Monday, September 13, 2010

About Me - Darlene Schacht


I'm Darlene Schacht, and this is our story of God's incomparable grace...
Therefore shall a man leave his father 
and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: 
and they shall be one flesh. 
~ Genesis 2:24, KJV
It was my husband's birthday. We had big plans for the evening and I was hoping to make his day the best that I could. The presents were bought and we had plans to go to our favorite restaurant.

He got home from work a little early that day and asked me to join him in the living room. I wasn't sure what was up, but I understood from the look on his face that something was wrong. Something terrible.

Sitting across from him, I'll never forget the sound of his words that rang in my ears and ripped through my heart, "Are you having an affair?" He asked.

Looking up at him I quickly answered, "No. Why would you even ask that?"

"Please don't lie to me," he said. And as he continued to question me the heat rose in my face. My cheeks were numb, my mouth was dry and weak. "Did you have an affair?"

I hung my head, unable to look in his eyes. Barely able to speak I lifted my chin in a nod and then in another. My house of cards collapsed, my shame crashing to the ground along with it.

My sin, the glorious fruit of lust had enticed me into the pit of death where all I could think of was death. For death itself had enveloped me and with it came shame and reproach. I had sinned against God, my husband and my family. Everything I had once held so dear to me loomed above the pit of sin and shame I had dug for myself.

A few hours later I was up in my bedroom packing the few things I had left. Michael and I had talked, but at the end of the day there was nothing I had left to offer him, nothing but soiled rags--words of remorse that he couldn't rely on, and promises where all trust was gone. My eyes were swollen from crying, my heart was heavy with shame.

"Do you want to stay?" he asked.

I didn't know how to answer that. All I wanted to do was stay with my family--to turn back the clock a year--but I was unworthy to be a wife, a mother and a child of God. How could I stay in a place where I didn't belong? How could I ever live on the surface again? How could I ever be trusted to love?

"I can't." I said. "I just can't..."

And again he said, "That's not what I'm asking you. Do you WANT to stay?" he asked.

Loving his wife as Christ loves the church, his hand of grace reached down to me when I needed it most.

There is incredible power in the words of Jesus Christ who said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

I didn't deserve Michael's love and forgiveness. I didn't deserve a second chance. I didn't deserve my family and I didn't deserve to be loved by those that I hurt. But in that moment of darkness where one person in this world cared enough to display the covenant keeping love of Jesus Christ to His church I turned from my sin and clung to the grace of God that is strong enough to break the bands of sin and death. It's strong enough to graft one man to a woman when everything in this world threatens to pull them apart.

I started Time-Warp Wife out of that place of grace, all the while wondering if God could use someone who’s broken and tarnished like me. The object of my ministry is to encourage women in their marriage in hopes that they won’t make the mistakes that I have.

I am a sinner who is nothing without the grace of our Lord.

In order for two souls to survive this union--to be grafted together as one--they must be completely sealed by the covenant-keeping love of our Lord Jesus Christ and the faithfulness of His bride. It's the compound that holds marriage together and the reason itself that marriage exists.

Marriage exists to display the merciful
covenant-keeping love of Christ
and the faithfulness of his bride.
~ John Piper, Momentary Marriage


You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

________________________________________________

What I believe... 

There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures. He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest. He will come again to establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace. The Holy Spirit is a divine Person, sent to indwell, guide, teach and empower the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of people. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice. Humankind, originally created in the image and likeness of God, fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All people are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation has been provided only through Jesus Christ. Those who repent and believe in Him are united with Christ through the Holy Spirit and are thereby regenerated (born again), justified, sanctified and granted the gift of eternal life as adopted children of God.

_________________________________________

This video is for each and every one of you. If you've ever felt alone, if you've ever felt abandoned, if you've ever wondered whether you're worth something--anything at all... please watch. YOU are loved by an almighty God!


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114 comments:

  1. AMEN!! It's so exciting to hear women finally starting to speak up and say they've chosen self-sacrificial motherhood and submissive wife-hood, and that they're CONTENT ~ not oppressed or repressed in any way ~ and secure in the knowledge that this is God's will. I love this "declaration of dependence"!

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  2. Amen sista!!!! You go girl! Excellent post - and I love your new header :-)!
    Have a great day!
    Courtney

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  3. Laughing Lady, thank you. "Declaration of dependance," clever!

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  4. Thanks for the "Amen" Courtney. And as for the header, I've been in such a design mood lately that I keep changing it. :)

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  5. I think it should be said that in order for a marraige to work the way God intended, men are to love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Awesome post. I'm proud of you!

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    1. Wow, you guys are great! Now I love this blog even more!!!

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    2. I only pray that more men will understand this

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  6. Thanks, babe. That's what I so love about you. I'm proud of you too, but not because you're a time-warp-wife. ;)

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  7. I agree, and I love that Dr. Seuss quote!I have always wanted to create a pro-life t-shirt with the phrase "a person is a person, no matter how small" with Horton the elephant on it. I'm working on the copyright issues still. ( ; I'll get you a shirt if it ever works out!

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  8. Monster cakes, I want that shirt! Maternity shirt--even better. But no, I'm not pregnant.

