31 Days of December Peace: Day 28 ~ Pursuing Your Passions, Part 1

December 28, 2012 By Stanton Lanier 1 Comment

In 1994, at the age of 30, I surrendered my career life to God and asked Him to show me what He wanted me to do. After getting an MBA and spending five years in consulting and sales, the time had come to trust God 100% instead of asking Him to join me in what I was doing.

In 1995, God called me to Ronald Blue & Co. to become a financial planner. It was the clearest sense of direction I had experienced in my life. So clear, in fact, that I thought the greatest blessing was that I had found my life calling. It was a joy and a privilege to wake up each day and give financial counsel to clients based on a biblical perspective.

Working with clients on financial and life stewardship caused me to ask myself the same questions I would often discuss with clients. How much is enough? What are your passions? As I reflected, my heart was stirred to revive a lifelong passion I had for playing the piano and writing songs. “Baby steps” of faith led me to a place where God inspired me to compose instrumental melodies to help people slow down and experience His peace. The next year, I released my first CD and gave it away to friends, clients and co-workers. More and more people began to enjoy and share my music and two more albums followed.

Below are the first two steps that had a powerful impact on my faith journey. I hope they inspire and encourage you to pursue your passions.

1. Invest. In 1999 I had a stirring in my heart that I was supposed to invest in a keyboard and computer to record some old songs I had written in high school. God’s voice just would not go away on this, so I gathered information for six months, waited upon the Lord, and took action steps to obey and invest. Following this, God revealed a new idea to create solo piano from scripture to bring peace to the soul. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

2. Invigorate. What is it that invigorates you (i.e. refreshes, revitalizes, stimulates, enlivens, energizes, rejuvenates, animates, strengthens, livens you up)? Make sure to integrate whatever “it” is into your life, even if this means just a few minutes each day or a few hours each week. Make the most of life right now where you are. “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free” (Psalm 119:32).

Are you hearing God’s still small voice telling you to invest in some way? What invigorates you?

To be continued tomorrow…

31 Days of December Peace: Day 27 ~ Where Did All the Time Go?

December 27, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

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.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 26 ~ The Skyride

December 26, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Every December, high atop Georgia’s Stone Mountain, there are long strings of lights fashioned to a tall pole, arranged in such a way that from any part of the city of Atlanta, it looks like a giant Christmas tree.

Stone Mountain is just what it sounds like, an enormous mountain of granite that rises almost 900 feet into the suburban Atlanta sky. It’s got a carving of three confederate soldiers on its face, the largest carving of its kind in the world. And all around the mountain are tourist-friendly activities. A train, a riverboat, even a 3-D movie and mini-golf.

There’s also the Summit Skyride, high-speed Swiss cable cars that transport passengers from the base of the mountain to the top. Skyride operators collect tickets, load the cars, and press the buttons that put the whole process in motion. In college, this was one of my jobs. I was a Skyride operator for an entire summer, and when Winter Break hit, I went back for a few weeks to earn some extra money.

In December, the Skyride operator had an additional responsibility. One operator per day got the opportunity at dusk to flip the switch that powered the lights of the Christmas tree. With one motion light shined to an entire city. Nearing the end of my 3-week holiday stint, I finally got my chance to turn on the Christmas tree. I’m pretty sure Christmas day had already passed, but I didn’t care. I was excited about the privilege of powering it up. On that night, I brought the light of Christmas to an entire city. Never mind that it was a simple task and if I had not done it, any other minimum-wage-earning chump like me could have accomplished it.

I think that was part of the beauty of it. Becoming a source of light to others didn’t require a fancy job, expensive degrees, or full bank accounts. It just required a willingness to serve and a single touch.

Christmas is a reminder to all of us that God has brought light to the world. Without the birth of Jesus and the glory He carried into this broken planet, there would be no peace on earth in December or any other time. Through Jesus, God reached down and touched humanity. And that touch illuminated not just the city of Bethlehem, not just the world at that time, but it provided light for all cities, for all times, for every person, forevermore. Jesus didn’t have a fancy job, a college degree, or a lot of money. His parents didn’t even have a room to stay in upon his arrival. He was born and placed on hay in the rough rock of an animal feeding trough.

And that moment continues to be the pinpoint that opened a dark world up again to a flood of the brilliant and beautiful and breathtaking light of God.

May the Light of the world bring peace to you and your city this December.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 24 ~ Christmas 1914

December 24, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Approximately 7 million soldiers lost their lives in World War 1. Much of the war took place in the mud in central Europe where Germans, French and British soldiers lived in trenches for years at a time, their feet wet and their bodies chilled. It was a war of inches. The Germans would advance 100 ft. and many lives would be lost. Then the French and British would advance 125 ft, reclaiming 25 feet of real estate, and again many lives would be lost.

