Titus 2sdays Link up Party!!

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

If you'd like to leave a comment, join in the conversation on facebook: Click here

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, available as an eBook or paperback.

God Equips Those He Calls

"God Doesn't Call the Equipped

He Equips Those He Calls."

~ Author Unknown

If you saw Women Living Well's post the other day you might have read that a few bloggers, including myself were approached by a production company who is interested in the possibility of doing a TV show or a documentary. At this point we're only in the "talking/thinking" stages. Whether anything will actually come of it is for God to decide. Where He leads I'll follow.

When the letter came in asking whether I'd consider the possibility, I brushed it off the same way I brushed off an interview from a New York magazine the week before until they approached me again. My first reaction was that it couldn't possibly be serious, and the second was that I'm inadequate to take on a task of this magnitude. About a week and a half ago the phone rang--it was them. They were indeed serious. After an hour long conversation they wanted to proceed to a Skype interview.

At this point I was impressed to leave the door open, but at the same time I had resolved that I didn't have it in me to do this, after all, I'm an average, middle-aged mom from the prairie. What could they possibly want with me? I'm not skinny enough, I'm not young enough, I'm not pretty enough, I'm not confident enough, I'm not experienced enough, I'm not eloquent enough... and the list goes on...

Friday afternoon I felt compelled to open my daily devotion. The feeling was stronger than it is most days--much stronger--I couldn't help but wonder if God was trying to tell me something. After reading it through I knew that He was.

God Calling May 25th

There will be no limit to what you can accomplish. Realize that. Never relinquish any task or give up the thought of any task because it seems beyond your power, only if you see it is not My Will for you. This I command you.

Think of the tiny snowdrop-shoot in the hard ground. No certainty even that when it has forced its weary way up, sunlight and warmth will greet it.

What a task beyond its power that must seem. But the inner urge of Life within the seed compelling it, it carries out that task. The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto this.

The bottom line in all of this is that I've learned an important life lesson: my strength doesn't lie in human wisdom, but in God's power alone. This life isn't about me it's about Him. It doesn't matter whether I'm skinny enough, young enough, pretty enough, confident enough, experienced enough, or eloquent enough, all that matters is that I'm ready and willing to be used as He desires to lead. Whether that means He calls me to further consider this or He leads me in a brand new direction tomorrow I must learn that's it's no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me.

You know what girl? That same message is here for you too. Don't ever let this world get you down. If you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are a vessel of an almighty God who is able to bring you to and through any situation that you come across. Whether a task is big or small, be ready and willing to answer His call.

Since Paul says it so much better than I ever could, I'd love to close with his words:

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, NIV

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

If you'd like to leave a comment, join in the conversation on facebook: Click here

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, available as an eBook or paperback.

Love Worth Fighting For - And a Titus 2sday Link Up!

This is one of my favorite mini-sermons by Kirk Cameron. Because it's a recap of his "Love Worth Fighting For" event, the video is only 7 minutes long, but it's definitely got some encouraging words for marriages today! I like that he addresses the problem of a sinful heart as being the root of marital problems.




Here are a few of the quotes I pulled from it:

I know that the God who designed the universe also designed marriage.

God speaks with authority on every topic including marriage, and His advice trumps Oprahs every time!

We can struggle with trying to fix our marriage problems, but if we don't first address the problem with the human heart, all the advice is worthless. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked," and it's only God who can transform that sinful heart.

People run to Dr. Phil, Dr. Laura and Dr. Ruth about their marriage problems, but the problem isn't as much a problem of communication, or emotions or physicality, as much as it's a problem of the soul. And there's only one qualified Soul Doctor in the universe. His name is Jesus Christ, and He's the first doctor that we should go to with our marriage problems because it's all rooted in the problem of a selfish sinful heart.

Once we get a new heart with new desires through conversion, we can start applying the principles of God's Word.

