I started blogging more than a decade ago. I was in my early 30s, a busy mom of young children and living in San Diego. I mostly blogged about parenting, marriage, cooking and crafting. I spent my days volunteering at school, teaching friends to knit and freelance editing, I wrote my first book, Living Simply: Choosing Less in a World of More, in those early years. My blog was called The Simple Wife because that accurately described who I was and my life at the time.
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When our family moved to Denver the summer of 2006, The Simple Wife moved with us. I still volunteered at school, still led Girl Scout Troops and continued to blog about home and family and crafting and cooking. I wrote my second book, Misplacing God And finding him again in those first years of living in Denver.I began to do some speaking and traveled around Denver and to Colorado Springs, speaking to groups of women in MOPS and Bible studies. I blogged about that too.
I began seminary in January of 2009 and blogged about that.
We moved to Phoenix in July of 2009 and started homeschooling and I started running and writing and teaching Bible study at our church so I blogged about all of that too. A year later, we moved back to Denver and continued homeschooling and I returned to seminary.
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In January 2011, I had a massive stroke and spent months in the hospital. Toben blogged about that with occasional guest posts from other members of the family. I came home from the hospital that summer and have been working on stroke recovery ever since so I have blogged about that
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In April of 2014, I moved to Denver and began living with my parents. We travel together quite a bit as a family of three and so I blog about that. In September of 2015, I got divorced, but I haven't blogged much about that because I want to respect the privacy of my ex-husband and our children.
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Before my stroke in 2011, I often blogged on a daily basis, but haven't been able to maintain the posting frequency I prefer. (My left arm is totally paralyzed as a result of my stroke and one-handed typing is slow, hard work!)
And since my divorce, I haven't felt like The Simple Wife is an accurate name for me or my blog.
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All that to say: Welcome to Joanneheim.com, which is the new name and address for my blog. All of my old posts are still here and can be found in the archives and by category, as well as my using the search tool in the sidebar.
I want to blog more frequently and not neglect this part of my life or any of you, since I feel like I do know some of my long-time readers and have been so blessed to meet many of you in real life--which has been one of my favorite parts of this blog thing!
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I'd love to hear from you! So please comment and let me know what you'd like to read about here...
Thanks in advance
Well, Hello! I don’t care what you call yourself, I call you my wonderful friend! ❤️
Posted by: Wendy Turner | October 28, 2017 at 11:43 AM
You are amazing xx
Posted by: Ang Hall | October 28, 2017 at 11:45 AM
I met you here on Simple Wife and have been through so much of life with you. I eagerly anticipate meeting up with you again here on your blog. You inspire me! One day maybe we will meet this side of heaven.
Posted by: Terry Kerns aka mzzterry | October 28, 2017 at 12:22 PM
Hi Joanne! Sending love and peace your way. —Wendy Arralde Pottgen
Posted by: Wendy | October 28, 2017 at 12:25 PM
Hi Joanne! You are an inspiration. I look forward to future blogs.
Posted by: Denise Miles | October 28, 2017 at 12:46 PM
I'm soooo glad you're back to blogging. I've missed it.
Posted by: Liz Reeves | October 28, 2017 at 01:16 PM
I look forward to reading from your “new named” blog. I feel like I know you, even though we have never met. I do not have any suggestions because I know whatever you write will be from your heart.
Posted by: Sheila | October 28, 2017 at 01:21 PM
Joanne, I am very excited about the "New You." It's the perfect time for you to make this move. I may even restart my own blog, I'm so pumped! Congratulations to you and, well, to us❣️
Posted by: Diana Brasher | October 28, 2017 at 01:27 PM
I'm always glad to see your presence online in any form and with any name ❤️
Posted by: Patti M | October 28, 2017 at 01:43 PM
I've been following/ reading forever. I always enjoy hearing about your continued recovery, your dog & your travels!
Posted by: Kelly | October 28, 2017 at 01:46 PM
Joanne, so happy for to continue your journey. I found you many years ago from that first book you published and have been through it all. You are a true inspiration and a blessing to many. Much love my dear friend in Christ ❤️
Posted by: Donna L | October 28, 2017 at 01:52 PM
Woohoo, another big step
Posted by: Jan Maniatis | October 28, 2017 at 01:57 PM
Oh, am I ever glad to see you back in this space!
