Before I start, please be warned that offense may happen as I step on my soap box. However, please also know that this is NOT aimed at anyone specifically and it is only a result of a conversation I had with my six-year-old son tonight..,
So since Noah was a baby, I've struggled with the decision to teach and/or support the Santa Claus theory.
When he was a baby, there was never a problem with it. He was too little to even know what Christmas was let alone Santa and everything else. We bought his gifts along with family and the word "Santa" was never mentioned.
When he was younger, I would tell Scott that I refused to allow our kids to believe in Santa. Coming from a united Pentecostal background, teaching Santa to your children didn't happen. I grew up knowing he didn't exist and I don't feel I missed out on anything.
As he got older, the world of Santa has been introduced to him. Daycare, school, television play a huge part. His daycare (after Olivia was born brings in a "Santa" and gives each child a gift which the parents pre-purchase, wrap and drop off to the daycare prior to the special visit.
When this would happen, we would tell Noah/Olivia that gifts from Santa only happen at daycare. We didn't want them to not get a gift when other children did, but they were too young to be trusted with the "Santa is not real" discussion for fear of the other children's familial beliefs.
This year, both kids were discussing openly about Santa and how they were excited for Christmas. We had had enough. Since earlier in the year we had briefly touched on the subject on Santa not being real, we went into more detail explaining how he wasn't real and that all gifts come from mom and dad and family. They seemed to get it; weren't disappointed since we had never made Santa a big deal.
Today, while at my company's Christmas party, Noah decides to write Santa a letter. I quietly explain that all his gifts are bought. He proceeds to tell me that "yes, but I'm asking Santa for something else that he can make and bring to me". I asked him if he remembered what we discussed a few nights before. He said yes, but wasn't sure he believed me. Since we were in a crowded room full of believers, I left it at that and knew that Christmas morning e would clearly know that he isn't exist since that item would NOT be under the tree.
Tonight, instead of doing a devotion, I told Noah the story of Saint Nicholas (VeggieTale style) and how from that wonderful act of spreading Jesus' love, the story of Santa Claus came out.
I, then, had an "AHA" moment. I told Noah that Saint Nicholas was a person like us and that people die. I asked Noah if he thought that anyone could live forever. He knew right away that God never dies and that Jesus died but came back to life. I then asked if he thought any other person could live forever without dying? He said "no".
Here is my soap-box moment... From that I had a moment of sadness for all Christians who teach their children that Santa is real. They are not only lying to their child, they are also giving someone else the same power that God has. Think about it..Santa never dies, you can't see Santa but he exists,Santa sees everything you do and rewards you if you are good, Santa brings them joy by delivering all these gifts on Christmas day.
If you want your child to believe in the one and only true God, you can't lie to them about Santa....cause really there are too many similarities in the story. I truly believe that this innocent story has been used by centuries to put the same doubt that children have about Santa in their minds about God. You can't tell them Santa is real, then when they find out it isn't true expect them to believe that God is real too.
Stepping off my soap box now!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Arghhh! Why the controversy...
So, tonight I post a harmless status update on Facebook, and the first response makes me livid. What was a reflection on MYSELF somehow became a pissing contest over the controversy of working mom vs stay-at-home-mom.
My post was "Hmmm, I wonder if I were a stay-at-home wife/mom, would I learn to love housekeeping/cleaning? I would certainly have more time for it, but I doubt I would devote much time to it....yup, I think I would be lazy! Thankfully, I like working outside the home!"
I was simply stating the fact that I don't think I would be a good stay-at-home wife. I feel that if I were to choose that for our family, one of my main duties would be to take care of the home, in it's entirety, while my husband supported our family. (this is my personal opinion for me and my family). I would not expect my house to be in the state that it sometimes is with both of us working. I would expect untidiness at times, but I would expect that for a better part of my time at home, I would be keeping the house in good shape.
My status was simply stating that since I hate the housework and the daily chores around the house, I don't think I would make a good stay-at-home wife.