In marriage we're either moving increasingly toward selfishness and demanding to have things our way which leads to separateness in our relationship or we're surrendering ourselves to the Lord, not demanding our way. But saying, "Lord may your will be done," which leads to togetherness with our spouse.

Instead of asking God to change our spouse so that we can have our marriage our way, we say, "God I'm asking you to give my spouse a new me--change me. And please use me as a vessel of healing in my relationship."

We need to attack sin with great determination and cut it off like a vipers head. And the primary way we do that is by asking God to transform the desires of our heart. And we do that at the cross.

[At the cross of repentance] We develop a love for God and our spouse that is so great that it empowers us to leave our secret sins behind and pursue this God that first loved us.

Visit: http://loveworthfightingfor.com/

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

If you'd like to leave a comment, join in the conversation on facebook: Click here

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, available as an eBook or paperback.

Perogi Recipe

Have I told you lately how incredible my 14-yr-old daughter is? She went grocery shopping after school so that she could cook a meal for some friends of ours. They've dealt with a few tragedies over the past couple of weeks, and she wanted to show them some love. (Our love and prayers are with you, Kenny family).

Sure I thought of bringing them a meal too, but the truth is that I was tired from a busy day. Grocery shopping and extra cooking wasn't all that appealing to me. I suggested that it might be a better idea to wait for another day, but Madison was insistent on taking care of it all, and doing it today. Some days I wish I was more like her.

Here's the thing... she could have chosen to make a simple dessert or casserole, but instead she chose one of the most time consuming recipes I know of--homemade perogies.

Perogies are a very popular dish for Canadians, and from what I understand many of my American readers have never heard of them yet. Out here, they are about as popular as Pizza.

Because they take a while to make from scratch most people just pick up a bag of frozen perogis at the supermarket. That's easy and affordable, but anyone who likes perogis knows that nothing beats homemade.

Want to try making them yourself? I thought some of you might, so I'm posting the recipe along with an easy tutorial for you.

It's a great dish for moms and daughters to make together. Yeah, Madison wanted to do it herself, but I pitched in and helped where I could. We had a great time working together and I'll venture to guess you will too!

Perogies - Makes about 24

Ingredients


Dough: 

2 cups of flour
1/2 t. salt
3/4 cups cold water
2 tsp. vinegar
1/2 egg beaten
2 tsp oil

Filling: 

2 Potatoes
1/2 medium onion coarsely chopped
1/2 medium onion finely chopped
3 strips of bacon (optional)
1/2 cup of grated cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste

Suggested Toppings:

Sour cream
Onions fried in butter

Directions for filling:

Bring two cups of water to boil in a medium-sized pot. While you are waiting for the water, peel and quarter potatoes. Rinse. Finely chop the first half of the onion.

Add the potatoes and the finely chopped onion to the boiling water. Note: This is only the first 1/2 of the onion. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and continue to boil gently until the potatoes are tender (check with a fork).

Drain the potatoes and onion and mash them while they are still hot.

Chop the bacon into small pieces, and coarsely chop the remaining half onion. Fry the bacon, then add the onion adding a little oil to the pan if necessary or if you are omitting the bacon. Continue frying until the onions are caramelized. Add this mixture to the mashed potatoes. Also add grated cheese, salt and pepper. Mash well.

Directions for Dough:

Put the flour in a large mixing bowl. Add water, vinegar, oil and egg. Mix well. You can add a little extra water if necessary, but if so be careful not to add much. Very little is best.

Knead the dough mixture on a floured counter top until the texture is smooth, not sticky.

Roll out the dough on the counter, then use a small glass to cut circles. Once all of the circles are cut, gather up the remaining dough, roll it out again and continue to cut circles. 

Once all of the circles are cut out, stuff them with the potato mixture and fold into half circles. See the video below for specific instructions.

Finally put a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Add the perogies to the boiling water and cook them until they float to the top.

Drain and serve with sour cream.


You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

If you'd like to leave a comment, join in the conversation on facebook: Click here
Author of The Good Wife's Guide, now available in paperback.



