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