Open Spaces and Psalm 119

October 12, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Did you know that the Open Spaces CD cover image was what I saw out an airplane window? Yes, it was January 2013 and I was flying home from Boston to Atlanta after recording six piano melodies, when 20 minutes into the flight I saw the ocean, the sand, the horizon of the sea, a mountain view, the “open spaces” from 20,000 feet. I was captivated and took 40 photos. This is my first post sharing the inspiration behind the album and the title track Open Spaces…

This morning I was having quiet time and reading through my “underlines” from Psalm 119 in The Message Bible. Here is the context behind the new music:

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily, on the road revealed by God…when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set. Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I’m going to do what you tell me to do. I’m single minded in pursuit of you. Be generous with me and I’ll have a full life. I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me — my whole life one long, obedient response. Invigorate me on the pilgrim way. And I’ll stride freely in wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I’ll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. Your promises rejuvenate me. I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk in this pilgrim way. I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word. Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. By your words I can see where I am going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well.

I encourage you to meditate on these words while listening to Open Spaces. You can hear samples on the website or on iTunes. May your spirit be refreshed!

Spring 2013 Recording Sessions

May 1, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

A lot of exciting composing for the new album “Open Spaces” has been happening this year. I am excited to share this insider look into the creation of Music to Light the World’s eighth album, and to share behind the scenes video with you. Below is a 5-minute video collage from Monday and Tuesday, April 29-30, 2013 piano recordings and percussion overdubs, featuring samples of seven new pieces. I hope you enjoy!

Ancient Paths

February 28, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

I loved these two words when I came across them in Jeremiah 6:16 (from around the year 600 B.C.). There is something epic about movies or stories from an “ancient” time period. For some reason we are drawn to fantasies like Lord of the Rings and middle earth, a battle between good and evil from ancient times. Or, to the science fiction of Star Wars – a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. Instead of looking at centuries past as old and outdated, I prefer a perspective of searching for nuggets of wisdom that were learned and applied long before my time.

Jeremiah writes, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Like me, I am sure you have had several “crossroads” in your story. Should I go to the right or to the left? Should I take this risk or play it safe? Should I live by faith or common sense? This ancient scripture instructs me to look, to ask, to seek — Where is the good way? What is God’s best for me right now (even if it seems challenging or difficult)? If I walk in this good way, I will find rest for my soul.

I wrote a new melody called Ancient Paths a while back. Just yesterday, I created a new music video to enhance meditation and reflection on these words from Jeremiah, while listening to the music. I hope you enjoy the video down below. I would love to hear from you with regard to the “good ways” you are seeking, and the tension this can create, as these can often require faith.

The Ancient Paths MP3 single is available for listening and downloading at stantonlanier.com, iTunes, Amazon MP3, and all other download services. Special thanks to Craig Corbin for his amazing images in the video.