DAY 43 - WHAT IS!

2 Timothy 1:12
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

As I draw close to Briley FAITH, I draw closer to God.  Many of you out there understand.  When the “remote control” of life is no longer in our hands, that becomes the most intimate time with the one we should have given control the entire time.  When it comes to children, grandchildren, little ones…why does it seem harder and take longer?  Why did I not pray God’s will before Briley was born?  To release control to God completely…to prepare and have peace if the “what’s not” happens?  You know, if there's something wrong...what's not right (according to society).  I think it is because of not wanting to wonder “what if”. 

Over the years I have seen strength and faith through many “what’s not” circumstances.  God has used many special people in my life to prepare me for today.  Many stories I have read and see the same faith explosion that we are experiencing, they have, too!  Through this I have learned God uses the “what’s not” so He can be the “WHAT IS”!

God uses the “BRILEYs”, the “BRANDONs”, the “MILLERs”, the “HEATHERs”, the “JAMIEs”, the “CHADs”, the “GWENDOLYNs”, the “AVERYs”…and so many more!

Yes, I  used to dwell on “what if”.  What if that day was different…  October 11, 2012 the waiting room is full of love and anticipation!  A perfect “bill of health” for Briley and mommy preceded today!  We are ready to meet Briley FAITH!  Watching and waiting…watching and waiting…  It’s taking longer than expected.  Watching and waiting…  We get the call to come back to the room.  I try to read Crystal’s and Josh’s face and what I read was not the happy ending to an expected joyful day.  It was so dark.  Though dark, we all felt God’s strength. 

As the days go by we hope and wait…hope and wait.  Tears behind closed doors; we all have our moments.  Weak knees become stronger and prayers become bolder.  Thoughts… What if nothing was wrong?  Today, Briley would be going home.  She would be introduced (through the window, of course) to her huge, happy dog.    “Briley, this is Samson, your doggie!”, “Look!  Here’s your room!  Do you love the pink?”.  I am sure her big  brother, Jude, would also show her his room and toys she can play with.  Thoughts… “Today Granna is going to start babysitting you and Jude full-time!”  “Your car seat in Granna’s little car is ready to go!”  What if…

The harder the wait, the greater the peace God is giving us all.  Faith walks the halls.  Unexplainable peace is now read on the faces of mommy, daddy and family.  The struggle brings strength.  Lives are changing because of the “what’s not”.

November 7, 2012, was when we found out Briley FAITH was diagnosed with SMA. The day that most would call “the day of defeat and hopelessness”, was the day God said, “Let me show you what is!”  “I AM, WHAT IS!”

I am El Shaddai – Your Lord God Almighty!

I am Adonai – Your Lord and Master!

I am Jehovah Nissi – Your banner!

I am Jehovah Raah – Your shepherd!

I am Jehovah Rapha – Your Healer!

I am Jehovah Jireh – Your Provider!

I am Jehovah Shalom – Your Peace!

I am Your Strength!

I am Your Hope!

I am Your “WHAT IS”!

Faith emerges like never before.  Like a butterfly breaking from the cocoon, but not before the struggle!  New life!

So now, I wonder…  What if BRILEY was not diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)/Type 0?  What if BRANDON, born a healthy infant, while still in the hospital had not gotten a bacteria that caused half of his brain to abscess?  What if MILLER had not been diagnosed with SMA/Type 1?  What if at the age of 5 HEATHER’s body had not been struck by paralysis leaving her a paraplegic?  What if Jamie was was not confined to a wheelchair?  What if CHAD’s life was different?  What if AVERY OR GWENDOLYN also had not been diagnosed with SMA?   

The answer to that is we would not know “WHAT IS” like we do without the “what’s not”.

Heavenly Father,

Because You are all I need, my sins have been washed away by the precious blood of Jesus Christ!  Years ago I received Your  gift of salvation so I could understand “WHAT IS” today.  All praise and glory to You!

