We are the Maier family, and there are seven of us. Jay, Tara, Micalyn, Esther, Andrean, Jenna and Lewis. We have been faced with a challenge; Tara was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer on January 30, 2013. When we first heard the news we looked for comfort in scripture and opened the Bible randomly to Psalm 40. It reads:
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.
We knew then that as a result of our faith in God through this trial, that many could see and fear the Lord. This blog was the easiest way to share our struggles with you. We hope you are blessed by it.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
My sister knows your mother-in-law in Kansas. My sister ask for prayers for your family. May God grant you strength and peace during this journey.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Prayerfully,
Juanita B
Jay & Tara, we are friends of Dianne &Jim. We met you at their house Christmas. Norma & Jim Bell. We wanted you to know that we care very much and will be praying for you and family. We will be following your progress. Our God is an awesome God. May you be Blessed daily as we lift you up in prayer.
Tara and family, We have not met, but feel we know you, as your Mom and Dad, Larry and Nan, talk with fondness and love of you to us often. My husband and I opened and run a Christian Teen outreach for hurting kids and Larry and Nan not only serve on our board of directors, but volunteer regularly, and have developed meaningful relationships with some of the teens. Please know that Steve and Sandy Baskerville and the Teens and volunteers of ‘Spenser’s Underground Ministries’ are praying for you continually.
Jay, Tara and your beautiful family,
We met just briefly 2 years ago when I visited Autumn Ridge. Larry and Nan are very good friends and feel as if I know your family because I get in on all the reports of kids activities. So many are praying for you all. We know that God will continue to bless, even throughout our trials so hope you can enjoy those “God Moments” when they happen. I pray that He will quiet your anxious thoughts and give you peace and rest as you prepare for the upcoming surgery. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Jay and Tara,
I am overwhelmed with emotions. You are family to me. I have no words of wisdom at this point…and I’m sure you find that hard to believe. Me…with nothing to say? Your faith is amazing as I am left to question why something like this has to happen to such a wonderful family, with so much to give the world. I have always believed that God has a plan for each of us and there is really nothing we can do to change that. I am praying for understanding and acceptance because right now I’m filled with doubt, and I must admit, a little anger. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am truly humbled by the strength of your faith and your family. I know that God is right there guiding all of you through this.
Tara and Jay, My husband and I are friends of Mark and Mary Claire. We will be praying for you Tara as you go through surgery and chemo for strength, stamina, and healing. Jay, we lift you up as you encourage Tara and become the primary caregiver for your children in these next few weeks/months. For your childen we pray for understanding and comfort.
Dear Maiers..we do not know each other, however, we know of you and your circumstances through our daughter Angela. We have not personally had cancer, but have experienced it through siblings, parents and grandparents. We are praying for your family and the challenges you face. We should be encouraging you and yet your story encourages us. Growing through your experience while asking God to keep you strong and to bring healing through it all. Our church family in northern MN continues praying for you all. May you find comfort in HIS arms as he carries you through it all.
I am Ly Grimm’s Grandma. I pray for your family daily. May the Lord bless and keep you all. This is a Hard road to be on . We will keep in touch. God Bless you all.
Grandma Tish
Jay, what a blessing this blog is. And although I have not met Tara, knowing you and reading your words, you are both a blessing in this world. You cannot know how your words affect others, but God knows. Thank you for letting God use you and Tara’s cancer to reach others. Stay strong and stay the course. The 7 Maiers are under prayer cover here in PA.
Praying from Tonganoxie KS
Jay and Tara…we had no idea of the challenges that you are facing!! We have gone through something similar and will be praying for the strength of the Lord for you all!! He will get the Glory!!
HI Jay and Tara,
Didnt find out about your site until today. Ron and I have been praying for you regularly–for peace and strength in the midst of this trial. Praying that God’s angels surround and protect you and that you are especially blessed this day. Our love to your whole family. Ron and Kathy Renken
Dear Jenna and family, In 2 Cor.2:4 Paul says, For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with my tears not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. Jenna, your tears show the depth of love you have for your Mom. They are heart- felt tears that say you love your Mom and hurt for her. In my family I’m the one that cries too. I try to combine the tears with prayers to our God and tell him all that’s on my heart. He loves us to pour out our hearts to Him.
I remember from Sunday school class that you are an artist. So glad to hear that you can share that gift with your Mom when she needs it most.
I am touched by all that you share in the blogs and continue to pray.
Love in Christ, April Borrillo
Jay and Tara, I just heard from the Newkirks the challenges you have been given. I remember Jay painting my house and Tara sitting on a blanket watching him!! I thought that was so sweet. I taught Jay in S.S. at Bethel. I loved all of you kids. I feel it a privilege to join the others in praying for Tara and your family. God Bless you all! Susie White
We’re praying for you guys… ❤ the Pazureks