Stanton Lanier / Sky Whisper Sound, LLC

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

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?

For Such a Time as This

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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 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify.

What is a “for such a time as this” decision you are facing, or dream you are making?

As I was driving a winding, mountain road last weekend in north Georgia, the colors of autumn brought to mind the new song For Such a Time as This. I love the fall because it brings cooler air, and splashes of red, orange, yellow and gold leaves amidst southern pines and evergreens.

I couldn’t resist pulling off the road to capture the image below. Just as the brilliant red of this maple tree is only present for a short time, and just as the seasons come and go, life brings us possibilities and opportunities that will soon pass. Some of these are “leap of faith” moments, and we have to decide whether to jump. How do we know when to say “yes?”

north-ga-fall-colorLike Esther’s story in the Old Testament, we don’t get to see the full picture of all God is orchestrating until we can look back. What we do have the privilege of doing is surrendering to Him and asking Him to direct our steps. When I seek to listen for His voice, and wait on Him for either direction or confirmation for a next step, He is always faithful to reveal His plans little by little. When life’s “for such a time as this” decisions present themselves, I want to have a mindset of aligning my “push” with God’s “pull.” Practicing this today helps give me greater confidence and clarity for tomorrow’s “for such a time as this” choices.

This song is also a sixteenth birthday gift to my daughter, composed with a heart of love and blessing from her earthly father, and inspired by words from her heavenly Father. When we read the Scripture verses behind this song, one is spoken to Esther, and one is spoken from the Lover to his Beloved in the Song of Songs. Yet, the way to receive them is as though they are spoken from God to each of us (in my words): “…perhaps I have brought you to your current position for such a time as this. Remember, you are altogether beautiful and flawless in my sight.”

Hold on to these thoughts in your journey today — God believes in you, loves you, and forgives you more than you can know. Jesus loves you and believes in you, and His gifts of grace, love and forgiveness will always be there for you.

How can this be applied to one of your decisions or dreams today?

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14 (NIV)
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.” — Song of Songs 4:7 (ESV)

Finding Hope in Long and Lonely Nights

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Click above to listen to a portion of A Long and Lonely Night as you read. Visit climbtothesky.com for links to this 10th and newest album, music video, CD, MP3 Album, Sheet Music, iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. After reading, watch the Far Away from Home music video to lift your spirit.

What have you been anxious or fearful about lately?

Recently I had the opportunity to share my music at a conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and to play concerts in Waukesha and Kenosha. This trip allowed me to visit the shores of Lake Michigan, including the Cana Island Lighthouse.

The image below was taken through a small window from inside the lighthouse during the climb up (a small “climb to the sky” moment). As I thought about sharing the inspiration for the song A Long and Lonely Night, I began thinking how the inside of a lighthouse is much darker than the outside. The greatest source of light on the shore, which can be seen for miles, is dark inside.

cana-lighthouseWhen I am feeling dark on the inside, the light of God’s word and presence is there shining into my circumstances. When I am anxious or fearful, He says “Fear not.” When I am having a long and lonely night, or not sleeping well, He is always there, caring for me, offering hope and comfort, even though I may not feel hopeful.

My long and lonely nights are not nearly as rough as Paul’s. He went from being totally against Jesus and his followers, to being totally for Jesus. His personal encounter with Jesus in Acts 9 transformed his life. From then on he shared the good news of God’s grace and forgiveness, and that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. This resulted in Paul being jailed, beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, robbed, betrayed, and without food multiple times. He had many a long and lonely night.

How does this solo piano melody and its inspiration speak into your long and lonely nights?

“I’ve known…many a long and lonely night without sleep…” 2 Corinthians 11:27 (MSG) “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (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.” — Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

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?

Dawn and Dusk Take Turns Calling

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Click above to listen to a portion of Dawn and Dusk Take Turns Calling 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 — 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 the new pieces on my upcoming 10th 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.

How does Psalm 65:8 below speak into your story 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)

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)

Sound Waves – Simplify & Refresh

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Click above to listen to J.S. Bach’s Prelude in C while you read. This is from my 7th album A Thousand Years, which features a blend of original composing with unique arrangements of favorite classics and hymns.
 
What is your favorite movie soundtrack?
 
I love to experience the wonder of a musical journey, with beautiful melodies and awe-inspiring performances. If you would like to hear some of my favorites, I have created a summer vacation Spotify playlist called Sound Waves (you can listen here).
 
During a recent music video filming trip, I was able to wake before sunrise three mornings in a row. One morning captured below included the combination of ocean waves with a breathtaking sunrise. The scene was a picture of simplicity and refreshment, which are two of the key elements I love to bring listeners through my music.
IMG_3332If we described our favorite movie soundtrack, “simple” and “refreshing” may not be the first words we would use, but they would likely be in the mix. Two composers who inspire me are J.S. Bach and Hans Zimmer. I love their quotes about music below…
 
“I’ve spent my life trying to make things simpler. Because I find ultimately that complicated doesn’t reach the heart.” — Hans Zimmer
 
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” — Johann Sebastian Bach
 
Think about how you can simplify and refresh today. Can you use music? Do you need get outside to breathe the air? Take a walk? Find a quiet place? Thanks for joining me on this quest. I would love to hear from you with any comments or feedback.
 
What is one way you can simplify and refresh today?
 
“This is all that I have learned: God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” — Ecclesiastes 7:29 (Good News Translation)

3 Ideas to Care for Your Soul

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Before reading, click above to listen to the title track A Thousand Years from my 7th album, with piano and English horn. For more listening or sheet music from this album you can click here.

Is everything well with your soul?

As I think about this question it points to the three parts of the song A Thousand Years. Each represents an idea to help care for your soul.

