IT'S ALL BY GRACE...
Milton, here for Kristy:
Wednesday was a very tough day. It began with my greeting you with, "Good Morning, World!"
It got tougher and harsher. I wondered if yesterday's post was too cheery or perky sounding for what we are facing, but I don't regret writing and offering the title "Good Morning, World." I found that the Lord helped me and all of us through the day. THERE IS A HOPE.
Kristy slept most of the day. She wasn't able to respond much to us. She took sips from a straw, barely, and ate some fruit slush.
I held Kristy close telling her how dear and special she is and how much I love her. I prayed and whispered God's love into her ear. One time she was able to respond to my kisses.
This Thursday morning she is slightly more alert. She reached out to me and weakly shared her love.
We are trusing in God's healing grace. It's all by grace.
***
Norma had to return home Wednesday morning. Oh, how dear my sister and family have been to Kristy and me.Rebecca is here now. She is a loving help.
Sandra, Kristy's close friend, has kept watch and helps every way she can.
Our wonderful church family is standing with us, praying for us, providing nourishing foods, and giving loving support.
So many others have reached out to us in love and prayers and kind acts.
We are grateful.
***
Julie and Jennifer arrived back Wednesday afternoon along with Claudia and Lorenzo, Jennifer's children.
The girls took Kristy's condition very hard. They love her so dearly. I have kept them posted, but they really couldn't comprehend how their Mom was doing.
***
The Word we have believed, preached, and stand upon works. It works for us.
It will work for you.
posted by Kristy Dykes @ 8:30 AM
34 comments
34 Comments:
Good morning Milton and Kristy. Your love is a wonderful thing. Still praying.
Good Morning Dykes Family,
Still praying for God healing touch on Kristy.And he will strengthen you all today,
God Bless You All
Thank you for the update at this difficult time. I do know, do understand, have been there, done that. You are right. It is too difficult to explain unless you've been there.
I'll be away from the computer most of the day, commuting to a writers conference. One of the activities Kristy has always enjoyed. You will remain in my heart and in my prayers.
I am still praying for Kristy's healing.
Please accept my love and prayers.
God is with your family, now and forever.
Milton,
What a beautiful flower your Kristy is. God has His hand on her, and you, during this difficult time. I look forward to the day I meet her in heaven. I will recognize her immediately; she will be one of God's most beautiful flowers.
I thank God for this blog and for your sharing your lives with all of us. If it weren't for your writing this, yours and Kristy's unwavering faith and devotion to each other, many wouldn't understand what our faith is all about. I pray many come to Him because of your faith in Jesus. And I pray many people's marriages will be refreshed.
God bless you,
Nan S.
Milton, in the words of the old hymn, "God Will Take Care of You," (lyrics: Civilla Martin, music: Walter Martin), Be not dis-mayed what - e'er be-tide, God will take care of you; Be-neath His wings of love a-bide, God will take care of you.
God will take care of you, Thru ev-'ry day, O'er all the way; He will take care of you, God will take care of you.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you dearly.
Mom & Dad
Even though I have a time I'm committed to during which I pray for Kristy and your family daily, in a prayer chain to which I belong, when I woke up briefly this morning at 3:44, I prayed for her and the rest of you all again then--and I do such things throughout the day and night, every day. "His eye is on the sparrow . . ." And I, like every believer, am called to be His disciple; through this praying, my eye, too, can rest on the "sparrow"--and, at 3:44 a.m. today, that particular "sparrow" was Kristy and family.
Please give her an extra hug today from all of her sisters-in-Christ in RWA's Faith, Hope and Love chapter.
Blessings,
Margaret
Thank you for the daily updates; there so many who love Kristy and your family and want to hear how things are. Still praying....
Today my cousin from Savannah, Ga is starting six days of strong chemo in preperation for a bone marrow transplant next Thursday. He is right there in Jacksonville at the new Mayo Clinic. So I am praying for two special people in Jacksonville.
Teresa from Alabama
Milton,
Your love for each other and our precious Jesus are heard so strongly even over the computer. I continue to pray for each of you during this time.
In His Grip,
Margaret
Love you all so much. Think of you all the time.
I remember when I first met Kristy - at the ACFW conference in Nashville in 2006. She was so perky and bright, greeting everyone, making you feel right at home even in a strange city at a conference, even to those like me she didn't know. Her laugh was so bright. I always reflect on that. May God help me to be as friendly, loving, and cheerful.
Lauralee Bliss
Fellow Heartsong Author
I can only imagine what you're going through so we're praying for strength and healing for you all.
Lee
Western Australia
I miss seeing Kristy's cheerful posts on loops. She's always been such a bright, happy person who lets her love for the Lord shine through. Give her a hug from me and let her know that I continue praying for her and your entire family.
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong.
Many love your family, and I am one of them. That is the beauty of the bond we share in Jesus.
He is our Rock and our Strength, our Comforter and Deliverer. He will see you through until His will is completed.
May you feel His loving presence every moment today.
Milton,
We are here, like Aaron and Hur, to hold up your arms in battle. Keep pressing on and give one of those kisses to Kristy from all her AWSA sisters who love and pray for her.
Eva Marie Everson
The grand old hymns have been speaking to me as I've held you dear ones up in prayer. Here is one that has blessed me time and again. I pray it will minister to your heart today, Pastor Dykes, Jennifer, and Julie.
NEVER ALONE
I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!
Refrain:
No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!
Refrain
When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!
Refrain
He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they piercèd His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!
