HOSPICE CAME
"It's time to call Hospice." The radiation oncologist told me this with solemnity.Just as I received the diagnosis of stage 4 brain cancer on November 7 2oo7, so I received this news: with no shakes, no nervousness, no fear. A cloud of peace enveloped me like a Florida fog as I envisioned the Israelites wandering the dessert, peace surrounding them, God' cloud guiding them.
That's the way it's been for this entire journey, except for a few crying bouts, and one time when I asked God "Why?" then quickly moved on because the question never nagged again.
Is this persona of peace my natural nature? No, a thousand times, no. I'm The Worry Wart. Not now.
And it's God's supernatural power that has infused me with this .
Does God heal? He does. Having been in church work for years, I've witnessed it with my own eyes. I think we all have. I like to give God credit for every act if goodness.
My father had a bowed-out arthritic knee, and one day he rubbed it and said, "I think that new salve is helped this old knee," and dear little Aunt Bea, a missionary evangelist now in her mid-90s, wagged her finger in him and said, "Udell, you better give God the glory."
She always said we need to give God credit for the good things that happened to us.
Throughout this three-plus-month-brain-cancer-saga, God has been good to me. It's been tormenting, too, the many things I've walked through. But He's been there beside me, like a cloud enveloping me.
And the cloud is going to get thicker. And more powerful. And it's going to envelop Milton and the girls and all who care about me.
***
Hospice gave us information. If the need arises, we are informed.
posted by Kristy Dykes @ 12:01 AM
36 comments
36 Comments:
He will never leave you nor forsake you or your girls or your beloved Milton.
He will walk with all of you through this valley and out to the other side of eternity.
He will be with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Sending love and gratitude for your life and spirit,
Rebecca
I love you! Still praying and believing! Jeri
AMEN!!
Love ya, Kristy & Milton,
Dad & Mom
Kristy, this is Julie Leto from TARA in Tampa. I just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers and forever in my heart. You are an inspiration to women everywhere--and you always have been.
With all my love...
Kristy, Milton and family, this is Vicki Lane from TARA. My prayers are with you and your family. Prayers for peace that passes understanding, for the Lord to hold you in his arms, to keep you and your family in his strong tower.
Much love and prayers.
I heard of your story through my daughter, Lisa.
Kristi, please know the my prayers are with you, Milton, and the girls.
Please know that you have made a big difference in how I approach life.
Our Heavenly Father is with you at all times.
(((((hugs))))
Arlene G
Dearest Kristy & Milton and anybody reading this,
PLEASE WATCH HANNITY TONIGHT!!!
"90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN: A TRUE STORY OF DEATH & LIFE"
by Don Piper & Cecil Murphey
Don Piper will be on tonight to tell of his experience in heaven!!!
Subject: Hannity's America...
Beyong Belief: Back from the Dead
Sunday, February 10
9 p.m. ET and
12 a.m. ET
Father, give all of us supernatural strength to finish this race, in Jesus name.
We've got so much to look forward to! We know that's true from the Word, but to hear it from someone who's been there!!!
Love & Prayers,
Nancy & family
Kristy and Milton,
Hospice is a wonderful ministry, serving caring people who serve both the infirm and the family and friends. There is still time, always time, for God to heal, but He also provides in our trials. He says He will be with us. His Holy Spirit resides in you Kristy and He ministers to you even now, just as you have ministered to all of us.
Kristy, You are such a warm and sweet person no matter what you have gone through. I continue to pray for you and Milton and your family. Hospice is such a blessing. They are like angels. I look forward to your blog everyday. Jesus loves us, this I know...
Kristy, I am with you in spirit. Aching, but amazed at how you find the strength to write and reach out to comfort others, though I do know your Source. You are and always have been the epitome of grace. My love and admiration to you and Milton.
Your friend Kathy
Love to you Kristy, Milton, and girls.
We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we do know Who holds tomorrow. For that reason, we need not be afraid. He is already there.
Praying....
I've been reading your blog for quite some time now, reading about your journey through this hard time. I linked here from Lysa TerKeurst's blog at one time. I just wanted you to know your in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith and example of what a Christian marriage is meant to be like has been a blessing to me.
Heather
I pray for you, Milton and your girls. Who knows what our God will yet do? Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. I pray that you will continue to be wrapped in the comfort that only He can give and that He will continue to whisper in your ear. I believe that He will continue to grow increasingly real that is beyond anything you have ever known as you pass through this waters. As we took communion this morning and I prayed for you, I wondered how many others were praying for you in that very moment. I don't understand His ways and can't predict His activities but I do know He loves you very much and must have a lot of faith in you to entrust you with this "walk" that you have shared with all of us. Thank you for being real.I continue to pray for a miracle..
Reba Turner Woolverton
Dearest Kristy & Milton, I've followed your blog for sometime now...stumbled upon it? by accident??? No way! As it's been stated before, your lives and how you walk as a couple and thru this trail is such an inspiration to me & others. I heard a sermon the other day on James 5:14, & I've had it on my heart for you. "Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders. And they should PRAY..." Pray here means to demand. The minister pointed out that we should demand our bodies to "Line Up With the WORD of GOD"!! Since Jesus carried our sicknesses & diseases to the cross, by His Stripes we are healed! Even medical science now is commenting on how our thoughts & speech affect our bodies which is another awesome proof of the Word. Kristy, In the Lord Jesus Christ's Name we say & agree that every cell, every function in your body "LINE UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD! Lord Jesus, Your name is above every name that can be named & that includes stage 4 cancer! Father, You created Kristy & know every cell, every hair, every fiber of her being. Lord, recreate cells & cause the cancer cells to die at the root! Father, increase our wisdom & faith. Kristy, I know you're tired but Never give up! We are holding you up in prayer. May no weapon formed against you or your family prosper & may we all see the Glory of God Manifested thru this situation! Wishing you Shalom-nothing missing & nothing broken in the Lord Jesus Christ's Name!
