Delight Your Marriage

Her Marriage Was "Dissolving", Now It's Saved & Growing: Kalee's Story

Before she began the Delighted Wife program, Kalee was in a place of deep discouragement. She and her husband, Chris, had been married for eight years, built a beautiful family together, and yet, they felt utterly lost. Their marriage was dissolving, and hopelessness had settled in.

She didn't see a way out.

But God did.

In His divine intervention, Chris was introduced to the program through a friend who had experienced transformation in his own marriage. Chris took a step of faith, signed up for the program, and invited Kalee to do the same. What she didn't realize was that the biggest transformation wouldn't just be in her marriage—it would be in herself.

Finding Confidence, Finding Herself

Kalee entered the program believing that her marriage was the only problem. But as she journeyed through the teachings, she came to see something deeper. She lacked confidence. She didn't understand her worth. She had been seeking validation in others, rather than allowing God to restore her from the inside out.

Through the program, Kaylee began to see how deeply God loved her, how valuable she was, and how her identity wasn't defined by the struggles of the past.

And as she changed, so did her marriage.

A Marriage Restored

Kalee and Chris both went through the program separately, which turned out to be a gift. After years of couples' therapy, they found that what this program allowed them to do was heal separately rather than working together.

Instead of coming at each other with blame, they were each able to focus on their own growth, healing, and the changes they personally needed to make.

The result? A marriage that was once on the brink of destruction was now filled with trust, forgiveness, and connection. The barriers of past hurts were broken down, and they began to see each other through fresh eyes.

Kalee describes it as the first time in years she didn't feel fear lingering in her mind about the future of their marriage. She and Chris were finally on solid ground, and for the first time in a long time, they had peace.

A Ripple Effect of Joy in Her Home

But this transformation didn't just stay between Kalee and Chris—it overflowed into their home. Their children, especially their oldest daughter, began to experience the difference.

Their daughter, who had been cautious and unsure about marriage because of what she had witnessed in their home, was now talking about her own future as a wife and mother. In her playtime, she began to play "Mom" and "Wife", something that Kalee had never seen before.Where once there was tension and uncertainty, now there was joy. She saw her parents in a new light—loving, affectionate, and truly connected.

There is Hope for You

Maybe you find yourself where Kalee once was. Maybe you feel hopeless, uncertain, and afraid that your marriage won't survive. But let me encourage you—God is still in the business of restoring marriages. He still brings beauty from ashes. He still makes all things new.

If Kalee's story resonates with you, I invite you to take a step toward healing. Don't let fear or hopelessness hold you back. Your marriage can be transformed. Your home can be filled with peace and joy. It starts with taking that first step.

God bless you on your journey.

He is able, and He is faithful.

Love,

Belah & Team

PS - If you're ready to take the step that Kalee made, schedule a free Clarity Call here. Not quite ready for that yet? Take our free online Marital Health Assessment to learn more about the current health of your marriage and next steps to take.

PPS - Here is a quote from (another) recent graduate: "I feel so much more joyful. I have learned how to be playful and silly again…I am growing in my understanding of my value based on Christ's righteousness, not my own accomplishments. My eyes have been opened to many areas where I am Martha instead of Mary…I have so much more hope for the future…We are a more joy-filled family…there is HOPE and we are healing!"

