Janis Kelly - Singer - Songwriter, Recording Artist, Musical Emissary

DAY 4, SNV: "GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Gifts Of The Spirit (Janis Kelly @2006)

Love, joy and peace;
Patience, kindness and generosity;
Faithfulness and gentleness;
And self-control.
These are the gifts the Spirit brings;
These are the gifts the Spirit brings.

Listen @ http://worldpeaceassociation.ning.com/music/playlist/edit?id=2658430%3APlaylist%3A1787&trackCountChange=1

DAY 3, SNV: "THE PEACE WHICH PASSES"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:48:00 +0000

The Peace Which Passes (Janis Kelly @2007)

There’s a peace that lives within me--
Deep inside my soul;
It’s presence is unfailing;
It’s power makes me whole!

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

There’s a light that shines upon me—
It’s healing glow I feel;
It’s warmth and love surround me;
Illuminating what is real!

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

Peace, deep peace;
Peace, deep inside my soul.
Light, pure light;
Love, love that makes us whole.

Peace inside my soul, peace inside my soul;
Peace inside my soul, deep peace inside my soul;
Light within my heart, light within my heart;
Love that fills us up and makes us whole.

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds (minds, minds)
And lives!

DAY 2, SNV: "PEACE BEGINS WITH ME"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Peace Begins With Me (Janis Kelly @ 2007)

Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
(With me!)

Love--true love;
Love begins with me!
Love--true love;
Love begins with me!
(With me!)

Joy--pure joy;
Joy begins with me!
Joy--pure joy;
Joy begins with me!
(With me!)

Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
(With me!)

DAY 1, SNV: "MAY I USE WORDS OF LOVE"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:47:00 +0000

May I Use Words Of Love (Janis Kelly, @ 2007)

May I use words of love and light and healing;
May they reflect the oneness of all life;
May they express the joy and wonder of my heart’s own path;
And may they build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.

May I be guided by compassion in my speaking;
May I be generous and brave and true;
May I maintain integrity in all I say and do;
And may I build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.

Let my voice—be a blessing; to all who are yearning
For hope and for comfort and for strength!

May I stand for dignity and honor;
May I accept my neighbor as myself;
May I choose to recognize the sacredness of Now;
And may I build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.

JANUARY 30, 2010: THE 13TH ANNUAL "SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:14:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

The 13th annual "Season For Nonviolence" is upon us again. A season for Nonviolence, January 30 - April 4, is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world. For more information, please visit http://www.seasonsfornonviolence.com/.

My commitment this year is to choose a "song of the day," from among my original compositions, posting its lyrics to my blog and singing/playing it throughout the day, both alone and with my students and fellow musicians.

I am also committed to performing in public at least once per week, in honor of the SNV, be it at an open mic or a professional engagement and I will post these appearances to my calendar.

Finally, I will continue to host my monthly "Peace Through Music" gatherings and will make a concerted effort to post video footage to my Youtube account.

So, thanks for coming along for the ride, and have a wonderful season!

In Harmony,

Janis
"Alive Again in 2010!"
www.janis-kelly.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2009: "GOOD"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:44:00 +0000

GOOD (Janis Kelly @ 2009)

I wish you well;
I wish you harmony and happiness;
Like the music to your favorite song;
I hope your joy in life goes on and on (yeah)!

And I wish you peace;
That reaches far beyond all space and time;
Like the sweetness of the morning dew;
I'm seeing only lovely things for you;
I'm seeing nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
I wish you nothing but good!

I wish you well;
I wish that all your hopes and dreams would come true;
Like the flowers that bloom in springtime;
I wish you beauty from a place Divine (yeah)!

And I wish you love;
The kind that satisfies your heart and soul;
Like the promise of love's first embrace;
I hope your life is filled with joy and grace;
I hope it's nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
Nothing but good!

See good! Speak good! Feel good! Be good!
Know good! Show good! Flow good!
Good--I wish you nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
I wish you nothing but good!

JANUARY 3, 2010: ""SPIRIT VOICES" NEW THOUGHT GOSPEL CHOIR!

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:20:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

"ALIVE AGAIN IN 2010!" is my motto for the new year and I am committed to living into that statement each and every day! With that in mind, I want to invite you to participate in season two of "Spirit Voices" New Thought Gospel Choir: all of the SOUL with none of the guilt!

Spirit Voices is a non-auditioned community choir that is open to everyone in the greater Boulder area. We meet on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the choir room at Shining Mountain Waldorf School (www.smwaldorf.org), located at 999 Violet Avenue. Season two will last from January 12th through March 23rd, for a total of ten sessions, with a culminating performance.

