As much as I would dearly love to give you a positive update on Joanne's status unfortunately things have deteriorated. Overnight Joanne began to lose the limited function that she had and she had a seizure. She was taken to CAT scan first thing this morning and it was determined that her brain was experiencing massive swelling. She was immediately taken to surgery to remove a portion of her skull to relieve the pressure.
She is in no pain and completely unaware of what is happening. That is a blessing! We are surrounded by friends and family here at the hospital--I think we have taken over the whole waiting room.
Prayers: I don't even know how to articulate anything here. Joanne is literally in a fight for her life. Just pray however you feel lead.
Again you can get regular updates on twitter at tobenheim
Toben
Praying for y'all, brother.
Posted by: Deek Dubberly | January 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Praying....continuously for Joanne and your family.
Posted by: Jeanie | January 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM
We love you so much, and we're praying so hard. Jesus, please touch our friend with your healing hands. Restore her to wholeness. We're believing you for a miracle.
Posted by: Marla Taviano | January 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Lifting you all in prayer!!!
Posted by: Susie Palmer | January 12, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Praying, praying, praying.
Posted by: Michelle | January 12, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Praying.
Posted by: Praise and Coffee | January 12, 2011 at 10:52 AM
I was crushed to read that this morning. In constant prayer for all of you.
Posted by: Keith Jones | January 12, 2011 at 10:54 AM
A week ago a friend had a stroke. This past week has been a roller coaster. Everything you are posting is like déjà vu--we've just been there. Amazingly, people all over the world have joined together in prayer and the things that the doctors thought were insurmountable have been conquered through the power of Jehovah Rapha.
Joanne also has an army of prayer warriors storming heaven's gates with her name. We are praying and believing there will be incredible healing. All for God's glory!
Posted by: Christina Jay | January 12, 2011 at 10:56 AM
I'm praying continually for her- I woke in the night and prayed as well. "God is within her- she will not fall"
Posted by: Christina | January 12, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Praying for you.
Posted by: Lemonade Makin Mama | January 12, 2011 at 10:57 AM
I'm new to this blog but read about Joanne on Twitter and have been praying. We're praying for Joanne, her doctors, your children, and for you and all of your friends and family. Know that you're being lifted up even as you read this!
Posted by: Anne | January 12, 2011 at 10:58 AM
My mama had a stroke on May 1, 2010. On May 5, she had the surgery (craniotomoy) that your wife has had. Mama is doing beautifully. Just wanted to encourage you.
You will be in my prayers. My heart hurts for you in a very real way!
Proverbs 31:25 Joanne is clothed with strength & dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Posted by: tonya | January 12, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Praying. We've prayed as a family. Today I keep praying with my girls. And then I'm praying personally the rest of the time. This update is devastating on one level, but I believe in the power of the God to Whom I'm lifting these prayers. Blessings and Peace and Healing~Amy in Missouri
Posted by: Amy | January 12, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Going to my knees right now to pray
Adrienne
Posted by: fuzzytop | January 12, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I've just now become aware of what has happened and am just floored by the news. I only know Joanne through my computer screen, but we have shared some wonderful conversations. Particularly on subjects brought up on your joint marriage blog. I am praying for Joanne and for the whole family whom I feel I know through reading this blog for the last few years. God is good and I know that right this very moment he is being bombarded with requests to heal Joanne. I am believing that God will answer our prayer.
Posted by: mary | January 12, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Toben, the Tyndale family is praying so hard for you, Joanne, and the girls today. Please know that our hearts are there with you.
Posted by: Sarah Atkinson | January 12, 2011 at 11:09 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you along with an enormous amount of love for you, your family and your girls. There is no doubt in my mind that there are thousands of people praying for Joanne right now. Storm the gates!
Posted by: Sarah | January 12, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Continued prayers for you. Holy Spirit, turn these groanings into beautiful petitions!
Posted by: Gail @ Pandemonium in the Parsonage | January 12, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Still continuing to pray!!
Posted by: Michelle V | January 12, 2011 at 11:14 AM
I just want to say I am praying for Joanne and your family. My heart truly aches for you. May God lift her up and may he keep your family strong and faithful during this difficult time. God is with you, and with him nothing is impossible.
God Bless,
Chere
Posted by: Chere | January 12, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Continuing to pray fervently, for Joanne and your entire family.
Posted by: JenBarrow | January 12, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Oh Toben- I wish there were words to lessen the load...but I know there are not. God is great....praying to our mighty God for a mighty healing.
Heavenly Father-
I lift up Joanne to you. I pray for your healing hand upon her, that you would do a mighty work and that you would lessen the swelling of the brain. Lord I pray that you would be the mighty fortress that I know you are for Toben and the girls, as well as all of the family and friends who are gathered together today. Lord be their portion, their strength, their comfort and their perfect peace.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
Posted by: Andrea S. | January 12, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Been praying all morning!
