Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

5 Reasons to Pause and Breathe

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Click above to stream the song Breathe as you read. I am also including the Breathe music video at the bottom, so you can use it to “pause and breathe” for further reflection.

How is pausing to “breathe” beneficial to you?

An amazing story happened during the filming of the Breathe music video. For 24 hours I put aside my “to do” list and unplugged from all technology while in the mountains of western North Carolina. I needed and wanted some “breathing room” to convey the essence of this song musically and visually. My original idea was to go deep into an old forest with huge trees, since trees help us breathe by producing oxygen. After some hiking and scouting, the plan shifted. It was a little unsettling at first, but taking time to pause, to breathe in this moment, led to a surprising discovery…

IMG_0692Back at the entrance to the historic forest, there were two signs. The first indicated the mileage to a lookout point. The second said “No Outlet.” My friend and camera man agreed we should go exploring, to see if we might discover an even better (perhaps even the best) music video location. We were blown away, and couldn’t wait to start filming at sunrise the next morning.

The image above is just a glimpse of the beauty and wonder we experienced, and I believe you will love the Breathe music video footage. Below are “5 Reasons to Pause and Breathe” from this story, which may be helpful with your creativity or in your life today:

  1. To help you clarify a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
  2. To embrace flexibility, waiting to see what is revealed, is part of going from good, to better, to God’s very best.
  3. To take calculated risks (seeing what is down a “no outlet” road) is part of experiencing God’s awe and wonder.
  4. To grow in surrender. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
  5. To allow beauty to lead to worship. “I bless God every chance I get…I live and breathe God…” Psalm 34:1-2 (MSG)

Which “reason to pause and breathe” speaks most to you right now?

An Invitation from Dawn and Dusk

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Click above to stream Dawn and Dusk Take Turns Calling as you read. For additional reflection, I am also including the music video at the bottom, which was filmed during sunset in a south Georgia pecan grove.

Which is most inviting to you — a beautiful sunrise or a beautiful sunset?

This is not an easy one for me. I love both, don’t you? If I must choose, I would make a beautiful sunrise a slight favorite. I have seen several over the past year. The most memorable were from an ocean shore or from a hilltop or mountain view. Maybe the awe and wonder of a sunrise comes from being rewarded with such beauty, after making the extra effort to rise early in the morning. Or, maybe it is the grace and hope, the new beginnings, symbolized in every sunrise.

IMG_9935Sunsets don’t require us to rise early, but to patiently watch and wait at day’s end. They can be just as beautiful, or sometimes even more beautiful than a sunrise. As long as you can see the horizon, with an unobstructed view, there is always a chance to behold a wonderful sight. The awe of a sunset could come from the sense of ending a day peacefully. Perhaps we have worked hard on a project or rested well on a vacation. Or, maybe it is the grace and hope in storybook endings, in finishing well, embodied in every sunset.

One of my favorite pieces from my newest album Climb to the Sky is titled Dawn and Dusk Take Turns Calling. I loved this phrase the moment I came across it in Psalm 65. Even more suitable, the psalmist writes what dawn and dusk take turns calling — “Come and worship.” Perhaps this is the nudge we are feeling when a beautiful sunrise or sunset takes our breath away…our hearts are being invited to come and worship God.

How does Psalm 65:8 inspire you today?

“Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder. Dawn and dusk take turns calling, ‘Come and worship.’” — Psalm 65:8 (The Message)

“The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” — Psalm 65:8 (NIV)

How Do You Climb to the Sky?

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This week is the 1st anniversary of my 10th album Climb to the Sky. You can click above to listen above as you read, and visit the  Climb to the Sky album page for the CD, MP3 Album, and Sheet Music. I am also including the music video at the bottom of this post for additional inspiration (filmed during a mountain sunset at 6,200 feet).

How do you “climb to the sky” in life?

This title track has such deep meaning in my story. I meditated on Psalm 139:8 “If I climb to the sky you’re there…” for quite a while before the music was revealed to me. This verse is rooted in the opening words of this Psalm, “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.”

