Grace-Filled Covenant-Keeping Love

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

Have you ever noticed that little word, "cleave" tucked into this verse? And have you ever stopped to consider the significance of that word? It means to keep, and to stick with, and to hold close to, but there's also a deeper meaning that we should consider.

A cleft is a split, a crack, or a division. Therefore we can look at cleaving this way: to divide along the natural grain forming a cleft that is necessary when grafting two plants together.

In order for those plants to survive this new union they must be completely sealed. We'll get into that in just a bit.

When I considered this grafting of two plants, I couldn't help but be reminded of the fact that God created Eve from Adam. When two are joined together in marriage, in a sense they return to that original state of union. He opens himself to envelope his bride and the two grow together as one.

These words from John Piper are so true to my life today:

Marriage exists to display the merciful

covenant-keeping love of Christ

and the faithfulness of his bride.

~ John Piper, Momentary Marriage

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. ~ John 8:9-10, 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.

In order for two souls to survive this union 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.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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The world is playing football—American football—starting June 30 live on YouTube

The biggest thing in football right now is happening in Europe, at the UEFA Euro 2012 final. In the U.S., this form of “football” is generally considered to be “soccer.” While the Euro action has certainly been fantastic, American football fans -- the one with quarterbacks and end zones -- take heart! Beginning June 30, USA Football’s Under 19 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship series will air live on iBN Sports’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/ibnsportsnetwork.

The series pits eight countries against each other. In the first round on June 30, France plays Japan. France is rugby-crazy, after their appearance in last year’s World Cup, and Japan’s national sport is sumo wrestling: the players in this game may well demonstrate unique techniques and abilities based on backgrounds in these other very physical sports. The U.S. plays American Samoa that same day, and with many terrific Samoans playing pro football, the quality of football will be high. The other first round matchups are Panama vs. Austria and Canada vs. Sweden.

The winners of the first round play on July 4 (Games 1 and 2); the losers' bracket will be on July 3 (Games 1 and 2). The Gold Medal and Bronze Medal games will both be played on July 7.

YouTube is proud to host many live sports these days. Consider these world championships a warm-up for the high school football to be played across the country this fall. Be sure to subscribe to your favorite YouTube Sports Partner channel and don’t miss a minute of live action either this summer or this fall!

Roland Lange, YouTube Sports Partnerships, recently watched "Soccer training for kids"

we are home!

I am happy to report that on Wednesday evening we pulled into the driveway of our new house on the Oregon Coast! Our little caravan arrived in one piece- exhausted and nerves shot but in one piece- to the sun shining and fresh Oregon air (there is nothing quite like it). It only took us two days of driving to get here but those two days may have been the longest days of my life! I though going through childbirth was hard- NOTHING compared to being in the car with a 8 month old, teething, tired, wiggly baby!!! Except for a few minor episodes- Lucy did as good as possible and thankfully I had my mom in my car to help out with the driving.

We are now unpacking and getting settled into our new home and really just trying to take a little time to decompress and take some time to rest and just enjoy each other!

I just got back online today and will return Monday with all kinds fun stuff! Happy weekend to everyone!

Choosing how you’re seen on YouTube

Maybe you’ve outgrown that username cutepuppies99, which seemed like such a good idea at the time. Or perhaps your friends are missing out on your mad origami skills, because they don’t know you are the genius behind origamiboy1981.

Starting today we’re giving you the ability to change how you appear on YouTube, with the option to use your Google+ profile on your YouTube channel. One Google-wide identity was something that proved popular with new YouTube users when we began offering it in March, so we are now extending it to existing users.

This is your identity, so you’re in the driver’s seat. First off, your name. If you are currently YouTube user joeysam87, you can now appear as Joey Samson, the full name from your Google+ profile (with an actual space in the middle!), along with any photo you uploaded:

Next step, your past activity. Maybe you posted a few things way back (all those “I love you Biebs!!” comments?) that you’d rather not associate with publicly. By clicking “Review my content,” you can see every video, comment or playlist you’ve ever posted, and decide whether you want it associated with your full name before making the change:

This will give you more options for how your videos are seen and discovered on YouTube. However, we realize that using your full name isn’t for everyone. Maybe people know you by your YouTube username. Perhaps you don’t want your name publicly associated with your channel. To continue using your YouTube username, just click “I don’t want to use my full name” when you see the prompt. Stay tuned for more ways to use this username in other Google products and services in coming months.

