MY PARTNER IN LIFE AND PARTNER IN MINISTRY
Milton, here for Kristy:
Sunday was another sleepy day for Kristy. She mostly dozed except for eating a good lunch and dinner. Doug and Susan came by and sang and prayed, and Kristy talked with our girls. Kristy will be clear in her thoughts for moments and then later is very confused. She keeps her smile and her praise. Oh, she is a woman of faith and love.
Yesterday I preached a sermon from John 14: 15-21 on the topic, "The Spirit of Truth". Jesus said He would give us another Helper that He may be with us forever--The Spirit of Truth. Truth sets us free. It liberates and blesses. It releases the goodness of God into our lives. It keeps us from the evil and bad. We live in desperate times where truth is diluted and disputed, but Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He has sent the Holy Spirit who is The Spirit of Truth to keep us and guide us. The Holy Spirit is here today for Jesus has sent Him to be with us forever.
Here is the truth: God so loved the world that He gave....God is good...His mercy is everlasting... He is our burden bearer....He is our holy helper and healer....He is the same yesterday, today, and forever....He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....He will never leave us or forsake us....
I am personally so very thankful for all who are praying for Kristy, me, and our family. I was very sick and weak earlier in the week and am amazed that I was able to preach yesterday, but so many have prayed and lifted us up to God. I am grateful.
Kristy is my partner in life and partner in ministry. Our marriage is a committed partnership to help each other, bless each other, and lift up Jesus. My partner still holds my hand and prays for me though ever so weakly. I am so very thankful.
12 Comments:
Dear Milton and family....
Yesterday I taught There is a hope (Stuart Townend and Matt Maher) to the congregation at St. Thomas' Anglican Church (St. John's, Newfoundland) where I am Music Director. As this song has gotten into my bones more and more, I kept thinking about you all and wanted to share this song of hope with you.
I have put the words below, but you can hear Stuart Townend himself singing it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyMWBx6vvJo
There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev’ry passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv’n;
And Christ in me, the hope of heav’n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
To make His will my home.
There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Saviour there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers 'courage' in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.
There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
And every longing satisfied.
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.
Love and prayers from your cousin,
Kinette and Janice
Milton & Family,
I just read a fantastic book that you might could read while Sweet Kristy's sleeping. First let me say that I don't know these people or anything like that, so I am not trying to give the book any promotion. The only reason I am mentioning it here is because the people in the book reminded me of your family. It is a true story. They kept a Blog & updated it every day just like you. And I felt the Spirt of God as I read their book. Just as I do reading your Blog.
It is entitled "Mistaken Identity". It is about 2 girls who were mistaken for each other after a college van accident. The families of these girls, & their faith is what is so great.
Hey Milton
Your trip through some of the coastal hot spots witnesses with me. I found my bride in the OBX. Must be something in the sea air that makes it so memorable...and romantic. Nicholas Sparks has nothing on the two of you!
He would court her well.
He would treat her like the angel that she was.
He would lavish his affections on her, his ladylove.
He would give her the moon and the stars if that's what she wanted.
Along the way, she "does" love him as much as he loves her.
"Amor gignit amorem."
We pray for you daily and know that God gives you strength. An old song that carries me like the wind in my tough places says, "HE HAS NEVER FAILED ME YET, JESUS LOVE HAS NEVER FAILED ME YET!"
Hang in there friend!
Milton,
Thank you for continuing to keep us posted. I continue to pray for you both.
Eva Marie
((((((((((Milton & Kristy))))))))))
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God bless you.
I saw the news about 73-year old Ted Kennedy and thought of Kristy. I'm still praying for her and pray that she finds a neurosurgeon who can work a miracle for her. May God continue to bless you all and hold you deeply in his everlasting love. Your prayer partner will always be with you.
Barb
I believe in miracles. I've seen them many times. I believe God heals either here, or in the hereafter. It blesses me, Pastor Dykes, when you express that thought--that you are confident in God's healing grace, whether it be here or in heaven. You are a man of God--open hands and grateful heart. You and Kristy have my highest respect and I will continue to pray for God's will.
He is using you mightily to further His kingdom. Bless you for faithfully proclaiming his name!
I didn't leave comments over the weekend, but I did check the blog each day. Praising God for your special times, special memories, and special love that you share each day.
I just heard the news that Ted Kennedy had surgery this morning on his brain tumor. Sounds all very familar. I pray that somehow this experience for him will drive him and his family closer to the Lord.
Continuing to pray for Kristy.
Dear Milton and Kristy,
Your partnership in marriage and ministry has always been a special inspiration and encouragement to me. Thank you for sharing more about that and also your message on Sunday. I am amazed to hear you have the strength to get up and teach and lead with all you are going through. God's grace and strength are very evident in your words and actions.
We are praying for you and asking Him to continue to meet each need and pour out His comfort and love on your hearts. Praying for Jennifer and Julie and the grandkids too.
Love and prayers from Carrie in NJ
Praying for y'all. Tell Kristy she's loved. Hugs from San Antonio.
Milton and Kristy,
This blog has always been so inspirational and touching, deep within my heart. I've always identified with the two of you in so many ways. Having been raised in the A/G church, having the same insights as you two. The familiar songs that you share; all of it is mind boggling. Kristy and I share so many similar tastes. Our family abounds with A/G ministers, and one missionary. Yet, there have been difficult times within our family in that there have been hurts, pain, disappointment...but, life goes on. We praise through it all, and trust God to bring us to the other side! God is always there! I am so happy that you can share God's grace, even in the midst of your storm. It brings reality to christian living, and allows all to see that "joy" does not depend on your circumstances. Both of you have brought so much joy into our homes by being real and open; by allowing others' to see that we trust God, then trust God some more, then some more --always, and have FAITH that He sees the BIG PICTURE.
My prayers are continually with you, always. Miracles still happen, and I believe in miracles!!!!!
Love and blessings,
Cathy
I've been reading this blog since finding it in a link via another blog. I wish I could explain the effect this has had on me. My experiences with losing a loved one (most recently last August) have been ones of scratching and clawing to keep them here - even though I knew Gods plans for them were different. The way your family and particularly Kristy have handled this terrible situation is amazing - such grace - such dignity - such humor - SUCH LOVE - such praise for Jesus Christ. I read daily to see of news from the family and am blessed by each entry. I just wanted to tell you I have been blessed by this - and thank you for sharing this experience with us. God bless you all!!
Beck
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