IT is well with my SOUL

I've been singing this beloved hymn for two weeks now, in the hallways at work, out on my bike, and in my studio.  It is one that sets my spirit soaring.  It is one that gives me great comfort as well.  Time for the second Hymn Challenge of 2013, check it out at Triple the Scraps: Hymn and Scripture Challenge

 I enjoyed the back story that Patter was kind enough to include with this challenge.  A true test of faith is when no matter what is thrown your way, you will still rise up and declare that it is well for the Lord is in control.  Even when you don't feel like it, or you can't see the forest for the trees, or when every
possible thing that could go wrong...ever feel that way?

During my time singing this hymn mostly to myself...I kept thinking on  Henry Ward Beecher's

quote:    the Soul is a temple God is silently building by night and

by day. Precious thoughts are building it, unselfish love is building it, all~penetrating faith is building it.  I love this picture from a National Geographic magazine of an ancient temple in ruins with the ocean doing what oceans' do...renew, reshape, refresh.  And so it is with my soul...the Lord is rebuilding my soul even as my earthy body is 

decaying.  My gift back is to honor MY temple so that I might weather the storms that threaten my faith.  

I created the left page in photoshop, layering the quote over the ocean...it's power is both wonderful and

destructive.  I used cork for the date tab...a bit of vintage German foil and washi tape.  On the right side, is a bit of vintage gold tapestry cut to resemble a banner overlaid with the sentiment ~smile with your soul~.  I used an acetate heart over my soul in the title of the hymn. There are three tiny staples on the heart.  I like to use threes on my work to symbolize the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The phrase, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, on my soul is highlighted.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you are blessed today and that you'll give a bit of thought to this hymn.

As for me, I'm gonna be singing out loud!