Our oldest daughter Micalyn (7th grade) runs cross country for Mayo. This past year was our first experience at meets and we were amazed at the number of other kids we knew. Tara was at all the meets, cheering for Micalyn, and the other kids to push them through the tough times. Now it is time for everyone to be there for her running along the course yelling, “Go, Tara! You’re gonna make it! You’re halfway there! Two more miles! The finish line is in sight!” I can’t wait to celebrate at the finish line! (Edited from Jennifer da Silvas comments on 2/2/13)
But for now we are just starting the race. We need your help. We cannot make it otherwise. We have real-life pain but real-life hope in a faithful God. Please join me in cheering Tara on. Pray that Tara can get enough protein and other nourishment before surgeries this week. Pray that the plan of action determined tomorrow at 8:30 gives her the best chance for remission. Pray for skill, precision and endurance for the surgeons who will be working on her.
We have Tara’s parents in town this week and my parents next week so we are in good shape with our kids. We have been blessed with an abundance of food. If you want to help, a friend is setting up sign up lists that you can access right on this site.
Stay tuned tomorrow for our plan plan of action. God is faithful. We trust him.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
You have been moved to the top of my prayer list Tara and family. You also will be added to my student’s prayer list tomorrow morning. We have devotions at 9:15 every day and take prayer requests. This bunch of 5 year olds are becoming prayer warriors and will be warring on your behalf. They never let me forget anone. We are already praying for 2 other little girls with cancer – Anna and Anna Grace. You are my friends and important to me. I look forward to hearing about the good things God is going to do through this time of testing. I love you all.
Dawn Mahan
The gang here in Fort Liberte lifted you guys up in prayer today. You are well remembered as the family with a lot of kids that slept in the garage! We are fully ready to encourage you in this race.
I have been laying awake at night praying for you and your family. We are trying to trust the Lord, we can only wait on Him. Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength,in the morning I will sing of your love;for you are my fortress,my refuge in times of trouble.
Monica Cookman
We are keeping all of you in our prayers–we love you!!!
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” I Corinthians 9:24-25
My precious Tara- since I have known you, you have being living and training to get His crown. You have been the wise, inspiring, Godly example before me through the years. We are cheering you on! You go Tara! You fight- reciting your scriptures hidden in your heart- crying out to Him who loves you more than anyone. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your Abba Father. He hears you. He is with you my dear friend. You run hard Jay. You are His strong leader. He will be faithful to make your path clear in each step. Robert and I are broken with you and are crying with you. It is difficult to function as we hurt so much for you. We are remembering each member of your beautiful family. We are claiming God’s hope and truth with you. We are praying and fasting because we BELIEVE with you and our love for you runs deep. Much love, hugs and kisses- Robert and Navina Jones
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5. Tara, you have been a voice to point to the Lord in our church among the women, the children, and the youth… We love you so much. May you feel strength and comfort that the Lord knew you, and formed you. Our hearts are aching for you, it’s so upsetting. Still, we are praying fervently for you, your family, and the doctors. May they have wisdom in deciding the course of treatment, and guidance in their surgical skills. May they be able to remove the damaged parts, and find vital organs untouched. Oh Tara, may the Lord bless you and heal you…
Tara –
You have inspired me ( probably much more than you know) and have been on my heart and mind for a while, now I know why. I’d anyone can fight the good fight, it is you and Jay and your amazing tribe:)
We cannot wait to sing His praises with you all at the end of this!
You have another 7 warriors in prayer over here.
Love,
Jake, Knelly, Fiona, Castle, Melvin, Luther & Marcus
“Now may The Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Jay, Tara and family,
You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers! We are praying for peace, strength and healing!
Much love,
The Folkerts
Jay and Tara and sweet family, just found your website and your mom called and updated me the other day. Love you guys and hope I can be one of those people cheering you on to the finish line!!! :-). Doug and I are praying and my church is praying for you. Give each other hugs from us!
