A special “Thank You” to Kaleigh Hayner for providing this insight in a song that has touched thousands. Kaleigh is a freshman at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. She is from North Carolina with a strong appreciation and love for music. The video recording at the end of this article is from the Freed-Hardeman Chorale’s Winter Tour in Texas.

“Have you had a moment in your life where you feel so alone that you didn’t think God could reach you? I felt that way just a few weeks ago, until I heard a song sung by the Freed-Hardeman Chorale. Even though I had heard and sang it so many times before, it had a new meaning when I was in the trenches. The first line introduces something that every human can connect to: “A frightening place this world of ours, the frantic pace of changing powers.” With the presidential election in 2016 and a new president, some are concerned with what the future holds. But this song seems to remind us that in the future, God is there. Another line says “…in these days one promise holds, I can ride the morning winds and you are there.”

This is one of the most comforting things I have ever heard. Even though we fight through this life, and we all of these struggles, God is there. It’s kind of like when you were a kid and were scared to go down the slide. But all along your mom or dad was at the bottom of the slide just waiting with the sole purpose…to catch you. It was scary, but they were there. God is there, waiting for us at the bottom. “I can find the darkest, darkest night and you are there.” No matter how dark this life gets, no matter how scary, God knows, and he is there. “I can never be lost, never lost from you.” Jonah ran away from God and God saw him hiding on a boat. And even as we run and try to hide, remember that God knows our fears and he is there.”

“Ride the Morning Winds is a beautiful composed by Grace Hawthorne and Tom Fettke and published by Pilot Point Music. This song is a comforting piece, reminding the listeners that God is always there, in their darkest night, and in the morning winds. The world may seem a scary place, but the Creator is always there. Written in the 1980s, the beautiful arrangement continues to offer peace to the those who hear it and sing it. The harmonies, in conjunction with the lyrics, offer a comforting message. Written in the key of Ab Major, each chord offers peace and tranquility to the mind. Instruments aren’t needed to make this piece more beautiful.”

1, July 23, 2016

For the past 23 years, this home has been blessed by one, then two and eventually three gifts from God. They came in the form of Logan, Emili and Dillon! We have loved them, carried them, walked with them, and prayed with them. Having children is truly a blessing from God. But the childhood years don’t last long. In just a ‘blink of an eye,’ those little ones are asking for the keys to the car, and before you know it, they drive away from the house alone, for the last time. They have grown up, just like you had hoped and planned, but now what? With an “Empty Nest,” what comes next in this life? Some parents celebrate their long lost freedom. Others morn the change, and fall into a great depression. Still others fall apart and fall away. Things will be different for sure, but this article isn’t intended to address the ‘empty nest’ as much as it is to focus on the last one to leave home.

This coming August, after 27 years of marriage, Vicki and I will find ourselves in one of those ‘nests.’ We’ve known it was coming, and we’ve been preparing for it for quite some time. But if the truth be known, it got here a lot quicker than I was hoping for. When Logan & Emili graduated, we felt their absence to be sure. The home was different with only three when we had grown accustom to five of us loving and struggling together. But then, in a matter of months, our family of three became the ‘new norm.’ It was good and we’ve have enjoyed Dillon as an only child during his high school years. Still, we blinked and those years changed to months and the months changed to weeks. And as I pen this letter, the weeks are counting down to days.

Every parent asked the question; ‘Am I ready for them to leave home?’ But perhaps we should be asking; “Are THEY ready to leave home? Have I done the right things, have I given the proper advise and pointed them ‘in the way he should go’.” (Proverbs 22:6) We do what God calls us to do as parents, and then we pray for their safety and for the decisions they will make. As parents, there’s not much more we can do! God gave us those little ones to cherish, nurture and raise for the sole purpose of bringing them back before His throne.

My kids are growing up faster than I would have ever imagined. Our oldest son, Logan, has one more semester at Freed Hardeman University. He is planning to graduate in December. Emili, our second child, will be starting her fourth year there. Lord willing she will be graduating in May from Freed-Hardeman. And now this fall, our youngest son Dillon, will be driving down our street on his way to Tennessee as he prepares to stretch his wings and leave the nest. The Bruce home will return to the same condition it was 23 years ago, because life goes on and children grow up. We know that, and we all move across the time-line of life. And, like it or not, it’s the design and plan that our God has established.

Each year as Logan and Emili have moved out on their own taking on the challenge of college, I selected a song with a specific message I wanted them to remember. For Logan, it was “God Bless You, Go with God.” For Emili, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” Dillon, the inspiration for the song that I believe most aptly expresses my hope and prayer for you could have been written about you. In you I see a young man who understands what it means to be humble and kind. Read these two scriptures first before reading the message of the song. You have blessed your mother and me when you shared it with us!

From God’s Word…Humble: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Kind: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

1) You know there’s a light that glows by the front door, don’t forget the key’s under the mat. Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind. Go to church ’cause your momma says to, visit grandpa every chance that you can, it won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.

