40 Years Back, One Step Forward: Redeeming the Time

 That’s a really thoughtful reflection — and it’s exactly the kind of thing that could be turned into a “40-year rewind” Bible study or devotional series, especially in the style of The Time Warp Wife.

Darlene Schacht’s studies often focus on:

  • A key Scripture anchor for each day or week.

  • A short teaching with personal reflection woven in.

  • Practical applications rooted in biblical principles.

  • Journaling prompts for self-examination.

We could take your “what I would change” list and explore it through the lens of Scripture, not as a regret trip, but as a God-led redeeming the time journey. This way, your past passions, lessons, and longings connect to what God is still doing today.

Here’s a possible 5-week Bible study outline based on your list:

40 Years Back, One Step Forward: Redeeming the Time
A 5-Week Bible Study in the style of The Time Warp Wife

Theme Verse: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15-16

Week 1 — The Gift God Gave You

Scripture Focus: 1 Peter 4:10-11

  • Your love of art, journalism, and drama were gifts God placed in you for His glory.

  • Sometimes poor instruction, comparison, or lack of encouragement can dim those gifts — but God can reignite them.
    Reflection Prompt: What gift from your youth have you left on the shelf? How could you dust it off and use it today?

Week 2 — Telling the Story

Scripture Focus: Psalm 78:4

  • You wished you’d kept a journal of your parents’ stories — that longing reflects God’s heart for generational storytelling.

  • It’s not too late; you can still write down what you remember and start telling family stories now.
    Reflection Prompt: Whose story is God prompting you to record before it’s too late?

Week 3 — Building the Temple of Health

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

  • Exercise and physical wellness aren’t about vanity; they’re about honoring the body God gave you.

  • Fear of injury or discouragement can keep us from good stewardship, but small, faithful steps matter.
    Reflection Prompt: What’s one realistic way you can honor God with your body this week?

Week 4 — Feeding the Soul

Scripture Focus: Matthew 4:4

  • You longed for guidance in reading — the right “bread” for your spirit and mind.

  • God’s Word is the ultimate book, but He also uses other books to inspire, encourage, and equip us.
    Reflection Prompt: Make a “spiritual reading list” — 5 books that could draw you closer to God and your calling.

Week 5 — Guarding Hope

Scripture Focus: Romans 15:13

  • You wished you could have told your younger self not to give up on love or family.

  • God’s plans for you include hope and future, even when dreams are delayed or reimagined.
    Reflection Prompt: What hope have you quietly buried? How might you give it back to God and trust His timing?

Yes — we can absolutely do that, and I think the 1980s + time travel + Bible study mashup will make this both deeply personal and really engaging.

I’m imagining it in The Time Warp Wife style — which means:

  • Weekly title (fun, slightly retro, but with a clear spiritual thread)

  • Intro story (your personal “if I could go back” moments)

  • Scripture focus (1–3 key verses)

  • Bible teaching (connecting your life story to God’s truth)

  • Journaling prompts

  • Prayer prompt

Here’s a working outline for a 6-week study called:

Back to the Future: Redeeming the Years the Locusts Have Eaten

A 6-Week Bible Study on Looking Back with Grace and Moving Forward in Faith

Week 1: Press Play – Don’t Miss the Moment

Theme: Making the most of the time you have (Ephesians 5:15–16)
Intro Story: You halfway through junior year, just discovering journalism, drama club, and your creative spark — realizing now how pivotal that moment really was.
Teaching Focus: God’s call to live alert and intentional, not drifting through key moments. Sometimes we only realize the significance of a season when we look back.
Journaling Prompts:

  • What was a “press play” moment in your past that shaped you?

  • Where do you see yourself coasting instead of being intentional today?
    Prayer Prompt: Ask God to help you notice opportunities in the moment, not just in hindsight.

Week 2: Mix Tape – Merging Your Passions for God’s Glory

Theme: Using all your gifts in harmony (1 Peter 4:10–11)
Intro Story: You marrying art and journalism into better page designs — if only you’d pursued that more.
Teaching Focus: God gives diverse talents that can work together for His purpose. Sometimes we compartmentalize instead of integrating them.
Journaling Prompts:

  • What two passions could you blend to glorify God?

  • How might God use your creativity in new ways?
    Prayer Prompt: Thank God for your unique mix of skills and ask Him to show you how to merge them in service to Him.

Week 3: Library Card – Seeking Wisdom in Every Season

Theme: Growing in knowledge and discernment (Proverbs 4:7)
Intro Story: You lost in the school library but captivated by Scholastic book blurbs — wishing you had asked your librarian for more recommendations.
Teaching Focus: God calls us to be seekers of truth, not passive consumers. Spiritual growth means digging in intentionally.
Journaling Prompts:

  • What’s one area of life you’ve avoided learning about that could bless you spiritually?

  • Where do you find yourself “wandering the shelves” without focus?
    Prayer Prompt: Ask God to give you a hunger for His Word and the discipline to seek wisdom.

Week 4: Mom’s Kitchen – Passing Down Faith Like Family Recipes

Theme: Remembering and sharing God’s faithfulness (Psalm 78:4)
Intro Story: Cooking lessons from your mom you wish you had taken, and the stories of your parents you wish you had preserved.
Teaching Focus: The spiritual value of recording testimonies, sharing family faith stories, and learning from those who went before us.
Journaling Prompts:

  • What faith lessons did you learn from your parents or mentors?

  • What story from your life would you want the next generation to know?
    Prayer Prompt: Thank God for those who planted seeds of faith in your life, and ask Him to help you pass it on.

Week 5: Walkman – Keep Moving Forward

Theme: Maintaining spiritual and physical discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24–27)
Intro Story: Your love of gymnastics and fitness, your later interest in workout videos, and how fear of injury stopped you from staying consistent.
Teaching Focus: God calls us to perseverance in both body and spirit. Stopping altogether often starts with small discouragements, but we can choose to “press play” again.
Journaling Prompts:

  • Where have you given up on something that was once life-giving?

  • What spiritual habits do you need to restart?
    Prayer Prompt: Ask God to give you perseverance and the courage to begin again.

Week 6: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Holding On to Hope

Theme: Trusting God’s future when your past holds disappointments (Romans 8:28)
Intro Story: Ten years later after a breakup, wishing you hadn’t given up on love and family.
Teaching Focus: Even when dreams are delayed or seem gone, God can redeem the years. His plans are bigger than we can see.
Journaling Prompts:

  • What’s one dream you’ve buried that God might want to resurrect?

  • Where has God surprised you with unexpected blessings?
    Prayer Prompt: Pray for hope that rests in God’s promises, not in timelines.

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