No experience necessary; all you need is the desire to life your voice with other like-minded individuals and the ability to attend weekly rehearsals and occasional performances. The cost for the entire ten-week season is only $90 per person, payable at the first rehearsal. If you would like to register in advance or have additional questions, please call me at (916) 873-4856 or email me back through this website or at janis.e.kelly@gmail.com. Remember, we can help to change the world with just one single act of faith; perhaps this is yours!

In Harmony,

Janis

JANUARY 2, 2010: "PEACE THROUGH MUSIC!"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:07:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

"ALIVE AGAIN IN 2010!" is my motto for the new year and I am committing to live into that statement each and every day! With that in mind, let me invite you to my first event of the year, "Peace Through Music," on Friday, January 8th! Here are the details:

"In Harmony" Productions Presents:

PEACE THROUGH MUSIC...
...a First Friday gathering for peace musicians, peace makers, and peace lovers!

Please join us Friday, January 8, 2010, from 8-11 p.m. as we celebrate peace through music, dance, meditation and fellowship!

Equal parts open mic/showcase/jam session/sing-a-long and drumming circle, "Peace Through Music" offers musicians and music-lovers alike the opportunity to play, perform, present, produce and/or participate at the level of your choosing! All "like-minded souls" are welcome--no experience necessary!

Piano, digital keyboard, hand percussion & P.A. provided; please bring other instruments, charts, scores or "tools" of your choosing.

$10 suggested donation OR equivalent contribution of food/beverages to share.

Call (916) 873-4856 or email janis.e.kelly@gmail.com or www.janis-kelly.com for information, reservations and North Boulder location. Promotional fliers/handbills available for distribution--please ask!

"All we are saying, is give peace a chance!"

I sure hope you can join us; if not in body, than at least in spirit!

In Harmony,

Janis

OCTOBER 22, 2009: "MY CUP OVERFLOWS"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:04:00 +0000

MY CUP OVERFLOWS (Janis Kelly @2009)

I wanna live a life that's filled with grace;
Just like the lilies that grow in the field;
I want to move through my days in rhythm;
With all that I yield.
I want to float on a sea of tranquility;
Embracing my perfect divinity;
And recognizing the deepest of truths:
That all my good comes from God!

And so I give and I give, from the depths of my soul;
To the bottom of my heart;
I give of my time, I give my treasure, I give my love!
Yes I give and I give, from the depths of my soul
To the bottom of my heart;
And the more that I give, the more my cup overflows!

I used to think that struggle was natural to life;
Just like the storm clouds and just like the rain;
I used to think I'd grow through the hardships;
And that I'd weather the pain.
But that was before I surrendered to grace;
And its tender mercy soon gave me the space;
To recognize what I knew all along:
That only good comes from God!

And so I give and I give, from the depths of my soul;
To the bottom of my heart;
I give of my time, I give my treasure, I give my love!
Yes I give and I give, from the depths of my soul;
To the bottom of my heart;
And the more that I give, the more my cup--

And so I give and I give, from the depths of my soul;
To the bottom of my heart;
I give of my time, I give my treasure, I give my love!
Yes I give and I give, from the depths of my soul;
To the bottom of my heart;
And the more that I give--
Yes, the more that I give, yeah!
'Said the more that I give, the more my cup--
My cup overflows!

AUGUST 6, 2009: "PUTTING ISAAC ON THE WOOD PILE"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Greetings, family! Today is Thursday, August 6, 2009, and I want to share an incredible essay from Emmet Fox's book Claim Your Good, entitled, "Putting Isaac On The Woodpile:"

"And God said, take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." Genesis 22:2

Everyone knows the story of the temptation of Abraham. The important point is to realize that it is not just an incident that happened thousands of years ago, but that it happens to everyone on the spiritual path in all ages, right down to the present day.

Abraham was required to sacrifice the thing that he loved best on earth, his only son, the child that had come to him by a miracle. No other conceivable sacrifice could have caused him as much grief, and undoubtedly he had a dreadful struggle with himself before he could decide to do it. However, he won the struggle and having overcome his fear and doubt, through faith, it turned out that he did not have to make the sacrifice after all. On the contrary, an angel spoke to him and an extraordinary blessing, which he could never have expected, was bestowed upon him. "I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the seashore." This refers to future demonstrations or answers to prayer, and to rapid growth in spiritual understanding.

