Wednesday, December 11, 2013

DAY 73 - A COMMON THREAD

The events that happened one year ago today to some would seem a day of tragedy, a dark day...  But, how could it be dark when Briley FAITH was so bright?

It was as if it were yesterday I was looking into those big, beautiful eyes; "Bright Eyes", I called her.  Boy, how she could tell a story with those eyes!  Though every story unique, they had a common thread; sharing the thread of hope, the thread of grace, the thread of love, the thread of peace, the thread of joy,  the thread of FAITHfulness... all entwined forming one, the ONE; the Light of the World, the Scarlet Thread, Jesus Christ!

Yes, tears still fall in remembrance of Briley Faith.   Every teardrop unique for that moment yet each one is caught by the same loving hands, therefore, having a common thread; the Savior of all, Jesus Christ.

Our darkest hour will never come close to what Jesus Christ did for us.  By taking on the dark of the world He gives us light; a way out of darkness... a way out of sin... His grace through faith.  Without Him there is no life, there is no light, darkness remains.  Though sins are different, if you have Him as your Savior, there is a common thread;  His blood covers each and every individual sin.

I must say, as soon as we got the news of Briley Faith's diagnosis, for a brief moment it stopped me in my steps, it took my breath away and pain penetrated my heart.  Then came Jesus... my steadfast, sure foundation and carried me the rest of the way.  Over and over He is faithful to His promises!

If you feel hopeless, helpless, and have run out of tears, just say yes to Jesus and change will come.  It is then you will truly live and have a Savior, Provider, Healer, Peacemaker, a Strong Tower to hold on to; a not so common, common thread.

"For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.". John 3:16
Briley FAITH, "Bright Eyes"

Saturday, November 16, 2013

DAY 72 - THE HAPPY UNEXPECTED (An adoption story)

Who would have ever known the significance of this scene at Holland Chapel Baptist Church performed at the Hereafter House; a Christian outreach where many families, students and individuals attend during the week of Halloween.

The scene:  Heaven
Music:  “Alive” by Natalie Grant plays as Jesus meets His children at Heaven’s gates.

Mother(played by my daughter-in-law, Crystal): Enters stage right and throws herself at the feet of Jesus in worship, then slowly rises.

Jesus:  His words are actions of love as He reunites this mother with her baby; a delivery from His arms to hers.

As we saw it… a picture of Briley Faith once again in her mommy’s arms.

After this scene ends, my son, Josh, tells of God’s grace and love, gives the salvation plan and closes with prayer.

I always knew with every glance into Briley FAITH’s eyes, with every expression on her face there was such a great love… and that peace that lets you know everything is going to be alright.  But, I would have never known a year later, after we knew she would be returning to our Heavenly Father, what a sacrifice this child of God, our gift, my granddaughter, the little missionary had made.  She knew…  I know she knew; still, those “angel eyes” tell it all.  Her story continues, but, we don’t get to turn the page until it’s time.

It was time to turn another page on the evening of October 29, 2013.  Josh and Crystal were approached by a friend wanting to know if they were interested in adopting a child about to be born that needed a mommy and daddy.  There had been no preparation, no adoption processes started, nothing, except talk that they would like to adopt one day.  So, this was definitely unexpected!  The caseworker needed an answer by 8 a.m. the next morning… 

The scene:  Home
God is already there because He knew, as many times before, they would be seeking Him. 

Josh and Crystal:  Their words are prayers, hearts connecting to God’s plan. Faith exercised once again.  Looking for that peace that passes all understanding they were so familiar with during those 61 days with their baby girl, Briley FAITH.

Night/curtain falls:  It is late, they are not looking to rest but, looking to God for the answer to the unexpected… His expected.

By mid-afternoon the next day we are informed God has given us Reid, another beautiful grandson!  Joy has come!  A happy unexpected!

Then, I got to thinking… Wow, Briley FAITH! Again, you show Jesus Christ in a way I don’t think I ever could.  Oh how I wish I could… If you were here with us today, would Reid have a home?  Or at least a home with a mommy, daddy, big brother and family you knew would love him to the uttermost?  Would this opportunity have presented itself?  Would we have this treasure in the form of a precious little boy?  I don’t know that answer.  But, what a visual you have given me as a reminder of God’s FAITHfulness.  His promises are revealed through you again and again…  Sacrifice.  Did you go so he could stay?

