Here is another great post Joanne's dad wrote:
By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13: 35
Kristen and Ava (her 5 year old) have undecorated Joanne’s room to prepare for her move to a rehabilitation hospital. When a patient leaves, the cleaning staff removes every piece of furniture and sterilizes the room from top to bottom – as if the occupant was never there. It’s a sobering reminder to consider what we will leave behind when we are finished with our worldly abode. “For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens “ -2 Cor 5: 1; “ For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either “-1 Tim 6: 7. You are leaving behind a clear testimony of the love of God’s dear daughters through your overwhelming amount of cards and prayer flags.
I have now read about half to Joanne – when I can keep my emotions under control. They fall into several categories: first, the long notes from close personal and virtual friends who talk about how much Joanne has ministered to them. I won’t embarrass Joanne by quoting from these – but you get the picture. OK, here’s one: “Though I have never met you face to face, this weekend my 9-year-old daughter and I spoke of you. Through your life, your pain, your story, my sweet one received the truth of how much her Lord loves her.” Then there are the hand-made cards from Joanne’s “crafty friends” – who could have successful businesses! Next are the ones from countries like England, Germany, the Netherlands (thanks for the wonderful CD’s!), Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Tennessee and Virginia each have as many as Colorado. Many are from ladies who have just met Joanne. Some break our hearts by their sacrificial gift: “I was introduced to Joanne’s blog by my sister. I read it every day now to get updates from Toben so I can pray. I know $10 isn’t much, but maybe it will help in some way.” (Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury – Mark 12: 43) Others teach us about continual prayer, “You continue to be on my mind constantly. I hear myself whispering words like “healing”, “hope”, “restoration”, “strength”, “miracle”, “peace”, “tenacity”, “compassion”, and then realize that another prayer has started.” (Pray without ceasing - 1 Thess 5:17),
There are a lot of people who may never read the above Bible verses, nor hear a clear sermon declaring the sacrificial love of God in Christ for sin. But they have seen a clear reflection of it through your outpouring of compassion and sacrifice for Joanne. This earthly father thanks you.
Chuck
Sending warm, healing hugs, to all of you. I continue to lift Joanne up to the Lord for his miracles, and to the family I send rest and peace.
Posted by: Maribeth | March 16, 2011 at 04:54 PM
I consider it an honor to pray beside all of these other sisters (and siestas).
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | March 16, 2011 at 05:03 PM
tears* Love you back, Mr. F. Praying still. Holly
Posted by: holly smith | March 16, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Even though I am a believer, Joanne is such an inspiration to me. I have shared her story with family and friends. I have purchased two of Sarah Young's books because of Joanne and Kristen quoting from them. I will continue to pray for Joanne and all of the family daily.
Posted by: Ginger McCord | March 16, 2011 at 05:21 PM
I love this post. You're such a great dad. Your girls think the world of you.
Posted by: Marla Taviano | March 16, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Oh, what a precious word of encouragement to all of us Jo's dad!!! It is a pure honor and joy to pray for all of you during these days. Let me tell you...that Joanne has taught me so much since January 11th and our family is marked by her and the testimony you are all living out day to day.
So much love,
Fran
TN
Posted by: Fran | March 16, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Mr. F... you are a wonderful example of sacrificial love for your family and we who love Joanne (and now the entire family) are grateful. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. You make us want to love and know Jesus more. Many grateful tears... Dedra
Posted by: Dedra Herod | March 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
You are the perfect example of a Father's love for His daughter. We all see, from observing you and Momma Kay exactly where Joanne and Kristen get "it" from. The loving, the ministering, the compassion and the passion. Do not think for a single New York minute that we are not praying for all of you, as well as our beloved Jo. Because she loves us so well, it is easy to love her and continue on this road with her as long as it takes.
Much love.
Susan
Posted by: Susan Smith | March 16, 2011 at 05:59 PM
I love your posts Mr. F, Chuck or Papa as I know you best! Thank you for your love for our Lord, your energy for all things concerning Joanne and for these posts you've brought to us on the outside!! I am a believer as well and I find inspiration every time I read either Toben's posts, Kristen's, yours and then finally we were able to hear Joanne once again! I've shared with my family and friends as well too. I believe your struggles Joanne will be bringing many to know Jesus better and also, maybe for the first time! Sweet dreams and I continue to pray for your comfort and complete healing.
