31 Days of December Peace: Day 7 ~ The Sweet Gum Tree

December 7, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to the original piano-cello duet Snow Angel as you read (with Grammy winning cellist Eugene Friesen). This track is from 2009 Best Holiday Album December Peace (ZMR Awards, winning over Enya and Yo-Yo Ma). If you enjoy, please consider sampling and ordering the CD, MP3 Album or sheet music. You can also listen and download on iTunes and all other digital outlets.

This story is from 31 Days of December Peace (soft cover or eBook). Also available from Amazon Kindle, iTunes, and other e-Readers.

Where could you use some “December Peace” today?

I loved to climb trees in North Carolina as a boy. Our yard had pines, dogwoods, a few tall hardwoods and a persimmon tree. But across the street was a giant sweet gum tree. This was the dream climb.

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/14083893

The sweet gum tree towered above the rest. The little green, prickly round balls were captivating. They were brilliant green in the spring and summer, and turned brown and fell to the ground in the fall. The trunk was way too big to put my arms around. The top seemed a hundred feet higher. Once you reached the highest branch you could sit on, the world seemed so much smaller down below. You would sway a foot or two in the wind up there. It was only pleasure though – no fear.

It was always fun throwing the sweet gums from up in the tree. “Projectile DNA” is just hardwired into boys. One time some friends and I decided to see if we could hit a car as it drove by. My heart raced. What would happen if we actually hit one? We found out. The screech of tires skidding scared us half to death. A man got out, shook his finger up at the tree yelled something. It sounded like he was saying “blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.” I recall butterflies in my stomach as I was throwing the balls – followed by a gasp as I feared death at the hands of sweet gum road rage! Thankfully the driver decided not to climb the tree to get us. As the car drove away we all sighed with relief and started to retell the story to each other. We didn’t need to throw any more that day.

My soul was stirred every time I climbed that sweet gum tree. There were secret things I discovered up there… freedom from worry, the independence of a bird, the choice to pause and take in the beauty, the awesome power of nature, the wonder and simplicity of childlike faith. I was part of something a lot bigger than myself. It was like I had a part in the story. There did not seem to be any limitations on what was possible in this life.

Did you have a sweet gum tree or favorite childhood hideaway? Where do you find simplicity?

31 Days of December Peace: Day 6 ~ Silent Night Beneath the Light

December 6, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to my arrangement of Silent Night as you read. This track is from 2009 Best Holiday Album December Peace (ZMR Awards, winning over Enya and Yo-Yo Ma). If you enjoy, please consider sampling and ordering the CD, MP3 Album or sheet music. You can also listen and download on iTunes and all other digital outlets.

This story is from 31 Days of December Peace (soft cover or eBook). Also available from Amazon Kindle, iTunes, and other e-Readers.

Where could you use some “December Peace” today?

Peaceful. Content. Joyful. Free. Mesmerized. Filled with a deep sense of wonder and awe.

These words reflect the emotions connected to one of my favorite childhood memories… sitting beneath the street light in front of our home, admiring the endless parade of snowflakes as they emerged from the darkness and entered into the light. The combination of the delicate flakes dancing in the wind and landing without a sound brought me peace.

To this day, when I hear the song Silent Night I can close my eyes and find myself transported back to that sacred place. I can see the individual flakes. I can remember what it felt like when a flake landed on my eyelashes or nose instead of my tongue as I sought to enjoy a frozen treat. It was a peaceful place of solitude and silence where I could get lost in time and thought. I spent hours watching snowflakes fall.Looking back now, I realize how rare an occasion it was for me to sit still as a boy. I was an active kid, always on the run. What was it about that scene that drew me back so often? That kept me silent and still?

Although I was oblivious to my connection with the Creator of the heavens and the earth as a child, today I am convinced that my overwhelming sense of wonder and joy was born beneath that street light. It’s as if God was calling me to experience a silent night, to sit alone with him, to leave the cares of this world (you know the tough stuff like 3rd grade math and watching TV) behind me. I have no doubt that I under-appreciated the silence, solitude and peace available beneath that street light. Fortunately I can still retrieve those moments of peace from my memory bank and relive them in my mind’s eye today from a far more grateful perspective.

When you think back upon your childhood, where did you experience December Peace? Can you close your eyes and go back to that sacred place? Take a moment and get lost in time today. Set some time aside to experience a silent night beneath the light.
Close your eyes. Travel back into your childhood memory bank. Who knows, you might just feel a snowflake or two hit your nose before you open your eyes. Peace be with you.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 5 ~ God Has Not Forgotten

December 5, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to my arrangement of Coventry Carol as you read. This track version is from 2009 Best Holiday Album December Peace (ZMR Awards, winning over Enya and Yo-Yo Ma). If you enjoy, please consider sampling and ordering the CD, MP3 Album or sheet music. You can also listen and download on iTunes and all other digital outlets.

