It's Janna here again. I think you'll all agree with me that Toben has been doing an excellent job updating us on Joanne's condition and progress via Twitter and here on the Simple Wife.
We appreciate the sharing of information and prayer requests. But no offense to you, Toben, I miss hearing from Joanne. Many of you have also expressed this. We miss "hearing" daily from Joanne through her honest and encouraging words on this blog. For now, and likely for some time, Joanne won't be able to write to us. So on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I will be re-posting some of her entries from "The Simple Wife Archives."
For those of you who are new to Joanne's blog, I hope this will be a way for you to get to know her better. For those of you who are “regulars,” I'd love your suggestions of blog entries to re-post.
In the comments section, leave the link to your favorite Simple Wife post. Be sure to include your name, blog (if you have one), location and a sentence or two about why the post is meaningful/encouraging to you.
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The Simple Wife Archives: Here's a Memory Monday entry from Nov. 1, 2010. (Thanks, Carrie for reminding me of this post.)
Joanne loves God's word and has encouraged many of us to memorize scripture. In honor of Memory Monday, I've decided to begin memorizing Psalm 46—the scripture that the Heims are claiming over Joanne. Want to join me?
In keeping with Monday Memory tradition, feel free to link/leave a comment with the scripture you are memorizing this week.
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Memory Monday: All of Psalm 91 on video!
We have finished learning all of Psalm 91...see! (Not quite sure what's up the Flashdance look--never seen the movie. Though I do have a secret love of Fame, which may be where this is coming from!)
For this week, we are learning Proverbs 31:30 and 1 John 1:9.
Now we are headed back to school!
***
What are you learning? Leave a link or a comment below? And if you're not memorizing Scripture, would you think about joining us?
I'm memorizing Philippians. Yup, the whole book:) I look forward to hearing from Joanne's heart! Thanks for doing this...
Posted by: Tasha Via | January 24, 2011 at 06:01 AM
Thanks for doing this Janna. It's wonderful to see Joanne and the girls again! And listening to the scripture swells my heart with God's love!!!
Posted by: Maribeth | January 24, 2011 at 06:02 AM
This is awesome!!! I don't know Joanne but I'm friends with Kristen and I've been following all the updates. Watching this video just made my eyes well up with all sorts of emotions...so happy that Joanne is making progress and after watching this video it's easy to understand why so many people are blessed by her and praying for her and the family. Inspiring me to memorize more scripture and to train up my little boy knowing the word! I will continue to be praying and praising God for his work of healing in Joanne
Posted by: Christina Frost | January 24, 2011 at 06:14 AM
I've never commented before, but started following when I heard about her accident. This post gave me chills. What an example she has set for her children. This is awesome. Praying for you all here in TN!
Posted by: Haley | January 24, 2011 at 06:18 AM
How perfect! :) It was Joanne's Memory Monday posts that encouraged me to become more intentional about memorizing Scripture a year or so ago. This has served as a reminder that it's time to get back to it. :) Thanks for reposting!
Posted by: Heather C | January 24, 2011 at 06:27 AM
Thank you. I have never seen or met Joanne but started praying after I heard what happened. This is a great way to "meet" her. Loved the videos. Didn't know anything about Memory Mondays but what a blessing. I am a Siesta on the LPM Blog and trying to keep up with Beth there trying to memorize Psalm 40:5 this week. I am not so disciplined when it comes to memorizing scripture so this is a challenge, but so far, so good. Again, thank you for your updates and what a great idea to put up old posts of her. Praying for her here in PA!
Posted by: heather | January 24, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Whew. Really difficult to type with tears pooling in my eyes. Thank you for posting this I had not seen it. I am a Siesta who learned of the blog when Melissa posted the original prayer request. In fact Psalm 91:4 was the first prayer I posted on my comment. It's a favorite of mine, and one I have memorized. "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart". The reason I love to memorize scripture is because once I focus my mind on a portion of God's Word it becomes clearer and God allows me to see and to know. I know He is covering Joanne with His feathers, she is finding refuge under His wings. His faithfulness has been your family and all of our shield and rampart as we face satan's darts of worry, despair, what if's we know how to deflect them!! God is faithful. How beautiful to have encouragement from you Joanne and your daughters to all of us. I believe. Lovingly this prayer warrior continues to pray and to praise Him from Bryan, Tx
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | January 24, 2011 at 07:08 AM
A very appropriate passage for the girls to treasure in their hearts right now! Thanks so much for sharing this for us new followers.
Posted by: Tonya | January 24, 2011 at 07:09 AM
Thank you! :)
Posted by: Patty Mullins | January 24, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Thank you Janna for posting this entry. So great to see Joanne and the girls! My own daughter is 9 and works some at memorizing scripture on Wednesday nights at church. What inspiration and encouragement for me to get involved more. I joined Beth Moore's SMT this year and my verse during this time is Psalm 46:1-2. I am learning so much! Thanks!