I didn't mention children, raising children, the blessing of being able to raise them....
For someone to bring children into this is a huge critical daggar to me....I don't feel that I'm NOT raising my children. I work outside the home. I still wake my children up, pack them a lunch (while in school), I do their homework with them, I cook their supper, I give them baths, I do devotions with them, I do their prayers at night, I tuck them in, I play with them, etc.... How am I not raising them? So, to comment on my self appraisal of a housekeeper and say that it is a blessing to be home and raise one's children, really ticks me off....
I have friends who are stay-at-home-moms and I have friends who are working moms. I've come to a pretty profound conclusion over who loves their children more....
First I will explain my choice of being a working mom....
Back before I was ever pregnant, I used to say that I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom. During my maternity leave, I looked for every at-home opportunity to earn money. I dreaded going back to work and leaving my child with someone else during the day. I sat down with my husband, we discussed the options and really looked at the finances and our quality of life and what we wanted. We chose, together, that I would return to work. I got slack from a couple people, but it was my choice.
After the first few weeks, I really enjoyed working outside of the home. There were times when I would have loved to be at home....but those days existed before I had kids too. I enjoyed the socialization of work, I loved what I did, I felt satisfied and like I was accomplishing something. I also felt like I was helping my husband with any financial strain he might feel supporting our family. Most of all, I felt the wonderful joy of spending my evenings and weekends with my family where we would have fun, we would play and we would just enjoy each other's time.
I didn't feel that my son (and now my daughter) ever loved caretakers more than me. I never felt that I was missing out on development. I have yet to regret our decision for me to return to the workplace.
I have a wonderful workplace where family is a priority. I am free to take time off with the kids when they are sick, I am free to take appointment time with the children. I have ample vacation time to spend with my family making lasting memories. I have wonderful hours where I have evenings and weekends to spend with them.
Now my big revelation....who loves their kids more...stay-at-home-moms or working moms......
NEITHER... We are mothers and we all love our kids the same. We would do anything for them and would rather see them happy than anything else in the world.
As women, we need to stop trying to make the other side of what we are living feel guilty for their choices. As responsible adults, we do what we feel is right for our families and this stupid controversy over which parent is better and which parent is more blessed really makes me angry.
Working moms love their kids. Stay-at-home moms love their kids. Neither one are better than the other. They have both made choices and sacrifices as a family unit and they are living the life they chose. They don't need condemnation or criticism from anyone.
As mom's we have enough guilt in our lives, we don't need it from each other. Let us support one another in our choices.
My post was "Hmmm, I wonder if I were a stay-at-home wife/mom, would I learn to love housekeeping/cleaning? I would certainly have more time for it, but I doubt I would devote much time to it....yup, I think I would be lazy! Thankfully, I like working outside the home!"
I was simply stating the fact that I don't think I would be a good stay-at-home wife. I feel that if I were to choose that for our family, one of my main duties would be to take care of the home, in it's entirety, while my husband supported our family. (this is my personal opinion for me and my family). I would not expect my house to be in the state that it sometimes is with both of us working. I would expect untidiness at times, but I would expect that for a better part of my time at home, I would be keeping the house in good shape.
My status was simply stating that since I hate the housework and the daily chores around the house, I don't think I would make a good stay-at-home wife.
I didn't mention children, raising children, the blessing of being able to raise them....
For someone to bring children into this is a huge critical daggar to me....I don't feel that I'm NOT raising my children. I work outside the home. I still wake my children up, pack them a lunch (while in school), I do their homework with them, I cook their supper, I give them baths, I do devotions with them, I do their prayers at night, I tuck them in, I play with them, etc.... How am I not raising them? So, to comment on my self appraisal of a housekeeper and say that it is a blessing to be home and raise one's children, really ticks me off....
I have friends who are stay-at-home-moms and I have friends who are working moms. I've come to a pretty profound conclusion over who loves their children more....
First I will explain my choice of being a working mom....
