BOY, DID SHE SHINE!

Briley FAITH's light shined throughout the world reflecting grace, mercy, hope and love; the gospel story.  Though she is now in heavenly light, lives continue to be changed; it might be yours.  Continue that gospel story by shining your light, your story.

No matter how dark our days were, Briley Faith quickly reminded us the Light of the world is Jesus and to trust Him in our darkest hour.

AUGUST IS SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) AWARENESS month.  On Saturday, Aug. 9 we will be honoring our angel, BRILEY FAITH.  Please join and share your pictures of a candle lit for Briley and where you are from on Facebook page, "Prayers For Briley Faith".

PawPaw and Granna love and miss you precious Briley FAITH, our "Angel Eyes".

"HONOR SMA ANGELS"
Join with families around the country by lighting a candle at sunset on the second Saturday in August to remember and honor those who have lost their battle with SMA.

Thank you!

A FIRM FOUNDATION

Hebrews 11:1-3

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.   By faith we understand that the worlds were FRAMED by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

This morning, since I'm recovering from surgery and unable to go to church, I'm having my own; just me and Jesus!  As I was talking to Him and thumbing through my Bible I came across a piece of paper with a few words I had jotted down which led to this post; now an excerpt in a book I am writing, a word from God; church.

A wise woman, years ago who God placed in my life for a short period of time shared some words of wisdom I had written down and placed between the pages of my Bible. Though read many times today was the day I read them the way they were to have been received; given by the wise to be read with wisdom.  "IF I HAVE MY MIND FOCUSED ON MY PROBLEM, I'M NOT SEEKING GOD".  I get it.  Once again, I learn through my grandaughter, Briley Faith.

During Briley Faith’s 61 days of her time here and today, many would view our life, this "house" we live in, as unstable from the sudden shifts and cracks in the foundation, holes in the walls of our heart, and the many tears that leaked within.  But, as a family we realized if we focused on those things our house would crumble; be of no use, no value, no purpose.  By seeking God, the Master Builder, we knew this was in His plan; His plan is perfect; and so we stand.

The reason for peace is because of the place; the place we, you and I, choose to rest our mind, the place we choose to live.  On October 11, 2012, we chose His plan, not the pain.  Don't get me wrong, it hurt and still does.  But by taking God's trusting hand, He got us through the journey and still does to this day.

Not only did our family gain victory, but Briley Faith won the ultimate race; purpose to glory.  Victory comes from seeking God and a home built on faith.

Build your hope, your home on Jesus Christ and His faithfulness.  His way is sure.  He is the certain in your uncertainty; Your firm foundation.
Click on link to THE SOLID ROCK/MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS hymn

Briley Faith resting on Christ; teaching us to stand.

WILD HORSES

“As soon as they hear of me
they obey me…”  Psalm 18:44

This is a description of Granna’s day today, May 7, 2014 with five children, two being my grandsons.

Since Mother’s Day is this Sunday, I thought the children might like to do a craft for their mommy.  The chosen craft is a bookmark.  Like most of the time, I’ve pre-readied; you have to, knowing the attention span of children!  Clear contact paper cut in shape of bookmark.  Check!  Decorations sorted. Check!  Children placed in seats.  Check!  Let’s have some fun!  Each child selects the decorations they want to use; around the table I go.  After I punch out the little centers of their selected flowers each child places it on the sticky contact paper.  My four year old grandson, Jude, asked if he could punch out his own and I said, “Sure!”  By the time I get around to help him he says, “Oh no!”  I asked, “What’s wrong?”  Putting his hand over his ear he said, “That piece of flower is stuck down in my ear!”   I go get the tweezers to do my first ear surgery!  With prayer and precision it was successful! 

That was the prelude to this wild and crazy, yet controlled, day!  Here comes the remaining…

Their part of the craft completed and left for me to do the final touches;  Jude is playing and runs into the door; I killed bumble bee to no longer be a threat to these precious darlins; Two mishaps outside with children having to learn to be nice; As children play I try to finish craft; Making lunch; Jude now slips on rug and hurts knee; Feed my 6-month old grandson, Reid; Call children in from outside and line them up to wash hands, give thanks to God for lunch and serve these hungry souls; in between serving them I try putting on my makeup (I normally don’t put makeup on but church is tonight) and feed myself a sandwich; finally sit down and our small dog lets me know he needs to go outside to do his business; the little ones finish lunch and downtime begins by watching the movie “Frozen”;  Let dog back in and almost have seated, when Reid, who had been playing while the others ate, begins to give me the tired cry.  I leave my lunch once again and rock the sleepy babe; after I have laid him down for his nap I return to find a princess who had fallen asleep in the chair while watching the movie.  So I pick her up and lay her in her bed of rest; Aahh… back to my lunch and only have mascara left to put on to complete the task of fixing my face.  As I twist the lid to the mascara open I wonder if an “I need attention” will interrupt once again…  Makeup.  Check!  Finally, the last two bites of that drawn out lunch are placed quickly into my mouth!  Lunch.  Check!