In participation with:

Banana-Strawberry Ice Pops - And a Titus 2sday Linkup!

A recipe from my archives

While Maddy and I were out shopping we came across a box of frozen pop molds. Since it's been far too long since I've made them, I decided to buy a package and try them.

Looking at the variety of kits they had, I couldn't help but remember the days when my sister and I used to make them with nothing but a plastic cup and a metal spoon. We'd freeze Kool-Aid or orange juice--whatever we had, but as little kids we didn't venture to try anything else.

Today I ventured.

Using our fruit smoothie recipe, the kids and I made a batch of healthy "Banana-Strawberry Ice Pops." They are so easy to make, and so delicious I'll share the recipe with you:

Ingredients:

Banana

Strawberries

Pinapple

Red Grapes

Ice

about 1/2 cup of juice, skim milk, or yogurt

Unfortunately I don't measure, I just toss in whatever I like. Sometimes I'll even add seedless watermelon--yum!

Combine the fruit in the blender

Add ice. I get to put my ice on top, isn't that cool?

Blend until smooth and then pour into pop molds.

Note: Don't fill them to the top as the frozen mixture will expand.

Place pops into the freezer until solid,
and reward your workers with a cold drink!

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, now available in paperback.

How to Build a Long-Lasting Yoke ~ And a Titus 2sday Link Up!

When he spends eight hours
tearing down and building a fence,
it’s like I do, too...
I just love the one flesh concept!
 ~ Ree, aka The Pioneer Woman

In Mark 10 verse nine, Jesus says, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” The word "asunder" here means to divide or come between.

Certainly we understand that people shouldn’t come between a husband and wife, but do we stop to consider the gravity of the separations we cause? Any number of things can come between a husband and wife such as pride, selfishness, anger, lust, bitterness, deceit, and greed. When left to fester they further separate a man from the love of his wife.

God didn’t intend for married people to live as though they were still single, but rather that they would embrace the partnership of marriage which unites men and women as one.

And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh.. ~ Mark 10:8, NIV

Looking again at verse nine, we see the word “joined.” The Greek word for joined is syzeugnymi, meaning “to fasten to one yoke.”

In order to harness the power of oxen, farmers have been using wooden beams, known as yokes, to pair the oxen together. Not only does it give them twice the strength that one ox would, but it’s designed to keep the pair from going their separate ways.

How does one go about building this yoke?

“The oxen are going to be completely dependent on this piece of equipment throughout their work. If it breaks, it could endanger the people with the oxen and the oxen themselves. It will be under great stress when the oxen are full grown, weighing perhaps a ton each, and are pulling with all their strength on this yoke. So it is definitely worth the trouble to make it in the best possible way.” (International Society for Cow Protection)

In the same way the yoke that we have as a couple is an essential part of keeping our family together. That warning resonates with me, as I consider the potential pain we can cause should our yoke come apart. The minute that we let anyone or anything come between us, we are weakening that bond of unity that’s ordained by God.

So how do we avoid separation, and keep the unity in tact? We work to do this in a number of ways, all of which have to do with patience, understanding, kindness, and all things pertaining to Godly love.

• Give up your pride and make the first move toward reconciliation, even if it feels like you’re always the one making peace. This doesn’t mean that you’re weak. Humility is a sign of strength.
  
  
• Put away all selfishness and consider the desires of your family. Prioritize them over a desire to please yourself.
  
  
• Control your anger. Every word that you say and every temper tantrum you have can be controlled. Choose your words and actions wisely.
  
  
• Avoid lust at all costs. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are vulnerable to men or which you may cause them to lust.
  
  
• Be willing to give up your time for family time. Of course it’s good to have both, but ensure that you keep a healthy balance, don’t let the scale tip.
  
  
• Give up the desire to be lazy. If your house is messy tidy it up before sitting on the phone with a friend. If your idea of a healthy meal is a burger and fries, then take a little extra time to shop for wholesome ingredients so that you’re taking care of the physical needs of your family.

