Today is one of those posts that I take a deep breath, click the Publish button and hope for the best.
In the going on 5 years that I’ve been blogging, I’ve shared bits and pieces of my personal life along the way. If you had told me then that I would be a full time blogger in 2011, single again, without a home of my own, and living with my elderly parents, I would not have believed it. That would not even have seemed a possibility to me at the time. You just can’t plan for things like that to happen in life. Sometimes life takes a sharp left turn and you are not prepared for it.
{Two of my treasures, one of which is never too old to sit in her granddaddy’s lap}
This is not going to be a downer post, but rather one that I hope uplifts, gives glory where glory is due and gives all of you out there the shot in the arm that you might need to believe that things can be good. From bad. Faith is the key word here.
As blogging has gotten so popular in the last few years, we are all invited into each others home. Even encouraged to peek in the windows. How many times have you clicked on a blog and looked at the pretty pictures of the home, the homeowner, the homeowner’s beautiful children and cute husband and figured she has it all together? I doubt that is true in real life. None of us totally have it all together.
But the blog world sure can paint a pretty picture. We are what we portray on our blogs to the world. No one truly knows all that goes on behind the scenes of anyone’s life, but our friends and family. Those folks get to see the real us all the time. So, it’s easy to be a little wistful when we see a gorgeous home, beautiful family and think that person is so, so fortunate to be living such a good life. A dreamy life. Those glossy magazine picture perfect pics can be deceiving and no one lives the perfect life.
{Mother’s Day, 2011:Â my sister, Renee, Mom, Lauren and me}
My life certainly hasn’t been perfect by any means. I have been transparent at times, but I’ll spare you all the gory details of my bad choices, disappointing failures, and marital non-bliss that have been such a part of my life. You know from what I’ve shared this year, that it’s been a heartbreaking one for me on many levels. Life just doesn’t always turn out the way we plan or dream or hope for. That, my friends, is reality.
But, I’m here to tell you that there is a silver lining to the black clouds. There is hope in the midst of a storm. There is a new day and a brighter tomorrow. We all go through trials and pain and sorrow in life. There is no escaping that. The Bible gives us plenty of clues that life just ain’t always a bed of roses. God allows us to walk in the rain and brings storms into our lives, sometimes for months and we can’t always see where that is leading.
What good could possibly come out of all of the bad?
I do not have all the answers, but I’m here to give some of you hope. I’m a middle-aged woman in the midst of a life crisis. It’s not over yet. I’m in the middle of getting a divorce. My soon-to-be (I hope) ex-husband is in jail for good reasons, related to, but none of which have anything to do with the financial devastation he has done to me (for those of you waiting for some scoop, there you go!). Maybe one day I will write that book, you never know. It is certainly an interesting story, one that I am still in disbelief over the fact that it has been a part of my life.
So, life goes on. I am alone again. I have no idea if I’ll ever find (true) love again. Do I hope that there is love for me in the future? Yes, yes I do. If God allows it, my heart would be open to it. In the meantime, I will keep doing what He has allowed me to do and continue on the path He has led me on. I will be patient and wait.
I started my own business about 3 years ago, which grew out of this blog. I love being creative and always dreamed of doing something other than working in the Corporate world and when I started blogging almost 5 years ago, I had no idea that it would turn into my dream job. Working from home. Sharing decorating and design inspiration. Talking about my travels. Sharing my family with all of you. Cooking recipes. Getting to go on fun trips. Doing life. I’m so, so grateful that God allowed it to blossom and bloom into what it is now. I’m so fortunate that He has blessed me so much just since I moved back home with my parents in April. So many new doors have opened and opportunities have come my way. It makes me all teary-eyed to think about it.
Is there anything I’ve done to make this happen? No, not at all. God has done it for me. I’m not getting rich from blogging, by any means. But, he has allowed this to become my source of income. Something that I love to do. Some days, I will tell you that I get sad and a little down, remembering what I used to have. I had a nice house, 2 of them in fact. Now I have neither. I miss having a house that is mine to do with what I want to do. I miss being creative and having fun with that. Being a blogger can just magnify that part too.