Posted by: Sara G | January 24, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Wonderful! I'd been afraid to say it, but I see I'm not alone--even as an outside, outsider--one who's relationship was simply as a blog reader--I miss Joanne. I just told a couple of friends that Saturday when they shared that they've been praying for her. I think my own small hole has made me more acutely aware of the huge hole for her family and dear friends. So yes, Toben's updates, her sister's posts, and yours too, have been such a blessing. But thank you for sharing Joanne:)
Posted by: Amy | January 24, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Thanks so much for the archive goodies! I've posted Joanne's button on my blog and hope it will direct others here to read her previous entries. She's an amazing person, love her style!
Posted by: Daisy | January 24, 2011 at 07:34 AM
So incredible. I have been reading in Joanne's archives. I am a Siesta from Alabama and attended the Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio. I'm not sure I met Joanne there as me and my buddies had to leave before the pajama party night. I may have met her at some point during the weekend, but just not sure.
When I read of her stroke from another siesta, I immediately was drawn to pray for her and have stayed closely in touch during this time. It has been a privilege to get to know her better through her blog and to pray for her and see how the body of Christ is responding to pray for her and her family.
Praising God today for her progress and demonstrating His power in her life. I continue to pray for her and for her precious family and look forward to hearing more each day. What a beautiful testimony her life is! Thanks for sharing this beautiful video. Absolutely wonderful!
Posted by: Dianne Walters | January 24, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Oh, this is wonderful! Thank you,
karen:)
Posted by: all shall be well | January 24, 2011 at 07:38 AM
How timely that Proverbs 31:30 was the new memory verse the girls were working on. My 11 year old daughter was gripped by an insecurity on Saturday and we went to her topical devotional and found one that was fitting. The verse to memorize was indeed this verse and we have been saying it to each other all weekend long. Such a good lesson for the both of us. Praise God for the encouraging signs from Joanne. Continued prayers from AZ!
Posted by: Christine H. | January 24, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Ok...the comments are making me cry on top if the video. Ah, so sweet to be a part of the body of Christ. I am memorizing Revelation 22:17 in the KJV: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely."
Posted by: Holly Smith | January 24, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Amazing! I just had so much of a connection and emotion as I recited this chapter with you all because I actually memorized Psalm 91 back in 2004ish when my stepson was considering going into the Navy. I told him about it and encouraged him to memorize it because it was the perfect Psalm for any soldier. A few weeks later it hit me that I, too, was a soldier in the army of the LORD, so I took my own advice and memorized it. I recite it in my head when I wake up in the middle of the night. And the part that says He will cover you with His feathers, I take literally as I sleep under a feather-down comforter (LOL). It is a great "comfort-er" Psalm. Please know precious daughters of Joanne, that your mother is sooo proud of you and so am I. I don't know her but I am a siesta so that makes us family! Praying daily with my husband for you all!! Thanks for this archive post!!
Posted by: Dana Goodwin | January 24, 2011 at 07:49 AM
I'm really new to Joanne's blog, but her story is too familiar.
My husband and I went through what Tobien and Joanne are going through, strokes, coma, still going through recovery.
Life never quite "went back to normal" but we made a new normal.
I have hesitated to comment here because I had s few too many trauma-seekers when I was recovering. But I want Joanne and her family to know that they're in our prayers and we would help if we could.
Posted by: Anissa Mayhew | January 24, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Oh mercy, that was amazing.
Posted by: Natalie Witcher | January 24, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Thanks so much for posting this. I've just started reading the blog on Thursday after seeing the Praying for Joanne button all around the blogosphere (now it's on my blog too...praying, praying, praying!) Right now I'm memorizing Romans 5:5.
Posted by: Sincerely Anna | January 24, 2011 at 08:39 AM
What a wonderful idea. I'm a "siesta" with Beth Moore's blog, and have memorized Psalm 41:10 and Psalm 34:4 this month. They apply to my life, but I've also prayed them over Joanne and her family.
I had decided at the first of the year to also take several months to memorize Psalm 46 (one of my favorites). So I will be joining you, Janna, in this, although I will be going slow because I want to be sure I have it down.
Karene in California
Posted by: Karene | January 24, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Oh! How great is our God?! I blogged about this very post of hers just this morning! I love at the end when she turns to them and tells them how proud of them she is. *CHILLS!* Thanks, Janna! So great to hear from Joanne again.
Posted by: angie | January 24, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Thanks for doing that. I have missed my daily Joanne "fix" and actually started going through the archives starting at the beginning and rereading. She has been such an inspiration to me over the years I have followed her blog.