Posted by: Jenn | January 12, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Hello my precious friend and her amazing husband Toben....I'm praying without ceasing. Praying all over your family.
((hugs))
Fran
TN
Posted by: Fran | January 12, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Toben- we are praying!!
Jenny Markmiller
Posted by: Jenny | January 12, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Praying and believing for a complete healing and peace for you and the family.
Posted by: Jamie Stephens | January 12, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Praying as a team for your family (Truefaced). We are shocked, but know that God is not and He's covering you with his strength and peace.
Praying for the medical team, for complete restoration of Joanne, and for you, Toben, the girls, extended family and friends.
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | January 12, 2011 at 11:27 AM
With tears streaming down my eyes for our friend! Calling out to our Good God, the One Who touched the hand of Peter's mother and she was healed. Touching Joann's hand on the screen along with thousands of others. Matthew 8:15. My God pour His Grace over you all, Toben.
Posted by: Bev Brandon | January 12, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Praying for Joann she has been and will continue to be in my prayers.
May the Lord give you the weight of HIS presence.
So Cal Siesta,
Celeste
Posted by: Celeste Hill | January 12, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Praying for you and your girls today.
Posted by: Caroline Perez | January 12, 2011 at 11:31 AM
you are not alone...we are all here praying alongside you.
Posted by: angie smith | January 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Praying for complete healing and recovery. Prayed during the night. I have many, many prayer warriors praying here in Washington state. Lifting you up before His throne!
Julie
Posted by: Julie Hoagland | January 12, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Praying for Joanne and your beautiful family.
Posted by: julie | January 12, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I'm so sorry about this setback. My heart is broken for all of you. Continuing to pray.
Posted by: Amanda J. | January 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM
We read this in our BSF study of Isaiah this week and when I re-read it this morning in class, all I could think about was Joanne and her recovery and all of you waiting for her. I believe God CAN do this and I pray that He WILL!
"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
"Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.'
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
"Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing.
"For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert." Isaiah 35:3-6
Posted by: Sugar Mommy | January 12, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Praying continually and trusting God for you all!
Posted by: Kimberly | January 12, 2011 at 11:39 AM
praying for you and yours.
Posted by: Sean Gladding | January 12, 2011 at 11:45 AM
You probably don't know us ... doesn't make any difference. Just know that Joanne's LifeWay sisters in Nashville are praying for her, for you, the extended family and the wonderful friends who are surrounding you there. Much love thru Him who came to save! ~Pam Case
Posted by: Pam Case | January 12, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Absolutely praying. And trusting Him for a complete healing!
Robyn (3girlsmom)
Birmingham, AL
Posted by: Robyn (3GirlsMom) | January 12, 2011 at 11:50 AM
A friend posted prayer requests for Joanne on her Facebook page. Know that there are many who are praying for God's healing powers on Joanne, and for His comfort and grace to swaddle each of you who love her.
I'm so sorry to hear of this setback, but we know God is in control!! I know He can heal and I pray that His will is for Joanne to make a full recovey, and use this experience to further His kingdom! Sending prayers and hugs...
Posted by: Rebecca, Dothan Alabama | January 12, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Continuing in prayer for Joanne and you all. My every thought is with you.
Posted by: Wired Whimsy | January 12, 2011 at 11:51 AM
PRAYING
Posted by: April Williams | January 12, 2011 at 11:54 AM
GOD come quickly! We lift up our dear Joanne to you!!
Posted by: tracy | January 12, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Blessings from California,
I continue to stand on the healing power of CHRIST JESUS for Joanne!!!
THE PEACE OF GOD WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING; WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. PHILIPPIANS 4:7
GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, ALWAYS READY TO HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. PSALM 46:1
Praying without ceasing for the FULL recovery of our Precious Joanne!!
This Siesta is standing firm in prayer!!!
With Blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kim Safina | January 12, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Praying.
Posted by: Amanda | January 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Praying for you all!! I can't imagine.
Posted by: Jennifer Griffin | January 12, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I Don't know your family but I'm praying for your family . I had a stroke on July 14, 09 . I know what your going through.
Posted by: Kellie | January 12, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Your family has been on my heart all morning.Continued Prayers for her and your family
Hugs Rachel
Posted by: Rachel @Beautiful Daughters | January 12, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Another siesta and blog reader here. Praying psalm 46 and trusting in God's goodness.
Posted by: Leslie | January 12, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Continuing to pray for all of you.
Posted by: Cindy | January 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM
My heart breaks at this news. I will pray for a full recovery and for peace for your home at this time. I am so sorry to hear what has happened. Joanne is such an inspiration to so many of us.