Getting out of your bed in the morning requires motivation. Doing your work requires motivation. Sacrificing for your spouse the way God asks us to, requires motivation. You may be motivated by external forces like your boss, achieving certain bank account numbers, or a personal feeling of accomplishment. Those aren't necessarily bad. But if you're having trouble with motivation for the things that are most important in your life: God, marriage, kids... this episode is for you. There are two encouragements Jesus gives us that can really help with your motivation to do what is most important: 1- The parable of the Three Servants (Matt 25: 14 - 28) 2- Come to me and I will give you rest -- the burden I give you is light (Matt 11: 28 - 30) The parable talks of three servants entrusted with money while the master went on a long trip. One was entrusted with 5 bags of silver, another with 2 bags of silver and the last with 1 bag of silver. When the master returned, two of the three had "worked" and "invested" which doubled their silver. But the servant with just 1 bag didn't even try. He was in self-pity, covetousness and fear. The master called him wicked and lazy. May we not fall into the trap of a - Self-pity: aka pride, because we SHOULD have a better circumstance. God SHOULD have given us better. b - Covetousness: looking at someone else's perceived lot in life and crave it c - Fear: Our perspective of God is harsh and unfair so we are paralyzed to try. Instead, let us look forward to hearing our master's praise. Let us be motivated by the anticipation of seeing God on that day say "well done!" and lavish praise on us for doing what He has asked us to do with what He has entrusted to us. If this feels like such a heavy weight right now, I want you to be encouraged by the second portion of scripture where Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens. And learn from Him. And gain insight on what He ACTUALLY is asking of us. Not to carry the whole world -- but to gain insight into what His burden for us to carry actually is -- which Jesus says "is light". Come to Him with your burden. Don't let the enemy tempt you with self-pity, coveting, or fear. Instead, come to Jesus and gain His strength so you can hear "Well done! Good. Faithful. Servant". In the episode, I give practical outworkings of all of this and I hope it's an episode that will give you a pep in your step and a zing of motivation to do what God is asking of you in your relationship with Him, in your relationship with your spouse and those entrusted to your care. Love and Blessings, Belah

Do you hate making mistakes?

If you're anything like me, you probably hold yourself to really high standards.

If you're a Jesus follower, you're actually called to be perfect as He is perfect.

But because you're not Jesus, you will fail.

So, what happens when you mess up?

Do you feel like a failure, try to run away, numb the pain, isolate, ignore, do some negative/sinful addiction (porn/drinking/eating...) just to stop feeling the terrible failure-feelings?

The problem is, even though we know we're saved by His sacrifice, we often still struggle with shame and guilt for our mistakes.

But here's the truth: understanding mistakes the right way can change how we view them, how we can grow from them and how they make us feel when they inevitably will happen.

Mistakes generally fall into three categories:

1. Mistake: Rebellion– When mistakes become a pattern of intentional sin consistently. This requires a lot of focus and all the advice given in #2, below.
2. Mistake: Sin – When we go against God's Word, we need to humbly own, repent and turn back to Him. AND from that, we get to be washed by His amazing sacrifice.
   • There may need to be actions taken to repair the situation of others involved or you need to find healing for yourself so these sins won't happen again.
   • But because of Jesus, the actual guilt has now been paid for by the only one who can pay for sin -- someone sinless -- Jesus.
   • So you no longer need to take the punishment of the shame/guilty feelings anymore.
   • Action does need to happen to rectify the situation, and let any negative feelings motivate you to put the structure, healing process, boundaries, people, community, in place to walk in freedom and righteousness.
3. Mistake: Wisdom – These are simply errors in judgment, strategy or approach. It's essentially making a mistake in walking out wisdom. A lot of times we know better and we can't seem to get ourselves to do the wise thing every time.

• It's not an outright sin, as clarified Biblically. It just was kinda dumb (yeah, I know the feeling well.) Or you realized later how you made someone else feel and realized you did the wrong thing. Or maybe you didn't so something as perfectly as you expect of yourself and you feel ashamed.
• Even though maybe it wasn't capital S, "Sin", it can make you feel just as failure-like as if you DID something horrible. As if you ARE something horrible.
• The sad part is, sometimes that failure-feeling can make us want to run so bad that we metaphorically run and actually do something horrible (an real Sin: porn, addiction, rage... fill-in-the-blank SIN).

But what if we didn't HAVE TO strive to achieve in perfection?

What if we didn't HAVE TO strive to meet our incredibly high (non-sin) standards OR feel like a failure? And our Sin standards don't change. The solution? Well, my solution is this... instead of feeling like a failure, aim to be 80% on point in the Wisdom Category. That way, you'll stay motivated and keep improving in living out wisdom without getting stuck in discouragement/feeling-like-a-failure. You'll get A LOT farther this way in every area of life than you would being "perfect" for a while then super discouraged (maybe even dropping into some Sin) and on and on the cycle goes. And sadly... often people just get so tired and give up and accept hopelessness. Here's the plan regarding mistakes: Keep high standards on righteousness issues, try hard to meet them---lean on Jesus for His perfection and sacrifice when we Sin. Have high standards on Wisdom things, but when we make mistakes be really happy if we aren't making that mistake 80% of the time.

