Faith from a Child....
The prayers of God's people around the world have lifted Kristy and me up during the last days. When I was told that Kristy had no more than a hand full of weeks to live without treatment or a miracle, I literally fell backwards and breath left my body. Her brother, Terry, grabbed me and held me up. I could not have stood without his arms holding me up.
Yet, in an even greater way, God's mighty, strong arms have held Kristy and me up and kept us as we walked through these waters. Your prayers...all of your prayers...have been felt in our spirits and bodies. We can never say thank you enough.
Claudia, our three year old granddaughter, was walking with me down the resort hotel hallway last summer and with great animation and talking hands said to me, "Papa, Jesus is strong. Jesus is verrry stronggg."
"I know, " I responded.
She said again, "But Papa, Jesus is very, very strong!"
I was touched by these amazing insightful words from a mere three year old. Where did she get such theology this young?
So I asked her, "How do you know Jesus is strong?"
She sang her answer:
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tell me so
Little to ones to Him belong
They are weak....BUT HE IS STRONG!!!
I melted over her childlike faith and enthusiasm.
So I asked her, "How do you know Jesus is strong?"
She sang her answer:
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tell me so
Little to ones to Him belong
They are weak....BUT HE IS STRONG!!!
I melted over her childlike faith and enthusiasm.
Yes, we are weak. We have been weak, but He has been so strong for us.
Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty
waters,
though your footprints were not
seen-- Psalm 77:19
your way through the mighty
waters,
though your footprints were not
seen-- Psalm 77:19
How Is Kristy?
She had a better night. Some pain around 9:30 PM but slept almost all night. Some nausea, but a better night.
Again, may God bless you for all your thoughts, love, and prayers. Keep praying for Kristy...for us.
Her Husband, Milton
PS: Your comments have been such a comfort. They made us feel you were here with us.
posted by Kristy Dykes @ 8:36 AM
24 comments
24 Comments:
Jesus is holding you up very well it seems. Still praying!
I began reading this blog about the time Kristy was scheduled for surgery. I've gone back and read a lot here. Truly, there are not words to express how tender and how deep your story has touched me! I have been praying and will continue to pray.
I say this with the utmost respect, but it was through this very same illness that my own father had to travel with his first wife. My mom and dad have been married for 45 years now, and my older brother and sister have been my life's greatest blessings. My dad still cries when he talks about his first wife, but God's signature has remained a sweet testimony on his life and our family all the years since.
None of us know what our tomorrow's will bring, but knowing Christ makes those tomorrow's a lot brighter! He is obviously holding you close to His heart right now!
Many, Many prayers,
Kim
Spent this morning praying for you both Kristy and Milton and for so many friends who've been struck with illness, mostly cancer. I had such a strong sense that God was hearing and nodding along as I prayed.
I too had a brain tumor years ago, although benign. What I remember most now is how close I felt to God during that time. I clung to him and he never left me. I pray that in the midst of all the 'stuff' of the next weeks, Kristy, that you'll always feel him near, because he is.
Julie
Kristy and Milton,
My puppy has a habit of waking me at 3:30am to go outside--since writing that Kristy was having it rough during the night, I've been using these brief breaks in the night to pray for her, that she would find rest and healing in a peaceful sleep. I think of you both often and have shared your story with my husband--he's begun to read your blog daily. Know that we love you and are praying for a heavenly miracle.
Love ya,
Patty Smith Hall
Milton and Kristy, While I was praying for many, many more healthy, happy tomorrows for you both, the Lord spoke to my heart about your yesterdays. Sadly, many married couples will never know the joy and oneness you two have shared, even if given a hundred years together. Glory to God that you've made the most of your time here, and I continue to pray for a miraculous healing for Kristy.
Love in Jesus,
Nancy
Kristy and Milton,
You're in my prayers daily. I also pray that this will be a sweet time together and with the Lord.
A prisoner of hope,
Megan
I remain encouraged and steadfast in my belief that Kristy will overcome this. She has been an encouragement to me as a Christian, as a pastor's wife, and as a writer. Since I too am in central FL, I look forward to meeting you both.
I was away for a few days due to the holidays and because my husband took ill. After 12+ hours in the ER, we had no answers. A week later, we still don't. But I know God is faithful. And although you intended Friday's post for husbands, it won't hurt for a few of us wives to take it to heart as well.
Patricia
I've been married 27 years and can't imagine the horror you felt, being told that your beloved has a terminal illness. Even though we believe in an Almighty healer, such news shocks the system. Your granddaughter's insights warmed my heart. He is strong. No extra adjectives or adverbs needed.
Thanks for the updates, Milton. You and Kristy, and the whole family, remain in my prayers.
Kind regards,
Dayle
Milton and Kristy,
My prayers are still being said each day for both of you. I know that God hears every prayer being said for you. I am trusting in His best for you. Praising God that Kristy had a better night last night and praying for more of the same tonight.
Ah, the words expressed by a child can bring such comfort during adversity. For the joy they bring can erase fear and sadness while restoring rainbows of hope for a much brighter path up in the distance. May your days be filled with lots of sunny smiles and rainbows with the promise from God, that there may be some rain; but He will shelter you and yours from the floods and storms.
