I got to see something cool today. Joanne had a couple of special friend come this morning for a little while and each of them, in there own way blessed Joanne. One sat and quietly talked to her, asking her questions and encouraging her about her progress. The last time this friend had seen Joanne she was in ICU at Littleton Adventist and Joanne was in pretty rough shape. Today she saw a whole new Joanne; one that could communicate with her, some by voice, some by sign and some by writing. It was amazing to watch this strange medley of communication styles allow for a good and meaningful interaction that Joanne was able to have with a friend dear to her.
Then a couple who has been deeply involved in all of this process came for a visit. They are inside the "circle of trust" for me personally and have bared a lot of the burden from big stuff to little stuff. J. (the husband) calls every day at least once to check on me--not on Joanne, but on me. Today he actually called three times, but that's another story.
One of my favorites acts of service to me is that K. (the wife) took my cell phone from me for the better part of 48 hours when this all started and screened all the calls and texts that came in. You can't imagine what a blessing that was considering the extent to which my phone "blew up."
But today K. was there to give Joanne a facial, and to be honest it reminded me of the women who washed Jesus feet. She was so tender and so caring and so deeply desirous of blessing Joanne and that really moved me, and it blessed Joanne so much too. And the crazy thing is that K. and J. drove 45 minutes to be there...and oh, by the way, they are in the middle of moving! So they drove all that way just to minister to Joanne's body...and then they left. That is a servants heart in action.
Then Gran and Kristen came down and ministered to Joanne both mind and body even further in a way that only a mother and sister can.
Made me come to a huge realization: even if Joanne was to progress no further then she is today she is capable of having a good quality of life. For a while in the worst of it I think we all wrestled with what that might mean and what really constituted a good quality of life. But to see joanne, smile and even laugh, to communicate thoughts and feelings, to enjoy human touch and voice, to experience love: all of it means that she has a life 100%, unarguably worth living! This, dear reader, is simply a miracle. When she was in her coma I think we dared hope that she would get to where she is today. But she is not only "here" she is making strides each day that blow all fo us away. God is good!
The real miracle is that Joanne has made all this progress and that she is just getting started! She has months of therapy ahead of her and the prognosis is that she is going to improve by leaps and bounds. I wait with such expectancy to see what happens!
And countless others (litterally countless) have done so much by lifting her up in prayer, sending cards and notes, helping out financially, leaving blog comments, providing gifts, and providing meals. I think I have said it before but I'll say it again: there are no words to express the depth of thanks and blessing we are experiencing. It is jaw dropping and overwheling and breathtaking and wonderful. I will never doubt the power of the body of Christ lived out again. When God moves in the lives of his people he moves! Amen and Amen!
Prayer requests:
1. Both Audrey and Emma are a little under the weather--Emma has been running a bit of a fever and Audrey just feels blah. I think all if it can be directly attributed to being emotionally exhausted. What a tough time for a kid! I know the stress we adults are under and I can only imagine what it if like to be 10 or 12 and dealing with all of this. So, please pray for there bodies and hearts that God would protect both.
2. Joanne is still having headaches and dizziness. Totally to be expected but miserable for her none that less. Please pray for cessation of pain and that she can be off the heavy duty painkiller that it takes to make her comfortable.
3. Please pray that just one person will draw closer to God and accept Jesus as Lord through this experience. As I seek the "why" of all this, I am continually brought back to the notion that if just one person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, then God will be glorified even in Joanne's suffering. I know that may sound a little "churchy" but I was reminded tonight that every person is an eternal being, one that will spend eternity with God or eternity separated from him. So may Joanne's story, her suffering her strength and her healing be used to draw people near.
Toben
Continuing to pray! Can't wait to see what God is going to do next!!
Posted by: Angela | February 19, 2011 at 08:21 PM
I read today in Mark 2 about four friends lowering their paralyzed friend on a cot down through Simon Peter's roof (they even enlarged the roof a tad) and NO ONE minded at all except the pharisaical lettered Scribes. The crowd was in AWE. And I think of all of us as a crowd around you and Joanne and your girls and we have our hands over our mouths, stunned and silenced, at the Most High! He's There! And HE is not finished with you all yet. Daniel 12:3.
Posted by: Bev Brandon @ A String of Pearls | February 19, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Made me come to a huge realization: even if Joanne was to progress no further then she is today she is capable of having a good quality of life.
When I read this sentence it was so profound and so very true! Thank you
Posted by: CC | February 19, 2011 at 08:33 PM
God IS good.