Posted by: Chris Carleton | October 28, 2017 at 03:06 PM
Joanne!
I always love when a post shows up on my blog feed. I will read whatever you write but I always loved your book recommendations and anything about devotional living. xoxo
Posted by: Helen Washington | October 28, 2017 at 03:13 PM
YEAH ! I so enjoyed your posts. You are a talented writer and I look forward to the blessing you are to our lives.
Posted by: Maryellen Azarian | October 28, 2017 at 03:25 PM
Joanne... you are amazing!!!! I'm so glad you are back blogging... I have missed your blog!!! Blessings to you dearheart!!!!
Posted by: Shelley Swindler | October 28, 2017 at 04:04 PM
Hi Joanne. I’m so excited for you!
Posted by: Elsa Distelhorst | October 28, 2017 at 04:19 PM
I followed you since before your stroke and have prayed for you often. I am so glad you are going to start writing more frequently. You are truly and inspiration. I am sorry for what your family has gone through, but God has made you a very strong woman. Blessings!
Posted by: Barbie | October 28, 2017 at 05:11 PM
Happy to see that you are going to be who you are rather than who you used to be! What God has done in your life is an inspiration to us all! God is so good, and I believe He has great plans for you, so I look forward to hearing more from you here!
Love and hugs,
Elaine
Posted by: Elaine Viergever | October 28, 2017 at 07:35 PM
Congratulations on the new blog name and focus. I really enjoy reading your writing!
Posted by: Jenna Hoff | October 28, 2017 at 10:42 PM
I love you, Joanne!! You never cease to amaze me! I look forward to dancing around Jesus in heaven with you! He is our HEALER, our WONDER, our COMFORTER, our UNABADONING FRIEND! So happy to see you and know that your writing and ministry continues despite the great pain and loss!
Posted by: Carol Furr-Bauer | October 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM
I think I subscribed to your blog either just before or right after your stroke and have loved reading it ever since. I am happy for your new change and am happy to continue reading your blog posts! You are in inspiration!!!
Posted by: Cheryl | October 29, 2017 at 12:17 PM
I love your heart so much! 💜💜
Posted by: Rebecca | October 29, 2017 at 12:45 PM
I found your blog the week of the stroke and have marveled at your recovery and your sweet heart. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Posted by: Phyllis | October 29, 2017 at 12:52 PM
Hey JoAnne, your writing is a great way for you to share the journey of the unexpected way God deals with us. Thankyou so much for continuing to look to Him for your answere’s. I will continue looking with you.
Posted by: Alison Miller | October 29, 2017 at 01:41 PM
You have been an inspiration to me before your stroke and since. I look forward to hearing how God continues to restore and redeem you and your life. I'm going to be honest and say that I miss your inspirational posts as it seems that most posts are life updates, (which I do enjoy also). I believe that God has given you so much wisdom, and he's definitely not through with you yet! Many blessings going forward!
Posted by: Jeanine | October 29, 2017 at 03:10 PM
Joanne,
I love reading the updates on your life. I've been reading your blog for many years. Through laughter and tears you inspire me with your faith. I look forward to continuing the journey with you and pray the Lord continues to bless you abundantly. I enjoy hearing about your parents and sister too.
Posted by: Kim | October 29, 2017 at 07:07 PM
Good for you! You are such a strong seeming person to go that you are going through. I first heard of you when I saw Pray for Joann on someone blog. So I clicked over to read about it I have been reading ever since. GOD has really helped you through therapy, hard work, and your determination. It is very hard to understand how the vows in sickness and in health doesn't mean much any more.
Keep doing what you can to show the power of PRAYER!
Posted by: Charlotte Moore | October 30, 2017 at 04:22 AM
I love reading your posts and hearing all about you. You have come so far! I have been following since your stroke. Keep up the good work!
Take care and stay warm!