Thank You that Jesus Christ suffered first.  Thank You for those who suffer to remind us of You, of who You are! 

It makes me smile to know there are many blessings in everything that IS!  But, only if I let You be in control.  So, Father, take my today.  I receive Your will for today.  Every one of my days should be a thankful day for “WHAT IS”!  So, no matter if the struggle is physical, financial, emotional or spiritual, I am THANKFUL!

I love and adore You!  In Your name I pray.  AMEN!

Below are links to stories of those I mentioned that you might also gain strength from.

Briley FAITH Turner

BRANDON  (he is the one in the blue shirt sitting down in the recliner and clicking sticks to the beat of the music.  His mom, Karen, is one of the singers; in the middle with red hair.)

MILLER

HEATHER

CHAD  (TK Ranch is where he lives.  Under Trip To Branson, he is in last picture by man in yellow jacket)
AVERY
GWENDOLYN
JAMIE - This precious young man does not have a website or a way for me to share him via internet.  But, I can share from my heart.  He has blessed many with his songs to Jesus! I met him through singing with Southern Charm.  I am not sure of his diagnosis, but, he is confined to a wheelchair, can't talk very well but says so much!  Oh, how 
lives have been changed from hearing Jamie sing "Amazing Grace"!                 
              

DAY 42 - JUST ONE

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

ONE SACRIFICE – JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ was called upon by our Heavenly Father over 2000 years ago to be the ultimate sacrifice of grace.  He died so we could live!  He said “Yes”. 

Jesus was born in a little town called Bethlehem.  Born in a manger, he had nothing but brought everything.  He was a teacher, but, many would not listen.  He continued his journey healing the sick and performing miracles.  Still many did not believe.  But, that did not stop him.   He was spat upon and mocked.  He kept on walking… all the way to the cross.  It took just one; a very special one.  Jesus Christ, Son of God, Our Messiah, The Savior of the world; THE ONE.

ONE EVANGELIST – BILLY GRAHAM

Billy Graham was born in Charlotte, North Carolina; raised on a dairy farm.  According to biography.com, in hindsight, there was little indication he would one day preach the Christian gospel to millions all over the world.  But, he had a voice and wanted to use it for God.  Billy Graham, JUST ONE, said “Yes”. 

His biography states, this evangelist started out as a pastor of First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois.   As his ministry expanded to radio and television, he was ridiculed and even called counterfeit.  But, he kept on preaching God’s word at crusades all across the world and millions comitted their life to Christ because they were told about the ONE.

ONE MISSIONARY – HARMON HUNT

Harmon Hunt was born in Hillsboro, Texas on the “other side” of the tracks.  Growing up, his home life was anything but pleasant.  Most people would have thought this young boy would not have amounted to much.  God thought differently.  You see, it was one Sunday, God sent two men to pick Harmon up at his house and take him to church.  Because those men cared enough for him to get him to church, he was saved.  I wish I could say “Thank you” to those two men, because Harmon Hunt is my father.

He went on to high school and met his wife, my angel, my mom, Dolores.  They were married almost 51 years before he passed.  Early on in their marriage Harmon Hunt, JUST ONE, said “Yes” to God.  He started out with nothing but a passion for God and a heart for souls. That's exactly what God wanted; a willing vessel to use in great ways.  He followed God’s lead and went to a seminary in East Texas called Texas Baptist Institute.  There were a couple of churches he was pastor of before he felt the call to go into the mission field in Arlington, Texas.  The churches he was pastor of grew because he taught God’s Word!  God opened the doors for him to write a book and share the gospel on radio and television!  Though he, also, was ridiculed and told he was fake and too emotional, he kept on preaching.  Many souls were saved throughout his ministry because he preached truth about the ONE.

ONE CHILD – BRILEY FAITH 

Briley FAITH, my granddaughter, was born October 11, 2012.  She was diagnose with a very rare disease, SMA/Type 0 and has always had to be on a ventilator.  We have been told she will never get to go home.  Though man says there is no hope, God has used her to share the greatest hope, Jesus Christ.

