This morning I am taking a leap of faith by inviting you into some of my life story, with the song Peace from The Voice playing in the background. Thanks to the 315 Project for capturing this 3-minute version of my faith story so beautifully on film.
How does my story connect with yours?
I would love to hear from you and will respond personally. You can comment through the blog or contact me via email. Thanks for watching and God bless you in your journey today and this week!
Click above to listen to Rivers of Light from Unveiled as your background reading music (piano and flugel horn duet with Jeff Oster). If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from Amazon, iTunes, or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).
Have you counted your “rivers of light” blessings lately?
Here is why I ask. When I was creating Rivers of Light there were two inspirational verses behind the notes. Whenever I play this piece in concert with its custom video of a north Georgia waterfall and river, it is like a piano prayer — here is why.
The first verse, which is lyrical, meaning the piano is actually singing these words, is from Isaiah 65:24: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” When a friend introduced this verse to me, I was blown away. God knows the prayers in my heart before I even call to Him. And He hears my prayers before I am finished speaking to Him. Wow. Take a moment to pause and open your heart to Him, to speak with Him, to listen for His answer.
The second verse is the overall theme for this song, and encourages me to count life’s blessings. “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:17) This was captured in the CD liner notes: “Desirable and beneficial gifts from heaven are painted in this song as rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” Take a moment to pause and give thanks to God.
How does this “piano prayer” speak into your story today?
Click above to listen to Wellspring from Unveiled as your background reading music (piano and English horn duet with Jill Haley). If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from Amazon, iTunes, or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).
Have you ever had your breath taken away by a cold water spring?
Did you just go for it and jump in, or did you take longer and tip toe your way in? One of my memories is from Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 70 degrees. The cold water will take your breath away, but it is so exhilarating and incredibly refreshing. Here is how this relates to the song Wellspring…
There is a verse that says “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) When I was composing the music you are listening to, I found a way to make the piano have a bubbling or rippling sound. I envisioned myself hiking in a distant forest, coming upon an old well and quenching my thirst with its cool and refreshing water. The English horn symbolizes that I am not alone on this quest to renew my heart daily, to not let it become bitter or hardened.
When our hearts are renewed, refreshed, or even exhilarated by something God reveals to us, or does through us, our living looks more like beautiful flowers or trees. I am still learning to embrace the mystery and uncertainty that is part of this journey into wonder and adventure. Sometimes you just have to “jump” — take a leap of faith — instead of tip toeing, when God invites you into the “pool” of His activity. There is no limit to its size, and instead of coming from underground, His divine “springs” will refresh and sustain you from above.
What step can you take to nurture your heart, your “wellspring of life” today?