There are many “broken stories” from my life which God has gradually healed and redeemed over time… Stuttering when I was five years old, which made me very shy. Getting glasses when I was ten years old, which I despised (I could still make a lot of basketball shots without wearing them). Having a sixth grade “girl friend” break up with me because I had not kissed her. Failing my first exams at Georgia Tech. Working as a shift manager in a carpet mill all but two Sundays every month. Over striving to succeed and meet people’s expectations during college and my early career years. There are others I have shared in earlier blog posts. What are some of your broken stories you need to climb above?

ctts-imageWe are all on this “climb to the sky” in life. As children, we may have experienced this while climbing trees, flying a kite, or looking out an airplane window for the first time. As adults this can also come from life experiences we enjoy. I have found an eternal view to be most helpful. My “climb” is founded on a perspective that, one day at a time, life is an “adventure to live” instead of a “problem to solve” (credit to John Elredge from his book Wild at Heart). There is a sense of wonder and awe, and God’s loving kindness toward us found throughout Psalm 139, which is definitely worth a read.

As you hear the piano “climbing” with the chorus notes, join me in remembering to keep alive your child-like faith, to give thanks for life’s many blessings, and to embrace the adventure God has in store for you, by faith. He loves us and knows us more than we can comprehend.

How does the music of “Climb to the Sky” speak to you?

10th Anniversary – Why I Composed Awaken the Dawn

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Click above to stream Awaken the Dawn as you read. For additional reflection, at the bottom I am also including the soothing, uplifting Awaken the Dawn music video filmed during an ocean sunrise on the Georgia coast.

What can you celebrate this week that happened ten years ago?

This week I am celebrating the 10th Anniversary of my 5th album Unveiled and the opening track Awaken the Dawn, which has consistently been a top listener favorite around the world. As I paused to look back and remember how this song happened, I was prompted to share more of the story with you…

I began composing Awaken the Dawn in May 2006, two months after the extremely painful experience of having our house robbed of everything small and valuable (all jewelry, cameras, etc.). I was on a quest for more hope in my life. The original working title was Waking Light. The inspiration was coming from Psalm 108:1-2, “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.” I learned this passage is identical to Psalm 57:7-8, and these are the only two places in the entire Bible (NIV version) where the words “awaken the dawn” are used.

The music was nice, but for many months it featured a main chorus which was not stirring enough emotion. I worked on it off and on, and finally by early 2007 it was taking shape, with each musical section finding its place. In all the writing, re-writing, and playing the notes over and over, my heart’s longing was to express the deep essence of hope referenced in these Psalms. It was a lofty goal, but I wanted this message of God’s hope, without words, to speak to the heart of every person around the world who might one day hear this melody.

We have all been “robbed” of hope in various ways. This could be in our dreams, relationships, emotions, spiritual journey, health, circumstances, or any number of life events. It is interesting to me that God would inspire a song about hope following not just having our house robbed, but several other experiences of loss or struggle, where there were moments of hopelessness in my life. Hidden in the piano notes is a message from my heart to yours… I have found Jesus to be faithful when I put my faith in Him to provide the peace, rest, hope and healing I need each day.

How does “Awaken the Dawn” sing a song of God’s hope into your life?

Taken by a Cloud

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Click above to stream Taken by a Cloud from my 5th album Unveiled as you read this story from May 2014. I am also including the music video at the bottom so you can watch and listen for further reflection.

Have you ever been “taken” by a cloud? or had a beautiful scene take your breath away?

There is a splendor and mystery inherent in the world as seen in a common cloud that reflects something much larger than me. This idea originated from an ancient scripture, “As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud.” (from Acts 1:9)

I am thinking about clouds because this is my first blog post from an airplane. I have been “taken” by some clouds as I look out from my window seat. After departing from Baltimore in the rain on the way home to Atlanta, we soon were above the clouds looking down on them. Two recent experiences came to mind.

First, a few weeks ago I played a concert west of Chicago, Illinois near Wheaton College. My host was a new friend who graduated from Wheaton years ago. He took me on a tour of the Billy Graham museum there (Billy Graham also graduated from Wheaton). I photographed the above image in the final room of the museum. The Hallelujah chorus was playing from Handel’s Messiah, and the platform where I stood was surrounded by clouds. Carefully constructed mirrors created an effect that made the clouds go on forever whether I was looking up or looking down. This was a glimpse of heaven’s wonder and beauty, and it reminded me of Taken by a Cloud.

