DAY 35 - THE CURE IS THANKFULNESS!

Psalm 7:17

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

“Thankfulness is the precursor to healing.” were the words written by Author, Ann Voscamp in her book “One Thousand Gifts”.  My sister-in-law, Stace, introduced me to this wonderful book.  It was one she knew I would enjoy and she was right!  I checked it out from our public library about 2 weeks ago.  I didn’t get to finish reading it before I had to turn it in.  But, when I can, this is one book I will definitely purchase! 

Those six words are so true!  “Thankfulness is the precursor to healing.”  As you will see in Day 1 of this blog, the first thing God revealed to me in praying for healing is to PRAISE!  I have thanked the Lord, but, was I really praising Him in these circumstances?  Each time I walked into Briley FAITH’s room, did I walk in with praise and thankfulness?  Not at first.  Of course, I was very thankful God gave us Briley!  But, was I truly thankful for the circumstance? When I walked in her room, my view of thankfulness was blocked. What I saw were all the machines she was hooked up to and the pain in the faces of mommy and daddy.  But then…  But then…  Don’t you just love the “Aha” moments?  The epiphanies?   Thirty-five days ago I had one!!!  I shouted a song of praise in the pain!  Bless the Lord, oh, my soul….Praising God can lead to a cure!  That’s it!  A healing for Briley!!! 

As I continued to seek God and search His word, I realized each day of thankfulness was actually research for my cure.  An ointment to my underlying wounds.  Wounds no one would know were there unless they saw a tear.  Wounds that if not tended to could cause more damage; anger, bitterness, depression, loneliness…  I was the one who needed healing.  God has carried Briley since conception.  He has always had her in His healing hands.   What has happened is God is using her to heal me, to heal you.  To remind us that no matter the circumstance, no matter the ailment, in all things give thanks to our Lord and Savior!  The Healer!

Now, my drive to the hospital is happy!  The spring in my step is back!  The weight of the pain is lifted!  The wound is healed!  So, if you see me or Briley’s parents smiling more and crying less it is because of our thankfulness for what God has done!  He has never let us down; He just gave us a cure!

What is your sickness?  Are you in pain?  Is a loved one’s suffering causing you sadness?  Has bitterness taken over your thankfulness?  Is pride the illness preventing forgiveness?  Do the research and you will find your cure is also thankfulness.

Seek God and search His word that speaks only truth.  He sent His son, Jesus Christ, the only cure for our sins!  There’s no better time to start your research to recovery than today.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You sent salvation to us all through Your son, Jesus Christ!  By accepting that gift of salvation, not only do we gain eternal life, but we also have what comes with knowing You, Jehovah Rapha!  The cure for any illness whether physically or spiritually! 

Thank You that through Your word You showed me how to get my smile back.  It is hard not to smile anymore because of all You have done!  I have seen You more through this trial than any time in my life.  I think it is because I have realized I don’t have to know the “whys”, but, just to be thankful.  Forgive me that it took me so long to understand real thanksgiving.  So, today Father, I give You thanks for all the storms, all the pain, all the struggles I have ever had because each time it has brought me closer to You.

Thank You for what matters.  What matters is my relationship with You!  You have taught me how to love and what thankfulness is.  What matters is my relationship with my family and others!  Oh, how I love them all and pray it is my love for them and thankfulness they see.  What matters is my use of the time You have given me for my purpose!  Use me, Father, to the greatest!  The wounds are worth it all!

Thank You for giving us all Briley FAITH to help in our search for our own cure You knew we would need.

With a thankful heart and a big smile on my face, I come.  AMEN!

DAY 34 - THE HALL OF FAITH

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

A normal day at the hospital involves a lot of walking to get to Briley FAITH’s room.  For those of you who don’t know about this walk, I will enlighten you.   

Finding a parking space has never been too hard for me.  I think it is because I sometimes have my grandson, Jude with me and he always gives Jesus thanks for the parking space as soon as we pull in!  “Thank you, Jesus!” he exclaims!  Simple thanks.  So, the parking isn’t hard and it is not very far to walk to the front door.  Beyond the entrance are some of the longest halls I've ever seen.  It could be I'm just older!