This story is from 31 Days of December Peace (soft cover or eBook). Also available from Amazon Kindle, iTunes, and other e-Readers.

Where could you use some “December Peace” today?

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

When I was seven, growing up on the outskirts of Atlanta, I decided I wanted a motorcycle. So off to the bank I went, not wanting to wait. I borrowed $165.00 with a little help from Dad and Mr. Morris, the neighborhood banker. I worked for 50 cents an hour and purchased a Honda QA 50. Life feels pretty great sometimes and this was certainly one of those times.

As we all get a little older, we realize life can send some very difficult things our way. Some are seemingly by chance, while others are a result of our choices, and we end up feeling like God has forgotten about us. You might say my divorce, illness, death in the family, financial crisis or
emotional storm has left me feeling like I will never surface from the sea of difficulty.

It wasn’t long before I began to outgrow the motorcycle. As a young boy I truly wondered if I would experience the joy and peace of someday having another motorcycle. After what seemed like forever, when I was in the fourth grade, one cold December morning I walked into the den, and discovered Santa had left a Honda SL 70 under the Christmas tree. I can still see the big red bow on the gas tank. Santa did not forget about me, and God will not forget about you, your pain, and the unique challenge that weighs you down.

Hang in there. God can’t wait to surprise you with healing or a new job. Regardless of your challenge, when he wraps your gift you can rest assured He knows just what you need. Trust Him. May December be a reminder of the greatest gift of all – Jesus.

How Does Autumn Refresh My Soul?

November 17, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to World of Wonders from the album A Thousand Years as you read, featuring Amazing Grace. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

What is you favorite season and how does it refresh your soul?

Mine is the fall, followed by spring, summer, and winter. Join me for a moment as I associate words with memories and ways “autumn splendor” refreshes my soul. I hope this triggers some special memories for you of your favorite season.

Invigorating: Feeling cool air and wind on my face
Adventuring: Building boyhood forts out of sticks and leaves in North Carolina
Captivating: Seeing the wide variety of trees and colors
Nurturing: Raking pine straw and blowing leaves
Cherishing: An early October wedding and Vermont honeymoon
Listening: Quiet walks in the woods help me hear God’s gentle whisper
Exploring: Driving in the mountains searching for beauty
Celebrating: Giving thanks for family gatherings and Thanksgiving traditions
Capturing: Photographing radiant leaves (like the one above I took this week)

The piano melody in World of Wonders is “singing” about breathtaking moments of beauty we can notice in nature, whether winter, spring, summer or fall. The emergence of Amazing Grace inside this composition is a symbol of God’s common grace in the seasons, how he cares for creation and for us. This great hymn also embodies the gift of His saving grace and forgiveness.

What comes to mind with the words “world of wonders” and “amazing grace?”

“Sing to God a brand-new song. He’s made a world of wonders!” — Psalm 98:1 (The Message)

“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.” — Amazing Grace first verse; hymn written by John Newton in 1779, and joined to a traditional song named New Britain in 1835 which became its famous melody.

How Beautiful – The Weather Channel Surprise

November 5, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 1 Comment

Click above to listen to How Beautiful from my second album Still Waters as you read. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes, or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

When was a time something you love was part of a great surprise?

Sometimes these events happen in bunches, and sometimes there may only be a few per year. This story happened Saturday, February 1, 2003. I was still a full-time financial planner and had released my second album Still Waters before Christmas 2012. In the midst of Saturday chores and projects around the house, there was a voice mail left on my phone.

It was a friend from Arkansas, and the message said, “I think I just heard your music on The Weather Channel. How is that possible!?” With technology at the time, it took a few days to figure out. A Still Waters CD had made it from a person at work to a person at The Weather Channel to the person in charge of music for the Local on the 8s. The song How Beautiful had been selected for the music rotation, and was playing in the background about once every two hours across the U.S. This only lasted for two minutes during the local forecast.

To my surprise, this led to CD orders from thirty states. There were amazing stories from people who emailed to share they could sense God’s peace and hope in the instrumental music. One was from a lady in Michigan who was folding her laundry. Another was from a young man in a Connecticut hospital. All of this caused tears of joy and a growing sense that something bigger was happening. Was God calling me toward doing music full-time?

