All You Have in Mind

August 17, 2023 By Stanton Lanier 8 Comments

All You Have in Mind just released and is streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the story behind this piece.

The new song All You Have in Mind may be my favorite of 2023 so far. It is filled with musical expressions of the peace, hope, wonder, refreshment, energy, and anticipation God wants me to experience to the fullest. This happens when I trust Him one day at a time for all that He has in mind to do in my life story. The inspirational verse is from 1 Samuel 14:7, “‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his (Jonathan’s) armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.'” (NIV) Another version reads, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” (ESV) Just prior to this Jonathan says, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf,” to see him and his armor-bearer through a situation in which the two of them were greatly outnumbered by their enemy. My life application would be for times when I am greatly overwhelmed by a challenging situation, or even an exciting opportunity, as I wonder if God will come through for me. Can I, will I, fully put my trust in Him for the outcome He desires? Is He really with me heart and soul? And am I with Him? Perhaps He will act on my behalf when I have the faith to take action. He wants me to experience all He has in mind to do in my life.

There are several other verses this brought to mind, which are like beautiful threads of a tapestry in my life and faith, just like all the musical parts of this song weaving together to form the composition in its full expression. One of these is Psalm 37:4 which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (ESV) “Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.” (NET) God has a lot in mind to do in my (and your) life, but His plans and purposes happen at His pace as we take steps of faith based on what He has revealed so far. After a faith step He reveals a little bit more to obey. Psalm 37:4 reminds me to speak my heart to God, and to listen to His heart for me as well. I want to be in a two-way conversation with Jesus, sharing with and listening to Him, as I seek to align myself with His desires and delights for me, which then become ours together as one. Down below are more verses I had in front of me as I composed the music. I hope these refresh you and inspire you like they do me.

These Scriptures and thoughts were my meditation as I began to sketch ideas on the piano. The opening notes sing “Do all that you have in mind,” which you can hear two times at the beginning, and again throughout the song. Musically this begins my surrender to God for what He has in mind to do in my life. This process is exciting to me now, even though I was more often afraid or hesitant in the past, earlier in my life. The opening theme leads to a second theme with long notes expressing how big God is. He has me in the palm of His hand and His strength and power are with me as I seek Him. He is very calm and at peace with everything even though my heart may be uncertain, or even racing a little with wonder. This sets up the primary theme which is when God moves in our story. The pace moves from waiting to walking to running with Him by faith (visit Waiting Walking Running which I composed a few months ago to listen and read more on this topic). All You Have in Mind features orchestral strings and alto choir, symbolizing God’s ever presence, and the countless angels in heaven watching over us and cheering us on. The cello and French horn are reassurances of God’s tender care, which is very personal and detailed for each of us. The feather flute is the Holy Spirit, which is woven into every musical theme throughout the piece. I hope the music and the story behind it encourage you to keep running life’s race with desire and delight, and with wonder and adventure. Keep watching for God to do all that He has in mind to do in your life. Perhaps He will do something exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you could have imagined.

How does All You Have in Mind speak into your life story today?

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” (Psalm 37:23, NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

“A man’s or woman’s mind plans his or her way [as he or she journeys through life], But the Lord directs his or her steps and establishes them.” (Proverbs 16:9, AMP)

“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24, NLT)

Waiting Walking Running

May 18, 2023 By Stanton Lanier 10 Comments

Today is release day for Waiting Walking Running. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read some of the story behind this new song…

As I reflected on this idea, I found a gorgeous sequence of chords played by long orchestra strings, and then a melody was revealed which became the “resting theme” performed by the English horn and flute, with gentle piano chords in the background. Next, the “walking theme” picks up the tempo slightly with some rhythmic cello to represent taking steps of faith as we slowly begin obeying what God wants us to do. Sometimes God is running (moving quickly) and I need to keep up. This is the “running theme” with all instruments playing – piano, orchestra, choir, and percussion. The flute is featured throughout the piece, and represents the Holy Spirit being present with us in times of waiting, walking, and running by faith. The order of the song themes or musical motifs became 1) waiting, 2) walking, 3) running, 4) waiting, 5) running. The more we pursue God and experience His faithfulness, the more we find ourselves in the midst of life events and circumstances only He could have orchestrated, as we wait, walk, and run with Him.

