IN DREAMS: ~ IN DREAMS - His Eye Is On The Sparrow ~

UPLOAD

IN DREAMS - His Eye Is On The Sparrow

***** FOR HIS GENTLE LOVE

Some versions here of Civilla D. Martin's hymn (1905).

************* The View From My Nest...

Tonight I sat and listened to my daughter play the piano. She was playing, “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” and I was prompted to look up the words. I’m glad I did!

His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

Civilla D. Martin

Verse 1:
Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for Heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
A constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches over me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me

His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me.

Verse 2:
"Let not your heart be troubled,"
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Verse 3:
Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me.

His Eye is on the Sparrow
His Eye is on the Sparrow

This song really encouraged my heart. It's a Biblical song reminding us that God is watching over us. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to fear or be troubled. I don’t have to be depressed, live in doubt or feel lonely. I can rise above it all and sing.

Why not! This world is packed full of all kinds of darkness. People are lost and need to see some glimmer of light. It might as well come from those who say they are Christians. I ask myself real often...”What am I doing here?” Not what am I doing living in North Dakota. But what am I, as a Christian doing… that makes any difference for eternity right now... right here.

Just this week I saw an ad for a movie that is coming out. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out the name of an actor playing in it. What a waste of time! It made me angry that I actually remembered the actor’s name. Immediately the Lord smote my heart with the realization that I don’t even know the names of all my neighbors. The Bible tells us to redeem the time.

Ephesians 5:16 “ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

This verse describes our world today (evil) and it gives me a job to do. ( redeem the time.) I can’t redeem the time if I'm troubled, discouraged, lonely or distracted by the world’s system. How can I reach anyone for the Lord in that state of being?

The song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, reminded me that God knows and sees what I am going through and He is able to take care of me. I don’t have to carry my own burdens around. I can let them all go to Him. When I let them all go, it enables me to see past me... so I can see my neighbors, my family and my sisters in the Lord who have needs too. I can sing and be happy no matter what may come my way, because I am truly free. My wonderful God takes care of me!

Luke 12:24 “ Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

LORD, help me to trust You for everything in this life, so that I might be a better witness of You to those around me that need you too!

(Written By Dianne Cobb)
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*** TITLE                     *** ALBUM                         *** PERFORMER

His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Gospels Spirituals & Hymns (vol. 2)1954-1968         Mahalia Jackson
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         God Is Able         Ron Kenoly
His Eye Is On The Sparrow (instrumental)                  Dino Kartsonakis
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         From A Servant's Heart         Larnelle Harris
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Walt Whitman and The Soul Children Of Chicago
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Angel Kim
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Larry Dodd
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Camille Valencia-Camsy
His Eye Is On The Sparrow (acappella)         Redeemed         Prayer E Starr
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Phill Driscol

Civilla Durfee Martin (August 21, 1866 – March 9, 1948) was a Canadian-American writer of many religious hymns and gospel songs in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Her husband, Walter Stillman Martin (1862–1935), studied ministry at Harvard University, where he became a Baptist minister but later switched to the Disciples of Christ. Together they created hymns and songs which have become widely known. Some of her most popular pieces include "God Will Take Care of You", "One of God's Days", "Going Home", "The Old Fashioned Way", and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow".

"Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience."
/Civilla Martin

*Charles H. Gabriel /Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, 1856-1932

Biographical Sketch on the Lives Of Walter and Civilla Stillman

Walter Stillman Martin was born March 8, 1962 in Rowley, Essex Co., Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University where he studied for the ministry, and was later ordained as a Baptist minister. His wife, Civilla Durfee Holden, was born August 21, 1866, in Jordan, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her parents were James N. and Irene Harding Holden. They came together through a mutual interest in music. She had for years taught music before meeting Walter. With his musical talents, their lives together as a husband and wife team was a blessing to them, and ultimately to the world.

Civilla wrote texts for many of the hymns he produced including their very popular, "God Will Take Care of You." She wrote of the circumstances behind the writing of this now famous song. She explained, "I was confined to a sick bed in a Bible school in Lestershire, New York. My husband was spending several weeks at the school, making a songbook for the president of the school. ‘God Will Take Care of You’ was written one Sunday afternoon while my husband went to a preaching appointment. When he returned I gave the words to him. He immediately sat down to his little Bilhorn organ and wrote the music. That evening he and two of the teachers sang the completed song. It was then printed in the songbook he was compiling for the school.”