Posted by: michele | January 24, 2011 at 09:01 AM
Joanne, daughter of the King, you have chosen rightly. Hearing the words of Psalm 91 spoken directly from your own lips is precious and marvelous confirmation to me. I am filled with joy!
THERE WILL BE NO DEFICIT.
There will be surplus.
"I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation"
You will be delivered out of this. Your ministry will have a potency as never before and you will be given the long life you need to ensure that it is delivered to the people. All because you have chosen rightly.
Well done, Joanne, daughter of the King.
Well done.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORD….THANK YOU JEHOVAH RAPHA!!!!
Posted by: Lisa Ramsey | January 24, 2011 at 09:09 AM
This is terrific idea! I am looking forwaring to reading and rereading some of her blog posts.
praying for Joanne,
Jeanie
Soccer Mom in Giggle Town
Posted by: Jeanie Cullip | January 24, 2011 at 09:29 AM
I was on another blog when I saw Joanne's button and I clicked on it, I have been back everyday since and have been praying for her and the family. I watched the video of Psalm 91 and I had tears in my eyes, what a beautiful family and an inspiration to everyone. Praise God for her progress, I dont know Joanne but I am looking forward to each day getting to know her better. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~Blessings~
Sally
Posted by: Sally-Anne Russell | January 24, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Good job girls! That is such a powerful scripture for you to be equipped with at such a time like this. What a sweet momma you have. We continue to pray for all of you. May your day be blessed at school. The Lord loves you tenderly.
Posted by: Care | January 24, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Oh I love it! I am totally stealing this idea. I've been homeschooling for 9 years, and we've all been memorizing Scripture weekly...but never together! What was I thinking? (or not?) So thanks for the post, the enlightenment, and the encouragement. I don't know this dear family except in my prayers, so it has been a treat to "meet" them. Still praying and praising!!!!! May God continue to be glorified.
Posted by: Kelley | January 24, 2011 at 09:44 AM
What an amazing passage these girls have hidden in their hearts! 'Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.' The TRUTH of the Word of God will carry them through this season. Thank you for re-posting this and giving us an opportunity to get to know Joanne and her girls. We attended the same church in Colorado Springs in the '90s but did not know each other. I now live in Alberta, Canada and so many up here are praying for her and for all of you. I feel fortunate to be part of this amazing prayer journey! God has done amazing miracles in her already. She is a testimony to the healing power of God. Thousands are being touched and encouraged by her story. Thnk you for building my faith everyday and for the privilege of crying out to God on her behalf.
Posted by: Jan Burden | January 24, 2011 at 09:45 AM
oh my goodness! That was just beautiful! thank you so much for sharing! What a legacy this momma is creating for her sweet girls! I love it!
Posted by: Melissa | January 24, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Wow. Emotional and beautiful.
Posted by: DaisyJo | January 24, 2011 at 11:09 AM
It is so cool that this is what you chose to post. Our small group has been praying for Joanne and I was trying to tell my husband about her and this is the exact post I showed him last night. I thought it was so sweet and loved that she is passionate about sharing scripture memory with her girls. While I do not "know" Joanne. I have been able to listen to her "talk" through her blog and have come to respect her so much. I am soooo thankful that her journey is taking a much praised for direction of healing. I have enjoyed listening to Toben as well. A husband's heart at such an incredible time of the unknown. My faith has been strengthened through you and your faith! Can not wait to continue to follow such a beautiful testimony of God's goodness, not only through Joanne's past archives but also as she continues her journey through life. One thing I am sure of...her path is straight and well directed at the hand of God! To God be all the Glory!!!
Posted by: Brandy Harris | January 24, 2011 at 11:12 AM
AMazing - words of wisdom spoken directly to our hearts and minds.
Posted by: janine | January 24, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Wow, amazing! Thanks for sharing. I have been praying for Joanne, saw the link on Kelly's Korner Blog.
I get daily Bible verses sent to my phone every morning and here is today's:
Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Molly :)
Posted by: Molly Fuglseth | January 24, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Getting back into Memory Monday just feels so right! I have truly missed it. This last week I went back to my first Memory Monday where I memorized Psalm 23, well I had a few problem spots so I brushed that up this past week. This coming up week I am working on the Roman Road.
We used to post the link to our Memory Monday blog post, so here is mine :D
http://butgrow.blogspot.com/2011/01/memory-monday-psalm-23.html
I found Joanne's blog about 2 years ago, and as I was thinking about a post that stuck out in my mind I recalled a video she posted soon after I found this blog. Watching it made me laugh and gave me a peek into her personality. Well, since then whenever I read anything she has written, her blog or her books, I read it as though she is speaking, I can hear her voice as I read. Anyway, the video she posted on Jan 31, 2009 was my first introduction to Joanne the person, beyond Joanne, the writer.