Remember, there are times when your yoke will come under great stress. So it’s definitely worth your trouble to build it in the best possible way!

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, now available in paperback.

In participation with:

Love is a Gift - Not a Swap of Emotions - And a Titus 2sday Linkup!

My marriage is wonderful, and my husband is incredible, but let me also say that our relationship isn’t perfect—it takes work. There have been some rough patches and some days when he didn't seem all that "wonderful" to me, and I will venture to guess that he's felt the same way.

Love is like an oak tree that, when nurtured and watered, takes root. We have storms that leave us feeling confused and miserable, but we put effort into seeing them through, because both Michael and I know that with each passing season those roots are growing beyond what our senses observe.


Like most young couples, we started out eager yet unprepared. I was a young bride believing that love was give and take, and that a 50/50 partnership was ideal. As long as I was willing to meet Michael halfway on everything, we’d be just fine. But experience soon taught me that unless I was willing to give 100 percent of myself to this marriage, without expectation of return, my gift of love was little more than a swap of emotions.

Love is a gift, and if we hand over a gift with one hand open while the other is closed, the gift is lost in exchange. Marriage isn’t a barter system, and love isn’t a currency.

• It’s exercising patience when your husband’s habits are grating on every one of your nerves
• It’s kindness when your partner is grumpy
• It’s being humble enough to lose an argument when you feel that you’re right
• It’s holding your temper when he says something in anger
• It’s protecting his reputation from your own tongue
• It’s trusting in his capabilities to handle a difficult task
• It’s standing strong in difficult times
  

The question then would be, Why are we planting seeds without an expectation of return?

The answer is because we aren't planting them for the sake of our husbands or for ourselves, we plant them for the sake of our Lord who loved us before we loved Him, and who gave His life freely while we were yet sinners. Love like that doesn't carry an expectation, but it does carry a hope.

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.~ Ecclesiastes 11:6, NIV

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:

darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

Author of The Good Wife's Guide, now available in paperback.

The Power of Humility - And a Titus 2sday Link Up!

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~ Philippians 2:4, NIV

Humility is found in many forms such as modesty, meekness, humbleness, lowliness of mind, and submission. These are all things that go against our natural desire to excel  and be seen in this world. We are driven by a need to be right, to be in charge and to come first, and time and again, our flesh deceives us into thinking that settling for anything less is a sign of weakness.


Take a look at this quote from GotQuestions.org, it sums up why the Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah:

The Jews rejected Jesus because He failed, in their eyes, to do what they expected their Messiah to do—destroy evil and all their enemies and establish an eternal kingdom with Israel as the preeminent nation in the world. The prophecies in Isaiah and Psalm 22 described a suffering Messiah who would be persecuted and killed, but they chose to focus instead on those prophecies that discussed His glorious victories, not His crucifixion. ~ Got Questions?org

They wanted a king, who would be triumphant over their enemies, but instead they saw a man who was oppressed and afflicted and brought as a lamb to the slaughter. They wanted strength, but what they found was a weak and broken man who refused to strike back.

It's amazing what people miss out on when they refuse to open their eyes. What they failed to see, is the same thing that many people fail to see today which is the incomparable power that humility holds.

Humility, submission, and lowliness of mind can only occur when the soul is triumphant over the flesh--when our desire to come first is put aside for the good of another. Or in the case of our Savior and Lord, His desire was put aside for the good of mankind.

Let's take a look at the following verses:

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. ~ John 10:17-18, KJV

Do you see the power in those two verses? It's incredible! There wasn't a single moment during His life when Jesus was under the thumb of mankind. Every step that He took to the cross was a willful  and deliberate act of service to His Father.

In the same way, submission is a willful and deliberate act of service that we bring to the Lord. Our flesh wants nothing more than to be in control, to win every argument, and to put ourselves first. Those who exercise humility take up their cross daily by laying down the desire of the flesh for the good of another.