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  9. Thank you, Follower of the WAY. Appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  10. I just posted something to FB too but I just have to say i am really glad that i found this site.....I am a blessed mom of 4 and recently I was blessed to have my husband step up to the plate and become the HEAD of our house as the Lord has purposed him to be....in doing so I had to step down for so many years I had to do both parts and be that spiritual head....I am learing to be submissive and I thank Jesus for answering my prayers in drawing my husband into his purpose!!! Now I am thankful for His divine intervention in guiding me and showing me my purpose as well....submission is powerful....it is controled power...It is a choice of obidence....that is honoring and strong I chose to be like Sarah,Ester...and Ruth such great examples....thank you Lord for women of Purpose in this time who are standing up for your Word!!!! I pray blessing over your lives in Jesus name!!!!amen!!!!

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  11. Anonymous, that's awesome! I echo your amen!

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  12. This truly blessed me.. Our stories are similar only difference your husband was immediate in offering the love of Christ to you and forgiveness.. I on the other hand was dealt a ugly hand of I forgive you but I want forget, constantly being reminded of my sin and shortcomings every chance he got.. Also making sure I knew he had never been unfaithful to me.. But when God revealed my sin and shined a light on me I can say now it was my saving grace.. So I took my punishment my husband thought I deserved (reminding me, saying I was nothing, making me feel low as I could ever be.. For two years) trusting and depending that God would help me get through it. I must confess though watching how and going through it has definitely took something from our relationship.. We still together but our intimacy is not as it should be.. I need help because I want our marriage to be as God wants it to be.. Don't know why I'm expressing I've never done this before but I feel lead to share it with you Mrs. Darlene and your followers.. Please pray for us!

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  13. Annie, thank you for sharing your heart. I will pray for you. I also hope that God brings someone into your life that will help you walk through this. It's amazing what wise counsel can do for healing.

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  14. Thank you for being so transparent! What an amazing testimony of God's love and grace! May God continue to use your story to empower marriages all over the world!

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  15. Thank you Darlene. Your testimony reaches me! I too was involved in an affair, and if wasn't for the grace of God in my husband's life and mine I would not have a husband or a beautiful daughter! I just stumbled across this blog and decided to read your testimony and I was so encouraged by it! I am convinced the Lord led me to this site and I am definitely going subscribe to it as well! Thanks so much!

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    1. Oh, I'm so thrilled to hear this testimony of grace and the goodness of God. He is amazing!

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  16. I have looked at your sites and read a lot of the material you have placed on your sites. You are an amazing person. I can't say that any of the other sites have motivated me as much as yours has. I am in my first marriage. Seven years. He hasn't got the belief that I have. He is a good man. He has a really bad temper and with me being mild mannered, it has helped our marriage to keep going. Evan when I did not think it would make it any longer. You have given me a total new insight on things. Thank you so much. I am eager to read more and learn more from the information you have.

    You are truely a blessing. I found your site at the moment I needed it the most.

    Thank you again.

    Sandra Eggleston

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    1. Sandra, thank you so much for landing here and staying long enough to read the articles. What a blessing! God has such good timing, doesn't He?!

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  17. Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency. I love how your husband dealt with the situation. Your marriage is an example to many about the covenant we make in marriage. Blessings to you both and your family. Love your blog!!!
    Justine

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    1. Thank you, Justine. I'm blessed to have such grace in my life from the Lord, my husband and my readers. My heart is touched.

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  18. What an amazing testimony of God's amazing power at work! I was so blessed by it this morning and I am just praising God for being such a wonderful redeemer. My husband and I came to Christ in our fourth year of marriage. He not only saved our souls, he saved our marriage!

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    1. I love how you referred to God as our redeemer. When we feel broken and unloved we have hope in One who redeems us from sin. That's empowering and exciting! Thanks, Marisha!

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  19. I read this for the first time today. I'm in awe of our God and so blessed by your testimony! It's made me want to read more. Marriage is under attack more than ever before. While the church is certainly for marriage, it seems that so many issues have been swept under the rug. The church, largely, doesn't want to discuss issues that married couples are facing. It is so refreshing to find blogs that are open and honest. And it's encouraging to see the work of grace in the lives of people like you! Keep on speaking truth!!!

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  20. Your writings are such a blessing to me!
    Will you be offering a study guide on The Good Wife's Guide? I am feeling like it would make a wonderful group study.
    Would you mind if I started a discussion group for it?
    Thank you for sharing your time and gifts with us.
    ~Jenn
    http://lifejoyfilled.blogspot.com/

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    1. Jenn, I haven't planned on it yet. Maybe after a get a few big projects done that I'm working on.

      And, I'd love if you started a discussion group on it, that would be awesome. Let me know if you do and I'll give you a shout out on facebook.

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  21. wow what an awesome testimony. I feel blessed to have read that.

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  22. I just stumbled onto your site through Pinterest. What an amazing story you have and what a witness to what God can do if we just let Him work in our lives. I look forward to more deeply getting into this site and find out more about you and your story. Thank you for a beautiful witness and showing that we do have a Father who loves us unconditionally.

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    1. Thank you SO much for your encouragement. I'm blessed that you stumbled in.

