Daddy's message: Lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Oh! I love Daddy singing "Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing it, dear Clare. Thank you too, dear Hope, for posting it so lovingly and skillfully! I don't have any other recordings of Daddy singing, but I love hearing his simple voice, so full of love for his family and for the Lord.

When Hope and Bill sent us that link of "Peace In The Valley" sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford, I also enjoyed listening to him sing "Whispering Hope". I only knew of this song because Daddy sang it to us a few different times, over the phone.  During the last two years, when we were sad many times, we called him for prayer, and he often would sing this to us. Then he would have us sing a song of God's praise also.

The message is precious, hearing Ten. E. Ford sing it. Yet, he just can't do it like Daddy.

Lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, 

and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus.

 Heb. 6:18-20

Whispering Hope

1. Soft as the voice of an angel,
   Breathing a lesson unheard,
   Hope with a gentle persuasion
   Whispers her comforting word:
   Wait till the darkness is over,
   Wait till the tempest is done,
   Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
   After the shower is gone.
   • Refrain:
     Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,
     Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.
2. If, in the dusk of the twilight,
   Dim be the region afar,
   Will not the deepening darkness
   Brighten the glimmering star?
   Then when the night is upon us,
   Why should the heart sink away?
   When the dark midnight is over,
   Watch for the breaking of day.
3. Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,
   Rends the dark veil for the soul,
   Whither the Master has entered,
   Robbing the grave of its goal;
   Come then, oh, come, glad fruition,
   Come to my sad weary heart;
   Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,
   Never, oh, never depart.

Whispering Hope by Tennessee Ernie Ford

I posted this song because of Charity's post. As she said, it is not the same as hearing Daddy sing it, but, If like me, you have never heard the song, it helps appreciate the lyrics of Charity's post.

I could not find any complete version of this song.

♥ Hope

Story Sketches by Charity

Music to Make Grandfather Proud

I hope it is okay that I posted this video. If not, please let me know.

Love, Hope

By Jacqueline ~ Posted on Facebook

You don't have to be famous, wealthy or beautiful to have a huge impact on the world around you. My granddad proved that very well in the 83 years he was with us. He is one of my biggest inspirations. He loved music. Loved adventure. Loved trying new things. I remember when I was young, as I'd play my violin, he'd say gently "You can do better than that! Improvise, Improvise!" and I thought "No way, that's uncool. Like, seriously, the book doesn't say to do it that way.." But over the years I've realized the importance of trying new things, creating new sounds, and playing beautiful music. I am an adventurer, I am persistent, I never give up when I set my mind to do something. And I know where I got many strengths from. Grandpa is in a better place now, and I miss him like crazy, but as they say..."don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." ...♥

 

(Jacqueline gave me permission to post this here.)

Happy Birthday to You From Daddy 2013

Clare asked me to post this for you all.
Just insert your own name. ☺

Dear Mother and Family

Joseph's Writing

Review of "Heaven is for Real"

 

Hope is the quiet confidence...

Dear Nieces and Nephews ~

Dear Joseph ~ Goodby Letter from Daddy

A letter scanned by Tony - CLICK to Enlarge

Letters From Joseph

~~~♥~~~

~~~♥~~~  

Verses From Joseph

Some Happy Memories With Daddy

Tony asked me to post these letters. CLICK to Enlarge

Farewell letter to Grandfather

Hi all,
Charity had asked that I submit my farewell letter to Grandfather on this site. It had crossed my mind before she asked, but I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to do so or not. I think perhaps it is applicable to this site because it was sort of my own memorial to him and includes some thoughts on why I am so thankful for who he was...

Dearest Grandfather,

I am truly sorry that I am unable to see you in person. However, I know you are surrounded by love and prayers, and I am thankful for this. I wanted to at least make sure you knew how grateful I am for being blessed with a grandfather as amazing as you. I have been spiritually blessed by the legacy you have imparted to your children and beyond through your strength of faith, your belief in the Bible, and your desire to walk out God’s will in your own life, and your submission to doing so. Your love of family, your love of music, your enjoyment of life and the gifts God has given man… all of these played into who I have become as I person, and my life is so much richer because of them. I cherish the memories of the years I lived closer to you, and the opportunities to spend one-on-one time with you and Grandmother. Thank you for your zeal in always challenging everyone around to you to keep growing, learning, improving.

I can remember Mama saying countless times, “My dad always said, ‘If you lead a boring life, it’s your own fault’”, and if there is one thing you never were- it is boring! I remember once you bought you and Elisha and I matching white caps and red ‘kerchiefs to wear around our neck as our “uniform” so that we could pass ourselves off as “performers” when we delivered a piano through the back gate at Dollywood. We then (of course) crashed the local church service, sang a song or two and quoted some Scripture- and then we were free (literally and figuratively) to enjoy a lovely day of rides at Dollywood. What fun we had! I can’t think of anyone else’s granddad that could pull off such a clever plan.