Here I go.  Sometimes when I approach the doors to enter I feel like I am in the “Nutcracker” movie!  There are usually two really tall, friendly guards who stand proud.   Tall toy soldiers on duty.  Ready to help any need.  They do a great job!  Their friendliness is the fuel I need to get me down the long, long halls.

Through the doors I look to my left; Admissions.  A parent’s reality, “My child is really sick.”  To my right is a red wagon filled with little, warm, cozy hats.  Part of what is on the sign reads, “Please take a hat.”  My heart sinks assuming it is mainly for those boys and girls who are fighting cancer.  Further on to my right is what I call “The Bridge of Wishes”.  On both sides are little pools of water formed from a fountain.  Many children making wishes.  Parents saying prayers.  Gleaming up at me are shiny pennies, dimes, nickels, quarters… wishes still waiting to be fulfilled.  I wonder what they are saying…  My heart breaks.

A few more steps lead me to the typical, yet needed gift shop/convenience store.  Cards to choose from that say what is needed for that labeled moment for someone.  Or even just to read for your own encouragement.  I place my bottled water on the counter.  In my peripheral vision I notice a truffle staring at me!  As my mouth begins to salivate I scramble for change to give to the clerk so I don’t give in to the temptation!  Done.  Whew!  Moving on…

Follow the red line down two halls until it ends.  Okay, I can do that.  I glance down and see red electrical tape lying flat and perfectly on the concrete floor.  My feet follow, and follow and follow.  Oops!  Excuse me!  Can’t keep the head down…  The red tape has come to a halt!  Okay, still with me?  Turn right and this hall leads us to the “Pink” elevator.  This hallway is wide and long.  Two televisions hang on the walls with medical news, etc to view. Or, I guess it is to make you feel like you’re not alone walking the long, quiet hallway!  Turn left and there stands the “Pink” elevator!  She opens her doors and delivers us to the 3^rd floor.  We are here. NICU.  Our new normal.  To get to Briley’s room there is still one hallway left to trod.  Our gift is at the very end of this hallway.

So far I have told you about the trail.  But now I want to share the trials that fill the empty space.  These hallways tell the stories.  Let your mind take you there.  A parent is pulling their child in a wagon for the next chemo treatment.  A decorated wheelchair holds a little girl as her mom gives encouragement to someone else.  Red wagons pulled with love.  Tired faces.  Tears.  Prayers.  Hopefulness. 

I walk that last hallway to Briley’s room.  A baby cries.  Yes, I have wished that was her cry.  It would mean her lungs were working.  Pressing on.  To my left a mother in a rocker gives her baby a bottle.  Not, Briley.  A tube feeds her.  I used to think this hallway seemed to be the longest because of the sounds and the view.  Life can get that way.  But, it is our choice how we view or how we listen to what surrounds us.  Only by choice do we color the walls gray.  Only by choice do we look at life blind.  Wishing instead of trusting.  Seeing ashes instead of beauty.  Stumbling in the dark means we are walking alone.  Feeling our way through, pushing away the guiding light that longs to lead.

It didn’t take long before I chose to listen in gratefulness and look from God’s point of view!  I trust YOU!  I see YOU!  I hear YOU!  I am walking the hall of faith to see our bundle of joy YOU made perfect in EVERY way! 

God also made me aware it takes faith for anyone to walk these halls.  To pull those red wagons.  To push the wheelchair.  To pick up a free hat.  To admit their child is sick.  Some have faith.  Some don’t.  Those who don’t are watching the ones who do.

I enter the doors of the hospital differently now.  Ready to show God is faithful.  To lead those who stumble to the One who gives hope. 

Instead of walking with my head down I will look up to the One who walks the halls with me. 

Briley's mommy and daddy

walking in faith.

Heavenly Father,

You are the light that leads the way!  You are the One who carries me when I can’t walk.  I praise You! 

