Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

A Lesson on Joy from Canada

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Click above to sample Vive La Joye as you read. If you enjoy, use the following links to shop and hear more: A Thousand Years CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Vive La Joye PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

Can you recall a “lesson on joy” that inspired you?

About one month ago I had the privilege of playing an outdoor benefit concert for Old Friends Canada, a horse rescue non-profit in Lake Country, British Columbia, north of Kelowna. I had never been to this part of Canada (above the state of Washington), and I didn’t know the “lesson on joy” that awaited me there.

The photo below captures one of the precious moments of the event. It was amazing to have a horse ring as the stage for the keyboard. It was even more incredible to meet my new friend Adrienne who became a quadriplegic from a 1982 car accident. Adrienne’s “lesson on joy” was so moving and inspiring I wanted to share it with you…

Adrienne asked me to play the song Vive La Joye from my album A Thousand Years. She and her riding partner performed a horse dressage to my music. It was perfectly choreographed and timed. It was majestic, peaceful and beautiful all at once. In choosing this piece of music, Adrienne began teaching me a deeper lesson about joy.

She had loved riding horses since she was a little girl, but becoming totally paralyzed in the accident forced her to give up her favorite hobby for twelve years. Adrienne was determined to get back on the saddle, and eventually regained partial but limited use of her hands. I learned there are gaited horse breeds which move their legs in unison on each side. Their smooth movement does not bounce like a typical horse trot, and Adrienne is able to perform horse dressage at a professional level using a special saddle.

However, it is Adrienne’s level of joy that will captivate your heart. Here is what she taught me that day, along with everyone in the concert audience:

  1. Our joy is not defined by our circumstances. The joy of the Lord is our strength. See Nehemiah 8:10.
  2. Pursuing plans, hopes and dreams God plants in us leads to deeper joy. See Jeremiah 29:11.
  3. Joy brings confidence as we let our light shine for others through our gifts. See Matthew 5:16.
  4. Joy is contagious and draws others a step closer to trusting God and experiencing His joy. See Psalm 16:11.

Which aspect of joy speaks most to you in your current circumstances?

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”                    — Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

3 Gifts to Quench a Thirsty Soul

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Click above to sample Desert Thirsty for Rain as you read. If you enjoy, use the following links to shop and hear more: Open Spaces CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Desert Thirsty for Rain PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

What helps you most when your soul is thirsty?

My soul is “thirsty” when God seems distant. I find myself asking either “God, why is this happening?” or “Lord, where are you?” Life feels parched and dry, prayer seems empty and hopeless, and my mind fills with fears and doubts.

Three gifts to quench a thirsty soul are music, visuals, and Scripture. Listen for the “rain drops of hope” found in Desert Thirsty for Rain. Watch the music video for symbols of hope. Look for refreshment in the Scripture verses below…

“I remembered the old days, went over all you’ve done, pondered the ways you’ve worked, Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.” Psalm 143:6 (The Message)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” Psalm 19:7 (NIV)

If your soul is thirsty, God’s grace, forgiveness, love and care are there for you like the rain drops in Desert Thirsty for Rain.

Which gift quenches your thirst most today?

Celebrating Obedience

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Click above to listen to a portion of Longing for Heavenly Country from Climb to the Sky as you read. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

When was a time you celebrated obedience?

This could have been others celebrating your obedience with you. Perhaps you joined in celebrating the obedience of someone else with them. I have been reflecting on this for quite a while. This week being Passion Week prompted me to share why this idea is important to me, and how I believe it can inspire each of us…

The idea I need (we need) to “celebrate our obedience” more has been very redemptive in my life journey. I used to take things far too seriously, to be self critical, to be quietly judgmental of others, and to lack true joy. Since God celebrates our obedience as our loving and faithful Father, the idea is that we, along with our brothers and sisters in Christ, should celebrate our obedience more together. We should share our stories of God’s faithfulness with a spirit of celebration, instead of comparing the results of our obedience, or questioning someone’s obedience. All of our obedience is pleasing to God. He does not measure on our earthly terms. As my good friend Ken Boa likes to say, “Our good works for God are like ‘refrigerator art’ to Him.” He loves us like we love a little child or grandchild’s coloring. With love, grace and joy, God smiles and puts our “drawings on His refrigerator.”

Jesus was obedient to His death on the cross. We celebrate His obedience this Good Friday with reverence and awe, that He—the Passover Lamb—would die to save us from our sin, and to forgive everyone’s sin in the world who believes in Him by faith. We celebrate His resurrection this Easter Sunday. The results of Jesus’s obedience were all in God’s hands. The results He has in mind to accomplish through our obedience are in His hands too. What a blessing. He is worthy of our worship and adoration! And our celebration!

