Climb to the Sky – Part 1

August 9, 2016 By Stanton Lanier 8 Comments

Visit climbtothesky.com for CD and MP3 Album pre-orders, and October 13th Atlanta release concert tickets. For the time being, I hope you enjoy listening to Taken by a Cloud from my 5th album Unveiled in the background as you read…

What does the phrase “Climb to the Sky” bring to mind for you?

As a young boy I loved to climb trees. Growing up in North Carolina there was a 100-foot tall sweet gum tree in our neighbor’s yard, across the street from our house (I have written about this before — you can read here if you like). My friends and I climbed to the top often, but I also remember being up there by myself. There was something about the quiet, the breeze, the view, and the perspective there was something, some One much greater than me. I didn’t know it then, but Psalm 139 (the inspiration behind Climb to the Sky) would be waiting for me in the future to describe this sense of awe and wonder.

Whether climbing a tree, visiting the mountains, hiking a high trail, or looking out an airplane window, the bigness of the sky is fascinating. What is your favorite “big sky” experience? Fluffy clouds, breathtaking sunrises, captivating sunsets, and starry nights have brought unforgettable memories of the sky in my faith journey. It is not the creation though, but the Creator who offers us a personal relationship through Jesus and His death on the cross to save us from our sins. He had the ultimate climb to the sky in Acts 1:9, which inspired the piano-violin duet Taken by a Cloud.

I hope these thoughts have stirred some of your life’s “climb to the sky” memories, and they give you hope in whatever you are facing today. The “Sky Maker” made us too. He, our heavenly Father, loves us more than we know, and has redeemed us by His Son’s grace and forgiveness. It takes child-like faith to believe, but I have found Him faithful in showing me the way and watching over me in all things. Trusting Him during our quickly passing days on earth prepares us for the ultimate “climb to the sky” and eternity with Him.

What verse from Psalm 139 speaks most to you today (see below)?

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there!” — Psalm 139:1-8 (ESV)

“God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in! Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! — Psalm 139:1-8 (The Message)

An Idea for Clearer Vision

June 15, 2016 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

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 vision, dream, or life circumstance do you wish you could see more clearly?

Sometimes life’s “clouds” keep me from seeing clearly, or understanding why something is happening. On a recent music video trip, the shelf cloud pictured below was our welcome as we scouted a filming location for the next morning. Thunderstorms were likely the next few days, but there was also a chance the weather would be partly cloudy with no rain.

As we hoped, we were able to film a video for a brand new song under cloudy skies at sunrise the next day. The big surprise (seeing more clearly) came the second morning, when an unplanned video for the listener favorite Awaken the Dawn happened to a glorious sunrise that peaked through the clouds. I encourage you to watch Awaken the Dawn here.

For me, seeing more clearly, seeing beyond the “clouds,” involves praying, watching, waiting, or acting, and usually a combination of these. Waiting can be the most difficult, which is where faith comes in. There is a sense that God is revealing next steps toward living out a vision or dream for the future, or living life on purpose, or making sense of life circumstances.

Here is the liner note I wrote for the song Unveiled: “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. See 2 Corinthians 3:18.” There is no guarantee we will see or understand things fully every time. However, I have found that God helps put things in perspective. He is faithful to unveil things in His way and in His time.

What step can you take toward seeing more clearly today?

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)

“…our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, MSG)

Sound Waves – Simplify & Refresh

June 1, 2016 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to J.S. Bach’s Prelude in C while you read. This is from my 7th album A Thousand Years, which features a blend of original composing with unique arrangements of favorite classics and hymns.

What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

I love to experience the wonder of a musical journey, with beautiful melodies and awe-inspiring performances. If you would like to hear some of my favorites, I have created a summer vacation Spotify playlist called Sound Waves (you can listen here).

During a recent music video filming trip, I was able to wake before sunrise three mornings in a row. One morning captured below included the combination of ocean waves with a breathtaking sunrise. The scene was a picture of simplicity and refreshment, which are two of the key elements I love to bring listeners through my music.

If we described our favorite movie soundtrack, “simple” and “refreshing” may not be the first words we would use, but they would likely be in the mix. Two composers who inspire me are J.S. Bach and Hans Zimmer. I love their quotes about music below…

“I’ve spent my life trying to make things simpler. Because I find ultimately that complicated doesn’t reach the heart.” — Hans Zimmer

“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” — Johann Sebastian Bach

Think about how you can simplify and refresh today. Can you use music? Do you need get outside to breathe the air? Take a walk? Find a quiet place? Thanks for joining me on this quest. I would love to hear from you with any comments or feedback.