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  23. Darlene, You are an amazing woman with such inspirations! Like many others, I too have randomly found your blog through other blog posts. I must say that it is so encouraging to hear & read your posts. I am a full time working mama of 3 boys. My husband and I are working hard to teach them , and model good parenting. But let me tell you, it is hard work being a parent! Your resources are soooo helpful! I just printed out the prayer cards for kiddos & Hubby. Can't wait to see how God uses my prayers to work in our family. Keep up God's work & thank you!

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  24. Erin, thank you so much for your encouragement. 3 boys? I have three too. They are a blessing, but so much louder and rambunctious than my daughter could ever be. LOL! Never a dull moment for sure. :D

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  25. What an amazing story of grace and forgiveness! Thank you for having the strength to be so open about your story. It gives me hope that one day my marriage can be a rich and fruitful relationship. Right now, I feel that every day is a struggle. With 3 children, one of whom is 4 months old, I find it very difficult to put time and effort into marriage. I know I need more patience, love, and kindness for my husband. He is a wonderful man..why is it so difficult?

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    1. Little ones can wipe you out and change your life so drastically. I remember being tired and just trying to get through the day. The thing is that life does get easier and things get better the longer that you know each other. Too many people give up before they've had a chance to experience the next step. I'm thankful that God opened my eyes and gave me a second chance. Looking at things from an entirely different angle can really be an eye opener. Praising God for His grace!

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  26. Darlene,
    I have read your testimony for the first time this evening, and what a beautiful story of grace it is! Thank you for sharing with all of us... --Marty

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    1. Marty, thank you so much for reading, and for your encouragement.

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  27. I love your web site and I have used several of your printables and shared them with others. I was wondering have you thought about creating cards 31 prayers for us as a wife. I would love to have a tool like that. Your a blessing and thank you!

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    1. I'd really like to do that! I don't think it will be too soon since I just finished two sets, but maybe in a month or so.

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  28. OMG! I just found your site by chance and I have been struggling with this secret for almost 2 years. It's been tearing me apart. In the last few days I've been feverishly reading 2 books by Christian authors and have felt God trying to tell me to trust him and work things out in my marriage-then I read your post...There are other factors too, such as decades of neglect by my husband, and the other man was my first love. I still love him and don't know how to get over him, but I don't want to disappoint God again. Anyway, at least I don't feel so alone anymore. Thank you for humbly sharing your life. I'll watch for your reply :)

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  29. Darlene, I know you do not know me but I have been a follower of your blog for some time now and Faithfully I am very passionate for marriages and working them out.I mentor many women on this subject and I am sure I don't have to tell you how many have similar stories yet no hope or are having emotional affairs and don't realize that's how most physical affairs begin, then so many others whom have had your story yet are feeling condemned and lost so I thank you for your transparency and willingness to share your story. I now have a huge out of my comfort zone question to ask you would you so kindly pray about guest posting and sharing your story on my blog so many I minister to may soak up your hope and know their is grace and second chances I blog at http://atthefeetofmysavior.blogspot.com please come look around and pray about sharing I would be ever so grateful!!
    In His Grace,
    Cindy

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  30. Thank you for being so brave, blunt and transparent! I'm following your blog via bloglovin now. Let's keep sharing and encouraging each other in God's love.

    Visit me:
    LeeAnne, Style N Season
    http//stylenseason.blogspot.com

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  31. I have just found your blog today via your home cleaning schedule on Pinterest. I'm so grateful. My heart is full as I have found a place to get instruction based on the Word, and I see how your desperate gratitude fuels your leading wives to care for and appreciate their families. I could go on about how I could just HUG you for your bravery and transparency-PRAISE GOD FOR RESTORATION!!! But, for now, I must clean this messy house ;) I will be back!! :D

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  32. I wanted to say thanks for sharing I am Second with your audience. I work with the organization as a writer and small groups coach. I have a book coming out December 9 called Live Second: 365 Ways to Make Jesus First. The book contains 365 daily readings and prayers meant to inspire people to consider what life might look like if Jesus were First. I am organizing a 60-Days-of-Second campaign where 15 bloggers will guest blog on the I am Second website for 4 days each and write about their journey towards living Second. I love your blog and would love to have you guest blog with us. If you are interested, please email me at launch@iamsecond.com. Thanks.
    Doug Bender

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  33. Darlene, Thank you for sharing your story and for being a Speaker of Truth. I believe God is calling us to share our stories of His Redemption in marriage-to speak out about what we usually only hear about at the tail end of a marriage-an affair. But God heals even this brokenness. I share my own story in my book, White As Snow: Conquering Sexual Abuse and Adultery through Christ. However, I am so please to find other resources to share with women in the White as Snow class and those whom I mentor. Thank you for your work-for being His hands and feet. For women out there living in fear and shame...we have a Great Physician-an awesome healer. Take the first step. He won't relent. May I share one resource? http://white-as-snow-ministry.com/adultery-101-what-to-watch-for-and-how-to-help/

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  34. Very well spoken! I admire your talent of writing as you speak. You display a well-earned graciousness in your chosen words.
    Yes. I know this grace and let me never forget again.