All those faces I have smiled upon and passed on by, all those children who are struggling, oh Father I lift them up to You right now!  I pray they feel your comfort and strength.  I pray their parents feel the peace only You can give!

I can only smile anymore when I think of Briley FAITH.  You, Father, put that smile on my face because of Your faithfulness!  I continue to pray for Your perfect healing, Your perfect will for Briley.

With You by my side, whether walking the hospital halls or walking this life, I choose to walk in faith.

Through Your precious Son’s blood I come to You in prayer.  AMEN!

DAY 33 - CLOTHED IN BLESSINGS, ADORNED WITH A BOW

Isaiah 61:10-11

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.  For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.

There is something about those good ol’ country stores that draw me to them like a magnet with unseen force pulling and attracting an innocent paper clip.  That’s right, I am  an innocent paperclip.  The magnetic force that Cracker Barrel has on me is overbearing.  I have to give in.  My husband thinks it is the pinto beans and cornbread that is the magnetic power that pulls me in.  Well, I have to confess, it is the store that is so conveniently next to the restaurant.  Once I am in the store, the force of the current stops.  Finally, I’m there, strolling in the midst of nostalgia, my childhood, the past.   Recently, there was one particular evening that suddenly my past fast forwarded to my now.

The aimless strolling stopped at a section of the store where hanging on the rack were the most adorable fall dresses for little girls.   My hand slowly reaches out to lift one off the rack as my feelings inside sink to my feet.  I can’t move.  The weight of the anguish, hurt, and the pain of “why not”, stop me in my tracks.  Holding this dress my granddaughter, my beautiful butterfly, my little princess, my Briley FAITH will never get to wear. 

But God.  Even in my moments of faithlessness, He is faithful!  My mind fast forwards once again.  My steps are light, now walking in the hope of “what if”.  My “what if” is that only God knows the plans for when man removes her life support, man’s oxygen.  As I look at another rack, this time it’s bows.  Looking to see if there is one to match the dress, you know, just in case I need to come back and get it!  You see, even after the ventilator is removed, God’s hand is still on this precious child.  His precious child!  God can still decide to heal her!  Our “now” doesn’t see that leaving her here with us is His decision.  But, we don’t know that, do we?  If He chooses, He can breathe life in her; He can be the only oxygen she needs! 

A peace overtakes me, a smile accessorizes my face.  Entering my mind is the hope of   “I know”.   I know, right now, Briley FAITH is clothed in blessings!  Right now, I know she wears bows better than anyone!   I know if God decides to send for her, that I will one day see her again!  He clothed me, too!  I also know God’s clothing line never wears out or goes out of style.  His grace is the perfect fit for all of us.  He has a robe hanging on the rack and a beautiful headdress to match, for all who believe in the Maker.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, that one day I will be with You in glory!  Thank You that Your grace fits us all!  It is one size fits all!  Master designer I come to You clothed in the blood of Your only son, Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness and praising in thankfulness!

As spectators of Your work, we are in awe seeing how You continue to use Briley, clothed in Your blessings, adorned with a bow, walking the runway of FAITH.  Showing us all Your perfect design.  Not a stitch out of place.  Your way is perfect. 

I pray, Father, that as I walk that same runway of life all will see You, my Designer, my Maker.

In Your Name I Pray.  AMEN!

DAY 32 - JESUS LOVES ME

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.

Jesus loves me! He who died,
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! loves me still,
When I'm very weak and ill;
From His shining throne on high,
Comes  to watch me where I lie.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He will stay,
Close beside me all the way;
He's prepared a home for me,
And some day His face I'll see.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

One thing Josh and Crystal wanted to do,  was to be able to go to church with their little girl.  That special day came yesterday!  Briley FAITH’s first church service!  In the atrium at the hospital family and friends surrounded her “pew”, crib.   God is so gracious! 

First we sang a couple of songs led by Matt, a good friend of Josh and Crystal’s.  Then Pastor Jason brought a great message!  In fact, Briley’s eyes were open the entire time! 

She was loving it all!  You know, I think she did because she had already experienced time with Jesus and recognized it once again.  “Jesus Loves Me” from Briley’s point of view.

