BRILEY FAITH, OUR DIAMOND IN HEAVEN

This is our first time to go dig for diamonds at CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK in MURFREESBORO, AR.  We did not leave with a diamond but left having had a great experience and valuable lessons learned... You see, it wasn't in finding a diamond, but in the dig where I found value.

 Upon arrival with gear in hand, we decided in one particular section we would count the rows for digging and stop at 61, in memory of our granddaughter, Briley FAITH who lived 61 days of grace.  As I'm digging in the mud I'm reflecting upon those days with her and how God used her (and still does) to change so many lives for His glory.  My mind then shifts from just digging and searching for diamonds, to how much this is like my life was... filthy in sin. And one glorious day I was cleaned all up by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, forever a child of the King; royalty.   In overwhelmed thankfulness my "mind is shifting" from the "mine sifting" again.  There are still so many lost souls out there, "diamonds" to be found, loved and to know they are worthy of God's grace.  It might be a fragile soul covered in thick mud and mire with so many layers of darkness, hurt and pain they carry.  They are stuck and need someone to be patient, gentle, have a listening ear and heart of love.  I will tell them I too once was lost but now I am found and share the story about the cleansing blood of Jesus.  Before long layers dissolve one at a time grace is received and the reward is a soul in need has become rich in Christ.  ♥️

Like I said, we didn't find a diamond, but I did find a Red Jasper stone that reminded me of the blood atonement we have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Then, I also found a heart-shaped rock as if Briley FAITH was saying, "I love you, Granna and PawPaw!".  Oh how we love and miss you our "Little Missionary"!  God still uses you, even at a diamond mine as your Granna is covered in mud.
#weloveyoubrileyfaith

BACKWARD TO FORWARD DAY! "Taking A Walk Backward To Move Forward"

Two of our grandchildren, Jude and Abbott, have been staying with us for a couple of days because their mommy and brother have been sick; trying our best to prevent further sickness in the family.  We have thoroughly enjoyed them being here.  I've learned to always expect God to speak in the details.  Today, He did it again.  It's a "backward to forward" day; meaning God uses my past to better my future.

This morning PawPaw was about to leave to take Jude to school.  We all said our “goodbyes” and “I love yous” before they got in the car.  As they were backing out of the garage I said another “I love you” and watched until the garage door blocked my view of that precious cargo.  I just remembered that is what Molly does every day she is here to see PawPaw off to work; she stands at the garage door saying, “I love you, PawPaw!  Have a good day!” until the garage door folds all the way down and then she closes the door to the house.  But, before Jude left, although he was here this morning at the house, he sent me this bible verse in a text.  2 Corinthians 9:6 “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”  God has used Jude to plant many seeds of God’s goodness, including a few in his Granna’s heart.  I will be a “forward farmer”; look back on God’s faithfulness and not on man’s disappointments to have a full life feasting on His best.

About thirty minutes later Abbott got up out of bed, ate breakfast, brushed her teeth and got ready for Pre-school.  Her ride would be arriving soon.  While brushing her hair I realized she had gotten taller and I now needed to stand to put her hair up instead of sitting in my chair with her standing between my knees as we had always done before.  Seeing she has grown so fast, I now intentionally go slower in brushing her hair.  Her ride arrives.  She puts on her rain jacket, slips on her backpack, we say our “goodbyes” and I love yous” and she heads out the door to our friend’s van.  As she is walking down the driveway, she turns that sweet head of hers, looks back at me and says again, “I love you, Granna!”  Oh my heart… “I love you too, my darlin’!  Have a great day!”  I watch out the door until the van is out of sight.  Abbott has always been so full of love and gives it fully!  I will have “forward love”!  “Forward love” is really unconditional love as Christ loves us.  No conditions.  If we have the mind of Christ we will do the same; move forward in love.

Though they are both now at school, those moments of love are now beautiful snapshots in my mind.  Those brief, beautiful moments are now lasting memories.  Today has become a “backward to forward” day!  I’m looking back on what just happened and determined to move forward a little slower and with detailed purpose.  This has me seeking God’s message for me in all my grandchildren.

So, I now reflect on my other four grandchildren; Briley FAITH, Reid, Molly and Parker. 

Briley FAITH, I could say is our angel in heaven, which she is.  But, more than that, she is change here on earth.  God used her 61 days and continues to use her here to impact the world.  How?  God’s plan all started because her parents gave Him what was already His; not only Briley’s life, but theirs also.  Our last “goodbye” was not really the last and the “I love you” was the first of forever.  Through God using Briley FAITH I've learned to have life I must give it, to have freedom I must be captive, to live I must die to self; sweet surrender.  Moving forward, I’m all Yours, LORD.

My grandson, Reid, is also known as “little preacher man”.  Even though he can’t read yet, he definitely has an understanding of God’s love and boldly proclaims it!  When he opens his Bible and begins to speak what he feels is the message to bring, God’s Word comes alive!  It’s not just something Reid does for fun or to get attention, he is serious and so is God.  My “backward” with him always brings me “forward” in God’s Word and how I need to get more serious in Who God is; come to Him as a child.  Get to know Him more intimately and share Him more boldly.

