A Music Video for Counting Life’s Blessings

March 10, 2015 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

This post was designed for taking a few minutes to pause, watch, and listen…to count life’s blessings. Take a deep breath and soak in the Rivers of Light music video filmed in the north Georgia mountains. You can reflect on the verses underneath if you like.

The first verse, which is lyrical, meaning the piano is actually singing these words, is from Isaiah 65:24: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” When a friend introduced this verse to me, I was blown away. God knows the prayers in my heart before I even call to Him. And He hears my prayers before I am finished speaking to Him. Wow. Take a moment to pause and open your heart to Him, to speak with Him, to listen for His answer.

The second verse is the overall theme for this song, and encourages me to count life’s blessings. “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:17) This was captured in the Unveiled CD liner notes: “Desirable and beneficial gifts from heaven are painted in this song as rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” Take a moment to pause and give thanks to God.

What life blessing does this post help you recall?

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

December 18, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to In the Bleak Midwinter as you read. This piano-English horn duet 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?

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.

Day 17, 31 Days of December Peace ~ Oh Holy Night

December 17, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Silent Night as you read. This piano solo 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?

The school I attended in New Orleans had a Christmas caroling ceremony the last evening before dismissal for the holidays. The children were on one side of the main campus quadrangle and would sing to the parents on the other side. I was about ten years old. We were singing Oh Holy Night and inexplicably, I was overcome with deep emotion, almost to the point of joyful tears. This really surprised me. It was so powerful I never forgot the experience.

So why the deep impact, other than the beauty of the song? Sadly, I had no understanding of the Gospel of Jesus since I wasn’t raised in a Christian home. But I attribute the overpowering emotion to God’s prevenient grace, where for the first time He “pinged” me as if to say “I’m here, you don’t know me yet. But I know you… and love you… and you’ll be hearing from Me again.” Have I ever!

Over thirty years later my three year-old son was diagnosed with autism, and the company I had recently started was about to go under. Despite being spiritually bankrupt, I dropped to my knees and asked God to intervene in my life and help me solve these seemingly insurmountable problems. In summary, our lives have been transformed completely and God has been amazingly faithful, including healing Ryan. I often wonder, “Did my faith begin the evening I sang Oh Holy Night, without me even knowing it?”

December Peace is a collection of both classic hymns and Stanton’s original music, integrated beautifully to remind us of God’s unfailing love, mercy and grace. God’s exact plan for each of us will always be a mystery, not unlike the emotion I experienced singing Oh Holy Night. But in Him we can all enjoy “December peace,” a peace that passeth all understanding.

31 Days of December Peace: Day 3 ~ The Glow of Giving

December 3, 2014 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

Click above to listen to Little Drummer Boy as you read. This track version 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?

“For it is in the giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi

In 1991 we lived in a tiny apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Early that December we had a window leak, so a handyman and I spent the better part of a week together in our small living room. Near the end of the week I asked him if he knew of anyone going through a tough time who had young children, because I wanted to help out with buying Christmas gifts. He was quiet for a few moments and then said, “Is it too bold of me to ask for this gift… I have four kids and it’s been a rough year.”

His joyful spirit never gave a hint of his struggles. I was so excited to help his family. He gave me the ages of his kids, their interests, and their special Santa requests. We agreed that I would give him the wrapping paper so he and his wife could have the joy of giving the gifts. It was a tearful moment for both of us.
When he came back the next week to pick up the toys, he burst out crying while he bear hugged me. We both cried tears of joy and gratitude. I will never forget the depth of emotion we shared.His story may stop there…. his 1991 Christmas miracle. My story doesn’t.

I basked in the glow of giving all year that year. I couldn’t wait to do it again and feel the warmth of giving the following Christmas. We found another family in a rough spot and my husband and I agreed to meet the father with wrapping paper and unwrapped toys so he, too, could have the joy and ownership of wrapping his children’s gifts.

As we knocked on his door, we had Christmas in our hearts and anticipation of being wrapped in the warmth of gratitude. The door opened wide to a family young and old. Without any pleasantries, they swiftly grabbed the gift bags, nodded, and slammed the door in our faces.

We stood there in shock with the closed door inches from our noses. Slowly we turned to each other and started to chuckle in total disbelief at the speed of the exchange. We walked back to the car shaking our heads trying to parse together what had just happened.