Dear Milton and Kristy,
What a godly heritage you are passing on to your children and grandchildren...and what a blessing they are to you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on today's blog. I will pray that Kristy is able to rest well and gain strength daily. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. We send our love.
Carrie
Dear Milton and Kristy,
Ron and I continue to intercede for you and your families. We know God is in the miracle working business and stand in faith with you!
Lovingly,
Ron and Lana Wood
Kristy & Milton, I haven't posted 'til now but have been in prayer every time I think of Kristy, which is daily. We've never met in person, but I feel as though God is reminding me to pray, teaching me to remain faithful. Thanks for your words, and for the updates. I don't see that cloud of peace Kristy described vanishing anytime soon.
Best,
Deb Kinnard
Dear Kristy and Milton,
I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks. My heart and prayers go out to both of you and your family. I know you both know, God is faithful to bring you through this and be glorified as well as use it for the good of others. But after just going thru something similiar with my own husband, I also know something of the shock and daze you must be in.
Last Janurary, I was called to the hospital where I was told my husband was brought in with a traumatic brain injury, broken neck and heart attack. I had just left him sleeping on our couch an hour and half before that. He fell over the sides of our steps going upstairs. (who would ever think?) As I looked at him lying on the stretcher in the ER and heard the pastor and brain surgeon as they tried to prepare me for what they thought would be the deadly outcome, my mind would not grasp it or my heart could not accept it. But I do remember an utter calmness that came on me and allowed me to ask questions, encourage the Dr with prayer and hold my children. It was God, of course. No one can do that without him. So I say with full assurance, He will see you thru and will use your wonderful openness to speak to others for Him. You have been blessed with each other and we will all pray for a miracle. God listens and answers in a way only he can understand.
God Bless, I will be praying.
Sue Maley
PS Jim is now at home after 6 months in the hospital and can walk, talk and enjoy his family. He is a new Jim but God will show us the way to make this work.
Milton, keeping you and Kristy in prayer. I know God is indeed very strong!! I love the faith and insight of your granddaughter.
We can be confident He hears the prayers of the righteous!
Rachel
Milton & Kristy
We continue to keep you and kristy in our prayers. Yes we agree very much with you granddaughter. GOD IS VERY STRONG.
Love and prayers
Charlene & Rock
Dear Kristy, Please know that there are also many, many prayers going up for you from your Bartow First Assembly family. Whose report are we going to believe?? We will believe the report of the Lord!!!
We love you and your families very much,
p.s. I can't believe how much Jennifer's little girl looks like she did when she was that age!
Cindy Norris
Aunt Kristy,
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers! You have been such an inspiration for me. Uncle Milton, thanks for the post on Tough Men and Tender Romance- I have forwarded the link to all of my friends in hopes that their husbands will be inspired to be the men God has called them to be!
Amy
Your Christian Love Story is one of the best I've ever read. Thanks to both you and Kristy for the love you share--a story that needs few words to be read and appreciated by all. Prayers for God to continue to hold you up and sustain you with His heart of everlasting kindness.
Katy McKenna
Dear Kristy and Milton,
Though I have never met you, I feel as though I know you. Thanks for the beautiful blogs you are leaving. I have shared the message to husbands with my married son and my two nephews. It spoke to my heart as well. I am praying for your healing, Kristy. By His stripes, we are healed. May God touch your body, strengthen you, uplift you, and graciously heal you. May His love continue to surround your entire family. I want to meet you personally at the next ACFW convention. You have a wonderful message to share with the world.
Your Sister in Christ,
Sharon
This blog has so touched me. It is refreshing to see a couple so in love. I have to agree with Kristy, Milton, you are hero material.
In my prayers for you I continue to ask for a miracle.
Keep leaning on Jesus. Your precious granddaughter is so right and children remind us to have blind faith when we forget.
Thank you for giving faithful updates on your sweet wife.
Kristy,
You said that you wanted to write yours and Milton's love story. I see that story being written every day during this time. God is using you and Milton to bring truths to our hearts. The scripture says "Be still and know that I am God" Wonderful things come to those who wait upon him. The scriptures also tells us that He is a strong tower that we can run into in the time of trouble. We are praying for you daily and have been wonderfully blessed by yours and Milton's openness in sharing with us and the love that you have for each other.
Love and Prayers.
Linda
You and Kristy have no idea how many lives have been touched by what you have been posting and living through. I pray for Kristy and you throughout the day, believing that God will see you through this. God gives us just the right amount of peace exactly when we need it. He's never early or late. I pray you are feeling that peace today as all of Kristy's friends are lifting her up to the Lord, that your every need will be met. Please tell Kristy I love her. Will she be starting treatment?
God bless you both Pastor & Sister Kristy. If God will bring you to it, He'll bring you through it! Happy moments - Praise God, Difficult moments - Seek God,
Painful moments - Trust God,
Quiet moments - Worship God,
Every moment - THANK God!
It's an absolute blessing to be the newest sheep in your flock...we are so thrilled to be worshipping AND sharing your trials in Southside AG...ALL our prayers from our house to yours! Te Amo, Siempre` Michelle & Jessenia.
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