The scene: God the Father hands over His only begotten son.

Fast forward:  The crucifixion.

Soldiers of the Governor:  Place a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head, spit upon him, mock him and lead him away to be crucified.

No beautiful music is playing.  The only sounds are coming from the crowd.

Angry mob:  “Kill him!”       "Crucify him!” 

Jesus Christ:  Now hanging, nailed to an old rugged cross.  Words of love… “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Faintly, you can hear a mother’s cry for her son.

Why did this happen?  For you and for me, the great sacrifice.  We are all sinners, filthy, dark, and wicked with a need; a need for a Savior to rescue us from the fiery pits of hell.  Not only did Jesus Christ take on our sin at the cross, He also conquered death and rose again!  What victory we have!  Oh what a Savior!

You see, God knew our need then and He knows our needs now.  Nothing surprises Him; there are no “unexpecteds”.  If we follow His plan, He always delivers… right on time. 

Jesus Christ had no earthly reason for loving me, a sinner.  Though undeserving and unexpected I received His gift of eternal life; hope for today until heaven is my tomorrow.

What does your tomorrow look like?  Will you be entering heavens gates, throwing yourself at the feet of Jesus in worship and rise to meet with loved ones who have gone on before?  You, too, can receive this gift of life through adoption into the family of God.

Does He want to hand you an “unexpected”, but instead, fear has replaced your faith, not allowing the delivery of a blessing?  Seek Him, pray, search His heart; He is faithful to deliver.

All you have to do is rise and receive; He is alive so you can live again! Don’t miss out on a happy unexpected!

Heavenly Father,

My praises are not enough to reflect my heart, my words do not come close to the gratefulness I have... please receive this as my expression of Your greatness and my weakness.  I am not alive unless You live within me!  Live, Father, live!

Thank You again for giving us our granddaughter, Briley FAITH as she continues to tell Your story with such magnificence in unexpected ways.

Thank you for our grandson, Jude for the unexpected reminders to come to You as a child.

Thank You for giving us our grandson, Reid; our happy unexpected.

With all my heart I rise and receive Your plan in expectation of great things!

In Jesus name, amen.


Ephesians 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us FOR ADOPTION as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.





Thursday, October 10, 2013

DAY 71 - ONE

One day…

For it is written: 
As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”   So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Romans 14:11-12



One year ago today, my granddaughter, Briley FAITH Turner, was born.  Many “ones” happened following that day.  Of course, that day I became Granna to one granddaughter; and, well, she had one “Granna”.  The next 61 days I began picking up the ones and holding, just holding…

…holding hands with many in prayer, in one accord.
…holding hearts that were also broken, for that one same reason.
…holding scripture and believing like I never had before, one Bible, one truth, one faith.
…holding her… Briley FAITH in my arms, a special time I will never forget, one time.

October 19, 2012 I began writing my first blog, this one.  Writing a blog was all new to me, but God had a plan, a new one.  Every day I would look into Briley FAITH’s beautiful eyes and with one glimpse Briley FAITH spoke in such depth to me… and others.  Whether in her hospital room or gazing upon my sweet “angel eyes” in a photograph, she had something to say, always getting in one more word.

It is no different today, one year later, she still speaks to me.  So, through tears I look at her picture and immediately I smile.  Without a doubt I know she does not want any of us crying in remembrance of her but glorifying in remembrance of HIM!  The ONE!

That 61 day journey, I must say, was the hardest road I had ever been on, yet the most peaceful and rewarding.  Rewarding, really?  Yes.  Her sacrifice continued to show us the ONE greatest sacrifice of all, Jesus Christ, our One and only hope. 

There were so many moments… so many ones and each time they led us to the One.

Today I glanced over Day 10 of this blog and there was one sentence I wrote in a prayer that burned within me… “Because of Your sacrifice, we can rest in the hope that in Your perfect timing she will rise in victory for Your glory!”… and she did; December 11, 2012. 

That one day in your life might not have been October 11, 2012 when you begged for mercy, healing or forgiveness; when you prayed for deliverance, guidance or oneness with the Savior; where He knows you and you know Him.  But, I pray you did and you do have that one day you will never forget that led you to victory and will even unto death.  If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, I pray today is your one day.

Today Briley FAITH turned one and is skipping around the throne praising the ONE.


