Old Songs Continue

I thought of my old Bible last night, the one that was given to my by my parents on February 14, 1972. I was so proud. I just couldn't believe they surprised me with such a beautiful Bible to take to church and youth league. It was so beautiful then; white that zipped with gold on the edges of each page. It was priceless to me and still is even though today it looks beat up; worn, gold gone, tattered. This was not my doing, but that is another story. I took that Bible with me to work today  to read at lunch. It always brings me such pleasure just to simply hold it. I still love the feel of it in my hands. At lunch, I read a few passages I had highlighted many years ago. Then, I started to read Daniel, but switched to Romans. That Bible is still one of my most treasured possessions.

The past several months I have been downsizing; getting rid of material possessions that I no longer want, use, or need. Possessions that are simply that, possessions. Items that need my attention which take what little time I have after work from my family and from God. I am not a material person so, this has not been too difficult for me to do.

I am still a work in progress, but God knows my heart and He keeps blessing me beyond measure even though I know I am not worthy.  He is my Father and I am His child.

Music is the one thing I have had throughout my life that can match any mood; any feeling. From happiness to the depths of great despair; music has been my go to from rock to Christian. While I listen to contemporary Christian music 99% of the time, I still favor some of the old time religious greats which have held me together through some very difficult times.

Tonight three songs flow through my mind. Each hold such treasured meanings and memories. Just read the words and let their meaning sink in.

Lord Build Me A Cabin 

Many years I've been lookin' for a place to call home
But I still didn't find it so I must travel on
I don't care for the fine mansions on earth's sinkin sand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

Lord build me just a cabin in the corner of gloryland
In the shade of his tree of life that it may ever stand
Where I can hear the angels and shake Jesus' hand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

Listen Lord I'm not askin' to live in the midst
For I know that I'm not worthy of such splendor as this
When I ask Him for mercy while humbly I stand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

I've many dear loved one's who've gone on this way
On the grapevine of mournin' shall I hear them all say
Come and join in the singin' and play in our band
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

I Need No Mansion

                I

WHEN BURDENS COME SO HARD TO BEAR
THAT NO EARTHLY FRIEND CAN SHARE
TEARS DRIVE AWAY THE SMILES AND LEAVES MY HEART IN PAIN.
THEN MY LORD FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
SPEAKS TO ME IN TONES OF LOVE
WIPES THE TEARS AWAY AND MAKES ME SMILE AGAIN.
          
                 II
          
OH THE THO'T TO ME IS SWEET THAT MY LOVED ONES I SHALL MEET.
AT THE ENDING OF THE JOURNEY HERE BELOW
SEEMS I HEAR THEIR VOICES BLEND
IN A WORLD WITHOUT AN END
I WON'T WORRY WHEN HE TIME SHALL COME TO GO.
          
                 III
          
WHEN JESUS COMES TO CLAIM HIS OWN
I WILL MOVE TO MY NEW HOME
I'LL WALK AND TALK WITH HIM UPON THE STREETS OF GOLD.
A MANSION IS WAITING ME SOON IT'S BEAUTY I WILL SEE
IN THAT CITY WHERE WE NEVER SHALL GROW OLD.
          
                CHORUS
          
I NEED NO MANSION HERE BELOW
FOR JESUS SAID THAT I COULD GO
TO A HOME BEYOND THE CLOUDS NOT MAD E WITH HANDS.
OH WON'T YOU COME AND GO ALONG
WE WILL SING THE SWEETEST SONG
EVER PLAYED UPON THE HARPS IN GLORYLAND.

Where Could I Go

Living below, in this old sinful world
Hardly a comfort can afford
Striving alone, to face temptation's sore
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone
We get along in sweet accord
But when my soul, needs manna from above
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Life here is grand, with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from God's own word
Yet when I face this chilling hand of death
Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go, oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend, to help me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?




My one thought is Where Could I Go But To The Lord. Happy, sad, mad, glad, and every emotion in between; He is my one sure thing and He is always with me. He is with you too.

Father God, I thank you for music that soothes the savage beast in us as well as proclaims our joys and for Your mercy which flows when we feel most undeserving. Please keep working on us that we may come closer to You.  Through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.