be the BEST 'singing names out of a phonebook' EVER! He just speaks to me - and I'm extremely grateful for that.

And, speaking of gratitude, I am completely filled with it right now (as I am all the time these days). Right now, I'm experiencing an incredibly warm, heart-opening, mind-blowing, comfort zone-obliterating time here in Asheville, NC. I feel centered, connected and whole - and I'm seeing major miracles happening EVERYWHERE!

People whom I thought were long gone or completely out of reach to me have magically re-appeared and it is glorious to be back in touch with them again. Love has this amazing way of healing and releasing all things from the past, when we simply allow it to flow - unimpeded, with no 'agenda' or thoughts on what anything should look like, or how it should show up.

I am blessed to be experiencing a higher Truth - and I'm even more blessed to be so open as to allow that Truth/Love to express itself however it needs/wants to. I choose to go 'all in'!

Much much much much much love,
~Jen

Comfort zone??? What comfort zone!?!?

Talk about jumping outside my comfort zone! Here is a clip of me singing the Lord's Prayer - in Aramaic! Please check it out when you have a chance - thank you!!


http://soundcloud.com/one-who-wakes/aramaic-lords-prayer-by-jen

SO inspired!!

Over this past weekend, I had the immense pleasure of watching this incredibly talented gentleman perform this song live...Words cannot begin to describe how utterly breathtaking it was to watch him live. Nick Gaswirth, I wish you all the best on your new adventure! Much much love to you my friend!!

For you, D.S.

Tonight, I am remembering and sending much much love to someone who was an extremely important part of my life for a long time.

I just recently found out that this person has been going through an extremely difficult time (especially over the past several months) and, just recently, he thought he might be able to end his suffering by taking his own life.

Tonight, I am in DEEP gratitude that he did not succeed. I know his road to recovery may be long, but I am hopeful that this experience may actually, in fact, show him just how much he is loved and supported.

Many people have seemed to come out of the woodwork to show their love and support for this person and a handful of us have been praying 24/7 since we received the news.

For myself, I firmly believe he knows this. In my heart, I believe that there is a piece of him that knows exactly how much he is loved and how supported he is. Whether he decides to come back and live the rest of his life here in the physical world, or, he decides to let go and move on to the next part of his journey, he is completely supported...and loved.

My history with him goes back almost 20 years now. He came into my life - just when I needed him the most. Our friendship was strong and our time together was fast and, sometimes, furious. He was as close to me as my own breath and I had more love for him than I knew how to deal with at the time. Our separation was, unfortunately, less than friendly and eventually we lost touch with each other. (That was, more than likely, my decision and I'm sure I did not handle it well at the time.) Tonight, as I sit here writing this, it is as if no time has passed at all. I am sending him love - just as if he were sitting right in front of me.

D.S. - for the part I played in whatever pain you've experienced in your life, I truly and deeply apologize. I never meant to hurt you and I'm sorry for my own 'stuff' getting in the way of me truly being able to be there for you. I knew back then how much you were hurting and I didn't know how to help you. I didn't even know if I could help you. But now, here we are - almost 20 years later - and I am here, sending you all the love I have....because the love I have for you is unlimited. It knows absolutely no space and it has no concept of time. It's always been there and always will be - ready to fill you up whenever you are ready to allow it in.

I've seen so much pain in your eyes. I pray that, one day very soon, I will see those eyes filled with peace and joy.

Be at peace, my friend - and please know that all is well. You need not struggle or suffer ever again - and you certainly don't need to feel that you're ever alone...because, I can assure you, you're not.

Much much love ALWAYS,
~Jen

Happy Day!!

Today is a happy and historic day!! Yet another step forward toward accepting ALL people!! Love is LOVE - so I am posting this song and video - in honor of LOVE.

 ONE LOVE - today and every day!!

DC TALK - IN THE LIGHT

LOVE this tune and SO feeling it today! Happy Wednesday!! :-)

Soul saving time... :-)

Song of the Day! 'Save Your Soul' by Jamie Cullum - I have loved this guy for years and I simply adore this song! The message is beautiful and the song itself is GREAT! I hope you enjoy it! Happy Friday!!

"Save Your Soul"

Know this, it's a universal truth
People let you down
So reach out for the things that you can use
Buried in the ground

I think I've been misunderstood
Not all my choices have been good
In the fading light
So we should put this one to bed
Before it bursts out of my head
Ready for the fight

So when it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here
So when it gets too far
Well let down your guard
Who will save your soul and love me here

Inside of another tiny life
Full of big ideas
It strikes me with the baggage left behind
I could dry those tears

All of my secrets they are free
Now watch them tumble out of me
Into better days
So save those homiletic tones
And conjure singing from the moans
And you'll hear me say

So when it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here
When it gets too far
Well let down your guard
Who will save your soul and love me here

So step away from castle walls
Those voices calling in the halls
They are moving on
So I'll keep my side of the street
Cleaner than where our pounding feet
Ever walked upon

So when it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here
When it gets too far
Well let down your guard
Who will save your soul and love me here

When it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here
When it gets too far
Well let down your guard
Who will save your soul and love me here

MC Yogi - GIVE LOVE (giving4living mix)

What we give is what we get - so give LOVE!!