Molly Jane, is such a “take charge”, “I can and will do it” leader.  She loves to help, to serve; such joy sparkles in her eyes when the task has been completed and she expects nothing in return.  Oh how I can learn from Molly Jane!  She doesn’t understand yet that her serving others is fulfilling and will continue to fulfill God’s plan bringing light to a dark, hurting world.  As I look back, her servant’s heart has changed mine.  In moving forward I will intentionally be ready and willing to serve, even if in the moment; ready at all times.

Parker is my funny cuddle bunny!  At only almost six months old she is also being used by God.  She loves to laugh, smile and is pretty much a constant “happy”!  Looking back at times with her reminds me of this bible verse.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  In ALL things give thanks; be HAPPY.  Although reflections of Parker only go back so far, God still uses this precious baby grand-girl of mine.  I’ve learned if I just shake my head and laugh/smile through the little trials of life I will find more “happy”!  In ALL things forward I know when I give it to God I will find more joy if I smile my way to “happy”!

Thank you my little grands for teaching your Granna to plant goodness, love freely, surrender completely, know God more intimately and share His truth boldly, always be ready to serve and to live life to the fullest by being thankful in all things; a happy life. 

It has been a beautiful “backward to forward” day and it’s not even lunchtime yet!  I am smiling.

Who is God speaking through today to help you move forward in life by using moments gone by?  Don’t miss His message in this busy life we live.  Time passes by so quickly giving us more the reason to live slowly.  

REFLECTIONS OF SEVEN WITH 20/20 VISION

Seven.  Throughout scripture the number seven represents completeness, achievement, perfection.  Briley FAITH lived sixty-one days; six plus one equals seven.  There were other events and occurrences during her life where the number seven was ever so present.  Once again, today the number seven is significant; seven years since my granddaughter, Briley FAITH went to her heavenly home.  I reflect on those precious, life changing sixty-one days and see perfection through God’s little missionary; His perfect will, His perfect plan.  Seven.

Then, I glance ahead to our tomorrows; this seventh year December 11, 2019-December 11, 2020.  As I have already shared with some, the year 2020 reminds me of perfect, clear vision.  This seventh year of our loss of Briley FAITH is for our reflections of His faithfulness to lead us in seeking God’s perfection for a 20/20 vision.

I want to be more like Jesus.  I want to surrender my life as Briley FAITH did.  I want to really, truly make sacrifices.  I want my eyes to speak and my life to tell the story of Jesus and His love, grace and faithfulness as hers did; without one word.  The world tells me I should try to be a “10”, but I WANT TO BE A SEVEN seeking God’s perfection giving me a 20/20 vision in the year to come.  Although I will only see what God wants me to see, it’s my faithfulness to Him and trusting His direction that will, in His time, unveil the plan He has for me.  But, I must not wait on the unveiling for it is my steps forward in blind trust to Him that will bring sight; 2020 vision. 

BRILEY, DID YOU KNOW?

Oh my precious Briley FAITH, my angel eyes, God's little missionary... did you know?

DID YOU KNOW that the night before you were born that me/Granna, along with your mommy, daddy and big brother, Jude, PawPaw, Boompa, Mimi, Pops, Idgie, Aunt Krissy,  Aunt Shanda and so many others were excitedly waiting for your arrival and praying for a safe delivery for you and mommy, that you would be healthy and all would be well?

DID YOU KNOW that after given the complications you had, that we were in the waiting room with others, in a circle holding hands in prayer knowing God would hear?  Did you hear your mommy’s and daddy’s cries for help to the One from which help comes from?  Did you hear not only their prayers but also see their steadfast faith?

DID YOU KNOW that I was awakened between 3am and 4am starting the night before you were born that lasted seven days?  The first day I prayed for a good delivery and all would be well.  The day after you were born, up to the seventh day I prayed for healing.  Did you know the seventh morning I was awakened I could not go back to sleep because God pressed upon me to not only pray for your healing but to really learn about His healing power?  DID YOU KNOW?  So, I did.  Day after day He was teaching and I was learning.

And DID YOU KNOW that me learning about God’s healing power would lead to me writing a blog called Briley’s Daily Dose?  It was mainly for my healing--- oh how I hurt so bad!  Each time I wrote I felt the pain, but at the same time there was a peaceful cleansing.

DID YOU KNOW as of today, the Briley’s Daily Dose blog has reached 100 COUNTRIES?  My sweet darlin’, the blog is now being read in country #100, The Islands of BERMUDA!  Who would have ever known?  DID YOU KNOW?  Only God, baby girl, only God.  But, DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW that simple blog led to a book about God’s faithfulness and what He can do with our trials if we give them to Him?  I never would have imagined I would be an author of a book about the life and loss of my granddaughter.  It’s called God’s Got This.  You were our “this”.  But, even though our struggle initially was dealing with knowing your situation and that you would be leaving us soon, it also uncovered other things in our lives that would be a “this”.  Wow, God used you to show us all so much!

