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  • Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Joanne and I’ve been blogging for many years under the name The Simple Wife (you can see all of my old posts under the archives or by clicking on any of the categories that interest you). I love receiving comments from you and try to respond to each one personally. I hope you’ll visit often!

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angela

Toben that was beautiful... love your girl, be with her and hold her hand. Peace, love and prayers for your family.

No.17 CherryTreeLane

in tears, toben.

go be with your bride.

Rachel

JanMarie

My prayers have been and will continue to be with you and your family, especially Joanne. She is blessed to have you there with her.

moosemama

Tears....

You and your sweet wife are in my thoughts and prayers for pretty much most of the day.

Melana (in Wyoming)

carolyn.leslie@cox.net

Praying from the West coast for all of you.
Much love,
Chuck & Carolyn Leslie

Kathy Hutchinson

I love you both

Maine Character

Health and healing and peace and blessings be with you all.

Teri

Praying for you both and your girls. I only know Joanne from her blog and a brief email exchange about her book a couple years ago.

Brookeshepherd

I continue to pray for you guys and literally check your fb, twitter and this page non-stop. Thank you for the updates! Praying for wisdom for the doctors, strength for Joanne and peace for you all.

Kimberly

Much love to you both. In spite of it all, I, too, was struck by her beauty anew.

Tyler Amidon

Amen! We will continue to pray. May God continue to bring peace...

hannah

sweet sweet!
continuing prayers for your darling wife and family!
xo

Bill Jensen

Praying without ceasing with a broken heart.

adele

Toben, Chris and I hang on every update, knowing that there's SO much more going on between the lines. So much grace, hope, healing, redemption...love. Jesus brings beauty from ashes, and this post reminds us that Joanne's beauty cannot be stopped by hoses, tubes and staples. She's radiant in the hands of her Father. Be at rest, friend. We're standing in the gap.
(And keep the updates coming!)

rachwinn

beautiful and heartfelt. I know she loves having you near even if she can't tell you!!

praying and loving you all!
rachel winn

Melinda

Against all hope, in hope I believe...Romans 4:18

My prayers are with you, my deepest prayers and thoughst to your two beautiful little grils who had to grow up far to fast in teh past 48 hours. God bless you, God bless them, God be with Joanne.

Graywolfie

Be strong..she needs u..
Will be praying..

Nichole (Nordeman) Ingram

Toben,
I join my voice with so many others in claiming heaing for Joanne, and strength for you and the girls. Reading your post just now, I was flooded with the beautiful imagery of you cherishing some alone time to hold hands with "your girl." Without a doubt, there is Another, holding her other hand. And yours. Tell her I am singing Music Machine songs to her from many miles away...Enormous love to her parents and Kristen, as well.

martha-caknitter

I found your blog after reading a few words about your wife's situation. I'm so sorry about what happened to your wife. I will pray for her recovery and for your family to have the strength to get through this. She's very lucky to have a loving husband standing by her side.

Megan

We're praying too. A lot.

Dawn W

Continuing to pray. Thank you so much for keeping everyone posted, Toben. I'm know I'm not alone in checking this blog and your twitter posts again and again... hoping for more news.

God's blessings upon you!

Amy Ensign

Praying for you friend...you all have been in my thoughts every moment of the day! Toben, your words are beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. Thank you for your honest and true love for her, she is AMAZING! Praying for healing and comfort for Joanne!! Come back to us, dear friend!! Much love ~ Amy

Cheryl Veenstra

Your heart and your words are beautiful amidst the awfulness of all that is happening. As always, you two are so willing to share the deep places of your heart with those around you. Thank you. Interceding constantly for your family....

Brandy perks

That was amazing to read. I'm praying for you all!

blessed

Thanks for helping us be there with you and Joanne, Toben. I hope this is a peaceful night for both of you.

love, lisa craddock

Barbie

I just found out about Joanne. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I am praying for Joanne, for complete healing. For strength for you. God is able!

Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop

God Bless you! I'm praying!

Julie M.

Nancy Queen

Toben,
You, Joanne, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Angela Perry

I've never followed Joanne's blog. Never knew who she was until today. Someone who follows her blog mentioned her need for prayer right now and for a miracle of God on our homeschool email loop here in SC. I'm praying. Stay encouraged and continue to hold her hand and God's.

~Angela P.
Spartanburg, SC

Amy

Praying for Joanne and your whole family!

Lisa @ The Preachers Wife

And the two shall become one....

You love her well my friend... at the end of the day it will always boil down to the two of you...and the One who guards you both. That's some powerful stuff.

