Tara answered some questions for Women’s Bible Study today that I thought I would share with you.
1. How has suffering shaped you as you grow in Christ? On January 30, we received the news that I had stage 4 ovarian cancer. We were shocked. Our immediate response was to call on our church (pastors, friends and family) to pray for us. We also sought comfort from the word of God. It was clear to us through our conversations and discovery that this was God’s call on our life. I had to lay my will down and submit to His. My will was for life to continue on as it was. I kind of liked it. His was different.
God is always dealing with sin in my life, including now, amidst the suffering. I felt that this cancer was a special calling and I needed special help, a consecration for the task. “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.” The result of my submission and consecration was peace. I am convinced this is where I am supposed to be. There is peace.
2. What are some of the helpful things you can share about dealing with unexpected trials or suffering? They really aren’t unexpected. At least from God’s perspective. I look back at my life and see many things that have prepared me for this point in time. Our children being independent and able to help. An intentional slow-down of our schedules months before. The pre-existing plan for both of our families to already be here on my surgery date (for Micalyn’s birthday). Jay’s business finally being at a more self-sufficient stage.
This is a God-appointed trial that he has prepared me for. Even a couple of weeks before diagnosis, in my mentor group, I had prayed to be a woman of faith, because I didn’t feel like I had dealt with major struggles/trials in my life. I don’t know if this trial was an answer to that prayer or not, but it certainly is now a reminder to me that God was preparing my heart in advance for this trial.
3. What have you learned about God through your illness? He is faithful. His word is powerful and sharp. He provides for his people through his people.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Thank you Tara for sharing your heart. May we all become people of faith no matter what our circumstances.
Psalm 139 always speaks to me of God’s presence in my life. I like the fact that we cannot leave his presence. He always knows where we are and he is there with us. It’s comforting to know that he loves me enough to chase me down and woo me back, when I try to run. His love is so amazing!
Your answers along with Angie’s were very powerful going along with the message from Gretchen today. As we all know, all of our journeys through life are different but we can learn so much from each other. I was reading in James 1 this afternoon about perseverance. In verse 12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” We pray for you and your family every day. Oh, and Kellie is also in Nashville, TN!
I feel like I’ve just read an excerpt from a spiritual encouragement book! Tara, your willingness to submit to these challenges He has placed in your life is truly a testimony of complete, unwavering trust and faith in our God of love, hope & peace!! God bless you and your journey!!
Love You Tara, Jay, and kids
Continual prayers from Santa Fe, NM.
You are a woman of faith. No doubt. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is quite the comfort to be able to see the fingerprints of God as He laid the framework for your journey. Not a sparrow falls apart from the will of the Father. I take this to mean nothing happens that He isn’t allowing. Therefore as He brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it. Sending my love. We will do coffee after Easter.
Greetings from Lake Park, GA. We have started our journey home to Montana. We will be traveling south on I-10 for several days waiting for warmer weather north. Our plan was to be in Clear lake next week but the cold weather may delay that since our RV (our winter home) doesn’t like the freezing temp and snow. We are waiting for that warmer “spring” weather to head north.
We continue to pray for you and your family as you trust HIM totally on your path of life. HE has prepared you for it as HE will never leave you or forsake you. Trust and obey for HE knows the way. We love you very much. Uncle Gary and Aunt Barb
Tara your love for God is so evident. What a testament of faith your family is showing all of us. I thank you .You have written many times “To God be the glory” Well I believe that is exactly what you are conveying. God bless you all. Prayers of strength and endurance continue from Clear Lake,Ia. Aunt Cathy & Uncle Mike
God won’t teach and mold us into the image of His Son until He has our undivided attention. My heart is divided. I am a plank-eyed sinner. My attention is scattered among dozens of distractions that ultimately don’t matter. God always speaks, but we don’t hear His voice until the clamor within our spirits is silenced.