The Rest of the News
The other shoe fell this afternoon. The pathology report shows a malignant primary tumor that has crossed over into the right side of the brain. Doctors and medical folks must look at the matters of health as they factually see them. How else can they treat us if they act as if in naivety that nothing is wrong? Yet wise doctors know their skills come from a higher source Who has the final say.
Kristy asked the doctor after he communicated what he knew and what he saw, "How long does a person live who has this type tumor?"
The doctor responded and I paraphrase...On the average with some living longer and others living shorter, that one suffering with this type tumor lives about 9 months.
And then I shared the rest of the news with him in humility yet with faith, "But we believe in miracles and if we don't get a miracle of healing we yet live forever-- for heaven is real." The doctor agreed with me...
Hearing such news about my sweetheart is more than I could bear except by the help of the Lord. We wept, hugged, wept some more. Discussed our faith. Confessed our trust in a God of grace and glory, and , yes, we wept some more.
Kristy is so vibrant. So energetic. Such a get it done now kind of person. She has everything organized beyond what you can imagine. As I write on her computer in our office, I can see life and passion on every book shelf and in every file. This office looks like Kristy. So perfect...so beautiful.
How could such a illness befall her?
Yet, down deep I know part of the answer.
My girls asked me while we were alone for a moment, "What is God's will in all this?"
I reminded them of our dear grandchild, Claudia, when she asked me on vacation this past summer, "Where is God, Papa? I've been trying to find him. I've been looking and looking. Where is He?"
As a three year old, she was honestly and earnestly trying to find this Being we talk about all the time.
I responded, "God is everywhere, Claudia."
Now she is shaking her hands and talking with them. She pauses and then thinks out loud, "God is everywhere (with exclamation), but nobody can find Him!"
That is how we all feel sometimes. Where is God? We can't find Him. What is His will?
I told our girls that right now we are like travelers who sometimes find themselves in a fog. We can't see everything and we don't understand everything. We're in a fog. When in a fog, a person travels cautiously and sometimes has to wait.
But fogs don't last forever. The sun burns the fog away.
God's Son burns fog away too. We will will wait and trust in Him.
I kissed Kristy again after this news after everyone stepped out. She calls me her hero husband and I said to her that I will try harder to fulfill her loving description of me.
The rest of the news is that we are all going to live forever. Life doe not end on this earth. It transitions to a life more glorious and exciting than we can imagine.
Kristy has a cloud of sweet peace over her and she is resting in a chair of unspeakable strength. I know you who read this are praying for I feel your prayers and God's love. Keep praying for her... for us.
Her Husband, Milton
posted by Kristy Dykes @ 5:24 PM
40 comments
40 Comments:
I am so sorry, so sorry indeed, about this diagnosis. Please know that you and Kristy are in our hearts just as you are in His hands.
We love you both.
JanetS
The news is awful, but the Lord does hold each of us here and for eternity and he is the God of miracles.
We'll all continue to pray for you both.
I have no words--wish I was there to hug you both. Still praying.
I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. Of course, we have all been praying for good news. News that the thing they pulled out was benign. Yet, your earlier post did say the doctors indicated good news was not likely to come. Doctors have seen their share of bad tumors and generally they know by look and touch. They need no path report. Still, reading your words, Milton, I started sobbing. You are right about all of us dying at some point. All our days are written in His book before any come to be. It is He who numbers our days. Not us. I am still praying for a miracle. This battle isn't over yet! Anything that happens now will be all to God's glory. Continue to keep us posted.
God be with Kristy and all of you.
Me again. What I just said wasn't a complete thought. We all die an earthly death, but in truth we all live forever. Praise God!
Kristy and Milton,
Know that you are in my prayers. Your testimony has touched me deeply.
My heart is breaking for you, and I have never even met Kristy. But I have felt her love and her energy through every e-mail she has ever sent over the loops.
Please know that I storming Heaven on her bahalf and will do so until her miracle is complete.