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  35. Thank you so very much for sharing your story of God's Marvelous Grace to you, demonstrated to you by God, your husband and your family. God is soooooooo good to each of us. My story is reversed but God is the keeper of our home and the one who has made our marriage a lasting covenant to each other for making our marriage God honoring. We have been married 49 years this December. I will never cease to praise Him for what he has made out of our marriage a home. When seven years into our marriage we were destroying all intended it to become to represent Christ and His church. His great love for His Church and the churches submission and love for Christ. So thankful for His mercy and compassion. Blessings to you for your willingness to honor God for sharing your story. Blessings to you, Jo-Ann

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  36. I am so thankful for this web page. I, initially, came here looking for helpful hints on acquiring "housewife" talents that my 80 year old mom and mother-in-law have. You see, I am a product of the 70's. My plan was to go to college and NEVER get married; so, I didn't pay attention to the day-to-day gruel. I wasn't going to be a "grunt-worker". Well, when you spit in the air it lands right on your nose, my mother always says. But, really, God had a different plan for me. I did go to college. And, I did have a successful career. At 29 years old, I did get married. And, at the age of 32, my Lord gave me the most important job in the world, I became a Mommy. Now, God has tripled that duty. A year ago, I found this site, looking for a housework schedule. Who'd have "thunk" it. "Time Warp Wife" is a fantastic name! This is my first time reading your testimony and I love you even more. Thank you for your efforts to keep marriages and households together...

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  37. I cannot begin to tell u how ur story is MY story! I am that sinful, undeserving wife whom God in his infinite grace n mercy pulled out of the darkness n into his light. My husband n his unconditional love for me was HIS chosen instrument. Two years after I confessed my sin to him we are closer to each other n more committed than ever. God is the center of our marriage n we sealed it all with a renewal of our vows in a beautiful n very emotional ceremony at the beach this past august. I thank God everyday for gifting me such an amazing man to call my husband. I am proud to b called his wife n look forward to another 23 yrs together!!
    Thank you for opening the door, giving us a chance to speak. God bless u n ur marriage <3

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  38. Thank you all for your thoughts and comments, and also for opening your heart to share your stories with me. I keep you all in my prayers.

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  39. Kimmi Noelle McKnightDecember 11, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    I also am a Christian wife who "fell from grace" into an adulterous relationship. I am thankful also to have a husband that forgave me (althought it was NOT always easy, for him or me). It has been 8 years since then and i can say i have honoured my vows since. I don't deserve his or God's grace or forgiveness, but thankfully i got it! We've now been married for almost 29 years and he is definitely my Knight in Shining Armour!

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  40. Wow! I can't believe that God directed me to this sight. I am too a wife that fell from grace but has a husband who loves me like Christ does. He forgave me and we are working on our marriage of almost 10 years. We have four children. I am thankful for the mercy and grace from God! He is so good and doesn't treat me like my sins deserve. I will pray for the ladies who come to this sight now, who have in the past, and who will in the future that God would heal wounds, and help us to be conformed to the image of his son, Jesus Christ! To Him be all the Glory forever AMEN! Like Paul, I feel as if i am the chief of sinners, but saved by grace in faith through Christ. Who no longer feels condemned by my sin, but cleansed only by the power of Jesus's cleansing blood! Grace to you all!

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  41. I'm on the other end if things but I have chooses to forgive... After all I'm not perfect either! God forgives us everyday and to learn to forgive like He does is beautiful! I'm thankful for you being willing to share, it helps me understand that God truly can change our hearts and to see someone who stayed with there spouse as well is encouragement! :)

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  42. i just "stumbled upon" your site and decided to look at your about me because i was taken aback by the name of your blog. im a proud feminist and my first instinct was to be judgmental. then i read your story and i saw the comment that your husband left on here expressing his love for you. i want to say that i think it is really cool that you two are in that kind of supportive and understanding relationship. i grew up muslim and i am gay and i am lucky to have found a relationship that puts such a high priority on spirituality. so i guess my point is that i came here judgmental and im leaving realizing that we are probably more similar than different. thanks for putting yourself out there so i could have this realization!

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement. With each day I'm learning the powerful lesson of grace.

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  43. I've been reading your blog for a few months now here and there as time allows. I'm blessed by your testimony and the beauty of your husband's forgiveness towards you. I've read how encouraged other women feel because of you sharing your story since they can relate. However, for me, as a newlywed of 1 1/2 years I'd love to learn from your mistake and avoid that painful sin that God redeemed you and many others from. With all respect, as much as I appreciate your blog it also makes me aware of how common this sin is for many Christian women to fall into and almost leaves me feeling more scared...because I see so many woman saying that they fell too. What sort of mindset or approach do you suggest I take? Thanks...

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    1. I think it's two things. Protecting our minds from thoughts that lead us into temptation. Social media is very tempting to MANY couples today and opens a door to temptation in so many ways. But I'd also say that grace is a big one for me. We all make mistakes and poor decisions, and so it's important to understand that our husbands are only human. They deserve grace in the same way that we receive grace from God.

