Another piece of the puzzle

Whenever we receive any information from the doctor's office I immediately ask "Is this good news?" "Is this bad news?" "Is this a set back?" "Does it mean she is getting better?"  (The list goes on and on.)  After receiving a phone call from the nurse this morning she told me, "It's not good news or bad news, it's just another piece of the puzzle."

So, here it is, another piece of the puzzle.

Today is exactly one month since Ella came home from the hospital.  She has come so far in the last month and we are completely encouraged by her joyful spirit.  It's just a roller coaster of emotions.  One day we get information that we want to celebrate and feel like she's healed!  Then, the next day we get information that I feel like how can we ever go on?  But I have to remember God is still in control.  God has a good, perfect and pleasing plan for Ella and He cares for her even more than I do.  As I was praying this morning, I was reminded of this.  I was reminded of how much God loves all of us.  I was reminded of how easy it is to lose sight of that and how easy it is to hold on to my own control.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  (Proverbs 3:5)  I have a completely new outlook on that verse.  I feel like it's easy to say that and think that when life is going along just fine and I don't "have" to completely trust the Lord in a situation.  But what happens when things aren't going the way I think they should?  What happens when I'm not seeing the answers to prayer that I want to see.  What happens, is that I truly do "Trust in the Lord with all my heart."  I quit making plans based on what I want and daily give my life over to the Lord.  I focus on the things I know to be truth.  I tell myself to remember that God has control over each moment.  "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

And Ella...

Ella is happy, energetic and loving.  She is so compliant and well-behaved.  Her fun personality is really shining and we are having the best time playing all her favorite games.  She has been beyond blessed by friends and family.  The prayers, encouragement and support from our neighbors, friends, church members and family is more than we could ever imagine.  It is a reminder of just how good people are, how caring people are and how genuine people are. It is appreciated and cherished.

"I am confident of this one thing
That my eyes will be blessed
When they gaze upon your beauty
And my lips will be sweet
When they whisper words of Praise
And my heart will be dancing
When it knows that you are with me
And I will see your goodness
In the land of the living"

"Land of the Living"- Waterdeep