I am supposed to get on a plane for Israel tomorrow, but it is not going t o happen. I had to make the decision not to go and I know it is the right decision for me.
In case you are wondering and reading between the lines (and of course you are, I would be wondering too), there are some major painful and difficult life changes going on with me at the moment. I cannot share all the details at this time, but just know that I really need your prayers and support right now.
My 4 year blog anniversary is February and I have shared much of my life with all of you during this time and have kept this place drama-free. Most of the time, I’ve kept this blog a happy and positive place to be, but unfortunately life sometimes brings pain and trials into our lives that we have absolutely no control over and we have to walk through them. One day at a time.
This is one of those times for me. With God’s help, I will make it through this. I cannot do it without Him.
Hard, painful, life shattering.
It may be awhile before I have any sense of normalcy again, but I will get there eventually. The next couple of months will be very busy for me as I go down a new path. I will be moving back in with my parents in Atlanta. They are the best parents in the world and I’m so grateful to have them. I’ll still be blogging and may share bits and pieces of what I’m doing as time goes on. I hope you will stick with me.
I’ll be sharing more as time goes on with what this means for me, but for now please keep me in your prayers. I took down the original Israel post in case you are looking for it. Since those plans are so changed, it seemed to be the best thing to do.
Last week’s trip to Nashville and hanging out with friends was perfect timing for me and I’ll be sharing that this week too.
God is always with you. So are your readers. You are in my prayers.
Dear Rhoda,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
on your own intelligence rely not;
In all your ways be mindful of him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
You will be in my prayers.
Julie
Just discovered your blog this morning. From your comments it sounds like life is extremely painful at this time. You will be in my prayers. Having gone through some painful life changes in the last few years, I learned many lessons I hadn’t planned on learning the hard way. One day when I was at my lowest, a clipping fell out of a book belonging to my father who died in 2000. It spoke of the story of David and Goliath. The basic message was that David was victorius because instead of focusing on the size of the obstacles in front of him, he focused on THE POWER BEHIND HIM. Really hit home for me.
Rhoda,
Like so many others, I have been reading your blog forever but was too shy to comment. However, this post really broke my heart, and I felt like I had to reach out to you.
Believe in God, and yourself, and you’ll have the strength to get through anything. Just take it one little step, one day at a time. And if you need a pick-me-up, you have thousands of readers just waiting here to help.
That’s the beauty of the internet- never before have so many people been so connected with one another. To share in each others’ triumphs and sorrows.
And being with good parents helps too. No matter how old we get, nothing quite compares to a hug from Mom and Dad.
hi Rhoda
I saw your picture at Blissdom on a blog this week – I was confused as to how you had time to go when you were getting ready to leave. Now I understand. I’m so sorry you are going through some life changes. I guess you are joining many of us out here. Not where we thought our life was going to be. So many emotions – sadness, disappointment, anger, confusion, relief, and then some happy days thrown into the mix. Somehow we make it through. Maybe a different person, mybe not what we expected, but we make it through. Believe it is for the best, believe you will be a stronger person because of it, believe happy days are around the corner. Wishing the best for you.
sending prayers your way; it is true that when god closes a door he opens a window – and in your case one with a really pretty window treatment 🙂
I am so sorry you are going through this trial. You will be on my prayer list. I have been so excited to read your blogs because I am
in the Birmingham area too! So nice to visit the places you blog about.
Remember “this too shall pass” and God is good all the time and all the time God is good! His mercies are new every morning!
Rhoda – My prayers are with you as you go through these changes in your life. I pray that God guides you through your difficulties. You’re a wonderful, resilient woman with a great spirit. I have been a longtime reader of your blog and even wrote in for you for advice about my brass bathroom and was touched that you took the time to send me a personal email response. 🙂
I am sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Many blessings to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about the difficulties. I will pray for you. Isn’t it great to be able to be surrounded by the love and comfort of your parents?! So happy you’re able to be with them during this time. I’ll for sure stick with you!
My favorite scripture….1Peter 5:6,7 – “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time….because He cares for you.”
I’ve endure trials I never thought I could live through, but He exalted me in due time and He has proven He cares for me, even when people who SHOULD HAVE did not. My value is in His eyes, not my own or anyone else’s. You too are valuable and precious. Keep strong and keep praying. *hugs*
Dear Rhoda,
I have never left a message on your blog. I felt I had to now. You are such an inspiration to us all. Your sweet spirit and sense of humor lifts us all up. You even got me excited to get up in a low time in my life and do something. I ordered beadboard wallpaper from you and got started.
When I read about the Israel trip – it just didn’t feel right. I would be driving down the road and you would pop in my mind. I have really had you on my heart. I think prayers were swirling around you before we realized it might not happen. I have fallen in love with your parents so I know you are good hands and not only their hands but in our Lord’s hands! love and prayers, Donna
Dear Rhoda,
I’m so sorry to hear of the difficulties you’re going through. I’ve also been reading your blog for a long time…had a real fondness for it since I’m from Alabama. I guess I’d slacked off lately because of things I’ve been going through so I hadn’t seen your new plans. I’m so sorry that things haven’t worked out but I know that with all these wonderful people praying for you, things just have to turn out for the good. Enjoy being with your parents, that’s a real privilege, and know that you will be in my prayers.
Donna
Dear Rhoda —
I am so behind on my blog reading with traveling and have been reading over your posts from the past few weeks. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and sending prayers your way that life will get better soon.
((hugs))
xoxo
Jen
Dear Rhoda,
Like so many who have left comments, I too was first introduced to the world of blogs from you. I have loved following you on twitter and reading and being inspired by your blog. I am so sorry for the painful times you are facing. My heart has been heavy for you since reading your post… I am confident that you will come through this time of trial a stronger and more beautifully refined jewel! Your light and joy already shine in all you do and in the words you write…I know that when you come out on the other side you will bless even more women with your courage and faith in God. You have been an inspiration to so many as evidenced here…and I will join the many women who are holding you up in prayer through these difficult days. Lots of hugs and prayers!! Dee
Dearest Rhoda – I feel just aweful that I have been so out of touch with all my bloggy friends. I don’t know what is going on, but I sense the sadness in your post and I am sorry for it. I just hope everything works out okay, and you are able to work things out in the short term. God Bless, my friend. ~Barb
hi rhoda, this is only my second time on your blog but i just read a few of your posts and i just wanted to say, i prayed for you today.
I don’t know your specific situation, but God does. I will pray for you. Hugs and love.
Oh, Rhoda, just trying to go back and catch up. I am so sorry, sweetie, for all of your struggles and trials. Will continue to pray….God’s got your back and will care for you deeply.
Suzanne J.