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  44. Hi Darlene, You have an amazing testimony and ministry!
    I am a holistic health coach, and I am doing a series of webinars this year called REAL Wellness Wednesday's, the target audience is Christian women . I would sincerely appreciate it if you would consider and pray about being a guest speaker. For more information and to speak about it please email me at RealWholeHealth at gmail dot com.
    Thank you! Angela Montgomery

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  45. Hi Darlene,
    I stumbled across your website via Pinterest and am so glad/thankful I did! Thanx for sharing your honest and touching testimony... that is true forgiveness. I am encouraged with all the help you share on here; we've only been married 10 years but soo thankful for a Godly husband to walk with. (I was soo excited to see you are a Manitoban... we were both born & raised in friendly MB). Blessings to you Darlene!
    Kendra

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  46. OH dear....now I know that God led me to your blog (and here I was just thinking it was Pinterest!) Just this morning we visited a church, other than our home church, and the Pastor pressed the point that we should use all our successes and failures to help others. Boy, did that pinch!!! I have worked really hard to make my life look perfect from the outside...that whole transparency thing is scary and just pushes me out of my box (and I LIKE my box!!!) Today's sermon and your blog post are just a few more things lining up where I hear God not just whispering but yelling and pushing me!!! Thanks for sharing your story and I look forward to reading more of your blog!

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  47. I saw one of your pictures via Family Christian store and decided to check out your website. I am absolutely amazed and grateful that it exist. Your story sounded so much like mine that I just stopped and stared for a second. I cheated as well and my husband gave me a second chance. It was then that I fully understood the grace of God. Now, I live my life trying to follow Him and I want to be a wife that my husband won't be ashamed of. I think your site is just amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives me great hope.

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  48. All I can say is that God is awesome and I know without a doubt that He lead me to your blog and is speaking in a very loud voice! I am going to tell you thank you Darlene for this post and I am going to tell God that I hear You and I am listening Lord. Thank you again Darlene.

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  49. Wow, I never read this before, and I've been following your blog for a while. Is it awful to say that this was encouraging to me? Lol! But really, it gives me hope for my marriage.

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  50. What a beautiful testimony of God's love. Thank you for letting God use you to declare His glory!

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  51. I have been soaking up this website for a couple months now, almost impatiently waiting for each new post and it’s wisdom every single day! But today was the first day I read your testimony, and I am sitting here in tears after reading it. My own testimony is both similar and much, much different. I am newly remarried after a past failed marriages with affairs on both sides and the total destruction and defamation of what a marriage should be. It is more recently that my husband and I have started to attend a church together and have been meeting with the pastor regularly in an effort to rediscover ourselves in Christ. I feel like I am starting from the very lowest bottom I could start from and working my way back up! This website has been a true Godsend, in every sense of the word. I am learning what it means to be a Proverbs 31 wife and the truth of what submission means in a Godly marriage.

    I have read the stories and posts on this website over and over as they are posted, often feeling like I have a long way to go, or that I am not worthy of having a marriage blessed by God- but reading your testimony has helped me. Though I took a different and longer path than you, I feel like God has truly used your story to touch my heart today.

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  52. Thank you so much for your grace and encouragement, ladies. I am blessed by it.

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  53. Powerful testimony. How did you find the courage to bear yourself to the world?

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  54. Hi Darlene, I have been following your blog for a while now and linking up every Tuesday. I have recently started a new blog called Encourage 24/7 and I will be adding a new page called Christian Women's Resources. I would love to add your blog with a link to it as one of those resources. Could you please email me and let me know if you would give me permission to do so? My email is teekaytee2@gmail.com (www.mydailywalkinhisgrace.com and www.encourage247.com)

    Thank you
    Tracy

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  55. Having had an emotional affair that eventually led to a few exchanged kisses before I came to my senses... ,after only a couple of weeks, it was the hardest thing I ever did when I confessed it to my husband. Our recovery as a couple has taken time. As fellow Christians, your willingness to share your story gives us hope and I just want to thank you. In the times I am feeling low when memories attack my mind, sometimes I remember that you hold up to us the reminder that we are forgiven in Jesus. Thank you for sharing.

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  56. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. I had an affair over 3 years ago, which my husband forgave me. It was the deepest pit I could ever imagine. My affair was a wake up call that brought my husband to Christ, and his forgiveness of me brought me to Christ. Amazing how God turns evil into good! I have suffered still in my shame of what I did. I still am reminded of my sin. Anyone considering this, DON"T DO IT! Its the biggest mistake of my life. I felt there was no way out, like I couldn't tell my husband what I needed. He was quite difficult! But there is another way. Turn to Jesus instead!

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  57. Dear Darlene,
    I have been following your blog for the last 8 months or so. I have so enjoyed it and have shared many things with my daughter-in-law. I am writing to ask for prayer for me and my family. After 32 years of marriage and a 37 year relationship with my husband, he has left the marriage for someone else. This is not the first affair and after giving it my all over 12 years, I felt God telling me to free him from the marriage.. It is so very painful. For me, I feel it is worse than a spouse dying.
    This new journey as a single woman is so very foreign to me. Married life is all I have ever known. Here I am at 50 starting a journey that is so very scary. I have no idea where God is taking me on this journey, however, I am taking his hand and trusting that he will honor all that I did to save my marriage and give back to me what the loudest have eaten with a double portion.

    For right now, it is very difficult to read post and articles on marriage. I hope in time I can do that again. Thank you for your heart for God and for marriages.