What is one way you can simplify and refresh today?

“This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” — Ecclesiastes 7:29 (Good News Translation)

Walking in the Light

May 24, 2016 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Walk in the Light as you read. This is the title track from my very first album of Scripture inspired piano in 2001.

How do you know if you are walking in the light?

This question can have a lot of good answers. Last week while filming some music videos in south Georgia, I captured the image below. It is a beautiful symbol of how life brings light and darkness. By faith, we are called to walk in the light.

Isn’t it interesting how the setting sun draws our attention in the photo? We know there is darkness in the world, in life, and even in our hearts. This darkness, and the dark storm clouds pique our curiosity, but we are drawn to the light.

Here are four ideas to consider, which help me know if I am walking in the light…

1. Walk in the light of God’s peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

2. Walk in the light of God’s rest. “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” (Exodus 33:14)

3. Walk in the light of God’s hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

4. Walk in the light of God’s healing. “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)

Reflecting on these truths refreshes and encourages me. I hope they do the same for you. There is light, God’s light, beckoning to us in the midst of life’s storms. I would love to hear from you if this is especially meaningful to you today. You can send your comment down below.

Which idea for walking the light shines the most for you?

Here is the inspirational verse for the song Walk in the Light: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

3 Steps to a Life of Adventure

May 12, 2016 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Call to Me from my third album Draw Near. If you enjoy, check out the CD or MP3 Album, Sheet Music, or visit iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify).

Do you view life more as a problem to solve or an adventure to live?

This question from John Eldredge’s book Wild at Heart entered and changed my life about fifteen years ago. I was composing some of my first Scripture inspired piano melodies, and was beginning to wonder if I should pursue music full-time. If yes, what an adventure that would be! The idea was both exhilarating and frightening at the same time.

Recently I took this photograph of a butterfly. The beauty captured in this moment reminds me that figuratively, we are “made to fly” like a butterfly. We were born for more than to “crawl through life” like a caterpillar. Below are three steps I have used to grow in living a “made to fly” life of adventure.

1. Be Still. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). Being still is a difficult first step in a world full of noise and distraction. To experience this fully requires unplugging from news, email and mobile phone apps. My richest times of stillness come when I am meditating on Scripture, reading a devotion, or praying with a posture of listening for God’s voice. When my desire is to hear from Him, He is a faithful guide in my life decisions and circumstances. He also invites me into adventures which both stretch my faith, and bring a great sense of purpose.

2. Abide. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NASB). Abiding is a verb made up of other verbs — seeking, desiring, and drawing near to God (James 4:8). Psalm 37:4 describes what this looks like: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” A life of adventure with God comes when we join Him in the work He invites us into. Abiding is far more, and better, than coming up with our own good idea, and asking God to bless it.

3. Obey. “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track” (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message). “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV). “Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” (Jeremiah 33:3, The Message). These verses speak for themselves, and Jeremiah 33:3 inspired the song Call to Me. They have been so powerful in leading me into a faith filled adventure with God. He has special plans and purposes for each of us, which are beyond what we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I pray for God’s revelation and blessing over your journey with Him.

Which step toward adventure is most meaningful in your life right now?

Rembrandt’s Prodigal: A Life Lesson

April 27, 2016 By Stanton Lanier 6 Comments

Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace as you read (from my 8th album Open Spaces). If you enjoy, visit the online store to order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music. You can also download or stream on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Can you find yourself in Rembrandt’s painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son?”

The three main characters in this renowned painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son” are also found in The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) — the father, the younger brother, and the older brother. This story and painting have transformed my life, and are a deep source of inspiration behind my music and calling.

As I share how and why, look for yourself in the story. I believe this can be transforming for your story too… (please see the two excellent resources down at the bottom, which have spoken very powerfully into my story as well).

The Younger Brother (Kneeling). For much of my life this parable in Luke was a wonderful story. The father’s forgiveness of his youngest son was a beautiful symbol of God’s forgiveness of my sin. This picture of God’s grace spoke to me, but my wonder was limited. I couldn’t relate. This youngest son had taken his share of his father’s estate and squandered it all on reckless living. I am the oldest of three sons. I wanted to please my parents and follow the rules. However, I did envy people who seemed to be having so much fun with “reckless living” (I also quietly judged them). I have had my “prodigal son moments” in life, but I didn’t think this story applied so much to me, since it was really for those who had “lost it all.” Or was it?