I am grateful for the juxtaposition of these Christmases. This quick exchange taught me a greater lesson than the warmth of the first. Didn’t Jesus heal ten lepers, and only one came back to give thanks? (Luke 17:15-16). Lack of gratitude didn’t stop Jesus from giving and it wasn’t going to stop me.

Give, give, and give as Jesus did with no expectations. The warmth of the bear hug and tears shared in 1991 is enough to sustain me forever.

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May 2, 2014 By 1 Comment

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31 Days of December Peace: Day 30 ~ Don't Wait

December 30, 2012 By Stanton Lanier 2 Comments

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

“If you’re waiting to do something with your spouse, don’t wait.” These words rocked my world in the final hour of a men’s weekend retreat in May 2008. Even if you’re not married, read on. All of us are waiting to do something. Maybe you’ve waited long enough.

The Souly Business retreat had brought several powerful moments. I thought I had experienced all that God was going to do. Then, during a talk titled Finishing Well these words cut straight to my heart. The speaker told a story about a very successful Texas chicken farmer, who had died suddenly from a heart attack. At his funeral service, his wife said, “If your waiting to do something with your spouse, don’t wait.”

Ever since 1995, for thirteen years, my wife and I had received a newsletter twice each year inviting us to consider a trip to Greece and Turkey. They were always mailed from the same couple who had led a group of twenty people, including us, on a spring 1995 pilgrimage to Israel. That experience was unforgettable. We had never seen the Bible come so alive and be confirmed so incredibly – geographically, archaeologically, and spiritually.

We knew Greece and Turkey would be just as amazing. It was called The Journey’s of Paul. The itinerary included Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, the island of Patmos where John wrote Revelation, Instanbul and much more. It just wasn’t practical. In the 1990s we both worked and it was just us. No kids. But from 1995 to 2005 our two children were born and an unexpected career curve ball was pitched to us. In 2004 I left a ten-year financial planning job to found Music to Light the World and become a full-time pianist and composer. Since then, our finances had been “just in time” with no surplus.

When the “don’t wait” words stirred my heart with such clarity, I sensed God whispering, “Take a leap of faith. Trust me. You’ve waited long enough. It’s time to do this thing with your wife. Go on the Greece-Turkey trip.” It was crazy from a worldly perspective. I would have to make a withdrawal from my IRA, paying a 10% penalty and income taxes on the entire amount. Yet, there I stood. After each talk there was a space for a few men to speak their mind. For the first time during the weekend I was telling eighty guys what had just happened. Apparently we were supposed to take this trip and not wait. But we were living month-to-month, and our only savings was in retirement accounts. And, I was a former financial planner and would be withdrawing the cost of the trip from my IRA (the room erupted with laughter at this point). Yes, God does have a sense of humor!

I have found when we move forward by faith, things start to line up. They don’t line up in advance. All the steps are not clear if we wait too long. But when we follow God’s nudges, He reveals things little by little. Like the $1,000 down payment toward our trip that was a gift from a complete stranger at the retreat, who heard my story and just “happened” to have been assigned the job of praying for me in secret the entire weekend. Like the fact that our parents’ schedules were open so they could stay at our house with the kids. It was stunning to witness all that took place. This story alone is one reason I live by faith in a God who loves us more than we can imagine. Even when life doesn’t make sense. Even when I have my doubts. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

What are you waiting to do? Don’t wait too long. Take a leap of faith.

Is Grace Really Amazing?

July 23, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

After a waffle breakfast and morning cup of coffee, I was reflecting on grace this morning. Is it really amazing? Should it be amazing to each of us? I hope these thoughts make your day a little bit more amazing for you or someone you love.