The above promise is followed by a still greater one, "Thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies." You know that in the Bible enemies are always our fears and doubts, our troubles and problems. The gate was the most important place in the cities of the ancient world. The gate was where the enemies would naturally attack, and whoever possessed the gate would be in control of the city; and so you see the importance of this promise for the city which is your soul.

The account says that God tempted Abraham. Of course this is figurative. It was Abraham himself who had to prove his own faith.

If you are on the spiritual path there may be particular thing which is keeping you back from demonstrating and from your overcoming. It may be anything, as no two people have quite the same weaknesses, but whatever it is, it must go. Cost what it may, IT MUST GO. Only thus can you prove your own faith, and then you will find it is no sacrifice at all, much as it seemed to be, but only the prelude to great triumph.

In Harmony, Unity, Peace & Love,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

AUGUST 5, 2009: "DOG IS MY CO-PILOT! (CHAPTER 1)"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Greetings, family! Today is Wednesday, August 5, 2009, and I have a great story to share! Check it out:

Who can read that bumper sticker without either laughing at the irony or feeling outraged by the sacrilege? Personally, I have always gotten a kick out of this one, as well as the one that reads, "Dog Is Love!" These statements have become especially poignant for me, however, in the past couple of months as I have been serving as house/pet sitter for no fewer than three families in the Boulder, Colorado area! In fact, my "roster" to-date has included three dogs, three cats, fresh-water and tropical fish, a pair of cockateels and what feels like an entire flock of wild birds!

While some of you may find this hard to believe, I have actually developed a true fondness for these beloved pets; especially the dogs, as I am charged with walking them twice each day, thus spending a fair amount of one-on-one time with them and really getting to know their very distinct personalities. What I can say with a certainty is that they have definitely served as my "co-pilots," not-to-mention powerful spiritual teachers! Here's one of the things I have learned thus far:

Chapter 1--"God Is Guiding Me." Toby, the darling Bichon dog that lives with the Chase-Jacobsen family (and is the ruler of their domain...), is truly one of the smartest and most intuitive animals I have ever met! On my very first day of caring for him, I quickly learned that I was not going to actually be walking him; rather, he was going to walk me! Every single time I put his leash on and took him outside, he would simply take off in whatever direction he chose, rarely taking the same route twice and actually showing me all the little "nooks and crannies" of my new neighborhood. If I ever tried to assert my "will," and lead him on a different route, he would hunker down in his best "downward dog" pose and not budge until I acquiesced to his way. It didn't take me long to realize that my best bet was to simply "strap on my seatbelt and enjoy the ride!"

One day, Toby lead me far from home, along a really busy street during rush hour. I had no idea where he was headed, but after taking me on a tour of some really incredible estates, he finally walked right up to the door of a house where another Bichon dog was standing and barking. Figuring that this must be one of his "doggie friends," I just followed along obediently, even as he pushed his way into the house and created quite a stir among the two dogs that lived there. As the woman of the house came rushing to the entryway, I apologized profusely and explained that Toby had insisted upon coming in, presumably to visit his friends, or at least a house that he was familiar with.

Here's where it gets interesting: the woman--Wendy--said she had never seen Toby before, had never heard of the Chase-Jacobsen's, had just moved to town from Florida and was the first occupant of her house, as it was brand new! However, as we were chatting and remarking on this phenomenon and trying to calm our respective pets down, I learned that she was a new parent at the Shining Mountain Waldorf School, where I am teaching music this year. She also mentioned that she had a son who was interested in taking trumpet lessons, which I just so happen to offer! We exchanged contact information, and I am pleased to announce that I am now her son's private trumpet teacher! So, what caused Toby to lead me to that house on that day and at that time? Well, you'll have to decide that for yourself; as for me, I firmly believe that he was guiding me to my good, serving as the perfect co-pilot and the perfect reminder that when I "let go/let God," (or Dog) I always prosper!

God Is Guiding Me (Janis Kelly @2007)

God is guiding me (God is guiding me!)
To my good!
God is guiding me (God is guiding me!)
To my good!
I may not know just how;
I may not see just where just yet;
But God is guiding me (God is guiding me!)
To my good!

Stay tuned for Chapter 2, in which we learn from another furry friend that "patience is a virtue!" Have a marvelous day and give a dog some love!