Back before I was ever pregnant, I used to say that I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom. During my maternity leave, I looked for every at-home opportunity to earn money. I dreaded going back to work and leaving my child with someone else during the day. I sat down with my husband, we discussed the options and really looked at the finances and our quality of life and what we wanted. We chose, together, that I would return to work. I got slack from a couple people, but it was my choice.
After the first few weeks, I really enjoyed working outside of the home. There were times when I would have loved to be at home....but those days existed before I had kids too. I enjoyed the socialization of work, I loved what I did, I felt satisfied and like I was accomplishing something. I also felt like I was helping my husband with any financial strain he might feel supporting our family. Most of all, I felt the wonderful joy of spending my evenings and weekends with my family where we would have fun, we would play and we would just enjoy each other's time.
I didn't feel that my son (and now my daughter) ever loved caretakers more than me. I never felt that I was missing out on development. I have yet to regret our decision for me to return to the workplace.
I have a wonderful workplace where family is a priority. I am free to take time off with the kids when they are sick, I am free to take appointment time with the children. I have ample vacation time to spend with my family making lasting memories. I have wonderful hours where I have evenings and weekends to spend with them.
Now my big revelation....who loves their kids more...stay-at-home-moms or working moms......
NEITHER... We are mothers and we all love our kids the same. We would do anything for them and would rather see them happy than anything else in the world.
As women, we need to stop trying to make the other side of what we are living feel guilty for their choices. As responsible adults, we do what we feel is right for our families and this stupid controversy over which parent is better and which parent is more blessed really makes me angry.
Working moms love their kids. Stay-at-home moms love their kids. Neither one are better than the other. They have both made choices and sacrifices as a family unit and they are living the life they chose. They don't need condemnation or criticism from anyone.
As mom's we have enough guilt in our lives, we don't need it from each other. Let us support one another in our choices.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Hello hello
Just in case anyone has missed me, I'm still alive :)
We've had a busy month. We had a wonderful 2 weeks spending quality time as a family while the daycare was closed. I can't believe how good it is to have a lot of time all together without agendas, without schedules, without limitations and just time to spend together and loving on each other.
As always, we did a lot of local activities; water park, amusement park, provincial park, an other local and regional tourist attractions.
I went back to work feeling rejuvenated and very happy and thankful forthe time
We got to spend together.
Hope everyone out there is having a great summer :)
We've had a busy month. We had a wonderful 2 weeks spending quality time as a family while the daycare was closed. I can't believe how good it is to have a lot of time all together without agendas, without schedules, without limitations and just time to spend together and loving on each other.
As always, we did a lot of local activities; water park, amusement park, provincial park, an other local and regional tourist attractions.
I went back to work feeling rejuvenated and very happy and thankful forthe time
We got to spend together.
Hope everyone out there is having a great summer :)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Just a few things...
I've been neglecting my blog for a few days/weeks, but it hasn't been intentional...just living life.
We've had our family pictures done.....FINALLY!!! They are absolutely phenomenal if I do say so myself. Everything I hoped they would be and more. Holly captured the essence of our family...God has truly and richly blessed her with such talent. Joy just oozes from her...how can one not have good results with such a joyous photographer.
Ive been doing A LOT of reading lately. I decided to attempt reading the Twilight series. I was against the hype and vowed I would never read it. Well, I gave in to prove a point that I wouldn't like it like everyone else. Epic fail....I became a huge fan! So much so, I read all 4 books in just a day over 1 week. Ive since read a leaked version of the first book from Edward's point of view and I became enthralled all over again. Such a great series.
Today, I started reading The Help and so far, it is panning out to be a great book.
Besides reading and work, this past week, our family has been enjoying our Christmas gift to ourselves...our Magic Mountain season's passes. We've gone 4 times in the past week!!!! So much fun!!! So happy with the wonderful weather we have been having!