Posted by: Carrie | January 24, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Thanks Janna this is a wonderful idea that I know Joanne would love.
Posted by: Nanci Moy | January 24, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Yes, I too want to join you in memorizing all of Psalm 46! Thanks for the invite, Janna.
I loved watching the video and how appropriate God's promises ... He guards in ALL our ways ... He will rescue!
I know you know Joanne that your mom is one of my dearest friends. What an honor for me to walk with her and with you, Toben and girls through this valley. It is so exciting to see you coming through! Love you and your family. Joanne, you are the one who motivated my Jan 13 post on my blog.
Posted by: Sue Tell | January 24, 2011 at 03:40 PM
I am sure those verses she memorized have been or will be a blessing to her during this time. PTL for the encouraging news!
Posted by: Kimberly Kovach | January 24, 2011 at 06:15 PM
Janna, that's MY Psalm! Psalm 91. It's the "Abiding" message that God has for me at this point in my faithwalk. I have so many precious treasures He's given to me during this time that I can't share them here, but He is so beautiful. To me, abiding in the shelter of His Secret Place is like being in an eagle's nest, up on the Rim of a canyon. The canyon's there...or valley if you want to call it that...but we can shelter under His Wings high up on the Rim instead of going down in the valley.
Abide.
Here's what I'm memorizing this time for Siesta Scripture Memorization on the Living Proof Ministry Blog:
Romans 10:8-10 MSG
Say the welcoming word to God—"Jesus is my Master"—
embracing, body and soul,
God's work of doing in us what he did
in raising Jesus from the dead.
That's it.
You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God,
trusting him to do it for you.
That's salvation.
With your whole being you embrace God setting things right,
and then you say it, right out loud:
"God has set everything right between him and me!"
+++
I would love for you to post another Memory Monday. Any of them would be fine for me. I need to hear Him speak through His Word and I know it would be the very best thanksgiving we could offer Him for this precious time of multiple answered prayers.
I love Him so much. He is walking among us now, waiting for the one who will say "Thank You, Lord."
Count me as saying that. Thank You, Lord. You have touched our hearts deeply here and we are so thankful for the answered prayers. Please, more please? For Your Glory. You are the Great Physician. You Alone.
Posted by: twinkle | January 24, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I never read Joanne's blog before I read Melissa's post requesting prayer for her on Beth Moore's blog. But, here's a link to a post I wrote about the verse I'm memorizing & how the Lord is moving in my life :: http://griffintogriffith.blogspot.com/2011/01/word.html
Posted by: Kristen | January 24, 2011 at 07:04 PM
She is so beautiful.
Posted by: Cheri | January 24, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Love it, Praying in san diego, Ca
Posted by: Dan | January 24, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Oh my, the timing of God. I don't know how much Joanne remembers this Psalm right now but hopefully her girls are going over it again and again in their own minds and OUTLOUD. That is one of many things I have learned is saying Scripture OUTLOUD - causes the devil to flee. And, I'm sure they are being hit hard with all kinds of temptations and fears. Praying for you from Tennessee.
Posted by: Traci | January 25, 2011 at 04:32 AM
Thanks for posting back with the Memory Monday. Last week I worked on Psalm 46, this week another Psalm that Joanne posted about in December.
So in the style of Memory Monday, even if late, I will post my link for my verses this week.
http://cwperez.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/memory-monday-psalm-16/
Praying for all the family.
Posted by: Caroline Perez | January 25, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Oops . . . I commented earlier, but I memorized Isaiah 41:10, not Psalm 41:10 :)
Karene in California
Posted by: Karene | January 25, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Wow. What a beautiful woman, and such amazing little girls that resemble their beautiful mother greatly! So glad to hear of the improvements and praying for strength for your family in these tough days. God Bless.
Posted by: Linmarie | January 25, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Janna,
Hello, My name is Michelle - I met Joanne at our womens retreat in May of 2009 , Joanne was our invited speaker based on the book, Living Simply. We connected right away and we continued to talk occasionally since. She is such an inspiration to me, in her daily approach to life, her level of knowledge in the Word (that I strive for ) her ability to be a friend to soo many, and when you are with her she makes having a popsicle and chatting outside feel like a special event. Went back through archives and came across May 15 2009 post (a memory Monday post ) that inspired me so , some days its as if what she posts is EXACTLY what need to said that day.
Thank you soo much for taking the time to do this.Its true I do miss being able to log on and catch up with her through the blog even if we have talked in awhile.
Posted by: Michelle - Parker , Colorado | January 25, 2011 at 11:23 PM