Day 8: Overcoming the Curse

We talked about The Curse yesterday. And I had mixed feelings about that discussion. However, Overcoming the Curse I am completely in tune with!

There are several things Sarah Mae brings to light in overcoming the curse. I think the most important thing she mentions is that it is our response to the struggles we face that depicts our character. By finding joy in our tasks and learning what God has to teach us through every step of our lives we do not only live, but we give life!

I said it yesterday and I'll say it again...I will always be thankful that I have dishes to do because it means we have food to eat. I will always be thankful I have laundry to do because it means we have clothes to cover our backs. I will always be thankful I have rooms to dust because it means we have a house over our head and a place to call our own. Will I want to do these chores, no. But I will always be happy and thankful for them because it means I am alive!

Satan will always tempt us. He tempts us with procrastination, depression, hopelessness and distractions. HOWEVER, as Christians we have AUTHORITY* over the Satan and we can put his evil tricks under our feet and accept the joy God has in store for our lives (even the mundane parts.)

*"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. Luke 10:19 (NLT)

Photo from One Year Bible Blog

I want to comment especially on the Mary Challenge today. As soon as I read it, I knew exactly what it meant to me. It is a little deep, but here it goes...

Mary Challenge: Think back to a time when God refined your character through difficult circumstances. Write it down and thank Him for His faithfulness. (31 Days to Clean, by Sarah Mae, p.20)

Last month, I had a miscarriage. It was a difficult time for me, but God was with me through it before I even knew I was pregnant. It is hard to explain that. If you know me at all or have read my blog for even a week, you will realize that patience is one of the areas God is constantly working on me. In short, I don't have a whole lot. I was soooooooo ready to have another baby. It was what I wanted. And I got it. I was so excited to be pregnant (and we got pregnant fast too, a little too fast it turns out.) The doctor said that a lot of time when you conceive so soon after you stop taking birth control that your body just isn't ready to carry a baby. Apparently, this was the case with me.

I knew when I lost the baby. But God was with me. I didn't feel the peace I was looking for and I realized later, it was because I didn't need to receive it. God had planted the peace I needed to endure this miscarriage before I even knew I was pregnant. Something always felt off about the baby. I still don't know what exactly, but God knew. I also think he knew that this baby would go back to Him very early on.

Angel in My Dreams
Photo from Nethugs

When I confirmed the miscarriage, I wasn't that upset. I felt like I was suppose to be distraught, but I think God had a plan for me and that baby. I realized by going through the miscarriage that I had to be patient and grow my family on God's terms and not my own. This seems extreme to get that message across, but He did it in a way that would make me understand.

I know I would have been impatient and not listened to God or Stephen for that matter about all the reasons to wait to have another child. I would have been worried why I wasn't getting pregnant. I would have stressed about the time scale and when it was going to happen. But it did happen and it wasn't time. Thus, I knew we were meant to wait to have more kids. Not just a month or two, but a little bit longer (6 months is a little bit longer right?).

I now realize that I definitely want more children, and I hope that we have many. On the other hand, I learned that I have to wait for God's time, not count on my own. I want to try and have another kid later this year after Zoey's birthday in August. (Ironic, since that is when Stephen wanted to try for another kid in the first place.) However, I also realize this time I need to really consult with God before trying to conceive again. God has an amazing plan for my life and the lives of my family. I just have to be patient and work within His timing and forgo my own.

I am very thankful for this experience even though it is/was difficult. I am now enjoying my time while not pregnant. Don't get me wrong, being pregnant is a beautiful thing and I am excited to be again, but there are some things to miss--like sushi. (Yum!) I am also getting healthier by continuing to eat better (I immediately began eating better when I was pregnant so I am continuing that) and exercising regularly (something I have always struggled with.) There is nothing like realizing you are pregnant with baby fat left over from the last baby to get motivated to work out. That way, when I am pregnant again, my body would be a better temple/home for my growing baby. And I found that I love Yoga! These are all things that are making my life better from going through this experience and listening to God.

What about you? I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. In some cases, we never know what those reasons are, but sometimes, it just makes sense almost immediately. Are there any difficult times that have helped you grow stronger? Even the mundane and daily experiences can change you life if you let it! What is God trying to say to you?

*Note: The challenge is associated with Joyful Mothering from the book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae.

I found this cartoon, that I really liked. I'm sure most wives and moms can relate:

Photo from Cartoon Stock