Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Expanding Your Valentine Influence

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Click above to listen to a portion of For Such a Time as This as you read, from the new album Climb to the Sky. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this new album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I expand my Valentine influence?”

This idea was revealed to me recently, when the story of Esther was viewed with a perspective of not wasting our influence. The famous verse from her story is at the bottom of this post, and inspired this piece of music. As you are listening, take a moment and ask God to help you notice “divine appointments” on this Valentine’s Day 2017. These will offer opportunities for you to expand your influence. Here is how and why this idea has inspired me to keep alert today, and in the days ahead…

Instead of striving to grow my influence, or comparing my influence with others, this idea focuses on making the most of every opportunity. What if I am watching to notice “for such a time as this” moments, when I can expand my influence? This Valentine’s Day, try looking beyond your closest loved ones (spouse, children, family, friends, etc.) to share love, kindness, encouragement, or a smile with others. This will expand your influence and is likely to increase your joy at the same time.

Just yesterday my morning was “interrupted” by a phone call from friends I had not seen in a long time. As they shared their stories to catch me up on their life, I expanded this moment by listening well, acknowledging their struggles, and encouraging them. Immediately following this I had to resolve a missing part with an employee at a retail store. His customer service was outstanding, and I took a few extra moments to praise him. A few minutes later as I ordered coffee and interacted with the barista, I was able to compliment him, smile, and lift him up for his excellent work. I hope these examples s inspire you to expand your Valentine influence today! Every opportunity is precious to God, and none of them are “small” in His eyes.

Won’t you join me in sharing some love a little beyond your comfort zone today?

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NIV)

A Love Song for Your 2017

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Click above to let the love song Pure Fountain from Open Spaces be your reading soundtrack (then pause it for watching the Pure Fountain video below). You can order the Open Spaces CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Have you ever had a favorite instrumental love song?

With the February 14, 2017 Valentine’s Day holiday approaching, I wanted to offer you a love song without words. Our favorite love songs with lyrics are wonderful, but sometimes creating a musical opportunity to listen for God’s loving “gentle whisper” or “still small voice” can provide a special blessing in my life. I hope this love song for you is a blessing throughout this year.

Reflect on these words from the Lover (God) to his Beloved (you) in Song of Solomon, Chapter 4. Then, watch for them in the Pure Fountain video, receiving this as a love song from God to you for 2017…

“Dear lover and friend, you’re a secret garden, a private and PURE FOUNTAIN. A garden fountain, sparkling and splashing… You’ve captured my heart. I stay until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. Body and soul you are PARADISE. One look my way and…I was hopelessly in love!” (The Message)

Father God, thank you for loving me and forgiving me. Please show me your love today, and throughout 2017. Help me to take notice, and to share your grace and love with others. Amen.

“…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” — Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

3 Phrases to Fuel Your Dreams

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Click above to stream listener favorite Awaken the Dawn, which appears on three albums. If you enjoy, you can order the CD or MP3 Album or Sheet Music (or listen on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora and more).

What are you dreaming about for 2017?

It is amazing to think that one month has already passed this year. As you look back on January, did you make progress toward your dreams? If you are like me, it is sometimes easier for my “self talk” to be negative, telling me what I didn’t get done, instead of being positive, and recalling steps accomplished toward my dreams for 2017 and beyond.

As I was exercising early yesterday morning, three phrases came to mind to fuel my dreams, and I wanted to share them with you…

1. Sing and Make Music.
What is your passion? Your purpose? What do you love doing that also serves others? To “sing and make music” means to release your “song” — your gifts and calling — into the world to be a blessing to others. To clarify your purpose, think about the one or two things you love to do. They often begin in childhood, or revealed themselves to you early in life. Do one thing today to “sing and make music.” Read and reflect on the verse behind this phrase (see down below). You can also watch the Awaken the Dawn video to inspire you.

2. There’s No Need to Fear.
What are you afraid of? Success? Failure? What others will think? These are some of my fears. Take a leap of faith today, like a little child who jumps into your arms and trusts you to catch them. Take one action step that is a little scary, but which will move you one step closer to your dream coming true. Read and reflect on the verse behind this phrase (see down below). You can also watch the Far Away from Home video to give you courage.