What started out as tragedy, God is using as a testimony.  You see, the faith of her parents shouts“YES!”.  “Use our daughter, Briley FAITH, to bring honor and glory to You.”  He has.   Briley FAITH, a child, JUST ONE.  Those who have never prayed are praying!  Those who had lost hope are hoping!  Those who did not have faith, are believing!  Thousands of lives have been changed because Briley FAITH’s story is not about her…it’s about the ONE.

LITTLE IS MUCH IN THE HANDS OF GOD!  In my own personal life, I have never before experienced God's greatness in such magnitude until Briley FAITH was born.  Since October 20, 2012, BRILEY'S DAILY DOSE blog has developed into an outreach all over the world.  In less than six weeks, including the U.S., there are a total of 17 countries that have been reached and over 7,600 views!  All glory to God! 

I'm just one simple, inexperienced blogger...Can you imagine what can be done if all of you reading this blog told one person and then that person told another, and so on…about the ONE?  Can you imagine what God could do with you?  It takes JUST ONE.   It just takes you.

Together, we can reach the world!

Heavenly Father,

It is so true that all will know who You are; that every knee will one day bow.  I am so thankful that I know who You are!  I am so thankful that You know me!  I thank You that because You sent us Your only son, Jesus Christ, my sins are forgiven and You hear my prayers!  Thank You for sending the world a Savior…THE ONE.

Thank You for showing me through Briley FAITH the urgency of telling others time is short!  I’m so thankful I said “Yes” to You in the middle of the night 7 days after she was born!  It’s not about me…it’s about YOU!

My desires for Briley FAITH have been made known.  I have such a peace that all I can do now is just thank You!  Thank You for Your mercy that outweighs the misery!  Thank You for the joy that has swept away the tears!  Thank You for using her to teach me more about You.

Oh, help us Lord to take every opportunity to proclaim Your name!  To always say “Yes!” to You! 

In Your precious name I pray.  AMEN!

DAY 41 - BRILEY'S SONG

Psalm 89:1

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

Five days after Briley FAITH was born, I wrote a song.  We all have different ways the Lord uses to heal the heart.  Mine is writing.  Anything written or any way God uses me is (as someone once told me), for my joy and His glory.

Since birth, Briley’s story has been singing loud and clear.  It’s the song of the redeemed; a never ending song.  Many lives have been changed since I first pinned “Briley’s Song”, including my own.  So much so, that today I decided to revisit it.  While reading, my heart and mind began to focus on God’s faithfulness through this whole journey.  Words changed as my life has.  I’ve changed…and so has my song.  I am redeemed and have a song to sing!  God, You Are Faithful!

YOU ARE FAITHFUL

(Briley’s Song)

VERSE 1

An unexpected turn

From a normal day

Takes me to a place unknown

I open my eyes to see

Your arms holding me

I already know I am not alone

So I’m not at all afraid

Of this strange place

Cause it’s not a mystery to You

Your love will keep me warm

Your strength will make me stand

Your faithfulness goes beyond the ways of man!

CHORUS

God, You are faithful

No matter what comes my way

So I will be thankful

And trust Your plan for today

I know all my days You hold

So I will walk as Your plan unfolds

And be thankful

Cause’ God, You are faithful

VERSE 2

I’ll praise You through this pain

And keep my hands raised

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

I will lift Your name on high

Though on my knees I cry

Your faithfulness gives me a song to sing

This is nothing new to You

It’s just new to me

A pain I’ve never felt before

Glancing on days gone by

I’m reminded You’re by my side

Whispering sweet peace in the midst of my storm!

CHORUS

BRIDGE

It was You who brought me here

So I must have a song to sing

To tell the whole world You love faithfully!

