Overcome

When I started this blog, I wrote with the intention to reach out and comfort others who were in a similar situation. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 The purpose was to relate to other cleft-affected families to share our struggles and triumphs while on this journey of the unknown. It's been 2 1/2 years now, and somehow I feel like we never went through all of this. It's a distant memory. If you were to have told me that back when I was pregnant, I would have thought you were crazy. Like the struggles of having a cleft child would endure forever. I can honestly say, that at that time of uncertainty, I thought that was true.

Since Coop's last surgery, it was like everything related to clefts had left my brain. With only 2 appointments after it, there really wasn't much new happening. No worries or anticipation of more surgeries, no more hour drives to the doctor, no more medical bills, no more "special" eating habits, no more tape, no more blood, and no more no no's. (If you've had a cleft baby you know what I'm talking about.:)

People rarely ever stop to ask about the scar, all they see is a happy toddler out and about. There's no more nights of crying wishing that person hadn't of stared at my child that way... 

It's almost as if we never experienced all that in the first place. Now don't get me wrong, in no way do I want to give the impression of trivializing all that we went through. Rather, I want to get the point across that even though you may be in a situation that you feel completely helpless and broken, you will get through it. There will be the time you look back on it as just a season, a memory. You will find moments to laugh about even if it came from a moment of pure distress. 

Example, Cooper soaking my pants after his palate surgery. There I was holding my bloated, coma-like child who was croaking and drooling blood all over me. I was feeling so much pain for him, when suddenly I felt this warm gush of water fill my lap. As soon as I realized what he had done, I burst out in laughter to the point of tears. Poor guy didn't even know what he did. Matthew 11:28-30

I can look back on these little moments and see our Lord's work. He always is there to comfort us in times of trouble we just have to seek Him. I really do believe I was meant to be peed on that day. I count it as God's way of letting me find some relief in such a stress-filled day. Just a little thing, but I will count it.

The last year I have been struggling with some personal issues. I have been broken, and weary, with little understanding of what God's purpose was for letting me feel that way. But in the middle of my frustration, I sought after God. I consumed myself in His word every day searching for comfort and answers. In doing so, every single time I got it. It may have not been a clear distinct answer to my problem, but I did find His promises to me as a believer Mark 11:24. He will answer my prayers, my trouble will pass as it is only a season. I just have to trust in Him and believe that it will come true according to His will. 

Psalm 37:4, 7a

I have a better understanding of my place in life. I am just here for the ride basically, and to serve Him. He will provide all I need in this life. By giving up my control, I have gained so much. 

I have never been so happy and content in my life. Even though I do have things I still desire, I know that it's in God's hands and if I don't get them, either I wasn't supposed to, or it's still waiting for me just around the corner.

I have been tested in my patience which has helped humble me James 1:2-4. I am not entitled to anything and God sure has shown me that. It's only by Him that I am able to be blessed the way I am.

I've learned to be more merciful towards others. I've learned it is better to be poor in spirit. That alone opens up so many blessings. 

Even though I have days where I just don't understand why I'm going through certain situations, I trust that it is in those times that I will find God and know that He is working in my life in someway.Mark 9:23

 I just have to trust Him and follow his will to see the reward. Hebrews 11:6

My main point to this post is, when I am weak, I am made strong. Because the power of Christ is upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

*****EXTRA SIDE NOTE:

I felt despair when searching for a home over the last few months. We put offers on 2 houses that got out bid, with no homes on the market in our area I thought we'd have to wait until the new year to find a home.

That next week after nearly giving up, we got a call from our realtor (friend from church) and she had a client  who was selling and hadn't even listed the house on the market. We agreed on the price, and a month later....

WE ARE MOVING INTO OUR FIRST HOME NEXT WEDNESDAY!!! The Douglas family are now proud homeowners!! Praise the Lord! This house fits perfectly to our family and we are so grateful everything worked out the way it did. Plus the house is right around the corner from where we live now. Literally, right around the bend.

*****Picture Update:***************************************************************

Happy Friday to you all!!