3. Do Not Be Anxious.
What are you worried about? What makes you anxious? For me, this can be uncertainty about the future, financial security, being healthy, my creativity, making a difference, etc. Whatever you are are anxious about, surrender this to God today, asking Him to carry it for you, and to show you a next step to take toward your dream. Read and reflect on the two verses behind this phrase (see down below). You can also watch the Dawn and Dusk Take Turns Calling video to bring a calm assurance.

What words below speak to you the most?  Write them down, keep this in front of you, and take action this week.

Psalm 108:1-2 (NIV)
“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.”

Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Psalm 65:8, Psalm 34:9 (MSG)
“Dawn and dusk take turns calling, ‘Come and worship.’ Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.”

New Year Gratitude in Guardians of the Night

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Click above to listen to a portion of Guardians of the Night as you read, from the new album Climb to the Sky. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

What are you grateful for in January 2017?

Have you recalled all the experiences and events you are thankful for from 2016? Yes, every year life has times of struggle, suffering, stress and despair. But also yes, we can remember and express gratitude for moments of victory, hope, peace and joy.

Can you remember some “reasons for gratitude” from a family vacation last year? A date with your spouse? An event with your children? A mountain top moment with your work? A mission trip or time serving others? A particularly moving prayer or quiet time with God? The list could go on. As I reflect and remember, I find energy and momentum to look for “gratitude moments” in 2017. (One year ago I was grateful for the December 2015 moment with my son when we photographed the Mojave Desert night sky – see below).


The song Guardians of the Night was inspired by Psalm 136. This Psalm names twenty-six “thank you reasons” followed by twenty-six “for God’s steadfast love endures forever.” One of these is for the moon and stars which are “guardians of the night.” This reminds me to even be thankful for a good night’s rest, to God for watching over me during the night, and for giving to His beloved even while we sleep (Psalm 127:2).

How can you keep gratitude in your heart and mind throughout this New Year?

Psalm 136:4-9 (The Message, NIV)

“Thank the miracle-working God…The God whose skill formed the cosmos…
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations…The God who filled the skies with light…
The sun to watch over the day…Moon and stars as guardians of the night. His love endures forever.”

Two Ideas for Awe and Wonder

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Click above to listen to a portion of While the Morning Stars Sang in Chorus (Cinematic Mix) as you read, from the new album Climb to the Sky. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to the new music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

What stirs awe and wonder in you at this time of year?

As we are now in the first week of Advent, a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, I was reflecting on how best to share the inspiration behind the new song While the Morning Stars Sang in Chorus. This is a “creation song” rooted in God’s words to Job:

“Where were you when I created the earth?…How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?” — Job 38:4-7 (The Message)

There is an amazing and beautiful connection to the Hubble telescope image below (credit to NASA and STSCI). Pause for a moment to study this image and read its description, then consider two ideas which stirred my wonder and awe. I hope they will stir yours too.

morning-stars-image“Hubble peered into a small portion of the nebula near the star cluster NGC 2074 in 2008, to take a snapshot of a dazzling region of celestial birth and renewal. This approximately 100-light-year-wide fantasy-like landscape is a firestorm of raw stellar creation, perhaps triggered by a nearby supernova explosion. The image reveals dramatic ridges and valleys of dust, serpent-head “pillars of creation,” and gaseous filaments glowing fiercely under ultraviolet radiation. The region is on the edge of a dark molecular cloud that is an incubator for the birth of new stars. It lies about 170,000 light-years away near the Tarantula nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our Local Group of galaxies.” — NASA

IDEA #1 — CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE

Let the beauty and wonder of the stars and all creation stir your wonder and awe this Advent season. If you believe, let God’s marvelous handiwork enrich your faith. If you don’t believe, God believes in you, and offers His love, forgiveness and hope in all things.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” — Psalm 19:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” — Hebrews 11:3

IDEA #2 — SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

The “birth of new stars” pointed me to the birth of Jesus. How can the Creator of the universe also be the Savior of the world? It is good to ask questions and to search for truth. We don’t have all the answers, but God does when we believe by faith and seek Him. Jesus coming as a baby is an awe inspiring display of power and humility, the Lion and the Lamb, our Creator and Savior.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:1-3, 14

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” — Luke 8:10-11

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” — 1 John 4:14

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” — 1 John 2:2

How does the music, image and/or words draw you toward awe and wonder?

Counting the Sand of the Sea

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Click above to listen to a portion of Counting the Sand of the Sea as you read. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to the new music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

What is your favorite seashore memory?