DID YOU KNOW each time a tear was cried?  Not because of sadness, but because God used you to also give them hope and a cleansing of the soul?  Or, those rejoicing because of your life, they found a new life in Jesus?  

What about each time mommy, daddy, brothers Jude and Reid, sister Abbott, relatives, friends and even strangers share your life story--- Do you know each time a heart stops hurting or a tear stops flowing because of learning of God’s grace you shared through your sacrifice, your faithfulness to your calling?

Oh God’s little missionary, my Briley FAITH, I long to be just like you.

I can’t help but think you did know.  We for sure know God knew He could count on you to fulfill His purpose for you.  Your purpose did not end when you went to your heavenly home on December 11, 2012; it continues today in 100 COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD!  I love and miss you real big my darlin' Briley FAITH and I'm still so inspired by your surrender to God and calling.

As your PawPaw shares…

Milestones are the “selah” of life; to pause and thank God for His goodness and to where He’s brought us.

Since that night before your birth on 10/10/2012 of waking up between 3am and 4am:

*BRILEY’S DAILY DOSE BLOG was created.

*6 years, 10 months, 8 days have passed.

*God’s Word has entered 100 countries through the blog; some of these were countries where no Christian literature is allowed.

*103,027 have been reading the blog while we are praying many souls are changed from hearing God’s word through Briley’s life.

*GOD’S GOT THIS! book released December 2018.

Milestones are not “things”.  Milestones are God taking those “things” and using them to help others find Jesus, the Cornerstone.

FROM A BLOG TO A BOOK; God's Got This!

When God led me to writing this blog, I never had a thought of a book coming out of it. GOD'S GOT THIS! is a book about the life and loss of my granddaughter, Briley FAITH.  There were many days I struggled with writing this book for several reasons; it took me back to that time of pain but I also struggled with confidence in my writing.  Then, I truly realized it's not about me and my inadequacies.  It's about who I am in Christ and what He can do through me if I just let go and let Him.  When that happened, the book flowed to completion.  GOD'S GOT THIS! is now available for purchase!

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Do you feel like you are in the boxing ring with Satan; hits from all sides? A hit of loneliness, depression? A left hook of financial devastation? Or are you down for the count because of the loss of a loved one? Have you run out of tears? Have you run out of prayers? In God’s Got This, Kathy shares her own and her family’s personal experiences with fear, doubt, depression, bitterness and other “hits” during the life and loss of her granddaughter, Briley FAITH.With biblical truths, an open heart, and a walk through life known as our “home”, Kathy teaches you to knock down that wall of pride by following God’s perfect plan, to face the fear that binds you with God’s power that lives within you, and to replace doubt that delays God’s plan with confidence that brings Him glory; a lesson on faith no matter your trial, no matter what your “THIS” is.She invites you into the home faith built, to pull up a chair at the table, feast on God’s word and to get to know this trustworthy Master Builder while learning how to develop an unshakeable foundation of faith.Give Him your “THIS” and what the world sees as a tragedy, God will turn to triumph!

WATCHING FOR A BOOK IN 2018!!  God is good!  Happy New Year!!!

PLEASE READ!!!!! FAITH FOR A CURE

I want to thank you all who have followed and read this blog I started in 2012 about my granddaughter, Briley FAITH.  Her name was perfectly selected because it definitely has been a journey of FAITH!  We are now in 84 countries spreading hope to all!

This is a not the normal blog but a request from me to you.  The month of August is SMA Awareness Month.  SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) is the disease that took the life of my granddaughter.  In memory of Briley Faith and others who have suffered with the terrible disease, will you please join us in a candle lighting ceremony around the world?  It will be tomorrow, Saturday, August 12, 2016 at 8pm CST.  If you are in another country and your days are different please feel free to have your candle lighting anytime this month.  PLEASE tag us on your picture at #FAITHforacure.

Thank you so much and may God keep you strong and may you feel the peace that only He can give.

Blessings,

Granna

SIXTY-ONE

If I did today what I did for those sixty-one days… does fear lead to faith, tragedy to trust, helplessness to hope?

My morning would be peaceful because of the assurance that God was in control.  Thoughts of you, my dear Briley FAITH would bring tears, of course, that’s just how it is; you are my granddaughter.  At that time you were in the hospital never to reside in your earthly home.  But, your own little room at home was so beautiful with details of love placed by mommy, daddy and big brother, Jude.  We accepted the fact the only earthly room you would have would be at Children’s Hospital.  So, the same was done there… every detail was with love through cards, prayers, encouraging words, visits.  Every person who entered your room entered with love and left with much more.  I know for me, I left not only with a greater love for you, but a greater love for Christ.  I miss it.  So, I say to myself, today “What do I need to do to return to that total surrendered, unhindered commitment and love for Christ?”  The answer, self-examination.  It never was Christ leaving me; He was always there, He IS here with me… I left.  Of course, you know all that.  I realize by allowing in self-doubt in what I can do, by allowing distractions and even pride cause gaps from glory; His glory.

