Okay, sorry for the technical difficulties. Jay must have pushed some old posts. I think he did this to get me to write again!
Well, here it goes. How am I doing? Well it’s kind of surreal to enter some anniversaries: diagnosis, surgery, and start of chemo. This past week we were able to be in Florida on an amazing retreat for families who are dealing with terminal illnesses. Yes, the “T” word, not one I like to say and yet it is what we are dealing with. Do I feel normal? What is normal? Thankfully, God has never given me a concept of normal. Will I feel like I did before diagnosis? No! I count this a blessing from God. He has given me a new song in my heart!
You can see pictures on inheritanceofhope.org
What this means is that I am thankful for each day! My blessings are laundry, cleaning toilets, putting toys away (even little legos that I step on!), and things that are put in my way that may cause me to be frustrated. Don’t get me wrong, I still complain, make mistakes, and yell at my kids from time to time! I just realize that the journey is meant to mold me into a vessel that God can use for His glory!
What does this mean for the Maier family? Well, we are going to talk about death, life without mom, God’s ability to care for them way better than I can, and why God allows things to occur even if we don’t like it! This may seem like too much for our kids to handle, man it’s too much for Jay & I to handle. But God is present in these moments when we cry out to Him. For my Creator knows my doubts, pain, fear, weaknesses, and He still loves me! How can I question His work on me, when I know He is molding me into a vessel that will one day see Him face to face!
Wow, what a year this has been! I can’t express in words how many of you have helped us survive this last year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! God has provided through his people and He has shown us that His Word walks freely among us.
“And the vessel He was making of clay was spoiled in the Potter’s hand, and He reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the Potter to do.” (Jeremiah 18:4)
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us!” (II Corinthians 4:7)
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
EEEEHAAAA!! Well you must have felt a new surge of prayers covering you. I told Andy I thought Jay was reliving the race again. And what’s with that stinkin’ fluid? SOOOO glad you are doing well and your family had such a good experience at the retreat. Well, it might have been a tech problem but it might have been God reminding us to worship Him in every circumstance! Encouraged, Peggy
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:40:28 +0000 To: peggyraek@msn.com
Still thinking about, praying for you and your family! Only someone who is in the midst of a “storm”, can fully know and explain their depth of faith! Will all who read understand it? Most likely not, but those who delight themselves in Him, will. Praying for you, Tara, and the sweetest days, weeks, months and years ahead as you delight yourself in Him and bring Him ALL the glory.
Cheri Powell – Rogers, AR (Friends of yours and the other Maier family) 🙂
Thanks for the up-date, Tara!!! Love you all!!
Hahahahhaha…..well, we have all been blessed by your note, Tara. You continue to be prayed for every day.
Thinking of you, Jay, and the children at this time. So happy to hear that you all were able to enjoy the time together at the retreat. Tara, you are truly one of a kind and your grace, determination and humility humble me. We love you all- Stacy & Amanda Anderson
Dearest Tara-I should have learned by now not to read your posts while I am out in public, as they always make me cry! But your words are true blessings that have come from Godly wisdom. Thank you for sharing your journey, struggles, pain, and joy!! So appreciative of you and the way you have allowed God to work through you….your an overcomer! Hugs….
Sent from my iPhone
Your strength is inspiring. It was so good to see you back at Franklin, you look beautiful…normal is going to your kids’ conferences