Saturday. Tara has been nauseous most of the day and now is no exception. The chemo must be getting to her. Her abdomen is noticeably swollen. Fluid? Again? Also her left leg is still swollen. Yesterday they checked it out to make sure there was no blood clot. All clear. But still uncomfortable.
I asked Tara if anything was on her heart tonight that I should write about. She said, “I don’t care.” Then after some silence, I thought she had dozed off. But instead she muttered a verse that I looked up, and it dealt with peace. We need peace from God. Peace that it will be okay. Peace that we are right in the middle of his will. Peace that he will work this together for good. And he will.
I keep hoping that we will get through this. But rather I should be thinking how can we function well in it. I hope to be able to look back on this as a hard time in life. But it simply is our life. And that is okay. We cannot wait for things to normalize to make the most of it. This is it. So pray that our outlook stays positive; our focus is on God, not ourselves; and that we can continue to appreciate the little things so we live grateful lives.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
You continue to be in our prayers! Bob and Jane
Lord, I pray for peace today for this family. I also pray for endurance and your supernatural strength, that they might continue the good fight. We know that all things work together for good, for those who love you and yet we are frail humans and it is oh so easy to lose sight of you. We ask that no matter what, you would help Jay, Tara and the kids to trust in your unfailing grace and healing powers. I pray for your will to be done and if it is for complete healing for Tara, let it come soon Lord. Her family needs her. We ask that you would heal her and let her grow old with her husband. Allow her to live a long healthy life and see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Your mercies are new every morning Lord and we put our trust in you. May we always remember that you have a plan for our lives, not to harm us, but to bless us. May your Holy Spirit surround this family and bring them great peace. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Father God, we pray in your son’s name that Tara and Jay would be surrounded by the Holy Spirit and feel your peace. May they keep their eyes always on you, the prize, at the end of the race. We pray for your will Lord, and if possible, that you would heal Tara completely and soon. Lord, we pray for a long, healthy life for Tara, that she might grow old with Jay and see her great-grandchildren. Your mercies are new every morning Lord, and we pray for your mercy in Tara’s life today. Give her strength and endurance to finish the race. Raise her up as a light in the darkness, that many will come to Christ, because of her testimony. Love on Tara and Jay today and hold their family close, that they would feel overwhelmed by your great love. In Jesus name, Amen.
My heart is breaking…..it’s just SO rotten! You guys are on my heart and in my prayers constantly.
“… And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12)
This is that long, grueling and monotonous length of the race. Praying for you for strength and perseverance. We love you!
Tara and Jay – I so appreciate your honest, heartfelt posts. You are such an encouragement to me, everyday. Praying expectantly that God will be faithful to you and your family.
Blessings, Sharon O’Neal
Spent some time praying for you both tonight, especially that Gods peace would flood your minds this week…..peace that surpasses all understanding.
A prayer for you and your family:
Lord, I trust in You. I believe in You. I hope in You. You are my confidence, my assurance. I lean upon You, for You are my Rock; I depend upon You, for You are my Provider; I delight in You, for You are the joy of my life. My heart rests in You; my faith responds to You, my soul rejoices in You.
I trust You in life – for the wisdom of Your ways, for the blessings of Your favor, for the sufficiency of Your grace, for the power of Your Spirit, and for the endurance that comes from Your strength.
I trust You for all things.
I trust You with all things.
I trust You in all things.
I trust You through all things.
I trust You above all things.
-Devotional prayer excerpt by Roy Lessin, from his blog Meet Me In The Meadow
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.