Today’s post was written by Paul.
Today I’m sharing another song with Granny, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.”
We dedicate the sentiment of this song, as well as our thoughts and prayers, to all of the flood/storm victims of Hurricane Helene (and Milton). Our hearts especially go out to those who lost loved ones.
Thinking back to one of my recent videos, I hate that I made it sound like my house remodeling project is an ordeal. It’s nothing at all compared to the housing crisis facing the many victims who had no flood insurance or means of rebuilding their destroyed homes.
Tipper and the Pressley Girls have spoken more about the devastation in Western NC, just a couple of hours east of us, and they’ve used their channels to help collect some supplies. A close friend of mine, who is an EMT, spent several days there helping people who have lost everything.
Granny picked today’s song out. As far as I know, she never sang it with Pap, and I had never sung it, other than along with the choir in church. It’s typically done with a two-note repeat on the chorus. Since neither one of us felt confident doing the repeat, I just substituted a lick on the top two strings in the spots where the repeat would have gone.
I wish I had turned off the TV before we started. During the second verse, the reflection on Granny’s glasses briefly made it appear she was wearing purple eyeshadow 🙂
The writer of this hymn was born in NC in 1873, so it’s fitting to upload this song now, during a trying time for our state. Of course, we live in the here-and-now and must do what we can in this life and in this world to help others, but this song brings more comfort than just causing us to look forward to the next life where there will be no heartaches nor times of loss. We know that the same Lord who provides our salvation and who prepared for us a better place to come, also helps us and helps us help others in an immediate sense.
Lyrics
We read of a place that’s called heaven, It’s made for the pure and the free; These truths in God’s Word He hath given, How beautiful heaven must be.
How beautiful heaven must be, Sweet home of the happy and free; Fair haven of rest for the weary, How beautiful heaven must be.
In heaven no drooping nor pining, No wishing for elsewhere to be; God’s light is forever there shining, How beautiful heaven must be.
Pure waters of life there are flowing, And all who will drink may be free; Rare jewels of splendor are glowing, How beautiful heaven must be.
The angels so sweetly are singing, Up there by the beautiful sea; Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing, How beautiful heaven must be. (We left out the 3rd verse)
My EMT friend called me one night to talk over what he had seen and experienced in the impacted towns and communities, and he told me several examples of how the Lord led him to certain people who were in need and then also helped him quickly secure things that they sorely needed, all in a very short period of time. He was astonished at how things transpired. He was confident that it was because he was listening to God’s directions for what to do and where to go. All this to say, God is good, and as this song communicates, He is our Hope and sustains in all times.
We hope you enjoyed this little duet. Thank you for watching and please continue to pray for those suffering from the storms.
Paul
Original singles released on Spotify.
Beautiful duet!
Sweet rendition of these pretty hymn. I joined in with you!
Thank you for the beautiful song and the reminder that this is not our home.
We have an eternal home awaiting us with our loving Father and “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Truly, how beautiful heaven must be!
Praying for you, Sally Jo. God works in mysterious ways. ❤
I just love to hear Paul and Granny sing, thanks for a wonderful treat on this cold Dec. evening.
Prayers continued for the hurricane victims.
That was beautiful! Thank you Granny and Paul! You are both a blessing to us all.
Thanks, one of my favorite hymns.
I don’t know, Paul, maybe it’s just me, but maybe you could lighten up on yourself a little and not be concerned with your words about your home renovation or leaving the tv on whilst recording. These things are not what we see and hear when we see you sharing music, whether it’s with Granny or Doyle Dykes or Tipper and your nieces. It’s mainly the humble spirit that you share and your concern for any other person who is struggling, delivered wrapped in your music. As a Wilson/Pressley fan, I think you needn’t worry about details that most of us don’t notice and be confident that you are doing what you’ve been called to do.
Thank you Granny & Paul. Beautiful. I was laughing at the end when Paul told Granny that he messed up a few words in one verse. Granny said, “yes you did”! Nothing gets by Granny! Love you Granny. Grammy from Texas
I can’t tell you how timely this particular song is. my friend Cate who’s been in hospice passed last night and this song just made me think how beautiful paradise is for my girl. thank you .
Sally Jo-I’m so sorry you lost her.
So very sorry for your loss. God give you comfort and peace.
Sally Jo, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I’m grateful she is in Heaven with Jesus. Grammy from Texas
Beautiful indeed !!! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful message !!! Love & Blessings !!!
Paul, my first thought listening to you and Granny singing was what a wonderful keepsake you have of singing with that sweet mother of yours, You can replay it over and over and still hear and see your mom. What a blessing! Second thing I thought was how thick and warm her beautiful sweater was!! Is there nothing your mom can’t do? Your voices singing together was a pleasure to listen to! I’m so glad one of my sisters introduced me to Tipper’s U Tube channel years ago, and every day in my e mail comes something new from Tipper. I’m a fan of the whole family along with thousands and thousands of others! May God continue to rain His blessings down on all of you and your many fans!!