The Bible tells me so…

Mommy and Daddy always told me Jesus loves me.  The Bible told them and now I get to tell you!   

Little ones to Him belong…

You are “little ones”, too!  Just like me!  All of us have needs Jesus can take care of.  We all have weaknesses.  And man, is He strong! 

Jesus died on the cross…

Even I know that!  I have seen the scars when He holds me.  They also call Him, REDEEMER!

Let this little child come in…

Oh how I love being His child!  I will have a long, long, long, long, long life with my best friend!  Someone who loves me so much, even more than mommy and daddy.  Now that’s a lot of love!  I hope you get to come in, too!

When I’m very weak and ill…Comes to watch me where I lie…

I really like this verse.  I guess it’s because doctors say I am very weak and ill.  But that’s okay.  You see, Jesus says he will watch over me.  No worries here!  You might not be lying in a hospital bed like me.  You might not have been told your life is short.  Just know, whatever it is, Jesus can make it all better!  He doesn't even need a bandaid!

He will stay…

Mommy and daddy are in my room a lot!  All day long and through the night until they have to go home and get some rest.  But, let me tell you, Jesus never leaves!  And I don’t want him to leave!  He keeps me warm when they are not here.  He tells me stories of when he was little and growing up and stuff.  Of how he would tell the world of God’s love!  Like me!  That's what I am doing!  He says He doesn't leave mommy, daddy or Jude either!  He can be with us all at the same time!  Oh...and he said they are doing a great job telling about God's love, too!

Some day His face I’ll see…

In our talks, Jesus describes this place we will all be going to.  No, not all of us.  Just the little ones who belong to Him.  All God’s children.  I can’t believe there will be some people who don’t want to go there!  Anyway, Jesus said it is all ready!  I hope my mansion is PINK!  Oh and I sure hope I still get to wear bows!  Maybe I can start something new...halos with bows!  By the way, will you be there?  You can be His child.  Jesus loves YOU! 

When my grandson, Jude, first learned this song, instead of singing the way it was written…Yes, Jesus loves ME, he would sing, “Yes, Jesus loves YOU.”  There is something completely right about that.  Those of us who are children of God already know He loves us and will take care of us.  So, we need to be telling those who don’t know, about the love of Jesus.

Psalm 36:5

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

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.

Heavenly Father,

You make me smile!  I am Your child!  Wow!  I am Your child!  I am Your child!  You loved so much that You sent Your only son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins so one day I could say “Yes, Lord!”   You have given this opportunity to everyone!  To know the love of Jesus, an extension of Your mercy, Your grace. 

Boy, sometimes it is so hard.  I don’t want to run.  I’m scared to fall.  Then, You send me a reminder in the form of a granddaughter.  A little one that has been running and leaping into Your arms her whole life.  Running with a smile on her face the entire way knowing she will land in a happy place.

Since Briley’s birth I have been reminded of how You want me to come to You as a child.  To completely trust You in all things, as she does.  Just like a child trusts that daddy is going to catch them when they jump.  To remind me once again, because the bible tells me so.

Thank You, Father, for this reminder.  Thank you for this simple, yet, greatest love song of all.

In Your precious name I pray.  AMEN!

DAY 31 - BEYOND THE WALLS

Heavenly Father,

I can do NOTHING without You.  This blog is NOTHING without YOU!  My life is NOTHING without YOU!  I’m so thankful I have YOU!  But, I have to do an inward examination and ask myself this question, "Do others see more of me than You?". Sadly, shamefully, I have to say "Yes".  I live inside four walls.  Physically and spiritually.  I can glance out this window in my office, day after day, seeing businessmen and women coming home from work or enjoying a game of golf.  Right there, in front of me!  Those climbing the corporate ladder that need to be told the real window of opportunity is YOU!  I can speak Your name boldly and praise You in song behind closed doors.  Once outside the boldness fades.  You have shown me over and over, it is not about me.  Again, why do people see more of me than they see You? 

