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