The other big surprise was the inspirational verses behind How Beautiful. This was and still is one of my favorite melodies on this album. The piano notes are singing the scriptures almost word for word, which speak of the beauty of serving others in love, and the wonder and mystery of God’s grace and forgiveness.

How beautiful can your life be today in sharing some good news with someone?

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15

“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

Radiant – One Big Idea to Let Your Light Shine

August 28, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Radiant from my first album Walk in the Light. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

What is one of your favorite ways to let your light shine?

If you’re like me, you replay your life like a movie from childhood until now and think about:

What – What gifts and talents do I have that have been a blessing to others?
When – When did I use these to make the most positive difference?
Where – Where was I at the majority of the time?
Why – Why did I let my light shine in these moments?

I love remembering and meeting people whose eyes sparkle with life and extra brilliance. When I notice this in young children I am inspired to nurture my child-like faith, believing anything is possible. When I see this in the elderly, their radiant eyes motivate me with their silent answer, “Yes, seek to live a purposeful, fruitful life, and long to finish well.” Then there are those with dazzling eyes who are any age in between. For me, their shining symbolizes energy and focus on making a positive difference.

Here is the one big idea…

Instead of playing your life movie and filling your thoughts with what, when, where and why, try going all the way down to your heart and soul level. Read and meditate on the ancient Scriptures below about “radiance” and “letting your light shine” and see what this brings up to the top of your thoughts, desires, and dreams.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold. They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins. May they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
— Psalm 19:7-14 (verse 8 in bold is the inspiration behind the Radiant piano melody)

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

How did this combination of music and words inspire you to let your light shine?

Vive La Joye – Finding Joy in Life’s Trials

August 26, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 4 Comments

Click above to listen to Vive La Joye from the album A Thousand Years as you read, featuring one of Beethoven’s famous melodies (Vive La Joye means “joy forever” in old French). If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available). There is also a YouTube video of me performing this song and sharing some of my story – Vive La Joye Music Video. What trial (small, medium or large) is stealing your joy? It was at least 98 degrees on my first day of sixth grade as a new Florida panhandle resident. The 100% humidity added bonus heat and sweat. Within the first hour of arriving at my new school something was amiss. I realized that I was the only student in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades who was wearing short pants! “You can’t wear shorts!” was yelled at me from finger-pointing students. Even teachers looked at me funny and shook their heads. The icing on the cake was being sent to the principal’s office. We had to call and ask my mom to bring me some long pants. She wasn’t home to answer the phone. I think she was at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It was a long day filled with embarrassment, ridicule, patience and endurance. Eventually I was able to forgive my parents for overlooking the fine print in the school handbook. It took a little longer for me to restore my self-esteem in public.

With each middle school “trial” during those years, pleasing people (what others thought of me) was subtly becoming overly important since that first day of 6th grade. Then came the big 8th grade spelling bee. I had always made good grades, so the pressure was on and I was a favorite to win the competition. Silence filled the room full of teachers and students after my first word was called out – “Execute.” With butterflies in my stomach, I nervously spelled E – X – I – C – U – T – E. “I’m sorry. That is incorrect,” was the gut wrenching response from my favorite English teacher. It was another “short pants” fiasco. Pleasing others, trying to be perfect, grew to become an idol for me in life. One day at a time God is doing a work to free me from this by His grace. Life’s trials come in different sizes, from short pants to relationship struggles to facing cancer to losing a loved one. God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and He promises to be with me (Psalm 23). Putting my trust and hope in Him helps me count life’s blessings and even find some joy. What step can you take toward joy in the midst of “short pant” moments or a bigger trials? “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” — Psalm 16:11

Are You Striving or Abiding?

August 19, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 3 Comments

Click above to listen to Abiding from my first album Walk in the Light (2001). If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

Does your life feel more like you are striving or abiding?

I have a great friend who asked me years ago, “If you could only choose one word to describe living by faith, what would it be? I thought for a minute and said, “Obey.” He responded, “Abide.” Another great answer may come to mind for you. He and I still discuss all the life areas where we are striving and wanting to succeed – spiritual, family, work, relationships, health, etc.

There is that word — striving. It can be a good thing to strive. So how did a mental shift influence my story when I realized if striving is a viewpoint, then abiding is like a vista?

Striving involves hard work and faith. Resting involves hard work and faith too. When I shifted my focus from “Striving to Achieve” to “Abiding to Receive” my efforts and results took on a richer meaning. This is a delicate balance, but it helps me remember that God’s definition of success is different than mine, other people’s, and the world’s. Instead of striving in my own strength, by abiding in God’s strength my perspective shifts from depending on myself to depending on Him.