My days then…

In my little red, two door Saturn I head to the hospital and some days it’s quiet communication WITH God.  Other days the music is cranked up and I’m singing praises TO God.  Then there are times I’m reflecting on the proven power OF God.  HE was a constant.  I lived in His presence, danced in His praises and counted on His promises.

Walking the halls of the hospital to your room, or in the waiting room, I saw many who also had a heavy heart.  While praying for them I hung on to “My yoke is easy and my burden’s light.”; a promise.  

Oh I could not wait to enter your room and see what God had to say to me through your precious eyes.  You were so attentive and I to you because it was God speaking.  In this self-examination I must realize He’s still speaking.  You see when you left, so did my realization of the power of God living within me.  I became self-reliant and therefore the gap began.  My doubt became Satan’s tool.  This doubt in my abilities shut down my capabilities in possibilities through God; His will, my calling.  I am now awake to that power within!  It’s not me, it never was me, it’s Him, His power and His glory.  Doubt erased!

Leaving you each day was hard yet not dark.  Even in my drive back home I recognized a keen awareness of God’s presence in my surroundings; not only while with you, but everywhere!  In His presence my heart cried for several reasons.  Tears of sadness, thankfulness, humbleness… all flowed to the hand of God catching them and making life beautiful.

During those sixty-one days, once entering my home God’s presence never left because He lives IN me.  I, WE, would sit at the computer…He begins to write through me, His will, my calling.  Words flowed because there was no gap, no distractions, no doubt, “no self”.  Many times I walked away in tears praying for God to use me, use those words.  I had faith in Him and not myself.  The gap must be closed for His will to flow.

Briley FAITH, my precious granddaughter, I’m more thankful than thankful could ever be for you and those sixty-one days; your sacrifice, your willingness to let God work, your total surrender, even life.  Again, God used you for me.  I needed this dose; this face-off with “self”.

I need to live each day as if it were one of the sixty-one.

If there is anyone of you reading this that feel an emptiness or incapable of doing what you know you are to do that brings glory to God, through this self-examination I’ve learned the answer.  If you have said “no” many times and still feel that life is just “stuck”, no flow, I know what the road block is; SELF.  Once removed the flow begins!  He was there, He is there.  Let go and live a life of freedom and fullness because of His faithfulness!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:11-13

PUT YOUR HAPPY ON; A DAILY ACCESSORY!

It’s a new day; another day of choices to make.

Although “happy” is my favorite word in the English dictionary there are still days when I am either so sad that that word doesn’t even exist or I wish it away on purpose while drowning in my self-pity.  Happy is just a word but how I use it becomes my world; my day.

During Briley Faith’s 61 days with us, pushing through the choice of darkness to light was a difficult journey.  Many times… oh so many times, I wanted to curl up and cry for my granddaughter, my angel eyes; for my children and grandson; for me.   By starting my day choosing to be clothed in “self” I learned is a risk that leads to unhappiness.  I have walked out my front door dressed “to the tee” of “self” thinking and ready to take on the day only to find that “self” came home weak, depressed and not loving life; happy-less. 

Here I am again… today.  Reflecting on the past isn’t bad when it is used for our good today.  My today is dimmed by circumstances.  So, sitting on the front porch step I know I have to push through my thinking and take every thought captive for Christ.  Do you hear God?  Push.  Do you see Him? Press on. Focus on Him and not me.  Be still, seek Him... listen... wait patiently and He will arrive in a breathtaking way. Push harder.  He is near.  Then suddenly, my focus on my circumstances becomes faith in His character and once again, my answer, my calm, MY MORNING WITNESS arrives; I’m surrounded by God’s light, God’s promises.  His winds partner with the leaves of the trees; a dance of grace.  All the birds of hope are as a bow to a violin; gentle notes created from the freedom of the flight.  My smile, not painted, but real--upon my heart is revealed outwardly.  Then, laughter expels as I'm now inside standing, looking out my door when one of God's beauties, a Hummingbird, suddenly approaches me as if fluttering a "Hello".  God is speaking, “DANCE, SING, LAUGH!  Put your HAPPY on!”  I’m so thankful for those reminders that GOD'S GOT THIS day, too!

Are you resting on the clouds of doubt and living in rain of self-pity?  Have you, like I have before, allowed the world or other people’s choices to affect your happiness?  The word is happy.  The “Happy-Maker” is Christ.  The choice is yours.

Put you happy on!

Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.”

WHAT IFs, WHYs and WHAT'S HIS

October 11, 2012; the day God gave us our granddaughter, Briley Faith.  The delivery waiting room was filled with excitement and anticipation!  There was no indication or any preparation for what the “room of waiting” would become; a place of daily wait for 61 days.   We now wait for the day to see her again when God calls us all to our heavenly home where we wait no more.

