02/04/2013
Please pray that Tara get’s rest and that her body is nourished. Know that your words of encouragement through our blog are part of what sustains us. We read them regularly. Don’t forget to make use laugh too. We need that in our home.
02/04/2013
Please pray that Tara get’s rest and that her body is nourished. Know that your words of encouragement through our blog are part of what sustains us. We read them regularly. Don’t forget to make use laugh too. We need that in our home.
Perspectives From The Tree Tops 
Tara & Jay, we will be keeping you in our prayers continually! He is FAITHFUL … that we know, trust and believe!! Ed & Julie Kellen
Dearest Tara and Jay– Uncle Max and I want you to know how very much we love you and are praying for your healing,Tara. I am asking for prayers for you in both of my bible study groups and other friends at church and elsewhere. We are so thankful for the love and trust you have in the Lord, that means everything. May God bless you all with His strength and comfort.
With all our love and lots of hugs to all the family,
Aunt Gail
Dear Maier Family, We are friends with Jay’s parents, Jim & Dianne in Overland Park, KS. They have been keeping us updated on Tara’s journey and we are thankful for the website. Thank you for taking the time to post to it. My husband and I are both cancer survivors so we want to encourage you to keep the faith and know there is life after cancer. Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope, It cannot corrode faith, It cannot eat away at peace, It cannot destroy confidence, It cannot kill friendship, It cannot supress memories, It cannot silence courage, It cannot invade the soul, It cannot conquer the spirit, It cannott lessen the power of the resurrection. Amen
John & Judy Anderson
Overland Park, KS
I am definitely sending my prayers and love to you. I will be putting Tara’s name on my prayer list. God be with all of you. You are an amazing family with amazing strength and courage.
Blessings,
Linda Nelson
Homie and family – Your example of life, living and love never cease to amaze and inspire me. Truly, I have never mentioned you and your family without qualifying my thoughts with words such as amazing, one-of-a-kind and “the best” when it comes to and how you go about living life. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and allowing us to witness the race. The victory will be that much sweeter to have seen it from the beginning. Stephanie, Stacy, Amanda, Lauren, and Kristina (my sister) and her family are all praying for you and your family. We love you.
Friends,
My name is Bill Shiflett and I am the Worship Pastor at Lenexa Baptist Church in the Kansas City area. Jim and Dianne are precious members of our church and serve faithfully. Please know that you have many in Kansas City praying for you and trusting in God for His continued peace and comfort during this process you face as a family. It is such a challenge and a blessing to know that you are using this chapter of life as an opportunity to encourage others. Have a wonderful day in the Lord
Dear Maiers, You do not know me, but your Mom Tara, Nancy, has prayer for me and helped me through a tough patch. Ask her if she remembers Joy Sheley who lives in the Iowa Great Lakes and first met her in Fairmont. I am 43. Now it is my turn to return the favor. I am so happy to do it but I wish that it was under different circumstances.
I feel like the Lord is tapping me on the shoulder and saying, “Joy, tell Tara that I love her and am with her and her family and I am not going anywhere. There is a reason.” Here is my phone number: 507.399.1109. Maybe Nancy will need it, or somebody.
Please know that miracles and healing happen. Over 7 years ago I was at Mayo and in a coma. I was 35 and my family had picked the date to turn the life support off . The team to harvest my organs was in place and the day before all of this was suppose to go down I showed some signs of voluntary movement. Then they told my family that I would be vegetable for the remainder of my life and would need a skilled nursing facility because you can’t take care of someone like that at home; I would never walk, speak, swallow, you get the picture. Two days later I opened my eyes and asked for a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Can you imagine they had the nerve to say no. I went from a 6 day deep coma to fully functional in about 72 hours. I can’t say that I had a difficult recovery because there was no recovery.
Please understand, this is not about me AT ALL. I tell a bit of my story to offer you hope. PRAISE GOD and Praise Mayo. You will truley get the best care in the world at a place that I believe is Blessed and Spiritual. You can feel it in the hallways. If you end up at St. Mary’s Hospital, ask to see Sister Generose.