CHORUS

Kathy J Fogarty/Copyright 2012 Crimson Rose Publishing/BMI

10/16/2012

Revised 11/28/2012

Heavenly Father,

When I am faithless, You are still faithful!  You are worthy to be praised to all generations! 

Help me to remember that no matter how tough life gets, it’s not too hard for You!  Help me to remember even though the storm rages, You speak peace! 

In this dark world, on October 11, 2012 You sent us Briley FAITH; a little light that shines so bright!  She has become a reminder to me and many others of Your faithfulness!  This little light has shone on the urgency of Your message; to tell the world of Your great love!  Thank You, for this reminder…may we never forget.

Forgive me Father of all of my sinful ways.  Thank You for Your faithfulness!

In Your name I pray.  AMEN!

If you would like to know Jesus Christ, our only answer, our only hope, please email me at kfogarty02@gmail.com and I will be glad to share the story.  It's my FAITH ASSIGNMENT.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

DAY 40 - IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLES!

 “When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus”
― Corrie Ten Boom

Luke 8:43-47

Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,  came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

  And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, “Who touched Me?”   But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”  Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

We have such a close relationship with electricity to the point that it is hard to separate ourselves from it; as mentioned in "How It Works" by Marshal Brain and Robert Lamb.  Even in the loneliest corners of the world, electricity exists.  It lights up the sky during a storm.  It’s the spark of static between fingertips.  Even our nervous system has an electrical current that transmits impulses to the brain.   

As much power electricity has, there is a greater power!   It is Krataios; Greek for “Mighty power of God”!

Many people flocked when Jesus was around because of curiosity, they were among His followers or they heard of His healing power and were in need.  He was in high demand and sometimes to reach Him seemed impossible.  There was a woman in the Bible that had a terrible illness for twelve long years.  The doctors did not give her any hope.  She heard that Jesus was in town.  In desperation she pressed through the large crowd, stretched out her arm as far as it could go, and touched the hem of His garment…she felt it!  Krataios!  She knew right then she had been healed!  Her FAITH made the impossible, possible! 

Briley FAITH’s room is filled with machines and monitors that are plugged into the wall receiving the electrical current to obtain the power to exist.  Without that power, these medical instruments are nothing but metal and plastic; no reason to even be in the room.  Of course, when I walk into her room, I don’t see the power received from the machines.   I see the mighty power of God! Krataios!  She is already healed!  It may not seem that way from man's view, but, God's view is different.  She has life everlasting!  All of His children do!  Our existence doesn’t rest upon man or machines.  God is the One that has given us life!  Our FAITH makes the impossible possible!  

Do you feel hopeless?  Is what surrounds you just metal and plastic, the world’s useless answers?  There is an answer, a constant presence, a power to connect to and one that will always be accessible.  Once connected, nothing can separate you from it!  Let God be your source, your Krataios!  Let your FAITH make the impossible possible!

Heavenly Father,

Yahweh, Yahweh!  I magnify Your name, oh Lord!  All praise to You, Holy One!  Let Your power fall upon us all! 

Thank You, for being the source of all my needs!  Thank You for recognizing me every moment of every day.  I know my connection isn’t whether or not You are there, cause You are always there!  I just have to plug in, reach out, and run to You, my source.

Thank You for hearing our prayers as we press through for Briley FAITH!  Thank You, that Your presence is constantly with her; that when I walk in her little hospital room, I see You!  Your sweet spirit resides there.  Thank You that what seems impossible to man, You make possible!

The blood of Your son, Jesus, makes everything possible!  I come to You through that precious blood leaving my impossible at Your feet so You may receive all the glory.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.  AMEN!

