A new radio interview just broadcast today that shares more of my life and music story: http://www.empowerradio.net/podcasts/artasworship_032712_stantonlanier.mp3. The host decided to title it “Life is an Adventure to Live.” In 1999 I was profoundly moved by this phrase when I came across it in a book called “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge. It was posed as a question – “Is your life more of a problem to solve, or an adventure to live?” Wow. It really cut to the heart. I immediately realized I had been trying to “solve” life ever since my child-like faith and sense of wonder began to be pressed down and diminished after elementary school. There was evidence of it now and then, but I didn’t begin truly experiencing living life as an adventure until 2000-2001, which happened to be when I started composing instrumental music. I hope this interview audio and these written thoughts inspire you to embrace “the adventure.”

Since my song Peace is a top song on iTunes and a favorite of listeners around the world, I wanted to share some of the story behind this melody from The Voice CD. I started composing Peace in December 2004, and unlike most of my songs, it took another six months to reach its final form. It was recorded in August 2005 at the George Lucas Skywalker Sound Studios, and the angelic vocals of Noah Wilding were added at Imaginary Road Studios a few weeks later with producer Will Ackerman.

This composition was inspired by a little girl named Hayley, who died of leukemia at 22 months old, and whose life will always remind me to treasure every moment with childlike faith. The first version of this piece was like a music box lullaby. Near the completion of this project, the music evolved to a deeper place that attempts to share a peace that transcends circumstances, a peace that passes all understanding . . . a peace that Hayley knows and would want us to know. The delicate vocals are like those of an angel watching over Hayley, and each of us. “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).

Hayley’s life and inspiration to so many led to Peace being played at services of remembrance for families who had lost a child to cancer, and CDs being donated to offer hope and healing. Today this program is called Get Music Give Hope and 25,000 CDs have been given away so far. For a powerful video and more information on Get Music Give Hope you can visit https://www.stantonlanier.com/about-mtltw.php.

I have been reflecting a lot during January 2012, and have not posted since mid December. Our family Christmas was joyous and the first week of 2012 was a wonderful family vacation memory with the kids out of school. Our ministry Music to Light the World had its biggest December and 4th quarter ever, which filled my heart with awe, wonder and humility. It was so evident that God orchestrated everything. It made the year 2011 like winning the Super Bowl. Which brings me to my reflecting on “giants.”

I have loved sports since I was a boy, so I have been watching the NFL playoffs. There have been a lot of great games, but the New York at Green Bay game made me think. The Packers won the 2011 Super Bowl, so they couldn’t go any higher. They had an amazing 15-1 regular season, and were striving to win the 2012 Super Bowl for back-to-back titles. There was more pressure. The Giants were the underdog, were on the road, barely won their division…and had nothing to lose. No pressure. Then the upset happened, 37-20, then they beat the 49ers in overtime, and now they are one win away from the title.

I have told friends it takes just as much faith to work hard on a project or be focused on a goal as it does to rest from work or take a family vacation. Whether you had a “super bowl” year in 2011 or more of a struggle, the “giants” of this world are lurking to make you feel pressure, to doubt, to fear, to lose focus on living by faith. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, my burden is light.” Trusting him with the future is simple, but not easy. Whether the Giants win or lose Super Bowl 46, let them inspire you to overcome life’s “giants” in 2012 with God’s help. And, remember to smile, to live with joy and to love others well along the way.

 

In the fullness and busyness of the Christmas season, I was just reflecting on Luke 2 as I spent some time sharing with 5th grade boys about the Christmas story from Joseph’s perspective, and the trust and faith he demonstrated through his life. We finished our time by watching the “Shepherds and Stars” music video, a piece I composed in 2009 for the award winning album December Peace (2009 Best Holiday Album, ZMR Music Awards). This video can be viewed at https://www.stantonlanier.com/videos/default.php

Two thoughts come to mind from the account of the angel telling the shepherds that a Savior had been born to them, followed by the night sky filling with countless angels, a great company of the heavenly host, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 1) The shepherds decided that the event described to them was worth a visit, and 2) We are all “shepherds in the field” going about our lives, and God wants to encounter us, to speak into our lives, during this time of year, which can be stressful and busy.  Remember to “Be still and know that I am God” this Christmas (Psalm 46:10).