Thank you for sharing your story. I have learned from reading your posts. All seven of you and your families, especially Nancy, are in my thoughts and prayers. Take these days between now and surgery and PLAY HARD!
God is faithful. Blessings to ALL of you!
JOY
Maier Family We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers all the time way down here in Florida. Remember Duane is a cancer survivor of going on l6 years and they didn’t give him much hope. Our Church here is also included in prayers for you. You are strong and know your faith will bring you through this. Will be glad to help anyway we can when we return. Marilyn and Duane and Lori Punta Gorda, Florida
Today in our prayer time after our Bible Study we prayed for you and your family. We are the ladies’ Tuesday morning Bible study of the Good News church in Okoboji. We love your parents Nan and Larry and are praying for them as well during this stressful time. May God give you grace in abundance.
by Gert Hibma
We will be praying for the family at Thursday Bible Study that Nan is so involved with. We will miss her this week. Love you all.
Marvis
This site is wonderful for all of us to keep track of results. We will be praying for the family at the Prayer Connection tomorrow in Okoboji. Will miss Nan. We love you all.
Like the beautiful trees that Jay has helped us save, so will Jesus save Tara and help her to stretch up to the sky in his glory.
Keeping you in my thoughts and sending all of my prayers to the Maier Family.
Harry and I are praying for your family, especially for the healing of Tara. Jim and Dianne are dear friends and have been for several years. Their concerns are our concerns.
Hey Maier Family — We love you all dearly. We think of you constantly. We pray for you continually! – The Marris Family
Jay, Tara and family, As I sit here writing this my mind really is blank as to what to say. After all the blessing that the two of you have done for our church family by leading in worship and by just being friends it is tough to think of our worship team without you for any period of time. You musical talent has been such a joy to have listened to. As you have blessed us may God now bless you and may you rest in that blessing and the blessing of support and service from us your church family.
Our thoughts, prayers and support are ever here for you!
May God our Father support, strengthen and uplift you all in these tough times!
Reading your post about “Out of the mouth of babes” brought tears along with laughter. When Tom was layed off from IBM, Kellie and Kyle were young and Tucker wasn’t in the picture yet. After a few days and we had our thoughts together, Tom sat Kellie and Kyle down to tell them in “kids terms”. When he as done, he asked them if they had any questions. Kyle said, “I do dad. Can I have some gum?” We had told them God was going to take care of us and they should put there trust in him also. He was always by our side and we are never alone. May all of you feel God, really feel his presence during this journey. We are praying for all of you. The Besch’s
Dear Tara, Jay, Micalyn, Esther, Andrean, Jenna, and Lewis, Please, know you all are on my heart and I will be writing prayers for you in my prayer journal. Isaiah 35:3-4 says Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way, say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear, your God will come, He will come with vengeance, with divine retribution He will come and save you.
Love, April And David Borrillo
Jay, Tara, and family. I really don’t know what to say, other than, I am so thankful, to have a long time friendship with you guys, and how God brought us together, years back, to use the talents He gave us, to blend together Praise songs to Him.
Now He wants us to blend together our Praise, Worship, and Thanksgiving to Him, and bring our concerns and requests to Him, well knowing that He is in control, and has the best plan of care. So, Rosemary and I are lifting the Maier family in prayer, asking that God will have His way, and that He will be glorified, and His divine comfort will be with you, in the days ahead.
Dearest Jay & Tara,
May God give you rest this night as you both prepare for tomorrow, the day of victory, for God has given you the day. He has prepared your hearts and the attending physicians for rhis day and given you a peace that transcends all understanding . He will be glorified tomorrow and His name praised for the work He will do during Tara’s surgery.
Your mom and I are amazed at the peace that God has given Tara. The strength she exhibits is an answer to all the prayers lifted up on her behalf.