What could you do for “celebrating our obedience” to become a bigger part of your story?

“Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord. Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:19-20 (TLB)

“Bring gifts and celebrate, Bow before the beauty of God, Then to your knees—everyone worship!” — Psalm 96:8-9 (MSG)

“Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!” — Psalm 32:11 (MSG)

“The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, ‘Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world!’ ” — John 1:29 (MSG)

3 Questions that Changed My Life

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Click above to listen to Vive La Joye (meaning Joy Forever in old French) from my 7th album A Thousand Years as you read. You can also order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Is my life more creative or more consumptive?

Is my life more of a problem to solve or an adventure to live?

Is my life more of an argument or a story?

Since they have so impacted and transformed my life, I was prompted to share these three questions with you. I hope you find them to be just as inspiring, meaningful and potentially life changing. It may be enough to read them a few times, reflect, and watch for any action steps to be revealed. Or, you can continue reading for more about how they changed me, and continue to influence my journey…

1. Is my life more creative or more consumptive? Consuming is an important part of life. There are things I need to buy, and there are times for watching movies or taking vacations (which can create wonderful memories). However, creating something original is usually more life giving and brings even more joy, both to me and to others. We all have one or two gifts and talents where we are uniquely creative.

Ask yourself, “What is something original I have created lately?” Lean more in this direction instead of taking the easier path of consuming. This could be any number of things, such as a new recipe, a new poem, a new painting, a new invention, a new song, a new story, a new teaching technique, a new presentation method, a new parenting approach, or a new marriage enrichment idea.

2. Is my life more of a problem to solve or an adventure to live? I am the oldest of three boys, and the son of an analytical chemist (my dad) and an art major (my mom). For much of my life, I was driven by goal setting, striving for success, and seeking to please others. Life was a problem to solve, and I was pretty good at the “math.”

I loved piano and basketball, but neither seemed practical as a career path or way of life. When I wrote my first song on the piano at age fourteen, I had no idea this was a hint of what I would become twenty-six years later. The shift from “problem to solve” to “adventure to live” began years later, when I fully surrendered my life to God at the age of thirty. Life’s adventures have been growing and surprising me ever since. Take a leap of faith and surrender. God will direct your steps.

3. Is my life more of an argument or a story? From my experience growing up in the church, there was this sense I had a duty to “defend my faith” instead of a joy to “share my story” with regard to the presence and power of Jesus in my life. The “argument” perspective went right along with the “problem to solve” approach to life.

Another amazing result of surrender, and trusting in God by faith as the Great Storyteller, is how life begins to become more of a story than an argument — like a great movie, with twists and turns, ups and downs, tears of sadness, and tears of joy. In the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) I am the elder brother, literally and figuratively, doing all the right things, but lacking the great joy available to me. God wants my heart to be filled with His love and grace toward others, like the father in the story. He loved and forgave both his sons, the older with his pride and lack of rejoicing, and the younger prodigal son who returned home after wasting away his entire share of the estate. With God being the author of our life, seeing life as a great story unfolding — with great joy — is life changing for me.

The above photo of captures the essence of my heart’s desire for a life filled with creativity, adventures, and stories. It was Palm Sunday, April 2011, a day of rest from the studio in Vermont, where I was recording my 7th album A Thousand Years. I hiked to the top of the ridge, placed my camera on a tree branch, aimed the lens at this amazing swing with fifty foot long chains, and set the automated ten second timer. On the second try, the camera clicked when the swing reached its highest point. For me, it symbolizes child-like faith and joy, and reminds me God is “holding the chains” with a smile from heaven, as I “swing” through life with faith and trust in Him.

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

3 Steps to a Clearer Vision

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Click above to listen to the title track Unveiled from my fifth album as you read. If you enjoy, you can order the CD or MP3 Album or Sheet Music (the song is also on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora and more).

What is keeping you from having a clearer vision?

A recent trip to Africa reminded me how to obtain and sustain a clearer vision. I was one of one hundred Americans teaching various skills to over 700 rescued orphans at Family Legacy’s Dream Camp in Lusaka, Zambia. The vision for my music class was for every student to write their own song using their faith in God and the Bible as their inspiration. And they did!

The expressions on our faces in this photo capture the emotion of three steps we can all take to have a clearer vision…

1. Surrender (to abandon oneself entirely) — A huge moment happened in my story in 1994, when I surrendered my career to God. As soon as I said by faith, “Lord, I surrender…” I began to hear God’s voice and sense His direction more clearly. It was so worth the wait for my vision to become aligned with His vision of career success. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

2. Seek (ask for something from someone) — In 2004 I found myself asking Jesus for a clearer vision, and to help me know Him and His voice. With my wife at home with our two young children, was I supposed to start a full-time music ministry? He was faithful to show us the way. Luke 11:9-10 says, “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

3. Stride (walk with long, decisive steps in a specified direction) — I love this definition. God has shown me how 1994 and 2004 were part of His plan to bring me to Zambia in 2015, 2016, and 2017. After surrendering to and seeking God, if you and I stride forward by obeying each step He reveals, our vision becomes clearer. We can look back on the past, live now in the present, and move forward to the future with full confidence in Jesus. Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Which of the above steps needs more of your attention right now?