But, you know what? That is OK.  I have to believe that I will have a house again. So many folks in this country are going through hard times. Many have lost jobs and lost homes. These are tough times. I am not alone. I’m learning to appreciate the small things in life and be content in my circumstances. Peace and contentment cannot be purchased. They are priceless. I may never have the financial security I thought I once had again. That is up to the Lord too.
I have to remind myself daily that I’ve got SO much to be thankful for and believe me, I AM thankful. God has allowed me to still have my parents at my age. They could easily have been gone already, but they are here for me. They love me unconditionally and give me the emotional support I need all the time, as do my whole family and my wonderful friends. I am grateful for all of them!
So, if you are going through a hard time, let me just remind you, that God is still there. He cares. Ask Him to help you and He will. He might not do it the way you expect, but He will always, always take care of his children. I’m a testimony to that. I have no idea what my future holds. This whole blogging thing just might blow up and we all may be on the street and if it does, that is OK too. I know that He will take care of me.
Let me just take this opportunity to once again thank all of YOU out there who faithfully come to visit me. Each and every day. Many of you just lurk and never leave comments and that is OK too. I know you are out there and I’m grateful that you take a little bit of your precious time each day to spend with me. I don’t take that for granted.
If you have always dreamed of doing something from home (or not from home) and never had the chance, I want to encourage you to give it a try. You never know if you don’t try. I started my business with the hopes of having a full fledged decorating business and it has turned out not so much about that as being able to write and share about decorating through this blog. I would love to develop that side of my business more and maybe it will come with time. In the meantime, I continue to do what I’m doing and as long as it is blessed, I will stay on this road. I consider this blog my ministry of sorts too.
Don’t give up! If you have dreams that have never been fulfilled, don’t give up. It’s not too late. If I can reinvent myself in my mid-50’s, you can certainly do it too. Follow your heart. Follow your dreams and do what you are passionate about and I truly believe you will find a way to be successful at it.
So, that’s it! That’s my pep talk for today. I hope my being vulnerable will help someone else realize that you, too have much to offer and a God-given talent that you can use as well, to fulfill those long ago dreams that you might have been putting off. Waiting for another day.
As the old Nike tag line says, Just Do It!
What are you dreaming of? Please tell me, I want to know.Is there something you’ve wanted to try and haven’t because of fear or uncertainty?
{I’ve been camping out in the old Streams in the Desert devotional this year and there are some great nuggets in there. Psalms 138:8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; your mercy oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands}.
I love you Miss Rhoda. You inspire me, and although I knew a bit what you were going through, I had no idea to what extent.
I hope that you have nothing but success in your blogging. You deserve it. You’re so sweet, kind, and giving. It was a complete pleasure to get to know you more at Blogher. I can’t wait to see you again 🙂
I recently discovered your blog and wanted to introduce myself and tell you how much I enjoy it.
In answer to your question, I’d love to start something crafty & creative from home, but I lack the confidence… unfortunately I am no expert in anything in particular. I guess I’m waiting to find my niche.
Your blog gives me inspiration, so I wanted to thank you.
“He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”
My dear Rhoda what a blessing you are to so many. I have followed you for all five years, been encouraged by you and been inspired by you. I loved meeting you for the first time at the blogger’s dinner last year with Eddie and knew you were the real deal. You amaze me with the strength and courage you have. God has done wonderful things with you and I know He will continue to do so. As you have seen with me on my third blog, it can be a long journey finding your passion and voice. Some find it quickly, some never do. Quite honestly, you helped me find mine because you have always said to be true to your heart. I hate that you have been through so much this last year, but I trust you will do great things in the future!
You asked what we are dreaming of? In the last year I have taken my cooking and baking abilities and actually stepped out of my kitchen into the homes of others as I picked up a few catering jobs as well as weddings and parties. But, in a small town there is not a large market for this. But, I feel God is working here as I revealed last week on my blog we are moving to Greenville, South Carolina for Audley’s job. It’s crazy because it opens a whole wide world for me to attempt my dream!
So, my dear friend, I asked your prayers as well!
