Hello! Welcome to my blog. I am married to my sweetheart, Larry, and we’ve been married 45 years. We have 2 children & 5 grandchildren. Twelve years ago, Larry was involved in a car accident in which he received a spinal cord injury and is now a quadriplegic. That one event has changed our lives forever. I am Larry’s full time caregiver and our days are full. I had no idea how much our lives would change but the LORD has been present every minute of every day providing all that we need and more. My love and desire for the LORD has only grown and deepened over the years and I long to share the depth of that relationship with you.
Writing is something I have always loved doing. I find I can express myself so much better via the written word. As a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, I desire to help & encourage others. Whether you are an “older” believer or someone who has yet to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, may you find words of hope, love, grace and honesty on these posts. I am not perfect, actually very far from it. But I desire to follow my LORD and Saviour with all that is within me. The best thing about me is that I recognized I was a sinner, and humbly, contritely came to the foot of the cross and laid my burden down. I confessed my sins, asked for forgiveness, and received it. I now live my life in complete abandon to the ONE who rescued me from the dominion of darkness that long held me. Ephesians 3:20,21(NASB) sums it all up: “(20) Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (21) to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”.
I welcome feedback and discussion. I have tried to write in a way that is understandable but, if there is something that doesn’t make sense, please respond either on this page a personal message and I would gladly explain myself better to you.
My ‘soul’ purpose of this blog is to share my love for Christ and to bring much glory and honor and praise and blessing to His most Holy Name.
thinkinaboutjesus 
Hi, Ive nominated you and your blog for the Super Sweet Blogging Award ~ see http://steverebus.com/2013/05/07/the-super-sweet-blogging-award/
By: Steve Rebus on May 7, 2013
at 9:45 am
Steve, thank you so much! Today has been super crazy and I haven’t had time to go to your site. I am honored and humbled by this. Today is our Daughter-in-law’s birthday and we will be going out to dinner soon. I will go to your site later tonight or tomorrow. Thank you!
By: Toni Sprandel on May 7, 2013
at 4:29 pm
Hope you have a lovely time and she enjoys her birthday! You are very welcome!! God bless you and your family. 🙂
By: Steve Rebus on May 9, 2013
at 4:06 am
I stand amazed at what you’ve been through together. Your own pain and hardship (for all the unsung labor), as difficult as his, in its own way. God bless you richly. I just happened to have written on faith and suffering, and shared my own experiences. Hope you’re blessed, if you get to it.
http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/faith-and-suffering/
By: Holistic Wayfarer on May 15, 2013
at 6:59 pm
Hi Toni, I’ve nominated you for the “WordPress Family Award”
You really are a true sister with all of your encouragements, love, challenging posts and inspirations.
Please check out the award here: http://steverebus.com/2013/05/16/wordpress-family-award/
By: Steve Rebus on May 16, 2013
at 10:37 am
Thank you, again, I am humbled and honored by your thinking of me.
By: Toni Sprandel on May 16, 2013
at 4:07 pm
🙂
By: Steve Rebus on May 17, 2013
at 9:36 am
Hello! I look forward to really diving into your blog. Also, thank you for following my blog at Faith1st Ministries. I hope it has and will continue to be a major blessing in your life. May God richly bless you as you continue to write and blog. Please continue with us on this journey and remember to have Faith 1st because the “just shall live by his faith.” — Sebastian
By: Sebastian on May 22, 2013
at 7:12 pm
I look forward to following your blog! Thank you for checking mine out. Ever post I write is meant to challenge myself and all my readers to dig deeper into their relationship with Jesus Christ. His love and sacrifice for me is my reason for blogging and sharing it with the world. May the LORD Jesus bless your ministry richly!
By: Toni Sprandel on May 22, 2013
at 7:25 pm
Thank you Toni! That is the basis of what I am called to do and why I blog as well. Blessings to you and your ministry as well!
By: Sebastian on May 22, 2013
at 7:37 pm
Hi, Toni. I nominated you for the Liebster Award at the beginning of the month, but only just got around to completing all the tasks that accompany. I love our daily “visits,” and so wanted to include you.
Have a blessed weekend.
Love,
Tami
\o/
Oh, pick up your award here: http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/liebster-award/
By: lessonsbyheart on May 25, 2013
at 6:29 pm
Well, hello again. You can pick up seven more awards here http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/lovely-awards/
(((((((((()))))))))))
\o/
By: lessonsbyheart on May 25, 2013
at 7:16 pm
Sister Toni, I found your site through Brother Steve’s, iChristian blog and am thankful for that! My wife and I have been married 41 plus years and give all thanks and Glory to our Heavenly Father and His Son Christ Jesus!! We also have been through many trials, not as bad as what the Lord is carrying you through though. I am in a wheelchair, but only because my legs won’t support me for more than a minute or so and the doctors can’t seem to figure out why, plus some other things, but though my body may not work like when I was younger, my spirit is alive and strong because of the Holy Spirit who abides within!!
