10 Things that Friends Do Well
Friendship is Built on Sacrifice
I want to talk about building a friendship today. But here’s the thing, long-lasting friendships don’t come easy. The best ones thrive when they’re built on sacrifice.
Looking to the Bible we see the example of Ruth and Naomi. They had one of the most powerful friendships in the Bible that was built on the foundation of sacrifice.
After the death of their husbands, Naomi wanted to leave the land of Moab to live with her people. It was in Ruth’s best interest that Naomi go alone, but Ruth wouldn’t accept that. She insisted on going with her.
Without a closer look at the underlying conflict between the two cultures, one might not fully understand that Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi was an incredible sacrifice. Moving away from her people to live in a foreign land would limit her chances of finding a husband. It was commanded in their law that Israelites marry other Israelites, rather than seek out brides that serve pagan gods as the Moabites did. (Deuteronomy 7:2-3)
One of the most beautiful pieces of scripture is found in this chapter:
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me. ~ Ruth 1:16-17
Can you imagine the fear that Ruth had? As Corrie Ten Boom would say, “She was leaving an unknown future in the hands of an alknowing God.” That’s faith.
Sacrificial love like that is a beautiful thing. But when it’s tested, it doesn’t come easy.
Easy love is running rampant in our society. Unfortunately so is divorce. When couples do what “feels good” instead of what “is good,” they exchange the truth of God for a lie.
Love Is Supernatural
If I want that kind of relationship with my husband. Like Ruth, I’m going to have to walk the difficult road when it’s required of me.
It’s not natural to give up your life for the sake of another. It’s not natural to say a kind word in the heat of an argument. It’s not natural to forgive those who hurt you. And it’s not natural to take the first step toward reconciliation.
When we become children of God we leave behind that natural man to love as He loves. We discover a supernatural way of loving one another that excels the wisdom of man.
Remember This Truth
Before I go any further, I want to remind you of this very important truth. Put it to memory or write it down if you have to because I don’t want you to forget it. This is especially important to those of you who are going through a tough time in your marriage–and I know that there are a lot of you out there.
Here it is:
Don’t look to your husband for your reward. Don’t measure the success of your effort by his response. Don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t respond to your love the way that you want Him to.
The best rewards that you will ever receive come from God. Everything else is temporal.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24
Every time you step down in humility He sees you. Every time you say sorry He takes note of it. Every time you pray for your husband He hears you. Every time you choose to walk in God’s love He remembers. And every time your heart breaks He has compassion on you.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the strong friendship you hope for. Things in this life can be idolized including friendships and marriage. A wise friend recently reminded me that once we get to heaven friendships will be restored.
10 Things that Friends Do Well
Finally let’s close this topic on friendship today by looking at 10 things that friends do well.
(paraphrased from Messy Beautiful Love chapter 12. By Darlene Schacht. Used with permission from Thomas Nelson)
- Protect each others reputation
- Run to each other with your ups and downs
- Remind each other that he or she is wanted and loved
- Cheer each other up when you’re down
- Make each other laugh like no one else can
- Be honest in a gentle and compassionate way
- Handle each other’s emotions with care
- Be personal cheerleaders who want the best for each other
- Encourage personal growth
- Make each other comfortable when you’re together
I wonder if Ruth and Naomi ever laughed together as friends. More than likely they did, and I wish I could have been there to see it…
You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife


242 Comments
Haley Zacharias
This is full of great advice. I think it simply comes down to loving your spouse with God’s grace. It’s about not holding grudges, doing whatever you can to make their lives better, and simply doing life “together” instead of separately while living together. Thank you for this!
Darlene Schacht
Amen. I like that.
Tatiana
I had a experience this weekend regarding a reaction my husband gave me towards something positive I was praying about. My assumption was my husband would have been a bit more praising; however, I told myself don’t get mad at him but seek praises from the Lord.
Thank you for the valuable friendship insights and the reminder of Colossians 3:23-24, do all things for our Lords sake.
Darlene Schacht
Exactly! Thanks for sharing that Tatiana!