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  58. I began reading your blog during an incredibly painful time in my life about two years ago. I had confessed to being unfaithful to my husband, and in a miracle of grace, he forgave me. I was a very young wife with little sense of who I was as a woman or in the Lord, and I felt so incredibly hopeless and ashamed.

    I found your blog through a Google search on biblical marriage and submission. I'm still not sure what caused me to do that search that day, except that the Holy Spirit was guiding me and telling me that there IS a better way to be married than what the world offers. After starting to read yours and other Christian wife bloggers, I couldn't get enough. I grew up in a Christian home, and yet many of these ideas were fresh to me, and I knew I could never turn back to just barely getting by in my marriage. God has blessed us with such a high and excellent calling as Christian wives, and here I had been throwing it away!

    When I first started following your blog, this particular story was not yet posted. I admired your godly attitude, but I had no clue that you could truly understand what I was going through. Imagine my surprise at stumbling across it today! I know now more than ever that God truly used your blog as a means of grace for me, turning my heart back to Him and transforming my marriage and my life. Today, my husband and I are happier than we have ever been, and I know that by the grace of God I am forgiven and made new. Although at one time I felt so discouraged that I had stumbled at such a young age and so early in my marriage, today I am thankful that God willing, we can enjoy a godly marriage for 60 years to come!

    Thank you so much for what you do. You have blessed me more than you can know.

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  59. Thank you so much for all of your comments. I praise God for the grace and love He so freely bestows.

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  60. Your story is mine. The shame and guilt I felt kept me in a pit of despair for over a year afterwards. But a Christian lady heard part of my testimony and guessed my sin. She told me, "You do not know your position in Christ." Chains were broke off me that day. I am redeemed! I've been set free!. My husband and I are learning what God expects from a husband and a wife. I am thankful I found your blog. I look forward to getting to know you through this blog and FB.

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  61. I am a follower of your page on facebook, and have read your testimony here a few times since I found this site, and every time it breaks my heart. Not in a bad way, but a truly feeling-your-pain way. I feel the guilt you felt and the disbelief when your husband responded by covering you with love. It is a beautiful testimony. Thanks for sharing it.

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  62. This is a beautiful story of how God restores...and I love how you brought up the scripture where Jesus says "Neither do I condemn you..." I love your blogs; they inspire me to be a better wife and mother. Thank you for your transparency and sharing your wisdom with us!!! :) I pray God continues to bless and strengthen your marriage!! :)

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  63. You are blessed to have such a forgiving husband. Does he not hold even a little resentment? I believe my husband would have divorced me, for that is the only reason God gave for a divorce. Our marriage is hard enough as it is, for he has a temper. Sin is sin, and I am a sinner. But that one my husband would not stand for. I am not sure if I could keep living with him if he had an affair. Forgive him yes, trust him ever again...not so sure. You are indeed blessed.

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  64. Darlene,

    I spent my morning hours in prayer for my husband and our marriage. In our case, it is he and not I who strayed. Our marriage right now is fragile, and frankly I don't know if we'll make it.
    When I returned from work this afternoon, I googled "cleaning tips". I found your site, and your story.
    Your testimony brought tears to my eyes. And a belief that God works through google.

    Bless you for putting yourself and your story out in this world. I felt compelled to write this thank you so that you would know your efforts make a difference.

    Take care.

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    1. God works in mysterious and unexpected ways. I pray that He will continue to lead you toward encouragement. I also pray that He will lead you in wisdom. I can't imagine the brokenness of your heart and your fear to step forward. May God guide each step you take. Love and hugs...

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  65. Oh Darlene, your testimony is just beautiful. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound! This is my first time on your site, and your link up party. As soon as I landed here, I felt like I had just arrived at an ongoing celebration that has been going on for who knows how long! So glad to be here! Love, Juana

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  66. Juana, I love how you call it an ongoing celebration!! It's such a beautiful way to look at it. :D

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  67. Darlene, I have looked at your site several times. However, for some reason this is the first time I actually read your testimony. I have to say, I was very much moved by it. I had tears in my eyes before I could finish it. I have recently put my testimony down on paper but it has been a huge struggle to share it. Not because I'm ashamed of being a Christian (I'm a Jesus FREAK). The Lord has truly changed and saved my life and I can't get enough of him. I not only have a testimony, I have a story to tell. But I have a fear of judgment from other people including my family if they were to know what led up to my acceptance of Christ. I love your bravery and your strength. It shows your true devotion to your husband and the Lord. It's an inspiration.

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    1. Sharing my story wasn't easy as you can imagine. To some it might look like this flowed easily from my pen, but the truth is that it was a raw, emotional day for me. I cried so hard after pressing "publish," but I felt that it was the right time. I pray that God will guide you in sharing yours. In His way and His time.

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  68. I read your testimony in disbelief...At first I was reading your chore schedule and staring at all the pretty pictures and lovely stories feeling like I can't do this. I've been married for 5 years to a great man of God but struggle intensely with the challenge of disciplining my mind to love one man and serve him joyfully. Many times I feel burdened. Thank God I have close friends who are Christian wives who are helping me to rely on God, and a two yr old. However, my first boyfriend contacted me through Facebook, and even though a sister in Christ helped me to block him, I struggle with thinking about him especially when my marriage isn't what I would like it to be. Thank you for sharing

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    1. A struggle so many women deal with. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you.

