Last night, I was thinking about what hymn I should write about for today. While asking my sister if she had any ideas, she started singing "This Old House." The first time I heard it was when a man in our church sang it. And he would sing it off and on throughout the year, sometimes playing his harmonica with it. He did such a good job singing that song...I wish I could hear him sing it one more time. But since he went on to meet the Lord, I haven't heard anyone sing it since.
"This 'Ole House"
This old house once knew my children, this old house once knew my wife.
This old house was home and shelter as we fought the storms of life.
This old house once range with laughter, this old house heard many shouts.
Now she trembles in the darkness when the lightnin' walks about.
But I ain't gonna need this house no longer, ain't gonna need this house no more.
Ain't got time to fix the shingles, ain't got time to fix the floor.
Ain't got time to oil the hinges, nor to mend the window pane.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints.
~~~
This old house is afraid of thunder, this old house is afraid of storms. This old house just groans and trembles when the night wind flings its arms.
This old house is gettin' feeble, this old house sure needin' paint.
Just like me it's tuckered out, but I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, ain't gonna need this house no more.
Ain't got time to fix the shingles, ain't got time to fix the floor.
Ain't got time to oil the hinges, nor to mend the window pane.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints.
~~~
This old house is getting shaky, this old house is getting old. This old house lets in the rain and this old house lets in the cold.
On my knees I'm getting chilly, but I feel no fear or pain.
Cause I see an angel peeking through a broken window pane.
And I ain't gonna need this house no longer, ain't gonna need this house no more.
Ain't got time to fix the shingles, ain't got time to fix the floor.
Ain't got time to oil the hinges, nor to mend the window pane.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints.
~~~
Now my old hound dog lies a sleeping, he don't know I'm gonna leave.Else he'd wake up by the fireplace, he'd sit there, howl and grieve.
All our huntin' days are over, me and that dog ain't going huntin' anymore.
Gabriel done brought in that chariot when the wind blew down the door.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, ain't gonna need this house no more.
Ain't got time to fix the shingles, ain't got time to fix the floor.
Ain't got time to oil the hinges, nor to mend the window pane.
Ain't gonna need this house no longer, I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints.
~~~
Instead of me writing out the story behind this hymn, I found a video in which Stuart Hamblen tells the story. Take a few minutes and watch it. I think you'll find it interesting. As I read more about Mr. Hamblen, I found out that he was the composer of a couple of my favorite songs. In addition to writing "Let the Sunshine In", Mr. Hamblen also composed "It Is No Secret", which was translated into over 90 languages, and many other songs. Mr. Hamblen always said that he didn't write the song. The Holy Spirit did.
Stuart Hamblen accepted Christ as his Savior at the very first Billy Graham Tent Crusade in Los Angeles, California. In this video, Billy Graham introduces Stuart Hamblen, who sings and tells the story behind his song "It Is No Secret."
When you see me fall asleep, say amen but don’t you weep. I’ve got so many million years that I can’t count them.” -Stuart Hamblen
Until next time, remained blessed.
~~~Ashley~~~
The Bible is a promise book and a prayer book. And while reading is reactive, prayer is proactive. Reading is the way you get through the Bible, prayer is the way you get the Bible through you.
How interesting, Ashley! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Emily
I remember this song and have always liked it. It seems like I saw it on a Gaither video one time with George Younce singing it...I can't remember for sure. I loved hearing Stuart telling the story about coming upon that old house...my, that is so sad! That poor, old soul lying there like that with no one even knowing or seeming to care that he was dead! It sort of reminded me of King Jehoram in the book of Chronicles, who died to no one's regret..."Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired." I have always thought that was such a sad story that he died without being desired...in other words, like no one cared that he was gone. That truly seems to be a wasted life. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. Sometime IF you have time and are searching for a song to talk about, will you consider doing the song, "Safe In The Arms of Jesus"? I would love to know the background of that song! It touches me each time I hear/sing it. Sending you lots of love and gratitude for all you do here...your labors are not in vain in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Smith,
DeleteThank you so very much for commenting. From the first time I heard the man at our church sing this song, I've always liked it as well. :)
I am going to read about King Jehoram now that you mentioned him. I just read 2 Chronicles on Saturday and don't remember reading about him, so I bet his story is in 1 Chronicles.
Thank you for the song suggestion. I will be happy to write a post about "Safe In the Arms of Jesus" in the next couple of weeks. :D
Sending you love, my friend!
~Ashley