Happy Birthday, Angel Eyes
Happy Birthday to you
You know your Granna cries
although I try not to.
I long to sing you a lullaby
today as in every day
Even though you’re in the sweet by and by,
I’m gonna sing anyway…

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.  They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so.”

I know you are healed to perfection
and every day should be a celebration
of thanks to the Lord of creation, the One.

The sweetness in heaven is greater
Can’t wait to see you sooner than later
All because of Jesus Christ, my Savior
Eternity with you awaits… one day.

Granna loves you real big, Briley FAITH!


Saturday, May 25, 2013

I REMEMBER YOU

Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…”
 

I remember when you walked in my hospital room with hugs for mommy and daddy,
then trying to hide the tears while standing over me.
I remember the prayers you prayed for me when no one was around;
on your knees crying to God for healing to be found.
I remember you on my Dedication Day,
singing songs of praise glorifying His name!
I remember you caring for my brother, Jude, with such a love
that only comes from the Caregiver above.
I remember you in so many ways
and I haven’t forgotten those 61 days.
You may not know me and I may never have seen your face;
but you are important to me, my name is Briley FAITH.
Although I am healed and in my heavenly home
there are other children in need.
By continuing to find a cure for SMA
you are helping them and remembering me.

BRILEY FAITH’s 3K WALK-N-RUN FOR A CURE IS 1 WEEK FROM TODAY!


Please remember Briley FAITH and make a donation to help other children with SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY.  Just click on link to donate.  If you do not receive an email confirmation, your donation did not go through.  Please let me know if I can help.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE!  Thank you from the depths of our hearts!  All glory to God!

MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION HERE!  CLICK ON LINK TO BRILEY FAITH'S 3K WALK-N-RUN FOR A CURE HOME PAGE!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

HER WALK CONTINUES IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING!

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the number one genetic killer of children under the age of two, is an often fatal disease that destroys the nerves controlling the voluntary muscle movement, which affects crawling, walking, head and neck control, and even swallowing.  Briley FAITH had the most severe… SMA/Type 0.   

Although Briley FAITH never physically walked this earth, God moved for and within her throughout the world changing lives for their good and His glory!

Only because of God’s grace and faithfulness, so far, since October 20, 2012, this blog has reached 40 countries and almost 18,000 views!   The numbers continue to rise indicating that even though Briley FAITH is not physically here, her story is never-ending.

Not one moment of her 61 days here was lost and because of this journey many of us were found.  Some of you found Jesus as your Savior, some found hope and a reason to continue this life and some found purpose.

You and I are still here in the “land of the living” and have work to do.  We are to love our Lord and Savior putting Him in the foremost part of our lives, tell others of His love, grace, hope and strength as Briley FAITH did, and then, we serve…

My purpose for this post is to reach out to you to help us in raising funds for research.  This genetic killer is one for which medical science most likely will find a cure!  Wouldn’t it be exciting to say you had a part in it?  You can!!

On Saturday, June 1, 2013, we will have our first Briley FAITH’s 3K Walk-n-Run For A Cure!  Below is a link to more information about the walk and how you can join us… how you can serve.  The thousands of you out there whose lives have been changed because of little Briley FAITH can help us make this another success for the GLORY OF GOD!  Even if you can’t be here to walk with us, you can walk where you are, you can participate without attending, you can make a donation, you can request for donations that can be easily made online through the link provided, you can pray… 

Thank you for walking with us during Briley FAITH’s 61 days and thank you in advance for helping us continue in the journey.


“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.”  Psalm 27:13

Friday, February 15, 2013

DAY 70 - A DIAGNOSIS WITH A CURE

Thank you for going on the Briley’s Daily Dose journey with me.  The Lord has revealed to me today’s post is the “final dose”.  My focus is now directed in writing a book with Josh and Crystal (Jude’s and Briley Faith’s mommy and daddy).  The 61-day life of our little “angel eyes”, her mommy’s updates, her daddy’s words of wisdom and expressions of love, big brother’s smiles and the blogs were stepping stones to where we are today – the book.  Please continue to read and share this blog in hopes of more lives being changed.  Also, please pray for us as the journey of faith continues.  I encourage you to step in God’s grace with faith and enjoy the plan He has for you.   Though painful at times it may be, there truly is joy in the journey.   All for the glory of God! 