We love you with a love that only God can give. Be strong, my son; be strong, Tara, as you and your family fast and pray for deliverance from this cancer…and may God glorify himself during your surgery.
Dearest Jay & Tara,
May God give you rest this night as you both prepare for tomorrow, the day of victory, for God has given you the day. He has prepared your hearts and the attending physicians for this day and give you a peace that transcends all understanding . He will be glorified tomorrow and His name praised for the work He will do during Tara’s surgery.
Your mom and I are amazed at the peace that God has given Tara. The strength she exhibits is an answer to all the prayers lifted up on her behalf.
We love you with a love that only God can give. Be strong, my son; be strong, Tara, as you and your family fast and pray for deliverance from this cancer…and may God glorify himself during your surgery.
Tara, Jay, and Family,
My heart absolutely aches for you right now as you endure this day of surgery. I am praying desperately for you, relying upon the Spirit’s deeper-than-words groans to adequately intercede before our Father for you (Rom 8:26). I am praying as close to without ceasing for you today as much as I am humanly able to do so. I pray that God’s indescribable peace (Phil 4:7) will wash over you like a flood and that you will feel His presence very clearly in these days. Love.
At times like this there can be uncertainty in our thoughts and prayers, however your faith and your strength is a true blessing to us all by how you have shown us God’s presence in your walk. It is AWESOME how you continue to show it to your children, your parents and to your friends. You are giving God all the Glory here. May He reward you with His over abundant love, comfort and healing. God Bless the Maier Family. Tara may God wrap you in his arms and take you through this with His amazing healing and strength.
Amy and I are thinking and praying for you day and night.
Jay & Tara,
Your blog entries and the testament of your lives are a powerful witness to the faith you share. I’m a firm believer in ecumenical prayers, so know that you and your family are being remembered at our house and also by my sisters in Christ, the Rebecca Circle of Zumbro Lutheran Congregation. May God hold you and your family close in the days ahead.
Ann
Jay, Tara, Micalyn, Esther, Andrean, Jenna, and Lewis~
We are praying for you, that you feel the comfort of His arms around you as you walk through this time with cancer. Know that you are on our minds, in our hearts and on our lips as we lift you up to the Almighty Healer.
Jim, Caroline, Nicole, Chris and Kate
Tara and Jay and you terrific kids, Fr. Ken and I are (and have been) praying for you all….for days. But today and last night, this has been our constant preoccupation. While Ken was reading a Psalm a while ago, I had a sudden “flash” that took me to the OR where you are apparently in the midst of surgery, Tara. The surgeons and others were working on you. As they opened one incision, I was surprised because I saw that Jesus was actually inside of you–under your skin. There He was, and my first thought was, “The surgeons and nurses and specialists have no idea Who they’re working on!” Then, just as quickly as this picture came, it dissolved. I had the sense that all was well. Jesus is alive and well within you, and He is at work even though the surgeons may think they’re the ones doing the work. The Lord is within you in a mysterious and wonderful way, breathing life into your body, soul and spirit. I’m laughing as I write this, because it’s so real and true and amazing! We continue to pray and we’re with you!
Jay you are learning a lot of new things that have been there all along like how much you love your wife! We all can see that by the posts and this next thing is what came to me when I was praying for Gods strength to carry you through this.
The enemy (satan) brought up a verse to me…James 5:16 “The prayers of a righteous man avails much!” trying to convince me I wasn’t righteous! But what God reminded me of was the Righteous One lives in me! Now understand this all who are praying for Jay,Tara and family, you are righteous in Christ and keep praying for strength and for any unbelief you may have to be taken away! Keep posting Jay because we can see how precious life and love are! God bless all of you.
Brian & Carol
How wonderful to arise to such good news of God’s work through those surgeons’ hands! Praise him, praise him! Thank you for your inspiring words on this blog in keeping all informed of Tara’s progress. Ps. 100:4-5 ” Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Continued prayers for healing and strength for Tara, and for rest and peace for your family. Nan and Larry, you are missed and loved!
