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).