Posted by: Jenny | February 19, 2011 at 08:38 PM
God and I have had our struggles. I have doubted, I have questioned, I have walked away. Joanne has always made me want to draw closer to God. Her faith and love has always been an inspiration to me. This situation, as awful as it has been, has also shown me that God is good and powerful. He answers our prayers and loves us. So although in the depth of my heart I have believed for some time I have always resisted drawing near. Joanne makes me want to draw near, to trust and to love.
Posted by: Slchapin | February 19, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Thank you for allowing us to journey with you as you walk by faith. We are believing the Lord to continue to work miraculously!
Posted by: yvonne | February 19, 2011 at 08:39 PM
I dearly love to hear about the servant ministry that is taking place. That is so precious. Just listened to Johnny Hunt on podcast (1st Bap Woodstock) talking about the same thing...."there is NO menial task in the church"!!
Praying for you tonight and will continue daily brother. You, Joanne and the girls are loved and covered in prayer!
Him alone,
Jen Bartlett
Posted by: Wife of Rob | February 19, 2011 at 08:39 PM
God bless you all Toben. It takes a very special person to think of others and their salvation at the point in time that you are in. There is no doubt that someone will be moved to believe for the first time through your writing of Joanne's story. It's an even greater number of us that write, like me with tears in our eyes, of now having a greater faith and belief because of you. Not that we had doubts, but you have reminded us of the certainty of our Loving God. Thank you for sharing your personal miracle...and give that miracle named Joanne our very best. Blessings to your entire family from Atlanta. Lisa Walker
Posted by: lisa walker | February 19, 2011 at 08:41 PM
Praying, as always, for Joanne...that her pain goes away. For your girls, that they feel better. For you, that your family and friends continue to hold you up through this. I love that you give us specific things to pray for, and today when I read request #3 I thought 'I am sure that has already happened'! This situation, and God's answer to our 'big prayers' has brought so many people to God, and continues to do so. I have no doubt that as this marathon continues, the stories will start to come from everywhere about the people who have been brought to God from this! Thank you for the updates!
Posted by: Barb | February 19, 2011 at 08:45 PM
Hi Toben, Joanne & Girls,
I just wanted to let you know that I've followed your family from the beginning. I first saw your post on Angie's page,(Bring the Rain). I have been so moved & touched to see the progress that you are making Joanne, You are so very blessed to have all of the support that you do. You are an awesome Christian mother & wife.
Something that has stood out to me is how you Toben gave Joanne that ipad to write on.
My girlfriend Liz is taking care of (Wendy)a close family friend that is in almost same situation that Joanne is in with the head trauma, I was telling her about Joanne using the ipad and she is going to have Wendy try the same thing, she never thought of having her try to write. Wendy can now communicate with thumbs up or down. Liz thought that that was such a profound idea. Sometimes such a simple idea/task is right at our finger tips & we just don't see it.
So thank you very much for posting the details & progress that Joanne is going through during her journey.
Please know that I keep your family in my prayers daily.
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry DeRose | February 19, 2011 at 08:52 PM
He is so good, I am thrilled that Joanne had real coffee today and popsicles. We are continually praying for all of you out here in AZ.
Posted by: Shiri | February 19, 2011 at 09:00 PM
It truly is a miracle and a blessing that your friends and family rallied around you and took on some of your burden.
This is not the case for everyone, and you are indeed so incredibly blessed.
I got Lyme Disease 6 years ago ( went misdiagnosed 5 years...bedbound and completely debilitated ) and 98% of the people in my life disappeared. Could not be bothered. Even several who still go sit in church every Sunday dropped me like a hot potato. They all made me feel like I have the plague. It has been the absolute most hurtful thing in my life. But for reasons only God knows, it's the way it was meant to be. It has taught me how to have compassion for others so deep that it hurts.
So, it has warmed my heart so much to see, through your story, that there are people in this human race who still know how to step up to the plate and care for others even if it's not exactly convenient for them. They do it because they want to and not because they expect any recognition in return. I wish the rest of the world who don't know this concept could see this Godly example of love and compassion being set as Joanne's story continues to unfold.
You and your family are indeed very blessed to have this particular circle of friends and family. That alone makes a world of difference in the long healing process, but you already know that :)
Posted by: Pam | February 19, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Still praying BIG in Alabama! Your your words each day are a blessing and encouragement to read! It has been a blessing to pray for Joanne daily. I have told so many of your story and ask them to pray. I know that Joanne blessed many before her stroke, but I can't even comprehend how many she has touched since. God is going to use this in a mighty way.
Posted by: Gina Roberts | February 19, 2011 at 09:04 PM
What has been meant as a curse is being turned into a blessing. Countless lives have been touched by Joanne's story. Faith has grown and belief in prayer has been expanded and stretched and grown.....all because of what has happened to Joanne and your family and your response to the trial. God is using it for good in so many lives and I truly believe that there will be at least one person who will come to accept the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Saviour....praying for all of you...
