Argument or Story?

March 24, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace (from my 8th album Open Spaces) as you read. If you enjoy you can stream, download music, or find sheet music at the following links: Open Spaces CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Desert Thirsty for Rain PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

“Is your life more of an argument or more of a story?”

This question cut to my heart several years ago. It went deep. For most of my life the idea I was supposed to “defend my faith” had taken root. A light bulb came on as I realized my story had been more of an argument up until then. It was good argument — for what was true, noble and right — in a word, for TRUTH. The thing I couldn’t see as clearly was the spirit of judgement and criticism toward others that came with this “truth package,” wrapped in pride with a ribbon of self-righteousness. Even if only perceived by others, this meant they were felt. My friend Ken Boa (www.kenboa.org) says, “Stop taking yourself so seriously, because God has already taken you seriously.” I cannot make myself right. Only God makes me right, and it is by His Spirit of Grace (Zechariah 12:10, Ephesians 2:8). Living a captivating story is so much more compelling than winning an argument, right? Thinking on things that are pure, lovely, and admirable — in a word, GRACE — means loving, accepting, and forgiving well. It means listening to someone’s story and sharing pieces of my story that speak into theirs. It also means being positive in my assumptions toward others versus negative (because I don’t know their full story yet). Living a story of grace is a process. It takes practice. It means mistakes will happen. It weaves a beautiful tapestry of wonder, mystery, joy and tears. Will I live a story of grace today? Will I have a spirit of grace or “ungrace” toward others? As a bonus for reflection, consider watching and listening to the Spirit of Grace music video…

Wherever You Go

March 21, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Wherever You Go (from my 8th album Open Spaces) as you read. If you enjoy you can stream, download music, or find sheet music at the following links: Open Spaces CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Wherever You Go PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

Do you remember the Dr. Seuss book Oh The Places You’ll Go?

Here are a few places my life journey has taken me…Climbing to the top of big trees, wrecking my “spider” bicycle, falling off a horse, getting stung on the lip by a yellow jacket, wanting to quit piano lessons, scoring thirty points in a high school basketball game, working summers at a canoe rental, majoring in chemistry, earning an MBA, being a husband to my bride, selling life insurance, touring the Holy Land, serving clients as a financial advisor, becoming a father with two children, traveling to U.S. national parks (Acadia, Grand Canyon, Yosemite), witnessing a star filled night sky in northern Minnesota, publishing a book, and starting a blog!

Out of all these, and many other experiences, I would have to say the most important moment in my life was placing my faith in Jesus Christ. Even though I am broken and far from perfect, the realness of His love, grace, forgiveness, peace, hope and power in my life have been growing ever since. As my trusting and abiding in Him deepens, life is filled with “Oh The Places You’ll Go” experiences of wonder, beauty, mystery, sadness, adventure and joy. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Is there some place it seems God is asking you to go that will require faith and courage?

Your Favorite Open Space

March 19, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 6 Comments

Click above to listen to Open Spaces (title track from my 8th album) as you read. If you enjoy you can stream, download music, or find sheet music at the following links: Open Spaces CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Open Spaces PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

What is your favorite open space?

Is it a mountain top, a valley, an ocean shore? Is it an open field, the desert, flying high in the sky, being in the middle of the ocean, or somewhere else? This music idea originated from Psalm 119:45 in The Message — “And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom.” Recently I ran across this as well, “We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory” (Romans 5:2). I have always loved a marvelous vista or panoramic view. The mountains are my favorite, but ocean shores and cliffs, canyons, gorges, and long range meadows are not far behind. For me, the incredible heart rush I get from a breathtaking sight is symbolic of the spiritual high and spiritual peace God offers when I press into His grace and truth. He reveals things worth “seeing.” The next time I see a favorite open space, will I ask God to give me a glimpse of His love and grace toward me?