It was Christmas Eve, 1914 when the Germans began singing Christmas Carols. The British and French soldiers answered with many of the same carols in English and French. On Christmas Day a German soldier hesitantly came out of his trench with one of the many Christmas trees which had been brought to the front to cheer up the German soldiers. Other trees were added. A few, and then many British and French soldiers joined the Germans. They shook hands. Some embraced. Someone produced a soccer ball and they spent Christmas Day playing soccer together. They exchanged chocolate, champagne and cognac, cakes, candy and tobacco. They showed each other photos of their families.
This spontaneous display of man’s desire for peace, and for the meaning of Christmas for all of them, is one of the great testaments to the potential goodness of humanity. The armies did not approve and many men were disciplined, but it was an act of love, charity and peace even in war. It was Christmas.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 22 ~ The Greatest Gift

December 22, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Sunday, November 28, 1972. It was a big day. A really big day.

I turned 11, and my parents gave me the greatest gift ever – a black Schwinn bike, complete with a sparkly, silver banana seat and high handle bars. It wasn’t just cool, it was going to be the coolest bike in the bike rack in front of Ben Franklin Elementary School on Monday… and, it was!

Friday, December 3, 1972. It was a bad day. A really bad day.

Probably in my arrogance, I was admiring my new bike more than I should. I parked it in the bike rack that morning and in a rush, failed to remember to put the lock on it.

During recess, I took every opportunity to look at it. It was so cool. But when I came out at the end of the school day to get my incredible bike to ride home, I couldn’t believe me eyes. My stomach dropped. There was the bike rack. But my bike was nowhere in sight. It had disappeared. Stolen.I ran inside to the principal’s office and turned in a report, although I don’t think it did much good. Mr. Taylor wasn’t very fond of me anyway. It was a long, long walk home that day.

Friday, December 24, 1972. A day I will never, ever forget.

My extended family on my mom’s side had driven from Dallas and Waco to spend Christmas with our family. Among the bunch was my great uncle Bill (his real name was David, and I was named after him).

Uncle Bill was one tough hombre, as bald as bald could be. All of us kids were all a bit scared of him. He never married because he was in the FBI… whoa! He would never tell us what he did, so you can imagine what we thought he did. Uncle Bill lived by himself in an old house where my great-grandparents had lived in Waco, Texas. I always remember thinking how poor he was.

Christmas Eve can be magical for a 10-year-old boy. You can guess what I hoped for, but knew I wouldn’t receive.

Of course, another bike.

Sure enough, when Santa showed up… Schwinn did not. I knew it was all my fault I didn’t have a bike.After we opened our presents, Uncle Bill called my dad and me into my parents’ bedroom. I remember it like it was yesterday. I thought I was in trouble, as it was a condition I often found myself in. Uncle Bill pulled out his old leather wallet, opened it up, and took out a crisp brand new $100 dollar bill. I had never seen one in my life. He told me he heard about my bike being stolen and wanted to give me $100 dollars so I could go with my dad to get a new bike.

I just stared at it. I couldn’t believe it. Tears come even now, as I see this memory so clearly in my mind’s eye.

You see… generosity changes everything. I never looked at Uncle Bill the same. Here was a man that gave far more than he could afford to help a kid get a bike. Generosity is a strong, powerful, and mysterious thing. It changes us when we do it. It changes us when it’s done to us. That day forever changed that boy and this man.

May you experience generosity and the peace that comes from it this December, as we celebrate the One who would give the greatest gift of all.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 18 ~ My Favorite Month

December 18, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

December is my most exciting month of the year. It is the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. When I reflect on our Savior and what He has done for me on Calvary, I have so many things to be thankful for, and I rejoice in all that Jesus has made available to me.

Jesus is my Peace, my Healer, my Comforter, my Joy, and my Strength. When I think on the works of His marvelous hands, I recognize my future is in Good Hands. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I can look forward to having peace in the new year and walking in God’s plan for my life .

December is the month when I reflect on how Jesus made a difference in my life throughout the past months and seasons. Never has Jesus failed to bring me through. As I travel along this journey, I have an assurance I am never alone because Jesus promised in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave or forsake me. When I know Jesus is the one lighting my path, I can see brighter days ahead. December is the month I take pleasure in celebrating our Savior with Christmas carols, love, unity, and fellowship with those who have impacted and made a difference in my life. I also make a great effort to give back to those who may not know the love of God. I realize throughout the year I have been blessed to be a blessing, so I seek to allow my life to be a blessing to as many as God would have me serve. I celebrate my Savior by lifting Him up and magnifying His name in the midst of those who need a word of encouragement, and hope.