Sharon
Love this blog site! There have been so many times when the message for the day was written just for me and the very time I needed it! God works is so many wonderful ways! Thank you!
Darlene Schacht
Maybe it was. I stop and think… what would Sharon want to hear today? And then I write. *wink* Thanks for being here!
Jenny Rutan
It’s so true todays culture does what “feels good” as opposed to what “is good”. If husband and wives would be more selfless with one another, more marriages would thrive instead of survive or go through divorce! Thanks and God bless you!
Jenny
Teresa Escobedo
I love to get my daily e-mail and learn some tips from it.I would like to ask a couple of my personal questions but i will get the courage one day.
Darlene Schacht
Thanks for reading Teresa!
Tina Roberts
I love your devotionals. They are so encouraging and challenge me to be a better wife and Christian. Thank you for blessing me.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you!
KLMac
Thank you for this reminder!! I had a really hard time with this shortly after I graduated college. When living on campus, friendships were easy, because everyone was around all the time. Figuring out how to still have meaningful relationships when having to make the time and effort is a worthy lesson. Thank you!
Darlene Schacht
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Halona Luna
I would love to win.
Ruth Reaves
I’ve been married a long time, but since I’ve been reading your blog, I realized I was not living my marriage out God’s way. I’ve been making changes ( a little at a time) that focus on making my spouse the head of the household. He has noticed the changes and it has made us closer. Thank you- we are never too old to learn.
Darlene Schacht
Great news Ruth. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa
Looking forward to reading your book…it’s on the way! And looking forward to the 31 Day prayer for my husband challenge as well!
Darlene Schacht
Woohoo! Thank you.
Donna Ralston
I don’t have any friends that I actually confide in besides my husband. I think I need to work on that 🙂 I just received the book Messy Beautiful Love and I can’t wait to read it!
Darlene Schacht
my husband is my bestie too.
Ellen
I love God & my husband, but having a network of girlfriends is the third best thing in my life.
Wanda Coldwell
Just started reading your blog and can’t wait to read more of it in days to come.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Wanda!
Julie D
This is just what I needed today!
laura
As a newly married woman and novice pastor’s wife, these insights, especially today about not looking to my husband for my reward, are so helpful and encouraging. Thank you for this wonderful blog!
Darlene Schacht
Thanks Laura.
Joselyn T.
Thank you for your encouragement!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. Glad you’re joining us.
Missy Robinson
Friendship is priceless and I’m grateful for the women in my life.
Darlene Schacht
Me too!
Dawn Vander Tuig
Thank you for your wonderful words! They help more than you will ever know!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Julia
Thanks so much for doing the giveaways!! So fun! I’m REALLY enjoying your book! I hope you continue to write…:)
Darlene Schacht
Thank you so much Julia!
Melinda
How cute is that Coach bag!!! I have had two friends in my lifetime that I would considerate “bosom friends.” I was able to use your list to confirm how awesome of friends they have been. Thank ou for our blog! It has been a blessing to me!
Darlene Schacht
I have had a few friends like that too. The best one being my husband.
Kara
Great list! I need to work on number one the most.
Darlene Schacht
I had to go back and peek at it. Love that one!
LeAnne Vincent
Love those 10 things friends do well and the relating it back to marriage too! Sharing this email with my bestie!! Can’t wait for the October challenge!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Jean
I’m looking forward to “Embrace Your Marriage” Virtual retreat!!! Thank you for the opportunity!
Darlene Schacht
The Embrace your marriage challenge just ended today. But we are starting a 31-Day prayer challenge this Wednesday. Hope you join us!
Scarlett
Great post! Exactly what I needed today 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Stephanie Olson
Love this article! I believe God gives you the friends you NEED. He sure gave me a great one just 3 years ago. Funny to find a best friend when you are 38… And the Coach bag is awesome!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Stephanie!
Maria W.
Thanks for this giveaway! My best friend is my husband of 43 years! I read through the 10 things friends do for one another that you listed and he excels at these and I’m certainly working on them, too, since I’m grateful to God for him in my life. I also have two friends from high school days and that is remarkable. Thank you for this ministry of encouragement to all women no matter where we find ourselves in life.