If you are looking for a great family gift, it is such an awesome deal. For $260 (+tax) you can season's passes for a family of 4. One day alone for a family of 4 in season, are $85.50. So, we only have to go 3 times to make up the cost.
Olivia has been to the ophthalmologist. She is going to work towards having Liv's lazy eye corrected by the time ahe starts school. In order to achieve that, she will continue with her patching. Additionally, she will get drops added to her good eye (right) to dilate the pupil and render it weaker than her left. She has had the prescription lens removed from her glasses for the right lens. So, we are patching her right eye for 6-8 hrs per day, when she isn't patched, her right eye will be dilated with a Plano lens in her glasses. All of this to force her left eye to do the work to train her brain as well as develop that muscle to work in unison with her right eye later. Ahe is such a good sport and doesn't seem to complain. The dilation stings a bit, her eyes are sensitive to te light, and her overall vision is blurry because her weak eye is doing the "seeing".
Noah is busy continuing his learning to read adventure. Whenever you see him, he seems to always have a pen an paper in his hand. He wants to write everything and amazes me how well he is doing. According to his report card, which we are very proud of on all accounts, he is reading above a kindergarten level. My goal for the year was that he would read at his level...so we are happy with his progress.
Well, I guess those are my few things to share.
If you want to see a snapping of our family photos, visit Holly Howe's blog. I follow her on blogspot, so you can find her there. One more thing, I really recommend her, so please contact her to get your pics done....she is so worth it!!
We've had our family pictures done.....FINALLY!!! They are absolutely phenomenal if I do say so myself. Everything I hoped they would be and more. Holly captured the essence of our family...God has truly and richly blessed her with such talent. Joy just oozes from her...how can one not have good results with such a joyous photographer.
Ive been doing A LOT of reading lately. I decided to attempt reading the Twilight series. I was against the hype and vowed I would never read it. Well, I gave in to prove a point that I wouldn't like it like everyone else. Epic fail....I became a huge fan! So much so, I read all 4 books in just a day over 1 week. Ive since read a leaked version of the first book from Edward's point of view and I became enthralled all over again. Such a great series.
Today, I started reading The Help and so far, it is panning out to be a great book.
Besides reading and work, this past week, our family has been enjoying our Christmas gift to ourselves...our Magic Mountain season's passes. We've gone 4 times in the past week!!!! So much fun!!! So happy with the wonderful weather we have been having!
If you are looking for a great family gift, it is such an awesome deal. For $260 (+tax) you can season's passes for a family of 4. One day alone for a family of 4 in season, are $85.50. So, we only have to go 3 times to make up the cost.
Olivia has been to the ophthalmologist. She is going to work towards having Liv's lazy eye corrected by the time ahe starts school. In order to achieve that, she will continue with her patching. Additionally, she will get drops added to her good eye (right) to dilate the pupil and render it weaker than her left. She has had the prescription lens removed from her glasses for the right lens. So, we are patching her right eye for 6-8 hrs per day, when she isn't patched, her right eye will be dilated with a Plano lens in her glasses. All of this to force her left eye to do the work to train her brain as well as develop that muscle to work in unison with her right eye later. Ahe is such a good sport and doesn't seem to complain. The dilation stings a bit, her eyes are sensitive to te light, and her overall vision is blurry because her weak eye is doing the "seeing".
Noah is busy continuing his learning to read adventure. Whenever you see him, he seems to always have a pen an paper in his hand. He wants to write everything and amazes me how well he is doing. According to his report card, which we are very proud of on all accounts, he is reading above a kindergarten level. My goal for the year was that he would read at his level...so we are happy with his progress.
Well, I guess those are my few things to share.
If you want to see a snapping of our family photos, visit Holly Howe's blog. I follow her on blogspot, so you can find her there. One more thing, I really recommend her, so please contact her to get your pics done....she is so worth it!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A Little Nostalgic...