I have actually seen your comments on some other blogs I follow, but I think it was brother Steve who led me, at the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to you. After reading your testimony, I’m tickled as I have always looked for inspiration and encouragement where ever the Holy Spirit leads. I don’t believe in luck or coincidence, but only in “the steps ordered of the Lord.” I see brother Ken from Full of Rose’s Inspirationals and Sister Tami from Lessons by Heart, Sister Sue from Heavenly Raindrops ( I love her inspiration and poetry as I do brother Ken’s!) and also a great site, Morning Story and Dilbert.
So Sister Toni, I am honored to find your site and am also honored to follow along. I am an avid reader but since I am new to blogging it does take me a bit to make the rounds, but I do and I love reading past posts and looking forward to future!
Thanks so much for your testimony and may God bless you and your hubby as you continue to serve (minister) to each and everyone of your brothers and sisters and those yet to enter the Kingdom!!
By: Pastor Roland Ledoux on June 9, 2013
at 6:10 pm
Thank you so much for your very kind comments! I was struggling terribly with life and feeling alone. The LORD has blessed me immeasurably with such wonderfully sincere, loving and caring blog writers for fellowship! I look forward to following you and your blog. You are an inspiration to me! Thank you dear brother for your friendship! Have a wonderful day in the LORD!
By: Toni Sprandel on June 9, 2013
at 6:40 pm
Sister Toni, I am the one both honored and humbled (and not false humility either) as not just your writing, but the comments I have read are an encouragement to all you have commented too!! God bless you again, my Sister in Christ!!!
By: Pastor Roland Ledoux on June 9, 2013
at 6:45 pm
Hello, beloved sister. I have a memento for you on my blog: http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/wordpress-family-award/ 🙂
\o/
By: lessonsbyheart on June 10, 2013
at 5:57 pm
Thank you! I will try to get this one done! You are my sister and you are welcome to raid my closet anytime you want! Love you!!
By: Toni Sprandel on June 10, 2013
at 10:34 pm
Amen to that testimony. Your lovely heart shines through
By: mwitasblog on June 12, 2013
at 2:02 pm
Thank you dear brother. I look forward checking out your page and following you.
By: Toni Sprandel on June 12, 2013
at 4:04 pm
You are welcome, my sister. We should make time to share our lives more, that’s what we have been called to. God bless you, much love.
By: mwitasblog on June 13, 2013
at 9:37 am
I love testimonies that solidify and tell the truth about Jesus. Your marriage and committment to each other show that the vows you made–truly meant something! I admire that.
By: journeyofjoy on June 17, 2013
at 3:39 pm
I was immediately drawn to your blog due to its name – I love it!!! I wish many blessings to you and your family and never forget that Christ is our refuge and strength. Can’t wait to look around 🙂
By: booklovers1 on July 13, 2013
at 1:01 am
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I truly desire to share my love for Jesus in my blog. If I can inspire just one person to begin or deepen their walk with the LORD, then I have accomplished my goal. May you be blessed today!
By: Toni Sprandel on July 13, 2013
at 3:04 pm
Hi Toni, I’m looking forward to following your blog. I love what you’re all about – especially your “soul” purpose for this blog. Awesome!
By: Tanya M. on July 25, 2013
at 7:27 pm
Thank you Tanya! You are a dear sister and I am so glad we have met! I look forward to many more “talks” with you! 🙂
By: Toni Sprandel on July 25, 2013
at 9:36 pm
Dear Toni
Thank you so much for following my blog. It is been honor for me:) You have a great journey of life and I think I can learn so much from you 🙂 by the way might be more polite I call you ma’am 🙂 I am to young to call just by name. Blessing to you Ma’am
Warm regards,
Karina
By: Karina Susanto on August 2, 2013
at 10:38 pm
Dear Karina, first, please use my first name! It really is ok. I am a very informal person and everyone around our neighborhood calls me Grandma Toni. I truly do not mind your calling me by my first name. We who are of the family of God, are brothers and sisters in Christ. So I see you as my sister. May the LORD continue to use you greatly to encourage the saints. I am grateful the LORD has brought us together! Love, Toni 🙂
By: Toni Sprandel on August 3, 2013
at 2:38 pm
Thank you for your respond. I think it would be nice I call you grandma Toni 🙂 I am blessed to know you so I can learn many thing from you 🙂 thank you grandma have blessed and great day 🙂
With love and hugs
Karina
By: Karina Susanto on August 4, 2013
at 6:16 am
Hi Toni, thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I’m honoured to meet you. I look forward to reading about you and your journey of faith. I’m inspired by your devotion to the Lord and your husband in the face of all challenges. May God bless you and strengthen continually.
By: obiamaka onyebum on August 5, 2013
at 4:44 pm
Thank you! I look forward to reading your blog and encouraging you in your journey with Jesus!