Forgive me, forgive me…  Time is short.  Breath is valuable when it carries Your name. My value only lies in You, my Savior.  I’m most valuable when You become the greatest.   It's time to show more of You and less of me.  The words that I type, let each one, even the spaces, shout GLORY TO GOD! 

Let Your glory reign, through the blood of Christ I come.  AMEN!

Matthew 25:40

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Psalm 115:1

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.

Psalm 72:19

And blessed be His glorious name forever!  And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.  Amen and Amen.

  

Today, the Lord moved upon me to get home from church and immediately begin writing. Before lunch, before I got comfortable.  You see, today’s writing, first, had to start with me.  I had to get beyond my own wall before His glory could shine.  That is why this time the post started with instead of ending with a prayer.  My own wall had to crumble down so God could speak to all of us in understanding the magnitude HIS glory can make beyond the walls.

Places with walls:  Churches, the workplace, home, mind, heart

The instrument that tears down the walls:  Our voice.  Praise.  Purpose.

When I think of a voice, the first one I think of is from a child, an orphan who lives in India.  Her name is Gayathri.  In fact, I made these bookmarks about her and on the front it says “The Voice of India”.  When my son was on a mission trip there, he was introduced to her.  I will tell a little of the story. 

Gayathri is probably about 14 years old now.  But, when my son met her, she was 12.  An orphan from India, not knowing where her next meal would come from, her floor is dirt, she lives in a very unclean environment, she is susceptible to many diseases.  We just found out not too long ago that she and her little sister has HIV.  Please pray for them.  One day, Gayathri lost her voice.  No one knew why.  It wasn’t like just a “hoarseness”, her voice was completely gone for 6 months. When this happened to her, she wept bitterly.  She wept not because she could not talk to her friends, she wept because she could not read aloud the word of God!  She was sad because she lost her voice to tell the story of Christ!  She did not see herself without, she did not see herself among the ill, she did not see herself as an orphan.  She saw who she was in CHRIST.  She made her life about Him!  She went beyond her walls, a simple shack in the village where she lived and told the story.  It was all about spreading God’s glory!

Briley FAITH’s hospital room, one large window, one door.  Inside this room there are monitors and numerous tubes she is hooked up to.   Four walls contain her…but not her story.

Since birth, Briley FAITH has told the story of God's faithfulness.  God’s glory shines beyond the walls!  Walls that could have been used to hide the heartache, keep the story a secret, contain the message of the Messiah.  The story of God’s grace, mercy, promises, strength, comfort, peace…and so much more have burst through those walls!  Her parents, Josh and Crystal, will be the first to tell you it is not about Briley and it is not about them.  It is all about making sure God receives all the glory! 

I could continue to write and tears fill my eyes with what I wish would happen for Briley, but, then I would be back to “It’s all about me.”  But, it isn’t.  It is about a Savior who died for our sins, loves us and wants the best for us all!  He wants the best for Briley!  Forget the tears of the trial and remember the sacrifice of our Savior!  Doesn’t that make you want to smile?  Doesn’t that make you want to shout?  Doesn’t that make you want to bust through your walls? To tell the world?  Shouldn’t we be stepping outside those church doors more?  Shouldn’t we not let fear take place of showing our faith in the workplace?  Shouldn’t that make us want to tell our neighbor?  Our mind, our heart, our voice need to be all about God.  All about His glory!  All about going beyond the walls.

We had a wonderful service today at Briley’s church, Holland Chapel, in Benton, AR.  Her pastor, Jason, reminded us that we are all adopted by God!  Heirs to the King!

We are all different, yet He loves us all the same.  He didn’t did have to say “I want her.  I want him.”  But, He did.  Doesn’t that make you want to shout to the world what happened?  “He picked me!”  “He loves me!”  He will feed me!”  “He will hold me!” "I know He wants you, too!".

We need to break through our walls, go into the streets and announce to all God is real!  More real than anything the world can offer!  Be a light in the darkness! Let God’s glory shine!  Gayathri runs throughout the village exclaiming the Truth, exposing God’s glory!  Briley FAITH’s story, as her daddy has said, seems like a tragedy to the world.  But, it really is a blessing to be shared.  A blessing to be used to glorify God!  A blessing to share beyond the walls.