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    2. Thanks, May he also bless you and set a hedge around your family and ministry so that those who are touched by it might multiply the blessing by encouraging someone else, in Jesus name amen.

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  69. Thank you for sharing something so intimate and personal. You truly are a strong woman and very blessed. I know you may not get to read all the comments on your page, but if you come across mine, I would like to make a small request when you have time. Please pray for me and my marriage. I am feeling like I am doing my best to tread water but I seem to be losing sight of land! Anyway, thank you so much for your website, I really love every aspect of it!

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    1. I will pray for you right now. I ask that God would breath new life into your marriage. I pray that He would give you hope and wisdom to press on.

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  70. Darlene, I love your testimony! I have sometimes felt like other Christian women were perfect and had great, peaceful, easy lives. Reading your story tells me that we are all human and we all struggle. Being married is the hardest thing I have ever done! I have to trust that this is where God wants me to be. Thank you so much for your encouragement!!
    Kimberlee

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  71. Thank you for your transparency and vulnerability. May you help many women to avoid having to go through what you did and help women who are already in that sin to come out of it. Beauty from ashes.:)

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  72. Just know that you are incredible to me, and I know that through the grace of God you are who you are and I am who I am. Nothing less, nothing more. We have more then most. We have a God who sent his one and only son to die for US, wow can you imagine that? Little ole me. Christ died for me. There is nothing I could ever do to compare, we know that. He shows me grace, mercy and love every moment of my life. Sometimes I complain about my life, I should remember every nail He took for us. Sinners with God's grace.
    I am glad to be here. Bless you and your family.

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  73. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  74. I just read your testimony for the first time today. I had no idea about your story and how it precipitated this blog. I just love how you end your posts with "You are loved by an almighty God." I love reading that line. Your story is not my story, but I think that knowing more about you, your posts are going to become even more meaningful to me. Thanks for sharing your testimony.

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  75. I just recently was able to share my story after years of feeling led by God to share it in hopes of helping others. It's not the same as yours, but my life is also where it is today because of God's grace and the forgiveness and love of others! It's easy to stay in a place of feeling condemned and feeling sorry for yourself or others, but I believe God will use painful experiences to help us help others. Thank you for sharing your story! If you want to check my story out, my blog is www.alij1217.blogspot.com

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  76. Darlene,
    It was just two days ago I "Happened" upon your site. I'll leave my post and believe that "reading between the lines" will tell my story.
    My husband are working and enjoying the process of going toward 46 years in marriage. After 19 years my husband had an affair. I forgave him, he WANTED
    to come back and we started another chapter. It was not until I read your testimony this morning that I realized and began to understand his pain. Pride,selfishness,all the hidden sins we think we've worked through and a "Most deceitful heart" as the scriptures say, hid this real revelation from me. What I really realized is how much GOD really loves me through him-how humble he is and his unconditional love for me. My life has totally been changed and daily I'll chose to be ever mindful of GOD'S AMAZING GRACE-not a cliché but TRUTH. And may my unconditional love for GOD and hubby grow stronger.
    Thanks for your openness, the opened door to let me see.......

    Jeanna Scott

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    1. Jeanna, thank you for sharing your testimony. I know it will help to sharpen and encourage others. We learn so much when we humble ourselves to the Lord. Hugs and love to you.

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  77. I was just in awe of your story...I hung on every last word...I wish more women and men...will have the kind of love and forgiveness in their heart that Jesus does! There is incredible power in the words of Jesus Christ who said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
    Thank you so much for your brave story and sharing it will everyone!

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  78. I've been following you for a little while on FB and have been reading the web page too but yesterday was the first time I read your testimony. What an amazing testimony of God's grace and mercy. I spend so much time feeling so guilty for past sin that I think God can no longer use me for His glory. Your testimony is such an encouragement to me because I so so want to be used by God for His glory and to accomplish His will ~ starting with being the wife and mother He has called me to be. My whole perspective on marriage has been challenged over the past few months since reading this blog and the unveiled wife blog too. I realise that even as a believer of many years I have been suckered into so much worldly thinking in regards to being a wife and mother. Thank you for your dedication to the ministry God has given you x

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  79. Darlene, I just finished watching your share on marriage from the WLW video. I just HAD to jump over to your blog and read your testimony. You see, my testimony is very similar. On August 21- almost two months ago, I had a tough conversation with my husband...confessing my infidelity and asking for his help/forgiveness. Hardest day of my life. His forgiveness and own transformation in Christ has been amazing. We both feel the call that we will one day be used to minister to others, also. We still have a lot to work through and grow through, but are excited about what God is doing in our lives and especially our marriage! Thank you for sharing. Leigh Anne

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  80. Dearest Darlene. My story is very similar to yours. I too had to look my rebellion in the face and suffer the consequences of guilt and shame. God constructed a very intricate plan to bring me to repentance. And while my sin was against God and my husband it was my husband who has taken responsibility for this terrible season of our lives together and repented as well. Our marriage has taken a dramatic turn from unhappinessto thankfulness and joy together. I yet have to be vocal about my story but as my life as been surrendered to the grace of God my story will possibly help someone some day. Thank you for your beautiful testimony. Your words are a blessing