DAY 39 - MY HERO

2 Thessalonians 1:10

When He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

There have been so many individuals that have been a very important part of Briley FAITH’s life.  When I looked into her eyes today I saw so much thankfulness to share with you!  I do believe she calls you, “Hero”…

After Granna looked up the word “hero” for me, I realized I have a lot of them!  Here are a few definitions:

an illustrious warrior – This would have to be my big brother, Jude!  Although, he does stand on the chair, raise his arms and shouts “To infinity and beyond!” like he’s going to fly or something, he is a hero to me.  Let me tell you why.  I love the way he holds my hand in between both of his.  Like he cherishes me, or something.  I love it when he reads and sings to me.  His favorites are now my favorites.  We like the same stuff!  He is so sweet when he tells me he likes my bow!  Then, the best thing of all…he says, “I love you to the most, Briley!”.  My heart smiles!  I wish he could see it!  My brother, my hero!

a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities – You guessed it.  My daddy!  I must be his latest achievement because there sure are a lot of people who admire him!  He is a great man who loves God!   What a noble quality!  My daddy is one who gets the job done.  If I need something, he is on it!  Making sure I receive the best care!  I think he knows I am getting the best care because he knows God!  I love it that daddy is not afraid to show his feelings.  I know  he cares about me so much…you see, every now and then his teardrop falls on my cheek.  I hope he knows the tears he sees in my eyes are not always because of pain…it is because I care for him a lot, too!  My daddy, my hero!

one who shows great courage – My mommy is the strongest most…what do they call it in the bible?  Uhh…virtuous woman!  Yes!  She takes care of her household.  That’s me!  I’m part of her household! As I watch her in my room, she makes sure everything is in order!  And like the bible says, I will rise one day and call her blessed!  She can look in my eyes and know that is what I am already saying.  Mommy takes one day at a time and is thankful for that day.  She nutures me that day.  She cuddles me that day.  She sings to me that day.  She puts a new bow on me that day.  She is constantly thanking God all day long for that day.    I want to grow up and be just like her!  My mommy, my hero!

the central figure in an event, period, or movement – I have a lot of these!  My grandparents, great-grandparents, all my relatives, my friends at church, all those who are praying for me, my doctors, my nurses, even the lady that took our family picture today!  They all have a place in my heart.  My movers and shakers!  I wish I could name them all, but, Granna would be typing a very long time.  So, I will talk about a few I have gotten to meet.

Boompa – He is my teddy bear!  I also love to see him smile at me.  His eyes twinkle like the stars in the sky!  My hero!

Mimi – Her love for me shows in so many different ways.  One way is, she makes me a lot of cute “girlie” things to wear!  I know that is a way she connects with me, probably like when Granna writes.  Even though they don’t get to hold me, it is their way to be close.  My hero!

Pops – You know, I think if anyone could handle my Pops, it would be me.  All I have to do is smile!  I’ve been watching and know he is my gentle giant!  My hero!

Idgie –When she talks to me, I can hear her heart.  It’s a big one!  She has the biggest heart of anyone I know!  My hero!

PawPaw – My play-time partner!  Granna says he is a kid at heart!  I already knew he was because when he visits me our hearts leap at the same time!  Ready to play in the arms of PawPaw!  My hero!

Now Granna is writing this for me and she is probably thinking how weird it would be for her to say that she is my hero!  Too funny!  Oh well…that’s Granna.

My Aunt Shanda and Aunt Krissy – The ones who signed up to spoil me!  It bothers me that their hearts are breaking because they don’t see me smiling.  Well, if these tubes were out of my way, they would see a great big smile!  They must know my heart smiles!  I love it when they visit!  My heroes!

My Pastor, Jason - I'm so glad he let's God use him to give mommy and daddy what they need through His word.  And he was awesome at my first church service!  My hero!

My doctors and nurses – I am so thankful for them.  It makes me happy when they say they have missed seeing me.  Even though at times I have a scowl on my face, I hope they know they are each a hero to me!

a person of extreme admiration and devotion – This is the very first hero I met.  His name is Jesus.  I do admire him and have been totally devoted to him!  He is the reason I live!  He is my beginning and my end!  What is so wonderful is that my family already knew him, too!  He should be everyone’s hero!  As much as I love all those people I mentioned, I love him so much more!  As much as all those others have done for me, he has done so much more!  Jesus Christ, my greatest hero!