Waiting, walking, and running each unfold in God’s time, and are part of the freedom we experience in Christ when we surrender, listen for His voice, and obey. This is important because I don’t want to walk or run ahead of God by presuming I know the answers or by doing what seems right. The waiting is crucial because in God’s time, He reveals his plans and next steps to me, one at a time. Even as He reveals more I need to keep walking unless and until He is moving fast enough that I need to run. Ultimately, all three – waiting, walking, and running – bring me freedom. By faith I trust God is in control, and I can live life fully with a sense of hunger and urgency. This fills my heart with deep joy. Even as I was majoring in chemistry many years ago, God was preparing me and shaping me in the “waiting” and “walking” of six hour laboratory experiments from 12pm to 6pm. When God takes our life story and leads us to a place of surrender and dependence on Him, He begins to reveal how He works all things together for good to those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How does Waiting, Walking, Running speak to you?

Isaiah 40:31 > “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV)

Psalm 130:5 > “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:45 > “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:32 > “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!” (NIV)

2018 Peace and Rest ~ Breathe

January 23, 2018 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

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 for further reflection in seeking “2018 Peace and Rest.”

How can “pausing to breathe” bring peace and rest, as well as joy and productivity?

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…

Back 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. I hope these will help lead you toward greater peace and rest, greater joy and productivity, and greater inspiration and creativity in 2018.

To help you clarify a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
To embrace flexibility, waiting to see what is revealed, is part of going from good, to better, to God’s very best.
To take calculated risks (seeing what is down a “no outlet” road) is part of experiencing God’s awe and wonder.
To grow in surrender. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
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” inspires you most for 2018?

5 Reasons to Pause and Breathe

November 7, 2017 By Stanton Lanier 4 Comments

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?

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:

To help you clarify a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
To embrace flexibility, waiting to see what is revealed, is part of going from good, to better, to God’s very best.
To take calculated risks (seeing what is down a “no outlet” road) is part of experiencing God’s awe and wonder.
To grow in surrender. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
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?

Pausing to Breathe

October 13, 2015 By Stanton Lanier 28 Comments

Click above to listen to the brand new song Breathe as you read (releasing 10/27/15 on iTunes worldwide, and all other download and streaming services).

How can pausing to “breathe” help you go from better to best?

Last week I put aside my “to do” list to film a new music video in the mountains of western North Carolina. 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 an amazing discovery…

Back 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 cannot wait to share the new Breathe music video with you soon. Here are a few points of reflection from this story, which may be helpful with your creativity today:

Having a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people’s lives is a great first step.
Pausing to breathe (being flexible, waiting to see what is revealed) can take you from good, to better, to best.
Taking calculated risks (seeing what is down a “no outlet” road) is part of experiencing awe and wonder.
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
“I bless God every chance I get…I live and breathe God…” Psalm 34:1-2 (MSG)

What are you working on that could move from better to best by pausing to “breathe” in a new creative direction?

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.

What Brings You Peace and Rest?

September 27, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

I’m in the middle of a busier than normal stretch, so I had to let my blogging rest for a bit. This “stopping” brought me peace and rest. Last Sunday I got to share my first ever concert in Missouri (at First Baptist Church in Dexter). This “doing” brought me peace and rest (see the photo below). Right now, some new music for my next album is on hold. This “waiting” brings me peace and rest.

Is there something you could stop doing to bring you peace and rest?

Is there something you can do to bring you peace and rest?

Is there something where waiting could bring you peace and rest?

Peace and rest

Last week I was working to get ready for our biggest event of the year on October 11th (An Evening of Hope 2012). I was also preparing for events this week in Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. Back at the beginning of June, I set a goal to blog 2-3 times per week. I’ve “failed” a few times. This summer I also created the first three episodes of the Pianist of Peace podcast, each with a personal story, a life question, and music for reflection. My goal was to release one new podcast each month. This launched with the August Podcast, and the September Podcast followed. I will probably “fail” at this goal from time to time as well.

If you are in a busier than normal stretch, what can bring you peace and rest? Do you need to “stop” or “do” or “wait” regarding the possibilities? One thing I know: Whatever your passion is, whatever makes you come alive, don’t stop doing that. It will fill your heart with good things and overflow into your life being a blessing to others.

Don't Wait

July 17, 2012 By Stanton Lanier Leave a Comment

The SoulyBusiness.com 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.”

We knew the Greece-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 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 over wait. 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. Just do it.

Don’t Wait