Joanne is going to have surgery on the 15th. Initially we were told that it would be an out-patient surgery but we found out today that she will be admitted to the hospital for at least the first night and maybe more. Joanne is very concerned. She has spent so much time in the hospital this year and going back in, even for a night or two feels like a real setback to her. I honestly think its for the best and that they will be able to keep her comfortable and pain-free in the 24 hours after the surgery, but my heart hurts for Joanne as she has such sadness and worry about this.
Obviously Joanne will have Gran or Papa or I (and maybe all three of us!) by her side 24 hours a day while she is in the hospital and my mom is going to come to our house for a few days to take care of the girls. So we have good support.
But I am writing this post mainly to ask for prayer for Joanne. She is at a very low point, and very anxious.
Specifically:
1. That a wave of peace that surpasses understanding will wash over her.
2. That the surgery will go as planned and that there wouldn't be any complications that would keep her in the hospital for more than a day or two.
3. That we will be able to figure out how to do life once Joanne gets back home. She will be in a splint for two weeks before her cast goes on and she won't be able to put any weight on it. This presents obvious challenges and we need very practical wisdom to figure out how to accomplish even the most simple tasks.
Toben
Praying over here in Switzerland. Thanks for letting us know how to pray for you all. Praying for peace and strength, and hope.
Posted by: Susan | November 11, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Praying in So. Cal!
Posted by: Karene | November 11, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Praying in northern Idaho that all will go well and that Joanne will feel God's peace, love and comfort during this time of further healing as the ultimate goal.
Posted by: Corinna Hunter | November 11, 2011 at 11:21 AM
You have our prayers!
Posted by: MaryKay | November 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM
With every request made over the last 10 months(I log on every day!), someone in your AWESOME family has been able to give an update as to how God has answered EACH ONE!! I can't wait to read how He responds to the request made in this post as well! Interceding in Yonkers, NY!!!
Posted by: Meisha H. | November 11, 2011 at 12:49 PM
I'm praying for you, Joanne--that God does His most excellent work in your spirit this week!
Posted by: blessed | November 11, 2011 at 01:51 PM
praying in Tennessee...so glad you give up specific ways to pray...holding you family daily before the throne...
Blessings and all His Grace to you all...
Posted by: r.elliott | November 11, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Praying for your precious family in Mississippi!
Posted by: Betsy | November 11, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Praying for Joanne and your family from Louisiana..
Posted by: Cassie Thompson | November 11, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Might Joanne know that prayers cover her from so many places - my call unto The Lord for Joanne's needs come from Canada....together we stand firmly believing Joanne.
God Bless,
Barbra.
Posted by: Barbra | November 11, 2011 at 06:54 PM
LORD, I lift this beautiful woman up to You. You, and only You, can calm her with Your ever-present rain of peace. Please hold her near in these days that she would know Your Presence is with her no matter where she is. LORD, use the doctors to do Your work in Joanne, use the staff at the hospital to protect and care for her as she comes out of surgery. LORD, continue to heal her and give her strength. Oh Father, we pray for Joanne and her family. In the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.
Posted by: ~ linda @ Being Woven | November 11, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Done.
Posted by: Karen Booker Schelhaas | November 11, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Psalm 46:10. This is what has gotten me through some of the most uncertain times in my life. I know that you are scared, Joanne. Know that you are not alone. Know that by staying one or two nights in the hospital you will be giving your husband and family a peace of mind that medical people are right at hand to care for your and monitor your pain. You are such a strong and beautiful woman. You are a blessing to us all. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Lord, please give Joanne and her family the heart's ease that comes from knowing Your Love.
Posted by: kimber fenili | November 11, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Prayers for peace.
Posted by: Auntie Mip | November 11, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Look at that! Prayers from across the country and the world. Joanne, this might seem like a setback to you, but it means a major step forward (hopefully literally, right?). It's necessary! I'm praying now that everything will go smoothly just as planned, that your stay in the hospital will be as short as possible, and that your recovery will be quick. I'll continue praying all the way until Tuesday! Don't be scared, friend. You've made it through some very dark days, and you have it in you to make it through this. You are loved by so many, but especially by our God who is bigger than all of your fears and frustrations. ...Lord, give her peace!
