Podcast #2: Bread of Angels – The Passport

September 7, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

I am excited to share Episode #2 of the Pianist of Peace Podcast. This one is slightly longer than average, so to receive the most benefit, wait until you can take the time to pause and listen without interruption. There are three elements to help you experience peace and rest, inspiration and creativity in your life today:

Part 1 – A short, personal life story to inspire your journey.
Part 2 – A full-length melody to help you pause and reflect on a specific aspect of your life.
Part 3 – A few questions to encourage and challenge you to live a better story.

This story, and all the stories within the story, were totally unplanned and unexpected. When all this was happening, I knew I had better start writing it down. It fits perfectly with the song Bread of Angels, which expresses the wonder of provision, and how all things are possible. Bread of Angels is on my newest album A Thousand Years. I hope you enjoy…

[buzzsprout episode=’58647′ player=’true’]

Mocah Cream Cake = Peace and Joy

August 30, 2012 By Stanton Lanier 4 Comments

I was just starting my morning and got a call from my brother. He said, “Happy Birthday!” (it’s my 48th today) and shared he woke up thinking about me. He said it’s interesting how as we get older others mean more and we mean less. He elaborated, “Our younger days are often more self focused and self serving. As we get older, life is more about our relationships with others, and serving others before ourselves.” “Wow,” I said. “That’s today’s blog post.”

Below are some short reflections to help you think about your life story and living it well. But first, I wanted you to see my Mocah Cream Birthday Cake.

My wife has been making this for me since 1990, the year we were married. Today I will cut a big slice of my 23rd Mocha Cream Cake. Peace and Joy! When my brother talked about how our perspective changes through the years, I was stirred to remember what was happening in my life from age 8 to 48.

Age 8. Third grade. Beginning to grow out of stuttering as a child. Still struggling with my R’s and W’s. The word “reward” bugs me to this day. Very shy. A few neighborhood friends. Playing little league baseball and basketball. Third year of piano lessons. Elton John’s song “Rocket Man” was a hit.
Age 18. Graduated high school. Started freshman year at Georgia Tech. Had written 15 songs and had 10th and 12th grade piano recitals. Scored 30 points in a high school basketball game. Very special friends and memories. By faith, had trusted God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus.
Age 28. Second wedding anniversary. Had an MBA. Started my third job. Striving for success by the world’s standards. Wanted to be a real estate investor, entrepreneur. Had not surrendered my life and career fully to God. Started studying the Bible with my wife.
Age 38. Fulfilled and on purpose as a financial planner (after “career surrender” at age 30). About to release my second instrumental piano album. Starting to wonder if music was what I was supposed to do. Living for significance was now more important than success. Longing to hear God’s voice.
Age 48. Precious memories and relationships looking back. Top priority to be a loving and leading husband and dad. Not taking life as seriously as I once did. More tears. More joy. More adventure. More wonder. More uncertainty. Grateful for every day. Living in the present. Excited about the future!

How about you? Does your life story have peace and joy today? Who or what needs your focus to live a great story, to serve others well? I’d love to hear your thoughts…

What Are Your Yellow Ribbons?

August 27, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

When I was in 8th grade, I wanted to win the school spelling bee and make it on the Tonight Show as the U.S. National Spelling Bee Champion. I misspelled the first word. I can still remember my favorite English teacher calling out the word, “execute.” I spelled it e-x-i-c-u-t-e. I was devastated. Later that school year I played Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree on the piano for the 8th grade talent show. This was a good life changing moment. I think you’ve had some of these too. There is something you can do with them to inspire your life today. Let me explain.

Stanton Lanier – 8th Grade Talent Show

It was my mom’s idea. She said I should put yellow ribbons all over me as part of my outfit for the talent show. I was nervous, but I went through with it. Everyone loved it. I won third place, if I remember correctly. But this was a “first place” moment in believing I could accomplish something. The spelling bee experience had shattered my public speaking confidence. My “Yellow Ribbons” helped me realize anything is possible.

Did you have a “Yellow Ribbon” moment while growing up? It may have been a coach or teacher that really believed in you. Someone who told you “You can do it.” I had some who did, and some who didn’t. To inspire your life today, and increase your confidence, recall one of your “Yellow Ribbon” moments. Take yourself back into the scene. Listen for the sounds, smell the air, visualize it. Now mix this with some childlike faith, such as “with God all things are possible,” and apply this to a current project, relationship, or dream you have. Keep a long-term mindset and take things one day at a time. But most of all, keep believing!

I would love to hear about one of your “Yellow Ribbon” moments, or if these thoughts give you inspiration for something you are working on.