For many YouTube users with existing Google+ profiles, you’ll start seeing this option the next time you upload or comment on YouTube. For partners, brands and organizations, you won’t see this just yet. This will first be available in the US, with plans to make this available internationally soon. For more information, check out our help center.

John Fisher, Software Engineer, recently watched “Dogtown Days - Gerry Saint”

Busy Day - Busy Week

I won't be having the Friday Five this week because I'm coming off of such a busy day/busy week. It's been incredibly awesome, but I've been on the run.

Last Sunday Madison and Graham were baptized and we had a party for them after church. I can't imagine being any prouder of them than I was that morning! My other two boys stood up at the front with us while my husband helped the pastor baptize Maddy and then Graham. What a beautiful day! I still don't have the photos for that. Argh!

Then on Wednesday I had the opportunity of meeting with Fawn from Happy Wives Club. One word to describe her: Wow! The two of us got to talking over lunch. I think we talked for three hours before we finally had to resume "life." I love that she's grounded in faith and radiates joy. It was the first time we met but I felt like I'd known her forever! She's a Jesus girl, and isn't she cute?!

Me and Fawn (Happy Wives Club)

Today my daughter graduated from grade eight. We went to get our hair done together and then I whisked her off to the school. She's such a virtuous little chicklet, that one. I'm so proud of that girl! My husband took a lot of photos, but because he has a fancy smancy camera I have to wait for him to get them. But here's a little head shot of us having mommy/daughter time.

Me and Madison

I'll be back with the Friday Five next week. And of course I'll see you on Monday. Have a great weekend y'all!

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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Movies and TV shows now available for purchase on YouTube and Google Play

About a year ago, we brought you thousands of full-length feature films from major Hollywood and independent studios to rent on youtube.com/movies. Following our launch yesterday, you can buy movies and TV content from shows like Revenge, Parks & Recreation and Breaking Bad, and top movie studios like ABC Studios, NBCUniversal and Sony Pictures.

Purchased movies and shows can be played back as many times as you like on YouTube, and on your Android device via Google Play. We’ll soon be bringing the experience to Google TV devices too.



Visit youtube.com/movies and youtube.com/shows today to discover and buy your favorite movies and TV shows, and check back soon for even more titles and shows in the coming weeks.

Jonathan Zepp, manager of TV/Film content partnerships, recently purchased and watched “The Walking Dead.”

Take your channels with you on the new YouTube app

Last year we redesigned YouTube with the goal to make it easy and enjoyable to follow the channels you love. We added a guide to the homepage to quickly access your channel subscriptions and a feed of activity showing you the latest and greatest videos from your favorite YouTube channels. Now in the new YouTube app for Android, we’re bringing that experience to the app, while making YouTube better both on the go and at home.

A guide to all your channels
With less screen space on your phone than your laptop or TV, we want to focus the YouTube app on just the stuff you care about. You now have a guide on the left side of the screen that gives you instant access to your channels, and a feed constantly updating with new videos.

Faster on the go
When you’re watching YouTube on the go, watching a video buffer is as fun as waiting for the bus to show up. To spend more time with your video and less time with the spinning circle of boredom, you can now preload and temporarily cache videos from your subscribed channels on your phone anytime it’s charging and your WiFi is connected. Just enable “Preloading” in the Settings menu. You’ll still need a connection to play the video, but once you do it’s smooth sailing through the latest from your subscribed channels and Watch Later queue.

Watch it on the big screen
Back at home and want to watch that amazing video on your big screen? While the video’s playing on TV, with the new YouTube app or mobile website you’ll be able to use your phone to find the next great video to watch, comment, like or subscribe. We’re working to make this broadly available across connected TVs and living room devices, so stay tuned for updates.

To check out the new app, visit the Google Play Store on your Android phone for the latest version. The new YouTube app features are currently just available on phones with Android 4.0 and above, and you’ll start to see these features appear on other Android versions in coming months. If you’re using m.youtube.com or other versions of the YouTube app, you can still access your subscriptions by signing in and selecting “Subscriptions.”

So whenever or wherever you’re ready for some great channels, trust your YouTube app will have them ready to watch.

Andrey Doronichev, head of YouTube mobile, recently watched “JEFF BRIDGES goes Face to Face with "Weird Al" Yankovic.”