In Harmony, Unity, Peace & Love,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

AUGUST 3, 2009: "THE GOLDEN KEY"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Greetings, family! Today is Monday, August 3, 2009 and I want to share a powerful spiritual concept with you. According to Emmet Fox, the renowned teacher and author, here is the secret to moving beyond ANY difficulty:

The Golden Key (by Emmet Fox)

Scientific prayer will enable you to get yourself or anyone else, out of any difficulty. It is the golden key to harmony and happiness.

To those who have no acquaintance with the mightiest power in existence, this may appear to be a rash claim, but it needs only a fair trial to prove that, without a shadow of doubt, it is a just one. You need take no one's word for it, and you should not. Simply try it for yourself.

God is omnipotent, and we are God's image and likeness and have dominion over all things. This is the inspired teaching, and it is intended to be taken literally, at its face value. The ability to draw on this power is not the special prerogative of the mystic or the saint, as is so often supposed, or even of the highly trained practitioner. Everyone has this ability Whoever you are, wherever you may be, the golden key to harmony is in your hand now. This is because in scientific prayer it is God who works, and not you, and so your particular limitations or weaknesses are of no account in the process. You are only the channel through which the divine action takes place, and your treatment will be just the getting of yourself out of the way.

Beginners often get startling results the first time, for all that is essential is to have an open mind and sufficient faith to try the experiment. Apart from that, you may hold any views on religion, or none.

As for the actual method of working, like all fundamental things, it is simplicity itself. All you have to do is this: Stop thinking about the difficulty, whatever it is, and think about God instead. This is the complete rule, and if only you will do this, the trouble, whatever it is, will disappear. It makes no difference what kind of trouble it is. It may be a big thing or a little thing: it may concern health, finance, a lawsuit, a quarrel, an accident, or anything else conceivable: but whatever it is, stop thinking about it and think of God instead--that is all you have to do.

It could not be simpler, could it? God could scarcely have made it simpler, and yet it never fails to work when given a fair trial.

Do not try to form a picture of God, which is impossible. Work by rehearsing anything or everything that you know about God. God is wisdom, truth, inconceivable love. God is present everywhere, has infinite power, knows everything, and so on. It matters not how well you may think you understand these things: go over them repeatedly.

But you must stop thinking of the trouble, whatever it is. The rule is, to think about God. If you are thinking about your difficulty, you are not thinking about God. To be continually glancing over your shoulder in order to see how matters are progressing is fatal, because it is thinking of the trouble, and you must think of God and nothing else. Your object is to drive the thought of the difficulty out of your consciousness, for a few moments at least, substituting for it the thought of God. This is the crux of the whole thing. If you can become so absorbed in this consideration of the spiritual world that you forget for a while about the difficulty, you will find that you are safely and comfortably out of your difficulty--that your demonstration is made.

In order to "golden key" a troublesome person or a difficult situation, think. "Now 1 am going to 'golden key' John, or Mary. or that threatened danger": then proceed to drive all thought of John, or Mary, or the danger out of your mind, replacing it with the thought of God.

By working in this way about a person, you are not seeking to influence his conduct in any way, except that you prevent him from injuring or annoying you, and you do him nothing but good. Thereafter, he is certain to be in some degree a better, wiser, and more spiritual person, just because you have "golden keyed" him. A pending lawsuit or other difficulty would probably fade out harmlessly without coming to a crisis, justice being done to all parties concerned.

If you find that you can do this very quickly, you may repeat the operation several times a day with intervals between. Be sure, however, each time you have done it, that you drop all thought of the matter until the next time. This is important.

We have said that the golden key is simple, and so it is, but of course it is not always easy to turn. If you are very frightened or worried, at first it may be difficult to get your thoughts away from material things. But by constantly repeating a statement of absolute Truth, such as: There is no power but God: I am the child of God, filled and surrounded by the perfect peace of God: God is love; God is guiding me now; or, perhaps best and simplest of all. God is with me--however mechanical or trite it may seem -- you will soon find that the treatment has begun to "take." and that your mind is clearing. Do not struggle violently; be quiet, but insistent. Each time you find your attention wandering, switch it back to God.

Do not try to think in advance what the solution to your difficulty will be. This is called "outlining" and will only delay the demonstration. Leave the question of ways and means to God. You want to get out of your difficulty that is sufficient. You do your half, and God will never fail to do God's.

"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21).

Pretty awesome, no?! Being the prolific composer (and incessant singer) I am, I decided to turn my Truth statement into a chant, in the style of a spiritual:

Nothing But God (Janis Kelly @2009)

There is: nothing but God;
There is: nothing but God;
There is: nothing but God,
I know: God is all there is!

(There is: nothing but good...; ...peace; ...love; ...truth; etc.)