Hi Milton & Kristy, family
I faithfully read your blog everyday and pray for you. We love you both so much! Life doesn't always come the way we think it should, but know and trust that God is in control regardless of the circumstances.
You are in our prayers and thoughts constantly.
Keith & LaDonna
Many of the AWSA's are praying every day for Kristy, and for you and your girls.
We won't stop, Milton. Eva is right. There are many in this fight with you. Blessings on you, your family, your heart and your hopes.
Suzie Eller
Bro. Dykes, Julie, and Jennifer,
We are praying for you today.
Much love,
Mike, Lisa, and MaryLisa
The song "The Solid Rock" came to mind as I read this mornings blog.
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand."
Milton, We know that you and Kristy are standing on the "Solid Rock" and that He will take care of you. Kristy is in God's will as well as the entire family. You are in our prayers. Tommy said you and Kristy came to his mind this morning and that he has and is praying. We are all praying for you all.
Love and prayers,
Linda & Tommy Reece
Cousins in Birmingham
I don't know which is worse, seeing a loved one fade day by day, or a sudden loss. But as her body fades, her spirit is growing brighter.
Lyrics from the new Amazing Grace come to my mind when I think of Kristy:
My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has died for me. And like a flood, his mercy reigns.
Unending love, amazing grace.
I pray each day for you. May Jehoval-Shalom reign in your home and Jehoval-Rapha touch Kristy.
I am praying for His steadfast love to consume you on this journey. So difficult to watch such a precious woman fading from the ravages of brain cancer. How precious to have the Body of Christ to bear your burdens, and minister with tangible gifts of food and care. Know you are being prayed for daily.
Judy
Southern California
Each morning as I boot up my computer at work and go through the motions of getting set up on the many screens I use, I'm already thinking about checking on Kristy before my day truly starts. This morning was no different.
Each day I read such encouraging words from you, Milton, and such honest reports good or bad about Kristy's condition.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us who pray daily for Kristy, always expecting a miracle and one of God's Suddenly moments.
Many Blessings and Prayers
God Is Good
B.J. Brooks (Robinson)
I have been reading Kristys blog faithfully for the past couple months and what a strong woman of God she is....
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family....TO your beautiful daughters I am so glad that they are there with their mother....having lost my mother 2 1/2 yrs ago and not being able to be there was heart wrenching...
God is our FORTRESS and OUR STRENGTH....may you find PEACE during the days ahead, the LORD is with you....
Dear Milton, Kristy, Jennifer and Julie,
My heart is so touched by what is happening there with you all. I am praying for your comfort and strength.
I am set to receive Google alerts on my computer, and today I received one for the CBD website with a page about our book Kiss the Bride. I scrolled down to read the reviews and saw a short interview there with Kristy.
She told about following her dream to write fiction that entertained, encouraged, and enlightened. Then she taught a Bible lesson about following your dreams. Her final words were, "My dream came true, and your dream can come true! I speak that blessing over your life, in Jesus' name!"
That's just like Kristy, always wanting to bless and encourage others. I know you would enjoy reading what she wrote: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=93538&netp_id=435035&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=details
Sending love and prayers from NJ,
Carrie
Dear Dykes family,
I have been keeping up with Kristy since the diagnosis.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
The Lord lift his countance upon you,and give you peace.
God bless,
Karla from Arkansas
May the God of all comfort surround each of you with His presence and peace. There are so many questions that have no earthly answers, but we know that God is just and faithful in all His ways. Your understanding of the nature of God comes through in all you write, Milton. It reminds me of Job when he said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." That's the way of a true follower, and it's encouraging to see how you are handling this. I can't imagine your grief right now, but God can.
Praying always for your family,
DayleShockley
Sending hugs and blessings your way today, ((((Kristy and Milton)))!
My father died very, very slowly and my husband's father died suddenly. There's no good way. It's all hard.
God bless you all.
Milton, and family -
I'm with you in thoughts and prayers. My heart is tender toward each of you today. GOD SEES AND HEARS YOU WHERE YOU ARE, and He cares so deeply for all of you.
Blessings to all of you, with love...and prayers....
Cathy (TN)
Carrie:
Thank you for making me aware of the CBD review. I will share it's impact here in the morning.
Milton
Thank you for the updates. I keep praying and looking upward for Kristy. She is so sweet and your love for each other is so evident. May God richly bless you in this time. Many of us all over the country are continuing to pray for you, Kristy and your sweet family. Bless you. Trish
I'm also reading and praying daily. I don't think you have any idea the people who are being impacted by Kristy's journey.
Two verses:
"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but my lovingkindness will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken," says the Lord who has compassion on you. - Is 54:10
"You who have been borne by Me from birth, and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age, I shall be the same, and even to your graying years, I shall bear you! I have done it, and I shall carry you; and I shall bear you and I shall deliver you." Is 46:3b,4
I read your blog daily, often more than once. Thank you for sharing moments with Kristy and the family. Your words are full of hope, and God is giving hope to others as you share your and Kristy's hearts and your love for each other.
Your words of encouragement remind us of how great and good God is. They remind us that even in this difficult time, Kristy says that "God is so good." I pray and believe that her testimony will have far-reaching effects, that it will have a great impact in the hearts and lives of many.
I'm praying for you, Kristy, and your family.
Lavada
Like so many others, I read this blog and pray daily.
You and Kristy have so much love for Christ, and so much for each other and your family. For all humanity.
Your posts have touched my heart, has changed me.
(((((((((((((((((Love and Prayers to Kristy, Milton, Jennifer, Julie, and the grands))))))))))))))))))
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