She joined Canyon Springs Church in the Spring of 2011. The Shadden’s were active members of the Catholic Church for about 10 years until their daughter Molly Rae, who at the time was 14, shared that she was looking for a deeper relationship with the Lord and wanted to search for a church that could better support that desire. Molly Rae landed at Canyon Springs and quickly found the support necessary to explore a deeper and more thriving relationship with the Lord. The transition was more difficult for Darlene, as she was a lifetime Catholic who was content with her faith walk. After almost a year of Molly Rae attending Canyon Springs on Sunday mornings and joining Darlene & Bill at St. Gregory on Sunday nights, the Shadden’s knew it was time to commit to a new faith community. The fragmented approach of attending two different churches was not what was on their hearts, and they witnessed firsthand the work the Lord had done with Molly Rae and her walk since joining Canyon Springs.
As they had with their last church, the Shadden’s recognize the value in serving and not just sitting. After a short period, they joined the Hospitality Ministry to reach out and help other new members feel welcome. A brand new experience for them was joining a Small Group, and they experienced the blessing of diving into scripture for the first time in their adult lives. Four months after joining Canyon Springs, Darlene and Molly Rae participated in a mission trip to Haiti. If Darlene had any doubt about the direction the Lord wanted her to take — that mission trip to Haiti cleared it up. God commands us to protect and care for orphans and widows. (Ps 82.3)
More About Darlene, From Darlene
I was married at 18 to my first love, Bill Shadden, and 36 years later, he is still my one and only love! After 13 years of marriage, we were blessed with our daughter, Molly Rae. There has not been a day since her birth that Bill and I have not shared a great laugh and warm, heartfelt moments about something Molly Rae has said or done. Her love for Jesus and her fire to serve him wholeheartedly encouraged Bill and me to change our lives and follow His path without a backward glance. Molly Rae graduated from Biola University with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. She married the man of her dreams, Jake Inman, in March of 2017 and is currently living in Oregon. Molly Rae is attending Western University Seminary and is pursuing her Master of Divinity. Bill and Darlene rack up many Alaska Airline miles visiting Molly Rae & Jake.
Following the Lord gave me the courage to step out of the corporate banking world. A world I had diligently worked in for 27 years. For as long as I can remember, outside of my commitment to my family, was my commitment to my career. I worked hard and found my reward in the position of Vice President of Retail Banking. The problem was I had poured so much of myself into my career and was less fulfilled than ever. I now know this was when the Lord first got a hold of me. Walking away from what I believed was the security of a great job, the confidence of being good at what I was doing, and my identity wrapped up in “what I did for a living” was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. As with all God-inspired decisions, it was the best decision I have ever made. I instantly found peace, contentment, and a sense of a new life! I now spend more time with my family. I am one of six children, and my siblings live locally. I am a proud aunt to 25 nieces and nephews. I fellowship with friends and head on mission trips to Haiti (my second home), Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. I go wherever the Lord sends me. I’m blessed to have my husband join me on many mission trips.
Stuff & Random Tidbits About Darlene
- Morning or Night Person: Lifetime of being a night owl has recently changed to mornings
- Hometown: San Diego, CA
- Favorite Candy: Bit O Honey
- Favorite Fashion: Tie Dye
- Free time: Exercise, family, pets, travel, savoring a slower-paced life.