Dear Kristy and Milton,
I am lifting you before our Father today and STILL BELIEVING for His healing in your body. My heart is heavy for you both and I am anxious to see what our Saviour and Lord will do.
Much love,
April Gordon
Praying still.
Kristy, you're an amazing woman of God. Thank you for being who you are--such a strong, unwavering Christian witness.
Debby Mayne
Kristy and Milton,
Your legacy of inspiration and Godly example are indelibly printed on my life. I will not stop praying for your miracle.
Love,
Janet Deck
Kristy,
My prayers are with you!
I have been through this battle, chemo and radiation, two major surgeries, a divorce after 29 years (not by choice) but the Lord has been with me each and every step of the way.
It was Him and him alone, otherwise I would not have made it and Hill Country Thoughts was birthed from it.
My prayers are with you and Milton as you are on this journey.
Indeed, He will never leave or forsake us, He walks with us through this times.
Writing for the King,
Paul
http://coffeecupministry.us/hillcountrythoughts
...underneath are His everlasting arms... His arms are strong & loving & caring...for both of you.
God's love & ours,
David & Kay Daniels
Kristy and Milton,
You both have forever touched my life through your blog. You're in my prayers. Thank you for sharing such personal information. You've taught me a lesson I shall never forget.
My heart hurts for you and your family. There are no words to express what your faith and strength have meant to me personally during this time.I will still be praying. Much Love. God bless you both!
We will not stop praying....
JanetS
Dear Mrs. Dykes
You are in my prayers and thoughts each day. I wish I were closer so I could come by and give you a big hug and bring you something delicious to eat. Your beautiful Julie has been such a blessing in my life. I cherish her and her friendship. She is a gift from God. Thank you for the blog posting. They sometimes make my heart hurt but always leave me knowing that our wonderful God is always there for us.
Love, Jeni Spencer
Dearest Kristy,
I pondered whether to send a note tonight or not; because unlike most of the time, the words just didn't flow very easily. I don't believe it will be revealed until we all get to Heaven, just how much your blogs have helped those of us who have read it. Thank you all so much for being REAL. Thank you for showing us that even in the hardest trials of life, God's peace sustains! You are in my prayers, and I'm still asking the Lord for a supernatural healing miracle in your body.
You are a special woman of God. I am priviledged to call you my friend.
Love, Mary Jo
Yea, though I walk through the valey of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Thank you Kristy and Milton for sharing your journey with us. For your beautiful witness of the love of God.
You continually hold the Lord before us and you have a sweet testamony like no other.
Kristy, I have dedicated a photograph to you. The link is http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2545758410027912125SZNYKL?vhost=home-and-garden
I hope you are blessed. We all know that ALL things work together for GOOD for those who LOVE the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose. You are fulfilling His purpose by your life. He is keeping you near and dear to His heart, as well as` ours. We are truly blessed n
by your candor, frankness, honesty and sharing. By these we have all had a glimpse into the wonderful love and compassion of our Lord, and are able to see the manifestation of true faith, grounded in the glorious Word of God. What faith! What trust! What honesty! What a portrait of Grace you are for all to see, and behold the Glory and beauty of the Lord!
tom
Kristy & Milton,
Your journey has been a real inspiration to Tommy and me. Your strength and faith in God is now helping us as God carries Tommy and me on our own journey. Tommy suffered a stroke on January 18 and his recovery is in God's hands. I don't know if my faith for his recovery would have been as strong had I not had you guys for an example. Thanks for letting us be a part of your journey. Our faith and trust is in God and we know that he knows the future and holds it in his hands. God is with us to comfort us every moment of every day, When you see one set of footprints you know that God is carrying you. Be encouraged and know that we love both of you and the girls and will continue to pray and believe that God has somthing great instore for your family. "He will never leave us nor forsake us"
Love and prayers, Linda & Tommy Reece
Kristy,
It's June from Cheryl's class and TARA. I hated to hear about your diagnosis but I'm ever so glad to read that He has given you His peace.
June
Thank you Kristy for sharing your faith with us. I've been thinking of you so strongly the past couple of days, and now I understand why. I'm stepping up prayers for you and your sweet family.
I've been here before from Lysa TerKeurst's blog & you are so awesome.
I once heard Beth Moore say, "As long as you have a pulse, God's not finished with you."
Keep allowing yourself to be used by Him Kristy & Milton.
I provided hospice care for years and you never know who God will send to you to help you. One of my biggest lifechanging moments was when a guy I cared for witnessed to me. I was already a believer, but I was a backsliding believer. So while these gals come to help you, your testimony may be what helps them. Be prepared to be used by the King.
Love you,my sister in Christ,
Lelia
I love you, Kristy, and will continue to pray. God is still in the miracle working business.
Jean Kincaid
Kristy, this post made me cry. But I'm still believing God for a miracle for you.
I had to stop and read that last line and realized what Jesus did on the cross is the biggest miracle of all. His sacrifice gives us hope of eternity - no it gives us assurance of eternity with just a short separation.
But His sacrifice also gives us hope of healing. I'm praying for your healing on this side, but where ever He heals you, He's always Jehovah Shalom, our peace.
I love you my beautiful redheaded friend. You're an inspiration to me.
Kristy and Milton,
Utilizing the services of hospice is not giving up. These caring people are a wonderful resource. We continue to pray for you both, for your family, and for the professionals who care for you. Blessings.
"Dr. Richard"
Pastor Dykes and Kristy,
Your family is in our family's prayers every single morning, noon and night. We'll never give up believing in miracles.
Love,
Dawn and Skip Scott
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