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@Dennis1209 Thanks so much for sharing this. And I decided to post the touching events that led up to the writing of this wonderful hymn. The Story Behind The Hymn "It Is Well With My soul" Horatio Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer in the 1860’s. He had a vibrant law practice. He owned also many properties along the Chicago lakefront. He had five children, four daughters and a son, and everything one could imagine in this life. He was also a strong Christian believer involved in the reform and abolition movements. The events leading up to the writing of the lyrics began with his son who contracted Scarlet Fever. Today Scarlet Fever is a highly treatable disease, but not in those times. Horatio Spafford’s only son died. The Spaffords were devastated. Their faith was tested further the following year, in 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city. The fire leveled much of the city, killing 250 people and leaving 90,000 people homeless. Spafford did not escape the damage. He lost most of his real estate holdings, though his home and family were spared. Financially depleted, the Spaffords used their remaining resources to feed the hungry, help the homeless, care for the sick and injured and comfort their grief stricken neighbors. In 1873, with Anna’s health declining, the Spaffords planned a trip to England for some respite and to participate in a revival being held by Dwight L. Moody. The day before departure, however, Horatio was required to tend to a business emergency. Not wanting to disappoint his family, he sent them on ahead, planning to follow on a later ship. On November 22, 1873, the steamer Ville du Havre was struck by a British iron sailing ship. The Ville du Havre sunk in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It sunk in all of 12 minutes. The British sailing ship, though in distress itself, managed to save 81 of the 307 passengers. Another ship, the Trimountain, rescued the survivors from the sinking British vessel, including Anna Spafford. Anna was found unconscious on some floating debris. She had been sucked down violently in a whirlpool caused by the rapidly sinking ship, pummeled by debris and separated from her daughters. She was taken, bruised, sick and heartbroken, to Cardiff. That evening she telegraphed Horatio, “Saved alone. What shall I do….” Their daughters perished, and they were childless. They lost their their fortune and five children in three years. Upon receiving the telegram, Horatio Spafford left Chicago to go to his grieving wife. As his ship passed the area where her ship had sunk, the captain called Horatio to the bridge. Later that night, Horatio Spafford wrote the words to the well-known hymn: It is Well with My Soul. The song is inspiring in its uplifting message of God’s great love and assurance of salvation. That these lyrics were penned after three years of unimaginable loss and misfortune – and right after the tragic loss of his four daughters – is testament to a heart that is anchored in God’s eternal love. While Horatio resigned himself to God, Anna was utterly devastated. The other survivors watched her closely, fearing she would take her own life. One day, however, Anna said she heard a soft voice speaking to her, “You were saved for a purpose!” She recalled in that moment something a friend said to her, “It’s easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God.” Anna joined Horatio in drawing close again to God. The Spaffords spent the rest of their lives living in faith. They had three more children, one of whom also died young of Scarlet Fever. Many years later, Bertha Spafford Vester, the youngest child of Horatio and Anna Spafford, wrote these words about her father: In Chicago, Father searched his life for explanation. Until now, it had flowed gently as a river. Spiritual peace and worldly security had sustained his early years, his family life and his home……. All around him people were asking the unvoiced question; ‘What guilt had brought this sweeping tragedy to Anna and Horatio Spafford?’…. Father became convinced that God was kind and that he would see his children again in heaven. This thought calmed his heart, but it was to bring Father into open conflict with what was then the Christian world…. To Father, this was a passing through the “valley of the shadow of death,” but his faith came through triumphant and strong. On the high seas, near the place where his children perished, he wrote the hymn that was to give comfort to so many.

@marvelloustime So very true! Thanks for posting this. If it is like this now (in this present life)- "Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy" (1 peter 1:8) In Heaven, to look upon Jesus must've been beyond her wildest dreams. Awesome!!!

@marvelloustime Such a beautiful hymn of praise! Your mother had great taste. What a nice tribute to her this is! My mom's favorite was "How great Thou art." It seems both of our mothers were similar in how they loved to glorify their Savior. As this first anniversary of your mom's passing comes around, I want you to know I am praying for you. I realize this can be a difficult time and may bring a touch of sadness. But I know you are rejoicing at how well off she is right now. To be with Jesus in Heaven. How awesome! You will reunite with her there.

@marvelloustime I know this has special significance to you. It is a song that reflects what many of us wonder about. All the more so, those of us who are Homesick.

I wrote this poem of praise on 7-16-19 Intro to my poem- This is for the King of kings I pray it brings Him glory The One who bled and died for us Salvation is HIS story... No one else could pay the price Or free us from our shame Except he risen Lord of lords And Jesus is His Name! Jesus Christ Is The King From sunrise to sunset From winter to spring From morning to evening And in everything In good times and bad times In joy and in sorrow In sickness and health For today and tomorrow When fears are arising And doubts flood the heart When Satan is roaring And life falls apart In blessing and trials In pleasure and pain Jesus Christ is the King Who forever shall reign Nothing changes what's real These are shadows we see But the Light is in heaven The Truth sets us free

@marvelloustime @Jubilea A favorite Sunday School memory of mine: We had special 'programs' that the Sunday School kids had to put on in front of the church (especially for Christmas and Easter.) We were to recite 'pieces' from memory. We would then say these poems aloud for the congregation to hear. As you might guess, I loooved that. lol. I've been drawn to poetry ever since my grade school days. It was a combination of this in church and my mom & grandma reading them to me.

