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}.
Suzanne says
How powerful your transparent life is to others. Thank you for being another testament of God’s, the one true living one, unfailing love for us and how he brings himself closer to us by sending us through the fire sometimes in order to refine us. Just like our homes. We clean them, repaint them, fix items, redecorate them….all to have a home that is warm and inviting. That’s what Christ does. He works on us till we’re perfect. Many blessings, my blogging friend.
Kathy says
God is good! All the time!!!! Bless you!
Pam says
Thank you for being a real person behind the blog.. for most it is difficult to share and be real. I believe as you that God allows circumstances to happen to allow us to become BETTER people not bitter.. to inspire and encourage others. We are never done as people always much to learn and relearn.
Blessings..as you continue to seek and bless.
Sylvia says
Thank you for sharing. My sister lost her husband a little over two years ago and she has to sell her home. She is 60 and starting over. You are not alone. God Bless you for sharing, I am going to read this to my sister who became a christian a little over a year ago. She is currently doing a bible study from Elizabeth George who has several really good christian books.
Betsy (BB) says
Rhoda, Thank you for this inspiring post! Thank you for your testimony! You have touched so many lives by this, including mine!
I know that God is directing your steps! You have a future and a hope! I see, by your testimony, that you have joy in knowing that He is working all things together for your good according to His divine plan.
Thank you for your vulnerability! Thank you for letting God shine through you! You are a precious person (an an awesome blogger, thrifting hostess, and more)! I have you in my prayers! God bless!
Joanie says
Hi, Rhoda,
I’m one of your lurkers who reads your blog daily from work. Your post this morning was just the encouragement I needed this day. Thank you for keepin’ it real. – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1
Tian Burnaman says
Thank you for these words this morning! A sweet saying just came to mind…The greatest good we can do for others is not just to share our riches with them but to reveal their riches to themselves! Thank you again for your sweet story of your personal journey, I will be praying for you ….
Lorren says
I am so glad you hit the publish button! This is a great post and the honest truth! If there is one thing I have learned in this crazy life is not the plan that keeps life going, it is journey, however rocky it may be.
Rhonda~Ramblings of a Southern Girl says
Rhoda, the verse, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 came to mind immediately as I read your post… “you have fought the good fight, (and are still fighting – not giving up or in to your situation) and have most certainly kept the faith!” You are still running the race, and as you noted, even the Bible sends out many indications that we are not promised a perfect life, one without troubles! Thanks for sharing your testimony, may God continue to bless you for ministering to the hearts of women. That race may continue to be rocky at times, and hurdles thrown in our way, but continue on…dear sister in Christ! 🙂
Gina in S FL says
Rhoda, your blog IS a ministry. Your words have encouraged me in the past, and today you may have just given me the push I needed. I will be one of the many who can’t wait to thank you and hug you in person at Haven. You are blessed in all the ways that matter and I am so reminded of “Footprints in the Sand.” Thanks for keeping it real.
Peggy says
Rhoda, it is so nice to see you give credit to God. Life is not easy, but He is always in control and always with us. I, too, went through the loss of a marriage and financial devastation 9 years ago – at age 50. It has been hard starting over (completely starting over) but God has been faithful to provide my needs – and blessed me with extras along the way, as well. Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging us to look to the One who loves us so! May God continue to be bless you – and through you, us, your readers.
Sheila says
Hello Rhoda, I look forward to your blog posts each morning! I have followed you for several years and feel like you’re my friend, even tho we haven’t met. We share a southern heritage and a love for thriting and the Lord. I have been concerned about your most recent situation (marriage and moving) but your post this morning just gives me hope and a renewed trust in what that old hymn tells us to do: “trust and obey!” God Bless you, dear friend and know if you are ever in west TN, you have a place to stay!
Jane-Ellen says
Rhoda, THANKS for sharing… just what I needed, especially today! I love seeing how God’s Prevenient Grace is always there for us!
cyndi says
Rhoda, What an inspirational message today! I found it to be so comforting and calming. I have the greatest respect for you and your strength (God) through your trials. Looking in through the window can be misleading. Even with your misfortune your life sounds wonderful to me. I wish you all the best. I hope someday to be as contented as you sound.
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I love how brave and real you are on your blog (and in life), Rhoda. This was such a moving post because of that. We’re all cheering you on as you enter the next chapter of your life! 🙂
Shelley says
You are indeed an inspiration. Thank you for your words today!
Talia says
Rhoda,
I love your blog and look forward to each post. But, wow! Today’s post blew my socks off. God is good and you have so graciously shared your story and vulnerability. Your faith is inspiring as is your strength. Like you, I always look for the positive and it always leads me to God.
You are a blessing, Rhoda. Thank you for sharing your talents, life and stories with all of us.
Selina says
Thank you for writing that post, it’s hard to be vulnerable and open but I just think it means that you are a whole person with lots of love. God is good. One friend told me that time doesn’t necessarily heal, but time gives us a perspective, and sometimes it’s the perspective that can help with our healing. I’ll be praying that joy can replace the sorrow. 🙂 Trusting God is a good place to be in!
Dana says
Thank you. Your courage and candor inspire me greatly. And thank you to for honoring God with your words and with your life.
You do a wonderful job with your blog. Yours is a blog after which others model their efforts. I hope you pause occasionally to give yourself some well deserved “well dones”.
Most sincerely, Dana
Lesley says
I think we all needed to hear this today .. Blessings to you and your family.
One of your regular lurkers 🙂
Susan A says
I’ve been a lurker for a long time. I love your blog for several reasons and look forward to your posts every day! Thank you for sharing your talents, heart and soul. You are a wonderful woman and great inspiration to me! {{{hugs to you}}}
God Bless You!