With yesterday being Valentine’s Day love was in the air!  One day to express one’s love.  Don’t get me wrong from what I'm about to say because I love love!  It is just today as I look into the window of the world, I see the description of love is wrong and the gifts are temporary.  The world tells us the way to express love is with a box of chocolates, a card or a bouquet of flowers.  That  type of love is now gone, wilted, or has lost its value and is now in the discount basket or on the clearance shelf at the store.  This one day  reflects greed and misinterpretation.  Something that is as fragile and precious as “real love” has become empty expressions by many.  The only gift of yesterday that changes the hearts of today and lasts for all our tomorrows is God’s love.  The greatest expression of love for you and me was when Jesus hung upon the cross that one day.  A sacrificial, unconditional, forever love.  Nothing can separate us from the love that came to save us…

Every time I looked into Briley FAITH’s eyes love was always present along with concern.  I think the concern was that we wouldn’t “get it”; understand the magnitude of God’s love.  That when we say “God loves me from the east to the west”, our minds would not comprehend such a great love she already understood.   With all her might she tried to convey such a simple story that we have made so hard.  God’s love has been replaced with what the world has to offer.  So, as I looked in her eyes it was as if she was screaming, “Run from the world and run to Jesus!”  We must listen, we must listen.  What the world offers is fleeting, brief, momentary, passing, short-lived and temporary; a discounted box of chocolates, a wilted rose.

The love of the One, Jesus Christ, is permanent, unending, ceaseless and even deathless; a Redeemer, a Savior.  “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.”  John 3:16

Those who know God’s love can endure great pains knowing joy comes with each dose of the trial.  My three year old little grandson, Jude, was familiar with joy in pain because he saw the example in his little sister and has been taught by his God-loving parents.  Although the Briley Faith journey was a very painful trial, I was reminded yesterday of how God is concerned with and understands all pain; your pain, my pain, Jude’s pain. 

Yesterday, there were several instances of discomfort Jude was having that were of concern.  After going to the doctor it is a possibility he has a urinary tract infection.  Although he didn’t complain much, I felt so sorry for him and wanted to take his pain away.  But, what captured my attention was his response to his discomfort.  It started after breakfast, continued at preschool and then at lunch.  Experiencing this pain once again after going to the potty, his response as I bent down to help him snap his little jeans was, “I guess it still is…”.  Then he went on his way enjoying the day.  Jude accepted the discomfort, that the pain "still is" and was ready to endure.  Little did I know the scripture I had been helping him memorize would speak what he was displaying; joy in the pain.  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  Proverbs 17:22

After Briley’s birth and diagnosis of SMA/type 0, I felt like I was hit with a brick of devastation and the wind knocked out of me.  It was painful and even hard at times to be joyful.  But, God’s grace is greater!  With each dosage of His goodness the pain became less. 

You might feel crushed right now and in a whirlwind of despair.  The pain is too great to surface; wanting to stay under the covers.  The day is still night.  The four walls of your life are closing in and breaths are few.  The world’s “cure” is lifeless.  Run from the world and run to Jesus; the everlasting love, healer of souls and hope for tomorrow.

My closing thoughts and the final dose to this blog reflect what Briley FAITH, God’s little missionary and faithful servant unrelentingly and triumphantly was saying.  “I AM YOURS, LORD AND I WILL TELL THE WORLD”…

The DIAGNOSIS – we are all sinners.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

The CURE – God’s grace.  “and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24


Briley FAITH in Jude's arms of protective love.



Heavenly Father,

How could I ever thank you enough for the privilege of sharing You through the eyes of my precious granddaughter, Briley FAITH?  I am nothing.  You are ALL!

Father, I know there are many who still have not let You into their life.  I pray Your truth continues to penetrate those hearts.  What joy, what freedom, what hope, what love awaits all who receive You!

Those who know You as Savior but are angry and bitter because of the unexpected, I pray they receive reminders of Your love and see that when their knees fall, burdens are lifted.

Thank You for loving me; a sinner saved by grace.

Through the precious blood that spilled on that one day for all of my todays, I come and lay this request at Your feet.  Amen!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

DAY 69 - ONE SHOT!

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit your actions to the Lordand your plans will succeed.