Posted by: Angie | November 12, 2011 at 07:57 AM
Prayers from Connecticut that this will go smoothly and Joanne will have greater mobility once the healing is done -
Posted by: karen | November 12, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Praying for each one of you that God will wrap you in his loving arms and cover you with the peace that is needed to get you through the surgery and recovery.
Posted by: Bobbie | November 12, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Father,
I pray that you would speak truth to Joanne's heart and help her take captive every thought and make it obedient to you. Show her where the enemy is playing with her mind and help her to reign in those nasty thoughts. I ask that you would fill her with your Holy Spirit, for peace, for rest, for wisdom and strength. Thank you Lord that you have done so much in Joanne's body. I ask that you would finish the work that you've started. And I thank you for all the prayers around the world for her...around the world Lord, let that be a comfort and reassurance to her that you know her needs and you hear her heart. You've got her covered Jesus. I ask all these things in Your mighty name Jesus!
Posted by: Sandi in MN | November 12, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Thank you Lord for the peace that comes only from you. I pray that Joanne would feel your presence covering her daily. I pray for her surgery and recovery. I know Lord that you will be with her through the entire process.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
Love
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer | November 12, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Joanne,
I pray He brings to your mind the wonders He has done. He holds you in the palm of His hands. Nothing will happen to you, that isn't for you. He loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting arms. I also pray for Toben, the girls and all the wonderful family support group, for direction, wisdom and rest for all. God Bless You All. In Jesus Name, Amen
Posted by: Linda Hughes | November 12, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Your family will be in my thoughts. I have had three foot reconstruction surgeries in the past 12 years. Staying in the hospital afterwards has always been the best choice. For multiple reasons, mainaly pain management, it has been worth having to stay in the hospital. The last surgery was just two months ago. I know you wonder how you will get through it, but you just do and in the end the surgery is always worth it. Especially for you to be able to improve your ability to walk. Without my surgeries I would not be able to walk, so I understand the need to "get things fixed"! I love your family and have followed your recovery! Best of luck to you next week and I hope that once you have fully recovered the rest of your family won't be able to keep up with you.
Posted by: Katy | November 12, 2011 at 03:56 PM
Praying for you Joanne! It's only a very short stay and it will be over before you know it. :) Come on hon, chin up, keep smiling and think about running. In a short time you will be walking and running around.
Jesus is with you always.
Praying and praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | November 12, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Prayers coming from Australia. Joanne, you have people scattered all over this planet praying for you and your family. May God shine His abundant Blessings on you all.
Posted by: Michelle from Australia | November 13, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Praying for you in Kansas! I hope everything goes well with your surgery and that you are able to get home quickly.
Take care!
Posted by: Shawn | November 13, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Two things:
1. Covering you and Joanne in prayer!
2. If you can afford it even just once or twice a week, have a private home health aide come in and give Joanne and head-to-toe bath including a shampoo without her having to even get up out of the bed. It will make her feel so much better. And lots of book on Kindle. Has she read "The Last Lecture"? I think she might really enjoy it.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | November 13, 2011 at 04:19 PM
Praying!
Posted by: Janet Cline | November 13, 2011 at 04:31 PM
I'm praying too.
Posted by: Cathy | November 13, 2011 at 07:20 PM
Praying for a successful surgery and rapid recovery for Joanne.
Posted by: Carol | November 13, 2011 at 10:34 PM
You may be the most prayed-for woman on the planet:)Praying in FL.
Posted by: Gwen | November 14, 2011 at 07:30 AM
God bless you and know that we prayer warriors are bombarding heaven with prayer for Joanne's victory. "Inch by inch...." With God all things are possible!
A So. Cal "Siesta",
Pam Houston
Posted by: Pam Houston | November 14, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Praying from Alabama. Praying for you all to have the peace you so desire and for the Doctor's hands be guided by God. Praying for the surgery to be the success you need it to be. Praying for things at home to go better than you ever dreamed. Just....praying, praying, praying!