Because it has been an unusual day of a couple of visits to the corner, before nap, I have each child, one at a time sit in my lap for a little heart to heart.  There was a time a while back when the corners of the house were occupied that I had shared with them about how wild horses have to be trained to do what is right and best for them.  Each time they have to go to the corner it is to teach good.  So, as they sat in my lap I said, “You remember the story I told you about how wild horses have to be trained?  Well, Granna loves you and wants the best for you.  You need to mind so you can be your best.  We work as a team.  Okay?”  “Okay.”  “Granna loves you!”  “I love you!”  Next…

So, then to the potty stop, sing Jesus Loves Me, and down for naps.

Now in the quiet; I write, I listen for God’s direction in this stillness. Then wondering, “How can I ride in God’s pocket, fulfill purpose and serve Him within these four walls with five children?”  I can, I have and will continue.  You see, God spoke to my heart revealing that like the little ones who need to learn valuable lessons, I do too; a wild horse.  All along He was training me. For a long while now my prayer has been to really exhibit the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Although today seemed like a tossed fruit salad that never lands in the bowl, it actually did land!  God was present and never let go of the reins; the fruits displayed; a wild horse trained to victory!

These thoughts take me back to October 11, 2012; the day my granddaughter, Briley Faith was born.  Every day of her 61 days God was present amid the worldly chaos; tossed fruit salad; wild horses.  It was a time where I could have made “withdrawal to life” excusable, but didn’t.  Did Briley Faith’s mommy and daddy ever shake off the reins, give up?  You know, God does give us a choice.  They didn’t.  Throughout the prognosis, pain, long nights, lost sleep, tears, and hurt for their little girl who was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 0, the most severe; the reins were evident with every turn.  Every step God was guiding, teaching, loving… guiding, teaching, loving… guiding, teaching, loving… The reins remained allowing God to reign.

It seems I feel His presence more when I write, maybe because it is my purpose, I don’t know; or better yet, it’s a love relationship time with my Savior.  So, still in the quiet I write; a wild horse yearning for His presence, my guide, my constant, my friend.

My little wild horses awake.  I go to the front door and remove the “Shhh… Children napping.  Please knock.” sign.  As I look out into the yard, I see a female cardinal gracefully land right below my doorstep with a reminder; God reigns here.

Beautiful Briley Faith continues to teach me as she looks back at me from a picture I have; her eyes speaking to me again.  I never thought of the tubing around her mouth and back over her ears as a representation of a rein expressing God’s guiding presence and her submission…

DAY 73 - A COMMON THREAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Briley FAITH, "Bright Eyes"

DAY 72 - THE HAPPY UNEXPECTED (An adoption story)

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

The scene:  Heaven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scene:  Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fast forward:  The crucifixion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heavenly Father,

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

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

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

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

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

In Jesus name, amen.


Ephesians 1:3-10

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

Link to song: "Alive" by Natalie Grant

DAY 71 - ONE

One day…

For it is written: 

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”   So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Romans 14:11-12

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

…holding hands with many in prayer, in one accord.

…holding hearts that were also broken, for that one same reason.

…holding scripture and believing like I never had before, one Bible, one truth, one faith.

…holding her… Briley FAITH in my arms, a special time I will never forget, one time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, Angel Eyes

Happy Birthday to you

You know your Granna cries

although I try not to.

I long to sing you a lullaby

today as in every day

Even though you’re in the sweet by and by,

I’m gonna sing anyway…

“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong.  They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so.”

I know you are healed to perfection

and every day should be a celebration

of thanks to the Lord of creation, the One.

The sweetness in heaven is greater

Can’t wait to see you sooner than later

All because of Jesus Christ, my Savior

Eternity with you awaits… one day.

Granna loves you real big, Briley FAITH!

I REMEMBER YOU

Philippians 1:3

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…”

 

I remember when you walked in my hospital room with hugs for mommy and daddy,

then trying to hide the tears while standing over me.

I remember the prayers you prayed for me when no one was around;

on your knees crying to God for healing to be found.

I remember you on my Dedication Day,

singing songs of praise glorifying His name!

I remember you caring for my brother, Jude, with such a love

that only comes from the Caregiver above.

I remember you in so many ways

and I haven’t forgotten those 61 days.

You may not know me and I may never have seen your face;

but you are important to me, my name is Briley FAITH.

Although I am healed and in my heavenly home

there are other children in need.

By continuing to find a cure for SMA

you are helping them and remembering me.

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

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

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

http://www.fsma.org/Fundraising/EventsCalendar/index.cfm?ID=7728&blnShowBack=False&idContentType=1154&Event=7728