@marvelloustime LOL. They should've went with crayons instead. Did you enjoy drawing when you were a kid in general, though? We started Sunday School in the basement of an office building. Then they built the church. It was small and simple. I loved it. My whole family went together. One thing the believers in our church had in common...nobody had much money. The pastor drove what would've been called an 'old beater' for a car. But it got him where he needed to be. He and his wife were very devoted to visiting shut-ins and those in nursing homes. That made an impact on me as a child. But even more so, when my mom ended up in long term nursing home care. I have nothing but respect for these ministries to the weak ones. So many are overjoyed to receive company when they are old (Sadly, some folks are forgotten by their families and terribly ill. So they really do appreciate visitors.) My mom was confined to a nursing home bed for years. To have someone care enough to pray for you and read scripture to you is wonderful indeed. And it is a real opportunity to share the gospel, too. Not everyone can travel overseas and be a missionary that way. But this is a mission field all its own. Cool! How did you do with the memorization of them? Do you know them in sequence still today? Sweet, aren't they? Makes me think of that gospel song, "Precious memories. How they linger." Praise the Lord!

@Jubilea Thanks for the explanation. Very cool idea. It worked fine. What year (approx) do you think that pic was from? I like it!! Sounds like a fun way to learn scripture. Were you good at it? Or were you shy? (I was, but God always helped me past it.) I'll have to research that sometime now that you've peaked my interest.

@Heleadethme Thanks for the compassionate reminders. One of my favorite scriptures that shows that God understands our frailty more than we may know is Psalm 103: 13-14 "For as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those that fear him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." @worriedwife69 My heart aches for you. I continue to keep you and your husband in prayer. As I wrote above, God really cares. But often his timing is not ours. Iow, it may take quite awhile to see the situation improve. Waiting is one of the hardest things. I know But He will help you. And we, the body of Christ will do what we can to support you both in encouragement and prayer.

@Jubilea Aww. Here's a hug, my friend. I'm not familiar with those. Sounds interesting, thoughCan you explain what they are for me and the others?

@marvelloustime I agree. These are the ones that soothe the soul and turn our attention upwards to praise. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) I think scripture songs are the best for that and will be posting some here. Stay tuned...

@Sonshine☀️ You're welcome. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! "My ears are smiling"...what a cute expression! It was after you posted the scriptures from Ecclesiastes on Friday that the song popped into my head. You did such a nice job. It was a blessing. On page 26, second post down for those who have not seen it. Or here's a link I created anyone can click on.

@PromisesPromises! lol. I bet she is. I am picturing this "musical multi-tasking" right now and having me a chuckle. I do wish I could hear her strum and sing for real. I always wanted to hear her play the guitar.

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus, Going on before. 2 At the name of Jesus Satan’s host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, On to victory! Hell’s foundations quiver At the shout of praise: Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise! 3 Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God: Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod; We are not divided, All one Body we— One in faith and Spirit, One eternally. 4 Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane; But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain. Gates of hell can never ’Gainst the Church prevail; We have Christ’s own promise, Which can never fail. 5 Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng; Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song. Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ, the King; This through countless ages Men and angels sing. I posted this hymn over in the video forum. Below is a link that takes you right there. Have a listen to this nice version of it.

@marvelloustime @Jubilee Did you both have scripture verses to memorize in Sunday School? And then when you did your teacher would give you a gold star? I used to love that. I would get very excited about it. lol Did you ever get the stickers shaped like little bibles? Those were precious times, weren't they?

Have a wonderful day!

@Sonshine☀️ Thanks for the excellent post. I just wanted to let you know I will be posting a video on this portion of scripture for you. It is a really nice cover version of "Turn, turn, turn." I am going over there now. Hopefully, it won't take too long to be approved. Have a good day!

The Work That He's Begun Sin is such a subtle thing It sneaks up on us all As family in Christ We help each other when we fall Sometimes we see one stumble So we "speak the truth in love" And be "wise as a serpent Yet as gentle as a dove" Christ loved me first and so To love Him back is my delight Obeying flows from gratitude He gave my eyes new sight Christ breaks all of the chains that bind His power sets me free Such pleasure to live for the One Who lived and died for me! I trust Him to complete The work in me that He's begun I do all things within Christ's strength Until this life is done This was a poem I Wrote on 7-11-19

@Coliseum Amen. You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. Abraham Lincoln, (attributed) I would add to that...We can NEVER fool the Lord. I pray very honest and straightforward. For I know God knows my every thought and desire. There is no point in trying to hide them or pretend with Him. He knows me better than I know myself. And still He loves me. It is so amazing! And whenever I grieve His Holy Spirit by choosing to sin, I am quick to tell Him, "I feel terrible that I hurt You. Forgive me." Then the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses me from all sin. I stand on faith on 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." That said, I do not go out of my way to sin. But I refer to when I stumble. Back to what you posted, Coliseum- Sometimes I pray that very prayer. "Lord, I believe. Help Thou my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

@PromisesPromises! Praise the Lord! This is so comforting... He is indeed longsuffering. Psalm 103 is my favorite. Thanks for posting from it.

My heart and prayers go out to you. This situation you are in is difficult indeed. When we are around someone who is bitter and angry, it can drag us down too. So taking care of ourselves by drawing nearer to the Lord will be the best thing we can do for the person we love. "In God's presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11) "You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. " (Isaiah 26:3) Spending quiet time with the Lord as often as possible is the best refuge. This is the way to clear your head. Prayer and meditating on scriptures that fit your situation are good. I have found writing down the verses that bring you the most calm is helpful. Even repeating verses such as these throughout the course of the day... “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” (Psalms 56:3) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) I pray things will turn around for the better with your husband. Please keep us posted.