Remember, today, that YOU ARE GOLDEN!

In Harmony, Unity, Peace & Love,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

JULY 31, 2009: "ANEW"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:37:00 +0000

ANEW
(Janis Kelly @2009)

I say that I'm ready to let go
I say that I'm ready to move on
But still something always seems to pull me back
To where the right went wrong.
I say that I'm leaving the past behind
I say that I'm dealing with all my fears
So why am I standing here so desperately
And pleading through my tears?

I want to be whole again
I want to remember who I am
I want to release myself from all this pain
And find myself again
I want to feel free, once more
To somehow let love walk through my door
And so I'm on my knees and calling out to You:

"Can You send Heaven's Breath?
Can You send Angel's Wings?
Can You send all of Your mercy, grace, compassion, too?
Can You send healing for my heart?
Can You send healing for my soul?
Can You send healing so my life--
Can start anew?"

I wanna get back to shining!
I wanna get to back to reaching!
I wanna get to all of the joy that I once knew!
I wanna get back to knowing!
I wanna get back to growing!
Which means there's no turning back;
I'll have to find my way through!

"Can You send Heaven's Breath?
Can You send Angel's Wings?
Can You send all of Your mercy, Your grace, compassion, too?
Can You send healing for my heart?
Can You send healing for my soul?
Can You send healing so my life--
Can start anew?"

JULY 16, 2009: "PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF..."

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:04:00 +0000

"The presence of God's love in me is greater than my fear could ever be;
The wisdom of God's holy word, lives in my soul.
The presence of God's love in me is strong enough to set my spirit free;
The power of God's healing light makes me whole."
-Janis Kelly @2007

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, July 16th, 2009 and I am blogging for the second time this week! I am currently reading a wonderful book and using it in my daily meditations and journaling: "Stake Your Claim; Exploring the Gold Mine Within," by Emmett Fox, the renowned scientist, philosopher and spiritual teacher (1886-1951). It was a gift from my dear friend, Louise Vidaurri, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone seeking their greatest good!

The essay I read and worked with today is entitled, "Watch Your Step!" and begins with the following bible verse, found in the book of Ecclesiastes: "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil."

As Mr. Fox points out, the "inner" meaning of, "Keep thy foot," (or, "Watch your step," as we would say today), is to maintain your spiritual understanding, and to "go to the house of God" implies that God (or whatever name you feel most comfortable using) is always present, no matter where you are. So what is really being said is that if you maintain your spiritual understanding and remember that God is everywhere present, you will be "more ready to hear," i.e. to receive your inspiration or your answer from God.

"To give the sacrifice of fools" is to accept something that someone else told you as the truth, rather than seeking it directly from God; "for they consider not that they do evil," meaning that we don't recognize that our negative thought patterns actually create destruction in our lives.

Basically, what this verse is saying--and why this lesson was so powerful for me today--is that if we want to be successful in life, to have spiritual understanding and Divine Inspiration, we must "Practice the Presence of God" at all times, not just when it's easy to do so.

As I look into my own life, I see that I am always "Practicing the Presence" of something. For instance, when I'm stuck in traffic, I am typically practicing the presence of frustration and impatience; when I'm "broke," or in financial distress, I often practice the presence of fear and lack; when I don't feel well physically, it tends to be sickness and worry that I practice. I could conjure up many more such examples, but suffice it to say that I have gotten quite skilled at "Practicing the Presence" of many negative or "evil" qualities! Therefore, it's not surprising that I would continue to experience them regularly and, actually, "habitually."

So how do I learn to "Practice the Presence of God" instead? For me, the most powerful and practical way is through daily meditation, when I deliberately remove myself from outside distractions such as those listed above and focus in on my breathing. As Echart Tolle advises in his book, "The Power Of Now," all I really need do is close my eyes and bring my attention to a particular body part--let's say my feet--and then allow myself first to just "feel" them, and then to feel pure energy, light, power, etc., coursing through them. This feeling--however it shows up for me that day--IS the presence of God. When I practice this technique over the course of my entire body, I emerge from my meditation feeling distinctly different than when I started. For me, that's the Presence of God, pure and simple.

Now, the safety of my living room is one thing, and the world-at-large is another, so how do I maintain this "presence" as I move throughout my day? Well, that part is "simple, but not easy," as my friend Rev. Jim Lee used to say! I must choose to practice it , regardless of the outer circumstance. For instance, as I am sitting in traffic, I can choose to replace my feelings of frustration with those I cultivated during my meditation, thus replacing frustration with calm. When my bank balance is especially low, I can take a deep breath and replace thoughts of lack with those of abundance and prosperity. Or, when I am feeling physically unwell, I can affirm, as the chant says above, that "the presence of God's love in me is greater than my fear could ever be!"

