Scoring Big – A Basketball Discovery

March 28, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

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

What is an awesome “mountain top” memory you could call on today for encouragement?

Since this weekend is the Sweet 16 of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (it’s okay if you don’t care), I couldn’t resist sharing a story from my past that I call on from time to time. To set this up, you have to know I was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home of the North Carolina Tar Heels. This gave me a love of ACC basketball, and I would later go to college at Georgia Tech during some great basketball years (1982-1986). I played high school basketball in the Florida panhandle — what I like to call “football country.” We had a Florida state champion football team. Lots and lots of basketball practice, wanting to play in the ACC one day (which did not happen), and having some great teammates at Milton High School, led to two favorite “mountain top” sports moments. My junior year I scored 30 points in a game. I was never more “in the zone” than that night, going 14 for 19 from the field and 2 for 2 from the free throw line (there was no three-point line to reward my long range). My senior year I didn’t have much playing time, but was blessed to be on a team that made it to the Class AAA Final Four for the state of Florida. We lost in double overtime in the semi-final, but it was still a mountain top. During college and early career years I learned that life would be a roller coaster, filled with some mountain tops, and more valleys. When my age matched my career high point total for a basketball game — age thirty — I discovered that the true meaning of success involved surrender, rather than striving to “score big.” It was the year that Joshua 1:8-9 would really take root in my life, and forever alter my game of life. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” There is a basketball player inside me when I compose, record, and play concerts on the piano, seeking to offer God’s peace, rest, hope and healing to listeners. My prayer is that everyone who encounters the Scripture-inspired melodies would discover or re-discover a mountain top moment. What is one of your “mountain top” memories, and how can this give you confidence and courage today?

Keep Dreaming, Even in the Desert

March 26, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Desert Thirsty for Rain (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.

Do you have a big dream, but it seems like you are wandering nowhere in a desert?

We are not alone. This is part of dreaming. It is an important phase of living out our big dreams to do good in the world. “I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away, my heart heavy, like lead. I remembered the old days, went over all you’ve done, pondered the ways you’ve worked, Stretched out my hands to you, as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.” (Psalm 143:5-6, The Message) Several resources and people played a part in inspiring me to pursue a big dream in 2004 — the launching of Music to Light the World. The one I am thinking of today is The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson. It is a modern-day parable that tells the story of Ordinary, who dares to leave the land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. I encourage you to add this to your “dream reading” list. It took five years (1999 to 2004) for me to be ready to experience a big dream’s early phases: Embracing My Big Dream — a feeling grows into a longing that becomes a unique calling, Leaving My Comfort Zone — having courage to overcome fear, to embrace uncertainty, and Meeting Bullies in the BorderLand — learning some will believe and others will not; learning to love people well either way. These are plenty hard to overcome, but the next one can catch you off guard, and could be the most challenging: Entering the Wasteland — a lonesome time in the desert, wondering what is happening, and asking, “where are you God?” and “Why did you give me this dream?” It turns out these times in the desert are not wasted. They help us trust God as the Dream Giver. They help our faith grow stronger. They prepare us for whatever lies ahead, including, as shared in The Dream Giver, blissful times of sanctuary, daunting valleys of giants, and rewarding lands of promise. What next steps can you take to help your “desert” experiences strengthen your faith?

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…

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?

31 Days of December Peace: Where Did All the Time Go?

December 27, 2013 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

The 31 Days of December Peace eBook is available for only $4.99. Download at stantonlanier.com or the Amazon Kindle Store.

On the one hand it is just another month. Through the demands of other’s expectations and crowded calendars, the routine takes over and seems to direct us wherever it wants us to go. Each week is filled with days passing by and each increases in velocity. It can seem quite mundane in the routine busyness of it all. Or worse, it can be a blur of to dos that leave us feeling empty and worn out.

And yet, the fact that December is the final month of the year distinctly sets it apart. Regardless of the type of year we have experienced, it closes that chapter. As we begin turning this page, the ending comes with a new beginning. Something magical happens in us as we realize the passing of time that has occurred; the brevity of this life becomes clearer in our thoughts. We ask ourselves and each other, “Where did all the time go?” as we secretly hope that something meaningful was achieved.

But before we can see the shadow cast completely, December ushers us into in an overwhelming rush of joy, brilliance and awe. We learn again and again… that the world we live in, filled with the beauty and pain of our humanity, has been pierced with the invasion of a supernatural Savior. Rescue has come. Rescue is here. Love becomes real, for Love took on flesh. In the most amazing story in all of human history, God became one of us.

Turning an eye to a new starting line with hope of how we can live out the coming chapter with more vigor, more urgency and yet have greater Peace, we see the opportunity for redemption of time and we can live more contentedly.

So when we see this rightly, December leaves us grateful. Let us write the next year’s chapter well.

Embracing Life's Seasons: 31 Days of December Peace

December 20, 2013 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

The 31 Days of December Peace eBook is available for only $4.99. Download at stantonlanier.com or the Amazon Kindle Store.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1

I remember December 2000 like it was yesterday. I was graduating from nursing school with hopes to start caring for children at a local pediatric hospital. I had met the man of my dreams, and knew that God had finally led me to my future husband. My family was looking forward to celebrating our first Christmas at our new mountain home in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia. It was as if God had brought everything together in perfect harmony.

I had also finished an amazing year of Bible study learning the foundations to live out my faith, and was so encouraged each week by watching God’s work take place in the relationships and lives around me. Celebrating Christmas this year felt different. Snow brought a rare white Christmas. Most vividly, there was a December Peace in my family, not only for me, but also for my sister and my parents. My twin sister had also met her future husband, and my parents were happier than I had ever remembered.