Monthly Calendars for July, August & September

The printable calendars are ready for July, August & September! Each page has the month at a glance, plus the following sections to write in:

• To Do's - Things you need to do today
• Hope To Do's - Additional things you'd like to do if time permits
• Prayer Requests 
• Reminders 
• Bible Reading - What you plan to read in the Bible or a verse that comes to mind
• Groceries
• Thinking Ahead - Goals or future commitments
• People to Call

Each page is intended for daily use, therefore I'd recommend printing off several at a time.

And if you haven't checked it out yet, take a look at my weekly housekeeping schedule. It's a great way to get the house clean and keep it looking that way!

If you would like to view or download the printables,
just click the links below the image. (Original is a full-sized page).

Printable Calendar for July 2012

Printable Calendar for August 2012

Printable Calendar for Sepember 2012

If you are an email subscriber, and have trouble viewing the links, click through to the website at: Time-Warp Wife.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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Check out The Good Wife's Guide, now available in paperback.

from the road

How to Shield and Protect Growing Children

When we planted our young lilac tree in the front yard, I decided to stake it to a long piece of wood. I remember standing in the garden with my dad who warned me that if I used rope or wire to stake the tree I could potentially damage the tender trunk. So I got creative, ran into the house and pulled out a pair of my old pantyhose. The pantyhose were flexible enough to allow the tree to sway while giving it strength.

I’m sitting by the window now and I see that the two are still tied together. The little tree has grown quite a bit over the past few years and has recently bloomed once again. Tucked safely within its branches, I see a little hummingbird nest not much bigger than a golf ball.

Looking at the grace and poise of that young tree, I'm reminded of my children who are growing before me in strength and virtue. Young trees that sway in the wind; we're the stakes--my husband and I--that keep a firm but flexible hold on their lives until they are rooted and grounded in faith. Little by little our need to shield and protect lessens, but my desire to pray for them never wanes.

Parenting is a form of protection. In the early stages of growth we need to cover that plant at times to shield it from heavy wind and frost. We can do this in two ways; the first is by praying for them daily, asking God to watch over and protect them. And the second way is by being involved in their lives so that we know who their friends are, what their interests are, what TV programs they're watching and what they're exposed to on the internet. By being involved in their lives we keep the lines of communication open, and by seeing their exposure to the world, we can shield them from danger. While they are growing and until each one is firmly rooted in soil we must give them needed protection.

The home should be a self-contained shelter of security;
a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught;
and a kind of church where God is honored"
~ Billy Graham, “My Answer”

My goal is to cultivate a healthy root within each one of my children that is grounded in faith. But in order to do that I have to teach them to focus less on the leaves that soon fall to the ground and more on a soul that takes root in the Lord. 

You are loved by an almighty God,


Darlene


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Music Tuesday: Pride icons, VideoSongs and more

Welcome back to Music Tuesday, the blog post in which we tell you what we’re featuring on our music page this week -- and why.

Pride Icons
June is LGBT Pride month, and people have been taking to the streets all over the world to honor love in its many incarnations. Today we close out the past month of non-stop celebrations with a playlist of queer musical icons and out and proud gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender artists from our friends at Google Play.



If You Hear It, You See It
The videosong has two rules: 1. What you see is what you hear. 2. If you hear it, at some point you see it. We’ve seen what famous videosongers like Pomplamoose and Karmin do with the form; now...what about the rest of the world?



Incoming: Charlie Rae
The San Diego singer-songwriter Charlie Rae’s been writing songs and posting videos on her channel for several years. But a few weeks ago she was performing on a San Diego street when a passerby took a video of her performance and posted it (with her permission) on his work’s website. The video went viral -- at last count, it had over 400,000 views -- and Rae’s haunting original songs are beginning to get richly deserved recognition. Here’s the video that started it all.



Sarah Bardeen, music community manager, recently watched “Slum Village - Reppin.”

the day came

A Free Apron Pattern - And a Titus 2sday Link-Up Party!

Click here to view and print the pattern

I've been wanting to make an apron for months, and today I finally did it! As you'll see, it's nothing too fancy, but I made it myself, which is pretty cool. 

And guess what? While I was making this, I took down measurements so that I could offer you a free pattern to make your own! 

I promise you that it's incredibly easy! I bought the material, created the pattern, and made the apron all in one afternoon. The only tricky part for me was attaching the seam binding around all of the curves. It either takes some practice or I was doing it wrong. *grin* But it all worked out well in the end.

