October 23, 2016

When They Ring the Golden Bells

By Joe

WHEN THEY RING THE GOLDEN BELLS

There’s a land beyond the river,
That we call the sweet forever,
And we only reach that shore by faith’s decree;
One by one we’ll gain the portals,
There to dwell with the immortals,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain

Don’t you hear the bells now ringing?
Don’t you hear the angels singing?
’Tis the glory hallelujah Jubilee.
In that far off sweet forever,
Just beyond the shining river,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

We shall know no sin or sorrow,
In that haven of tomorrow,
When our barque shall sail beyond the silver sea;
We shall only know the blessing
Of our Father’s sweet caressing,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain

When our days shall know their number,
And in death we sweetly slumber,
When the King commands the spirit to be free;
Nevermore with anguish laden,
We shall reach that lovely Eden,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Refrain

About Joe

Unknown's avatar
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
This entry was posted on Sunday, October 23rd, 2016 at 7:00 am and posted in Religion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

One response to “When They Ring the Golden Bells”

  • Patrick Mahoney's avatar Patrick Mahoney
    October 23rd, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Thank you Joe for sharing the good times and the painful times that you travel through. Our deepest sympathies for the passing of your grandmother.
    I have been remembering those closest to me. Folks who have died during this time of year. My wonderful grandmother went to her reward Christmas eve over 4 decades ago. I cherish her good humor, gentleness, and pride. My best friend, my step dad lost his battle with a brain tumor 30 years ago this Halloween. My amazing mom died Thanksgiving Eve 28 years ago following a long struggle with cancer, but after a life fully lived with style, compassion, and a heart for service and giving.
    Joe, we are blessed in so many ways, surrounded by this great crowd of witnesses, in that land beyond the river; loving friends and family who are supporting us from the other side. I imagine they are ringing those golden bells for our welfare and continued perseverance as we row our little boats gently down the stream of life.
    Big hugs dear heart, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    -Patrick and Joseph

    Reply

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