It is Well . . .

This week, while I was struggling to contend for joy and thanksgiving, the hymn, “It is Well With My Soul” by Haratio Spafford was bubbling up inside of me.

I went to YouTube to play it and sing along and I stumbled across this version, sung by Brian Doerksen. I sat there with tears streaming down my face feeling quite humbled. I had heard of the history behind the writing of this hymn, but seeing it right there with real photos was quite touching.

I was cut to the heart with shame over the petty things I had let frustrate me and render me barren of thanksgiving. How could someone suffer such horrible loss pen such beautiful words, while I wallowed in self-pity?

I repented. I began to give thanks with new vigor after this.

Continuing on with the counting . . .

• a fresh word
• determination to win this battle
• praise report about Joanne
• playing the ‘Southern Belle”
• giggling children
• heart shaped Salisbury steak
• blessing of training children
• getting organized
• being organized
• being a mom
• snuggly nap
• memorized all of Ephesians 1
• beginning Ephesians 2
• bad dreams that remind me that my life is amazing
• struggles ALL morning
• clean house, for now
• making bread
• sweet children
• teaching “joyful obedience”
• responding with gentleness (surprise!)
• forgiving because they know not what they do
• warm heater at my feet
• a little girl’s halting reading as she learns
• the wonder of being young and learning new things
• the wonder of being old and learning new things
• seeing change in my heart
• doing the ‘to-do’ list
• clean dresser
• 1 John 3
• husband waking me up each morning
• ORDER!!
• worship time each morning
• consistency
• dreams, again
• maybe, sorta understanding ‘coming full circle’
• learning to cry out
• sweet fellowship with sweet family