Posted by: Mary Lou | February 19, 2011 at 09:06 PM
So glad to hear every day how you are all doing. It is a GREAT blessing to me to be able to pray with you, and to see the great things God has done for and through each of you. It's like meeting old friends again, and it HAS been a very long time! Thank you for sharing your hearts, and may God's great goodness be abundant for each of you tonight, according to your needs.
FWIW, Source Naturals 'Wellness Herbal Resistance' has been great for our family when life gets to be too much and our bodies need an extra bit of help. The kids say it tastes great in the liquid form, so they actually take it, and it works for us to ward off the nasties. :-)
Posted by: Julie (Johnson) Powell | February 19, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Beautiful post. I know how much Joanne's story has touched my life. I know it will reach many others, as well. Your family is a living testament to the love of Christ. That light will shine and reach those who need it.
Posted by: Tara in Tennessee | February 19, 2011 at 09:49 PM
It's not often that we can know anything beyond a shadow of a doubt...but there is NO doubt that God is getting TONS of A-MA-ZING ;) attention through this twist in your life story joanne.
Believing God is going to keep us all in awe of Him as we watch you fully recover!
Posted by: traci | February 19, 2011 at 09:52 PM
...and in awe of YOU joanne...you are a strong fightin woman!!!
Posted by: traci | February 19, 2011 at 09:55 PM
What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing. I am praying that Jesus will be lifted up through all of this and I'm sure there will be those who will be drawn to Him!
Posted by: JayCee | February 19, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Amen! I've come to a point that everything else I gain back is a bonus. I want to live for Jesus and to have just one person to know our heavenly Father and begin their own personal journey with Him, Lord and Savior. If more, super, awesome! Trusting God to give Joanne and I, and any others, the abilities He wants us to use for His glory!! We keep working at the skills we do have and improving all He gives us. To God's glory!!
Posted by: Sara G | February 19, 2011 at 10:41 PM
I just love coming here at the end of the day and getting another awesome update! I also can't wait to print this one out and show the prayer warriors at my church!!! It is so encouraging to KNOW that God is hearing and answering our prayers!! We stand in Awe of Him!!! He never ceases to amaze us!!! He is our Awesome God!!!
We believed and trusted and He is Faithful!!
Continuing to keep you all in prayer for sickness and pain to go away and for full movement of that left side to return!!!
Thank You Jesus!!
We love you so much!!
I am one of those lives that has been touched and changed from Joanne's suffering!! It has made me reflect on my life and to really live and pursue God more each day, because we don't know what tomorrow will bring! To live life with no regrets and to Thank God everyday for all that He does for me! I already knew Jesus but I have grown to know him and Love Him even more!!
Thank you so much for your encouraging updates!!
Posted by: Colette | February 19, 2011 at 10:48 PM
It was a gloriously beautiful day here in Seattle. The sun was out, not a cloud for miles. Crocus are sprouting through the cold, dark earth, the trees have little buds promising blossoms and leaves and in ten distant the hum odnlawn mowers. I couldn't help but smile...all day long I smiled. Because spring is coming, it is promised in the chattee of birds and the changes I see in the grass and trees.
All the promises of spring are exactly what you dear Toben describe for your Joanne. She is in the spring of her recovery having awoken from the long, dark winter of coma. She is blossoming lime the crocus and tulips tat peak through the dirt and promises a beautiful summer of warmth and laughter and beauty. Your Joannenis awake and she is a glorious as this beautiful spring day. Tonight I thank God for the promise of spring and the promise of Joanne.
Posted by: Auntie Mip | February 19, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Please forgive all the typos...sometimes my iPad isn't as smart as it thinks it is...darn auto word recognition :-)
Posted by: Auntie Mip | February 19, 2011 at 11:58 PM
So moving to read about the LOVE of Jesus in action...n your NOT been "Churchy" your just been normal..how we all want situations to draw people to Him...Your Lives ARE speaking louder than you think and God IS getting the Glory.
With Much Love and Continued Prayer
Posted by: Ruthy:o) | February 20, 2011 at 02:22 AM
Amen! I'm praying! : )
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | February 20, 2011 at 02:32 AM
Big Prayers continue for you all!
Posted by: Amelia in NC | February 20, 2011 at 04:19 AM
I am praying many times a day This has truly been one of the most difficult things I have "shared" with people I have never met. The family of God is being drawn together in an amazing way. I am being ministered to so much. When Joanne wrote yesterday that it is going to be an excellent day, WOW! What a positive attitude, which can only come from Jesus! I'm not sure of all the ways your story is being use in my life, but it is. Thanks for sharing .