Posted by: Sue M. | January 12, 2011 at 12:07 PM
My mom and I are praying for her!
Posted by: Gina | January 12, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Just learned of this news through Tyndale. You (Toben) and I are related, although the last time I saw you, you were a small boy. My father was your grandma's brother, Stan. Anyway, we are praying for Joanne.
Posted by: Ron Benson | January 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Praying for Joanne and all of you. May the presence of God envelope you as you go through each moment.
Posted by: Lee Ann Wright | January 12, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Praying. This is the first time I have ever been to this blog. Your wife sounds like a remarkable woman. I will keep praying for your strength and wisdom and for all of your family as well.
Posted by: Dawn | January 12, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Father God,
As our dear siesta, Joanne, The Simple Wife
Once again goes under the surgeon’s knife
LORD, I ask, no, I plead
Be every thing Joanne needs
The exact spot where there is in her skull swelling
Let it be a reservoir of Your Spirit’s filling and dwelling
Come Great Physician and do a mighty work
Joanne is YOUR own child, and her, YOU do not shirk
Come Great Physician and do a mighty work
Thank you for the friends and family that are there to totally surround
Do an amazing work Father, in YOUR glory, please amaze and astound
No thing is to difficult for YOU
DO IT GOD, only what YOU can do
Swoop in and redeem any function that has been lost
And I ask for no lasting effects or debilitating costs
Swoop in and heal. Swoop in and save. Swoop in and totally restore.
We give You the praise, We give You the glory, today and forever more.
In the Mighty, Magnificent Name Above All Names, JESUS. Amen.
Posted by: Lora | January 12, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Sending you love. We are all keeping you in our thoughts.
Posted by: Jenny | January 12, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Praying for you sweet Joanne,
God is able!
We believe it!
We claim it over you and your family.
Hugs,
Helen
Posted by: Helen at A Work of Heart | January 12, 2011 at 12:28 PM
We are heartsick. Please know that we, our family, are offering up our love and prayers for Joanne and you and all your family.
Posted by: MK | January 12, 2011 at 12:32 PM
praying....
Posted by: rhonda | January 12, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Praying so very hard for Joanne!!
Posted by: Rachel | January 12, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Praying in NC!!!!
Posted by: Mindy Curtis | January 12, 2011 at 12:44 PM
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
Posted by: Gayle | January 12, 2011 at 12:44 PM
What a shock to read these posts today. I was just thinking of Joanne this morning as I read a devotional she wrote in "Daily Seeds". Praying for her healing and for the Lord to strengthen you and the girls during this difficult time.
Posted by: Fonda | January 12, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Thank you for thinking to update us. Praying...
Posted by: Lisa writes... | January 12, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Keeping Joanne in prayer. May the Lord touch her body in miraculous fashion and bring her the comfort and strength needed to to recover.
A friend in Christ.
Posted by: Valerie | January 12, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Praying in Missouri! I just read of Joanne's condition from Angie Smith's Bring The Rain blog. I am praying for you and your family as you watch and wait. May God be HUGE for Joanne in her complete and total healing! And may He receive all glory and praise in the miracle! ((hugs))
Posted by: Erica | January 12, 2011 at 12:54 PM
New here. But, praying for complete restoration and healing. May she WAKE UP!
Posted by: Transparent Mama | January 12, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Complete and utter shock as I just became aware of this. I had to re-read the two posts before it finally sunk in and I completely understood.
I have never personally met Joanne, but we joked once in an email that we had so much in common that surely we would be fast friends, like Besty - Tacy, if I lived in the Denver area.
Toban, Emma, and Audrey hold onto your faith and be comforted by the many, many people who are lifting Joanne up in prayer right now.
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken."
Praying...
Posted by: Tiffany | January 12, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Healing intentions, compassionate thoughts and hopeful prayers, coming your direction from across the Atlantic.
Posted by: MDTaz | January 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Am praying, Toben...throughout the day.
Posted by: Susie Tiemeyer | January 12, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Joining the many who are praying.
A sister in Christ from Houston
Posted by: Karla | January 12, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Oh my heart is breaking for your family. I have not been blogging for months and months, and that means I have not been participating in Memory Monday either. I have truly missed it and I have missed reading this blog. Slowly I have scaped my way backed to a place where I am organized enough that I felt I could get back to blogging and reading my favorite blogs. One of the first places I came was here. I wanted to catch up with you and have a few laughs because you crack me up with your honesty that always seems to make me not take things so seriously. But now I sit here, in tears for your family, and also in wonder and amazement at God's timing. He has been urging me back to regularly memorizing His Word. And today when I could no longer ignore Him I came here...Now I am praying...