When you handle mistakes in the right way, they actually help you move forward instead of holding you back. I dive deeper into this in today's episode, and I think you'll find it really encouraging—because if you're anything like me, you've made plenty of mistakes.

And the good news? God has so much hope for you, and every single mistake has value.

Here at Delight Your Marriage, we've seen so many marriages transformed by God's grace—couples who never thought they could feel close again, now thriving in ways they never imagined.

But here's the thing… what if we could help the next generation BEFORE they get married? What if they had the tools and the wisdom now, so they don't have to struggle the way so many of us did?

Setting the Example of a Beautiful Marriage

Before we can guide the next generation, we need to make sure our own marriages are solid. Let's be real—kids don't just listen to what we say, they watch what we do. If they see love, respect, and joy in our marriages, they'll want that for themselves. But if they see stress, distance, and unhappiness, they're going to wonder if marriage is even worth it.

So, if your marriage needs some healing, that's the best place to start. Don't wait. Your marriage is your greatest testimony to your kids.

The World Is Confusing—We Need to Speak Up First

The world is LOUD when it comes to relationships, identity, and marriage. If we're not having these conversations with our kids early and often, they're going to learn from someone else… and that's usually not going to be a source of truth.

Here are a few key things we need to be talking about:

1. Helping Them Know Their Identity in Christ

We live in a world that tells kids they need to "find themselves" by looking inward. But that leads to so much confusion! They need to know—without a doubt—that God made them exactly as they are, on purpose. We have to be proactive in these conversations, helping them stand firm in their identity before the world really tries to confuse them.

2. What Marriage Is REALLY About

Marriage isn't just about being happy—it's about fulfilling God's purpose for your life together. So many people go into marriage with unrealistic expectations and get hurt because they didn't know what to look for in a spouse. Let's help our kids understand the beauty and purpose of marriage before they start dating, so they can make wise choices!

3. Setting Healthy Boundaries in Dating

Our kids are bombarded with messages that say, "Do whatever feels good," but that's not wisdom! We need to help them understand that sex is a GIFT—but it's meant for marriage. That doesn't just mean telling them, "Don't do this, don't do that." It means giving them the tools and the why behind making those choices. When they understand the wisdom behind God's design, it makes it so much easier to live it out.

Practical Help for Young Adults Navigating Dating

One of the hardest things for young people is knowing how to date wisely. That's why we created our Pre-Dating Workbook and Video Course! It's packed with a clear vision for a God-honoring life and marriage, the four stages of pursuing a spouse (and the mistakes to avoid!), practical skills for meeting and discerning a future spouse, guidance on setting healthy emotional and physical boundaries, and more.

If you have a son, daughter, niece, nephew, or someone in your life who is dating or thinking about it soon, this resource is for them! Check it out at delightyourmarriage.com/dating

Providing Joy and Wisdom in Your Own Home

The key to influencing the next generation is NOT about forcing rules on them—it's about showing them something better. Jesus attracted people to Him because He was full of joy and truth. That's how we need to be! If we want our kids to listen to us, we need to be a source of joy, truth, wisdom, and peace in their lives.

Equipping the Next Generation for Stronger Marriages

We can't sit back and hope our kids figure it out on their own. They need us to guide them, to give them resources, and to speak truth in love. If you feel a stirring in your heart, take action. Strengthen your own marriage as a testimony to them, start having open, honest conversations about love, identity, and marriage, equip them with practical tools like our Pre-Dating Workbook and Course.

Let's raise up a generation that is confident in who they are, wise in how they date, and strong in their marriages. And most of all—let's be praying for our kids. This is a battle, but God is greater. Thank you for being part of this. We're in it together!