With love in Him,
Carla in Maryland
Posted by: Carla Sorensen | February 20, 2011 at 05:49 AM
I might be the the one you asked for in prayer request 3.
I have been reading your blog for weeks. I don't know you or anyone you know, I happend upon this blog by accident. I think of your family often. I don't pray but I pray for you guys.
Posted by: Christina | February 20, 2011 at 05:52 AM
Toben
This post was the most meaningful to me if that is such a word like I said before your updates are awesome and love coming here in the morning to get the updates, when i read this post about a servants heart it just minister to me in so many ways and brought tears to my eyes and joy as well I have been praying for Joanne since this happen and I have only known her thru the LPM blog but I feel this has drawn alot of people together to pray for her and to rally around the cross for her. I have prayed with a few women on the conf calls that are twice a week for Joanne and I cannot tell what that has done to my life and to change my heart to grow closer to Jesus. The prayer request that you put on here each update thank you so we know what to pray for.
I pray for Audrey and Emma as well Lord touch those girls and heal there bodies and protect those little ones Lord.
Toben I really like #3 If one person comes to know the Lord thru this that my friend is awesome .
Thank you for your updates you truly have a servants heart.
Thanks for loving your family the way you do.
Praying in Albuquerque NM
Carol
Posted by: Carol | February 20, 2011 at 06:15 AM
I am praying very hard, Toben, for you and your girls. Joanne is blessed every day by the Lord, and by all of us who hold her in prayer.
I start each day with prayers for the Heim Family, At lunch time when my husband and I sit down, we pray again and my last thoughts at night as I pray to God is for your family.
Sending Blessings to you all.
Posted by: Maribeth | February 20, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Good Sunday Morning Toben, what a sweet post about your Angel's day and the Angels swirling around her! I am so thankful that I can rejoice in all of Joanne's progress with you! Thank God for this DAY and for what it will bring! Hugs and Prayers from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa | February 20, 2011 at 06:36 AM
And now we must pray for Christina..see her post...she is Toben's #3 request.. brave to come forward..needing to be taken under the wings of those who love our Father. Bless you Christina..I will add you to my prayers.
Toben,
Back when Joanne was in her coma, you spoke of wondering what great conversations were taking place between her & our Father. Beyond any doubt (to me), I think He has said to her "Well done, good and faithful servant".
Joanne has, and is continuing to be, a vessel that takes in AND pours out...all for the glory of God. I liken her vessel to a rain barrel...taking in..storing..giving back out among many!
I have been witness to God's works all my life long (not always realizing them at the exact moments!), but I have NEVER been witness to the work that is happening thru Joanne. HUGE!... God's people around the WORLD!!, making connections (like a dot-to-dot picture), inter-twining together (like a braid),...
This is where I get stuck, because I cannot begin to find the right word to describe how phenominal this must look to God, watching from above...and all because Joanne chose to be His servant.
Continuing to pray.
Posted by: Felicia | February 20, 2011 at 07:00 AM
Continuing in praise and prayer!
Posted by: Betsy | February 20, 2011 at 07:22 AM
What an awesome God we have!
Posted by: Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage | February 20, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Toben,
We are so glad that Joanne is making a marvelous progress. We sincerely praise the Lord for His answers to our numerous prayers!
We are in continuous prayer for you guys and we are convinced that the Lord will make the best use of your experiences of suffering, pain, despair, depression, love, care, and recovery for His glory and Kingdom. As a cancer survivor, I have realized that everything is for our being conformed to the holy and glorious image of Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord!
In-Kyung and Sung Wook
Posted by: sung wook chung | February 20, 2011 at 08:57 AM
Beautiful and heartfelt post. Rejoicing with you, Joanne and so many around the world who have been blessed to watch God's "show up and show off" on your account. Thanks for allowing "us" the priviledge of sharing in her on-going awesome miracle. So happy for her to be able to savor coffee and popscicles too! Each day new milestones and new blessings...
Posted by: Pam Houston | February 20, 2011 at 09:27 AM
Hey man, for what it's worth, you guys' experience has pulled the fog off of God for me. It's been almost 20 years since I gave a hoot about Him, and you and Joanne have changed that in me.
Thank you for that.
-Ron Farrell
Posted by: Ron Farrell | February 20, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Amen, Amen! I've walked with Jesus for a while now, but experiencing this (although from a distance!) with you all has brought me closer to our precious Lord.
Continued blessings, for each of you ~
Love from Oregon!
*Laura*
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2011 at 08:48 AM