The Older Brother (Standing). I can relate to the older brother. This is me, since I have two younger brothers. Because the “Prodigal Son” story doesn’t focus so much on the older brother, I thought I was safe. His story is in the last section of the parable, more of a footnote than the headline. He had stayed home, spending his life serving his father and taking care of his estate. He was prudent, not reckless. However, when his father held a great feast and party to celebrate his younger brother’s homecoming, the older brother was angry and refused to go in. It took many years for God to reveal this “aha” moment in my life. For too long, I had taken life too seriously, not having enough joy, and quietly holding a self-righteous pride in my heart. Now the story did apply to me. God was showing me I needed His love, grace, and forgiveness just as much as the younger brother.

The Father (Touching). As Tim Keller and Henri Nowen so eloquently illustrate, God can enable each of us to have the heart of the father in the story. He loved both of his boys, the youngest and the oldest. His love was filled with grace, acceptance, and forgiveness toward both, more than either son realized. This revelation is what transformed me. God wants me, wants us, to be like the father in the story — to love people well, to grow in seeing them through His eyes, from a heart of grace, forgiveness, and acceptance. The “heart of the father” has been breaking through in my life ever since. This is the heart behind my music — to meet people where they are, to express God’s peace, rest, hope and healing through Scripture inspired piano.

How does this speak to your story? What character are you? Who do you want to be?

The following are links to two of the very best books on this subject, which offer amazing insights into the deep meaning of Luke’s writing and Rembrandt’s painting: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Tim Keller, and The Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen.

Finding Life’s Open Doors

April 19, 2016 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Click above to listen to The Voice, the title track from my 4th album The Voice, as you read. If you enjoy, visit the online store to order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music. You can also download or stream on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

What is an “open door” you are walking through or wishing for?

In this sense an open door is something filled with God’s goodness. It could be a new job, a creative project, a family vacation, some fresh joy in your marriage, finding your soulmate, or anything good your heart desires.

One of my “open door” wishes right now is new music. I am composing for a new album coming this fall. As I seek and meditate on verses to become Scripture inspired piano, the process can often seem very slow. Sometimes nothing comes. Sometimes portions of a song come quickly.

As I experience life’s ups and downs, instead of focusing on my frustrations, I am wanting to remember the blessings. It is not a perfect journey, but when I seek to hear God’s voice, and offer a heart of worship to Him, I see more clearly and He reveals more “open doors” of His goodness.

Below are some verses I lean into, whether I am walking through, or wishing for an open door. I hope these inspire your story today, and pray God reveals more of His goodness to you.

…but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. When Elijah heard the quiet voice… 1 Kings 19:11-13 (The Message)

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.”
Psalm 34:8-9 (The Message)

Which of these verses moves you closer to your open door?

Cultivating the Artist Child Inside You

March 15, 2016 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Click above to listen to Wherever You Go as you read (from my 8th album Open Spaces). If you enjoy, visit the online store to order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music. You can also download or stream on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Are you cultivating the artist child inside you?

The photo below is from the 8th grade talent show, when I performed Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree. But this did not happen naturally or easily. In kindergarten and early elementary school I stuttered when I talked. I am still reminded of this today, whenever I say the word “reward” with the “r” and “w” sounds. Even though I began piano lessons at six years old, well into my teenage years my right leg would always shake when I played for an audience. And, in the 7th grade I wanted to quit piano lessons because it did not seem cool anymore, and I wanted to focus on basketball.

As I started writing songs in high school, both piano and basketball were my two favorite things in life. However, as I looked ahead to a college education and career, the voices speaking into my life all said “You are a good at math and science, and a smart student. You should be an engineer.” Very few people, if any, believed that piano or basketball could be a career choice. Guess what began to happen to the artist child inside me? Conformity began to overtake creativity. Fear began to replace child-like faith.

I just finished reading The Artisan Soul by Erwin McManus, who for fifteen years has been a voice God has used to inspire me to nurture the artist inside me, and to seize divine moments. Erwin writes (viewing God as our Creator), “…we are both works of art, and artists at work. At first our soul is like a canvas where others begin to paint the portrait of who we are. Slowly as we develop and mature, we take the brush into our own hands and continue painting our own lives.”

I have also been meditating on Psalm 139, which has an amazing section… “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day” (The Message).

I hope these thoughts, and some part of my life story inspire you to nurture and cultivate the artist child inside you. God has given each of us a unique set of passions and abilities. I encourage you to visit yours often, to practice them with a spirit of child-like faith and adventure. Be sure to make time to create. Don’t replace your creativity with conformity. You are an original work of art!

What step can you take to cultivate the artist child inside you?