If you look into my eyes you will hear me say, “Thank you.”  If you look into my soul you will hear me singing praises to Jesus Christ.  If you look into my heart you will see me smile.  I am thankful for my heroes!

Heroes often possess special qualities such as unusual beauty and skills in many crafts. They defy pain and death to live fully, creating a moment's glory.  Briley FAITH has a beauty that has been exposed through facebook, through prayer, through others telling her story.  A beauty that has become her voice.  This unusual beauty has made us all happier and closer to God.  Briley FAITH tells the story of who God is and what He has done in such a skillful, purposeful way.  Although Briley FAITH has been in much pain and close to death, she has lived a life fuller than most of us and has shown the glory of the Lord greater than I.  Briley FAITH is my hero!

But, just like Briley, I have a greater hero who also is, Jesus Christ!  He is greater than the greatest, stronger than the strongest, mightier than the mightiest, and has more love than the world could ever give.  Jesus, my hero!

Heavenly Father,

You are my all in all!  You are everything!  You are my hero!  You deserve all the glory and praise for all You have done!

There are many heroes in our lives.  Please help me to remember to thank them all before I leave this earth.  If I forget, I pray they see my heart.  You are my greatest hero!  Thank You for being everything I need.  I can call on You at any time and You are there!

We have always trusted You with Briley FAITH.  Today is no different.  Your will, Your way, is perfect!  We trust you can put a blanket of Your healing power on her!  Thank You for holding her in Your arms of love.

Through the blood of the lamb I come asking forgiveness of all my sins!  AMEN!

DAY 38 - ONE WAY ONLY!

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 November 7, 2012 we received some devastating news that our granddaughter, Briley FAITH has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 0; the severest of this genetic disease.  She has also never been able to breathe on her own.  They said there was one way only she would survive …it would take a MIRACLE.  Oh yes, tears were shed and the day turned dark.  Then I remembered, just as Josh and Crystal did…we know the Healer, the One who performs miracles, if he so chooses.  We know the “ONE WAY ONLY”!   

Since God placed Briley FAITH on this earth, He has used her to reach thousands all over the United States and other countries!  The “Briley FAITH Updates” have been shared with thousands and lives have been changed!  This blog now reaches 10 other countries; Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Philipines, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland and South Korea!  Her story and others through “The Faith Assignment” blog has reached Germany, Spain and Canada!  Prayers have been lifted for her in Romania, New Zealand, Hungary, and other countries already mentioned!  Those are the only countries I am aware of.  The truth is made known throughout!  What I am saying is, that tearful, dark day that seemed as the end was actually the beginning!  The beginning of Briley’s purpose; to share Jesus Christ with the world!  What man thinks as a tragedy, God uses for good!

God has not given His final answer about Briley’s life.  All we know is we have experienced God’s promises and have seen His purpose.  So, whether she is here on earth or in Heaven, we will see her again!  Jesus Christ made a way…

Over 2,000 years ago God gave His only son, Jesus Christ, to the world.  Jesus walked the earth as man.  He healed many and changed lives.  He was tormented and spat upon!  He hung on the cross…the day turned dark, tears fell.  He was buried in a tomb.  It seemed as though it was the end.  But, it was actually the end of the beginning…new life.   Three days later He rose from the grave!  He did it all for you and me!  God’s purpose was to send us a Savior, Jesus Christ.   He is our “One Way Only”.  As Pastor Jason said this morning, There must repentance! "I'm sorry, Lord, please forgive me of my sins! I accept You, Jesus Christ as my Savior!”  Friend, you are not alone.  We are all sinners.  We all have “One Way Only” out of the evil of this world.  “One Way Only” to have eternal life.  “One Way Only” to have hope on the road we travel.  But, can you say, for sure, right now, if your life ends, you'll begin eternal life with Jesus Christ, your “One Way Only”?