Love,

Belah & Team

I recently had the incredible opportunity to be a guest on Gary Thomas' podcast. If you've been around Delight Your Marriage for a while, you know what a dear friend Gary has been to this ministry. Not only is he a best-selling author and speaker, but he's also been so generous in inviting us to share on his platform in the past.

And this time? I got to be part of a panel alongside two truly amazing women:

Juli Slattery—President and Co-Founder of Authentic Intimacy and author of several life-changing books, including God, Sex, & Your Marriage and Rethinking Sexuality.

Debra Fileta—Creator of the #1 faith-based relationship advice blog TrueLoveDates.com and author of True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life and Married Sex: A Christian Couple's Guide to Reimagining Your Love (among many others).

We came together for a powerful discussion about helping wives awaken to intimate pleasure—such an essential and often overlooked topic. The wisdom and insights from these women were just incredible, and I cannot wait for you to hear this conversation.

Here were some key takeaways from our panel discussion:

The Challenge of Awakening Sexual Fulfillment

For so many women, the journey toward enjoying sex in marriage isn't a simple switch—it's a process. If you've spent years saying "no"—whether because of purity culture, past wounds, or just never learning that sex is a gift—it makes sense that "yes" doesn't come easily. And you are not alone in this!

How Husbands Can Help Their Wives Awaken to Pleasure

Men, you've likely never been discipled in how to help your wife step into her own sexual enjoyment. Many husbands enter marriage assuming their wife will naturally embrace sex, but the reality is, she may feel lost, hesitant, or even afraid. This is where your role as her safe place matters deeply.

Here are some questions that Debra suggested as conversation starters on sex:

• What's something you're looking forward to in our sex life?

• What's something that makes you nervous or unsure?

• What beliefs about sex do you want to hold onto, and what do you want to let go of?

Overcoming the Weight of Purity Culture

Many women who "did everything right" and waited for marriage still find themselves struggling. Why? Because purity culture often framed sex as something to avoid, not as a gift to embrace.

As Juli Slattery puts it, "Just because I waited, doesn't mean I know how to start." That's the truth. And if this is you, grace upon grace, my friend.

Sexual wholeness isn't about following a list of dos and don'ts. It's about stepping into the fullness of what God has given and allowing Him to reframe any distorted views we carry.

The Power of Emotional & Spiritual Connection

Debra Fileta says, "What you do above the sheets paves the way for what happens under the sheets." I could not agree more. Emotional and spiritual safety fuels physical intimacy. Husbands, if your wife doesn't feel safe, known, and whole-heartedly cherished, her body won't naturally respond to you with desire. So, before you think about sex, think about:

• Playfulness in everyday life (it builds intimacy!)

• How you affirm and admire her body

• How well she feels known and cherished by you

It's Not About You, It's About Her

A massive shift for many husbands is realizing that sex in marriage isn't just about "getting my needs met." If your wife doesn't feel safe, it's no wonder intimacy feels like a duty rather than a desire.

You have an opportunity to disciple your heart in a new way. Instead of seeing your wife as the "acceptable outlet" for your sexual needs, ask: "How can I be the safest place for her to enjoy intimacy?"

When she feels safe, she will want to engage. Not out of obligation, but because she feels free to.

How to Move Toward More Desire in Marriage

Wives, rather than wondering and praying, "Why am I broken?" for not wanting intimacy, instead ask, "How can I cultivate a desire for intimacy?"

Some ideas:

• Non-sexual sensual touch with no pressure

• Playfulness in your daily life (This is huge!)

• Embracing a "turning a dial" rather than "flipping a switch" approach to intimacy

Addressing Past Trauma & Emotional Wounds

Even in strong marriages, past sexual trauma or unhealthy conditioning can affect intimacy. And let's be real: just having a great marriage doesn't mean sex will be effortless. For some, the body's response to past wounds will still show up. That's okay. It's part of the journey.

Healing takes time, patience, and sometimes outside help. If this is part of your story, give yourself permission to process what's needed.

The Role of Faith & Hope in Sexual Fulfillment

God is a God of hope. If your marriage has felt disconnected, there is hope. If you've never truly enjoyed sexual pleasure, there is hope.