Chorus:
Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but, always stay humble and kind.
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, when the work you put in is realized,
let yourself feel the pride but always stay humble and kind.

2) Don’t expect a free ride from no one, don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why, bitterness keeps you from flyin’. Always stay humble and kind.
Know the difference between sleeping with someone, and sleeping with someone you love.“I love you” ain’t no pick up line so, always stay humble and kind

Chorus:

3) When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin,’ don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line.

Always stay humble and kind.

Dillon, as you face new challenges in this life you must remember to accept them with God’s guidance. Open doors will appear before you, but the threshold of those doors can only be successfully crossed if you go with God. If you will continue to live by the motto and “Always stay humble and kind,” I can only imagine where and what you will do! It has been an honor watching you grown into the strong young man you are today.

1, August 20, 20131, August 20, 2013

This particular Sunday was no different than the hundreds that had taken place before and many more that were to come. Each one played out on a weekly basis and sharing a similar feeling of family unity. The busyness of the day wasn’t lost in a frenzied stampede to the doors. People, young and old, lingered as they enjoyed the company of fellow Christians. And to a small, 4 year old boy, this weekly forest of legs was nothing for me to shy away from. We were a family, a comfortable environment centered around our Heavenly Father. My parents had taught me this concrete principle from the day I could understand their words of instruction. Following our Father’s example, we will always be a family of love.

On this particular Sunday morning as I dodged ‘tree trunks’ of corduroy and zipping passed the ladies swaying skirts, I was looking for a familiar hand. One that perfectly held my small, child-like grip; and my granddad’s hand was unmistakable. Years of hard labor had left his hands rugged and strong, yet also offered to me a stabilizing and comforting grasp.

In short order I saw his large, unmistakable hand at his side, and without hesitation I reached up and took a firm grip. We walked for a while, taking in the excitement of the morning. There was no hurry. Slowly we made our way across the carpeted hallway. As we walked I waited. Surely my granddad would pick me up to save my steps. Surely he would lift me up and provide that assurance a child needs. But we walked on. As we walked I lifted my gaze and peered into the face of a man who wasn’t my granddad. All along I thought I knew who was holding my hand. From the moment we grasped hands, I was sure I was holding the steadfast, safe hand of my granddad. Though I was safe in the hands of this older Christian I wasn’t aware of whose hand I held.

My kids are growing up faster than I would have ever imagined. Our oldest son, Logan, is prepared to start his 2nd year at Freed Hardeman University. Before this month is over our second child, Emili ,will be starting her first year there. Dillon, our youngest, will be an only child in the Bruce household this fall. Last year as we prepared to leave Logan in Tennessee, I struggled with that transition. My oldest was growing up and moving on. Life was changing. Now my little girl is doing the same. She has grown up from that sweet, curly haired angel to a strong, mature young Christian lady. Life keeps moving on…

Last year as our oldest moved out on his own, I came to focus on the message of the song by Warren Roberts, “God Bless You, Go with God”. And Emili, that prayer is still my prayer for you as well. But in addition, I want you encourage you to think about the words written by Ira Stanpill in the late 1950’s. She penned the following:

1…I don’t know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day.
I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what lies ahead.

Chorus: Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.

2…Every step is getting brighter as the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden’s getting lighter, every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining, there no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow where the mountains touch the sky.

Chorus:

3…I don’t know about tomorrow; it may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow, is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion may be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me and I’m covered with His blood.

Chorus:

Emili, please remember that as you walk through this life you will have lots of questions. Questions like; ‘Why are they treating me like this? How can he do that to me? Why would she say something like that?’ There are times when people will disappoint you. At the same time, there will be days when you feel like you’re on ‘Cloud 9.’ Nothing could go wrong and everything is going right. Either way, during either day, consider who’s hand you are holding. Sometimes the hand you hold will appear to be the right one. It will look good, feel right and treat you just like you expect it to. But there is one hand (besides mine) that you need to reach out to take hold of and never let go. His hand will protect you and shield you in these tender moments when you’re learning to make it on your own. You know who I’m talking about, and even though you don’t know what your tomorrow holds, rest assured in knowing that He holds your tomorrow. As you hold your Savior’s hand remember this. Your mother and I are not far away, because…we’re holding His hand too.

Tag: Freed Hardeman

Ride the Morning Winds

The Third of Three Gifts

From God’s Word…Humble: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Kind: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

1) You know there’s a light that glows by the front door, don’t forget the key’s under the mat. Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind. Go to church ’cause your momma says to, visit grandpa every chance that you can, it won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.

Chorus:

3) When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin,’ don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line.

Always stay humble and kind.

Whose Hand are You Holding?

From God’s Word…Humble: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Kind: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

1) You know there’s a light that glows by the front door, don’t forget the key’s under the mat. Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind. Go to church ’cause your momma says to, visit grandpa every chance that you can, it won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.

Chorus:

3) When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind. Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin,’ don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line.

Always stay humble and kind.

3) When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin,’ don’t forget turn back around and help the next one in line.