Last night I watched "19 Kids and Counting". It isn't something I normally watch, but on a side note, I must say how impressed that I am with the Duggars and their faithfulness to God and their faith and keeping it "real". A lot of people see the 19 kids and think they are crazy...I have thoughts on this...they are a self-sufficient family, they are raising a fine group of God-fearing/loving children who know compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy and a lot of the qualities of true Christians. I commend them for doing what most of is with one or two children can find a daunting challenge.
Now, I'll step down off my soap box and blog my real reason for my post.
Last night's episode was Josh (eldest Duggar child) and his wife Anna and the birth of their second child. As I watched her labour at home and cuddle her one-year-old and wrap with tears of excitement, joy, and pure exhaustion, I began to bawl.
I've been there twice. As I watched her, I reminisced back 6 and 4 years ago when I, too, felt all those emotions in anticipation for my children.
It seems like yesterday all I had was hope and dreams for those little bundles. Today, I get to see those hopes grow throught the various stages...some haven't begun, some have just started, some are slowly progressing, some are building fast, some are already complete and there are some that have even surpassed my initial hopes.
Parenthood/motherhood is such an awesome experience that I sometimes unknowingly and unfortunately take for granted. Even with some of the hardships I had to endure before having my miracles, I still have had days where I haven't expressed or shown gratitude to the One who made it all possible.
Thank you, Father, for hearing my pleading cries and fulfilling all my dreams by allowing me the privilege of being a mom to two wonderful children whom I love with my whole heart.
Tonight I bless them and recommit them to you. I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you Noah and Olivia. I pray that He will show you mercy and kindness. I pray the Lord will ALWAYS be good to you and give you peace. I love you both so much!
Now, I'll step down off my soap box and blog my real reason for my post.
Last night's episode was Josh (eldest Duggar child) and his wife Anna and the birth of their second child. As I watched her labour at home and cuddle her one-year-old and wrap with tears of excitement, joy, and pure exhaustion, I began to bawl.
I've been there twice. As I watched her, I reminisced back 6 and 4 years ago when I, too, felt all those emotions in anticipation for my children.
It seems like yesterday all I had was hope and dreams for those little bundles. Today, I get to see those hopes grow throught the various stages...some haven't begun, some have just started, some are slowly progressing, some are building fast, some are already complete and there are some that have even surpassed my initial hopes.
Parenthood/motherhood is such an awesome experience that I sometimes unknowingly and unfortunately take for granted. Even with some of the hardships I had to endure before having my miracles, I still have had days where I haven't expressed or shown gratitude to the One who made it all possible.
Thank you, Father, for hearing my pleading cries and fulfilling all my dreams by allowing me the privilege of being a mom to two wonderful children whom I love with my whole heart.
Tonight I bless them and recommit them to you. I pray that the Lord will bless and protect you Noah and Olivia. I pray that He will show you mercy and kindness. I pray the Lord will ALWAYS be good to you and give you peace. I love you both so much!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Last "sick day"
I've had a great last "sick day".
I've been feeling really well the last 2 days...I haven't had any meds (not even Tylenol) since Tuesday night. I likely could have gone back to work today, but having the weekend to complete the recovery brings me to almost a full two weeks and less chance of issues of being worn out when I go back to work.
This morning, I had planned to have my closest friend over for lunch while she delivered Scott's father's day gift. Surprisingly, I received a text from another friend who asked if I wanted to go see Noah's class (her daughter is in Noah's class) perform during the talent show. They were singing a song...."Old MacDonald's Alphabet Soup" - kinda funny since their teacher's name is Mrs MacDonald.
We only stayed for their song, but got to see the first 6 talents before their class went up. It really brightened up my day...their talents would last 10-20 seconds each...so, it was rather quick.
After we left, we went to the local coffee shop to chat for a few minutes.
When I got home, I breezed through the meal prep for my "delivery" friend. We had an awesome meal...salmon on the grill, basmati rice and fresh green beans. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the gift we are going to give to Scott. I need to go out tomorrow to pick something to accompany it...but that SHOULD be a breeze.