Darlene Schacht
You’re husband sounds like a blessing!
Sarah Barton
I would love to have a coach bag! I have never had one and cannot afford one. I love pocket books!!! But don’t we all? LOL!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome! Glad you entered!
Alice
Great encouraging post today!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Alice!
Bonnie Apostol
Very encouraging.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Bonnie!
Emily newland
This was seriously just what I needed! Thank you!
Darlene Schacht
God has amazing timing.
Deborah Jenkins
Thank you for this post 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. Glad you’re joining us.
Debbie Quick
Thank you for your encouraging words today!
God Bless You!
DQ 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Debbie!
Suzanne R.
I received my copy of your new book today! I am really excited to get started reading it; and the 31 days of Prayer – Marriage Challenge
Darlene Schacht
Oh, thank you so much!
Lori A.
Excellent reminders!
sabrina
I’ve heard SO many good things about this book and would LOVE to get a copy of it! AND the bag is gorgeous!!! 😉
I pinned this post!
Darlene Schacht
I love the bag too!
CW
That’s a lovely bag; thanks for doing this giveaway. I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you!
Mandy Kelly
Love this aricle- I am so blessed to be my hubby’s best friend!
Darlene Schacht
me too! 😀
Barb
I’m learning how important it is to maintain our friendship in marriage 🙂 Also I want to remember more often how God is all powerful, His work goes forward amid my failed attempts and mistakes!
Darlene Schacht
Amen! I love that.
Becca Gruber
A couple of the tips stood out to me. This last year I’ve been working on building some strong female friendships (something I’ve been missing in my life for 7 years). However, I’ve recently noticed that both my husband and I have been reaching out to others for connection and friendship at times when we should be looking to each other. What I’ve been doing and practicing with my friends, I now need to apply and practice with my husband. Thanks for the reminder. I”m looking forward to the Prayer Challenge.
Darlene Schacht
Good advice for all of us Becca. Thank you!
Brianne
We need to remember when it comes to our marriages that we are also best friends (or should be) and to practice these principles with our spouses also!
Tina
Thank you for your message, Darlene! God bless!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you for being here Tina!
Kathy
Thank you for your continued support of marriage!!!! Positive advise for the Christian home is just what we need to hear more of in the year 2014!!! We are more than conquerors!!!
Darlene Schacht
Amen! That’s one of my favourite truths!
Palma
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twwitter group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
Darlene Schacht
Palma that sounds awesome thank you! As long as you aren’t copying the text and republishing, which I don’t think you would be. Thanks so much!
Callie
I am grateful that my husband is my best friend, thanks for the extra tips on things that friends do well! Love the post.
Darlene Schacht
I’m grateful I have a best friend in my husband too.
Jennifer
This post is just want I needed! thank you 🙂
Darlene Schacht
I’m glad. Thanks Jennifer!
Linda
I loved thus posting in friendship…I needed it for a friend going through breast cancer AND for my husband! Thanks for always listening to what God wants you ladies to share! BLESSINGS!!!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Linda.
Courtney
Thank you so much for this article today. Your words brought me such encouragement and were an answer to pray.
Larissa
Love the tips on things friends do well! It’s a great reminder because sometimes we do these things for our girl friends but forget to implement these tips to husbands. My husband is my best friend so I definitely want to remember to implement these tips with him!
Darlene Schacht
Yes, exactly! Girlfriends can be so awesome. It’s great when we carry that attitude into our marriage.
Vashti
Darlene,
Thank you for sharing your heart for marriages and friendships. God is definitely taking me through a season of healthy relationships and I appreciate the friendship tips! Many blessings to you!
Darlene Schacht
That’s awesome. I’m happy for you!
Jen
Darlene:
I just wanted to tell you how much this post meant to me and this part especially hit home.
“Don’t look to your husband for your reward. Don’t measure the success of your effort by his response. Don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t respond to your love the way that you want Him to.
The best rewards that you will ever receive come from God. Everything else is temporal.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24
Every time you step down in humility He sees you. Every time you say sorry He takes note of it. Every time you pray for your husband He hears you. Every time you choose to walk in God’s love He remembers. And every time your heart breaks He has compassion on you.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the strong friendship you hope for. Things in this life can be idolized including friendships and marriage. A wise friend recently reminded me that once we get to heaven friendships will be restored.”
