Sunday, August 31, 2008

THE ROCK's GOT TALENT!

Milton, here for Kristy:

Over twenty-two years ago, four family ministry couples rented a house in Myrtle Beach, SC, to enjoy a vacation together. We have family videos and pictures of this vacation when we were so much younger
 and thinner. Our children were small and there were dreams ahead for all of us.

One day it rained and there wasn't anywhere to go so Kristy prodded us into a karaoke afternoon with each of us telling their church funnies or favorite jokes. I remember Julie telling a joke and Sandra telling her old standby, "Low, I come!" 

While we were there, Norman and Ron left us to go spy out Wilmington, NC, a city God had given them a burden to pray for. The burden turned into a vision and the vision turned into a church. Twenty years ago, they started a new church and this weekend I am celebrating with them and their church, The Rock of Wilmington,  on the church's twenty year anniversary.

Friday night they had a fun night called "The Rock's Got Talent." We laughed and were blessed by the entertainment provided by
the talented members of their church. It made for a great evening.

A young boy, McKinly, did a stand up comedy routine that was a hoot! The Supremes and Diana Ross were there and won the top prize of $100 given to the talent entry receiving the loudest applause gauged by an applause meter. For two hours or so the church was filled with music, dance, loud guitars and drums, violins, flutes, a cello, and soloists and much, much more. 
You are my sunshine reminded me of Kristy's sunshine in my life. Christians can have fun if they will just loosen up and get free. We are free. We are alive.

We have joy that flows like a river. We need to act like it! 

Kristy and I had the privilege of watching God turn the vision of Norma and Ron's hearts into a strong, vibrant church that is making a mighty difference in Wilmington and the world. Norma and Ron and Kristy and I  prayed and supported each other all of our married and ministry lives. 

Kristy would have loved this weekend gathering and celebration. Through 37 years of marriage and ministry, Kristy and I led so many events like the one at The Rock. Our energy was spent on hundreds and hundreds into the thousands of ministry, family, and fun gatherings. That gal and I did a lot together. That's why loosing her is so hard to bear.

The Rock has talent, and God uses surrendered talent for  His glory and honor.

Congratulations Norma and Ron and your Rock family. We are very proud of you!

4 Comments:

At 8:06 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Rock sounds like a wonderful church. I am so happy for Ron and Norma and so glad that you got to be there, Milton, to celebrate this joyous occasion with them. May the Lord bless you all abundantly.

 
At 3:52 PM, Blogger Carrie Turansky said...

What a joy it must have been for you to share in this special celebration and see all that God is doing there at Ron and Norma's church. I am sure it is encouraging for them to have you there with them for this special time.

I am thinking of you and praying for your comfort and encouragement today.

Blessings from,
Carrie in NJ

 
At 8:27 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Milton, Please give my congratulations to Ronnie and Norma. You know they are close to my hometown. As I've read your journals the past few days, I've been right there with you. New Bern, Bath, the Outer Banks and Inner Banks and most definitely further south in Wilmington -- all favorite places of mine and now also of my "Yankee" husband. We were in the Pepsi store and Tryon Palace just last year. I know exactly how those historic places can give you a perspective of lives and loves and losses over generations and centuries. Yours and Kristy's was a special and sweet love story (still is because you are still living it) and it is good for you and part of your healing to try to fit it into the span of time. My heart aches for you. At the same time, so few people ever know one day of the joy and happiness and bond that you and Kristy shared for decades. I'm glad you have that memory and I'm glad WE have that memory of her because she was a one-of-a-kind friend, not to be replaced.
Kathy

 
At 3:10 AM, Blogger B. J. Robinson said...

Kristy had talent, and God used it for His honor and glory and stll is. It sounds like all four couples had talent He put to good use. Nothing like looking back at sweet memories and our younger selves so full of hopes and dreams.

Blessigs,
Barb

 

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