With a heart full of faith,
Julie
My Dear Friends,
I am praying for your strength and comfort.
"We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess 1:2-3.
Hold on to hope. Trust in the Lord. He will not fail you. He will hold your hands and walk you through all of this. I am sending love and prayers.
Carrie
My dad was once given 6 months to live after his second major heart attack. We prayed, and he lived over 30 more years, endured another heart attack, but lived to be 84 and see all of his grandkids grown. That's my prayer for Kristy--that God will heal her and astound the doctors with His miracle. Hugs and prayers!!
Still praying and believing for a miracle healing.
Nancy
I pray that God will bring glory to His name by a miraculous healing. I know you (Kristy and Milton) have glorified him and brought unimaginable inspiration and comfort to so many through this blog this past week. May God bless you both.
I continue to believe in a miracle for Kristy here on earth. But should God take her home, it is NOT death but birth. Birth into eternity where she will live forever, waiting until you will join her. Think how she will organize Heaven!
But I pray God will let us have her here a while longer yet. And I pray God continues to keep her surrounded by that cocoon of peace, her cloud of love.
Dearest Milton and Kristy,
Milton, your words are beautiful and touched my heart. That you have such capacity tells me that God is truly working in your lives.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Milton & Kristy,
Linda and I can only imagine what you are going through. None of us know the strength available until somethings like this happens. We are praying for the healing Jesus to show up in a big way.
I am reminded that my complaining is a shame before God therefore I will give thanks today and pray for you two.
If there is anything we can do, please call.
Ron & Linda
Milton and Kristy..I don't even know what to say, you've said it all. I'm just crying. Kristy has been just a sweetie to me. Your faith is so strong, one of the reasons that you are her hero. My husband and I will continue to pray for a miracle and we are continually amazed and lifted by the way you are both handling this terrible news. Please give Kristy my love and a hug.
Milton & Kristy,
I am so sorry; I only this moment got the news that any thing was wrong to begin with. I love Kristy with all my heart. She was one of the first author's to take my writing and try and do something with it. I will not cease to pray for a miracle for you both and I will put the prayer request in our newsletter to supporting churches. We know that prayer works. I pray His strength, comfort and peace be with you both.
Jean Kincaid
I am sorry about this devastating news, yet so happy for you both that you know God and can experience a peace like no other. It's an honor to pray for you two, Kristy & Milton, as you take each day as it comes.
I am so sorry to hear this about Kristy. I met Kristy several years ago at an ACFW Conference. She was such an encouragement to me a few years later, telling me to keep writing Biblical fiction even though it was just not selling. She read over the first chapter of my book Michal and offered helpful suggestions. She shared her desire to write her own Biblical novel someday. My prayer is that Kristy will still get that chance.
I feel a profound sense of sadness that she is suffering with this illness and want so much for God to heal her here on earth. I want to see her continue to laugh and encourage others. Would you please pass on to her that her encouragement to me for my Biblical fiction paid off in a 3-book contract with Revell for Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba this past week? Her interest in my writing gave me hope to keep going. I want to thank her for that.
I have looked for Kristy's bright smile at the past conferences and missed her. But I will not forget her kind words and offers of hope - she is one special lady.
Please know that you will both continue to be in my prayers. May God grant you your hearts' desires and give you peace in everything.
In His Grace,
~Jill
Kristy and Milton, all of Kristy's writing friends at FHL are praying. We are a mighty voice. Most of all, I pray the Lord will manifest Himself, wrapping you both in a blanket of His love as you journey together through this valley, and I pray for a miracle of healing. In His grip, Sunni
Milton, we love you and Kristy so very much. You and Kristy have made us so proud of you. I'm writing this thru tears and thinking what a wonderful Son you have been all of your life. Faithful to God, parents, and your family. He promised not to put more on us than we can bear and His grace is still sufficient. What a Jewel Kristy is!
