It’s an unseasonably cold and dreary Monday morning as I sit writing this post contemplating how to put into words what has happened the last few months. I’ve been completely disconnected from this blog and feel hopeful I still have at least a small community out there still interested in future posts. So if you are still out there, I have some explaining to do….
I have been pretty transparent about my personal life and happy to share not just my highlight reel but also the sad and scary moments after my X left 3 years ago. Go HERE for those posts. I wanted to reach out and connect to anyone who was going through something similar. There is power in knowing you are not alone. No one is immune to being left high and dry.
Over the past few years I have picked up the pieces, stepped up to provide financially, stood on my own as a parent and learned to forgive and forget. Abruptly becoming single was a huge challenge but I rose to the occasion and I’m proud of that. Life fell back into place and I felt complete being single. God enriched my life with new friendships, new activities and a renewed sense of self.
I met someone in August of last year and it became almost immediately apparent that we were meant to be together. I quickly knew I wanted this man in my life in any capacity he’d come. We both were happy single but bonded so quickly that I knew it was going to be more then a friendship. Every moment was a green light to move to the next. God orchestrated everything about our union and blessed us with a love I’ve never known. I can honestly say, no man besides my dad has loved me so deeply, so quickly.
We got married this last Saturday in my backyard among our family and our church group who are responsible for hounding us until we finally decided to give each other a chance! It was simple yet perfect. A close friend officiated since he and his wife have been so invested in mine and my girl’s lives. Our guests brought the food and cake, my mother made bouquets and flower arrangements and I did what I do best which is light a ton of candles and make things pretty. It was easy and painless and from it came a union that is stronger in these early days then any other relationships past that lasted many more years.
My girls were in on our relationship from before it began because we are in the same church group so it was natural when he began to come over to keep them involved and privy to what was happening. They adore him as he does them. We hope that our relationship will reset the example when it is their time to choose a mate. I couldn’t be more comfortable adding him to our threesome. As a single parent, navigating through the dating world can be extremely treacherous. This situation was completely seamless-Thank God.
So back to today. I sit here feeling relieved it’s all done but so happy for what’s to come. I never dreamed I would remarry. God blessed me beyond belief in my divorce and fulfilled me with peace and happiness. I used to say that I may not be lucky in love but I certainly am lucky in divorce! Meeting Rodney was a complete surprise and so beyond any tucked away hopes of a love story for myself. He makes me laugh until my eyes water, the butterflies are rampant and above all, I trust him.
Thank you for being so patient with me and my random here and there posts the last few months. I have felt like I’ve been in la la land with no direction or true purpose. I’m so ready to dig into a new life and come back to the things that make me happy which is this blog.
There is life after divorce but I truly believe you have to find contentment in yourself and being alone before you can move forward in another relationship. There is no greater gift you can give yourself then to find happiness alone. I so often stop the hustle of everyday life to get outside and get lost in what God has provided. Even if it’s the little things-those things add up!!! What you focus on grows.
I don’t have all of our photographer’s pictures of the wedding yet but if anyone is interested I would love to post those when I get them!
HUGS, Jenni
photo credits: Ashley Sunderland
Congratulations! It would be awesome if you shared your pictures!
Yes, please share them. I think that at times when you long for someone else to enter your life it’s best to focus on yourself, not on others. People who have a happy, natural, common sense approach to life attract people naturally but to keep someone for the long term you need to have something to offer… so work on yourself and the rest falls into place.
Congratulations!
Michelle-I agree!! Thank you so much!
I would love to see pictures! Thank you for being so transparent. What a lovely testimony!
Madalyn-Thank you! I appreciate your support! I’ll post asap!
Jenni,
Congratulations! I’m in for reading your posts as long as you are interested in writing them! I’d also love to see your pictures!
Janice-Thank you so much! Ok, I’ll post as soon as I get more pics!!
Yes, please post
Jo Ann-Ok!!!
Congratulations!!!!
Virginia-Thanks!!!
Yay!!! So happy for you! I have been so invested in your journey you have shared so transparently over the last couple years and remember vividly reading about your divorce and feeling so devasted for you and how drastically life must have changed. You have handled it all with so much grace! What a lovely story of God making beauty from the ashes! 🙂
Bekah-Thank you so much-It is true-beauty from ashes is what has happened here. I appreciate your support and am honored you’ve felt invested in my journey!!
Dear Jenni, I’m so happy for you. I was heartbroken when you became single. You, the person who cares so deeply about others and gives so much was left on her own… But all is different now, you took it all to your stride and instead of falling to pieces you rose up and inspired few others, I’m sure. Again, congratulations to you, Rodney and the girls. Xxx
Kate! That is so nice to hear. Thank you so much.
Congratulations! I knew from seeing previous posts this was the direction this relationship was going! Good for you!
Kerry-Thanks!! I tried to imply it but didn’t want to sound so sure-cause you never know! Thank you for following my blog!
Congratulations to you both!!! Very happy for you!!
Hannah-Thank you!!!
Jenni, this post literally brought me to tears. I couldn’t be happier for you I’ve followed you for years and you were one of a small handful of amazing women who inspired me to start blogging. I appreciated your realness and remember when your marriage fell apart shortly before mine did. Different situations but the pain is very real. Love what you said about needing to feel complete single. I think we need to learn to truly love ourselves so we can show others how to love us. So happy that you met such a wonderful man. And yes, please share the pictures!!!!
Congratulations, can’t wait to see the pictures!!!
Missy-Thank you!!!! I’ll post asap!
Elizabeth-Thank you so much! I was thinking of you the other day because I wasn’t sure if it was you that told me you were very likely going to divorce as well when I did. I wish you all the peace and contentment I’ve had. Thank God for blogs, huh?!! It’s been an amazing comforter for me. That pain is real when you dissolve a relationship whether you’re still in love with that person or not. I just don’t ever want to go through an incredibly hard trial and not gain something from it. I say this a lot-but I really appreciate your support and think you’re Instagram stories are so inspiring!
congratulations and many blessings!!
K-Thank you!!
Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. It’s uplifting to see you find happiness after so much heartbreak. Good for you for persevering through tough times with grace and love.
Sara-Thank you!!
Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you and your ability to love and trust again. I never have, but you give me renewed hope! Love and best wishes!
Thank you Julia-I never planned to sign up for marriage again, that’s for sure. I guess with this guy it is a chance I’m willing to take but I’ve never had this much peace that God was behind it. He’s never been behind my other relationships! Good luck to you and your journey!
I am thrilled for you Jenni!!! Please post your photos!
Meludy-Thank you!!! I will!
Jenni,
Congratulations to you and Rodney and to your girls! Home life will look different to all of you now as you’ve become a family. May God continue to richly bless you and guide you.
Best regards,
Laura
Laura-Thank you! It does look different but so far so good! Very much planning to keep God right in the center of everything!
I am so happy for you & your beautiful girls! I have a similar tale although mine is years old now. Keeping God as the center of your life is the key. Please do share the pictures of your joy. Welcome back!
Diana-Thank you so much! I will share asap!! Glad to hear it worked out for you!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you and your family. Although I only know you through your blogging, I feel so connected. I truly wish I had you as a friend in real life. You are amazing and such a blessing to people to be willing and able to share your stories and products through blogging. PLEASE do not ever stop blogging. Thank you so much and I wish your blessed union the a lot of memories and a long legacy.
Martha-This is so nice. Thank you so much!! I promise I won’t stop blogging-I love it too much! Hugs to you!
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