Janet McEwen Broom
Tara, Jay,
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We have gone through this in our home and it is God’s love that sustains us and gives us hope–along with an extended church family that prays daily.
Gene and Jane Frank
Tara, Jay and family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers, I will pray you all receive what you need to get through this incredibly tough time.
Sincerely, Chris Florin
We will be praying for all of you as you embark on this difficult journey.Being through it with our son we know how hard it can be. Lean on God and let him show you the path he has for you. God bless you!
Todd and Yvonne Braun
Our small group will be meeting in an hour and we will be praying, believing in HIS faithfulness. Your “Family” is larger then you know.
Your Friends in Christ,
Paul and Peggy McDonald…and our small group.
We carry you throughout each day … and continually lift you up … along with your dear family … and all the medical personnel attending to your needs … we thank our Great Physician for you and know you are in His Hands … He IS a God of miracles. and we love Him and thank Him for you. prayers are even being said for you in arizona … as we await the remarkable things that God will unfold through all of this journey.
jim, erika, shannon, patrick & kiah kelly
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Proverbs 3:5-6
During my devotional just now in Jesus Lives, I read about trials. As your family has been forefront in my mind and I’ve been praying fervently for you all, your faces came to mind as I read this today. And then my dad, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last week came to mind. He does not know the Lord like you, but I have passed on your blog in hopes that through your life and your perspective, being rooted in the only One who matters, might speak to him. I already know that all of this that you are going through will help to strengthen the faith of so many who already believe and will open the eyes to so many who don’t. God has great plans. I want to share what I just read and thank you so very much for your steadfast faith and vocal hope in Jesus that you are sharing here. Continually praying, Jeana
Here is the devotional (completely plagiarized from Sarah Young in Jesus Lives):
Trials
Consider it all a joy when you encounter various trials. You can consider something a joyful opportunity even when you are feeling joyless. Some definitions of “consider” are: “to think about seriously; to regard as; to believe after deliberation”. You may need to ponder your circumstances at length before you can view them in a positive light. You need to give yourself time for your feelings to settle down. It’s hard to think clearly with high levels of emotions surging through your brain. Once you have calmed down, you will be able to think seriously about your situation. Invite Me into this process of deliberation and My Presence will improve your perspective: helping you see your trials in the Light of eternity.
As you look at your circumstances from My perspective, you come to understand that these multiple problems are testing your faith. This is both an opportunity (to strengthen your faith) or a temptation (to let your feelings “trump” your faith).
One of the hardest things about trials is the uncertainty about how long they will last. Usually, you can’t predict or control the unpleasant circumstances. You just have to live with them indefinitely. At times you may feel as if you can endure no more, but you can always reach out to Me for help. As you cling to Me moment by moment, I enable you to persevere. Tis produces in you not only endurance but also a harvest of righteousness and peace.
“Consider it all joy … when you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
We know that He will never leave us nor forsake us; In all things give Thanks; Trust in the Lord always-His mercies endure forever! Know that we are praying for you and yours! Our God is an awesome God! We lift our prayers on high! Know that we are cheer you on and pray for God to enfold you with his strength and healing!
My heart is heavy for your family as I learned of your news today. I instantly thought of the verse Phil 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We will be praying for you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers…Casey & Hunter Callanan
Robbie remembers being cheered for by y’all at the mayo xc races! We are praying hard for your race. Thank you for shining brightly for Jesus.— Love from the McBane’s
Tara, Jay and kids…So many voices are lifted and hearts and knees are bowed before our Creator crying out boldly for your healing. He is God and greatly to be praised.”Ask anything in my name.” And we are!!
Peggy Kilen
Trudge on Tara for you have a whole army behind you fighting for you and praying for you. The Lord God is the main driver and He knows your heart. We have been praying with our kids and I have to say I am in awe of our church family. You are so loved and cherished.
Psalm 27:1 ” The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?”
May you run fearless and strong. We are by your side. We are here for you.
Praying……………Love Magambo’s