Posted by: JJ | November 14, 2011 at 08:30 AM
Lifting JoAnne up in prayer!
Posted by: Kristi Walker | November 14, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Praying for all your needs!
Posted by: julie | November 14, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Learning a lot about prayer these past few years and the prayer army of our loving God. The supplications offered here are inspiration for all. Thank you for sharing your life and these challenging times in such a public venue. God holds you in the palm of His hand. Isn't that a great place to be!
Posted by: Susie | November 14, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Hi Joanne,
Stopping in to let you know I am thinking of you and praying for you. Come on, Jesus has this!!
Praying and praying!!
<><
Posted by: Child of God | November 14, 2011 at 04:30 PM
Praying for all of you....sweet peace, hope and grace to cover all of you.
Posted by: laura | November 14, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Do you think she can use a scooter like one of these after her surgery?
http://www.eastsidelegup.com/
Posted by: Chris | November 14, 2011 at 06:10 PM
Praying in Nebraska! God will bring you through this challenge with the grace and strength you have shown us all this year. Joanne, I finished all the Brad Thor books thanks to your recommendation! Love them!
Posted by: Carey | November 14, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Will pray tonight, Toben. The phrase "all things become new" keeps resonating in my mind as I pray for Joanne. I'm going to hold onto that for now.
Posted by: Susie Tiemeyer | November 14, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Praying in Delaware! Looks like we've got you covered. Don't worry.
Posted by: Rose | November 14, 2011 at 09:03 PM
Still praying!
I actually remember from last year when Joanne set up the Christmas tree early and put Thanksgiving decorations on it and proclaimed that she would now do so every year. It was so pretty and lovely. Just a suggestion, but wouldn't that be awesome to do again? I've never met you in person, Joanne, but I'm sure you'd love it and that it would perk your spirits right up! :)
I'm also giving serious thought to doing a Thanksgiving tree as well!
Posted by: Meryl | November 14, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Praying in Tennessee for precious Joanne, may God touch the surgeons hands with His healing touch. God loves her, and your entire family so very much, He will be there, holding on tightly to His beloved daughter. I, too have had a stroke, on Labor Day this year. My heart truly goes out to your family. Be blessed.
Posted by: Denise | November 14, 2011 at 11:53 PM
Praying for you today!
Posted by: Colette | November 15, 2011 at 07:13 AM
Thinking of you today!! Hope all goes well and this is yet another step to freedom. You have been in my thoughts for almost the complete year of following your story. God is truly amazing in how he has helped you and your family thru this time. Prayers for all involved today and in the battles to come.
Posted by: Michelle | November 15, 2011 at 08:38 AM
I've already lifted Joanne up this morning from Arizona! Today is one step closer to independence. :) Praying that God takes the anxious thoughts away from Joanne and she's cared for and pain-free after surgery.
All the best,
Lisa @ Truefaced
Posted by: Lisa Chandler | November 15, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Thanks for the update, Toben! I'm praying for you, Joanne, here in Ontario, Canada. HE knows it's scary to be us. Remember: Be strong and courageous and do not be terrified, for I the LORD am with you, wherever you go! Joshua 1.9
Posted by: Nicole | November 15, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Thinking of Joanne, and praying for her today.
Posted by: Barb from CNY | November 15, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Know that all of you have been in our prayers all day--and will continue to be!
Posted by: Kimberly | November 15, 2011 at 09:22 PM
Please be well! Love from Maine and Rena
Posted by: Rena | November 16, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Praying from Oklahoma that things have gone well and you're on the road to recovery!
Posted by: christy | November 16, 2011 at 03:57 PM
Joann,
I have been praying for you the last couple days. Wondering how you are doing. I thought of you this morning as I read Lysa Terkeurst blog.She and Laura Story are visiting via video. After the video plays there is a link to Laura's song Blessings. Thought you might like those links.
Still praying for you.
Tasha
Posted by: Tasha | November 17, 2011 at 09:18 AM