“I have one shot to make this the best it can be.  Just one shot.”  Those were the words spoken by my son, Josh a couple of weeks prior to the “big event”.  He was planning to give his wife, Crystal, and baby girl, Briley FAITH a mommy/daughter day and if it wasn’t pulled off quickly it would never happen.  This loving husband wanted to make this “one shot” day not just good, but the best.   Josh didn’t know how he would pull it off, but he knew with God all things are possible.

Many phone calls and arrangements were made and secrets kept.   The morning of this endearing event began with Josh giving Crystal a bouquet of roses that opened the door to this beautiful day and he whisked her off to the hospital.  Upon entering Briley FAITH’s room they see it has been transformed into an enchanted forest and at every turn there is something new to do.  Mommy/daughter rings were presented upon entering the room, a massage awaited, clothes shopping with Briley was on the agenda, a picnic with the husband and daddy who loves them so, and more; a perfect distraction from the “new norm”.  He had “one shot” and knew only God could make it happen.  He placed exactly the ones who needed to be in Josh’s path to help fulfill the desire of his heart.  Because of God’s faithfulness and Josh’s obedience and faith in what God can do, the mommy/daughter day was a success.

Briley Faith was placed here for a 61-day purpose.  That purpose was gracefully and boldly fulfilled.  For 61 days she gave her all; I think she knew she had “one shot” to show the world who God is.  I am so thankful He allowed us to borrow her, love on her and learn through her within those 61 days.  I still miss her greatly.  Although our “angel eyes” resides in heaven, I continue to drawer nearer to God because of the lessons her purpose continues to reveal. 

Thinking on this while traveling home from Texas today I asked myself, “What if I only had 61 days left to live?  What if I only had “one shot?  What would I do?  How would I glorify my Savior, the owner of my 61 days and the maker of the “one shots”?

God showed me through a picture of love my husband painted when I walked through the door this afternoon.  Candles were lit and he had made a “make shift” massage table.  He knew I had a headache and needed help relaxing from the long trip from Texas.  My husband took his “one shot”, that moment, to show me his love.   Now that’s a glimpse of God’s goodness in the “one shot”.  God’s love through him to me.

My thoughts continued…

What if we only had 61 days left to worship God freely in our country?  That next Sunday we would pull into the church parking lot and approach the sanctuary doors only to find chains and locks shutting us out.  No more worship.  If that was to happen, and it could, what would be that “one shot” of glorifying God in excellence?

What if we knew we had just 61 days with our spouse, child, family member or loved one before they were no longer with us?  Their eyes close.  No more life.  What would be that “one shot” of our best we could do for them?  In doing so, I believe we would find the simplest actions are lasting treasures.  Treasures aren’t buried, they are given.

What if there was only 61 days left to forgive that person who hurt you and only 61 days left to ask forgiveness from the person you hurt.  Would you take that “one shot” to make it right?

Those who have not repented of your sins and asked God to forgive you, if you only had 61 days to live, would you finally say “Yes, Lord” today?  None of us are promised 61 days or even tomorrow.  That is why it is important to say “Yes” today.

Jesus Christ gave His life for us to have life.  We can glorify Him by letting others see He lives within us.  Let’s live it like we only have “one shot” to make a lasting difference glorifying God in excellence! 


THE 61-DAY “ONE SHOT” CHALLENGE
February 4, 2013 – April 5, 2013

I challenge you to commit to 61 days of seeking God and saying “Yes!” to what He has been asking you to do and new things He will reveal.  It may have to do with your health, finances, forgiveness, a ministry, your marriage, acts of kindness, or just loving people more.  Ask God to reveal the purposes He has for you each day.  More than likely there will be several “one shot” moments.  Like Josh, just trust God through it all and you will find success.

As we join together to make a difference for God’s kingdom, I would love for us to share and be inspired by these “one shot” projects or deeds.   Please email your story to me at kfogarty02@gmail.com.



Heavenly Father,

I could never match up to Your excellence, but I want to give You my very best!  Reveal to me Your purpose for each day as I strive to live life pleasing to You.

Thank You for those who have taken the time to be used by You in using a “one shot” to fulfill a need.  I ask You to give us wisdom, discernment, mercy and boldness as we seek You to make a difference on earth for your kingdom with the time You give us.

Thank You for giving us a Savior, our best example of faithfulness to purpose.

In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!
Making life count...

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

DAY 68 - PICKING DAISIES!


Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
 
1 Chronicles 16:29
Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him.  Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!


Not only is Daisy my grandmother’s name, it is also my favorite flower!  This flower brings an instant smile to my face with its welcoming outstretched petals!  Whether it is the ones with the soft white petals and a yellow thumb print center or those with a splash of vibrant color, they all speak to me as if to say, “Hello there!  Look!  Pick me!”  These are details of God’s hand of creation for all who will seize the moment to pay attention to this beauty of sheer enjoyment.  God is in the details, as should our worship to Him also be; to draw into His presence as we walk the road on which He has placed us, looking for the “daisies”; learning from the details.  As each one is gathered it leads us closer to where the Creator awaits.  It is truly at that moment of understanding His awesomeness that every part of our being shouts, “Hello God, my Savior!  I adore You!  Pick me!”…

This week began another part of the Briley FAITH journey.  Through much prayer Josh, Crystal and I know God has led us to write a book about this journey of faith.    It will be about His faithfulness and what happens when we follow His commands.  The beginning stage includes gathering information through interviews with some of many individuals who were on the journey with us.  While preparing the questions that would be asked during the interviewing process, my mind had to take a walk back down the road already traveled.   It was then I began noticing and picking “daisies”, the details, along the side of this hard traveled road.  They seemed enhanced; maybe more recognizable because the fog was gone… many questions answered.  Here are a few that I picked.

Many cards of concern hung as a blanket of love surrounding Briley FAITH and those who entered the room.  Minnie Mouse became a quiet “It’s going to be okay”.  That gift came all the way from Disneyland delivered to Briley by one of her nurses who was thinking about her while on vacation.  Thoughtful details.

For mommy/daughter day there were several who helped transform the hospital room into the enchanting land of “Getaway”.  A new friend named Katie included many details within this transformation.  God sent her.  He is in the details.

Still traveling that road again one daisy after another pops up!  Hugs, smiles, visits of encouragement, phone calls, a beautiful Thanksgiving meal brought to the hospital for the family, pictures, videos, colorful drawings from big brother, Jude, many cups of coffee, a hand shake passing on a twenty dollar bill or more, handwritten notes, and of course many prayers from our prayer warriors.  I slow down, smile and add each one to my bouquet! With “daisies” in hand walking that road has prepared me for the next…

It is now time to start interviewing.   I expected tears but what I didn’t expect were details that were new to me.  How did I miss them?  Was I walking too fast?  Did I turn my back?  There were more daisies to pick!  It has made me realize if I focus on the details I will have a fuller, more beautiful bouquet.

Thinking about the details of our journey with Briley FAITH has me looking at my life as God’s child…

There is another road that is lined with “daisies”.  It is the road of worship; detailed with adoration to our Lord and Savior.  On this road I have allowed many distractions to cut me off, to travel too fast and ignore the rest stops.  By doing so, there is no  sweet smelling aroma to my bouquet that my Heavenly Father so desires because the daisies are few.  But, God’s grace allows me to keep walking.  I now try my best to not only pray but listen for His voice!  I don’t want to just sing praise songs or hymns; I want to taste the words I sing!  I don’t want to just smile at a neighbor; I want to tell them why I smile!  I don't want to know God from just reading but from being.  I want all the details!  I want a full bouquet of daisies!

If we knew our life was short, would we pay more attention to the details?  Briley FAITH’s life was for only 61 days and there were more daisies gathered during that time than many of us ever will.  Her bouquet was nothing but petals of purpose, a fragrance of faith and details of His deity.

At the end of my journey I don’t want to have left one daisy behind or detail unfinished.  For when I take notice of God’s hand and add daisies to other's bouquets with details of His love, I have fulfilled His purpose for me and fully experienced true worship.  “Hello God, my Savior!  I adore You!  Pick me!”



Heavenly Father,

As I look out my window I see so many details in Your creation; down to the impressions on the leaves and the bark on the trees each having its own shape!  I pray others see Your “thumb print”, Your indention on my life as I am continually being shaped to Your will. 

Thank You for using Briley FAITH to slow me down, breathe in Your promises and embrace Your purpose for my life. 

I pray I find all the “daisies” You have for me!  In this world full of distractions please give me the strength and endurance to push through the crowd into Your presence. 

Through the blood of Your Son, 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.

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.