I've created a printable pattern for you that is scaled down. Each square in the pattern is equal to one inch of fabric. Hopefully you can copy it out onto a piece of brown paper or news print. 

Note: This is a medium sized apron pattern. For larger sizes, I would widen the center area to cover the chest and slightly lengthen the yoke.

What You'll Need:

1.3 Meters (4.25 feet) of cotton or broadcloth - this allows you a little extra should you wish to lengthen it. 

A little piece of contrasting fabric for the pocket

6 inches of iron-on interfacing

2 packages of double-sided seam binding (I chose a fun color)

2 3/4 inch buttons

Thread to match seam binding

A copy of the pattern

Instructions

Pre-shrink your fabric if using cotton by wetting it and then putting it in the dryer.

Cut out your pattern. 

Start with the pocket. Edge it (all four sides) with seam binding. Sew a button on it and put the pocket aside.

Next you will work on the area that buttons up behind the neck:

Take the two small triangular pieces of fabric and attach the interfacing to each with a hot iron. Sew the straight edge under about 1/4 inch on each piece. Pin these in place on the apron body with wrong sides together. 

Trim the entire apron body with seam binding.

Take one of your long rectangular pieces and fold lengthwise with right sides together. Sew lengthwise and also sew one end closed. Use a long pointy object to turn the band inside out, squaring corners in the process. Iron flat. On the open end, fold the unfinished edge inside about 1/2 an inch. Top stitch the end to finish it. 

Repeat for the second apron string then attach both to the sides of the apron. 

In order to place the button in the best position behind your neck, I recommend that you put the apron on and pin the neck in the place exactly the way you want it. Then slip it off to finish with a button and button hole.

Finally attach your pocket where you would like it, by top stitching the sides and the bottom.

Do you want more free patterns? See my post 191 Free Apron Patterns!

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/AVvXsEh2Z2SH9vpEeZclvzNQvHAgcEeyupkkdLhOVagtToDOYmViBaTH9m-MabTtnHFkWYQgNxhBX6iN9AgXeYr65bU2n9UF-GaIiSueQNdyncScCx5pXLloM1jJNxtGA5xkzyiFzbRWT1BAruY/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene

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

World Food Program is June's On The Rise Non-profit Partner

Please join us in congratulating WorldFoodProgram as YouTube’s featured “On The Rise” non-profit partner for June! Thanks to your support and the strength of of their channel optimization, this organization is featured in the “Spotlight” section of our homepage today.

The World Food Programme has been in existence since 1963, when it was established as a multilateral food aid program by the Food and Agricultural Organization Conference and the United Nations. Over the last 40+ years, the organization has worked tirelessly to fight hunger and poverty globally, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for food aid. Their channel features a variety of video content that describes the magnitude of the global hunger problem, highlights specific issues and emergencies, demonstrates the impact of the WPF’s initiatives, and identifies opportunities for supporters to take action to assist the organization’s mission.



Here are a few words from the WPF organization:

Thanks to everyone who voted for us, and especially to YouTube, for this incredibly cool opportunity. At the World Food Programme, we believe that hunger is the world's greatest solvable problem. It affects nearly a billion people worldwide and yet we have the means to solve it. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian aid agency on the front lines of hunger. When we're not saving lives in emergencies, we're helping families get back on their feet. When we're not serving meals in schools, we're protecting mothers and children from malnutrition. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and find out what it's like to drive across the Sahara, ride a yak through the Himalayas or fly a helicopter in South Sudan as we deliver food assistance to some of the most dangerous and remote places on Earth. We’ll see you there. 

You can learn more about YouTube's nonprofit program and the 17,000 organizations in the program here. If you’ve enjoyed this monthly On The Rise blog series and want to see more rising YouTube partners, check out our On The Rise Channel. Keep an eye out for next month’s blog post, as your channel may be the next one On The Rise!

Christine Wang and Devon Storbeck, YouTube Partner Support, recently watched “Milk in my Sippy Cup!”

a peek into our weekend

It is crunch time over here and we spent the weekend packing, loading our moving van, prepping the house for our renter- painting, painting and more painting-I am officially sick of painting! Everything is now out of the house except for a mattress on the floor and all of Lucy's gear. We are tired and overworked, we have nearly killed each other numerous times! Taking care of everything (only the two of us, while juggling a baby) was the most challenging task we have yet to conquer but somehow we did it!