Today is release day for the new song My Spirit Refreshed, now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all music platforms, or you can click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes underneath.
This musical idea began with Proverbs 11:25 which has been special to me for many years. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I was also thinking of Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous quote, “The aim and final end of all music should be unto the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” As this verse and quote took root in my heart over the years, I began to encourage people in conversation. If we all seek to glorify God and refresh the souls of others in our life and work, then our light will shine more brightly in the world as we are a blessing to people.
For me refreshment includes experiencing peace, rest, hope, beauty, joy, and more as I have time alone or time with others. This can be in day to day life or when I am being intentional to unplug and relax in a beautiful setting, perhaps beside the ocean shore or in the mountains. I am sure you have some favorite places in the world to help you refresh. I love this Scripture passage and Bach quote because, in addition to seeking our own refreshment, the words encourage us to be refreshed by refreshing others.
Initially I envisioned some rhythm in the music to give it an upbeat feel and express the joy of being refreshed. However, as I searched for the right instruments and emotion, the piece began to take shape as a gentle dance on the piano, accompanied by soft strings and French horn. The meter begins in 4/4 time, then becomes 3/4 time, which is the same as a traditional waltz. The dance continues with 6/8 time, a third time signature which elevates the emotion as we listen. Even though the tempo is slow to medium throughout, it feels like it changes slightly for each time signature, even though the beats per minute are staying very nearly consistent. This musical approach became a new lens for viewing my own refreshment, as well as being refreshed by refreshing others. There is depth and richness in these experiences, with layers of beauty and meaning for ourselves and the lives we touch. The composing was exciting as I began to see how the time signatures could represent life’s gentle rhythms instead of using percussion instruments in the piece.
I pray the music and these thoughts are refreshing to you, and that your life and work continue to multiply refreshment in the lives of people you serve regularly, people you encounter periodically, and even people you may see only once in a lifetime.
How does My Spirit Refreshed speak into your story?
Proverbs 11:25 from a few Bible versions…
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (NIV)
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (ESV)
“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” (MSG)
“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.” (NET)
A beautiful song Stanton. Very refreshing. And, thank. You for your comments about the piece. Gives me a much deeper sense of what you were feeling as you composed this.
Hello Merle, and thank you so much! I appreciate you listening and am glad this new piece is refreshing for you. God’s blessings to you, and wishing you His grace and peace, Stanton
Love it! Very beautiful and soothing. Love the inspiration scripture too!
Hello Brenda, and thanks so much for your encouraging words! I am so glad you love this new song and its inspiration. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Wow! when we ask for more, you deliver! I really enjoy the piano with the accompaniment. I tell you I have to eat some crow here, though. When I last commented about liking the solo piano a little more than the orchestrated music, I had totally forgotten about the cinematic mix from the Climb to the Sky album which I have to say is a dead heat with Open Spaces for my favorite. The ” Morning Stars” is still majestic and ” The Guardians of the Night ?”…..what can we say? These treasures to me will stand the test of time. And Lord knows we need such beauty in the times in which we live. Only a Holy GOD could turn out so great music through a humble servant like yourself. Thanks for being obedient to the call. Warm regards! Tim
Dear Tim, thank you for listening and I am so glad you are enjoying the variety between my solo piano pieces and those with piano and accompaniment. May the music and God’s presence continue to bring you peace, hope, and beauty. Blessings! – Stanton