Posted by: Shawn | October 30, 2017 at 05:56 AM
Life is a journey and I'm glad you're new blog accuractely depicts your move forward! Always loved the blog (and when kids were little we did the scrapbook paper/wood letters decoupage craft, and I followed your instructions for a bun when one of my daughters made their First Holy Communion). I'll keep on reading! x L
Posted by: laura | October 30, 2017 at 10:39 AM
A long time reader of your blog. I would like to know what books your reading. Your strength through recovery has really encouraged my walk in life as a cancer survivor. Will enjoy many more of your posts.
Posted by: Cathy Bowen | October 30, 2017 at 01:06 PM
I didn't really know you as, "the simple wife, the person I came to know was the survivor, the warrior and the overcomer. I admire you greatly, your tenacity and fight. I love to follow along as you give such a positive flourish to this world. Looking forward to more frequent posts. thank you for sharing.
Posted by: dawn | October 30, 2017 at 06:43 PM
Excited for you !!!!! I love the new name and look. You can blog about anything...I love reading it all!!! Much love from Alabama!!!
Posted by: Paige | October 31, 2017 at 09:06 AM
I'm love your writing and am so happy you're continuing and making changes as they fit with your life now. I have been reading here for years.
Posted by: Joyce | October 31, 2017 at 12:31 PM
YAY! I am so glad you are back! I have followed your journey since your stroke and prayed so much for you, your family and your recovery....mark this as one more thing you take back from the many losses since your illness! I am still praying for your children and you and am proud to see this new chapter reimerging! You have so much to offer! Praise the Lord!!!!
Posted by: Lana Dunkerley | November 01, 2017 at 05:58 AM
I'm so glad to see another blog post! I so enjoy reading whatever you write! Praying for you and your children today and everyday!
Posted by: Erin | November 04, 2017 at 11:17 AM
Congrats on your "new" blog! I had started reading your blog just before your stroke, and I have prayed for you and admired your strength and courage. I enjoy hearing about your travels and your art, and always enjoy reading your posts.
Posted by: Tiffanie | November 05, 2017 at 01:10 PM
Hi! Beth Moore’s daughter Melissa wrote a post about your stroke and asked for everyone to pray for you. I began following your progress and cheering you on. I continue to do so. You are amazing! I hope you write more about your journey. It helps so many who need inspiration in their lives whether they have had a stroke or now!! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Carla sutherland | November 05, 2017 at 08:49 PM
I first heard about you after the stroke, when Beth Moore provided a link to your blog. You have come so far and are truly an inspiration. I am thankful your parents were there for you.
I know you want to protect the privacy of your children, but I still don't understand why they refused to see you after you and Toben separated. Even before then, I recall you mentioning that they needed their space from you, even though you were living in the same house. My heart broke for you and I thought your girls needed a good talking-to. What happened? I would truly like to know. If I remember their ages correctly, they are grown now. As for you and Toben, I have seen fist hand how a life-altering illness can break up even the strongest marriage. I continue to pray for you.
Posted by: Lynn | November 08, 2017 at 12:59 PM
I have followed your blog before, during, and after your stoke. You are an amazing person and I just want to wish the best of luck in all you do.
Posted by: Anita | November 13, 2017 at 06:46 PM
I have been reading your blog for some time. I have read your books and have passed them on to friends. I came down with cancer (lymphoma) in November 2011. After reading about what you overcame early in that year, has really helped me take one day at a time. My life verse is : Proverbs 3 5-6. Thank you for your blog....
Posted by: Cathy Bowen | November 17, 2017 at 02:02 PM
It's a new season, my friend! So proud of you! Sure do love you!!!
Posted by: Lora Lovin Osburn | November 19, 2017 at 02:56 PM
I’m so glad to reconnect with you & look forward to hearing about you & your new exploits. Your life is one that truly displays God’s faithfulness.
Posted by: Susie Tiemeyer | November 23, 2017 at 08:40 AM
Hello Bloggy Friend! You are one of the very few things I've missed about being on Facebook (stopped in September). We've been taking a social media blackout as a family and are slowly identifying what's impotant online that we want to resume - and keeping up with your blog is definitely one of those things. I'm so glad to be "catching up" with you. I like the new blog name.
Much love,
Kim Feth
North Carolina
Posted by: Kim Feth | November 25, 2017 at 07:44 PM