December is the month I look forward to giving out some of the most beautiful and inspirational greeting cards. While drinking hot cocoa, I write words expressing my love. My favorite December songs are Silent Night and Holy is the Lamb. I am always anticipating God raining down some snowflakes, giving us a white Christmas that shows reverence for His Holiness.

December brings me great joy because I know in my heart Jesus is real, and everything begins to reflect Christ’s love. People are more generous; all over the world songs are being sung about our Savior’s birth; amazing miracles are expressed and talked about over the news; lights are bright throughout the nights, and the world has a heart of giving. Children are laughing and playing, and everyone is anticipating the birth of something new.December is a time I reflect on God’s Peace. There is always a feeling of God’s awesome presence moving around us that lets me know all is well. December is the last month of the year, and I know God speaks about our “Latter being Greater.” As I look back, and look ahead, I can actually testify as to how God’s Peace has calmed all my storms.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 15 ~ Granddaddy's Old Hat

December 15, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

A week away from Christmas… and as a little fellow that meant helping my grandmother pick pecans under the large trees that covered the dirt road like wings from an angel. Granddaddy might drop us off, and might even hang out, but he rarely got out of his faded blue truck. Even still, he was sure to point out the ones I might have missed. It was such a great moment, sitting in the rumbling leaves listening to my grandmother’s rake, occasionally hearing the spitting of tobacco from my grandfather, and making sure not to pick from that area.

Soon we were finished and had enough to provide a couple of pecan pies that would be served the night before Christmas at my grandparents’ home, where we exchanged gifts. Our Christmas Eve tradition was to go to my grandparents’ home along with most of my extended family. A meal was served and there sat those pies and the memory of the pecan gathering a few days before. We would always exchange names the year before, and at the end of the night it was my grandfather’s duty to hand out these gifts. I think he truly enjoyed this, especially with the little ones, who he would joke around with, and even tickle their ribs before handing over the magic box of unknown. I can still see him sitting in that old chair on top of our little world doing his thing.

Of course every day comes to a end, and after cleanup the night would come to a close. Once names were drawn out of my grandfather’s old hat we would have all we needed for next year. With a hug and a Merry Christmas we were home bound. Which for us was three houses down.

Tired from the night, it was time to try and sleep. Although it was an ending for us kids, it meant a beginning for my father, who might have to assemble a bike or a train set. We never got piles of gifts, as we knew the meaning of Christmas was a birthday for our Lord. Yet, we got plenty to make us wake up early the next morning and see what was waiting for us. It was such a simple time in life. Now as a father of an almost two year old girl, I will see the glow in here eyes on Christmas Eve. Although a lot of time has passed, and my grandfather passed away many years ago, I hope my daughter will have special memories of our simple celebration of Jesus Christ. In the end, that is the best gift I can give her, and that story will never change. Merry Christmas!

31 Days of December Peace: Day 13 ~ What is Your Drum?

December 13, 2012 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

I am a conflicted human being. Dad has a PhD in analytical chemistry and Mom majored in art. I grew up liking math and numbers. Sometimes I still catch myself counting my steps as I walk. I can hear musical melodies in my head, and started composing by ear when I was fourteen. I majored in chemistry, have an M.B.A., and spent fifteen years in the business world before becoming a pianist-composer in 2004.

Growing up I kept discovering what I didn’t want to be. I didn’t want to be a doctor. My mom talked me into being a Candy Striper volunteer at our local hospital when I was fourteen. I didn’t like the sight of blood, but was determined to conquer this fear. One day I got the courage to watch a nurse draw blood into a tube from a lady’s arm. Shortly thereafter, standing straight up, I fainted outside the hospital gift shop. My medical career was over. I still have a knot on my head where it hit the concrete floor.

I searched for my calling at a canoe rental, a paper mill, a carpet plant, a soft drink facility, a consulting firm and an insurance company. Then, at age thirty, I experienced what I call “career surrender.” I basically said, “Lord, I give up. Please show me what you want me to be.” My steps were so clearly directed to a financial planning job that I thought I would work there for the rest of my career. What I began to learn, however, was to surrender my faith, my family, my work and my life to God.