Briley Faith, this precious angel on earth was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy/Type 0, the most severe.  When we found out she would never come home, well home here, it was a devastating, heart hurting, hope grasping day.  Loud excitement turned to silence in prayer.  In that silence we gave it all to God; He heard us in that very dark hour.  In an instant our heads were lifted, hearts healed and hope restored.  Josh, my son and Briley’s daddy would remind us all, “God’s got this!”  Faith strengthened through the pain, the dark hospital room became a tabernacle of praise, Briley Faith didn’t need her muscles to send His message, and lives were changed!

But, there were times I had wondered what if I had known I was carrying that SMA gene I might had passed on to Josh.  What if I had been tested years ago, Josh tested… what if we had known.  Then through many tears I had for Briley Faith, her mommy, daddy and big brother, I realized “what if” wasn’t in God’s plan.

God continues to remind me of His power plan of greatness, as He did today, as He did while we walked the Briley Faith journey and five years ago during one of my darkest hours… 

Every now and then as part of my daily reading, along with God’s word, I have enjoyed reading the book, “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.  A week ago today, a little note fell out from between the pages of this book I have read over the years and reminded me of God’s vast love for me… for you.

February 17, 2010.  I remember that day and never want to revisit where I was, where my mind was ever again.  I was not planning on going there, but I did.  Others I knew had been there.  But me?  How did I get to that place when I love to smile, make others smile and my favorite word is “happy”?

That day… 

Sitting in my car parked under some trees and away from the busyness of the building I worked in, like most days, I was having my lunch alone.  I really enjoyed my time in the quiet talking to Jesus, reading His word.  This particular day was a different “alone”.  Although I knew God was always with me, by choice I allowed my mind to shut His light out.  Life in my mind had become haunting and dark, a place of battle; I traveled it, my mind, alone on my own strengths, my way.  For a little while, I basked in self-pity.  To tell you the truth, it felt good to cry “Oh me.” Even though no one else heard, it didn’t matter. The self-pity was a temporary feel good.  No one knew where my mind lived for a while because I didn’t tell them.  My smile told a different story.  Some found out later; long after my despair, darkness, and a dead-end road of understanding why someone would contemplate death.  Yep, that was me.  Perky, positive, pleasant me turned negative; negative within my own self, negative meeting up with more negative and dark becoming darker.  Looking back, life really wasn’t that bad.  I had a good marriage, good church, good friends, good job.  But, I allowed life’s hurdles to take me to the edge.  This 3x5 card tucked away in this book fell out five years later as a reminder for me or for you today.

The writing on the card dated 2-17-10 reads, “What if I didn’t do anything for anyone.  I guess it would be as if I weren’t here to do anything for anyone.”

I remember my thoughts while writing those few words in that climatic moment, “If I stopped helping, encouraging and praying with and for others would I even be noticed?  I was hurting and why couldn’t they hear me?  I always heard them.  Why?”  Although I am geographically challenged, at that time in my state of self-mindedness I understood the way to loneliness, the way to emptiness, the way to darkness, the way to nothing.  Crippling thoughts; these thoughts became my illness; unable to breathe, out of tears, and out of words to pray.  My days consisted of a variety of “hits”; physical and financial blows, disappointment in others, loss of loved ones.  It was as if I was in the boxing ring with Satan.  Too tired to stand, down for the count… 

I camped out at the edge engulfed by “what ifs” for 30 days holding on to these words from that little devotional page dated February 17.  “Don’t try to force-fit today into yesterday’s mold.  Instead, ask Me to open your eyes, so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of your life.”  For 30 days I held on to this verse…  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17; 30 days of hope.

Also written at the bottom right corner of this tattered and worn 3x5 card were the simple words, “But I’m gonna!” with the date 3-17-10.  My “what ifs” were in control until I finally let go and let God show me “what’s His”; as His child, that’s me!  Because I am His I could start new again! So, I changed my focus away from me and back to others as God intended.  I was standing again!  Standing on His promises and following His plan; a plan that does not include “what ifs” and healing began. 

Many of you reading this have been to that dark place like me and determined to never return by taking every thought captive for Christ; think His thoughts.  For some of you, part of your “what if” includes a “why”.  Your unanswered “why” has become a weight of despair.  Because you belong to God you can hang on to what you already know; His truth and faithfulness to His promises, your anchor of hope.  Choose Christ and allow His Way to take care of your “whys”.  Then, there are you who only know darkness because you have never experienced a relationship with Jesus Christ, The Light of the world; your only hope out of darkness.  Hell is full of “what ifs”.  Don’t be one who is saying, “What if I had said, “Yes, Jesus.  I know I’m a sinner and Your blood covers it all.  Please forgive me of all my sin and come into my heart.  I receive You as my personal Savior and become forever Yours.”  It’s time to let go and let God.

Let God have your “what ifs” and “whys”.  Choose today to live as what’s His!  

