Read the lyrics to this familiar carol.....forget the tune for a minute, just read the lyrics......
I Heard the Bells
on Christmas Day
by Henry W. Longfellow, 1864
I heard the bells
on Christmas day
on Christmas day
Their old familiar
carols play,
carols play,
And wild and sweet
the words repeat
the words repeat
Of peace on earth,
good will to men.
good will to men.
And thought how,
as the day had come,
as the day had come,
The belfries of all
Christendom
Christendom
Had rolled along
the unbroken song
the unbroken song
Of peace on earth,
good will to men.
good will to men.
Till ringing,
singing on its way
singing on its way
The world revolved
from night to day,
from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
a chant sublime
a chant sublime
Of peace on earth,
good will to men.
good will to men.
And in despair
I bowed my head
I bowed my head
"There is no peace
on earth," I said,
on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong
and mocks the song
and mocks the song
Of peace on earth,
good will to men.
good will to men.
Then pealed the bells
more loud and deep:
more loud and deep:
"God is not dead,
nor doth He sleep;
nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail,
the right prevail
the right prevail
Of peace on earth,
good will to men.
good will to men.
This song is really speaking to me today.....D is getting worse......don't know why, don't know where or if the decline will stop. When he wrote this, Longfellow had just received news that his son had been killed. I can see his whole grief process.....and yet he comes back to, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail of peace on earth, good will to men." I guess the part that is REALLY shouting to me today is, "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep"....He's NOT dead, He's NOT sleeping, He's in control, and I have to trust that, "the wrong shall fail, the right prevail". In other words, I need to have faith. Longfellow didn't have some crystal ball that told him that everything would be alright, he DID have the Word of God, and he DID trust that the promises are true, and he DID know that God is who He says He is, despite our circumstances. I know that too.....really, I do. I guess I just need to be reminded when I'm wondering.........when I'm weary of this road that seems to stretch on forever, full of obstacles I'm just too tired to climb over anymore. I know that He's with me when I'm just too weary to go on. Seems to be a theme today. Weariness. I wish I had some sage, well spoken blurb to spout, but I don't. I'm walking along with just enough light for the step I'm on, trusting that He knows the way and He has my back. That's pretty much it from here......
Blessings to you and yours.......
Merry Christmas!!
Only Because of Jesus,
anne
Merry Christmas Annie! I have missed you. I felt that Daniel was probably getting worse and needing much more of your attention. I am so sorry for both you and him. I know this is a long hard road for you. I do believe in miracles and feel that we are experiencing one. Garland is doing very well and has returned to work full time and is driving himself these days. Praise God! His doctors at Duke are very surprised at the amount of recovery they are seeing. He has even gotten too well for the transplant list, hallelujah! Dorsey got married and is extremely happy. We have had a glorious holiday this year. Keep the faith and I pray that you too will experience a miracle soon. I would love an email from you. Coming back to the teepee might be good for you too. Anyway, whatever you choose just know you are in my prayers. I wish you a very blessed 2011.
ReplyDeletexoxo Dianne/artist
Oh Sweet Annie... Like Dianne, I knew within that things with D had become even more challenging...Oh sweet friend... my heart (and those of your other sisters in the teepee) are WITH you...as are our prayers of wellness and comfort. We hold you CLOSE...and wrap you in a warm blanket of our tender love...You are ALWAYS tucked inside our hearts dear Annie... you and D and your precious children... love, San
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, Annie and praying for your strength, and peace of mind and heart. xoxoxo Gretchen
ReplyDeleteDear Annie,
ReplyDeleteWe are here for you and remember I am right around the corner, if you need me.
Take care and we hope you will return to the Teepee for support.
Xoxoxo
Diane
Annie...you, D and your sweet children are in my thoughts and prayers. Your teepee sister, Deborah
ReplyDeleteDearest Annie,
ReplyDeleteBecause of Jesus...indeed. I shall pray for you & yours. I miss you. Love from the Tee Pee!!!
Annie, I feel that in times like this we must find comfort and rest in our Father's arms. My prayer is that you feel his warmth and loving arms around you. Rest in Him and let him take the wheel.....
ReplyDeleteThinking of you from the Tee Pee
Hello Annie :)
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you. You are so brave and faithful....I want to hold you hand as you climb over all those obstacles. Your strength is so inspiring. Take care over these days that test you so. I will keep you in my prayers and re-write your name in the nun's book when I go to Rosary Hill next time. Love to you, Mary Ann
i'm here, too, annie...
ReplyDeletewith all your other teepee sisters.
♥
sending hugs to you and prayers on your behalf Annie. much love. ♥
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you Annie and wishing you strength.
ReplyDeleteHello again Sweet Annie,
ReplyDeleteI am posting a little message from dear Martha from the teepee... she tried to send it to you here but was unable, so I thought I would copy and past it here and see if I could post it on her behalf... Love San
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Comment by martha hjorth 1 hour ago Delete Comment
Annie, this is here for you, as i am not able to post this am on your blog..tried 3-4 times...
Annie, will be sending prayers up on your behalf.
Just do the next thing......one step at a time...there will be grace enough along the way...and yes, underneath are His everlasting arms!
and the teepee is sending out lots of love your way....love, Martha
Annie...you and your sweet family are in my prayers...xoxo
ReplyDeleteWishing you peace and wisdom during this difficult time. We're all here for you, and think of you often. Please keep us posted...and may 2011 be a year of great healing for Daniel. Miracles do happen...just keep believing!
ReplyDeleteWith comforting hugs, Kelly
Annie - You've been on my mind and in my heart a lot lately and now I know why - your heart is so heavy... I'm praying for strength and peace for you. Your faith is truly an inspiration. Lean on God and He will give you all you need... Sending you so much love from another Tee Pee sister... ~ Denise
ReplyDeleteAnnie, please let us know what's going on since you posted this. Please lean on us and reach out, we are all here for you. Thinking of you with love and great concern, Kelly in the Teepee
ReplyDeleteAnnie love, we are still praying for you in the teepee and would love to hear from you.
ReplyDeletexoxo Dianne
Hi Annie,
ReplyDeleteMaisie from the Teepee here. My thoughts wandered towards you on this spring day Just wondered how you are and sending thoughts and prayers.
Still with you Annie
ReplyDelete