This served as a great reminder that what we do is to be unto the Lord. And, while some days I would give my left arm to have my husband love me the way that I love him, I have also been reminded by wonderful people such as yourself that God’s love is enough. It is also because of his love that we love others. Marriage can be downright difficult at times, but you encourage wives to continually pray for their husbands and for their marriage when many others encourage us to give up. This is also coming from a gal who previously had a failed marriage.
Thank you for your constant encouragement and for keeping this in alignment with God’s word and also reminding us that love is a choice that we make. Many blessings to you for all that you do.
Darlene Schacht
I’m glad I put that in there. I felt it was a bit off track, but I think it’s truth we all need reminding of. Thank you for your encouragement, Jen!
Caroline
I’m really loving your book Darlene. What a blessing it has been to me! Enjoyed your radio interview too!
Darlene Schacht
Thanks so much Caroline! Your words are a blessing to me!
kara
I love the reminder of being a good friend, that has to be first in marriage and in all other relationships.
Darlene Schacht
Amen to that!
Hannah
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m looking forward to October’s prayer challenge.
Kelly
I’d love to win the giveaway also. Would be interested to read the book.
Darlene Schacht
Good luck!
Heather
Thanks for the great reminder of what it takes to be a good friend. I am blessed with so many of these, and it’s a good refresher on how to return that love.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Heather.
Joanne
Thank you for this post! I wish I made more time to spend with my friends. I will work on it!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. Glad you’re joining us.
Michaela
Thanks for continuing your ministry. This was a good post for this week for me! And what awesome giveaways you are having. Truly spoiling your readers.
Darlene Schacht
It’s all Thomas Nelson. They’ve been awesome!
Julie
This article could not have been more timely for me. I, thankfully, have a best friend in my husband but have had some hurts from several friends this week. I really love how you shared how I can react in love and not to expect to get my fulfillment from others, but from God. Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder of how to live and be joyful. God bless!
Darlene Schacht
Julie, thanks for sharing that!
Rebecca
Thank you for your great challenges!
Sara Schwab
I want to send this post to my best friends!
Jessica Mumford
This is a great post about friendship–reading about friendship this last week has really opened my eyes to my relationship with my husband and how we can improve it together.
Darlene Schacht
Thanks so much Jessica!
Amanda
Darlene, I’m looking forward to reading your new book and promoting it for you. I’m so thankful for your obedient heart. I wish you all the best on your sales, and I pray the book will positively touch many marriages. It’s so needed in these times. Have a blessed day!
Darlene Schacht
Awe, thank you so much Amanda!
Mariana
So looking forward to the 31 day challenge.
Darlene Schacht
Me too!
Brandy L.
This is the first time I’ve been to your site. I look forward to reading more to see what all you have to say.
Darlene Schacht
Thank you, Brandy!
Debbie Bolen
My best friend is also my co-worker. We have just clicked since day 1. So blessed to have someone like that in my life.
Darlene Schacht
That’s really awesome!
Kristee B
My husband and I are going through a really dark time in our marriage. Reading this makes me realize I need to focus on his being the friend I go to first with everything in my life!
Darlene Schacht
I’m so sorry Kristee. I pray that this season of darkness will soon pass.
Jessica
You are such an inspiration! I’m always trying to be a better person.
Darlene Schacht
Love and hugs Jessica. I’m glad you’re here.
Laura H.
Darlene, thank you for sharing what God has laid on your hart. Keeping Christ at the center of our marriage and home is an on going, growing process. Blessings
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. I love hearing that!
Christina
I loved the post!
Emily @EncouragedOverCoffee
Well, that is pretty great bag! And a really wonderful post!
Laurel
Thanks!!
Liz
I enjoy your writing so much and am enjoying your book. Cute purse!