The grace meanings I am focusing on are favor, approval, acceptance, goodwill, generosity, kindness, blessing, thanksgiving and forgiveness. Whether receiving or giving, these are special to experience. G – R – A – C – E can be amazing to think about…

G is for Gratitude. My friend Ken Boa often reminds me how important gratitude is. So much so that I usually catch myself when my thoughts drift toward ungratefulness or frustration. Example: I have weeds in my front yard, but I am grateful that I have a house and yard. What could you be grateful for today?
R is for Remember. Ken also challenges me to remember. Remember all the good that has happened. Remember what I’ve learned from my mistakes. Remember when things turned out okay when I was worried. Remember God’s grace and forgiveness toward me. Example: Unexpected car repairs strain the budget, but I am remembering past financial provision. What could you remember today?
A is for Abide. Many years ago my friend Greg asked me, “If you had to narrow your faith journey down to one word, what would it be?” I thought for a minute and said, “Obey.” And he said, “Abide.” Think about abiding and receiving blessings versus striving and achieving blessings today. Example: I can abide and take the next step that is clear, or I can strive for results I want. Check out John 15:5. What are you pursuing where you could emphasize abiding more than striving?
C is for Contentment. I wrote a post about this a few weeks ago (see link below). Example: I can measure where I have less than others (discontentment) or I can count life’s blessings that are priceless (contentment). What is a life area where you could grow in being more content than discontent? http://stantonlanier.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/contentment-2/
E is for Enjoy. This can be tough. My human nature makes me want to earn favor, approval, acceptance, etc. What if instead of bearing the burden of earning, I surrender to an attitude of enjoying moments of grace. Example: When I clean the kitchen for my wife do I seek to earn favor by pointing this out to her? Or, do I surrender it, and enjoy being generous and kind to her whether she notices or not? Where could you shift your perspective from earning to enjoying?

Whether you are on the receiving end or the giving end, grace can be amazing. How could grace be a little more amazing for you or someone you love today? Do you have a story about grace? I would love to hear it and I will respond if you share…

Striving or Abiding?

June 19, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

I met with a great friend this morning. We were talking about the many areas in our lives where we are striving and wanting to succeed – spiritual, family, work, relationships, etc. Striving involves hard work and faith. Resting involves hard work and faith too. I was reminded about a time several years ago when I shifted my focus from “Striving to Succeed” to “Abiding to Receive.” This is a delicate balance, but it helps me remember that God’s definition of success is different than mine, other people’s, and the world’s. Instead of striving in my own strength, by abiding in God’s strength my perspective shifts off of depending on myself to depending on Him. The results of hard work can be the same whether I “strive” or “abide,” but there is a healthy dynamic when I am grateful for receiving results versus celebrating achieving results. Striving is a great word and attribute, so if you still like this word, maybe you can add “striving to abide” to your mindset. Check out John 15:5 if this subject stirs you.

Where are you striving or abiding? Where are you achieving or receiving?

Beautiful vistas = reminders of receiving vs achieving

Outside of Time

June 18, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

I wrote the words below after composing Alleluias Dancing as the final melody for the A Thousand Years album, recorded in April 2011. As I look back on this, it was a powerful symbol of how “a thousand years are like a day, or a watch in the night to God.” Sometimes a whole day’s work can seem like it gets done in a few hours. This song was like that. Every day is different, but keep creating and keep pursuing your gifts with a heart to love others.

The hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” was written by Francis of Assisi in 1225. The music first appeared in a Roman Catholic hymnal in Cologne, Germany in 1623. Beginning yesterday evening through this morning and this afternoon, an arrangement of this verse and chorus was inspired that begins in quiet worship and builds to a joy filled dance. It was hard work at times getting all the touches completed in recording the piano, but in the end it was well worth the afternoon hours in the studio. The last minute of the song will symbolize a wedding feast with friends and loved ones in heaven, as vocals, English horn and guitar join the dancing piano. Another amazing day all in all, and such a great feeling to realize that 12 new piano pieces have been created and recorded that will soon offer peace, rest, hope and healing to listeners around the world.

Where do you need this attribute of God, how He is “outside of time,” in your life right now?

Simplicity = Peace & Rest

June 15, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

The idea of living a simpler life came to me in the mid 1990s through an excellent (and very small) book titled Intimacy with the Almighty, by Charles Swindoll. His reflections were founded on Ecclesiastes 7:29 that says, “God has made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” Here are a few more thoughts on simplicity that have interwoven their way into my thinking:

Each day has enough trouble of its own. Focus on getting a few things done well.
Take time to pause. Take in your surroundings. Take time to listen to and serve others.
Take periodic vacations. Working hard requires faith. Taking a break requires faith.
Seek out memories to cherish more than stuff to accumulate.
If you’re a spender, stretch by saving a little. If a saver, stretch by spending a little.
Grow in generosity. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Proverbs 13:7 – A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.

Has this given you any ideas on how you can live a simpler life?