Did you notice the word I used there? Exercise. Just like athletes who are training for a race we must train ourselves to be patient, hold our tongue, give up our need to be right, and choose joy. The stronger we get the more power we have over the flesh.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. ~ Matthew 16:324, KJV

The next time you're told that submission is a step back for women, remember that every step that you take to the cross is a willful  and deliberate act of service God.

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:

darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

New Look - Same Titus 2sday Link Up!!

There's a new look here at "Time-Warp Wife," but Titus 2sdays haven't changed a bit! Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, recipes, etc.

All you have to do is enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

I'd also like to ask you to link back here with the Titus 2sday code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyeECE6j9xJMCvPXcy51cx2NgW4btwcKTn3jQ_1FgQS6PbGjEgMKtqgve1B8d5afwcr0rwq6DMnyeokrCZ7AbkMDwujnW4G2b-IxOilVW1AJOdQlVU9H40w2ZDdk-J8WzWU-Ws-YlrbU/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:

darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

Find Time-Warp Wife on facebook: Click here

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

Desiring God - And a Titus 2sday Link up!

Drawn from my archives

I was recently asked what advice I might give to women who are desiring a closer walk with the Lord. I like this question because the answer to it has been on my heart.

I think that the key to deeper intimacy lies in the way that we approach our relationship with Christ. Some women have an affection for God, while others combine that affection with action.

Brethren, I count not myself to haveapprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind,and reaching forth unto those things whichare before, I press toward the mark forthe prize of the high calling ofGod in Christ Jesus.~ Philippians 3:13-14, KJV 

See the difference? The goal calls us to action, while fuzzy warm feelings call us to rest.

Goals are looming mountains that beckon us to overcome them. We have one goal in mind, which Paul refers to as the "mark for the prize of the high calling," and every step we take in faith brings us one step closer to that goal.

How sad it is for those who give up, turn around and climb back down the mountain, because the cost is too high. They'll never experience the reward that those who persevere will once they reach the top. The rich young ruler in Luke 18 is a prime example of that. He was interested in following Christ, but the minute that he was asked to give up something he loved, the Bible tells us that he walked away sorrowful.

I saw a movie last year starring James Franco, called “127 Hours.” Aron Ralston, an experienced twenty-seven-year-old outdoorsman, was on a day’s solitary hike through a remote and narrow Utah canyon when he dislodged an eight-hundred- pound boulder that crushed his right hand and wrist against the canyon wall.

Emerging from the searing pain, Aron found himself completely stuck. No one knew where he was; no one was coming to rescue him. With scant water and food, and a cheap pocketknife his only tool, he eliminated his options one by one. On the fifth night, wracked by delirium and uncontrollable shivers, Aron scratched his epitaph into the rock wall, certain he would not see daylight. (Description from Amazon)

Like the rich young ruler, Aron started out with a will to live, but it wasn’t until the sixth day that he made a life changing decision and puts his will into action, thus gaining his life.

And if thy right hand offend thee,cut it off, and cast it from thee:for it is profitable for thee that oneof thy members should perish, and notthat thy whole body should be cast into hell.~ Matthew 5:30, KJV

Over time I have discovered that it’s the sacrificial steps we make that draw us closest to Him. I can study His word for days on end, but unless I’m willing to take that step of faith where His will overrides mine in every area of my life, then my study isn’t doing me any good.

We are given choices every day, whether big or small that require us to choose the wisdom of God over our desire for personal satisfaction or comfort. I believe that in choosing God we conform to Christ and as a result are drawn into that place of intimate relationship with Him.

That I may know him, and the power ofhis resurrection, and the fellowshipof his sufferings, being madeconformable unto his death;~ Philippians 3:10

I pray that we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord by reflecting His life in all that we do--whether it be dying to ourselves daily or worshiping at the foot of the cross. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Easter, can you?