If you would like to know Jesus Christ as your Savior, your only hope, I will be glad to talk with you.   Please email me at kfogarty02@gmail.com.

Here is a video I know will bless you. End of the Beginning" - David Phelps 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that you sent Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to rescue me!  To cleanse me of my sins as far as the east is to the west!  You are my only need!

Thank You, for the purpose You placed in Briley!  Father, what a witness she is without one word!   Thank You for the time we get to have with her.  Although You might not choose to use Your healing power for Briley physically, I have seen You use it on so many spiritually!  All glory to You!

I pray Father if there is someone out there who needs You will finally let go and let You have Your way.  To let go of the world, let go fear, let go of pride and let You come in. 

I come to You through the precious blood asking forgiveness and lay my requests before you.

In Jesus’ name I pray.  AMEN!

DAY 37 - A SONG OF VICTORY!

Psalm 40:3

 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see what He has done and be amazed.  They will put their trust in the Lord.

Briley FAITH lies in her room surrounded by what looks like defeat in the “boxing ring of life” if viewed through the eyes of man.  Monitors, machines, tubes, bad news and tears have always been inside the ropes, with Briley FAITH in the center of the ring.  But, she has never been in there alone…

 We see daddy and mommy waiting in the corners giving her all they can give…love, encouragement.  Family and friends sit in the bleachers cheering her on!  What?  You've got to be kidding!  Look!  Daddy, mommy and those in the praying section are all smiling!  So unusual for a battle like this!  It’s amazing!  No matter what blow approaches her it does not take her down!  What is going on?  Bystanders are going to their knees!  Tears of joy cry out from strangers!  Headlines read “UNDEFEATED” before the bell even rings!  What is that song we are hearing?  It is very faint.  Though she is weak, she is strong!  The song… the song she is singing...all we hear is “Hallelujah!” over and over.  Repeating a beautiful melody with just that one word, "Hallelujah!".  The crowd cheers as they realize what she is singing and begin singing with her!  They have discovered the more they sing, the more they can see!  “Hallelujah!”…"Hallelujah!” draws outsiders in! “Hallelujah!”…”Hallelujah!” causes the blind to see Jesus!  Yes!  He is standing in the ring!  Right there!  Right next to Briley FAITH, raising her arm claiming victory!  Wow!  Voices of victory fill the arena!  Singing "Hallelujah!", everyone stands to worship the King! 

Children of God, we are undefeated before the battle even starts!  Hallelujah!  Though you are weak, He is strong!  He is in the ring with you!  Don’t give up!  Keep singing! 

Those of you who don’t know Jesus as your Savior, Your defender, He wants You to sing!  Sing His song of victory today!  He will be with you no matter the challenge!  With Him, we are all winners!

Join me worshiping the King in song!  Attached is a link to a song of victory!

"God Be Praised" - Gateway Worship 

Heavenly Father,

You are our King, our Defender!  I praise You for always being in the boxing ring with me!  Once I realized You will always be there, it is easier for me to step into the ring and not be afraid!  Thank You, Father!

Thank You for taking on Briley Faith’s battle!  Thank You, for Your protection and peace for all of us!  Thank You, that if not in the ring, I am sitting in the praying section with a smile on my face!  Smiling because I know with You in the ring, the outcome is victory!

We will continue to pray for Briley, continue to cheer her on and continue to sing “Hallelujah!” to You, our Savior!

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, I come.  AMEN! 

If you would like to know Jesus Christ, our only answer, our only hope, please email me at kfogarty02@gmail.com and I will be glad to share the story.  It's my FAITH ASSIGNMENT.

DAY 36 - EATING WITHOUT THINKING!

1 Peter 2:2-3

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

“If food were for thought, then I would be skinny!

I eat without thinking!” 

During one of my moments of making sure there was not one Oreo cookie left in the package, I wrote those words down and created a refrigerator magnet.  Today, the day after Thanksgiving, I realize that Thanksgiving meals are the continual eating without thinking!  Lots of food to feast on, graze, feast, and graze again!  Sound familiar? 