If a newborn and a little orphan girl can get beyond their circumstances and shout "Glory to God!" surely we can!

These final words I want to end with are words I have heard Pastor Jason say many times at the close of his prayers.  Six simple words that say no matter the struggle, God brings the joy.  Joy to be shared for His glory beyond our walls.  Those words are:

“For our joy and Your glory”.  AMEN!

DAY 30 - HOLDING MY DADDY'S HAND

LOVE, STRENGTH, GUIDANCE, PROVISION, PROTECTION, WIPES AWAY MY TEARS, CALMS MY FEARS...MY DADDY'S HAND


Oh, how I miss my daddy.  He was a passionate preacher, caring husband and a loving dad with a very dry sense of humor!  His mischievous smile and conniving laugh...I’m hearing and seeing like it was yesterday.   To me, he "hung the moon"!  Looking at his picture I remember holding his hand through life.  As a little girl, I looked up to him, way up to him, when he held my hand walking up the steps into the church.  Then, pretending I could fly, I would leap in mid air off the picnic table, our jungle gym, in our backyard knowing his strong hands would catch me each time.  As I grew up, bigger choices and challenges were before me.   But, that was okay because it seemed his hands got bigger, also.  Nothing was ever too big or challenging for my daddy.  He would always have an answer and hands that held on to me no matter how old I was.  I was still his little girl.  When he held my hand I knew everything was going to be okay.  He taught me to leap in mid air, to trust God.  My daddy, a source of strength with gentle hands held on to the Lord while holding my hand!  My last words to daddy, a constant in my life, were from the 23^rd Psalm.  The Lord is my Shepherd…He leads...He restores…He guides…He comforts.  

How true those words still are today!  Looking at a picture of Briley holding on to her daddy’s hand, I was reminded once again…

Briley FAITH’s daddy, passionate for Christ, devoted husband, loving father, strength and wisdom in his quietness.   As a spectator in Briley’s hospital room, I look on.  Her eyes smile at the one she thinks "hung the moon'!  Daddy holds his precious little girl, her little fingers clasped tightly around his.  He tells her, “It’s okay.  Everything’s gonna be alright.  Daddy loves you.”  Gentle strength.  As she gazes up into his eyes I feel she is saying, “I trust you, daddy.”  Hand in hand, daily leaping in mid air.  Daddy hangs on to his Heavenly Father with one hand and his baby girl with another.  An extension of strength…guidance…restoration…comfort.   

The Shepherd wants us to “lie down”, to enjoy peace and quiet.  To rest and revive in the midst of our storms.  His pastures are nourishing, He replaces our tears with springs of living water.  When we hold on to and are led by our Heavenly Father, goodness and mercy will follow.  We are safe in the Father’s hands, the One who really hung the moon.  He just wants us to look to Him and say, “I trust you, daddy.”

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake…”

Heavenly Daddy,

You are my constant!  My Shepherd!  My Guide!  My Provider!  My Protector!  I thank You!  I have access to all of You because of the price paid by Jesus Christ!  An extension to You.  To Your hands of mercy.  Strength in my weakness, holder of my tears, please restore my soul as I hold on.

Every day of Briley’s life has been a leap of FAITH.  Father, I know You have not let go of Briley.  Your hand can still present a miracle!  I know You have not let go of Josh, Crystal and Jude, for I see Your strength displayed!  Every one of us have our hand clasped around Yours knowing her life is in Your hands.  Still holding on, still believing, still leaping in faith, still looking up and crying out, “I trust you, daddy!”

I pray those who don’t know You, those who don’t have a hand to hold, will take that leap of FAITH and find that You have been there all along.   That it's okay and everything's gonna be alright.  Jesus, The Good Shepherd, loves them and they can trust You, too. 

In Your precious, holy name I pray.  AMEN!

Do you know The Shepherd I am talking about?  If not, let me lead you to Him.  Please email me at kfogarty02@gmail.com.  He’s longing to hold your hand.