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

For comments or questions, contact me at:
darlene[at]darleneschacht.net

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We Need More Virtuous Women - And a Titus 2sday Linkup!

Image source unknown

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, or recipes.

1. Enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

2. Please link back here with the {TITUS 2}SDAYS code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

3. Enjoy each other's fellowship, and have fun!

FAQ:
Can I use an old post, or do I need to use a current one?You can absolutely use an older post if you feel that the post is a great fit for this meme. Have fun!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVkPRxDXs7GaNNaxIYnodArf7CO5U9_6R11ECTIyBoo9k-X8eX06D_quh-uSInbTrPDUhzbPCKwD6OhK9qPTckQ8hUS9bTWC__AlxPJC27dOsVN0nXvjhAIJL5hbU0eqq2K42H-3TbA/s1600/Titus_2sdays_button.png" /></a>

Husband Doesn't Want You to Go to Church? And a Titus 2sday Link up!

The other day I received a letter from a reader who wanted to know my thoughts. What if a husband doesn't want his wife to go to church on Sunday, or what if he's simply indecisive about finding a church?

It's a good question, and one that women in unequal marriages might be forced to consider. Do you go against his will and attend church, or do you stay home?


My husband is a church-going believer, but I do have some thoughts on this issue...

If a husband is lollygogging on which church to go to, a woman can take the initiative in finding a good one and invite him to come along.

However, if he forbids her to go to church on Sunday, she has two choices:

1. She could win him over with her actions of humility and obedience.

2. She can go to church on Sunday and further fuel his anger.

We are instructed in scripture to fellowship with other believers:

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV

But the time table that we have isn't necessarily the time table that God requires of us. There are always Bible studies and kids clubs during the weekdays. Even something as simple as having a few ladies over for Bible study and tea on a regular basis can be a good source of fellowship.

If we become rigid by insisting that we attend on Sundays we are missing the point of fellowship which is to sharpen and be sharpened by other believers. Let me add this, it doesn't have to be, and shouldn’t be done in secret. All I'm suggesting here is that when necessary we are willing to be flexible with our time.

If a husband forbids his wife to worship God, we are dealing with a different situation. The purpose of obeying our husbands is to illustrate the relationship between the church and Jesus Christ. It wouldn't make any sense to obey a man who asks us to turn our back against God.

Ultimately we answer to God first, all else comes second. We can glean an example of this from scripture when in Acts chapter 5, Peter and the apostles were brought before the high priest:

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ~ Acts 5:27-29, KJV

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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Monumental Movie ~ And a Titus 2sday Link up!

For more information visit monumental.com
And click here for some new and exclusive clips from the movie!

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, or recipes.

1. Enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

2. Please link back here with the {TITUS 2}SDAYS code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

3. Enjoy each other's fellowship, and have fun!

FAQ:
Can I use an old post, or do I need to use a current one?You can absolutely use an older post if you feel that the post is a great fit for this meme. Have fun!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVkPRxDXs7GaNNaxIYnodArf7CO5U9_6R11ECTIyBoo9k-X8eX06D_quh-uSInbTrPDUhzbPCKwD6OhK9qPTckQ8hUS9bTWC__AlxPJC27dOsVN0nXvjhAIJL5hbU0eqq2K42H-3TbA/s1600/Titus_2sdays_button.png" /></a>

How to Teach Our Daughters ~ And a Titus 2sday Linkup!

We need to teach our daughters
to distinguish between:

A man who flatters her
and a man who compliments her.

A man who spends money on her
and a man who invests in her.

A man who views her as property
and a man who views her properly.

A man who lusts after her
and a man who loves her.

A man who believes he is God’s gift to women
and a man who remembers a woman was God’s gift to man.

And then teach our boys to be that kind of man.

~ Author Unknown

Note: I have just added FOUR extra chapters (56 pages) to "The Good Wife's Guide!" And the paperback version is coming out in a couple of weeks! 