The Little Drummer Boy story has always inspired me. At the end the poor little drummer boy says, “What gift can I bring?” as he stands before the baby Jesus. He sees the gifts from the wise men and knows he cannot afford a gift so grand. His friend says, “play your drum.” As he plays the baby Jesus smiles. What a beautiful picture. I believe we all have a special “drum” to play that is unique to us. Some of us discover this very early in life. For some of us it takes time for it to surface. Sadly, some of us don’t look for it, or keep putting it off until “someday.”

What is your drum?

31 Days of December Peace: Day 12 ~ Finally Home for Christmas

December 12, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Esther looked out her window at the gathering gloom of dusk and accumulating snowfall. It would be a long night here at the nursing center and she hoped that tonight her roommate would finally sleep. The long nights of intermittent moans and raspy breathing did nothing to help her own discomfort, tethered as she was to the ever-present oxygen cannula since her last heart attack in June. Her decision to stay here in New England rather than to live with her daughter in the Midwest had been hers, one she was at peace with after much thought and prayer. Yet tonight, despite the colored lights and garland at each window, it hardly seemed like the Holidays here, much less Christmas Eve. Trusting in her Lord and His providential care for her was a great comfort; but the nights here could be so lonely… especially on this night…

Staring into the darkness, watching the swirling, playful snowflakes’ procession on their way to join the blanket below, she could not help but think back over her 89 years to the happier days of girlhood; to the Christmases of days gone by, with the expectation of Santa Claus and presents. There was Mamma’s cooking and Daddy’s stories, all jumbled together with memories of her own children, in like manner, now all grown and gone with young adult children of their own. She thought wistfully of her own dear Bill, of a Christmas Eve proposal and a lifetime of love and sharing. He was now long-gone to be with Jesus and her heart ached, just to see him smile…to hold his hand… to hear him call her “Essie” one more time. Her family, busied with their own children and grandchildren, managed to call fairly frequently these days… always a lift for her spirits. But, it was not like being there, amidst it all, as impractical and impossible as that was now. The cycles of life, intertwined and spinning together like the dancing flakes before her, were always moving, always changing…
Finishing her bedtime routine, complete with her daily Scripture reading, she slipped beneath her covers and sighed audibly. She remembered the baby Jesus, another unnoticed sojourner; a pilgrim forgotten by the very world He came to save. She remembered John 3:16 and thought about the Father’s Gift, the Light of the World, and how strange it must have been for this infant King; our God wrapped up in flesh, to be away from His home… just so we could know Christmas…

Drifting now, headed for sleep, she breathed a wearied but fervent prayer: “Just to be Home, Lord Jesus… Home with You… Home with Bill… just to be Home…” Her breathing steadied as sleep overcame her. The minutes passed; then an hour, then two, as steadiness gave way to slowing, slowing now to a peaceful still.

And somewhere in the blustery, wintry darkness, Light said, “Come,”…and she did!…

31 Days of December Peace: Day 9 ~ Peace on Earth

December 9, 2012 By Stanton Lanier 1 Comment

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

Peace on earth begins with peace in the human heart. It is the result of an inner transformation that affects external conditions. So for example, if a home is conflicted over angry adults, then peace will come when hearts have been captured by peace with God. When Jesus enters the arena of life, He brings peace to those who submit to Him.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2a).

Are you stressed out over meeting everyone’s expectations? Is the pressure of buying gifts, planning menus and making year-end financial decisions pushing your patience to the edge? If so, inhale the peace of God and exhale the expectations of others. Be careful to not miss the joy of Jesus during this celebration of His birth. Focus on His desires.

Peace on earth does not mean all wars will cease. As our Savior taught, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Mark 13:7). In fact, many times following Christ means a clash with the morals of society, a discomfort with family members and conflict with your work culture.

However, in the middle of our situations of unrest, we can rest in the Lord. The calming presence of Jesus was illustrated as He lay in swaddling clothes as the world’s Savior. His peace pursues impure hearts – He came to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). So begin by surrendering to your Master Jesus, who began His reign in a humble manger.

Worship the glory of God in all of His goodness, mercy and grace. Wise men and women still seek Him, because He is the originator of wisdom and peace. His favor rests on those who rest in Him, love and obey Him and follow Him all the days of their lives. So, settle down and see Jesus. Replace your frantic pace with calm faith and loud noise with silence. Invite the peace of God to enter into your hurried heart. His peace settles stress.

Lastly, use this season of celestial celebration to celebrate your salvation in Christ. Maybe bake a birthday cake for Jesus and sing happy birthday to your Savior. Dress up in His honor and read the Christmas story. Encourage the children and grandchildren to take on Bible character roles and act out that special day in Bethlehem. Most of all, by grace, model for a world without peace – the world of peace Jesus gives you.

Have I made peace with God? How can I rest in His peace under stressful situations?