Posted by: Carrie | January 12, 2011 at 12:59 PM
So sorry to hear about Joanne's stroke. Lisa, Jory and I...plus the entire BlogHer team...are thinking of her here at BlogHer. Please let us know if there's anything at all we can do.
Elisa Camahort Page, BlogHer co-founder
Posted by: Elisa Camahort Page | January 12, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Continued prayers for sweet Joanne!
Melana Cummings
Posted by: moosemama | January 12, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Joanne has become a part of my life through her blog and I was so upset to hear what has happened. Please know I'll be praying for you all. Missi
Posted by: missi | January 12, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Toben, i don't know you and i don't know joanne, but i wanted to share this with you. one time i saw a documentary on a little boy who had died and gone to heaven. it was something strange like he was watching tv and it fell in the tub that he was in or something. anyway, the child's dad took the authority given to him through the blood of Christ and commanded that his child come back to life in the name of Jesus. and do you know that is exactly what happened! praise be to God!! so as her husband, in the precious Holy name of Jesus command that by the authority given to you by Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross that Joanne be healed and made whole! Toben, she has work to do on this side of eternity. She has a husband to love and children to raise and a ministry to many women! this is a fight not only for her but also for all that care about her and love her! Fight!! We are praying - thousands are praying!!!
Posted by: kimberly mason | January 12, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Praying.
Posted by: Julie Gillies | January 12, 2011 at 01:06 PM
praying for Joanne, you and the family and friends surrounding you. Praying that there will be now swelling and that Joanne will wake up and show God's glory to all by the miraculous healing in her body. In the name of Jesus we are asking for these things.
Posted by: Julie Reynolds | January 12, 2011 at 01:09 PM
lifting your sweet wife and family up right now.
Posted by: Tonya | January 12, 2011 at 01:09 PM
praying praying praying
Posted by: Kathryn Bilberry | January 12, 2011 at 01:11 PM
I just found out about this through the LPM blog and I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family right now. We beleive in a God who works miracles and I am praying for a miracle for your family right now.
Posted by: Tanya | January 12, 2011 at 01:16 PM
I've been a reader of Joannes blog for the past three years. I'm in complete shock.I'm lifing her in prayer. And praying peace for the entire family.
Posted by: Sara S | January 12, 2011 at 01:20 PM
She has been in my thoughts and prayers so often the past few days. Lord, one mere thought about Joanne from You could heal her completely- let it be so!
Posted by: Thy Hand | January 12, 2011 at 01:23 PM
love Joanne so much..in prayer for her in AZ
Posted by: kristin pattison | January 12, 2011 at 01:23 PM
praying in Washington state...
Posted by: Emily | January 12, 2011 at 01:27 PM
Praying...
Posted by: Courtney | January 12, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Prayer said.
Posted by: Storm2c | January 12, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Praying for God's peace and comfort to surround you, your girls, your family and friends. Asking Him for a mighty, miraculous move of His healing hand on Joanne. Joining so many others in lifting your names before His throne of grace. (Came over today from Marla Taviano's blog.)
Posted by: valerie (in TX) | January 12, 2011 at 01:35 PM
praying in TN
Posted by: Kelly S. | January 12, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Siestas in NC are praying. Lifting you and your precious family. Jesus, be near.
Posted by: Deidre | January 12, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Siesta in Alabama praying for healing for Joanne.
Posted by: Marty | January 12, 2011 at 01:54 PM
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
We will continue to lift our sister Joanne and her family before the throne of grace - Come Lord, Jesus - Be BIG in her life today. You are God of miracles and NOTHING is too hard for You!
Posted by: Lori | January 12, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Toben, Saw a sign on a church today that said "God's word brings peace in times of pain" and I immediately thought of Joanne. I was so encouraged in her memorization of scripture and the way that she led me and the women of Mission in Psalm 23. I got out my study today and prayed through Psalm 23, and I ran across a note that I made quoting Joanne. It says, "We do not lose heart (in the valley) because of the hinge of the psalm- YOU ARE WITH ME." I am praising God, for He is with you, Toben and Emma and Audrey and Joanne as you walk through this tough valley. My family will continue to lift you all up in prayer.
Posted by: Kristy Hunt | January 12, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Continuing to pray. Got the prayer chain going too. Thinking of you all.
Posted by: erin | January 12, 2011 at 02:03 PM
Keeping continuous prayers for Joanne and your entire family, the doctors, the hospital staff and all involved in Joannes care.
Posted by: Kayce | January 12, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Praying for Joanne and your entire family!
Posted by: Alison | January 12, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Thinking and praying for all of you, Joanne, and all that are taking care of her.
Posted by: Amber | January 12, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Praying for Joanne and your family...
Posted by: Isabel | January 12, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Praying for healing and the very comfort of Abba around each one of you...
Posted by: karen | January 12, 2011 at 02:25 PM