Shepherds and Stars

In the fullness and busyness of the Christmas season, I was just reflecting on Luke 2 as I spent some time sharing with 5th grade boys about the Christmas story from Joseph’s perspective, and the trust and faith he demonstrated through his life. We finished our time by watching the “Shepherds and Stars” music video, a piece I composed in 2009 for the award winning album December Peace (2009 Best Holiday Album, ZMR Music Awards). This video can be viewed at http://www.stantonlanier.com/videos/default.php

Two thoughts come to mind from the account of the angel telling the shepherds that a Savior had been born to them, followed by the night sky filling with countless angels, a great company of the heavenly host, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 1) The shepherds decided that the event described to them was worth a visit, and 2) We are all “shepherds in the field” going about our lives, and God wants to encounter us, to speak into our lives, during this time of year, which can be stressful and busy.  Remember to “Be still and know that I am God” this Christmas (Psalm 46:10).

Obedience and Arizona

Obedience brings joy and uninterrupted fellowship with God (from Unit 9, Day 2 in the Experiencing God study by Henry Blackaby). JOY always catches my eye, and it really jumped off the page in this context. For much of my life I would have been more likely to associate words like “duty” or “hard work” with obedience. Then verses like the following got me out of my comfort zone, and stirred a longing to experience God’s blessings by trusting and obeying: “By faith Abraham . . . obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Just two weeks ago I wondered if He was nudging me to go to Arizona to celebrate Music to Light the World donating 10,000 CDs. They are arriving in Tucson this Friday, and will be gifts to children and their families served by Beads of Courage in 106 hospitals this holiday season. Three years ago a lady had discovered my music in northwest Arizona, where her husband was a pastor. One year ago they moved to Phoenix to serve a local church. Maybe this would come together, but if I were to go to Tucson to celebrate and if I got an invitation to play the piano in Phoenix, the logistics would have been difficult over a short 48-hour weekend. As I prayed and watched to see what God might want to do, keeping in mind this idea about joy and uninterrupted fellowship, I learned that the Beads of Courage board of directors happened to be making their annual visit to Tucson this weekend, and they would be coming up to Phoenix. The church invited me to play at all three Sunday morning services, Beads of Courage invited me to join them Sunday afternoon to celebrate at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the pastor’s wife and a friend invited me to play a Sunday evening house concert. There happened to be low airfares and a special hotel-rental car discount package. My heart is filled with JOY and I am obeying and going even though I don’t know all that will happen.

World Series Glimpse of Heaven

I happened to watch Game 6 of the 2011 World Series, and it turned out to be an historic game, with several records broken. I live in Atlanta Braves country, so I wasn’t watching as a Cardinals or Rangers fan.  I wanted to watch because I grew up loving sports and love to see championship games when I can.  As my family slept, all I could whisper was “wow” as Texas was one strike away from winning the World Series, twice.  St. Louis, trailing 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th inning, with two outs and two strikes, scored two runs on a triple. Score: 7-7.  Then, I said “wow” a few more times, as Texas hit two back to back solo home runs in the top of the 10th.  Then, St. Louis had a two out, two strike single that scored two runs to tie in the bottom of the 10th. Score: 9-9.  Wow.  The 9th and 10th innings were a glimpse of life – the ups and downs, the hope and despair, the victories and struggles.  This reminded me how God’s grace, love and forgiveness rises above life on earth.  Then came the 11th inning, when Texas was held scoreless and St. Louis hit a “walk off” home run to win the game.  Wow.  The scene at home plate gave me chills, as all the players from the dugout greeted their teammate with their greatest expressions of joy on their faces and in their jumping and hugging.  It was then that I realized I was watching a glimpse of heaven.  Life’s sweetest moments are but a glimpse of the wonder and awe we will experience in heaven.  As I continued to watch the celebration, it struck me that even though these “glimpses” are all around us, it seems too good to be true that heaven is a gift rather than something to be won.  Lord, help us to put our trust in the gift of your Son, to have faith that your forgiveness of our sins through His death on the cross is for real.  As real as a game-winning home run in the bottom of the 11th.

Milwaukee Story Part 2

I have been battling a cough and cold for nearly three weeks, which has made life very frustrating and reduced my blogging too.  Yet, in the midst of this God has shown that He is there and that He is faithful.  This week I took the next steps looking for confirmation that the “Milwaukee Story” was going to come together as it appeared (I shared how this started in my last post).  It now looks like December 16-19 will include performances in three Milwaukee area churches in Waukesha (30 minutes west), Kenosha (30 minutes south) and West Bend (30 minutes north), as well as one of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinics in metro Milwaukee.  The experience of seeing this come together has been amazing to watch.  It is “exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

Milwaukee Story

From Wednesday to Saturday I have been exhibiting Music to Light the World in Nashville, TN at a large counseling conference with 6,000 attendees. Before arriving I was talking with a church in Milwaukee about possibly coming there for a December Peace concert this Christmas season, and had shared that ideally I would like to have at least one other place to play if I came so far from Atlanta. I had been praying for direction about this, and in the first few hours on Wednesday afternoon I met a pastor and his wife from 30 minutes south of Milwaukee, followed by a worship director from a large church 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. This was an amazing assurance that God directs our steps one moment at a time by faith (Proverbs 16:9).

Watch to See

Some highlights from Experiencing God Week 1…Watch to see where God is working and join Him (John 5:17). Focus on obedience to go with God in the work He is doing and in what He tells me to do. Entrust Him with the future. Think on one thing at a time. Follow His lead. Do not be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Be free (John 8:32). Discern where God is working. Align my “push” with His “pull.” Wait upon the Lord with active patience.

Trust = Freedom

The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country . . . go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Am I willing to follow God by faith and not by sight? “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). When I trust Jesus to guide me one step at a time, I experience tremendous freedom. Thank you Lord for the freedom I will experience in life today by trusting You.