My favorite brasstown singer! Sounding good as always granny and Paul. Can’t believe December is already here. Y’all please pray for my daughter, she’s due with her first baby (my 1st grandbaby) any day now. Pray that mama and baby will be healthy and have a safe labor & delivery. Thank you and God bless
What a wonderful way to start a Sunday morning!! Beautiful song and as always, love to hear Granny and Paul sing. Let us all keep praying for the people who have lost so much.
Beautiful!!!! Thanks Paul and Granny. God bless ya all!
Your all’s song this AM is a favorite. I think those kinds of thoughts about what awaits us is a common bond among all believers. We really don’t know much detail from scripture but our hope and expectation is that it will be better than the best we have known here because of being purely good. In spite of ourselves, we get stuck in thinking we must remember here in order to appreciate there. I don’t really think that is true. Love doesn’t need a reason and it won’t there. But for now, we get meaning from making the comparison.
Lovely. Thank you.
My goodness, y’all, I hadn’t thought of that song, much less heard it, in a coon’s age! We used to sing it at family gaherings. And, yes, we still pray and remember those in distress from the storms. I love the song “Keep Me Safe ’til the Storm Passes By.” I believe it speaks to storms of all kinds, seen and unseen. We all have experienced both.
I love hearing you and Granny singing together. It reminds me of my own mama, who has a beautiful voice and loves to sing old hymns. Have blessed day everyone
Thank all of you for this. There is so much love between the two of you. I’m sure Granny is proud of her family even though you sometimes trick her. At least it is in a good way. Sharing your gifts with others can help so many in so many ways.
Always loved this song and your duet with Granny is awesome. I loved that you tricked her lol!
My husband and I enjoyed listening to you and Granny sing one of our favorite songs, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.” I love the words and you both sang it beautifully. How blessed you are, Paul to still have your mother. Mine is 95 and in poor health lately. I thank God that she is still with us. I used to play the piano and she and I sang this song and many other hymns and gospel songs. I moved to another state in 1986, and our singing times together have been few, but I have pleasant memories. Thank you for sharing your musical talents. You truly bless us. God bless you and Granny.
How beautiful, and how precious! Thank you Granny and Paul! God bless you extra!
How precious Granny is and how gentle and kind Paul is. I just love the music. It takes me back to my childhood days of a little church nestled on a hill in the country of Sevier County. There was a time that there was no carpet or comfortable seats. There was a potbellied stove and kerosene lamps. When Revivals came, men would go outside and up on their hills and you could hear them crying out to God for the Revival. Sometimes those Revivals would last week’s. What we read about heaven in the Bible is is a beautiful place. I would urge anyone that is not a child of God to search him out. He loves us so. God bless.
Yes, indeed! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Granny & Paul for such a beautiful song this morning. I love hearing you two sing together. It brings a joy to my soul. May God continue to bless you as you strive daily to serve Him.
Paul and Granny, I enjoyed your music!
What a sweet way to start my morning! I loved it when Paul said he messed up on one part and Granny said, “I know it.” HaHa!
Always enjoy hearing you and Granny singing duets. Such a beautiful song.
Thank you, Paul and Granny! What a beautiful song! I love to hear Granny sing. She has such a sweet voice. You have a nice voice, too, Paul. The older I get, the more I think about/long for Heaven. Continuing prayers for those devastated by Helene and Milton.
Beautiful! Thank you Granny and Paul! Oh, how I love listening to you sing, and play!
Thank you for the testimony you shared, God is good!
God bless you and yours.❤❤
Thank Paul for us, such beautiful word as well as beautiful words of the song. In great times we can easily forget bad times and I think that the Lord means for it to be that way…it is more sunny in good times and knowing what is ahead for me ‘one day’ I try to appreciate every day. Still praying for Granny and you guys. God Bless.
I love hearing you and your mom sing together. Your voices blend together so beautifully!
Only one thing anyone can say about this post
Amen brother!
Thank you for starting my Sunday morning with this beautiful song!
I enjoy listening to any songs that Granny sings with you. One of my favorite hymns is “Precious Memories,” I often listen to Pap, you, and one of the girls singing it, lately I have been listening to you and Granny singing it.
There is no doubt in my mind that God helped your EMT friend. I met the son of a friend Friday. He is in the NC National Guard and has been working for the last two months in the hard hit areas since Helene. It has had a mental effect on him and without him going into detail it seemed he was bothered by having to do everything he did the “military way.”
Enjoyed the singing on this old song this morning. For us as believers, one day soon we’ll see just how beautiful heaven is!
Everyone have a great Sunday.