Waking Up

So, almost 2 weeks ago, I made the journey to Montreat, NC (just outside of Asheville) for a retreat that was destined to change my life. With my wonderfully supportive hubby beside me, I took deep breaths all the way up, knowing that life was about to change for good - after this retreat, things were never going to be the same again - and I knew it.

The retreat was called Giant Strides and it was conducted by an incredible channel for Love, named John Mark Stroud. (Please check out his website when you have a chance: http://www.onewhowakes.org) Several weeks before the retreat, John Mark asked me if I would perform my original music for the attendees throughout the retreat weekend. Before I even had a chance to second-guess myself, or wonder what I was getting myself into, I heard myself say, 'Yes! I'd be happy to!' Later, I asked John Mark how many songs he wanted me to perform, mistakenly thinking that he would just want 2 or 3, at most. I was in for quite a shock when he told me that there were going to be 6 segments to the retreat, and he wanted me to perform a song to both open and close the retreat.

Admittedly, I was a bit overwhelmed at first. However this very still, silent voice within just kept telling me, 'Do not worry, Jen, about how it's all going to come together - just trust that it will.' And, with that peaceful sense of knowing, my journey began.

Throughout the rest of the time leading up to the retreat, I (day by day, minute by minute) trusted that same sense of inner knowing. It led me to each song that needed/wanted to be shared and, step by step, it led me all the way to Montreat, NC for the retreat weekend itself.

When I arrived and finally met John Mark in person, I was blown away by the amount of love this man has to extend.  Hugging him is, literally, like hugging Christ Himself! :-)

Throughout the entire weekend, I was uplifted, empowered, strengthened and gently split wide open. By the time we wrapped up that Sunday, NOTHING looked or felt the same! All I could see is the perfect Divine order of things and Love extending itself everywhere!  Everything is different now and I am so blessed to have been part of such an incredible weekend.

Oh, and during the retreat, Tim also performed a killer magic show for everyone! He was a huge hit and, as always, I loved watching him win over the crowd!

This girl is one blessed - and grateful - little cookie!

Living and loving it, moment by moment,
~Jen

Another side of the issue....

Please take a moment to read the following by Senator Harry Reid:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/us/politics/reids-remarks-on-assault-weapons-ban-vote.html?pagewanted=all

Thank You!!!

Love Never Fails - Brandon Heath

In response to ALL the things going on in this world of ours right now, I CHOOSE LOVE.

 Love is what we ALL need  - and, yes, this does include (perhaps even most of all) whomever we discover is responsible for the tragedy in Boston. I choose LOVE...

Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now (1965)

What the world needs now truly IS love...

Sting and Stevie Wonder - Fragile - live 60th Birthday NY

Please click on the title of this blog to see the video!

Whoo!!! A-MA-ZING!!! One of my favorite songs by Sting - performed by Steve Wonder! Two icons sharing the stage - INCREDIBLE!!! <3 nbsp="" p="">

For some friends...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT4HEt-RyTg

A beautiful, BEAUTIFUL song in honor of some very dear friends of mine who are going through a really rough time right now.... 

 Send Me a Song - Lisa Kelly
Album: Celtic Woman

Take the wave now and know that you're free

Turn your back on the land, face the sea

Face the wind now so wild and so strong

When you think of me wave to me and

send me a song

Don't look back when you reach the new shore

Don't forget what you're leaving me for

Don't forget when you're missing me so.

Love must never hold never hold tight but let go

Oh the nights will be long when I'm not in your arms

But I'll be in the song that you sing to me across the sea

Somehow Someday

You will be far away so far from me

And maybe one day I will follow you

In all you do till then send me a song

When the sun sets the water on fire

When the wind swells the sails ever higher

Let the call of the bird on the wing

Calm your sadness and loneliness

And then start to sing to me

I will sing to you if you promise to send me a song

I walk by the shore and I hear

Hear your song come so faint and so clear

And I catch it, a breath on the wind

And I smile and I sing you a song

I will send you a song I will sing you a song

I will sing to you if you promise to send me a song

Listen

Please take a minute to check out one of my original songs from my latest album, 'Remnants of the Fall' (released March 2012). The song is called 'Listen' and I hope you enjoy it!! Please let me know what you think! :-)

https://soundcloud.com/jenstackpolemusic/listen

The Gabe Dixon Band-All Will Be Well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2-3ooX_XkQ

All IS well!! ♥ One of my favorites...Enjoy!