Briley FAITH holding her daddy's hand.

DAY 29 - THE POTTER'S STORY

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.

As I write, my precious grandson, Jude, is at the hospital painting a pottery piece.  This special piece of clay is to remember Briley FAITH by.  As she lies in her little glass case, her bed, surrounded by cards of encouragement, prayers, and a peace that fills the room, big brother is at her side ready to paint.  Several colors to choose from, yellow, orange, blue, green…brown, pink, black, purple.  Paint brush in hand, he begins as she listens.  Stroke after stroke the blank canvas of pottery becomes a masterpiece of a brother and sister love.

Briley’s life is one of uniqueness...only God.  The genetic disorder she has is Spinal Muscular Atrophy/SMA.  She was diagnosed with Type 0 (zero), which is the severest and rarest form.  In fact, we have been told only 8 in 100,000 have had this disorder.  The doctors and even the representatives of the SMA organization who were  spoken to had not heard of SMA Type 0.  That's why it's hard for Briley's parents to find other parents who have dealt with this.  There is no cure.

But listen, even though there is no cure, through this, Briley FAITH has introduced to the world, The Healer, The Savior, The Potter.  THE ONE WHO CURES!  He molded her perfectly to tell The Potter’s story.  No cracks, no defects, the perfect piece.  This perfect piece of God’s work speaks of THE PEACE that passes all understanding!  The hands that want to hold YOU!  This way, that way, around and around she turns, trying to get the story out!  Please listen!  With each spin on the Potter’s wheel it is as if Briley is facing each one of us and saying, “He’s gentle.  Let Him hold you!  Rest in His hands.  His purpose is perfect.”

Jude concentrates as he uses the colors given to him.  Patiently placing each stroke to perfection as he knows it.  Gently giving life to the piece of pottery that represents his love for Briley.

We are all lumps of ordinary clay.  But, God, our Potter has a plan, an end product in mind.  Hands of grace continually working.  Gently molding.  Holding our life as it turns.  Shaping.  Forming.  A purpose.  A vessel.  Giving us life to tell The Potter’s Story, just like He has Briley.

Josh and Crystal, Jude’s and Briley’s parents, throughout have been on that same Potter’s wheel.  They have gone through the molding and the fire and always come out sharing God’s peace.  The same peace He gives them, He gives me…He will give to you.  God can take your life of broken pieces and make something beautiful.  He will not discard your hurts, your brokenness!  The Potter reforms and remakes because you have a story to tell, too!

Briley FAITH has been placed on The Potter’s wheel.  Life spins, yet she's resting in His hands.  Then through the fire this ordinary piece of clay becomes extraordinary.    Unique...only God.  

God’s masterpiece tells the story that cures all.

Heavenly Father,

Creator, Designer, Master!  Lord, King of Kings, Potter!  We praise You!

Thank You, for Briley FAITH!  She is a perfect creation, molded to Your making!  A masterpiece with a mission!  Oh how I wish everyone would listen to the story she is telling!  Please! Please, Father I cry!  I know You won’t let this hurt be wasted!  Thank You for using broken pieces!  Whether for here or with You, I know You will heal her to Your perfection!  So, I pray once again for Your healing power to channel through Briley's, Your willing vessel's, little body.  I sing praises to You, the One who cures all! 

Forgive me for not being as pliable as I should and allowing You to mold every part of my life!  Please forgive me.  I know time after time I have fallen off the shelf into the hands of the world.  Spinning in busyness.  Tossed about.  Broken.  But, each time if I allow my heart to bend, become as clay, You pick me back up, and say, “Let’s begin again.”  Thank You, my Potter, my Maker!

I pray that those whose hearts are hard to life will let go, let You hold them and know Your purpose is perfect.

Through Your son, Jesus Christ, I come.  AMEN!

About 13 years ago I purchased what has become one of my favorite all-time cds.  One song on it is called “The Potter’s Hand”.  Little did I know many years later it would be ministering to me once again.  I have attached a link and pray it also ministers to you.

The Potter's Hand - Darlene Zschech