The second experience was last night in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was invited to share some of my Scripture inspired piano at the HOPE International “Celebrate Hope” annual dinner, where 650 people gathered to hear inspiring stories from around the world, and support the great work that HOPE is doing. They specialize in micro-finance and savings programs for people in poverty who have a small business. Through targeted financial assistance entrepreneurs can grow their profits to help improve their living conditions, educate their children, and have a positive impact in their community. What is interesting is that at the core of HOPE International, is the faith, hope and love found in Jesus, and the Gospel of His grace and forgiveness. As I was “taken” by the incredible stories of financial and spiritual transformation in these impoverished communities, I was filled with eternal hope found in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

How can you apply today’s music and words to find greater hope?

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11

Walking on Air – A New Song of Hope and Beauty

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With September 12, 2017 being the worldwide release day of this new song, I encourage you to first watch the new Walking on Air Music Video. Then read the words below as you listen using the Spotify link above. When you finish reading, take time to watch the video or listen once more for a time of reflection. If someone comes to mind who could use some hope, please share this with them.

What is your anchor of hope when things seem hopeless? Are you noticing beauty around you?

I discovered in February 2017 there are only three references to “Walking on Air” in The Message Bible (included at the bottom of this post). This inspired a fifteen hour studio day in early March writing and recording a new song. During a July concert trip to British Columbia, a new music video was filmed to combine a musical and visual expression of hope and beauty in a world that so often can seem hopeless and unappealing.

Isaiah 55:8-9 is a powerful passage I rely on by faith whenever things don’t make sense, or whenever events are impossible to fully understand… “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (ESV).

Just as we all would love for a moment to be able to “walk on air” or fly like a bird, we also experience events in life that are the opposite of hopeful or beautiful. When my faith is tested, I can either put my faith in God’s promises or in my circumstances. In an Isaiah 55:8-9 kind of way, I have found God is always bigger than my situation and worthy of my trust. From tragic events happening around the world today, to remembering 9/11, to recovering from Hurricane Harvey or Irma, to whatever “storm” you may be facing in life, my prayer for you is to receive God’s grace, hope, and beauty through Walking on Air.

How does “Walking on Air” speak to your story today?

Interestingly, the three passages below use the phrase “Walking on Air” in contexts of celebrating life’s beautiful moments, worshiping God with vibrant beauty, and looking to the future with eternal hope.

1 Samuel 2:1 (MSG)
“Hannah prayed: I’m bursting with God-news! I’m walking on air…I’m dancing my salvation.”

Psalm 89:5-9 and 15-18 (MSG)
“God! Let the cosmos praise your wonderful ways, the choir of holy angels sing anthems to your faithful ways! Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God. The holy angels are in awe before him; he looms immense and august over everyone around him. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle? You put the arrogant ocean in its place and calm its waves when they turn unruly…Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can’t keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us— you’ve been so good to us! We’re walking on air! All we are and have we owe to God, Holy God of Israel, our King!”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (MSG)
“He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.”

A Lesson on Joy from Canada

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Click above to sample Vive La Joye as you read. If you enjoy, use the following links to shop and hear more: A Thousand Years CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book, Vive La Joye PDF Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Pandora.

Can you recall a “lesson on joy” that inspired you?

About one month ago I had the privilege of playing an outdoor benefit concert for Old Friends Canada, a horse rescue non-profit in Lake Country, British Columbia, north of Kelowna. I had never been to this part of Canada (above the state of Washington), and I didn’t know the “lesson on joy” that awaited me there.

The photo below captures one of the precious moments of the event. It was amazing to have a horse ring as the stage for the keyboard. It was even more incredible to meet my new friend Adrienne who became a quadriplegic from a 1982 car accident. Adrienne’s “lesson on joy” was so moving and inspiring I wanted to share it with you…

Adrienne asked me to play the song Vive La Joye from my album A Thousand Years. She and her riding partner performed a horse dressage to my music. It was perfectly choreographed and timed. It was majestic, peaceful and beautiful all at once. In choosing this piece of music, Adrienne began teaching me a deeper lesson about joy.

She had loved riding horses since she was a little girl, but becoming totally paralyzed in the accident forced her to give up her favorite hobby for twelve years. Adrienne was determined to get back on the saddle, and eventually regained partial but limited use of her hands. I learned there are gaited horse breeds which move their legs in unison on each side. Their smooth movement does not bounce like a typical horse trot, and Adrienne is able to perform horse dressage at a professional level using a special saddle.