Darlene Schacht
Aww, thank you Liz!
jacqi
I agree with everything you wrote, but my favorite thing in this article was:
Remember This Truth
Before I go any further, I want to remind you of this very important truth. Put it to memory or write it down if you have to because I don’t want you to forget it. This is especially important to those of you who are going through a tough time in your marriage–and I know that there are a lot of you out there.
Here it is:
Don’t look to your husband for your reward. Don’t measure the success of your effort by his response. Don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t respond to your love the way that you want Him to.
The best rewards that you will ever receive come from God. Everything else is temporal.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24
Every time you step down in humility He sees you. Every time you say sorry He takes note of it. Every time you pray for your husband He hears you. Every time you choose to walk in God’s love He remembers. And every time your heart breaks He has compassion on you.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the strong friendship you hope for. Things in this life can be idolized including friendships and marriage. A wise friend recently reminded me that once we get to heaven friendships will be restored.
– See more at: https://timewarpwife.com/?p=4972#comments
I feel out of human nature, we automatically look to see if anyone got that we did something good for someone else, especially in an era where thats truly a behavior hard to find…
Giving is receiving is something I’ve been trying to teach my growing teenagers who love to help and give but do not always receive as the think they should.
So often I find myself falling into this category specifically as you wrote, with my actions towards my husband!
I follow Women Living Well with the Good Morning Girls series-along with others- and am humored that our reading in Genesis 3 this morning had a little comment in my Bible about how the woman has a longing for the man but should ultimately look to the Father for her needs to be met!
God is known to echo what is most current and important in ones life and I thank you for writing this piece because between yours and Courtney’s blogs, I believe God opened my eyes to something I never saw before! God Bless YOU!!
Darlene Schacht
That’s pretty cool. I love how He leads us.
Ann
My marriage has not been perfect, we’ve had some hard times along with the good. But we love each other and that keeps us going. I agree with everything you said here in this post, Darlene, thank you for the encouragement!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you Ann!
Wendy Moeller
Thank you for the encouraging article!
Jennifer
Great post about friendships we should have with our husbands. After reading this I compared friendships I have had in the past, I never thought of having that with my husband, but I am certainly going to try. We have never been one of those couples who are categorized as best friends, I wish it would have started out that way. We were friends but not best friends. Thanks for your posts, they are very encouraging. Thanks for sharing!
Darlene Schacht
Thanks for your thoughts Jennifer!
Savannah
YES YES YES!!!! Husbands and wives should be the BEST of friends! The “safety” of these ten really warms me! “Protect each other’s reputation, make the other comfortable, handle each other’s emotions with care.”
Darlene Schacht
I never thought of it that way. There is safety in true friendship.
Geneva Nunez
I have been behind on reading my emails lately, I am so glad that this is one that I chose to read and not delete. Thanks so much for your advice. I am often discouraged when my husband doesn’t react the way that I think he should and then I feel like such a failure. This reminds me so much that I shouldn’t be looking to him (hubby) for that validation….but to HIM!!! I must continue to remember this when things get rough at home…..Thanks for the advice again!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you for reading Geneva!
carolyn
Great post – great giveaway! Thanks.
Ruth Grimley
Thank you. I need to remember not to look to my husband but look to my God. I am very grateful for the friendships I am forming since the Better Together Conference!!!!
Elizabeth Ann
I love this thought, I very much have felt like Ruth in my marriage. When I got married to my dear husband I never realized I would be walking a very long and hard road. Growing up I always thought I would marry and live in my home county. Harsh reality struck for me, I followed my husband back to his home county and settled in a very different area with no family/friend support by my side. It has not been easy for me, there has been many fights, tears and lots of pain over the past six years. This has been very much a growing time period for me, God has truly been working on me. I have come to realize I needed to be pulled up from my roots and transplanted to a new area to grow and be renewed.
Lady in waiting 16
Darlene Schacht
Amen. Elizabeth. I pray that you are strongly planted.
Amy Cowan
Love this post! So good! (But it always is. ;))
Darlene Schacht
Thank you!
Cyndi A.
I have enjoyed following you on Facebook.
Darlene Schacht
Awesome! Thank you.