P.S. Wherever You Go was carefully chosen as the music stream for this post. The song was influenced by some music rhythm and life conversations with my teenage son, and was inspired by Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.“

3 Ideas to Care for Your Soul

February 17, 2016 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Before reading, click above to listen to the title track A Thousand Years from my 7th album, with piano and English horn. For more listening or sheet music from this album you can click here.

Is everything well with your soul?

As I think about this question it points to the three parts of the song A Thousand Years. Each represents an idea to help care for your soul.

1. Live with Simplicity and Childlike Faith (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
I was inspired to arrange Mozart’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for this piece, to represent childlike faith. The image below expresses how I want to live life — with adventure, joy, faith and trust (“the swing” was captured in Vermont during the April 2011 recording of the album). Remember the first time you climbed a tree? The first time you rode a bicycle? The first time you saw the ocean? The first time you saw the mountains? Care for your soul by remembering, giving thanks and asking God to help you follow His leading. Nurture simplicity, and take leaps of childlike faith into greater adventure, joy, faith and trust.

2. Live out of Silence and Solitude (Original melody)
The original melody that opens and appears throughout A Thousand Years flowed out of a place of peace and rest. For me, this sense of contentment comes from practicing silence and solitude, usually early in the morning. Caring for our souls happens best when we unplug from technology, distraction and noise. My favorite things to do during this time are reading and meditating on Scripture, praying, and listening for God’s voice. Practicing silence and solitude results in God speaking into my life through His Word. Even during times when He seems distant or quiet, I have learned to trust in His promises that He loves me, He believes in me, and He knows my needs before I ask.

3. Live from a Place of Surrender (It Is Well with My Soul)
The third part of A Thousand Years is the famous hymn It is Well with My Soul. The author’s story of surrender is profound. He never knew his words would impact millions of lives. In 1871 Horatio Spafford’s extensive real estate holdings burned in the great Chicago fire. For two years he and his wife served people in need after the fire. In 1873 they planned a family holiday trip to England. Needing to finish some business, Horatio sent his wife and four daughters ahead to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Their ship was struck by another vessel and sank. His wife was saved with a few others, but 226 people drowned, including all four of their daughters. As Horatio Spafford traveled by ship to join his wife, when he passed over the waters where his daughters died, he penned the words to It is Well with My Soul (Wikipedia). When we surrender and abide in God’s strength, “it is well with my soul” becomes true for us as we experience His presence and live for His glory.

Which of these ideas or verses below can help you care for your soul?

Psalm 16:11
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.

Habakkuk 2:20
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Proverbs 3:5-6
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.

What is a “Pure Love” Song?

February 11, 2016 By Stanton Lanier 15 Comments

Click the play button above to listen to the love song Pure Fountain as you read…then pause it when you are ready to watch the video down below.

Have you ever thought about “true love” as “pure love?”

With the February 14th Valentine’s Day holiday approaching, I was thinking about how common the phrase “true love” is around the world. For example, “Yes, it must be true love” or “Have you found true love?” A phrase I have not heard used so much is “pure love.” Have you heard either of these before? “Yes, it must be pure love” or “Have you found pure love?”

Take a few moments to slowly read over the words below which express the depth and richness of the words “true” and “pure.”

TRUE: correct, accurate, right, verifiable, factual, what actually/really happened, genuine, authentic, real, actual, bona fide, proper; sincere, genuine, real, heartfelt, from the heart, loyal, faithful, constant, devoted, steadfast, unswerving, unwavering; trustworthy, trusty, reliable, dependable.

PURE: unadulterated, uncontaminated, unmixed, undiluted; sterling, solid, refined, one hundred percent; clarified, clear; flawless, perfect, genuine, real, clean, fresh, sparkling, unpolluted, untainted; wholesome, honorable, reputable, clean, honest, upright, upstanding, exemplary, worthy, noble, blameless, guiltless, spotless, unsullied, uncorrupted, undefiled.

Now, with these in mind, watch the Pure Fountain (Love Song) music video, and receive this as a love song from God to you personally. Listen to the music as a love song gift from Him to you. Meditate on the words from Him to you. Reflect on how much He loves you and believes in you — true, pure, paradise.

Words from the Lover to his Beloved (God to you) in Song of Solomon, Chapter 4:

“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)

Consider asking: God, would you reveal Your true and pure love to me more deeply?

Jesus sees us long before we see Him. He knows us. He brings to us His true and pure love. He brings to us His grace and forgiveness of our sin. Based on everything I know about Him, He believes in you (and in me). His is a “pure love” song.