It is well

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, 
  when sorrow like sea billows roll;
  whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 
   It is well, it is well with my soul." 

This is one of my favorite songs, especially love hearing Selah sing it.  Tonight I sang it to Raleigh and I felt peace and hope come over me.  My close friends know what's been going on in my life these past few weeks and I gotta say, it has been interesting.  I've went from feeling sad to, questioning if I did the right thing. From "it will be alright" to, "will it?"  Lots of emotions.  I will say this, if anyone has an amazing support group, it is me!  I am so thankful for everyone around me.  

I've been asking myself the question, "how much do I really trust the Lord?"  Do I believe that God, who started a good work in me will finish it? (Philippians 1:6)  Do I believe His love for me?  Am I casting all my worries and cares on Him?  I would like to think that I do a great job in trusting.  I am really good at telling others they should just trust.  Anyone else?  

I feel like the things that have happened these past few weeks have stirred something up in me to want to trust more.  Tuesday evening I went to a type of small group called "the stories we tell" and the lady telling her story was a great woman of faith.  One thing she said that stuck to me like glue   was when something negative happened she got so excited because it was an opportunity to see God's hand at work.  I was wowed by that.  I want to be that woman of faith that stands up in the face of adversity and trust that the God of the universe loves me enough to take care of every situation! He restores better than original.  It may not be how we planned or the timing we expected but it will happen if we just believe.  

So, the point in the song is to say that no matter what is going on, I have hope.  There will be seasons of hardships and seasons of amazing times.  Either way, it is well with my soul.   

Romans 8:37 "Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us."

Be restored

Tonight I had a sweet little song come to my mind as I rocked Raleigh for bedtime.

"You've taken my shame and called me by a new name.  You've taken my pain and in its place you give me joy.  You bring restoration, you bring restoration, you bring restoration to my soul."

Such a simple song. Such sweet words.  How true those words ring in my heart.  I love how He reminds me of all the ways He has shown His love for me.  This song is an anthem to my life.  If you have read my blogs or know me you know why.

So tonight, my purpose in this blog is to remind you that if you are in a season of pain, shame, guilt, disappointment, etc, He knows!  He is there to make you whole, to restore you to better than original. I can't tell you how or when but if you believe and receive, He is faithful.  One thing you must remember and it is a hard thing to do but you have to let it go in order for it to be healed and restored.  You let it go and give it to Him.  You are not strong enough to hold on to it yourself.

I will leave you with this verse, my favorite of all time.

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With His love, he will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."