Valerie
I find myself convicted for not being a best friend to my husband. It’s so easy to rely on others – family, friends, job for happiness. My prayer is to focus on changing my behavior and treat my husband as the child of God that he is. I am blessed by his presence in my life and am thankful each day that God brought us together. I just fail to share that thankfulness with him and glorify God in that manner. Excited for the October Prayer Challenge. Powerful message in your post today – thank you.
Darlene Schacht
I love that focus. 😀
Robin Crawford
I’m thankful that I can call my husband “my best friend,” but I’m thankful, also for those close friends that I feel refreshed and encouraged after talking to. Kindred spirits are a gift!
Darlene Schacht
yes! I agree!
Milian O
Thanks for the info & giveaway
Darlene Schacht
You’re welcome!
Rosemarie
I have shared your blog with friends and they are so thrilled! They are signing up for themselves. Your heart is pure and your insight is wise. Thank you for doing what you do!
Darlene Schacht
Woohoo! That’s awesome Rosemarie. Thank you!
Angela W
Your website is very encouraging and such an inspiration. Thank you! So thankful for my many blessings!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you for being here, Angela.
Lynn C.
Thank you for the blog and giveaway!
Crystal Storms
I love this challenge to “carve out time.” If we don’t intentionally schedule time with our husbands and make them a priority, life will get in the way. Or we’ll find ourselves both staring in the same direction at a screen (TV or phone) rather than at the scenery as we discuss our lives together.
Darlene Schacht
Yes, carving out time is so important. I love that.
Debbie M
Thank you Darlene for article… gotta work on my friendship skills 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Don’t we all?! 😀
Tammy
I needed this encouragement today! Frustration often clouds the reality of what I should be doing better; it is too easy to see another’s weakness. Your posts cause me to reflect on my own actions, and I often need to be doing so. Thanks.
Darlene Schacht
Thanks for the encouragement Tammy. Glad you enjoyed it!
Nena
I love my girlfriends! 🙂
Stacey Marsengill
Number 9 is so important! 🙂
Nancy
I love my friendships, but my most important friendship is the one that I share with my husband. We just don’t like shopping at the same stores.
Darlene Schacht
Sounds like us. 😀
Veronica
Thank you Darlene for the encouraging words need to work on this
Lisa
Thank you for all of your encouragement through this marriage series!!
Jyll Curran
Thank you for this beautiful blog!!
Kelly
Thank You- Thank You ! I soooo needed to hear this today.
JNC
Thank you for the encouraging post. It seems that true friendship is rare these days. I count myself blessed to have several true and lasting friendships besides my dear husband.
Inez Foreman
My Lord know what is my favorite past time shopping for a handbags. Blessing to the winner,
Inez
Darlene Schacht
I love shopping too!
Marlo
Thanks for the giveaway
Amber B.
I look forward to my daily emails from you. They are so encouraging and I love reading every one of them. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Darlene Schacht
Thanks Amber!
Kim Valentine
Loving the book. Every wife or soon to be wife needs a copy.
Darlene Schacht
Awesome! Glad you like it.
Barbara Rivera
What an encouragement you are to wives every where. Please continue to challenge us in the second most important relationship we possess. Thanks for the opportunity to win these awesome prizes. God bless.
Darlene Schacht
Thanks for being here Barbara!
Erin
I am enjoying this website and the challenge so much! I look forward to it everyday! Thank you!!
Darlene Schacht
Thanks Erin!
Sandra H.
Thank you for all you do.
Darlene Schacht
You’re welcome. Thanks for being here, Sandra.
Tammy P
Thank you for the wonderful blogs with encouraging words. I am really enjoying your book and the daily prayer cards. My husband and I have been married for 2 years and this is not a first marriage for either of us. We both bring lots of “baggage” to the marriage which complicates things tremendously. Your book and prayer challenge have come along at a very good time in our marriage. Thank you !
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. I pray that it encourages you.
Kelly Youngblood
My book arrived yesterday and I’ve already started devouring it… ahead of all of my other reads! So excited! Looking forward to getting to this chapter 12 for elaboration on these 10 things…thinking I’ll need some prayer and work!
Blessings!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome! Thanks for picking it up!
Jamie B.