Your story isn't over. Pursue wholeness—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—and trust that intimacy can be more fulfilling than you ever imagined.

Final Thoughts

• Husbands: Emotional and spiritual intimacy first, pleasure follows.

• Wives: You are not broken. Your pleasure matters.

• Both: Intimacy is a journey, not a destination. Keep taking steps, and trust that God is working in it all.

Friend, you are not alone. Your marriage can grow, your desire can awaken, and your intimacy can thrive. Keep leaning in, keep growing, and keep trusting that God has more for you than you even realize.

Be blessed!

Love,

Belah & Team

At Delight Your Marriage, we have the incredible privilege of witnessing God's transformative power in marriages every day. Today, we are beyond honored to share Amy's story—a testimony of healing, restoration, and redemption.

How a Podcast Sparked a Transformation in Amy's Marriage

Amy first discovered our ministry through the podcast, and in one particular episode, she felt deeply convicted about her role as a wife from a biblical principles perspective. As she listened, one question struck her to the core:

"When we stand before Jesus, will we be able to say that we loved our husbands well, or will we have a list of excuses?"

That moment of conviction was a pivotal turning point and led Amy to take a hard look at the patterns in her marriage.

Breaking the Cycle of Hurt and Rejection

Amy realized her marriage was trapped in an exhausting cycle of hurt and rejection. When her husband expressed frustration or hurt, she would respond by shutting down and shutting him out—including the area of physical intimacy. This rejection only deepened his pain, which in turn caused more outbursts, pushing them further apart.

Round and round they went.

Amy knew something had to change.

Seeking Help: A Life-Changing Clarity Call

That's when she reached out and scheduled a Clarity Call, where she was introduced to the heart of our coaching approach. Through the program, she came to a powerful realization: she had been so focused on her pain that she hadn't stopped to consider what loving him well actually looked like.

She learned that, regardless of her husband's actions, she was responsible for her own mindset and behaviors. This mindset shift was the beginning of a profound transformation.

Embracing Gratitude Practice, Letting Her Husband Lead, and Aligning Family Dynamics

Her first big shift? Gratitude.

Instead of seeing her husband's contributions—like fixing things around the house or maintaining their cars—as expectations, she began to recognize them as gifts. This simple but profound change softened her heart.

She also felt convicted about how she had unknowingly taken control of their marriage and family decisions. Deep down, she wanted him to lead, but she had been the one steering the ship.

So, she changed course.

Through personal growth, she learned to step back and allow him to take his God-given role as the leader in their home.

And little by little, things changed.

The Power of Forgiveness and Apology

As Amy continued to grow, she felt convicted about her past actions. She humbled herself and apologized to her husband for ways she had contributed to their struggles. This act of forgiveness and vulnerability created space for genuine healing.

Over time, she witnessed a shift—not just in herself, but in her husband and their marriage as a whole. The relationship healing was undeniable. We were so moved by what she shared with us: "The Lord specializes in restoration and redeeming what is broken and lost."

A Testament to God's Restoration and Redemption

Today, Amy's marriage looks entirely different. The patterns of hurt and rejection have been replaced by love, intimacy, and a renewed sense of partnership. Praise God!

God is absolutely still in the business of restoration and redemption, and we are so honored to witness His work in marriages like Amy's. Let her story be a reminder that God redeems, he restores, and He can change things.

Be blessed!

Love,

Belah & Team

I have been a long time fan of Nathan Rittenhouse and his work at Thinking Out Loud Together and today, I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Nathan Rittenhouse for our podcast!

Nathan is a speaker, apologist, and co-founder of Thinking Out Loud Together. Our conversation today was filled with rich insights about intimacy, humility, integrity, and the way marriage fits into God's grand design. I truly can't wait for you to hear it!

There's so much to unpack, but here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation:

The Bigger Purpose of Marriage: Building a Legacy That Lasts

Nathan shared how his perspective on marriage has been deeply shaped by the generations of faithful, steady relationships in his family. He reminded us that marriage isn't just about two people—it impacts generations. "What will my descendants 200 years from now say about the type of life I lived?" he asked. This long-term vision is something I would encourage every reader and listener to think about.

