Faithful Thoughts-- hope they make sense!

"...as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant he hath made, and he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren. And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake;... God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing... But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles,... Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.. ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own trembling before him... Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness, ask with a firmness unshaken that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." (Mormon 8 and 9)

I am so grateful for the miracles that have already happened. I'm so grateful to be able to see with at least one eye, to think, feel, love, remember, and understand. I pray that it may be the will of God that more miracles may be granted, not that I can have more of myself, but hopefully with a 'firmness unshaken.' I want to seek for that pure heart and contrite spirit, that the Lord will know I want these miracles so I can serve Him.

I found out from the surgeon, Dr. Maughan, when we met last week that my eye may not actually open for quite a while. He said it's possible it could be a year, longer, and possibly even for life. But I know what was said in the blessing: that I will be "healed completely." And I know that there are things for me to learn in the mean time.

I'm realizing for one that certain things don't matter (possessions, looks, praise of men) and certain things do (family, faith, charity, knowledge, service). When we talked about sacrifice in relief society yesterday, I realized that the Savior wants us to focus on what does matter. I want to learn well what I need to learn and not forget it when I am healed and back to 2-eye vision. I don't want to forget the little things I should be grateful for!

I've also been reflecting on the sacrifice of the Savior a lot the past while. He suffered so much and truly gave a voluntary sacrifice, because He could have stopped His suffering at any time. I pictured Him praying in the Garden of Gethsemane many times when I was going through those moments of excruciating pain. My pain could never compare to His, nor to many others who go through much more difficult things that this.

I also heard in the awesome sunday school class, that no matter the lesson, talk, or activity we have in church, ALL should help point us to the Savior, Jesus Christ. I think the same should be with trials and with sacrificing. Are they pointing me more to the Savior so that I not just know ABOUT Him, but that I KNOW Him? If not, then I need to re-evaluate things. Let me just say this: I would not be where I am without the mercy, hope, peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, example, and incredible healing power of the Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world. Interesting that my vision can be darker, but I still can feel His light and joy in my life! I love Him more deeply than I can express in words, but the words of the Book of Mormon can help put my feelings to words: "And what is it that ye shall hope for? ...ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise." and "I would commend you to seek this Jesus whom the prophets and apostles have testified shall come into the world... that the grace of God the Father shall be upon you and abide in you forever..."

I'm so thankful for the blessing of being able to still read, type, attend church, and think to put these things down! I meet with a Neuro Opthamologist (sp?) this Friday who will help me with occupational therapy, getting ready to drive, depth perception, and hopefully help my right eye learn to function! It's a three hour appointment, so I'm sure I'll have much to report. :)