By: Toni Sprandel on August 5, 2013
at 5:21 pm
I’m so glad you visited my blog. I’m touched by your story and your faithfulness to The Lord. What a beautiful testimony you’re sharing with the world. Blessings upon blessings to you and your family…
By: Lori Lara on August 6, 2013
at 6:24 pm
I look forward to reading more of your blog. My grandfather was an excellent photographer, but I did not inherit his creative genes! I love looking at others beautiful pictures. Yes, our life has been a crazy journey and I pray that somehow, someway the LORD will use my heart and fingers to pen just exactly what He wants me to share. Thank you so much for your kind comment! If I forgot to click “follow” on your blog, I will go back and do that! Have a great day!
By: Toni Sprandel on August 6, 2013
at 7:42 pm
He is definitely using you… Have you connected with Bill from the blog Unshakable Hope? If not, you might want to visit his blog. Reading your About me reminded me of him. He’s amazing.
By: Lori Lara on August 7, 2013
at 12:18 am
Hello, I just started following your blog. How is Larry doing? God bless. Bob
By: robertjgood on August 23, 2013
at 12:13 am
Hi Bob, thank you for following! I am privileged and honored. Larry has recovered so well from the quadriplegia. The strength has even returned to his legs. But now that he is able to do things, His longstanding issues with lower back arthritis and bone spurs has complicated things. We are continuing to visit the Pain Mgmt Dr and he will have some procedures done next week to hopefully help. The pain in his back prevents him from standing up tall. As a quad, when he walks with his walker, it is important he be up tall. And his back will not allow it. He is now 62 so he is not getting younger so aging is not helping either. The LORD provides all that we need and we know He will come alongside us. Thank you for asking and I look forward to checking out your blog. 🙂
By: Toni Sprandel on August 23, 2013
at 5:42 pm
Praise God that he has recovered. You guys are amazing. Praying. God bless. Bob
By: robertjgood on August 23, 2013
at 7:55 pm
🙂
By: Toni Sprandel on August 23, 2013
at 8:35 pm
You’re kinda quiet over here. I’m hoping and praying all is well
By: Wordscroll on October 17, 2013
at 10:37 pm
No, I was getting ready to write a blog letting everyone know I need a sabbatical of a couple of months. It had been tough right now with my husbands health issues. Thank you for thinking of me. I truly appreciate it! 🙂
By: Toni Sprandel on October 18, 2013
at 6:38 pm
I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.
By: Wordscroll on October 18, 2013
at 9:19 pm
Thanks for your blog – and thanks also for following my blog, Learning From God’s Word. God bless you and make you a blessing to many.
By: charlie on January 28, 2014
at 6:13 pm
Thank you Charlie! I am still struggling with finding the time to put into the blog. I really love it and my fellowship with other Brothers and Sisters in Christ. If I don’t get back to here (on earth), I will pick up with it in Heaven! Praise the LORD! May the LORD bless you and your blog richly!!
By: Toni Sprandel on January 4, 2015
at 6:06 pm
Hi, Toni! Haven’t seen you around in quite a while. Is all well with you?
\o/
By: lessonsbyheart on May 17, 2014
at 6:27 pm
Yes, life has a way of separating us from things we love and enjoy. My heart’s desire is to share. Someday, I will be back. Thank you for thinking of me. I miss you.
By: Toni Sprandel on May 19, 2014
at 8:59 am
Dear Sister Toni;
Been reading through all the comments as I myself have been gone for about a year due to health AND computer problems. I KNOW what you mean, but our God is Great! I will be praying for you and your hubby, hoping things are looking up for you. Don’t forget, HE will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. Sometimes it may feel like it, but we walk by Faith, NOT feelings. God bless you and I am keeping your link and will check back. I had to start a new blog, but the Lord did chastise me for waiting as long as I did. So, you CAN count on mine and my wife’s prayers!
God bless you richly, dear Sis in Christ!
By: Pastor Roland Ledoux on June 21, 2014
at 3:30 pm
Dear Sister in Christ;
Toni, don’t know how you’re doing, but am still keeping you and yours in my prayers. Our Heavenly Father knows all things even though we may not. We do have this one promise within the Body of Christ; the Bible says that our spirits will bear witness with one another. So, what that means to me is that even when this life keeps us apart, the Holy Spirit still keeps that bond alive that drew us to one another in the spirit. Just know Sis that I meant it when I stated that my wife and I will continue to keep you and yours in our prayers.
God bless, Sister (and I don’t say Brother or Sister, lightly!)
By: Pastor Roland Ledoux on November 9, 2014
at 3:47 pm
Thank you dear Brother for your faithfulness in remembering me. It has been a long dry spell. I miss so much my writing and fellowshipping with all my brothers and sisters here. My husband’s physical health is in a decline and he is able to do less and less. I am in now way ready to “give up”, but after 9 years of being a full time caregiver, 24/7, I am getting tired. I wake each day and ask the LORD for strength for today. I live one day at a time. Some days the devil keeps telling me it is time to throw in the towel. But my Jesus is bigger, better and all sufficient! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The one thing that keeps me going is the spiritual growth I am seeing in Larry. Over the past 6 months or so he has really started turning his heart towards the LORD. It warms my heart to see him read the Word. I will remember you in my prayers and thank you so much for your agape love. Love in Christ, Toni
By: Toni Sprandel on January 4, 2015
at 6:02 pm