The Gabe Dixon Band - All Will Be Well

The new day dawns
And I am practicing my purpose once again
It is fresh and it is fruitful if I win
But if I lose

Ooh, I don't know
I'll be tired but I will turn and I will go
Only guessing till I get there then I'll know
Oh, I will know

And all the children walking home past the factories
Can see the light that's shining in my window as I write this song to you
And all the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel that love that radiates, illuminating what I know is true

All will be well
Even after all the promises you've broken to yourself
All will be well
You can ask me how but only time will tell

The winter's cold
But the snow still lightly settles on the trees
And a mess is still a moment I can seize
Until I know

That all will be well
Even though sometimes this is hard to tell
And the fight is just as frustrating as hell
All will be well

And all the children walking home past the factories
Can see the light that's shining in my window as I write this song to you

All the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel that love that radiates, illuminating what I know is true

All will be well
Even after all the promises you've broken to yourself
All will be well
You can ask me how but only time will tell

You got to keep it up and don't give up
And chase your dreams and you will find
All in time

And all the children walking home past the factories
Can see the light that's shining in my window as I write this song to you
And all the cars running fast along the interstate
Can feel that love that radiates, illuminating what I know is true

That all will be well
Even after all the promises you've broken to yourself
All will be well
You can ask me how but only time will tell

All will be well
Even after all the promises you've broken to yourself
All will be well
You can ask me how but only time will tell
You can ask me how but only time will tell

Songwriter(s): Daniel Dodd Wilson, Gabe Dixon
Copyright: G And L Publishing, Sugar Lake Music, Chrysalis Music

SO grateful for this today!

So grateful to have come across this today:

When did BUSY become synonymous with VALUE?

When did feeling RUSHED become the only way to seem IMPORTANT?

When did being OVERWHELMED & OVER-SCHEDULED become necessary for us to say NO or set a BOUNDARY?

Today, I challenge you to stop the glorification of busy and start glorifying self-care, free time and space in your life.

It's really about embracing your power of receiving, of pausing, of allowing. This is about slowing down so you can listen to your Inner Wisdom.

(This post came from Sedona Soul Adventures on FaceBook)

Alanis Morissette - That I Would Be Good (Live)

Song of the Day: 'That I Would Be Good' by: Alanis Morissette

Someone reminded me of this song today and I am VERY grateful for the reminder. Several years ago, this song - quite literally- saved my life. I was going through an incredibly dark and difficult time and this song came along - just when I needed it the most. It's a good reminder that we are all perfect - just as we are...


"That I Would Be Good"

that I would be good even if I did nothing
that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
that I would be good if I got and stayed sick
that I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

that I would be fine even if I went bankrupt
that I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
that I would be great if I was no longer queen
that I would be grand if I was not all knowing

that I would be loved even when I numb myself
that I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
that I would be loved even when I was fuming
that I would be good even if I was clingy

that I would be good even if I lost sanity
that I would be good
whether with or without you

Rick Astley - Somewhere.

Song of the Day:  'Somewhere' (recorded by Rick Astley)

Why not make that time and place right here and right now?? What are we waiting for?

There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere

There's a time for us
Some day a time for us
Time together
With time to spare
Time to look
Time to care
Someday
Somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a place for us
A time and place for us
Hold my hand
And we're halfway there
Hold my hand
And I'll take you there
Somehow
Someday
Somewhere

David Cook - Permanent

Song of the Day:  'Permanent' by David Cook

I am definitely FEELING this song today - soooo beautiful! It was written about David's brother, Adam, who was battling brain cancer at the time. 18 days after Adam made his transition from this life, David performed this song on Season 8's American Idol finale. It was recorded live and the proceeds from the sale of this song go to fund the U.S. based non-profit organization Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. If you like the song, please go to iTunes and download it! You'll be doing a very good thing if you do...  :-)

'Permanent' Lyrics:
Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my broken promise that you'll never see me cry
And everything, it will surely change
Even if I tell you I won't go away today

Will you think that you're all alone
When no one's there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away
And everything is temporary, rest your head
I'm permanent

I know he's living in hell every single day
And so I ask, oh God is there some way for me to take his place?
And when they say it's all touch and go
I wish I could make it go away but still you say

Will you think that you're all alone
When no one's there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away
And everything is temporary, rest your head
I'm permanent, I'm permanent

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my promise that you'll never see me cry

A good Reminder

So, God woke me up with this song this morning. It's a good reminder that none of us are EVER far from HOME. Please enjoy the song and its message. Have a wonderful and blessed day everyone!!

So Blessed...

Right now, I'm sitting on my patio in 80 degree weather, drinking a nice glass of wine, with my precious puppy on my lap, listening to my husband sing....

I take a deep breath, drinking in this moment...realizing exactly how blessed I AM. Everything in my life feels complete now. For the first time in 35 years, I don't feel as if I'm searching, hoping, or waiting for anything. All the puzzle pieces are finally in place and I feel...whole. I feel connected, loved, cherished.

I realize that this has nothing to do with anything outside of myself. Instead, I am fully aware that my outside world is simply a reflection of how I'm feeling on the inside. What I think and feel internally is only and always exactly what I will manifest outside of myself. Those thoughts, feelings, and beliefs are what will determine the kind of people I will attract into my life, the kind of opportunities that will come my way, the type of experiences I will have, etc.

So, in this moment,  I will remain open...and grateful....and so very blessed.

Exciting Wedding News!!

More details and pictures from our incredible wedding! Please check out Amy's blog as soon as you have a chance - she brought all the beautiful details of our wedding together and was an absolute dream to work with!!