Our Thanksgiving day started out with the first meal being at the hospital.  This delicious meal was provided by Leslie, a precious servant of God!  What a wonderful way to start; thanking the Lord for the meal, His goodness, and for Briley FAITH and the blessings from the circumstance!  In the waiting room gathered around the tables with me were Josh, Crystal, Jude, PawPaw, Boompa, Mimi, Aunt Shanda and Cara.  We asked others in the waiting room to join us and a few did.  It was all very nice.

My dessert was down the hall in the last room on the right.  That’s right, a beautiful lump of sugar!  Her name is Briley FAITH and she was also having a feast (via tubes); “Le’ Flow of Milk”.  The perfect meal for her.  In fact, her nourishment has been so good for her that within six days she went from 7lbs, 8ozs to 8lbs, 4ozs!  After dessert, PawPaw and I left with smiles and a thankful hearts!  Now, on to the next meal!

The trek is a little farther but it was worth the drive over the hills and through the woods...literally!  The Turner house was filled with family, friends, food and laughter!  Well, not so much laughter for our guys during the football game.  I don’t know why they put themselves through so much torture watching the Dallas Cowboys lose again and again.  I cringe and smile at the same time when I hear them yell at the T.V.!  The meal and fellowship was more than wonderful!  We sure enjoyed ourselves!  David and I left full and thankful to have been invited!

As wonderful as those meals were, nothing comes close to God’s nourishment for our souls.  I have stayed consistently at His table more in the last six weeks or so than I think I ever have.  Through the Briley Faith journey I have learned so much about feasting at God’s table.  My favorite part of this feast I call the “bread crumbs”.  It is looking for what we normally would miss.  Reading between the lines.  Picking up the treasures.  Slowing down and breathing Him in.  Watching for His bread crumbs that lead to His throne.  These bread crumbs are filling and each one taste better than the last.  Encouragement.  God’s favor.  Grace and goodness.  Then, before long, He is our constant.  Looking for His bread crumbs and craving Him more.   Feasting, grazing, feasting, and grazing again.  Staying in His presence.

It was never in my thoughts after Briley FAITH was born that I could ever be so full of God’s goodness!  But, His fullness did not come until I was empty of myself.   With each day of uncertainty I had to trust Him more.  When that happened, I began seeking, looking, and expecting all good things!  I began feasting on His flow of milk and honey!  The perfect nourishment!  In Him ALL is good!  God’s goodness is the strength He gives as we lean more on Him.  God’s goodness is the hope of not just bright tomorrows, but bright “right nows”!  God’s goodness lets me know His will for Briley is prosperity, hope and a future!  The same for you and me!  God’s flow of nourishment allows us to experience the fullness of His salvation!

God’s food is for thought!  To have the mind of Christ!  God’s word satisfies!  Lose to self and gain all Christ has to offer at His table!  The craving for His spiritual milk will become so strong that before long, you will be eating

without thinking.

Heavenly Father,

Let me pull up a chair to Your table of goodness!  I want more of You!  Thank You for all You have to offer!  Thank You for always having enough!  No one is ever turned away from Your table!  Everyone is invited! 

Father, I thank You for giving Briley FAITH all You have to offer!  I thank You for giving Josh, Crystal and Jude all You have to offer!  We are receiving the fullness of Your salvation!  Thank You!  I thank You for the abundant joy that flows from Briley’s little room!  Thank You for feeding me many times in there! 

Sometimes the road does take us over the hills and mountains; through the wilderness of uncertainties.  But, the table is always set to feast upon Your strength, Your peace, Your goodness!  Thank You!

  

The fullness of your salvation begins with Jesus Christ.  Thank You, because of this sacrifice, I am satisfied. 

Through this precious blood sacrifice, cleansing me of all my sin, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving!  AMEN!