What are you practicing the presence of--right now, in this very moment? Is it "God," or is it "evil?" The choice is always up to us: we can't control the circumstances, but we CAN control our response to them! As for me--just for today--I am choosing "a heart that is healed, a soul that's revealed and a life that's been renewed!" Let's practice together...

In Harmony, Unity, Peace & Love,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

JULY 14, 2009: MY FIRST ENTRY SINCE APRIL!

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Wow, it's been a really long time! Today is Tuesday, July 14th and it's been more than three months since my last confession! When I look back to the beginning of April, it's amazing to realize how much has transpired in my life since then! To whit, I am writing this blog from Boulder, Colorado, where I relocated to at the beginning of June. My journey here has been nothing short of miraculous and a wonderful example of the power of deliberate intention! Therefore, I would like to share an essay from Emmet Fox's fabulous book, "Stake Your Claim (Exploring the Gold Mine Within)," entitled "That Illogical Fellow:"

People sometimes say, I believe firmly in the spiritual teaching, and I have done so for years, but I have never been able to make it work--isn't that strange? And sometimes they say this with quite an air of triumph.

Such people remind me of a certain man who used to boast that he had an ailment that no one could heal. It seems that he had successfully defied every school of healing known to the public and had emerged triumphantly still in possession of his affliction. As it happens, his wife did heal him later on by prayer alone, but she was a patient and persevering woman.

Of course, if you go about saying or thinking that you cannot make the teaching work (which usually means that you do not expect to) you are really making a law for yourself to that effect, and you should never be tired of reminding yourself that when you make a mental law for yourself you do have to live under it. You may have known this law for forty or fifty years and yet, being human, you are likely to forget it, at least occasionally.

That man's wife probably points the way to the overcoming of this mistake. The key to success with such problems lies in just the qualities that she obviously had: patience combined with a gentle and unhurried expectation of success.

The patient whom she healed is not a rare specimen, nor is he unknown to anyone. We are all likely to encounter him under our own hat at any moment!

I EXPECT TO BE LOVED (Janis Kelly @2008)

I expect to be loved;
I expect to be embraced;
I expect to be acknowledged and appreciated;
Everywhere that I go!
I deserve to hear, "YES!"
I deserve to have success;
I deserve to be seen as nothing less than a
Divine Expression of God!

In Harmony, Unity, Peace & Love,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

CLOSING DAY OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, April 5th, and we have now completed the 12th annual Season For Nonviolence. Congratulations, and thank you for joining me on this journey! It has been my distinct pleasure to offer these daily blogs, and I have sent each one out with the prayer that it be read by the perfect person at the perfect time for the perfect outcome to present itself. If even one of you has been touched by these words, my goal was accomplished, and for that I am truly grateful!

I am going to be stepping away from my computer now, fully embracing "Holy Week" and the opportunity it presents for quiet reflection and solitude. Therefore, I offer this closing prayer and wish you showers of blessings in the ensuing days:

Every day, I join others in this prayer for World Peace.
With each kind thought,
each choice for nonviolence,
we plant a seed that shall bloom
to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.
Together, friend, we till the soil and
plant the seeds that all creation may
sing for joy and dance in the
Garden of Peace.
May our prayers and practices
during this Season be but the beginning
of a new culture of peace, security and
joy that shall endure unto our
children’s children’s children.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 63-64 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "RELEASE" & "CELEBRATION"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, April 3, and I am posting for the final two days of the Season For Nonviolence! For Thursday, April 2, DAY 63, the thought for today is RELEASE.

A Sufi proverb says “when the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what is found.” Release the weight of your past, the judgments of yourself and others, and be the change you wish to see. Make room for what is here in this present moment, release the hurts and resentments and mistakes of the past and be present to the nonviolent presence you are right here right now.

In the presence of a man or woman in whom all hostility has been released, others cannot be hostile. In the presence of a man or woman in whom all fear has been released, no one can be afraid. This is the power of true nonviolence, as we can see in the life of Gandhi. Because he had released all hostility, he was a profound force for peace.

Today: I reflect back on how far I have come during this 64 day journey. I release the idea that World Peace is not possible by acknowledging that I really do make a difference. Say out loud, “I DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”  

For today, DAY 64, the thought is CELEBRATION.