I learned from the example you set to fight for truth and my beliefs. I learned from your example that it never hurts to ask, and sometimes surprising things occur when you find the courage to just ask. Your life showed the importance of people, the importance of a lifelong commitment to building relationships with people- family and non-family alike. I will always think of you as the great facilitator of communication- whether it was through 3-way phone calls, long-distance introductions of parties who were geographically close, or regular newsletters to family members to encourage a closer connectivity between blood relations. I remember your afternoon naps on the couch at my parent’s house amidst all the hustle and bustle of a big family. It seemed your brain could shut off for a tiny bit when your heart knew communication was occurring around you. So, my promise to you is to remember the heritage you have spent your life cultivating. I can’t think of anyone who is a better example of choosing to not lay up treasure in a place “where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal” (Matt. 6:19). You consistently built a treasury of relationships and family bonds, and the truth of God’s Word. I choose to follow your example and to remember the things that are truly important in life, and I hope and pray God gives me the wisdom and ability to pass this down to my own children, to whom I have already began to say: “My grandfather always said, ‘If you lead a boring life, it’s your own fault’”. I love you very much, my wonderful Grandfather!

Hope’s Victory Brown

Travels and Troubles, Now I'm So Glad for Them!

Thank you all for the wonderful input on this site.

What a blessing to be with the family to celebrate Daddy's faithful pilgrimage to the celestial city! As we traveled to get there, my "little pink mouse" (name given by Grandmother and Grandfather) comforted and blessed me with story after story of memories of Daddy and Mother and times we had with them. She went on and on "...then Grandmother stuck a chip in the dip and said, 'Here Wicky.' Then she put it into Grandfather's mouth. Then he winked at her."

I was amazed at how well she knew them and the sweetness of their relationship. Then I realized that it was through the upheaval of our job-related troubles that gave us the opportunity to end up visiting Daddy and Mother so many times throughout these past two or more years. When Bob had the "secure" job in Maryland, Little Pink Mouse hardly ever saw and barely knew her Grandparents. I used to be sad about the travels and troubles, but now I'm so glad for them!

Hallelujah! Thine the Glory! Revive us again!

Uncle Bill's Letter sent to his six brothers and one sister:

Dear Family,

Hope’s father, John Walker, went on to be with the Lord this morning. We had a lovely visit there in TN. He was surrounded by lots of loving family. On an interesting note, I dreamed about him last night. This first time I ever had him in any of my dreams. I dreamed of him playing the piano and I woke up and said to myself…John Walker the piano man. Then I said a prayer for him. It was so pleasant. Truly a special blessing sent to me by our Lord.

Looking forward to seeing you all in June.

Love forever in our Savior Jesus Christ,

Bill

A word from Adam—or two

Salutations family, friends, et al,

There is one thing in particular that I would really like to thank Grandfather for—his perseverance in holding family reunions. I realize that for many of the parents, the time and energy required to make it to these gatherings was immense; however, if it weren't for the family reunions held throughout the years, I know for a fact that I would not share the bonds with my aunts, uncles, and cousins which I hold to this day. This happens to be the major contrast in the relationship I hold between my mother's side of the family and that of my father's—the willingness to devote time and energy investing in the family and the resulting love therein. I account this to Grandfather as something he nurtured and take it as nothing less than blessing from the Lord.

Respectfully,

Adam Bulcock

Our Inheritance

During my devotional time this morning I was thinking about Prov 13:22

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children:

I thought about the inheritance Grandfather left for His grandchildren.

Obviously a monetary inheritance divided up 100 ways would not make an extremely significant impact on our lives even if it were a fairly good sum of money.  I was thinking about the things he left to us that are of much greater value than what money can buy; the things that have the ability to sustain us through life’s greatest challenges and difficulties.  Here is a short list of the things I thought about.  These are the things I personally feel grateful to have been given as an inheritance.  Feel free to add to the list.

• A passion to keep God at the center of our hearts and lives
  
  
• A conviction to value the word of God above religious tradition or opinions of man
  
  
• Making family relationships of greater importance than the pursuit of riches and the American dream
  
  
• A love for music and song
  
  
• A commitment to speak the truth even when it is unpopular
  
  
• A genuine care for the needs of those who the Bible refers to as “the least of these”
  

The list could go on but my family is awake and my attentions are being demanded.  These are things that I want to value the same way he did.  I know I fall short of it on a regular basis (we all do), but I am thankful for a target to shoot for.  

A Letter From Jeff

Dear Family,

Clare/Mom and I are in TN today. Her Dad has been ill, and we came down here Sunday evening at very short notice. We spent the day with him Monday, and he went home to be with the Lord Tues. a.m., and we were privileged to be able to bury his body yesterday evening on the family property. It was a great time of rejoicing as we laid his spent body to rest. We've been having an awesome time along with many of Clare's 14 other siblings, and with several of the grandchildren that could be here at this time and those that have been here recently, celebrating his homegoing. What a happy time picturing him leaping and skipping about in the joy and presence of the Lord with so many that have gone before him! At the same time of course, we feel for Grandmother, who was very much hoping to finish her race/pilgrimage before he did, and will miss him very much in the interim.

This whole thing has been such a great honor and privilege to participate in. I had the privilege of assisting Tony, who I was so impressed with and inspired by his gentle and loving leadership, in lovingly attending to all the needs of his bed-ridden Dad who couldn't do those things that we are all privileged to do for ourselves, while at the same time supporting his hurting Mom. Tony, and other family members taking shifts, were there tirelessly around the clock for weeks to try to attend to his every need.

We are just so thankful that we could be here to be present at this wonderful time of celebration of his homegoing! We have seen, and will continue to see, the Hand of God move in so many "miraculous" ways in touching so many family members in so many wonderful ways.

Thank you all for your loving care and support.

With much love,
Mom & Dad/Clare & Jeff