We hurt with you, love you, and believing for both of you.
"We'll Talk It Over", Words and Music by Ira Stanphill
Tho' shadows deepen, and my heart bleeds,
I will not question the way He leads;
This side of Heaven we know in part,
I will not question a broken heart.
We'll talk it over in the bye and bye.
We'll talk it over, my Lord and I.
I'll ask the reasons - He'll tell me why,
When we talk it over in the bye and bye.
I'll trust His leading, He'll never fail,
Thru darkest tunnels or misty vales.
Obey his bidding and faithful be,
Tho' only one step ahead I see.
We'll talk it over in the bye and bye.
We'll talk it over, my Lord and I.
I'll ask the reasons - He'll tell me why,
When we talk it over in the bye and bye.
I'll hide my heartache behind a smile
And wait for reasons 'til after while.
And tho' He try me, I know I'll find
That all my burdens are silver lined.
We'll talk it over in the bye and bye.
We'll talk it over, my Lord and I.
I'll ask the reasons - He'll tell me why,
When we talk it over in the bye and bye.
Your Mother and I hold you both dear to our hearts, and God does too.
Milton,Kristy and Family,
In the natural, our hearts are saddened by Kristy's diagnosis; but in the Spirit, we know that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think! We're still believing with you for a miracle in this situation. God is so faithful. We thank God with you for His peace which passes all understanding and keeps are hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We love you all,
Mary Jo and Ralph
Milton, Kristy, and Girls,
We have never met, but I've been following every post and really really praying for you.
All I can think as I read your words is what a spectacular richness you have. I know so few people in this life who have the genuine love and faith you possess.
I don't know God's times or seasons, and I don't know how much time any of us have left on this earth. But how proud He must be of you for using your time together so well. Not just now, but for all these years. You haven't wasted life. You've spent it serving well, cherishing each other, and working as a team.
What a legacy. How rare. How glorious.
No matter what, know this:
You are not alone.
There are TONS of us out here, praying for you, crying over your pain, and appealing for healing and many, many more years for you to share with each other.
I am cheering you on.
Kelli Standish
Truely it is an honour to pray for and with you. My brother went through this journery with his wife for two short weeks in March 2006. I hope you have even longer than the nine months the doctors expect.
I want to thank you again for sharing this journey in such a wonderful positive way.
God bless your whole family.
Milton, I feel lead to write Kristy something that her Aunt Tine wrote many years ago...
I come Dear Lord with but one plea,
That thy blood was shed for me.
Not with mine own righteousness,
For they are but rags of filthiness.
Not by one deed that I have done,
for I hear you say, unprofitable one. But Oh! my Lord, you payed the price, and I come because of your sacrifice. My life, Dear Lord, I place in your hand, to do with me as you have planned. Feeling secure that your way is best, with never a question, I'll just rest.
Not my will, but Thine be done, is my cry Oh Holy One.
Written By: Christine A Peek
I have no words of my own, Milton and Kristy, so I will share, instead, the beautiful lyrics of Brian Doerksen's song, based on the 23rd Psalm.
*****
"When You Shepherd Me"
When You shepherd me
I have everything that I need
When You make me rest
Beside a peaceful stream
My soul is restored
My strength is renewed
When you shepherd me
When You shepherd me
Your rod and staff comfort me
As You guide my steps
I can trust Your lead
Even when I walk
Through the valley shadowed with death
I will not fear for You are with me
I am overwhelmed by love
Overtaken by Your mercy
Lord Your goodness without end
Will be the house in which I dwell
When you shepherd me
You prepare a bountiful feast
Even when my enemies
Are closing in on me
You anoint me with oil
My cup overflows
When You shepherd me
*****
Your friend and sister in Christ,
Robin
Oh Mom and Dad. I love you both so much. I am so thankful for you.
As I read all of these comments about Mom it comfirms (what I already knew) over and over again what a beautiful and amazing person you are. You have touched so many lives. You have accomplished mighty things Mom.