Obedience brings joy and uninterrupted fellowship with God (from Unit 9, Day 2 in the Experiencing God study by Henry Blackaby). JOY always catches my eye, and it really jumped off the page in this context. For much of my life I would have been more likely to associate words like “duty” or “hard work” with obedience. Then verses like the following got me out of my comfort zone, and stirred a longing to experience God’s blessings by trusting and obeying: “By faith Abraham . . . obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Just two weeks ago I wondered if He was nudging me to go to Arizona to celebrate Music to Light the World donating 10,000 CDs. They are arriving in Tucson this Friday, and will be gifts to children and their families served by Beads of Courage in 106 hospitals this holiday season. Three years ago a lady had discovered my music in northwest Arizona, where her husband was a pastor. One year ago they moved to Phoenix to serve a local church. Maybe this would come together, but if I were to go to Tucson to celebrate and if I got an invitation to play the piano in Phoenix, the logistics would have been difficult over a short 48-hour weekend. As I prayed and watched to see what God might want to do, keeping in mind this idea about joy and uninterrupted fellowship, I learned that the Beads of Courage board of directors happened to be making their annual visit to Tucson this weekend, and they would be coming up to Phoenix. The church invited me to play at all three Sunday morning services, Beads of Courage invited me to join them Sunday afternoon to celebrate at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the pastor’s wife and a friend invited me to play a Sunday evening house concert. There happened to be low airfares and a special hotel-rental car discount package. My heart is filled with JOY and I am obeying and going even though I don’t know all that will happen.

I happened to watch Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, and it turned out to be an historic game, with several records broken. I live in Atlanta Braves country, so I wasn’t watching as a Cardinals or Rangers fan.  I wanted to watch because I grew up loving sports and love to see championship games when I can.  As my family slept, all I could whisper was “wow” as Texas was one strike away from winning the World Series, twice.  St. Louis, trailing 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with two outs and two strikes, scored two runs on a triple. Score: 7-7.  Then, I said “wow” a few more times, as Texas hit two back to back solo home runs in the top of the 10th.  Then, St. Louis had a two out, two strike single that scored two runs to tie in the bottom of the 10th. Score: 9-9.  Wow.  The 9th and 10th innings were a glimpse of life – the ups and downs, the hope and despair, the victories and struggles.  This reminded me how God’s grace, love and forgiveness rises above life on earth.  Then came the 11th inning, when Texas was held scoreless and St. Louis hit a “walk off” home run to win the game.  Wow.  The scene at home plate gave me chills, as all the players from the dugout greeted their teammate with their greatest expressions of joy on their faces and in their jumping and hugging.  It was then that I realized I was watching a glimpse of heaven.  Life’s sweetest moments are but a glimpse of the wonder and awe we will experience in heaven.  As I continued to watch the celebration, it struck me that even though these “glimpses” are all around us, it seems too good to be true that heaven is a gift rather than something to be won.  Lord, help us to put our trust in the gift of your Son, to have faith that your forgiveness of our sins through His death on the cross is for real.  As real as a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 11th.

I have been battling a cough and cold for nearly three weeks, which has made life very frustrating and reduced my blogging too.  Yet, in the midst of this God has shown that He is there and that He is faithful.  This week I took the next steps looking for confirmation that the “Milwaukee Story” was going to come together as it appeared (I shared how this started in my last post).  It now looks like December 16-19 will include performances in three Milwaukee area churches in Waukesha (30 minutes west), Kenosha (30 minutes south) and West Bend (30 minutes north), as well as one of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinics in metro Milwaukee.  The experience of seeing this come together has been amazing to watch.  It is “exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

From Wednesday to Saturday I have been exhibiting Music to Light the World in Nashville, TN at a large counseling conference with 6,000 attendees. Before arriving I was talking with a church in Milwaukee about possibly coming there for a December Peace concert this Christmas season, and had shared that ideally I would like to have at least one other place to play if I came so far from Atlanta. I had been praying for direction about this, and in the first few hours on Wednesday afternoon I met a pastor and his wife from 30 minutes south of Milwaukee, followed by a worship director from a large church 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. This was an amazing assurance that God directs our steps one moment at a time by faith (Proverbs 16:9).

Some highlights from Experiencing God Week 1…Watch to see where God is working and join Him (John 5:17). Focus on obedience to go with God in the work He is doing and in what He tells me to do. Entrust Him with the future. Think on one thing at a time. Follow His lead. Do not be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Be free (John 8:32). Discern where God is working. Align my “push” with His “pull.” Wait upon the Lord with active patience.

The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country . . . go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Am I willing to follow God by faith and not by sight? “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). When I trust Jesus to guide me one step at a time, I experience tremendous freedom. Thank you Lord for the freedom I will experience in life today by trusting You.