I paused and reflected on the above scripture found in Ecclesiastes 3:1 during this season. I was so thankful for this SEASON I was in, so thankful for this time to embrace, this time to quit searching, this time to love, and this time of peace.

It was in January 2001 when I felt God telling me a different season was coming. I remember thinking He was probably preparing me for my new life with a career, living independently from my parents, and taking care of all my own needs. I remember reflecting in my Bible studies. I had not had a true season in my life where I had to learn about true faith. Maybe this new season would be my time of refinement and growth.

It was January 8 when suddenly my season changed. My amazing mother passed away at the young age of 53. It was not the season I was expecting to go through. I had not focused on “a time to grieve” or “a time to cry” previously. It was through God’s incredible grace I was given that December Peace as the year 2000 came to a close. My life continues with many different seasons. To this day, I look back on that December with such gratitude and hope for the future. This season was “defining” for me personally. It brought me to a new place spiritually. I learned firsthand of my dependence on God to give me that peace that surpasses all understanding. I don’t look back with anger or bitterness. I look back with gratitude. Gratitude for an amazing mother who walked with me for my first 23 years. Gratitude for God teaching me to embrace each season of life. He has taught me how to weather each season that comes, focus my thoughts on what is true and good, and find JOY even when it is not the season I was expecting or looking for.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ~ A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

Open Spaces and Psalm 119

October 12, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

Did you know that the Open Spaces CD cover image was what I saw out an airplane window? Yes, it was January 2013 and I was flying home from Boston to Atlanta after recording six piano melodies, when 20 minutes into the flight I saw the ocean, the sand, the horizon of the sea, a mountain view, the “open spaces” from 20,000 feet. I was captivated and took 40 photos. This is my first post sharing the inspiration behind the album and the title track Open Spaces…

This morning I was having quiet time and reading through my “underlines” from Psalm 119 in The Message Bible. Here is the context behind the new music:

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily, on the road revealed by God…when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set. Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel. I’m going to do what you tell me to do. I’m single minded in pursuit of you. Be generous with me and I’ll have a full life. I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me — my whole life one long, obedient response. Invigorate me on the pilgrim way. And I’ll stride freely in wide open spaces as I look for your truth and your wisdom; Then I’ll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. Your promises rejuvenate me. I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk in this pilgrim way. I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word. Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. By your words I can see where I am going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well.

I encourage you to meditate on these words while listening to Open Spaces. You can hear samples on the website or on iTunes. May your spirit be refreshed!

Spring 2013 Recording Sessions

May 1, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

A lot of exciting composing for the new album “Open Spaces” has been happening this year. I am excited to share this insider look into the creation of Music to Light the World’s eighth album, and to share behind the scenes video with you. Below is a 5-minute video collage from Monday and Tuesday, April 29-30, 2013 piano recordings and percussion overdubs, featuring samples of seven new pieces. I hope you enjoy!

Pure Fountain

February 7, 2013 By Stanton Lanier 4 Comments

Throughout January I was composing and recording seven new songs for the 2013 album Open Spaces, coming in August-September. This kept me from sharing new blog posts with the written word, but now I am back and will be posting throughout 2013.

Things don’t usually happen this fast, but in a matter of hours over the past week, a new Valentine love song, Pure Fountain, was inspired by Song of Solomon, Chapter 4. These piano meditations express the poetic words of the Lover to the Beloved, and birthed a new MP3 single and music video to share for Valentine’s 2013. You can listen to a 60-second sample here and also enjoy listening and viewing the brand new music video below. I hope you enjoy!

31 Days of December Peace: Day 31 ~ Confetti Moments

December 31, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

The new 31 Days of December Peace eBook is available for only $4.99. Download at stantonlanier.com or the Amazon Kindle Store.

Even though I have played the piano or keyboard over 500 times for concerts, events and groups of all sizes, I haven’t been to that many concerts in my life. On July 2, 2012 I got to go with a friend to see Coldplay live in Atlanta. The audience was captivated from the opening moments. Confetti was blown in huge volume from the stage to the ceiling throughout the second song. Then, it floated back down over the crowd in millions of pieces. This was followed by huge, colorful, air-filled balls being hit into the air across the arena. All kinds of celebration symbols were lavished on everyone like it was New Year’s Eve. It was magnificent.

Here is what I learned…

1. Humankind Loves to Behold Beauty. Rainbows of colors and lighting illuminated the stage, the band members, the confetti, and the computer programmed sparkling wristbands (that everyone in the audience was wearing). These experiences illustrated C. S. Lewis’s words that our greatest moments of beauty, adventure and intimacy in this life are glimpses of heaven. Also, that God planted eternity in the human heart. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

2. Humankind Longs for Hope. C. S. Lewis once wrote, “All joy… emphasizes our pilgrim status; always reminds, beckons, awakens desire. Our best havings are wantings.” Pleasure, comfort, safety, security, good health, provision, enjoyment, seeing the world, loving people… these are some of the ways in which we look for and long for hope. The list could go on and on. G. K. Chesterton adds, “I had always felt life first as a story; and if there is a story there is a storyteller.” The idea that my life is part of a greater story gives me hope.

3. Humankind Loves Moments of Wonder and Adventure. C. S. Lewis also said, “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.” There is this hard wiring we are born with. One part says guard your life, another part says go for it – “it” being experiences of wonder and adventure. Life moments that make our heart race – like being mesmerized by nature, taking a faith risk, or serving others in love – are worthy pursuits.

What beauty are you beholding today? What hope are you longing for? Where are you feeling nudged toward wonder and adventure in the New Year? Watch for life’s confetti moments…