We often get so caught up in the day-to-day struggles of marriage, but when we zoom out, we see that every choice we make—every act of love, every moment of kindness, every decision to honor our spouse—ripples out for generations. What an incredible reason to be intentional about how we love, respect, and serve in our marriages!

Intimacy as Worship: God's Design for Physical and Emotional Connection

One of the most powerful themes we explored was how intimacy—yes, physical intimacy—can actually be an act of worship.

Nathan pointed out that God designed the physical world—including our bodies—as good.

And when we engage in intimacy within God's design, it's not just a physical act—it's a deeply spiritual one. It's an opportunity to delight in God's creation, to experience His love, and to reflect His heart. Instead of something to be endured or achieved, it becomes something to celebrate—a way to glorify the Lord.

Sexuality & Integrity: Practicing Spiritual Discipline in Private

Nathan emphasized that our true selves are revealed in private moments.

He highlighted Jesus' words in Matthew 6, where He speaks about the Father rewarding what is done in secret. And that's so important when it comes to things like purity, faithfulness, and battling temptations like pornography.

True integrity means being the same person in private that we present in public. Or as Nathan said, "Preach what you practice", not just practice what you preach, but actually live with such integrity that your life naturally becomes the message.

The Power of Male Friendships: Emotional Support & Community for Men

Nathan and I also talked about something that's so often overlooked: the power of godly male friendships.

He pointed out that a lot of men struggling in their marriages—whether it's loneliness, unmet expectations, or just feeling stuck—often lack deep, strong friendships with other men. And part of the problem is that our culture has sexualized everything- including strong, male friendships- making it difficult for men to form those healthy, meaningful bonds.

But here's the thing: God designed men to need other men in their lives. Just like women thrive when they have strong female friendships, men need brothers—not just surface-level friendships, but real, deep, iron-sharpening-iron relationships.

Christian Hope in Marriage: Finding Strength in God's Design

We also discussed that unity in marriage is a byproduct of a shared focus on Christ. Unity in marriage isn't found by fixing our eyes on each other—it's found by fixing our eyes on Christ.

When we try to make our spouse the center of our world, things get out of balance. But when we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else—including our marriages—falls into its rightful place.

Encouragement for Those Struggling: Finding Strength in God's Love

And finally, for those feeling discouraged—whether it's low intimacy, unmet expectations, or loneliness—Nathan left us with this powerful reminder:

Our ultimate satisfaction must be in Christ.

Marriage is a gift. But it was never meant to replace our deepest need—to be fulfilled in God's love.

If you're struggling right now, know this: God sees you. He loves you. And He is the one who fills the deepest places of your heart.

Thank you again, Nathan, for this incredible conversation, for your joy in the Lord, and the deep, valuable insights you've shared with us! This conversation was truly such a gift.

And to you, dear listener and dear reader- may this conversation bless you, inspire you, and remind you of how deeply the Lord loves you.

Blessings,

Belah & Team

PS - Want to hear more from Nathan? Check out his podcast, Together Out Loud

https://toltogether.com/podcast, and the Thinking Out Loud Together website for more. https://toltogether.com/

PPS - If the idea of a family with no drama seems like a far off dream, or the thought of your private life being revealed in public brings thoughts of shame and hopelessness, we want you to know… there is hope. Give us a call: delightym.com/cc

PPPS - Here is a quote from a recent graduate: "We were planning on how to keep a family together while breaking our family up - We were at the end of ourselves and decided it was time to give up and go our separate ways… I have grown in patience, perspective, my faith and connection with God, my understanding of my husband, and peace. I have learned how to build my marriage. Building it is now a journey and no longer an intense, overwhelming mission impossible."

This episode is a Re-Release, formerly titled: If You Only Knew His Love We hope it blesses you now as it blessed you then!

---------------------------------------------------------------- When I look back on my life—when I see what is currently unseen—when I see Jesus face to face—when all has been revealed…

I am convinced I will be BLOWN AWAY by the love I never realized He truly had for me.