The song Unveiled was inspired by 2 Corinthians 3:18 and life’s “veils” which prevent me from having a clearer vision. A “veil” is a covering of my heart that keeps me from understanding. When I turn to God the veil is taken away and I can more clearly see and reflect His goodness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Monastery or Megaphone?

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Click above to listen to Monastery at Eventide from my 7th album A Thousand Years as you read. You can also order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Which do you enjoy most — private time with God, or public ministry to others?

Job 7 and letting tears flow for healing inspired the original introductory and closing notes to my arranging and performing one of Frederic Chopin’s great classical melodies. Monastery at Eventide features his Prelude in E Minor (Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4). This is one of 24 preludes (one for every major and minor key) he composed in the late 1830s at a monastery in Valldemossa, Majorca, a Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain. He requested Prelude in E Minor be played at his funeral, and described the meaning of this piece as the “shedding of tears.”

One of my meditations behind this music is the idea that the depth of our private time with God overflows into the fruit of our public ministry in the lives of others. Instead of “either / or” as the post title implies, this is actually a “both / and” idea…

Instead of choosing one or the other, “Monastery” (quiet time with God) or “Megaphone” (public ministry to others), these two aspects of our faith journey are interrelated and dependent upon one another. I have times when I especially need and enjoy quiet times of solitude — praying, asking, and listening for God’s voice. At other times I am filled with joy and gratitude when I have the privilege of serving others and making a difference in their lives.

When I feel like I am running dry or downcast in my spirit, I know I need to refuel with some “monastery time.” If I find myself wanting to spend too much time alone, I need to lean back into obeying God’s guidance with how He wants me to serve others.

Do you need to invest more “monastery” or “megaphone” time in your current season?

Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”

John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

3 Reasons for a Spirit of Grace

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Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace from Open Spaces as you read (after reading, watch the Spirit of Grace music video). You can also order the Open Spaces CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

What do the words “spirit of grace” make you think about?

This song and the story behind it came to mind this morning. I was reflecting on some life experiences and memories, some beautiful, some ugly, which kept pointing me toward grace. The photograph below is from an unforgettable family visit to the Great Ocean Road in Australia a few summers ago. This image symbolizes three reasons for a “spirit of grace” in my life, relationships, and calling. I hope the music and these inspirations behind it encourage you to consider joining me in cultivating a spirit of grace.

Reason 1: Receiving Grace Leads to Giving in Life. God’s love and grace are bigger than an ocean, surrounding, protecting, and washing over the shoreline of my heart. The more deeply I  receive and am grateful for them, the more they overflow out of my life. This leads to giving love, grace and forgiveness to others, as well as giving time and resources to serve others.

Reason 2: Giving Grace Leads to Blessings in Relationships. God and and the truth of His Word are like the rock along the Great Ocean Road — strong, unshakeable and often bold. God’s grace is like the oceans — deep, wide, and often gentle. After unknowingly doing the reverse for many years, I have found if I first give people gentle, compassionate grace, which is rooted in bold, confident truth, this leads to blessings in relationships.

Reason 3: Blessings of Grace Lead to Freedom in Our Calling. In the verses down below the Holy Spirit is called a spirit of grace, the spirit of truth, and our Helper. Jesus was full of both grace and truth, and the gift of God’s grace saves us through faith. It is easy for me to condemn myself because of my sins, selfishness, imperfections, and failures, which can hold me captive. I can never earn them, but I can receive the blessings of grace. These include being forgiven, others-centered, faultless, flawless and excellent in God’s eyes, all of which lead to freedom in my calling.

Which aspect of grace is inviting you — receiving, giving, blessings?
 
“I’ll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them.” — Zechariah 12:10 (MSG)

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…the Spirit of truth.” — John 14:16-17 (ESV)

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14 (NIV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

“The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.” — Isaiah 11:9 (MSG)

“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” — 1 Samuel 2:2 (ESV)

From Fear to Freedom

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Click above to listen to a portion of Far Away from Home from my 9th album Treasures of Peace. Order the CD or MP3 Album or the Sheet Music. Listen on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora, or your favorite source.

What have you been afraid of in the past, where you now have freedom?