ROCK OF AGES "I Needed You then, I Need You Now"

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

let me hide myself in thee;

let the water and the blood,

from thy wounded side which flowed,

be of sin the double cure;

save from wrath and make me pure.

God never changes.  He is still THE ROCK.  The cleft; my hiding place. His precious blood, covers my sin; a daily need.  Oh how I need that Rock! 

You know, I, Briley’s Granna, never thought how much I would learn of the greatness and vastness of that cleft, that blood, that cure… until then.  Until, October 11, 2012 when she was born, never taking a breath on her own.  Until December 11, 2012 when she entered her heavenly home.

Not the labors of my hands 

can fulfill thy law's commands; 

could my zeal no respite know, 

could my tears forever flow, 

all for sin could not atone; 

thou must save, and thou alone.

During that time we reached the point where the labor of the hands of the doctors, the effectiveness of the monitors, machines and medicines did not give hope.  No matter how much the family and I tried to learn of this terrible disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy that Briley was diagnosed with, no matter how hard the trained minds and hands worked that cared for our precious angel, our zeal did not meet up with rest.  We pressed on with what man had available.  I do have to say though that as a family, we did believe in what God could do from our own experiences of His faithfulness.  But, for me, I have to wonder, was the little light of doubt and screaming the “whys” my lack of belief in what He can and would do?  Tears and prayers.  I was stripped, I was clinging.  God alone was our salvation.  As soon as Josh and Crystal, Briley’s parents, began their total surrender to God, the greatest act of faith, God used it to flow not only to me, to the family, but also to thousands… rest was found.  Peace.  Not man.  Not ourselves.  Only God.  His peace was our daily substance.

Nothing in my hand I bring, 

simply to the cross I cling; 

naked, come to thee for dress; 

helpless, look to thee for grace; 

foul, I to the fountain fly; 

wash me, Savior, or I die. 

The cross, my anchor from sinking.  Stripped of only what the world provides...  Helpless in what I can do… I need You, I need You, oh how I need You.  Not just then, when my heart broke for my granddaughter, my son and his family.  But, now.  I need You now.  I need You today.  Forever.  Therefore, I must cling, I must let go, I must drink from Your fountain of grace, I must submit daily.  Briley Faith did.  Oh, my Father I want to be that!  Help me to do so!  Help me to honor You as she did!

While I draw this fleeting breath, 

when mine eyes shall close in death, 

when I soar to worlds unknown, 

see thee on thy judgment throne, 

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 

let me hide myself in thee. 

Soon, my day will come.  That day.  The one we say we are ready for, but, are we really?  My soul is.  But… there’s that word.  But…some days when trouble comes or I dwell on the hurts of the world surrounding me, I want the Lord to come quickly.  Then there are days I know there is so much I need to do here, for others but most importantly for God and in that sense I’m not ready.  How can we be on fire to spread God’s faithfulness and grace and then the next day we choose to let the “daily” stop us in our tracks?  How can I let feeling helpless close my eyes to goodness still there?  You might be like me sometimes just wanting to hide in the cleft of the rock and rest.  Take an endless nap. But, you see, the cleft is for peace, protection, to rest and gain strength.  God’s plan for me, for you, must continue.  To receive the best He has for us here on earth we must follow Him, trust His ways.  We must wake up!  

“Faith is nothing but the purpose of the will resting on God’s Word, and saying:  I must have it.  To believe truly is to will firmly.~~ Andrew Murray

I sing this old hymn to my grandson, Reid while rocking him to a peaceful rest or just to soothe his little spirit.  Today it soothed my spirit.  God soothed my spirit.  The Rock of Ages, my hope.  My only hope.  

I AM SMILING

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God.”  Psalm 146:5

You know how they say that nothing surprises God?  Well, that is so true!  To tell you the truth, I think I had a hunch God was up to something at the close of my journey; and boy, I knew it was going to be good!  A smile was on the way!

I had closed my eyes many times within my 61 days before my departure to this indescribable palace of peace where worship is a constant and all is well!  But, when I closed my eyes on December 11, 2012 it was different; deliverance, a healing.  Although I was so excited to leave the monitors, tubes and all behind, I didn’t want to leave behind a sad mommy, daddy and big brother.  What made it easier is I knew God had something great coming their way!  Oh how I wanted to tell them!  So, God gave them comfort through the smile in my eyes.  Not only did He have a healing for me, but, for them, also.

 These last two years has been non-stop activity for me!  The beauty to see!  I've always loved big bows and bling but let me tell you, up here it is ridiculously amaaazing!  The rubies, the emeralds, the crystal sea!  I get to run on streets of gold and hear Gigi laughing as she watches Grandad Hunt dancing!  So much fun getting to see all those I didn’t get to meet there!  The incredible beauty makes me feel sometimes like I need to close my eyes; how could I be worthy of this AND eternal life?  So, with all of this before me, I’m looking here, looking there, dashing around every corner not to miss a thing!  Boy, it sure is good that around here we don’t run out of energy because with continual, “sincere-automatic” worship and checking out every detail of Heaven… the vast beauty… well, even Granna can’t describe it!  It’s just beauty beyond that keeps me busy!