Love,
Jen
I love reading your blog. The post today is very inspiring. Although I am young, 24 years old, I am at the age of trying to find where I belong and discovering my talents as well. I have faith like you that through everything we deal with in life, opportunities are put in front of us and these opporotunities lead us to a future we could have never planned or expected, I feel as though Im still waiting for that to happen. But I know that someday I will discover that.
Also, speaking of hard ships and starting all over againm My mother, Lisa, at the age of 49 lost my DAD, age 50, to surgical complications ( to put it gently) and was left with financial troubles she could have never imagined. My dad was her best friend, love of her life, but 5 years later she has found love again. So there is definetly hope and love for you in this world. I wish you the most happiness in your future and hope you find love again like my mother did.
Hi! Thank you for your post today. It was just what I needed. I too feel like Suzanne H. that commented above. I’d love to do something from home, but lack the confidence that I can do it. I love anything crafty and have started a website about crafts, but just don’t know where I’m suppose to go with it. I’m struggling with the whole blogging. I too am a grits girl and your post today has help me lift up my head and decide I am on this journey and with Gods help I am going to do this. As my husband always says “there’s nothin’ to it, but to do it” and that’s what I’m gonna try to do!
Rhoda, I look forward to reading your blog every morning. It is strange, no, God’s will, but, I have been thinking about what you have told us up to today about your life, and praying for you. My husband and I have been married 34 years. Everything was ‘rosie’ up until about 5 years ago. Thankfully, the Lord made everything fall in place. (a different place). It is rough for us, some days, but we pray together, and the Lord answers our prays (like you said, maybe not the way we want, but His way). My prayers and best wishes are for you. Paula Lusk
Rhoda – I am one of your many viewers but never comment. I love your blog. I have noticed on many blogs out there that life does seem “picture perfect”. So, I just want to say, thanks for keeping it real girlfriend and keep doing what you do. It is a ministry.
Rhoda wow,
I also am a lurker and have never left a comment. I visit from time to time. After reading today really what I would call your TESTimony not a blog today it dawned on me; Does she realize she just ran smack into her PURPOSE???
You wouldn’t believe it if I told you all the details at this exact moment hubby and I are facing of corporate world vs. dreams, literally this very day, very inspired message. I came across today after months of not visiting. Hubby and I prayed a few hours ago concerning and this message was a puzzle piece for me handed down through the hand of God.
Seperate from what I got out of it was so clear to me this is your TRUE calling! The decorating, blogging, store etc.. is just the vehicle HE is using, not to mention all the pain you’ve experienced this last year. I have followed enough to know what you were talking about today and yes, you’ve written other inspirational commentary but today the annointing was so strong on the message. Also, the response from the women supports that. The annointing comes to break the yoke of bondage…
Comment after comment of these precious women tells the story of emotional freedom and chains breaking. How many people do you know out in blog land or the net world can write His truth and be so well received, not many with out attacks of criticism or offense.
What also came to mind was THE GIFT OF PAIN!!! Many don’t know what you know and have learned. Life is a choice of bitter or better. When we allow HIM to make us better through life’s tough circumstances it becomes a gift not ony to us but to others IF we but be vulnerable. Vulnerability, it’s the second step to pain after, I myself am still working on that one 🙂
However, that’s learning another valuable lesson that it’s not all about me but others. I know you have opened up a spiritual door of promotion by what you did today so, I can’t wait to see what Father’s graduation present look like.
My gift by pain trophies in life is to encourage and help others see who they are in HIM, so thank you for the opportunity to let me speak into your life.
Many Blessings,
In His Love,
Renee’
I have been reading the comments on your post today, and seeing the power of connection, and transparency, in touching others’ lives. I too, began a journey 7 years ago at age 46, leaving a corporate job to return to school. I earned a doctorate at age 54, only to find that the job market is still so very tough, and espeically for a person over 50! It was my life’s dream to do this, and it took me almost 50 years – now I have a mortgage worth of debt in student loans, and stuggle at times for hope. Thank you for your openness, and willingness to share in a blog world where, at times, everyone seems to be so on top of their lives. Your post was inspiring, and I believe you are a new and inspiring path, based on truth, and love. I wish you all the best.