Amy

Woke up in the middle of the night praying for your girl. . . will keep praying. She's always so full of enthusiasm and encouragement in her words. . . praying that comes back a hundredfold. Praying for comfort, miracles, peace, and continued faith. Blessings.

Puva

Everything will take place well. Joanne will be healthy and back to her usual wonderful self soon :)

Shannon

Praying for you both and your sweet girls. I feel like I know Joanne from her books and blog. My heart aches for you all, and I pray the peace of Jesus for your family and His comfort. In HIM do we trust.

Susan

I had no idea who your wife was till Heidi St. John mentioned her on facebook, and Beth Moore's daughter mentioned her on the LPM Blog. So, although I don't know you personally, my husband and I are praying for her, you and your family. Our mutual Saviour is enough of a reason to consider you brother and sister in Christ.

Grace and Peace to you from England,
Susan

angela

.."she still looks beautiful to me" says it all. Praying in NC.

Amy B.

Please know that there is a community, all over the world, who are lifting Joanne, you, and your family and friends up in prayer. I hope you can feel our embrace.

danielle

still praying. will be all day.

Allison

Praying for a Healing. I serve a BIG God and there is nothing that HE can not do.

Allison in Tennessee

PastorMarian

I don't know you but I am praying...

Heather C

Praying without ceasing for y'all. Heart broken, hands lifted up, eyes fixed on the Savior. Hoping expectantly and waiting to see how the Lord is going to work mightily in all of this. Much love from NH.

Patty

I can't go anywhere or do anything without her in my thoughts. God will not allow a moment to go by that He doesn't lead me to pray for her. I know God woke me up at 1:55 to pray for her. I never get up at that time. I will be praying all day for you all and believing God can wake her up, restore her and heal her!
Love from Tennessee
Patty

Faran Hearyman

I heard about Joanne through the LPM blog and a siesta post on Facebook. I am praying right now for you, your girl, and your precious young girls. His mercies are new every day and I am thankful you have Him to cling to.

Faran - Arkansas

sue

Continuing to pray for you all as you wait on the Lord!
Psalm 27:13-14
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Julie in Australia

Praying in Australia for you all.

Kim Feth

Standing in the gap and praying on our knees. Love your bride and be comforted by the One who brought you together.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

Megan

Praying!

Barb

I had no idea what was going on until I read your post on FB this morning. I am so very sorry, and join so many others in holding Joanne and your family up to God in prayer. This cyberworld is unique...even if you have not met someone, you can feel as if you know them so well, that is how so many of us feel about Joanne. Praying for all of you.
Barb from CNY

Rachael D

Toben,
I heard about Joanne from Melissa on the Living Proof blog. I have been praying for her so often these last two days! I've also had the opportunity to read many of her posts on her blog. You know what? I really really like her!
I will be 38 this year, I am a Mommy, I am in love with my husband and I love Jesus! I'm not sure if its those similarities that hit close to home or if its Jesus leading me to get to know her. I suspect it is both. In any case, I have been deeply touched by your situation and I will continue to lift your family in prayer from Ohio!

Scott Williams

Praying for you, Joanne and your family. Praying for the hands of God to reach down and heal Joanne.

Thanks for sharing!

Kimberly

What a beautiful love you have for Joanne...it is from God. Continuing to pray for a full recovery and you God's strength to carry you and your girls through.

Kimberly

Dianne Walters

Continuing to pray in Alabama.

Lisa R-P

Continuing to pray for you Joanne, Toben, and girls. Praying for God's peace and healing touch. Two little girls had to face a very adult situation in the past 48 hours and it breaks my heart. I look at my 9 and 7 year olds and can only imagine them in the same situation. I will continue to pray for you and yours without ceasing.

Annette Taylor

Praying for your sweet Bride!! I just came across her blog through Kelly's Korner blog and will be praying for a full recovery for your wife and family.

Annette Taylor, Woodbury, Tennessee

katie

toben, cannot thank you enough for keeping us in the loop. i am literally hanging on any and every word. PRAYING.

Sandy in Texas

Praying for complete healing...peace...comfort...His amazing grace & love over you all!
Prayers are going before the throne here in Texas.

"Summon your power, O God, show us Your strength, O God, as You have done before."
Psalm 68:28

Tara

Beautiful words that are bringing tears...

And I could not imagine Joanne NOT being anyone's favorite!

Looking forward to another day in prayer!

Lee Ann Lee

What a beautiful testimony of true love. Praying for you Tobin. Praying for your precious wife and praying for God's intervention!!!!

Heather

Thank you for the update. We are PRAYING!!! the Holy Spirit knows exactly what is going on and he is calling people to cover your wife in prayer. I woke up several times during the night with your wife's name automatically flowing from my heart up to our Father! In JESUS' Name!!!! Your love for each other and for our Savior will be used for GOD's glory!!!!!!!