My 10th and newest album Climb to the Sky has two songs drawing inspiration from Psalm 139. The first is the title track, and the second is called Counting the Sand of the Sea, which came from verses 17-18…

“Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful! God, I’ll never comprehend them! I couldn’t even begin to count them—any more than I could count the sand of the sea.” (The Message)

From 6th to 12th grade I lived in the Florida panhandle, about thirty minutes from Santa Rosa Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The water is a beautiful blue green, and for many people, perhaps their favorite element. However, for me it is the sand — a glorious white color, with an extremely fine texture. There is just nothing like it between your toes.

The gulf island seashores are one of my favorites, but in 2015 a new seashore took first place, when I was able to see the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The combination of cliffs, sand, and sea creates breathtaking views, and stirs the heart with God’s beauty and wonder.

Great Ocean RoadHillsong United is a worship band based in Australia, who wrote one of today’s most popular songs of faith titled Oceans. The chorus sings…

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Will you join me today, in remembering a favorite seashore, and in meditating on Psalm 139?

Climb to the Sky – Part 1

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Visit climbtothesky.com for CD and MP3 Album pre-orders, and October 13th Atlanta release concert tickets. For the time being, I hope you enjoy listening to Taken by a Cloud from my 5th album Unveiled in the background as you read…

 

What does the phrase “Climb to the Sky” bring to mind for you?

As a young boy I loved to climb trees. Growing up in North Carolina there was a 100-foot tall sweet gum tree in our neighbor’s yard, across the street from our house (I have written about this before — you can read here if you like). My friends and I climbed to the top often, but I also remember being up there by myself. There was something about the quiet, the breeze, the view, and the perspective there was something, some One much greater than me. I didn’t know it then, but Psalm 139 (the inspiration behind Climb to the Sky) would be waiting for me in the future to describe this sense of awe and wonder.

Big SkyWhether climbing a tree, visiting the mountains, hiking a high trail, or looking out an airplane window, the bigness of the sky is fascinating. What is your favorite “big sky” experience? Fluffy clouds, breathtaking sunrises, captivating sunsets, and starry nights have brought unforgettable memories of the sky in my faith journey. It is not the creation though, but the Creator who offers us a personal relationship through Jesus and His death on the cross to save us from our sins. He had the ultimate climb to the sky in Acts 1:9, which inspired the piano-violin duet Taken by a Cloud.

I hope these thoughts have stirred some of your life’s “climb to the sky” memories, and they give you hope in whatever you are facing today. The “Sky Maker” made us too. He, our heavenly Father, loves us more than we know, and has redeemed us by His Son’s grace and forgiveness. It takes child-like faith to believe, but I have found Him faithful in showing me the way and watching over me in all things. Trusting Him during our quickly passing days on earth prepares us for the ultimate “climb to the sky” and eternity with Him.

What verse from Psalm 139 speaks most to you today (see below)?

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there!” — Psalm 139:1-8 (ESV)

“God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too—your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—I can’t take it all in! Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! — Psalm 139:1-8 (The Message)

3 Steps to a Life of Adventure

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Click above to listen to Call to Me from my third album Draw Near. If you enjoy, check out the CD or MP3 Album, Sheet Music, or visit iTunes, Amazon, or Spotify).

Do you view life more as a problem to solve or an adventure to live?

This question from John Eldredge’s book Wild at Heart entered and changed my life about fifteen years ago. I was composing some of my first Scripture inspired piano melodies, and was beginning to wonder if I should pursue music full-time. If yes, what an adventure that would be! The idea was both exhilarating and frightening at the same time.

Recently I took this photograph of a butterfly. The beauty captured in this moment reminds me that figuratively, we are “made to fly” like a butterfly. We were born for more than to “crawl through life” like a caterpillar. Below are three steps I have used to grow in living a “made to fly” life of adventure.

IMG_28581. Be Still. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). Being still is a difficult first step in a world full of noise and distraction. To experience this fully requires unplugging from news, email and mobile phone apps. My richest times of stillness come when I am meditating on Scripture, reading a devotion, or praying with a posture of listening for God’s voice. When my desire is to hear from Him, He is a faithful guide in my life decisions and circumstances. He also invites me into adventures which both stretch my faith, and bring a great sense of purpose.

2. Abide. “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” (John 15:5, NASB). Abiding is a verb made up of other verbs — seeking, desiring, and drawing near to God (James 4:8). Psalm 37:4 describes what this looks like: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” A life of adventure with God comes when we join Him in the work He invites us into. Abiding is far more, and better, than coming up with our own good idea, and asking God to bless it.