Further investigation of this story found that this was a Sunday, and Walter was to preach in a town some distance from the school. Since Civilla became unable to attend because of sickness, he wanted to cancel his trip. While it was being discussed, their nine year old son said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?" The old saying, "Out of the mouth of babes," comes to mind! Martin kept his appointment, and when he returned that evening, he found his wife greatly improved. Mrs. Martin had written a new hymn based on her son's faithful remark earlier that day, and within an hour, Mr. Martin wrote the melody. That very evening a couple of other teachers at the school came by, and they all sang the song together. Later in the week it was sung at one of the school assemblies, and the suggestion was made for it to be included in the new hymnbook. Thus, it was first published in 1905 in "Songs of Redemption," compiled by Martin and John A. Davis.

Another song she wrote in 1904 was "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." She once reflected, "I wrote the song 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow' in the company of a bedridden saint in the city of Elmira, New York. I was reading and singing to her and during our conversation, I chanced to ask her if she did not sometimes get discouraged. This is when she responded about God's care for the sparrow. Her answer prompted me to find paper and pencil, and in a very short time I had completed the poem."

In 1916 the family lived in Wilson, North Carolina where Walter taught at the Atlantic Christian College. In 1919 they became involved with the Disciples of Christ. Very soon thereafter he began teaching and preaching among them. He served for a while on the staff at Standard Publishing. He also assisted in the production of the Christian Hymnal. Before the end of the year, the family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta they were involved in Bible teaching and evangelistic work throughout the country.

Other famous songs he wrote included "One of God's Days," "Going Home," and "The Old-fashioned Way." In 1930 Martin assigned all of his copyrights to the Hope Publishing Company. Most all of his hymns are today in the public domain.

Walter passed from this life December 16, 1935 and his body was laid to rest in the Westview Cemetery in the West End area of Atlanta, Georgia. Civilla lived another thirteen years before her departure on March 9, 1948. Her body was laid next to her husband to await the return of the Lord.

-Sources: 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, page 106 & Various Internet Sites

Location Of The Grave Of W.S. & C.D. Martin

The Martins are buried in the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta Georgia. Just west of downtown in what is known as the West End community lies this great historic memorial cemetery to many of Atlanta's most prestigious and memorable cemeteries. Many Christians are buried there as well. Inside the I-285 Perimeter take Exit #53. The cemetery lies to the south of the expressway. If coming from the downtown area you will turn left on W. Lake Ave. Cross under the expressway and bear to the left on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. If coming from the west you will exit the expressway and turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Then bear to the right on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. The entrance of the cemetery is located at 1680 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, 30310 - (404) 755-6611. The graves are located in the rear of the cemetery in the SW corner, on the NW end of Section 18. Look for two "WILLIAMS" monuments side-by-side facing west. The Martin plot will be three rows behind. A map of the cemetery can be easily obtained in the office at the entrance of the cemetery.

ALSO:
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

Words by Mrs. Civilla D. Martin, 1905
Music by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, 1856-1932

~ other versions ~

His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Out Of The Ashes         Jessi Colter
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Songs Of Inspiration         Alabama
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Sister Act
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Greatest Hymns         Selah
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Clivia
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Aisling
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Devon L. Wilson
His Eye Is On The Sparrow                  Sam Ock
His Eyes is on the Sparrow         Holy Ghost Party         Gospel 4 U
His Eye is on the Sparrow                  Greg Hansen
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Sentforth         Sentforth
His Eye is on the Sparrow                  Central State University Chorus
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Cry         Scott Amendola Band
His Eye Is On The Sparrow         Let There Be Praise         Martin Adu
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Also, other versions:

from: > Dottie West; Eddie James; Keke Wyatt; Lonnie Donegan; Marvin Gaye; and Whitney Houston >
/* I THANK YOU SO MUCH for some songs, Gerard Voorburg! */

Also, other versions:

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His Eye Is On The Sparrow *Chris Moran
His Eye is on the Sparrow     *Christ Church Parish Choir-Brenda Caldwell
His Eye is on the Sparrow     *Ethel Waters
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi     *20th Century Masters 1950-1974
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *John Springer Family     *John Springer Family ,2010
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *The Harmonizing Four     *Chantent... (Negro Spirituals Vol. 1) [1957-59]
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *Shannon Love     *Shannon Love Demo
His Eye Is on the Sparrow (alt.take)    *The Coleman Brothers     *1943-1948 ,2006
His Eye Is on the Sparrow     *The Coleman Brothers     *1943-1948 ,2006
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *US Air Force Band ,2000
His Eye Is On The Sparrow     *Wintley Phipps
His Eye is on the Sparrow     *Ysabella Brave
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LINKS for all listed songs from this post, HERE:
UPLOAD, in 3 parts:
his_eye_iots.part1
his_eye_iots.part2
his_eye_iots.part3