Thank you for your site
Jeanne
Celebrated our 50th anniversary in December 1963. I am liking the 31 days of prayers for your marriage.
Darlene Schacht
Wow! That’s incredible Jeanne. Love hearing this. Congratulations!
Deb
Thank you for the wonderful insight and encouragement that I have found here. Sometimes we just need a nudge or little reminder.
Darlene Schacht
Thanks Deb. I’m glad you’re here.
Donna
Would love the bag!
PrairieReen
Darlene, I’m loving your heart and writing style. So far your book has been a wonderful blessing. Thank you! And thanks for all the fun giveaways, too.
Darlene Schacht
Aww, that’s so kind. Thank you so much!
Misty
I am really enjoying this Challenge. I know God is doing a work in my marriage, he already has, and I cannot wait to see what else he has in store.
Darlene Schacht
Me too! We serve an amazing God!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
Not looking to our husbands to be our reward is such excellent advice. We must strive for God first in all things and everything else will naturally fall into place. Thanks for the reminder, the post, and the chance to win, Darlene.
Darlene Schacht
You’re welcome!
Megan
Love this ♥
Keri B.
Glad to see this today!! 🙂
Maggie
I am really enjoying reading your book. I also LOVE the daily prayer challenge for marriages. It is so easy to overlook praying for my marriage. Thank you for letting God use you to reach others!
Darlene Schacht
I’m glad you’re enjoying it all Maggie! 😀
Kathy Andrews
I am glad I have friends like this. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Jessica Peck
Love!!!
Kim
My husband and I have been married over 32 years. It’s amazing to look back and see prayers God has answered. Still waiting on some 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Wow, that’s awesome. Congratulations.
Abi H
Someday I will have a friend like this, but for now I hope to continue to be this kind of friend.
Darlene Schacht
We all need to “be” that friend. I like that.
Savannah Kelley
Definitely need to concentrate on nurturing my marriage with activities aside from TV! Also just received my copy of the book in the mail and can’t wait to read!!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. I hope you enjoy it!
Carrie
I really enjoy checking your blog! I always find something either encouraging, convincing, or both! 🙂
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. I’m glad you’re here Carrie!
Crystal D.
I gain so much from your articles. My husband is my best friend and because of that I think I rely on him too much when I am hurting instead of relying on God more for healing and encouragement. Thank you for reminding me to allow the Lord to fulfill all my needs and desires.
Sally
oh my!
Not to look to him for my reward …
but to Him!
Thanks so much.
Such wisdom.
Darlene Schacht
I’m glad you enjoyed it Sally.
Libby
Thank you for this post and for you words of encouragement.
Linda
Thank you so much for your blog and sharing your heart
Katie
Thank you for sharing. I love you blog!
Darlene Schacht
Thank you, Katie!
Candy
I have been praying for my husband’s salvation since asking Jesus into my heart (6+ years ago now).
Darlene Schacht
Keep holding on Candy. God is good!
Kendal
Thanks for the giveaway. Strong follower of your blog, it has given me strength and faith.
Darlene Schacht
Awesome. Thanks for being here Kendal!
Heather
I am in a struggling marriage right now, and am delving into your encouragement daily, so I thank you for all of your posts. God Bless You <3
Darlene Schacht
I’m sorry to hear that Heather. I pray that there will be a revival in your marriage.
Suzanne
Thank you for this 31 day prayer devo for marriage. I am enjoying it
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Kerri
Thanks for your wonderful posts. I’m enjoying the marriage prayer challenge.
Darlene Schacht
So glad you are enjoying them!
Melissa W
Thank you so much for sharing. Your posts are so helpful and encouraging. I am really enjoying the Prayer challenge for my marriage.
Blessings to You!
Darlene Schacht
Awesome!
Tammy
I have purchased Messy Beautiful Love, downloaded the study guide, and am participating in the prayer each day. I love the book and loving the daily prayer.
Darlene Schacht
Awesome! Glad you have joined us!
Lisa
Thanks for this 31 days of praying for my marriage! It is giving me renewed hope for our marriage and family!
Darlene Schacht
That’s so awesome, Lisa!