Margaret Mead said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Nonviolence is building the courage to speak and act with respect, reverence and compassion for our own being. Rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their nonviolent choice and action.

Today: I celebrate my knowledge and maturity, my choice of nonviolence, and the journey I have chosen.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 62 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "COMMITMENT"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, April 1, DAY 62 of the Season For Nonviolence. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I've had so much fun blogging for these first 62 days that I've decided to keep posting daily blogs for the rest of the year! (April Fools!!!!) At any rate, the thought for today is COMMITMENT.

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, a chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment that one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it!  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now!"
-Goethe

And so it is with nonviolence. We set forth a commitment to nonviolence with an intention that we can act upon today. By doing so, we are presented with situations and circumstances that will allow us to model our commitment, to bring nonviolence to a situation.

I Am Becoming… (Janis Kelly @2008)

I am blessed, I am beautiful;
Beloved, bright and brave;
I am bold, I am bountiful;
And better every day;
I am becoming…(I can be);
I am becoming…(brilliantly);
I am becoming…(just for me);
I will be what I will to be;
I will be what I will to be;
I will be—what I will—TO BE!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 61 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "PEACE"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 31, DAY 61 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is PEACE.

“Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed,” says Thich Nhat Hanh. You water seeds of anger and violence by deciding to stay angry and act violently. You water seeds of joy and peace by deciding to be peaceful, no matter what is happening to you. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart, and then respond in a nonviolent way.

"Mankind must remember that peace is not God's gift to his creatures; peace is our gift to each other." -Elie Wiesel 

Today: I choose to meet each experience with an intention for peace. I will be aware of any feelings of anger or irritation and replace the feeling with calm. I envision any areas of unrest transformed into safe havens for all people. I see beyond conflict and discord to the truth: peace is everywhere present and active.

I Am Calm, I Am At Peace (Janis Kelly @2007)

I am calm, I am at peace;
I am filled with perfect love;
I am present to the Light within;
I am calm, I am at peace.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 60 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "WITNESSING"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, March 30, DAY 60 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is WITNESSING.

“We are each other’s bond,” writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Those who practice nonviolence cannot close their eyes to injustice or cruelty. We are here to be a witness for justice and compassion. Those who practice nonviolence look at injustice or cruelty and know that it is possible for the situation to be different. You can stand up for truth by your presence, your words and your actions, and by doing so, make a difference.

Today: When I see injustice, I will say or take action to bring about a peaceful change. I will write down my thoughts about the action I took, and share this with another person. 

BE STILL AND KNOW (Janis Kelly @ 1996)

Be still and know that I am with you
Be calm and listen for my voice
Have faith my love for you is stronger than the wind
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

Be brave and let my spirit guide you
Be strong and claim your power and might
Take heart in knowing you’re surrounded by my light
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

Be true to all you hope and dream of
Be glad within your heart and mind
Let your soul ring out with truth and freedom all your days
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

I’ll wash away your tears! I'll wash away your tears! I'll wash away your tears!
I'll wash--away--your tears!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 58-59 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "CITIZENSHIP" & "INTERVENTION"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, March 29 and I am posting this blog for DAYS 58 & 59 of the Season For Nonviolence. For Saturday, March 28, the thought for the day is CITIZENSHIP.

Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General to the United Nations urges, “Use every letter you write, every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your fundamental beliefs and dreams.” Make a difference in your community by becoming involved.

To be a citizen means to help your community be the best it can be. You are a member of many communities: your family, your place of work or school, your place of worship, your city, your country, and the planet. Participation in your community presents an opportunity to model nonviolent action, peaceful resolution, and how each of us can and do make a difference.

Today: I will call or write one of my legislators and register my views. I will tell at least three people of my efforts and ask them to do the same.

And for March 29, the thought for today is INTERVENTION.

Alcohol and drug abuse is both a consequence of, and a cause of, violence. You can make a difference in someone’s life through intervention.

Today: I will have the courage to intervene in a caring way with someone who is using alcohol or drugs. Through my honest, straightforward, and nonviolent communication, I will encourage them to get educated, get help, get sober and free from substances.

THIS IS THE PLACE (Janis Kelly @2006)

When I am feeling mighty low;
When sorrow seems to be my closest friend;
When all of life’s burdens
Are too much for me to bear;

That’s when I reach for higher ground;
Somewhere beyond the sadness and despair;
And I listen for a still, small voice;
And it takes me there again.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place—where hope lives.