I still love the girly stuff my mommy showered me with.  The precious jewels remind me of her and the angels singing, yeah that reminds me of her, too.  Anything I see that is red I think of my big brother, Jude cause he let me play with his little red truck and he played with the yellow one.  It was the perfect color; the blood of Jesus.  Jude is such a thinker with a deep love for Jesus and Jesus sure likes that!  Every time Jesus speaks it reminds me of daddy reading the Bible to me.  Here I am right here with the One daddy told me about!  How awesome is that?  Since I was gently carried here to my first and only home two years ago today, I have to say my home is perfect and all is well.  So, smile, cause I am.

As soon as I was let in on what my faithful Heavenly Father was up to, I jumped and shouted with excitement, “I’m going to have a baby brother!”  But, it wasn’t overwhelming joy for me, it was that I was so happy for my family!  Of course, I knew that little fella wouldn’t be as cute as me and there is NO WAY daddy would let him wear a bow, even pretending!  So, I will always be the bow princess in the Turner house!  My eyes twinkled with happiness like you’ve never seen on October 29, 2013 when my baby brother, Reid Silas Turner arrived, also in an “unknown”; a gift, a healing he will understand one day.  The way God gave him to us was without any doubt, with a peace, a transfer to arms of love; a home built where love shouts “God is our foundation, security and joy!”… a home built for my baby brother.

Daddy said it best when he said, “Faith is seeing God’s promises behind His commands.”  So you see, there has been healing for all of us; fulfilled promises!

I do want to thank you for remembering me.  Each time you speak my name, each time your heart breaks, each time I see you look to the sky with your hand held high and say “We love you, Briley Faith!”… I hear.  I see.

I am smiling and so should you.

AWAKENED

Morning came early.  4 a.m.  I must pray for Briley Faith.  I will storm the gates of heaven and lay requests for her healing at the feet of Jesus.  Daily.

Two years ago today that was my daily.  I was awakened to the calling of prayer for my granddaughter every morning around the same time for 7 consecutive days.  My soul stirred until I could rest no more; until the words my Heavenly Father spoke rested on paper.  Awakened to instruction.

Some of you know about the 61-day journey Briley Faith tarried on this earth.  You know she never breathed on her own and never got to come home from the hospital.  But, today, as I have many times before, I reflect on her affect.  She never breathed on her own but God used her to give hope to others; a hope that helped them breathe once again and trust the hand of God!  The breath she never took was sacrificed for others.  What an effect!  God-breathed.  Awakened to hope.

The other night, I took my son out to eat for his birthday which he and Briley Faith share.   He says she is the best birthday present he has ever received!  Again, together reflecting on times prior to and after Briley’s birth, reminded us of the grandeur of God’s love!  You see, my husband and I lived in another state.  But, by God’s gentle orchestration He guided us to where we could be close to her and family before she was ever born; before any of us knew there would be complications.  What great love!  What great faithfulness!  I’m awakened once again.

I long to be awakened daily again.  But, I have realized it is by choice.  I must choose to follow instruction, I must choose to walk in hope, I must choose to lean into His love and I must choose faith over fear.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Briley Faith!  Thank you again for continuing to give your Granna a daily dose; an awakening.  I love you so very much and miss you to extremes!  Thank you for the smiles you have given us all!  Before long we will see you again because I do believe the day of the GREAT AWAKENING is soon to come!

Don't be one of the many who are still asleep to God's grace, hope and love. Right now, this moment is not too late.  Confess your sins and receive His grace!  Contact me and I can help:  www.kfogarty02@gmail.com.  Just please remember there will be a day when ALL will be awakened; a day too late for some.

Romans 14:11-12   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.

KITCHEN TALK

There are so many “recipes” for a happy home out there.  But, a recipe is no good if it is never used or we leave out ingredients.  Besides that, having a happy home or happy heart is so much more than a recipe; it’s a choice.

Several years back, during a much needed quiet time, God spoke to my heart about a choice I was making.  Heartache and disappointment came my way and I had chosen to invite it in to stay.  A choice someone else made was heavy on my heart.  They say home is where the heart is and my heart was broken.

You know, for me, the kitchen, a reflection of the heart, always seems to be a place to go to find happy; food and smiles!  But, during this time it was different.  My life, my home, my “kitchen” became less on the happy daily.  Tears I cried weren’t from cutting onions, or laughing so hard I would cry; tears became more of like the steam from a stewing pot, never-ending.   Sleep became non-existent because I was always in that hot kitchen, by choice, hovering over that steam of debilitation; joy evaporating.