All in all, a great day! To top it off, the weather outside is fantastic. Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain....kinda sucks since our family photos were supposed to be tomorrow, but we've rescheduled to 6:30 pm on Monday. I pray that my normally behaved children will continue with that attitude/behaviour and are a continued delight at a time close to their bedtime.
I've been wanting professional family photos for so long and I'm so excited that it is finally going to happen. I've been admiring the photog's blog with her photo gallery for so long that I know that she will capture the essence of our family and hopefully I will not be too critical of portraits of me. If you want to see her pics...here is the link to her site...you will be amazed/impressed she is so amazing. http://hollyhowephotography.blogspot.com/
Tonight, we are ending this awesome day by surprising the kids and taking them to the drive-in to watch KungFu Panda. Every year, we at least get out once to the drive-in with the kids. It always depends on movie selection and the pairing of the kids and adults movie. This week, it is KungFu Panda and then for the adults, it is Thor....not my preference, but at least bearable.
Have an awesome weekend everyone. Hope it is filled with activities honoring the father's of your lives. Ours will be spent honoring the best father I know....the one who chose to be a father to my children. Love you Scott!
I've been feeling really well the last 2 days...I haven't had any meds (not even Tylenol) since Tuesday night. I likely could have gone back to work today, but having the weekend to complete the recovery brings me to almost a full two weeks and less chance of issues of being worn out when I go back to work.
This morning, I had planned to have my closest friend over for lunch while she delivered Scott's father's day gift. Surprisingly, I received a text from another friend who asked if I wanted to go see Noah's class (her daughter is in Noah's class) perform during the talent show. They were singing a song...."Old MacDonald's Alphabet Soup" - kinda funny since their teacher's name is Mrs MacDonald.
We only stayed for their song, but got to see the first 6 talents before their class went up. It really brightened up my day...their talents would last 10-20 seconds each...so, it was rather quick.
After we left, we went to the local coffee shop to chat for a few minutes.
When I got home, I breezed through the meal prep for my "delivery" friend. We had an awesome meal...salmon on the grill, basmati rice and fresh green beans. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the gift we are going to give to Scott. I need to go out tomorrow to pick something to accompany it...but that SHOULD be a breeze.
All in all, a great day! To top it off, the weather outside is fantastic. Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain....kinda sucks since our family photos were supposed to be tomorrow, but we've rescheduled to 6:30 pm on Monday. I pray that my normally behaved children will continue with that attitude/behaviour and are a continued delight at a time close to their bedtime.
I've been wanting professional family photos for so long and I'm so excited that it is finally going to happen. I've been admiring the photog's blog with her photo gallery for so long that I know that she will capture the essence of our family and hopefully I will not be too critical of portraits of me. If you want to see her pics...here is the link to her site...you will be amazed/impressed she is so amazing. http://hollyhowephotography.blogspot.com/
Tonight, we are ending this awesome day by surprising the kids and taking them to the drive-in to watch KungFu Panda. Every year, we at least get out once to the drive-in with the kids. It always depends on movie selection and the pairing of the kids and adults movie. This week, it is KungFu Panda and then for the adults, it is Thor....not my preference, but at least bearable.
Have an awesome weekend everyone. Hope it is filled with activities honoring the father's of your lives. Ours will be spent honoring the best father I know....the one who chose to be a father to my children. Love you Scott!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It Is Well With My Soul
Wow! I happened upon this last night when searching for something totally unrelated. I am amazed at God's sustaining power in some people's lives!!!
Found it on the following website: http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html
Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..
Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul.
This visual, Be Not Anxious Church PowerPoint, provides an ideal enhancement to the words of the song.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Found it on the following website: http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/it-is-well-with-my-soul-the-song-and-the-story.html
It is Well with My Soul, the Song and the Story
Composer Horatio Spafford, It is Well with My Soul
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul..
Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul.
This visual, Be Not Anxious Church PowerPoint, provides an ideal enhancement to the words of the song.
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
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