Posted by: Kary in Arkansas | March 16, 2011 at 06:12 PM
Mr. Chuck thank you, when are you going to start up your own blog? Joanne and Toben so ministered to our family when my husband was sick. She is an amazing creation of God. I am praying for your family. Much Love, Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | March 16, 2011 at 06:24 PM
It is a honor to pray for your daughter and her family.
Kristen in TN
Posted by: Kristen | March 16, 2011 at 06:27 PM
Mr. Chuck, I have come to know your daughter only through this blog. I am awestruck by your Godly words of wisdom. I can hear the love for our Lord and the love for your daughter in these words. She is a very blessed woman to have such a wonderful earthly father! May you always find peace in the circumstances that are ahead of you!
Posted by: Sheryl | March 16, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Chuck, what a sweet and faithful father you are. As a parent of adult children, I also understand the pain we feel when our children hurt. I am thankful that you are able to be there in person to minister to your precious Joanne. i don't know any of you, but I have been following the blog since I learned of the crisis on Beth's blog. I love being a part of the Body of Christ and able to stand in the gap. I will continue to pray in Mississippi and will look forward to the meeting in heaven.
Blessings to you all,
Deidra
Posted by: Deidra | March 17, 2011 at 04:32 AM
Well written! Thanks for sharing with us from a Father's heart. It's so wonderful to watch the body of Christ in action. Thanks again!
Posted by: janet cline | March 17, 2011 at 06:43 AM
I have been reading this site for a month now. Found it by mistake, and then said, God does not make mistakes. Just wanted to say that I pray for ALL of you everyday, but today after reading the post, I now will pray that we can all have a Father on earth like Mr. Chuck, knowing that when we leave this earth we will have a wonderful Father in Heaven.
Blessings to all of you,
Jan
Posted by: Jan from California | March 17, 2011 at 07:43 AM
I don't mean to be rude, I promise. But I have been praying for Joanne since the day I heard about her stroke on another blog (and it was at the very beginning). I have asked others too pray as well. I read everyday and have cheered Joanne along with every success and have cried at the thought of her being in pain.............but I am JEWISH! Should I stop? Can Jews not pray? I am offended. I know you are dealing with a lot but wow!
Posted by: Jo | March 17, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Your post brought to my mind a poem I memorized years and years ago and thought I would share it with you..thank you for your post because it touched my heart.
Pray without ceasing God hears what you say
From the time you arise to the close of the day.
Don't think for a moment He turns a deaf ear
Trust and have faith and you'll never know fear.
Thats it.
Posted by: Trish V | March 17, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Just want to thank you for posting, Chuck! I know that when you have left both the Adventist hospital and Kindred that they KNEW your family was Christian by your love! The love of Christ is ever present in your dear family, and my prayers are ever present too! Remembering Joanne, Toben, Emma and Audrey, but also you and Kay early every morning! God is faithful who promised! He is Jehovah Rapha, the Healer!
Blessings,
Blessings
Posted by: Elaine from Koinonians at V7PC | March 17, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Dear Jo (of three comments above) - I am touched by your faithful prayers for my dear Joanne. Please continue. JHWH has a special ear for your heart. My last name is in fact Friedenstein, and honored to be sometimes mistaken for a Jew by birth, although I am only one in spirit - by nature a wild olive tree who has been grafted into your cultivated olive, and thus also a child of Abraham. (see Romans 11:24-29)
May the overflowing, limitless mercy and grace of God bless you in return!
Chuck Friedenstein, Joanne's dad
Posted by: Chuck Friedenstein | March 17, 2011 at 06:47 PM
My heart was made so heavy with the comments by Jo. I have the Jewish faith and tradition to thank for my Christian faith. Mary and Joseph were Jews, so was Jesus. We have one God. I hate the concept of any kind of "us and them," we are all children of God. I hope Mr.F's comments are an encouragement and comfort, they were to me, but I am not the one wondering and questioning if I am welcome. But I have been one to wonder in other circumstances and wish I'd had the courage, Jo, that you have to speak up. Prayers are a gift to God, hopefully that alone is reason to pray. I am joyful and humbled to think my prayers are joined with yours, you as a favored child of God, as one voice directed to the heavens.
Posted by: merlin | March 18, 2011 at 10:51 AM