Exhausting all “recipes”, I finally realized there was not one self-ingredient, one perfect stir, or extra dash of advice I could add to that steaming pot that would become the tasteful, happy-making dish of choice I wanted it to be.  I needed the Head Chef; my Savior, my Redeemer, the One with the perfect recipe for me to have a happy home; happiness in my heart.  During my quiet time sitting at the kitchen table it was then I asked God, “How do I move from this place?  How can I be happy again?”  He spoke to my heart so loudly that I turned around to see if He was standing at the stove!  He said, “You can’t live in other people’s choices.  By doing so, you are taking away the joy I am trying to give you each day.”  Immediately, I had the key ingredient; choice!  The recipe was there all the time! Choose God’s word, His promises and words of life; the recipe for happy.

Since that awakening morning, I choose to live in joy daily.  Living happy is a choice in all situations.  It may be relational, financial, emotional, spiritual, or being thrown into an unknown valley that affects all those areas.  A very hard day of my life to choose to live in joy instead of sorrow was when Briley Faith was born, October 11, 2012; it was for all the family. So, you may ask, “How in the world did you awake in joy during a time of sadness with your granddaughter, Briley Faith?  Especially after she was diagnosed with SMA; you knew she would never get to leave the hospital.  You knew her life would be short.  How did you find happy at that extreme of hurt?”  We are not the “Super Hero” family on the block.  We all have heartaches and struggles; some have the key ingredient and some don’t.  Our happiness didn’t rely on Briley Faith being healed this side of heaven.  Our happiness was found in making a choice to receive God’s will.  His will is perfect; the perfect recipe for life.  Although we cried many tears, by accepting His will and then watching Him work throughout all of her 61 days here, the joys we shared far outweighed the sorrows.   Jesus Christ is the key ingredient for you to also have a happy heart.  Receive His gift of eternal life and then get out of the kitchen and let the Head Chef do His thing!  Talk to Him now. 

Romans 3:10  As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved him shall not be ashamed.

Proverbs 16:20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

and whoever trusts in the Lord, HAPPY is he.

The “kitchen”, my heart, is happy because of my talks with Jesus and trusting in what He can do.  Can’t wait to see what He cooks up for tomorrow for I know it will have the sweetest aroma and the taste will be honey to my soul!

FAITH TO FLY

The majority of us are very familiar with this verse:  “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31.   Like many of you, that verse has given me strength and comfort when I thought I would never fly again.  Broken.

Today I read the entire chapter leading up to that wonderful verse that caps off even more assurance prefaced!  He assures us His word will stand FOREVER!  Over anything and anyone, His word is final and above all!  He assures us He has endured and overcame anything we would ever go through!  He assures us He will lift us!  He tells us to lift up our voice with strength and to not be afraid; lift up our eyes on high and see Who has created all things; my favorite is He tells us He calls us by name and not one of us is missing!!

On October 11, 2012 when my granddaughter, Briley Faith was born, life as we knew it changed.  But, the entire 61 days of her life Jesus was there and still is.  He assured us time and time again!  We had faith and knew even with a broken wing, in His strength we could fly!

GO. DAILY.

dai*ly 

adjective

:occurring, made, or acted upon EVERY DAY; issued EVERY DAY or weekday <daily needs>;

 of or providing for  EVERY DAY <daily schedule>

How could I have been so wrong about what a daily dose is?  Simple logic caught up in fear of rejection, doubt of capability, and just plain busyness.  Recently, I had a dose of God’s word that was my epiphany to this simplicity going the wrong direction; stifled in the mire of “every now and then” exactly where my adversary, Satan loves for God’s children to be.  STUCK.

 In Matthew 28 God says to “Go”!  He didn’t say work your purpose into your schedule, take a break or that can wait. 

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  

Go therefore  and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

God also tells us following Him is a daily; forgetting oneself, leaving the “to do” list blank; waking up every morning in full reservation to God; to His commands, to His list, to His “Go!”

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

GO.  DAILY.

Here’s some great news!   Look at the end of Matthew 28:20!  He assures me, He assures you, “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  God is there, always, to the very end… helping fulfill purposes with daily doses for all.

There is a job to do with God’s perfect will that always includes a victory!   I have chosen to unstick myself; get out of the mire, the do nothing place!  Today I will heed to His command, put actions to the daily and share doses of God’s grace, faithfulness and love to souls within the path of my purpose.

Besides, that, God did not send my granddaughter, Briley Faith, here for the gospel to be shared only during her 61 days here; once truth introduces itself we must continue to introduce it to others; spread the good news throughout our neighborhood, people in our lives.  Though she is now in heaven, she is still in my heart; I see her eyes speaking God’s truth once again.  I must write because God said, “Go”; He said, “daily”.  So, I will seek God and find Him so He may guide me to the “where” and the “who” with the words to share with the lost.  There will be occasional new posts within this blog as I continue efforts in writing a book about the Briley Faith journey.

You might be like I had been and find yourself stuck in the yuck!  It’s your time to break loose!  Don’t fear it, face it; God is with you always!  Get out of that mire of “every now and then”.  Give daily doses of truth to the lost!  Tell somebody what His love is all about!  It’s your purpose!

Go.  Daily.