Tara is continually held up in prayers and we are so grateful for your update. May Gods words continue to provide you strength at this time:
2Cor1:3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
We love you guys.
You have and continue to be an inspiration in the midst of trial. We all love you and pray for you each day. The Terrill Family
We don’t know Tera but we are praying for her speedy recovery. Mom’s are tough, tougher than we know untill tested. So I would tell her mother to mother what I tell my 8 year old son when he gets out on the wrestling mat…”Look em in the eye, give a firm handshake and stay strong untill the whistle blows.” She has a crowd cheering her on and it won’t quiet untill she is the champion in this round.
Kristina Strain and family
Today i’ve come to the blog site to contribute and found “all slots full”… then out of curiosity i looked at the meals sign up (curiosity because we live in South Carolina, not because i wouldn’t love to cook for you all!) and saw that the meals sign up is full through the end of March! I am moved to tears to see the level of love and care that is being poured out to your family as it is a testimony to your impact in the lives of others and the body of Christ’s strength! God is moving in mighty ways because His glory is found in filling our weakness with His strength and you all are LOVED and cherished and He is so proud of your journey and your reliance on Him! He WILL DO MIGHTY things in your lives as a result – truly you give Him glory through your lives. Our prayers are constantly with you – Jeff and Lori Nash (Angie Lash’s sister)
You are close to my heart and are uplifted in our family prayers and other prayer times daily! May you be strengthened in the next few days as you start this chemo journey and may miraculous healing take us all by surprise! Happy Engagement day! You are a wonderful couple and an inspiration.
We rejoice with you in all God is doing in yours and Tara lives. He will make her whole again but it will take some time and lots of TLC! Keep the faith and He will carry you when you think you can’t make another move. It is so amazing how all your friends and family are so giving of themselves and it’s such a blessing to know how much you guys are loved. Now as Tara prepares for chemo, we pray that God will keep performing his miracles and this process will go smoothly and no complications. I leave this verse and hope it comforts you in a way that only God can do.
Philippians 4:6, 7 – Don’t worry about anything but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and mids in Christ Jesus.
Tara & Jay & Family,
Warm thoughts coming your way from the Jeffrey’s household. Praying each day more and more strngth, and ease of getting around. Just had to give you a laugh —
When I started my chemo a year ago December, I made a phone call to Melissa and made a statement :
You have my Oster clippers that I used on Tobi Lee righrt? Answer wss yes. Ok , well get them out I need to shave my head. My chemo treatment was doing get rid of the hair thang!
When we had supper that night and got everything tidied up….. I asked Kaleigh, Connor and Miss Kennedy — anyone want to see Nanna shave her head? Mr. Connor said No thanks gramma. Kaleigh also said no thanks. But , Miss Kennedy ran right up the steps to the bathroom and was waiting for us . I proceeded to plug the Oster clippers in, turn them on and put forth the effort to shave the right side. All this time she was watching intently at me. Just looking and watching and not a word. I then handed the clippers to Melissa to finish the other side. Upon finishing Kennedy was studying the clippers with inquisity. I asked what was she wondering. “Well she said does that hurt?” I responded no honey my head was itching soooo much it felt good. She asked if the clippers hurt to hold…. no I put them in her hands and turned it on so she could feel the vibrations. See , I said it doesn’t hurt.
studying a little more and she stared at me. I said I know I look a little funny right now. Her response waas huge — ” Gramma you don’t look funny juss different than before.”
On Sunday when we left I proceeded to fall asleep in the car on the way ome. I awoke suddenly and grabbed my cellphone and called Melissa. Where are the Oster clippers Melissa? Why she asked. Well, let me see Miss Kennedy now knows that she can plug them in, turn them on, and it will tickle —- please put them up high, for me. thanks gramma….laugh. & love it.
We both laughed as our children learn so quickly. NO she did not cut her hair — but gramma gave her the tool ability.
