I Will Stay the Course

After listening to and loving General Conference this week-end I came to realize that I have unknowingly been "ponderizing" a particular scripture for four months now.  At the end of May, at the time of  my last chemo, my four children sent me a special note.  At the top of the card was written this beautiful Book of Mormon scripture :

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children save it be according to their faith."

This notecard has sat on the kitchen table in front of my placemat for four months.  I have read it, pondered it, and cried over it many times.  On the other hand I have never thought too deeply about the scripture regarding faith, hope, and charity.  I attended a CES class once on that topic and found myself to be a little bored.  Times have changed.  I get it now.  I am beginning to see more clearly how faith leads to hope, and how vital hope is.  I am seeing more clearly how hope sees us through these difficult times!  I have come to appreciate "hope"!  Yes, we have hoped and prayed that our God, your God, the God of Heaven and Earth will grant us a miracle!  However, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego facing the fiery furnace,  I will say, "but if not.......", I will continue to have faith in that God of miracles, "but if not"......I will continue to stay true,  "but if not"........I will accept His will whatever it may be.  I will continue to have hope and  I will stay the course.