I love you.
Everything you have set out to do, you've given it more than 100%. You have been a 100% wife, 100% mother, 100% pastor's wife and I could go on. There has NEVER been one selfish bone in your body. You are a giver. So sweet... Always thinking of everyone around you. I love you so much.
You and Dad are so genuine, so REAL. I've seen you in the good and the bad times, in public and behind closed doors, and you both have striven to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. You both are so wise. I'm so thankful for you.
I'm so proud of you. You are my role model. I love you so much...
--Julie
Hi, I'm a CWFI writer...
Milton, your incredible insight about your granddaughter Claudia...
What wise words about life events.
We are praying for space n that "chair" for your entire family. Especially you.
Diane H. Pitts
Kristy and Milton,
I'm so sorry--you guys have been in my thoughts and prayers since Kristy's email came across the ACFW loop.
I remember the first time I met the both of you, at the CBA conference in Atlanta in 2000. Over dinner, I witnessed the wonderful marriage you share and the faith you both hold so dear. I know that in the face of this news, your love for Him and for each other is the rock you are holding on to.
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty Smith Hall
Love you, Kristy! You were always such a kind heart and shining light to me at conferences.
It's my prayer God will spare you for the sake of all those who love you. Should God take you home, our loss will indeed be his gain.
Still praying to the GREAT PHYSICIAN who said "With His stripes, we are healed," and singing along:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GglZPS7dWho&feature=related
God bless Kristy and all who love her!
Big hugs, ((((Kristy and Milton!)))
Still praying you precious, precious people. It amazes me how in such a painful time you bless us like you do. Jesus shines brightly through you all. His loving care for you and your willingness to share you faith speak grace to all who come here.
I'm praying.
Know that God is holding you all in the palm of His hand.
Words fail me. But I believe in a masterful and miraclous God!
As I'm reading this blog post and the comments, pastor-Hubby is on the radio and just as I started to type, he said, literally, "The Bible tells us that we must believe those things that are not as though they are!"
'Nuff said.
Oh, how our hearts are grieved with this news, and yet. . .God! He is such an awesome and powerful Father, and I'm praying His peace, His healing, His joy. . .even in the middle of this storm. I'm SO proud of you, (of the faith I see exhibited in your posts and in your lives). God is not finished with you yet. He has MUCH ahead for you both. I love you, Kristy. . .and I'm praying!
Thank you for keeping us updated on Kristy. I want you to know that I think of you all often, and that I'm continually praying for you, Kristy, and your family.
((((MEGA HUGS))))
Luv ya bunches, Kristy!
Debra Ullrick
Kristy and family,
My heart is breaking for you. Praying...
Milton and Kristy,
My heart breaks for you both and (along with you) I'm asking God to work a miracle in Kristy's body. He's already worked one in both of your hearts.
Love you and right beside you in prayer,
Tammy
Dear Sweet Kristy,
I have only seen you at writers' conferences, but we have talked many times via email. And what a blessing that was.
You are always smiling. You even smile in your email messages, sending warm greetings from sunny Florida.
I am praying for you, Kristy, every time the Lord brings your name into my mind, and He brings your name into my mind often.
Your Milton is a true hero, and you are a true heroine. Yes, you really are.
God built the Universe in seven days, and if He can do that, He can do anything.
Jesus died on a cross to save us from our sins, and by his stripes, we are healed.
Love,
Molly
My heart aches for you and Kristy. I lift your family up to the Lord and ask for His everlasting love to see you through to whatever is next, hoping it's a miracle.
We believe in a God of miracles, and He delivers them in ways beyond our despair.
Hey Kristy--Be strong. YOu be strong! Don't you HATE hiccups?! This is just another one of life's hiccups. And you wanted life to be boring. This diagnosis is just like those annoying little hiccups. Relax and breathe slowly.
The Albuquerque Tuckers are praying for you. Have an awesome Turkey day.
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