I had treatment yesterday and bp went through the roof today. SO am on my way home. to be good.
Much love, prayers and good thoughts are being sent your way. Give everyone hugs and kisses for us.
Love ya
Aunt DeeDee & Uncle Frank
Jay, Tara and family; while your news was most difficult to hear, how reassuring it was to hear the peace, hope, comfort and optimism from Jay’s voice that ‘nothing’ has shaken your faith, not even this horrible disease. God’s presence in your life, has always been obvious to me. Nineteen years ago, because of another disaster, The “ice storm” of Feburary 9th, 1994, God called you to Memphis.
I know that Jay refers to those two years, as the best years of his life, having had worked with the best boss, hes ever had. (you said to make you laugh)
My point being, that in one fatefull day, an area within 400 miles in any direction of Memphis, was crippled, by something that effected ‘all’ of us. Many people did not have thier power restored until August, EVERY tree as far as a tank of gas would get you, was either damaged or broken in half.
Lives were changed. People were thankful for what they had. Communities came together to aide one another. It took 2 and half years before we completed our last storm damage corrective pruning job.
Just prior to your departure to Iowa, upon discovering we were expecting, we came to you, requesting that we wanted you both to be Hunter’s God parents. You expressed concerns of not being here, in the physical sense for Hunter.
I have never fully explained my reaction to your concern until now. “I knew”, Jay and Tara, that your physical presence, was not a requirement of mine nor something I anticipated Hunter needing.
I remember thinking, ‘your missing the point guys’! It’s the spiritual impact, it’s the sharing of God’s word and love, that was important to me. It was my son’s spititual growth, his heart and soul, that I desired your parental help with. Distance and physical absence have no effect on faith, or love, or God himself. And, you’ve never disapointed; ever. The seed was planted and it has been nurtured and cared for. It has grown, and it has been fruitfull and it will multiply!
Oftentimes, I as an arborist, see the direct correlation between trees and people. I believe Jay, you too see things in the same perspective. Trees, like people, need to be brought up, so that they become healthy and strong and in turn, live long. Some, survive the storms in life. They need to be fed, just as we do. On occasion they need frquent attention. Corrective measures are taken to restore them back to good health. Just as we ourselves do in Church and or medical care. Eventually, they decline and die, some sooner then others, as each tree is as differant and unique as you and I are to each other in God’s eyes.
Our Epistle reading from this past Ash Wednesday came to mind as Jay was informing me or your challenge, Tara. II Corinthians Chapter 4 vs 6-18 Paul, writes;
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about the in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have spoken; we also believe and therefore speak;
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many resound to to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but through our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen: but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Tara and Jay, so has your light shined. God’s continued strength and Blessings.
Scott, Hunter and Harrison Woods
Jay and Tara,
God bless you and your family during this hurricane.
I agree with your Aunt DeeDee, when you are up to it, removing your hair instead of waiting for it to fall out is the way to go!
24 years (and counting) cancer-free!
Tracy
Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family!
Natasha
Dear Tara and Jay, Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey called life. May the Lord be with you every step of the way. Doug & Lola Baxter (Larry’s cousin)
Maiers,
We are so sorry to hear about Tara. We found out through Facebook last night. Our prayers are with your family. We ran into the Kelly’s today at Target so they know too. The best thing we can do for you right now is stay away since we have really bad colds here in the Grewe household. Thank you to all your friends and family for helping you in the time of need. This is a great website. God is there for you as you can see through all your friends and family. We had a friend who just had leukemia and had to get a bone marrow transplant a year ago and successfully is cancer free. Anything is possible! Please let us know if there is anything you need. Especially with the kids in case you need someone short notice. We are right here and most of the time at home!!!!!
Love your neighbors
Darin, Jessica, Isabella, Bryce, Olivia, and Elana Grewe
Tara, Jay & All the Maiers…..