However, it is Adrienne’s level of joy that will captivate your heart. Here is what she taught me that day, along with everyone in the concert audience:

  1. Our joy is not defined by our circumstances. The joy of the Lord is our strength. See Nehemiah 8:10.
  2. Pursuing plans, hopes and dreams God plants in us leads to deeper joy. See Jeremiah 29:11.
  3. Joy brings confidence as we let our light shine for others through our gifts. See Matthew 5:16.
  4. Joy is contagious and draws others a step closer to trusting God and experiencing His joy. See Psalm 16:11.

Which aspect of joy speaks most to you in your current circumstances?

“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 (NIV)

Monastery or Megaphone?

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Click above to listen to Monastery at Eventide from my 7th album A Thousand Years as you read. You can also order the CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

Which do you enjoy most — private time with God, or public ministry to others?

Job 7 and letting tears flow for healing inspired the original introductory and closing notes to my arranging and performing one of Frederic Chopin’s great classical melodies. Monastery at Eventide features his Prelude in E Minor (Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4). This is one of 24 preludes (one for every major and minor key) he composed in the late 1830s at a monastery in Valldemossa, Majorca, a Mediterranean island off the coast of Spain. He requested Prelude in E Minor be played at his funeral, and described the meaning of this piece as the “shedding of tears.”

One of my meditations behind this music is the idea that the depth of our private time with God overflows into the fruit of our public ministry in the lives of others. Instead of “either / or” as the post title implies, this is actually a “both / and” idea…

Instead of choosing one or the other, “Monastery” (quiet time with God) or “Megaphone” (public ministry to others), these two aspects of our faith journey are interrelated and dependent upon one another. I have times when I especially need and enjoy quiet times of solitude — praying, asking, and listening for God’s voice. At other times I am filled with joy and gratitude when I have the privilege of serving others and making a difference in their lives.

When I feel like I am running dry or downcast in my spirit, I know I need to refuel with some “monastery time.” If I find myself wanting to spend too much time alone, I need to lean back into obeying God’s guidance with how He wants me to serve others.

Do you need to invest more “monastery” or “megaphone” time in your current season?

Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”

John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

3 Reasons for a Spirit of Grace

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Click above to listen to Spirit of Grace from Open Spaces as you read (after reading, watch the Spirit of Grace music video). You can also order the Open Spaces CD or MP3 Album or PDF Sheet Music, or enjoy on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Pandora.

What do the words “spirit of grace” make you think about?

This song and the story behind it came to mind this morning. I was reflecting on some life experiences and memories, some beautiful, some ugly, which kept pointing me toward grace. The photograph below is from an unforgettable family visit to the Great Ocean Road in Australia a few summers ago. This image symbolizes three reasons for a “spirit of grace” in my life, relationships, and calling. I hope the music and these inspirations behind it encourage you to consider joining me in cultivating a spirit of grace.

Reason 1: Receiving Grace Leads to Giving in Life. God’s love and grace are bigger than an ocean, surrounding, protecting, and washing over the shoreline of my heart. The more deeply I  receive and am grateful for them, the more they overflow out of my life. This leads to giving love, grace and forgiveness to others, as well as giving time and resources to serve others.

Reason 2: Giving Grace Leads to Blessings in Relationships. God and and the truth of His Word are like the rock along the Great Ocean Road — strong, unshakeable and often bold. God’s grace is like the oceans — deep, wide, and often gentle. After unknowingly doing the reverse for many years, I have found if I first give people gentle, compassionate grace, which is rooted in bold, confident truth, this leads to blessings in relationships.

Reason 3: Blessings of Grace Lead to Freedom in Our Calling. In the verses down below the Holy Spirit is called a spirit of grace, the spirit of truth, and our Helper. Jesus was full of both grace and truth, and the gift of God’s grace saves us through faith. It is easy for me to condemn myself because of my sins, selfishness, imperfections, and failures, which can hold me captive. I can never earn them, but I can receive the blessings of grace. These include being forgiven, others-centered, faultless, flawless and excellent in God’s eyes, all of which lead to freedom in my calling.

Which aspect of grace is inviting you — receiving, giving, blessings?
 
“I’ll pour a spirit of grace and prayer over them.” — Zechariah 12:10 (MSG)

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…the Spirit of truth.” — John 14:16-17 (ESV)

“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 1:14 (NIV)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

“The whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide.” — Isaiah 11:9 (MSG)

“There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” — 1 Samuel 2:2 (ESV)

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.”