1. Live with Simplicity and Childlike Faith (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
I was inspired to arrange Mozart’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for this piece, to represent childlike faith. The image below expresses how I want to live life — with adventure, joy, faith and trust (“the swing” was captured in Vermont during the April 2011 recording of the album). Remember the first time you climbed a tree? The first time you rode a bicycle? The first time you saw the ocean? The first time you saw the mountains? Care for your soul by remembering, giving thanks and asking God to help you follow His leading. Nurture simplicity, and take leaps of childlike faith into greater adventure, joy, faith and trust.

DSC06718_5_3 22. Live out of Silence and Solitude (Original melody)
The original melody that opens and appears throughout A Thousand Years flowed out of a place of peace and rest. For me, this sense of contentment comes from practicing silence and solitude, usually early in the  morning. Caring for our souls happens best when we unplug from technology, distraction and noise. My favorite things to do during this time are reading and meditating on Scripture, praying, and listening for God’s voice. Practicing silence and solitude results in God speaking into my life through His Word. Even during times when He seems distant or quiet, I have learned to trust in His promises that He loves me, He believes in me, and He knows my needs before I ask.

3. Live from a Place of Surrender (It Is Well with My Soul)
The third part of A Thousand Years is the famous hymn It is Well with My Soul. The author’s story of surrender is profound. He never knew his words would impact millions of lives. In 1871 Horatio Spafford’s extensive real estate holdings burned in the great Chicago fire. For two years he and his wife served people in need after the fire. In 1873 they planned a family holiday trip to England. Needing to finish some business, Horatio sent his wife and four daughters ahead to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Their ship was struck by another vessel and sank. His wife was saved with a few others, but 226 people drowned, including all four of their daughters. As Horatio Spafford traveled by ship to join his wife, when he passed over the waters where his daughters died, he penned the words to It is Well with My Soul (Wikipedia). When we surrender and abide in God’s strength, “it is well with my soul” becomes true for us as we experience His presence and live for His glory.

Which of these ideas or verses below can help you care for your soul?

Psalm 16:11
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.

Habakkuk 2:20
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Desert Thirsty for Rain

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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.

Is your soul thirsty like a desert thirsty for rain?

When I composed this song, I wanted to express the emotions of life’s “desert” moments or seasons, when life seems dry, prayer seems empty, and God seems distant or even very far away (if sometimes fear grips you like us does me, you should also check out the Far Away from Home music video and its inspiration).

It only takes a moment to remember some “desert” moments from recent times to years ago: the five-day long stomach illness a few weeks ago, when the car didn’t start leaving for a trip last fall, when our house was robbed, the jobs early in my career when there was something missing, working third shift in a carpet mill, making an “F” on several college exams, missing the game winning shot, wanting to quit piano lessons when I was twelve, having to get glasses when I was ten, stuttering when I was five. The list go could go on.

However, there is another perspective in Psalm 143, which gives me great hope…

Desert6“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.” (The Message) “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.” (ESV)

I can choose to dwell on a “desert experience” from the past, to focus on some “desert moment” in the present, or to fear a “desert season” in the future. Or, I can choose to remember all the good things God has done for me in the past, to reflect on how He is working on my behalf today, and to give thanks for His faithfulness to be with me in the future, wherever I go (Joshua 1:9).

I hope you will use the new Desert Thirsty for Rain Music Video as a resource for seeking God’s presence, whether life right now seems like a dry desert or a thirst quenching waterfall. If your soul is thirsty, God’s grace, forgiveness, love and care are there for you like the rain drops in Desert Thirsty for Rain.

What is one memory of something good God did, which you can cherish today?

December 25th ~ Shepherds and Stars

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Click above to listen to Shepherds and Stars as you read (inspired by Luke 2). This original song is from 2009 Best Holiday Album December Peace (ZMR Awards, winning over Enya and Yo-Yo Ma). If you enjoy, please consider sampling and ordering the CD, MP3 Album or sheet music. You can also listen and download on iTunes and all other digital outlets.

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

Where could you use some “December Peace” today?

Shepherds and Stars ~ by Stanton Lanier, (Copyright 2012, Stanton Lanier, not to be re-published without permission)

“The aim and final end of all music should be unto the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)

In arranging and composing for December Peace, my heart was to offer God’s peace and rest through a distinctive collection of traditional and original piano melodies. Johann Sebastian Bach, my all-time favorite composer, once said, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” In tribute to him, the album opens with his timeless music known as Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

When my parents didn’t let me quit piano lessons in 7th grade, I had no way of knowing that one day I would create my own arrangement of this world-renowned melody. Bach’s legacy of glorifying God and refreshing souls lives on, as Jesu is performed at weddings around the world nearly 300 years after its composition.

“There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them… saying, “Today… a Savior has been born to you.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” – Luke, 60 A.D.

ShepStars Image

In the fullness and busyness of the Christmas season, these words taken from Luke 2:8-15 give me reason to pause on Christmas Day. They inspired one of my favorite original compositions titled Shepherds and Stars, which expresses the heart of December Peace. Close your eyes and visit the scene. See the moon and stars shining, hear the sounds of fields at night, smell the aroma of dew and sheep… Imagine seeing the angel, announcing the Savior’s birth, and then the night sky filling with countless angels speaking of glory to God, and peace to men.

As I reflected on this story, here are two things I noticed:

1. The shepherds decided the event described to them was worth a visit. As you listen for God’s gentle whisper, what activity is He inviting you into?

2. We are all “shepherds in the field” living out daily life. God wants us to have encounters with Him. He wants to speak into our lives. Will you be intentional to watch for Him?

During this stressful and busy time of year, remember to pause on Christmas Day. Listen for God’s gentle whisper. Watch for His activity. Behold His glory. Refresh in His presence.

Merry Christmas!