We pray that the God’s hand holding yours through this journey makes you smile. We know the path is not all it’s cracked up to be — in terms of the Cancer. We pray that God will heal you and get you back into the MOM gear. The children are probably the light of the day every day !! they make me humble with their thoughts and actions. They teach us about our innocence and how to view life again renewed.
As yuo walk you journey remember that there are a whole bunch of us routing you on down the road on the sidelines. Our hearts are with you as you stra –the battle strategically plan the fight..
With God all is possible — he is my salvation and he carries me yet. Think I am too heavy for him sometimes. I love life and high on sucking air !! I have put the game face on also and am trying to keep upbeat.
Love the serenade on Valentine’s day there Jay. The love of your life — your wife.
Let me know if I can send you my poem’s that I wrote each time I went through Cancer. Both have been read at the Relay For Life. we send our warm thoughts and prayers your way little one. We all love you all very much ! Hugs and warm thoughts.
Love to you all.
Aunt DeeDee & Uncle Frank
Dear Maiers,
We have heard Tara’s name mentioned for prayer for the last few weeks and have been praying for her not knowing the weight of the situation. An email about “Team Tara” filled us in. Suffice it to say we are definitely on your team. We will be lifting you up in prayer and we hope to lift your spirits just a bit with these…yes,…jokes! 🙂
What’s better than a dog that can count?
A spelling bee!
Which side of an ostrich has the most feathers?
The outside!
Which hand do you stir your cocoa with?
Neither, I use a spoon!
What month has 28 days?
They all do!
What did the ceiling say to the wall?
Meet me at the corner!
Why does a stork stand on one leg?
Because if he lifted the other leg he’d fall!
What do you call a cow that eats grass?
A lawn moo-er!
And my favorite…
How do you find a lost rabbit?
Make a noise like a carrot.
We’re here for you!
Love, Joel and Celeste Herbrandson and kids
Tara, I pray that God may fill your life with His strength. Don’t give up, as He never gives up on us. I pray that you and your family may be filled with His peace and comfort. May the Lord fulfill His will in your life. May you feel his hand, and know of His great power. Blessings!
Tara – I just heard about your journey today from your mom. She and I worked at sister radio stations, and my family was blessed to spend some vacation time with Nan and Papa Larry and get a feel for the loving home that you obviously grew up in. Reading through the blogs and prayers has revealed the strength, courage and faith that you all have, and I am strengthened in my own faith. Our family prayed for you all at supper tonight, and will continue to join all those storming the gates of heaven on your behalf. God bless you!
Dear Jay and Family-
I just happen to come across your blog this evening and was moved beyond words. I went to high school with Jay and almost all memories of him bring a smile to my face- He was such a funny guy. But, his love for Tara is so special. I always thought he was a good guy- but now I KNOW that he is a great one! God’s light shines through you! All of my prayers go out to you and your wonderful family!
God’s miracle in your family shows us that He is still the great Healer. All of us can look at what he’s done in your lives and praise Him for healing in all our lives. Soon you will celebrate a year of this journey and the outcome is a wonderful witness of what God can do in all of us. Your blog has helped us know how to pray for Tara and family. Prayers have been answered and for that we are so grateful! Celebrate the best Christmas of all in this miracle of new life. Thank you Lord, for all your blessings. May the coming New Year be one of many more blessings and miracles!
Agape, John & Judy Anderson
Dear Maier family,Your family is in our thoughts and prayers daily. I am unable to attend church comfortably but reading your blog definatly gives me a sense of how very strong your faith is and continues to grow through this journey..Thank you for allowing Christ to work through you .God bless your family!
.Ruth
This song by David Phelps has spoken to me all month..
Anne Wallman
I am a friend of Jenna in school and our family is praying for you every night in our family devotion. Remember that God is holding you in his hands.
Maria Winter
Dear Tara, Jay and family, I lift you up in prayer as you walk this path again. Faith, courage, strength, hope and love be with you each and every day. May Gods blessings and love be a comfort and a strength for all of you, Love, Lola