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.

Listen to this song of inspiration and hope. "Rest In The Hope" by Karyn Williams

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!

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 Lord, and 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.

 Great song of inspiration! Link to "Live Like That" by Sidewalk Prophets

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...