Rhoda,
What a wonderful post today! I am a “lurker” as well checking your posts daily. It’s my absolute favorite! It was so refreshing to see how real and vulnerable you are. We all tend to think others have it so good and imagine how our life could have been different but your journey is what makes you who you are. You are a blessing to me and many others through your blog and sharing your decorating talents. Thank you for sharing your life and tribulations with us. As the others have said, “you keep it real”.
What a Refreshing blog post! I have been looking for a blogger to follow that knows Christ and brings that into their posts. One who is Real, Honest and loves to share decorating tips. Found one!! I am fairly new to your blog and have enjoyed reading it everyday. It is something I look forward to. Thanks for all your posts,encouragement and for giving our Savior the Glory!
Jen 🙂
Rhoda,
I’ve just recently found design-related blogs and am loving reading them. Yours is my favorite! Thanks for covering something interesting every single day that we can take back to our own lives. In one fell swoop, you share knowledge, remind us of important things in life, inspire, and motivate. Today’s entry was incredible. Yes, you should write that book or maybe one about blogging, simply because you write in such a way that it touches people’s lives and makes a difference. I admire you for seeing change as opportunity and finding the positive in adversity; both of these sound easy but in reality, are so difficult. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding us that life can be messy but it’s still a great life.
Rhoda thank you for sharing from your heart! I have recieved what you have said in the spirit in which you wrote it!!! God has plans for us doesn’t he? You are a willing servant and you are living out part of the plan. I think that sometimes life teaches us we need to see God in all things not just the good things, but in all things. He knows what the total picture looks like and we can only see what is right in front of us at the moment. you know I am sending prayers, good thoughts and a great big hug your way, xo Kathysue
Rhoda –
Thank you for your transparency, honestly and inspiration. I have been following your blog for quiet a while now and always look forward to what you have to say. You are truly one of the few blogs that I read in which you’ve shown that you are real and your life is not perfect but it’s what helps me and so many others connect to your blog. And what keeps us returning dare I say? As a single mom of 3 who has to work full time in order to provide for us, it can be so daunting and overwhelming to read other blogs about women who stay at home, cook, and homeschool making it seem that they have the perfect little world while I’m living in a coporate nightmare. I would LOVE to be a homeschooling mama who gets to try wonderful from scratch recipes and declutter my house daily but you know what, it ain’t happening. At the end of the day, i’m lucky if I have the energy to pop something in the microwave and call it dinner. God has other plans for me. He is teaching me right here, right now just how much He loves me, how much he provides for me daily and how much burden He does carry for me and how strong I really am. So, I’ve learned to realize life ain’t always beautiful but it IS a beautiful life when we live through Jesus Christ. So keep on, keeping on and inspiring us. It really is appreciated on this end of the spectrum.
I pray that you will keep allowing God to guide you down the path He intends for you. By the way, my dream…..to own a bridal/special occassion shop with the ability to help men/women plan their entire special occassion at one stop. Maybe one day!!! Thanks again all the way from a little southern town outside Charlotte, NC.
I’m so sorry for the terrible times you’ve had, and so grateful for this uplifting message.
Stacy
Yes He is GOOD all the time. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband or should I say soon to be x husband. This reminds me of one of my friends and her x. But I’m so happy that you’re getting out of this mess and that God is with you where ever you go! I also pray that God will send you a good Christian man to!! Hang in there and keep looking up. And also we all get down at times even when things ARE going good for us.
Rhoda,
Thank you for your inspirational story. Your have such a great positive attitude!
I wish you all the best and God bless,
Your faithful lurker!!!!
I read your blog daily but rarely comment–except when you show pictures of your sweet mom and dad. I was going to point it out but you already did. Having your parents still living is a blessing beyond measure. Please hug them for me today.
I am one of the “Lurkers” Rhoda!! I visit almost every day!! You and Kim over at Daisy Cottage were the first “Blogs” I discovered and I admit it was love at first sight!! I am so excited about your remarks to us….. Every post since all of this happened to you gave me encouragement for YOU!!! I could just sense things taking off for you… and each time that you would post about another trip or contest …. well…. you just seemed to be taking a major step forward!!!! I know when all seems lost there is that one that never leaves us or forsakes us!!!! He will see us thru!!!!! 🙂
Amen Sistah! God is good….all the time.
xo