It is Well with my Soul

I've had a fairly good week in the productivity department. I'm finding that setting goals for each week is helpful. There were a few hiccups this week with unexpected things but overall it was a good one.

One of the things I've wanted to do is paint over the water stained spots on our ceiling. We have textured ceilings so I can't just roll paint on, but did purchase some spray paint that is intended for water marks.  The color was a bit off but it certainly looks better than before I painted.

My dining room ceiling before.

After.

Kitchen before.

Kitchen after.

It feels good to have that done.  While I was up on the step stool and vacuuming cobwebs, I took care of the ceiling fans that had a layer of dust on them for a while.  

I made yummy meatballs for dinner one night.  (picture is terrible)

The temperatures warmed up in the 50's which was wonderful because I had my windows open for two days. However, when you have snow measuring in feet on the ground and then it warms up that quickly with rain, it causes problems.  On Thursday night I thought I heard a bang and the next day this is what we found.

Our deck had collapsed from all the weight of the snow.  Unfortunately, there was no place to put it as our driveway runs beside the deck and our entryway is right below it.  As it started to melt and rain it got heavy.

The deck used to go right up to the bottom of the door

I was headed out to go grocery shopping yesterday and this was by the back door of the church and there is a flood inside on the opposite end of the building.  So I spent about an hour wet vacuuming up the water.  Never a dull moment around here!

One of the things I've been praying about in the new year is that I would learn to remain calm in the face of things I cannot control. I can't control the weather.  I can't control issues like leaking ceilings and collapsing decks.  I can't control other people's moods or quirks. But I can control my reaction to them.  

So I am happy to report that I met these situations with calmness and peace. I didn't overreact. I spent a lot of time in prayer for my attitude, my circumstances and for others. And it's been pleasant.  

I love contemporary Christian music and I really prefer that over hymns, but there are times when the words of those old hymns do fit so perfectly. The words of It is Well With my Soul came to mind often this week. The song written by Horatio Spafford who lost four of his children during a shipwreck is a testament to the power of faith and that no matter what happens, we can still say, "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 with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.