Two issues prompted this new post. First, with almost two months gone, my and your New Year excitement and enthusiasm about all that is possible in 2017 may have begun to fade. Some of this decline can be due to fear. Second, this Thursday, February 23, is “Shine a Light on Slavery Day” where the End It Movement is leading the fight for freedom for an estimated twenty million people in the world being held against their will.

Below are six examples of moving from fear to freedom in my life story. After you read these, I hope you will click the image below to watch the Far Away from Home music video, and look for all the moments of freedom in the story…

Click the image above to watch the “Far Away from Home” music video

From FEAR…
—Being abused by a male babysitter at age nine led to fear and insecurity with my identity.
—Missing the first word in the 8th grade spelling bee led to a fear of public speaking.
—My right leg shaking during piano recitals led to fear of playing the piano for an audience.
—Going from 20 points to only a few minutes per game in high school basketball led to fear as a team leader.
—Failing my first two college exams led to a fear that I may not be smart enough to pass.
—The leap of faith from a fifteen-year business career to full-time music ministry led to fear of failure.

To FREEDOM…
—Being vulnerable instead of hiding pain, brings freedom that God sees me and knows me.
—Focusing on what God thinks of me, instead of what others think, brings freedom in public speaking.
—Surrendering performance, playing for an audience of One, brings freedom in piano concerts.
—Remembering my 30-point game instead of 0-point games, brings freedom in being a leader.
—Recalling my joy in making two B’s after starting with two F’s, brings freedom in giving my best.
—God’s faithfulness since 2004 with Music to Light the World, brings freedom in living out my life calling and purpose.

We all have deep and meaningful fears and freedoms, struggles and victories, tears and joys. Thinking of people being enslaved, whether through human sex-trafficking, work without pay, or other forms of violence and abuse, prompts me to ask God to bring rescue to them physically, from fear to freedom. Recognizing others whose struggles are far greater than mine, prompts me to be much more grateful for the freedoms God has given me by His grace.

What is one fear you have, where God can help you move toward freedom?

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

Expanding Your Valentine Influence

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Click above to listen to a portion of For Such a Time as This as you read, from the new album Climb to the Sky. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this new album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I expand my Valentine influence?”

This idea was revealed to me recently, when the story of Esther was viewed with a perspective of not wasting our influence. The famous verse from her story is at the bottom of this post, and inspired this piece of music. As you are listening, take a moment and ask God to help you notice “divine appointments” on this Valentine’s Day 2017. These will offer opportunities for you to expand your influence. Here is how and why this idea has inspired me to keep alert today, and in the days ahead…

Instead of striving to grow my influence, or comparing my influence with others, this idea focuses on making the most of every opportunity. What if I am watching to notice “for such a time as this” moments, when I can expand my influence? This Valentine’s Day, try looking beyond your closest loved ones (spouse, children, family, friends, etc.) to share love, kindness, encouragement, or a smile with others. This will expand your influence and is likely to increase your joy at the same time.

Just yesterday my morning was “interrupted” by a phone call from friends I had not seen in a long time. As they shared their stories to catch me up on their life, I expanded this moment by listening well, acknowledging their struggles, and encouraging them. Immediately following this I had to resolve a missing part with an employee at a retail store. His customer service was outstanding, and I took a few extra moments to praise him. A few minutes later as I ordered coffee and interacted with the barista, I was able to compliment him, smile, and lift him up for his excellent work. I hope these examples s inspire you to expand your Valentine influence today! Every opportunity is precious to God, and none of them are “small” in His eyes.

Won’t you join me in sharing some love a little beyond your comfort zone today?

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NIV)

A Love Song for Your 2017

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Click above to let the love song Pure Fountain from Open Spaces be your reading soundtrack (then pause it for watching the Pure Fountain video below). You can order the Open Spaces CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Have you ever had a favorite instrumental love song?

With the February 14, 2017 Valentine’s Day holiday approaching, I wanted to offer you a love song without words. Our favorite love songs with lyrics are wonderful, but sometimes creating a musical opportunity to listen for God’s loving “gentle whisper” or “still small voice” can provide a special blessing in my life. I hope this love song for you is a blessing throughout this year.

Reflect on these words from the Lover (God) to his Beloved (you) in Song of Solomon, Chapter 4. Then, watch for them in the Pure Fountain video, receiving this as a love song from God to you for 2017…

“Dear lover and friend, you’re a secret garden, a private and PURE FOUNTAIN. A garden fountain, sparkling and splashing… You’ve captured my heart. I stay until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. Body and soul you are PARADISE. One look my way and…I was hopelessly in love!” (The Message)

Father God, thank you for loving me and forgiving me. Please show me your love today, and throughout 2017. Help me to take notice, and to share your grace and love with others. Amen.

“…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” — Psalm 32:10 (NIV)