3. Obey. “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track” (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message). “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV). “Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” (Jeremiah 33:3, The Message). These verses speak for themselves, and Jeremiah 33:3 inspired the song Call to Me. They have been so powerful in leading me into a faith filled adventure with God. He has special plans and purposes for each of us, which are beyond what we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I pray for God’s revelation and blessing over your journey with Him.

Which step toward adventure is most meaningful in your life right now?

Rembrandt’s Prodigal: A Life Lesson

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Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace as you read (from my 8th album Open Spaces). If you enjoy, visit the online store to order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music. You can also download or stream on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Can you find yourself in Rembrandt’s painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son?”

The three main characters in this renowned painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son” are also found in The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) — the father, the younger brother, and the older brother. This story and painting have transformed my life, and are a deep source of inspiration behind my music and calling.

As I share how and why, look for yourself in the story. I believe this can be transforming for your story too… (please see the two excellent resources down at the bottom, which have spoken very powerfully into my story as well).

FullSizeRenderThe Younger Brother (Kneeling). For much of my life this parable in Luke was a wonderful story. The father’s forgiveness of his youngest son was a beautiful symbol of God’s forgiveness of my sin. This picture of God’s grace spoke to me, but my wonder was limited. I couldn’t relate. This youngest son had taken his share of his father’s estate and squandered it all on reckless living. I am the oldest of three sons. I wanted to please my parents and follow the rules. However, I did envy people who seemed to be having so much fun with “reckless living” (I also quietly judged them). I have had my “prodigal son moments” in life, but I didn’t think this story applied so much to me, since it was really for those who had “lost it all.” Or was it?

The Older Brother (Standing). I can relate to the older brother. This is me, since I have two younger brothers. Because the “Prodigal Son” story doesn’t focus so much on the older brother, I thought I was safe. His story is in the last section of the parable, more of a footnote than the headline. He had stayed home, spending his life serving his father and taking care of his estate. He was prudent, not reckless. However, when his father held a great feast and party to celebrate his younger brother’s homecoming, the older brother was angry and refused to go in. It took many years for God to reveal this “aha” moment in my life. For too long, I had taken life too seriously, not having enough joy, and quietly holding a self-righteous pride in my heart. Now the story did apply to me. God was showing me I needed His love, grace, and forgiveness just as much as the younger brother.

The Father (Touching). As Tim Keller and Henri Nowen so eloquently illustrate, God can enable each of us to have the heart of the father in the story. He loved both of his boys, the youngest and the oldest. His love was filled with grace, acceptance, and forgiveness toward both, more than either son realized. This revelation is what transformed me. God wants me, wants us, to be like the father in the story — to love people well, to grow in seeing them through His eyes, from a heart of grace, forgiveness, and acceptance. The “heart of the father” has been breaking through in my life ever since. This is the heart behind my music — to meet people where they are, to express God’s peace, rest, hope and healing through Scripture inspired piano.

How does this speak to your story? What character are you? Who do you want to be?

The following are links to two of the very best books on this subject, which offer amazing insights into the deep meaning of Luke’s writing and Rembrandt’s painting: The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Tim Keller, and The Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by Henri Nouwen.

Finding Life’s Open Doors

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Click above to listen to The Voice, the title track from my 4th album The Voice, as you read. If you enjoy, visit the online store to order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music. You can also download or stream on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

What is an “open door” you are walking through or wishing for?

In this sense an open door is something filled with God’s goodness. It could be a new job, a creative project, a family vacation, some fresh joy in your marriage, finding your soulmate, or anything good your heart desires.

One of my “open door” wishes right now is new music. I am composing for a new album coming this fall. As I seek and meditate on verses to become Scripture inspired piano, the process can often seem very slow. Sometimes nothing comes. Sometimes portions of a song come quickly.

As I experience life’s ups and downs, instead of focusing on my frustrations, I am wanting to remember the blessings. It is not a perfect journey, but when I seek to hear God’s voice, and offer a heart of worship to Him, I see more clearly and He reveals more “open doors” of His goodness.

Below are some verses I lean into, whether I am walking through, or wishing for an open door. I hope these inspire your story today, and pray God reveals more of His goodness to you.

…but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. When Elijah heard the quiet voice… 1 Kings 19:11-13 (The Message)

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.”
Psalm 34:8-9 (The Message)

Which of these verses moves you closer to your open door?