The results of hard work can be the same whether I “strive” or “abide,” but there is a healthy dynamic when I am grateful for receiving results versus celebrating achieving results. Striving is a great word and attribute, so if you still like this word, maybe you can add “striving to abide” to your mindset. I have found if striving is an attitude, then abiding takes life to a new altitude.

Where are you abiding instead of striving? What are you receiving instead of achieving?

The song Abiding was born out of John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” The opening melody symbolizes walking through life with a desire to abide in Christ. The chorus melody represents the good fruit, much fruit, that follows, which only He can produce in and through us.

Wildflowers – 7 Reasons to Press the Pause Button

August 6, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Click above to listen to Wildflowers from Unveiled with piano, vocals and guitar. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available).

What is your response to the phrase “do not be anxious about your life?”

I composed Wildflowers because It is easy to become preoccupied with worrying about all kinds of things. Slowing down and pausing to look at wildflowers in bloom can put things in perspective. The guitar and vocals join in to remind me I am not alone.

Last week I invested time with my family on vacation, and took a ten day rest from social media, blogging, etc. Below are 7 reasons I found it very beneficial to press the “pause” button…

1. Resting. Rest is vital for refreshment and productivity (for more on this, see my post Rest – Are You Receiving It?

2. Quality Time with Loved Ones. A walk on the beach with my wife, a bicycle ride with my daughter, a midnight photo shoot of lightning with my son. Priceless.

3. Being Instead of Doing. It is reviving to marvel at the wonder of creation — ocean waves, thunderstorms, warming sun, treasuring moments instead of checking off to do lists. I also have written a blog post about this: This Very Moment – Being vs Doing

4. Slowing the Pace. We are overloaded with information and activity from all directions. Periodically we need to slow life’s pace to renew our focus for running life’s race.

5. Enjoying a Hobby. I enjoy cooking and photography, so grilling a few dinners and taking lots of pictures were both therapeutic for my soul. I captured the wildflowers above off the southwest Florida coast.

6. Watching Sunsets. I love sunrises and sunsets. I have never regretted taking the time to watch. Either one is a symbol of grace, hope and faith that God is in control. When is the last time you took time to really take in a sunrise or a sunset?

7. Reducing Worry and Anxious Thoughts. Matthew 6:25 (ESV) says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.” Pressing the “pause” button helps me keep things in perspective, to trust God for provision, and to count life’s blessings.

What is your #1 reason to press the pause button right now?

MATTHEW 6:25-34 (The Message)
25-26 “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

27-29 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Why I Composed Bread of Angels

July 7, 2014 By Stanton Lanier 9 Comments

Click above to listen to Bread of Angels as you read. If you enjoy, consider purchasing the song, album download, or CD from iTunes or stantonlanier.com (where sheet music is also available). There is also a popular YouTube video you may enjoy – Official Bread of Angels Video.

Where do you need provision most right now?

Life has taught me there will be times when provision is needed, and I may have little or no control over the outcome. In 2010-2011 the melody Bread of Angels was born out of experiencing things only God could do with regard to providing. Sometimes I see clouds in the sky reminding me of angels and this song. Sometimes life experiences teach me to keep surrendering and trusting. See below for some memories where I was in need and God provided, followed by the verses that birthed the music for Bread of Angels…

Relationally. I didn’t even know or expect this one, but just yesterday my family and I ran into very dear friends who live several states away. We were precisely in the same place in the same moment. What a great surprise and blessing it was to visit and catch up!

Financially. During Music to Light the World’s first ten years, there have been moments every year when we are not sure where the money will come from. God never does it the same way, but has used generous donors, supporting customers, concert opportunities, music licensing, and more to provide just in time financially.

Logistically. When A Thousand Years was released in 2011, I was invited to be interviewed on a Toronto-based television program that reached a large audience across Canada (the show would include a live performance of Bread of Angels). In my excitement, I totally forgot to have my passport ready for the trip (it was locked in a safety deposit box over the weekend and my departing flight was on Sunday evening). All I had was a photocopy of my passport and my apology for forgetting the real thing. It is a long story, but amazingly I made it through seven checkpoints in the U.S. and Canada during the trip. Every customs agent would ask me questions, shake their head in disbelief, and then decide to let me pass through, including a secured screening area where I was instructed to wait for processing.

Our needs for “manna” provision can also be physical, spiritual, emotional, or can involve other life circumstances. These needs and Psalm 78:25 are why I composed Bread of Angels. What memory or verse can remind you to trust God for provision today? “…He (God) rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. Man ate of the bread of the angels; He sent them food in abundance.” – Psalm 78:24-25