God's Care for Every Living Thing

The Bible says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." (Matthew 6:26)

Yesterday, I was at the park, watching birds flitting around, this way and that. And yet, the God of the universe cares for them. So much so, He FEEDS the birds!

If He cares so deeply for the birds, how much more does He care for you and me?

God Is Intimately Involved in Your Life

He is feeding you. He is clothing you. He is providing far more than you may realize.

And He is intimately aware of your life and what you're going through.

In both the joys and the suffering of life, God remains good. There is so much we cannot see, and yet He is in control.

Even in suffering, His purposes are higher than ours, and His plans are always good. He allows suffering for His reasons, only He can see.

Trusting God Through Pain and Suffering

Suffering is hard. It hurts. Deeply. But when we trust that every good gift in our lives comes from Him, it changes how we endure the hard times.

Instead of despair, we can face suffering with peace, joy, and contentment. This shift allows us to fulfill at least part of the purpose God has for our pain.

God Cares About Your Pain

Make no mistake—God sees your suffering. He knows your struggles, whether they are rejection, loneliness, or unmet needs in your closest relationships.

God cares about the pain in your marriage. He cares about the lack of intimacy, warmth, or connection. He sees the ache in your soul. And He cares.

His Goodness Never Fails

Even in the hardest moments, God is good. He loves you so much that He's willing to risk you turning away from Him because He has a bigger plan for your life.

As Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

We don't have to understand His reasons. But we are called to trust His goodness.

Every Good Gift Is From God

If God feeds the birds, how much more is He doing for us every day?

He makes each breath happen and every movement possible. Every smile from your child, every sunset you see, every heartbeat you experience—these are His gifts.

He knit you together in your mother's womb, and He continues to sustain you every moment of every day. He is still designing, directing, and causing all these things to go well for us.

When we take the time to notice, we see His hand in everything good. Even in suffering, when something breaks, it reminds us of all the days He allowed it to thrive.

Soak in the Truth of His Love

If we truly understood His love, if we only soaked in the truth of His love, we would trust Him more easily, even in the midst of pain.

If we only knew His love…

If we only knew His love…

If we only knew His love…

May you know the love of Christ today.

And may I know it, too.

Love,

Belah & Team

PS - If you would like help with your marriage, we invite you to schedule a free Clarity Call with our advisor. This call allows us to help you evaluate where you are in your marriage, and whether or not we are a good fit for you. Click here to schedule a free call: delightym.com/cc

We are so honored to share Dasha's incredible transformation story with you today! If you're looking for hope for your own relationship, Dasha's journey might be just what you need to hear today.

Dasha's Marriage Story

Dasha came into her second marriage with a guarded heart, carrying pain from her previous relationship. It wasn't easy; the beginning of this new chapter was rocky. She felt disconnected and had no desire for her husband. At one point, she even told him he could leave if he was unhappy.

Her Husband's Transformation

But instead of walking away, her husband chose a different path. He joined Masculinity Reclaimed, Delight Your Marriage's program for men, designed to inspire personal growth and transformation. Through this program, he was able to learn the differences between men and women and how to fully love his wife in a way that she would receive love. He began implementing what he had learned in his marriage and Dasha began noticing the changes in their home and in their marriage.

At first, Dasha was skeptical. She had seen temporary changes before, and they'd tried other methods, like counseling. But as Dasha put it, those methods "revealed" problems—they didn't heal them.

This time, something was different. The changes in her husband weren't just surface-level; they were real, lasting, and kept getting better. For the first time, Dasha began to feel emotionally safe. The walls she had built around her heart started to come down. She felt connected, relaxed, and fully free to be herself with her husband.

When she realized these changes weren't going away, Dasha decided to take her own step of faith and bravery. She joined the Delighted Wife program to do her part in their journey.

Dasha's Marriage Transformation

Through the program, Dasha found the healing she had been longing for. By embracing gratitude, forgiveness, and the biblical principles we teach, she experienced transformation—not just in her marriage but in her own heart. She connected with other women who are on the same journey as her and now has a support system that is cheering her on and encouraging her. She learned how to open up her heart, though she was afraid it might bring hurt, she found that it brought healing. Today, she describes her marriage as not just connected, but fun!