P.S. If you have purchased the eBook and would like an updated copy, please email me. This is only for readers who have previously purchased the eBook. 

If you'd like to leave a comment, visit Time-Warp Wife on facebook. It's a great source of fun and fellowship!!

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, or recipes.

1. Enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

2. Please link back here with the {TITUS 2}SDAYS code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

3. Enjoy each other's fellowship, and have fun!

FAQ:
Can I use an old post, or do I need to use a current one?You can absolutely use an older post if you feel that the post is a great fit for this meme. Have fun!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVkPRxDXs7GaNNaxIYnodArf7CO5U9_6R11ECTIyBoo9k-X8eX06D_quh-uSInbTrPDUhzbPCKwD6OhK9qPTckQ8hUS9bTWC__AlxPJC27dOsVN0nXvjhAIJL5hbU0eqq2K42H-3TbA/s1600/Titus_2sdays_button.png" /></a>

Submission Pt. 2 - Readers Chime In! And a Titus 2sday Linkup!

After I posted an article on submission and the equality of men and women yesterday, we had an interesting dialogue going on in the Time-Warp Wife facebook group. As usual, the women there were full of encouragement and wisdom. (I'm always blessed by you!) I've decided to pull out some of your thought provoking comments and questions to share on the blog. Thanks, ladies!



Natalie Writes:
Being born in 1980, I had NEVER thought of biblical submission or my role in the marriage, due to the absolute absorption of the feminist movement. After reading about it, and now doing an in-depth study, I see how important it is to embrace. It is why we were created and only endears me further to my husband, when I am allowing him to be the man that he was created to be. ♥

Sarah Writes:
Interesting how in a society that advocates women's CHOICE, when a woman makes the CHOICE to submit to her husband she is condemned as a heretic! In my opinion, while the husband has the power and control the wife's role is just as hard if not harder because as a woman most of us have trouble with our tongues (I know I do!) And yet learning to hold back my comments and complaints in order to submit is very difficult!

Wonderful article, thank you for sharing!

Estella Writes:
Submission is not biblically a green light for abuse, it is an instruction regarding relationships with God as Father, Lord, Creator, etc.. first then the male, female, and children for the inner family then you add the extended family from there. Submission is not hard when it is alignment with God's instructions and laws. Submission is only hard when there is foundational disagreement or abuse. To heal relationships, we all have to seek God for His grace, mercy, peace, and love while we are instructed to forgive so that we can be forgiven. Forgiveness like submission is not a control or abuse issue but rather a benefit from healthy relationships.

Ruth Asks:
But what do u do when your hubby doesn't have a clue about how to be a husband?

Cadi Writes:
You pray for him. have you read The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian? I highly recommended reading. Of course, all we need to know, really, has been laid out for us in scripture, but this book is great for the situations and dynamics of modern day marriage.

Tammy (Kingdom Housewifes) Writes:
Agree with Cadi... prayer is powerful! When we pray for our husband's it draws us closer to God and to our spouse. I have also found that when I pray for my husband/our marriage...the Holy Spirit draws me to take inventory of myself. Sometimes, it's not easy but the end result... growing more Christ-like. :)

Torrie (Blessed Beyond Measure) Writes:
I too agree with Tammy & Cadi. The best thing you can do for your self, your husband and your marriage is pray without ceasing. I've learned recently that it's my job to follow what God asks of me through his Word. It's HIS job to change my heart and my husband's heart. Only God, through the Holy Spirit, can change a heart.

Beautiful Mommy Feet Writes:
This is an area of my life that the Lord is plaguing me and I am SO glad He is :) I never realized how much I struggle with this. I was listening to a sermon last night while waiting for the hubs to get home - random sermon selection and it was also on submission, go figure, so was Sunday School and the sermon yesterday... ha, yeah.

But Chip Ingrim was talking about the culture from when 1 Peter 3 was written (how to "win" your husband to the Lord) and it was when every culture looked down on women, forced submission, when women were owned like cattle. For a woman to trust Christ without her husband being the first to make a move was almost suicide.