Janine

Fervent prayer here in Illinois - standing in the gap - petitioning heaven K owing Joanne has added so much to my life. I thank God for a friend Like her.

Melody

a total stranger here but one who is praying for your girl and for your entire family. This post is touching and has me in tears. Our family is praying for all of you.

Leann F.

I am praying for your sweet family....I pray for peace and comfort but more importantly, for ya'll to sense His Presence through this.

fuzzytop

Continuing to pray....
Adrienne

Susie Tiemeyer

O what a beautiful picture of marriage you painted with your words...keep holding her hands. I'm praying that she sense the Father's nearness and yours.

Susie Tiemeyer

Jamie Beran

Praying for peace, for a distinct and unmistakable knowledge of His presence, for wisdom for everyone working with her. Standing in the gap for your family and so very aware as I read your posts of the fragility of life and of steadfast and enduring love.

Ageffert.wordpress.com

Toben, God is in the waiting. You write of a love that transcends circumstance. We love Joanne and are praying for her and for you and the girls. And I promise to continue to pray in your vigil by her side as long as is needed. Praying she awakens soon to see your face. Hugs and more prayers, Annette

Tiffany

I miss Joanne and reading her blog each day. It is always something I look forward to as a little treat to myself. I couldn't even sleep last night out of concern so I prayed, nearly all night long and will continue to pray without ceasing. I have been glued to my computer awaiting updates and I appreciate the time you take Toeben to do that. Praying for you and the girls. Praying Joanne is resting and healing and that God will open her eyes soon.

Becky

You and your family continue in our prayers. May the Lord's presence, peace, strength, and love be real to you all. Know that many in the Body of Christ are praying for you.....

Bobbi

Even though I know this comment is just a plunk in the bucket amid the SO many...I still wanted you to know that I'm praying. Joanne has been my bloggy friend for years now...and my heart aches in prayer for her...and for Toben and the girls. I memorized Ps. 46 on a Memory Monday with her a while ago...how appropriate! My love and coveted prayers for her are going up on my blog today!

Courtney

Sending lots of prayers for Joanne and family. My sister in law went through the same thing two years ago, we are very lucky to have her back to her old self. The first few days were the hardest, just sitting and waiting. My thoughts are with you, I hope she is regaining strength and her family is getting rest.

Karen

Toben and Family,
I just read about this yesterday on Beth Moore's blog and my heart just goes out to you all. Having walked this path with my sister in love three years ago, I know very well what you are going through.
I have been praying since hearing of this, and woke up several times with Joanne in my thoughts and praying each time.
I will continue to check in here and pray.

Hope

Praying in Madison AL

Jonmarkmusic

praying for you and your family...asking others to do the same...asking God to hold both or your hands today!

those who are righteous will be long remembered. they do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. - psalm 112:6b-7

Kathryn Carpenter

still praying from Glendale Arizona

Mary Beth

That was so beautiful...I've been praying since the request was posted at the LPM blog...I will continue to pray.

God Bless you both.

Thy Hand

May today be the day that God chooses to do miraculous things- seen or unseen. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kristi Walker

We serve a Mighty God!! He is there...our Counselor and Comforter, watching over Joanne and holding her close. We are praying here in SC and lifting you up and He hears each one. May His peace surround you and pass all understanding!

karla

Praying for your family in Waco, Texas
Thank you for the updates.

Lori Riegelmann

Toben,
We're praying for your precious family and a full recovery for Joanne. Thank you for the updates.
God bless you.
The Riegelmann Family

Jennifer

I will continue to pray....as I have been through the night as I would wake up and immediately think of Joanne. I, too feel like I know you all through her blog and books. What a dear husband you are and I know she feels your loving presence. May you all feel God's arms wrapped around you.
"But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."
Psalms 3:3

Carey

Toben, Thanks for the update. I don't know you and Joanne personally, but my sister Kimberly does. I've been lifting your family up to the Lord, the mighty Physician, and will continue.
Carey in CA

Xtremeparnthood

We are praying for you and your lovely wife here in Maryland. May God hold you both in his everlasting arms.

Marla Taviano

Oh Toben, this is so beautiful. I love you guys so much. It's an honor to know you. Praying, praying, praying.