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  81. My story is similar to yours. I thank God for a loving, forgiving husband who demonstrated grace and kindness to me when I was walking away from my commitment to God and my husband. I, like Mary above have yet to be vocal about this (only my husband and I know) and I guess I'm still so ashamed I hate to even think about it. This happened just last year in our 3rd year of marriage. Part of my fear in sharing may also be pride because so many people look up to us and I don't want anyone to know how badly I messed things up with my husband, who's very loved and admired by everyone. Going through this experience has been extremely humbling (in a good way). I have this need to be the "perfect" wife who has the "perfect" marriage and does everything right, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Like Paul, I want to get to a place where I don't concern myself with the judgments of others or do the judging myself. Prayerfully, God will keep chiseling away all the filth to make me more like Christ. Thank you for opening up your heart and being vulnerable with us. Often, I think readers (or maybe it's just me haha) have this rosy, flowery idea of the past of women leaders like you and your testimony helped me to realize that I'm not alone and that God can use someone as broken as me and will perfect his work in me until Christ returns.

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  82. Darlene, I am thankful for what you are doing. my husband up and left in july this year and we are not yet divorced and in my weakened state i ended up having an affair. even though my husband was the one who left, i felt all the things you described in your testimony because my parents are pastors. because of your blog i have been able to come clean and confess my sins and i am on a journey of healing and restoration.

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  83. I have stumbled upon your blog in a very roundabout way in searching for new ways to be a better wife and mother. I am now following several blogs you have assocaited this blog with and I am so blessed and in the short time I have been "practicing" this new way of being in my marriage and parenthood and home I have blessed my family immensley and I am so grateful!!! Thank you for making this your mission it is a blessing to many, God Bless :)

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  84. This story sounds just like my own. I had an affair. when my husband asked me if I was having an affair I to broke down. But he stood by me. Besides the oastor of our church and a couple friends no one else knows. Its been 3 years since then but I am still ashamed of my action. My betrayal to my husband and God. It almost comforting to know that I'm not alone in the world. To know my husband was so forgiving and staying with me is so much proof of God's love for me. I don't know why I did what I did. I almost destroyed my family. I almost lost everything! But through Grace I know I am loved and forgiven. I know that trust has been shaken, but my husband tells me he loves me more everyday. I thank God for him. Thank you for your honesty, and openness. Sorry if this sounds like rambling, this got me very emotional

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  85. Darlene, I had no idea of your backstory. I always thought TWW was a great find, and now that I know your story I think what you are doing with TWW is even more amazing. In my biblical counseling ministry I meet many broken people and broken marriages each week. Many of them have adultery at their core or pornography usage. I am thankful for your repentance and change and your willingness to let your story be heard and used as hope for other couples.

    I have reposted so many of your things and sent several women to your site as well.

    What a great God we serve, yes?! Love and grace and forgiveness are ours in Christ. I am thankful your husband exemplified Christ and helped create this powerful beautiful testimony of grace.

    Blessings sister!
    Julie
    bc4women.blogspot.com

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  86. Hi Darlene, I'm not even sure how I stumbled across your blog, but I have been blessed every time I come here and/or receive updates from your blog. I was reading other stuff on your blog when I decided to read your testimony... and it moved me, blessed me, and taught me. I am happy that you have shared your testimony to help not just women who may find themselves in similar situations but for all women. It's not so much about the sin but about His Grace and Love. We are indeed ' loved by an Almighty God' ! wooohooo! :-)

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  87. I knew your testimony before I read it. Because it's mine, too. I've been a follower of yours on fb for quite awhile, and for no obvious reason, I felt a comradery with you. You have a humbleness, laced with quiet pain that you are thankful for. I praise God for all the pain I've been through, because I know that He is teaching me to do great things through great trials. I see that in you, too! One of my favorite posts said something to the effect of "until another door opens, praise Him in the hallway". I'm in the hallway, and I am singing for my Lord! Thanks for doing what you do!!

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  88. I have been following your website and Facebook page for over a year now, and somehow I never read your testimony until it showed up in my Facebook feed an hour or so ago. God is so gracious and our great redeemer. There is no stick too crooked that He can't use it to draw a straight line. Your posts, articles, printables, schedules, etc.. have been such a blessing to me over the past year. God has used your words amongst other things, to teach me so much and get me deeper into studying His word. I applaud you and thank you for sharing your testimony, setting your pride aside and letting a true story of God's grace be known. There are so many times in life when I feel inadequate as a Christian, Sunday School teacher, Wife, & Mother, and I can be so intimidated by women, such as yourself, who are reaching so many women through their ministries. Thank you for letting me see that you are human just like me, and your ministry isn't successful because you've never made mistakes, but because God used your life experiences and the gifts of grace and forgiveness to make you a leader with a servant's heart, to inspire other women. God bless.

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  89. Thanks for making me bawl :) I needed to see that video tonight. You have no idea how broken I am. I fight with the demons of the same past as you. Most days I hate myself. If it were not for my children I don't think I could go on. I know I'm forgiven and loved, but knowing and believing are different. Healing is a long, hard road. Thank you for sharing this page.... Katie, in New England

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