God in His creation of how things work - our job is to show God our LOVE for HIM by our love for others, which is hardest and more refined in us when that love/respect has to be shown to an unloving, unwise spouse who is not fulfilling his biblical duties as a husband.

But How dare I hold my husband to those standards if I myself am not abiding by the womans role.

(BTW I married an amazing man, he's the one that married a challenge) but it has been by me seeing Christ in his life and humility in his walk that has shown me how imperfect I am.

Jenn Writes:
My marriage was healed and restored and actually made more than I could have ever imagined by trusting God at His Word and doing my part... regardless of what my husband did or didn't do. Did it seem logical or fair? No. I will say that I shudder to think of missing all of this blessing by not taken that first step in faith. I second Stormy's book. That and another book really helped me out, and showed me a different perspective! Yes, we have the Bible first and foremost but without having seen that lived out in life and being a brand new Christian, these books served as a "mentor" of sorts to me, and showed me examples in a practical way of biblical principles.

Meredith Writes:
As a pastor's wife who doesn't quite fit the stereotypical mode for our calling, I have wrestled with the issue of submission based on my rebel-tendencies alone! BUT I WILL say that when our husbands our honoring God and obeying the charge to them to love us as Christ loves the church, the submission just happens naturally and beautifully. Submission changes things, and it's not a dirty 10-letter word ;)

Tabby Asks: (from the wall at "A Simple Country Life)
Honest to goodness question; How do we submit to our husband if he is the submissive personality in our relationship? My whole life (pre-religion & now) I have had a more dominate, take-charge personality. That's a big part of what my husband was attracted to. He has a more laid-back, submissive personality. He has told me many, many times he would much rather have me tell him what to do around the house or with the cars or the kids etc. (that makes it sound like HE'S the homemaker not me, but that's not how it is) than try to do any of it on his own. He attributes a lot of it to a military career where decisions are made FOR him much more frequently than BY him. The point is, in reference to this very scriptural idea, he has told me outright he couldn't live with me being submissive to him the way he understands it (he grew up with religion, so he has a better concept than I do).

My Answer:
I think that the fact that you are respecting HIS wishes for the way that your family is run is submitting. Sounds like you're marriage is functioning well. Submission isn't about how many loads of laundry we do or the fact that he does the paper work while we do the dishes, it's more about living in harmony without having to be "right." It's about willing to take the first step to reconciliation. It's about submission of one heart to another. When we teach our children that it's more blessed to give than to receive, to love our neighbour as ourself, or to walk away from a fight, we are teaching them the art of submitting one to another--the way that it should be. That's best way to love!

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

If you'd like to leave a comment, visit Time-Warp Wife on facebook. It's a great source of fun and fellowship!!

If you would like to have Time-Warp Wife delivered to your inbox daily, simply click here: Subscribe to Time-Warp Wife

Visit Proverbial Homemaker for your chance to win a copy of The Good Wife's Guide.

Today and every Tuesday, I want to invite bloggers to link-up any blog posts that will encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes I'm looking for posts on marriage, parenting, housekeeping, or recipes.

1. Enter the direct link from your post into the linky tool below!

2. Please link back here with the {TITUS 2}SDAYS code (below) so that other bloggers can join in too!

3. Enjoy each other's fellowship, and have fun!

FAQ:
Can I use an old post, or do I need to use a current one?You can absolutely use an older post if you feel that the post is a great fit for this meme. Have fun!

<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFVkPRxDXs7GaNNaxIYnodArf7CO5U9_6R11ECTIyBoo9k-X8eX06D_quh-uSInbTrPDUhzbPCKwD6OhK9qPTckQ8hUS9bTWC__AlxPJC27dOsVN0nXvjhAIJL5hbU0eqq2K42H-3TbA/s1600/Titus_2sdays_button.png" /></a>