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.
Oh Rhoda,
I’m so sorry to hear that you are hurting. Marriage is hard and sometimes it doesn’t end up the way we hope it will. I’m newly single after a 30 year marriage and am happier and more content than ever in my life. I’ve met the man of my dreams, one who shares so many common interests. Please stay in touch and know that you are cared for…
Praying for you with a great big hug too
<3
Aw Rhoda, I’m sad you’re going through hard times, and am lifting you in my prayers tonight. There’s a lot of depth to you, many beautiful layers, that I’ve seen from reading your blog and old days at GI where you were kind and gave advice to a decor novice like me. You are a joy to know and you can blog whatever you want or don’t want, it’s ok with me and you’ll know what is right for you. I admire you very much, and I pray for your continued faith that God will see you through. “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” George Mueller
Your friend, Carol S. (stewcarol)
Rhoda, I’ve not commented much since your trip to Gulf Shores with friends. I’m so sorry for the difficult season in your life you are experiencing. From all I’ve read that you posted, you have a strong faith in the Lord. I’m praying that you will feel His presence holding you in the palm of his hand and covering you with His grace and mercy. Pam
Like many others who have posted, I have never left a comment until tonight. This morning I saw your post and it has stayed with me all day. Your blog has been a wonderful source of inspiration since discovering it months ago. Please know that you WILL get through this. I speak from experience. God bless you!
Oh Rhoda, I’m so sorry you’re going through such a bad time. I’ve followed your posts since way back on the MSN boards (can’t remember the name right now). You’ve always been an inspiration to so many people and I hope you realize that you’re a better person than what is being dealt you. Know that you have so many people who care for your well being and think of you as a friend, even if we haven’t met in person.
Be happy and move forward with the grace you always exhude. You’ll come out on top, I just know it.
(((hugs)))
((Rhoda)) No words can ease your pain. Just know that you have many friends who care and your heavenly Father will gather you under His wings and shelter you.
Psalm 61:2-5
Rhoda, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know God will carry you thru whatever trials you’re facing. You have so many people praying for you right now! Take care and God bless.
Rhoda, another one who reads your blog most every day, and wanting to just give you an ole hug. thinking of you and hoping you are finding your strength in all the people who care of you. take care in the days and weeks ahead as you move forward. Promise you, it will be better. wanted you to know out of ALL the blogs, etc in my email everyday, you are one I read! If you are ever up in NC let me know.
Rhoda, you have such a beautiful spirit and soul. God will get you through this. I do not know you but luckily stumbled upon your wonderful blog and consider you a virtual friend. You are so blessed to have so many people praying for you, myself included. Please be strong during this difficult time and know that you are loved.
God Bless.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” -Emerson-
…and within you dear Rhoda lies beauty and strength. never, ever forget your strength.
this too shall pass.
sending you prayers and love, lots of love.
joan
I enjoy your blog so much. You have given me so many wonderful ideas. So I want to give you lots of prayers and good thoughts! God is in control and His hand will guide you.
We are all stronger than what we believe ourselves to be. You are blessed to be able to reach out to this support group. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
God bless you, Rhoda. I am sorry that you are going through a really rotten time. Kelly
Hi Rhoda,
First, I just wanted to say that your blog is the first blog I started reading a couple of years ago. I am a teacher, and I was home for Spring Break week, and I stumbled upon (er, was lead to) your blog. From there, I eventually became a reader of many other good blogs. You see, I believe that what we read on a regular, for me, daily, basis is important! If it is quality, and if it is in keeping with the Lord, it is good…it is life-enriching. But I could have stumbled on trash and started reading trash…I have always had a special place in my heart for you because of your wonderful blog and the for it leading to other good blogs. I truly enjoy blog reading…I am not much into tv, books, or magazines.
Most importantly, I know you will do well with this transition, and I will pray for you; I just wish for you that time could fast forward and you could be through the pain. I does not happen that way, though. I personally hope you will share with others so that others can be inspired by your strength and can be helped. Life is so hard sometimes. We need positive examples of how to cope. Blessings and peace to you.
Oh, Rhoda – My heart just hurts for you and I am lifting you up to your Heavenly Father who will hold you close and gently, carefully put the pieces back together again. Lean hard into His arms. You are on my prayer list and I will continue to pray as you walk down this rough road. I’ll be back often to check in and see what you have to share. You have been such an inspiration to me through these past few years.
~Adrienne~
Rhoda, I hope that this won’t be the end of your beautiful blog, I only can say: God bless you and will take care of you.
Love from Holland,
Ineke
Rhoda, you are a strong, beautiful, and talented woman. And I believe God is going to use all your strengths as He leads you into this next phase of your journey. I can’t imagine that it’s going to be easy, but know that you have many “friends” out here in blogland that care about you and want only good things for you. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Privileged to pray.
Dear Sweet Friend,
Over our 39 year friendship, I have watched you handle adversity with deep faith and tremendous strength that comes from the Lord. I have been blessed by the outpouring of love and support from your many loyal readers. They, too, know you as the gracious, thoughtful lady, (don’t forget southern) who always chooses to see the glass half full and who always gives others the benefit of the doubt. I know, I know, I know one day we will look back at this deep valley you are walking through right now and be able to praise God for his amazing grace and mercy. So many have been inspired by your blog over these 4 years, and will continue to be as you share your heart with them in the coming months. Remember our verse and song “For thou, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.” Ps. 3:3. I’m selfish I know, I look forward to you returning home where we here can love you through this. Forever your friend,
Vic