New Card: The song that is in their heart

“To love someone is to learn the song that is in their heart, and to sing it to them when they have forgotten.” – Philip Larkin

I love this quote because it reminds me of some wonderful friends I have – women who are always there to listen and encourage me. This card would be a great way to say “thank you” to anyone in your life (friend, parent, etc.) who loves you like this. You can find it at my Etsy shop.

 

A Few Thoughs on Death

{You may have noticed that my posting has been spotty lately. Our computer caught a virus, so I’ve only been able to post at work and the library. Also, my husband’s grandmother died on Sunday, so it’s been a busy week. Grandma was 93, she had lived a full life, and went to be with the Lord, so it was a good funeral yesterday. In that spirit, here are a few quotes about life and what comes after.}

“Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back into the same box.”
- Italian Proverb

“I’m not going to die; I’m going home like a shooting star.”
- Sojourner Truth

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:26

The Old Church Yard (English Hymn)

Come, come with me out to the old churchyard
I so well know those paths ‘neath the soft green sward
Friends slumber in there that we want to regard
We will trace out their names in the old churchyard

Mourn not for them, their trials are o’er
And why weep for those who will weep no more
For sweet is their sleep, though cold and hard
Their pillows may be in the old churchyard

I know that it’s vain when our friends depart
To breathe kind words to a broken heart
And I know that the joy of life is marred
When we follow lost friends to the old churchyard

But were I at rest ‘neath yonder tree
Oh, why would you weep, my friends, for me?
I’m so weary, so wayworn, why would you retard
The peace I seek in the old churchyard

Why weep for me, for I’m anxious to go
To that haven of rest where no tears ever flow
And I fear not to enter that dark lonely tomb
Where our saviour has lain and conquered the gloom

I rest in the hope that one bright day
Sunshine will burst to these prisons of clay
And old Gabriel’s trumpet and voice of the Lord
Will wake up the dead in the old churchyard

Ain’t No Grave (American Spiritual)
{I recommend the recording by Odetta; the verses are different, but I love how she sings it.}

(chorus)
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down
When the first trumpet sound,
I’ll be gettin’ up, walkin’ round,
Ain’t no grave can hold my body down.

Go down yonder Gabriel
Place your foot on the land and sea
But don’t you blow that trumpet now
Until you hear from me

I said look way over Jordan
What do you think I’d see
I saw a band of holy angels
And they’re coming after me

Meet me meet me Jesus
Meet me in the middle of the air
I’m gonna rise to meet my Lord
And say goodbye down here

One day if they carry me out to the graveyard
Like my grandma like my grandpa
And they lay this body down
Don’t cry for me, church—don’t cry for me