When I am standing on the edge;
Uncertain whether I should sink or swim;
I long so to heal my pain;
So I can help to heal the world’s;

So I surrender to Your grace;
Your tender mercy makes me whole again;
Your lifts lifts me up on high;
And takes me back where I belong.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place—where hope lives.

This—is the place!
This—is the place!
It’s in you, it’s in me;
You’ve got to listen to your heart!
Your heart!

So when you feel you can’t go on;
And you can find no shelter from the storm;
Take hold of Love's mighty hand;
And It will take you there again.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place;
This is the place;
This is the place—where Hope lives!
Hope lives!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 57 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "SERVICE"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, March 27, DAY 57 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is SERVICE.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve … you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” How can you serve today?

What really gives value to anything is its usefulness in serving others. Our life draws its value not from the money we make, or the prizes we win, or the power we wield over others, but from the service we give every day to add a little bit more to the happiness of our family and our community. And when you serve, do it without thinking of getting anything in return. Do it as a service to the universe, not reluctantly, but with joy. By doing so, you are a model to others, and add to a culture of nonviolence.

Today: I will volunteer a minimum of two hours this week with an organization of my choice and share my commitment with at least one person. I will do one thing today to help somebody at home, at school or work, or in my community, and then write a paragraph about the experience.

Reach Out & Touch [Somebody's Hand]
(Ashford & Simpson @1970)

CHORUS
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
(Just try)

Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone who's lost the way
(Just try)
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem that's not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

CHORUS

If you see an old friend on the street
And he's down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
(Just try)
Try a little kindness you'll see
It's something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

CHORUS

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 56 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "SELF-SUFFICIENCY"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, March 26, DAY 56 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

People need the dignity of work and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Economic self-sufficiency is a requirement for a nonviolent world.

"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency."
-"Mahatma" Gandhi

 For Gandhi, economic self-sufficiency - symbolized by the spinning wheel - was a vital element of independence from colonial rule and from oppressive economic conditions.

Today: I will discover the satisfaction of making something for myself instead of buying something - and from spending time in self-sufficient quiet reflection or meditation. If I know someone who is looking for employment, I will offer to assist them with a resume, an application, making phone calls, or practice interviewing.

WHOLE, PERFECT, STRONG (Janis Kelly @2009)

I am: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
I am: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who I am!

You are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
You are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who you are!

We are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
We are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who we are!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 55 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "RESPONSIBILITY"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today Wednesday, March 25, DAY 55 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is RESPONSIBILITY.

The quality of your community starts with you. Take responsibility wherever you are. Whatever we are today is the result of what we have thought, spoken, and done in all the previous moments before now. The responsibility for both present and future is in our own hands. If we live right today, then tomorrow will be right. This applies to our physical, emotional and spiritual life; we each have the ultimate responsibility for our choices.

Today: I will pick up trash that is not my own, whether at home, at the office or on the street. If there is a conflict present in my life, I will take responsibility for my part in the conflict.

WHOM SHALL I CALL MY NEIGHBOR? (Janis Kelly @2007)

Whom shall I call my neighbor?
Whom shall I call my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Whom shall I call my neighbor?
Whom shall I call my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Whom shall I call my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"He's everyone you know!"

Where shall I find my neighbor?
Where shall I find my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Where shall I find my neighbor?
Where shall I find my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Where shall I find my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"She's everywhere you go!"

When shall I help my neighbor?
When shall I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
When shall I help my neighbor?
When shall I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
When shall I help my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"You help him all the time!"

How do I help my neighbor?
How do I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
How do I help my neighbor?
How do I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
How do I help my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"You treat her as yourself!"

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www-janis-kelly.com

DAY 54 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "GIVING"

janis.e.kelly@gmail.com (Janis Kelly) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 24, DAY 54 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is GIVING.

Practice generously giving by sharing time, talent, energy and material resources with others. Whatever you give, do it without thinking of getting anything in return. Do it as a service, not reluctantly, but with joy. That is a real gift.

Whatever you give, be sure it is from the heart:
“Not in what we give, but what we share,
For the gift without the giver is bare.”

Today: I will clean out my closet, bureau drawers, or garage and give away things I'm not using. I will give my time to a volunteer organization and my financial resources to a cause that supports and practices nonviolence.

WHATEVER I GIVE, I GET MORE BACK
(Janis Kelly @ 2007)

Whatever I give, I get more back;

If I bless my abundance, I will have no lack;

Whenever I share, I always receive;

Everything I ask for, everything I need.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com