Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Back Of The Clouds

We have had several days of stormy weather - rain, wind and dark clouds. When I opened the curtains early this morning I was delighted to see that last night's storm had passed and the world outside my door was calm once again. There was no rain and I wondered if we would have a nice day today. A few minutes later I looked out across the back yard and, much to my delight, I saw blue sky and beautiful clouds. I quickly put on my shoes, grabbed my camera and stepped outside to try and capture what I saw to share with you. As I stood there drinking in the beauty of the moment, I began to recall the words to an old gospel song my dear parents sang when I was a child. It seemed I could almost hear their voices singing it in harmony once again.

Never fear tho' shadows dark
Around your path may fall,
Do not let your heart be troubled;
From His throne in heaven,
God is watching one and all,
He will ever care for you.
Back of the clouds the sun is always shining,
After the storms your skies will all be blue;
God has prepared a rosy-tinted lining,
Back of the clouds it's waiting to shine thru.

My mind immediately filled with thoughts that had been heavy on my heart in the early morning hours -- my dear mother's visit to her doctor today, a very special cousin and her husband who are dealing with fierce storms in their lives and a treasured older friend (like a big sister to me) who is dealing with a terminal illness. Each of them so dear to me. But so much more precious to God! And I was reminded once again that He Who allows the storms shines eternal behind the storm clouds. Yes - behind the clouds the SON is always shining!

Song - Back of the Clouds - author unknown

9 comments:

  1. Beautiful post - just beautiful in every way.


    xo,
    Kim

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  2. Beautiful photos and beautiful thoughts Adrienne. Thank you for sharing them:>)

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  3. Exactly what Daisy Cottage and Kathleen Grace said!! I've been so busy and not much computer time the last week or so, click on your site and am so quickly drawn into to all of your gorgeous posts. Now I had just better hurry up or I'm going to be late for work. I so enjoyed my "visit" with you this morning!

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  4. Hi Adrienne,
    You wouldn't believe what is happening because of the hymn BACK OF THE CLOUDS! I originally responded to a link from someone who helps people find music! I had been searching for the words to this hymn for about 5 years, again going back to my childhood days when it was sung regularly in our little country church. Anyway, someone responded to me and we have been blessed with a God given friendship. She gave me your site suggesting that you might be able to help me find the actual music for the song. I can pick it out on the piano one handed without the harmony, but I would really like to have the music. I'd be thankful for any leads that you can give. Thanks so much, and God Bless! Oh - I have an author of the song for you - Carolyn R. Freeman. I also have two additional verses if you're interested.
    Diane

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  5. Today my younger sister and I laid our older sister to rest. When asked what we wanted mentioned at the service. This old hymn came to mind thinking back to many days gone by when our aunt Frances would play the piano and would have us harmonixe the song. The pastor officiating the service had ne3ver heard this hymn befor. This old hymn broungt peace to my mind as I remembered the promise of brighter time ahead as we are currently in termoil. It offered much needed hope. Judith

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  6. Dear Judith -
    I'm not sure this will get to you. I wish I had a way to email you personally and express how sorry I am that you lost your sister from this life. I know the words of this priceless song will continue to touch your hearts as you walk the path ahead. I pray you will be comforted with the comfort that only God can give and that your life will be blessed as you remember the things that were so special about your sister. And I am thankful that this song touched your heart today when you needed it most.
    With hugs for you,
    ~Adrienne~

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  7. I LOST MY SON ON FEB.26,2010 I WAS GIVEN THIS WORD FROM A FRIEND TODAY MARCH 20,2010 AND YOUR PAGE CAME PLEASE PRAY FOR MY FAMILY THERE IS ALOT OF STORMS WE ARE STILL FACING MARLENA_KINCAID@YAHOO.COM

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  8. I am writing a book and want to quote part of "Back of the Clouds" by Carolyn Freeman that we sang as children. Is that hymn in the public domain? Thanks rsissom@provide.net

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  9. My Mom just passed on 2/9/12 after a 2 year long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 84. We use to sing Back of the Clouds in harmony when I was a little girl. We sang it together two days before she passed. I found a hymnal (she had many) while going through the house that had the words and music to "Back of the Clouds" The name of the hymnal is Christian Service Songs publlished by the Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Co. from Winona Lake, Indiana in 1947.

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