And the sweetest part? Her son gets a front-row seat to a joyful, loving, and laughter-filled home.

A Marriage (and Home) Full of Fun

We are so proud of Dasha for her courage, vulnerability, and willingness to embrace the process. Her story is a beautiful reminder that no matter how your marriage starts, you can change where it's going.

It is possible to have a marriage that's stress-free, emotionally safe, deeply connected, and full of fun.

We're rooting for you and cheering you on every step of the way!

With love,

Belah & Team

PS - If you are looking for this type of change in your marriage, we invite you to make a Clarity Call and learn more about the programs we have for men and women: delightym.com/cc

PPS - Here is a testimonial from (another) recent graduate of the Delighted Wife program:

"My husband and I were at the brink of complete and utter separation. There was anger, yelling, and volatile behavior. We were not even sleeping in the same bed or the same room... Through the program, I realized how much healing needed to take place in my own heart. I've learned to see my husband through God's eyes and to love him with all of his strengths and weaknesses. The forgiveness [module] helped me release past hurts, and I now truly feel loved."

Trust is an essential part of the foundation in your marriage, but what happens when that foundation cracks—or even shatters?

Maybe you've been hurt by the person you thought would always protect your heart. Perhaps betrayal, harsh words, or neglect have left you questioning everything.

Can trust ever be rebuilt? Should you even try?

If you've found yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. Broken trust can feel overwhelming, leaving you guarded, uncertain, and even hopeless.

But this doesn't have to be the end of your story. There is hope for healing, even in the deepest wounds.

Wives, we know that you have every reason to not trust your husband again:

1. You might get hurt again. Even if your husband is making changes, doubts linger. What if he goes back to his old ways? What if he's only changing to get something from me?

2. Emotional wounds take time to heal. Maybe arguments, harsh words, or emotional distance have left you wondering: If I trust him again, will the hurt just continue? [Dear wife, please know this is in reference to emotional hurt. If physical abuse is part of your story, your safety must come first. God's heart breaks for your pain, and He wants you to be safe. Please seek help from trusted organizations or individuals who can support you.

3. He has been Untrustworthy in the Past

Maybe your husband has broken your trust—whether it's with finances, responsibilities, or even his faithfulness. Perhaps he's been judgmental, leaving you feeling small and unseen. Or maybe his words have torn you down so often that you've built a wall to protect your heart.

Your feelings are valid. The wounds are real, and they cut deep.

But alongside these fears, could it also be worth asking: Are there unmet needs—on both sides—that are contributing to the pain?

Here is what we want to make sure all of our readers know: Wives & Husbands need different things to thrive in a marriage.

Wives need to feel safe, known, and whole-heartedly cherished.

• This isn't just about physical safety; it's emotional too. You need to feel that your thoughts, feelings, and dreams can be shared without fear of criticism or rejection. When this safety is missing, it's hard to open your heart.

I wrote the above reasons why not to trust your husband or fears you might have… Because I understand what you're going through at least to some degree. I have the privilege of walking alongside women who have "been there". It's a painful place to live: guarded, in fear, lonely… wounded. I hear your pain. I would love to speak with you in this episode and just see if by the end you are encouraged and even (prayerfully) gain hope that God could do a work in you. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him" Romans 15:13 We do serve a God that loves you, brings healing, and gives you a reason for hope. He really loves you. He really does bring hope. We love you and are praying for you. Belah

PS - If you want to start making this change in your marriage but don't know how, we would love to chat with you: delightym.com/cc

PPS - Here is a testimonial from a recent graduate:

"Before DYM there was a lot of tension and stress in our marriage and disconnect. My husband had affairs, and these were replayed constantly in my head even though one of them occurred 25 years ago. I did not trust him and had not forgiven him… After going through the program, the stress is gone, and replaying the affairs in my head is pretty much gone… We are both so much happier in our marriage! I have also started back on my spiritual journey with God that I have been away from for many years."​