Sara G

When I had heard about Joanne I was in tears. I am a stroke survivor, 35, mother, and wife. It's been 14 months since I had a bleed and was in this "rested" state. God! was/is with me every step of the way. He gives us comfort and surrounds us with His amazing love. My fiance' at the time was by my side. He married me within a week of getting out of the hospital. I couldn't be here without the love and care of him. Keeping you and Joanne in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs!
Oklahoma City, OK

Daisy Girl

I found a link to this blog yesterday. I have never read it before and yet I was so incredibly heartbroken over what has happened to your wife. I have been praying for her. That could be me lying there. Or any of us. I've been trying to take more time during the chaos of my day to appreciate good health and enjoy the time with my kids and husband. I will continue to pray and keep checking back. I have cried and cried over your wife who I don't even know. I've read through some of her posts and she seems to be such a fun, witty and beautiful person. I will keep praying.

Tammy N

I found out about your sweet wife through the Living Proof blog. I am praying for all of you right now that you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. (Philippians 4:7) Believing with you for complete healing.

Tammy N. from Texas

Kelly

What a wonderful testimony you and your wife are to the beauty of love. True love. I pray for the healing hands of God to touch your sweet wife, and I pray for peace for you and all your family.

Kelly K. from Georgia

amy

You are a beautiful testament to true love. Praying for Joanne today and asking my friends to pray too. Thank you for the updates.

amy cornwell, Indiana

Lizzilou

Praying .... for ALL of you.

Emily

tears in my eyes. . .am praying for her

Kaye

Praying in Texas for your entire family.
Kaye
Isaiah 41:10

Vickie

My brother in Christ,I do not have words, even simple ones. All I have to offer is prayers..and many of them.

Angela

Continuing to pray for you both!!

Lily alexander

Wow Toben!!!! Thanks for giving us the visuals! I'm that person who needs it for things to really sink in!! I am truly blessed to get to know you guys even if it was or just a short time. I love that you are there with her lovin her like a true husband should be!! I hope I'm makin sense here cuz you just brought me to tears reading all this. I'm still just tryin to see and understand what God is doin here...... I and all of us love you and your wife and your precious kiddos!!!! I'm prayin for you so hard!!!

Lily alexander

Wow Toben!!!! Thanks for giving us the visuals! I'm that person who needs it for things to really sink in!! I am truly blessed to get to know you guys even if it was or just a short time. I love that you are there with her lovin her like a true husband should be!! I hope I'm makin sense here cuz you just brought me to tears reading all this. I'm still just tryin to see and understand what God is doin here...... I and all of us love you and your wife and your precious kiddos!!!! I'm prayin for you so hard!!!

Lily alexander

Wow Toben!!!! Thanks for giving us the visuals! I'm that person who needs it for things to really sink in!! I am truly blessed to get to know you guys even if it was or just a short time. I love that you are there with her lovin her like a true husband should be!! I hope I'm makin sense here cuz you just brought me to tears reading all this. I'm still just tryin to see and understand what God is doin here...... I and all of us love you and your wife and your precious kiddos!!!! I'm prayin for you so hard!!!

Lily alexander

Wow Toben!!!! Thanks for giving us the visuals! I'm that person who needs it for things to really sink in!! I am truly blessed to get to know you guys even if it was or just a short time. I love that you are there with her lovin her like a true husband should be!! I hope I'm makin sense here cuz you just brought me to tears reading all this. I'm still just tryin to see and understand what God is doin here...... I and all of us love you and your wife and your precious kiddos!!!! I'm prayin for you so hard!!!

Lily alexander

Wow Toben!!!! Thanks for giving us the visuals! I'm that person who needs it for things to really sink in!! I am truly blessed to get to know you guys even if it was or just a short time. I love that you are there with her lovin her like a true husband should be!! I hope I'm makin sense here cuz you just brought me to tears reading all this. I'm still just tryin to see and understand what God is doin here...... I and all of us love you and your wife and your precious kiddos!!!! I'm prayin for you so hard!!!

Gabe Taviano

The kind of love that you two share just shines Christ all over the place. Accepting Christ doesn't give you love like this right away, it's the work of the Spirit and humble servants being willing to be molded and changed. Just wanted to thank you for being an example for us all, and I pray others can see this as clear as I can! You two are special.

robyn

what can I say that hasnt already been said??? I stand along the thousands with you, lifting you up in prayer, pleading for Joanne's healing and contemplating our lives, purpose and time on this Earth. God does indeed take every mess and turn it into a Message, He does indeed use ALL THINGS for His Glory. To sit and really think that Jesus Christ, the Son of God HIMSELF is hearing our prayers and interceding FOR us, for Joanne, is almost more than the human mind can fathom.
The Holy Spirit is keeping you all in the forefront of our thoughts so that we can all pray without ceasing. I am so thankful for that. He is using Joanne still, even in her current state for the glory of His Kingdom...wow. You are loved and lifted up. We are so so blessed by a Father who does not leave us or forsake us, especially in our most desperate hour.

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