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! My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Knowing that you were going through something “life shattering” while you were at Blissdom and wearing a smile, being so willing to talk with us and share your knowledge speaks to your courage and strength. I only wish we had known so we could have hugged you more! You are an amazing woman. You will get through this! Hugs.
Oh Rhoda… my heart hurts FOR you.
I’m a single mom so I’ve been through a few tough trips to get here. And I came out better than ever. If there’s anything I can help you with, feel free to email.
Donna
Rhoda, I think sometimes we have this mindset that our favorite bloggers have perfect lives and never hurt and life is always perfect. That the pictures we see on the computer screen is all there is to tell. Thank you for being transparent and allowing us as your blog family to share your burden. I am one of so many who will be praying for you. You CAN make it through when you depend on the Lord.
Rhoda, you are every bit the joy I knew you would be. You are so loved by many and I’m lucky to call you friend. I’ll be praying so hard and we’ll be up soon to visit and help any way we can. Love you. 🙂
Rhoda,
Thanks for sharing this with us. I know it can be hard to open yourself up. Yes I will be here still reading, wishing you the best. It’s been so nice to recently chat with you and I hope our small words of encouragement bring you hope 🙂
Rhoda, your blog was the first one I found. It is the first I read every day. Over a year ago, I emailed you a question and you answered. I really didn’t expect to hear from you. You will be in my prayers as you walk with our Lord and Savior through this tough time. Many blessings to you.
Oh, Rhoda! I’m grieved to hear of this pain in your life…you are so dear to me- I’ve looked up to you and admired your graciousness since the first time I opened your blog, many years ago. Please know that you are treasured by many, but especially by Him. Holding you tight in my thoughts and prayers all the way from Texas…
I haven’t commented in a long while but want to add my prayers that you will come through all of this stronger and more focused on where God plans you to go. You are an incredible lady and I am sure good things will come. Bless you.
Sending you prayers. May God’s love and blessings be with you.
The words of a favorite song by Newsong come to mind, Rhoda…..It is one of my very favorite by Newsong called “Sheltering Tree”….”we all need sheltering trees, friends in our lives who get down on their knees to lift us up before the King of kings, we all need sheltering trees.” Lifting you up from Woodstock, Georgia…. along with all the other sheltering trees in your life.
Oh no, Rhoda. I’m hoping it’s not what I’m thinking. I just can’t even imagine anything horrible happening to such a nice person. Best wishes & strong prayers to you!
Dear Rhoda, my heart goes out to you; you have been such a blessing through your blog; I’m praying that you may feel Christ’s loving presence as He carries you through this, that He gives you strength and peace and wisdom, and that it may comfort you to know how deeply your readers care for you and that we’re praying for you. Patti
Oh, Rhoda-
My heart goes out to you. Just know that you are not alone – Life sometimes gives us lemons and we learn how to make lemonade. My life has been in limbo with major changes that I don’t blog about either. I try to keep it my happy stable place. God bless your parents – you are blessed that they are still independent. Mine and my hub’s are not – which is a struggle for us to deal with on a daily basis.
I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Try to keep that pretty smile on that lovely face of yours my friend. There is light at the end of the tunnel. 🙂
My best- Diane
Rhoda,
I have been reading your blog for quite awhile, but never posted a message until now. I want you to know that your blog has been a blessing to me! I will be praying for you. Remember the Lord is in control!
I am sorry to hear things are hard right now. I hope this phase of your life is short and your path easier very soon. Thank you for all the diversion, fun and inspiration you share with us online.
Rhoda, I’m also a long-time reader. I join your other readers in wishing you the best. Thank you for your honesty — it seems that so many blogs are impersonal and cold, but you’re just the opposite, and that’s refreshing. God bless.
Rhoda:
How brave you must have been to hit send on that post. How extremely difficult it must have been to write…
Bless your broken heart. Although I read your blog every day, I rarely comment, even though I am always inspired and encouraged. I am incredibly sad and sorry for you; grieved that you are hurting.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are and will be with you in the coming days.
Destiny
Rhoda, you are one of the sweetest women I have never met, but I know good things are in store for you. I am thinking of you.
Will be praying for you…I know well that life can change in a moment….Sending love and hugs
Teresa
Rhoda, I am sending all of my thoughts and prayers your way. It sounds like (reading between the lines) that you’ve got some major stuff going on. All I can say is what everyone else is saying too, that sometimes hard changes lead to even more happiness. I’m sure that there’s a plan for you and even though I don’t know you all that well, I just know you have great things ahead. I’ll always be cheering you on from out here in the West and wish you the very, very best.
XOXO,
~Angela~