Dear Emmanuela

Emmanuela Rodenberg 4/29/25 Emmanuela Rodenberg 4/29/25

"The Day I Almost Settled — And What God Taught Me About True Love"

Welcome to Dear Emmanuela….
Where wisdom meets grace for your journey to lasting love.

Dear Friends,

There was a moment in my life — maybe you’ve had one too — when I almost settled.

I was tired of waiting. Tired of wondering if God had forgotten me. Tired of seeing everyone else post engagement photos and wedding pictures while I was still waiting for my turn.

Someone came along who seemed good enough.
They were kind. They said the right things. They checked some of the boxes, but when I thought about the dreams that I had for myself and the life I had envisioned I knew this wasn’t it. I tried to convince myself, but I knew. The tugging, unsettled feeling, the doubt, I believe it was the Holy Spirit.

I knew, and God knew.
I knew they weren't God's best for me. I knew that I would be settling.
I knew I would have to shrink parts of myself to fit into that relationship.
I knew my spirit wasn’t at peace.
I knew God could do more.

Still, the temptation was real: "Maybe this is as good as it gets."

But by the grace of God, I didn’t settle.
I chose to trust during the uncomfortable wait instead of rushing into a comfortable compromise.

And looking back now?

I’m so glad I did. The man God had for me, my husband now was so worth the wait. There are so many beautiful blessings when we wait on God. He blesses us in ways that we couldn’t have imagined, He gives us things that we didn’t even know we needed. We have to trust that God knows us, He created us and He knows what’s best for us.

In my season of waiting here’s what I learned — and what I want you to know too:

1. God’s Timing Is Always Best

Waiting isn’t punishment.
It’s preparation.
Every moment you spend growing in Christ, healing your heart, and learning to trust Him — He’s building the foundation for a love story that can actually stand the storms.

You’re not falling behind.
You’re being fortified.

2. True Love Will Never Ask You to Betray Who You Are in Christ.

The right person will not ask you to compromise your convictions.
They will celebrate them. They will honor them.
They will not diminish your calling.
They will champion it.

God’s design for love was always meant to strengthen you, not strangle you.

3. You Are Worth The Wait — Because God’s Love Story Is Worth the Wait.

You don’t have to force, chase, manipulate, or beg for the love God has for you.
What He has for you will find you at the appointed time.

It will be a love that calls out your best.
A love that makes you braver.
A love that looks like Jesus — full of truth, full of grace.

Friend, don’t settle. Not now. Not ever.

Not when you’ve come this far.
Not when the God who created the stars also handcrafted your heart with a plan and a purpose.

Keep trusting. Keep hoping. Keep guarding your heart — not with fear, but with faith.

God is still writing beautiful love stories.
Yours is one of them.

With faith in God for your love story,

Emmanuela Rodenberg

Author of How to Attract a Godly Husband
Minister of the Gospel
Certified Christian Marriage Coach
Christian Dating & Relationship Coach
Founder & CEO, Wives in Training International

P.S. Hit reply and tell me — what’s one thing you're praying for in your future marriage? I’d love to pray with you! 🙏

💌 Got a Question for Emmanuela?

Have a question about love, dating, or marriage that’s been on your heart?

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk through it alone either. That’s what Dear Emmanuela is here for: to offer wisdom, truth, and grace for your real-life relationship questions.

Ask anonymously or leave your name—it’s completely up to you. Your question may be featured (anonymously) in a future blog post to help other women who may be going through the same thing.

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Emmanuela Rodenberg 4/22/25 Emmanuela Rodenberg 4/22/25

Welcome to Dear Emmanuela: Christian Wisdom & Grace for Your Journey to Lasting Love

Welcome to Dear Emmanuela
Where wisdom meets grace for your journey to lasting love.

Just like a stylist knows how to put together the perfect outfit, I’ve been gifted by God to pair—and repair—marriages. This is the wisdom and grace the Lord has entrusted to me. I understand relationships.

I can step into your situation, look from the outside in, and discern exactly where things are out of alignment. Just like an interior designer walks into a space and instinctively knows how to bring everything into harmony—how to mix, match, and place things with purpose—I have that same God-given ability when it comes to relationships.

Whether you're already married or still praying for the right one, I’m here to help.

I have a passion for coaching single women. I help women prepare, date with purpose, and navigate relationships with wisdom and clarity—so they can confidently choose the right partner for the life they’re called to build. It’s about more than just finding love. It’s about choosing the right kind of love—the kind that aligns with your faith, your values, and your future.

I help women design the relationship they desire—from the foundation of dating all the way to the covenant of marriage. I show them how to love wisely, communicate clearly, and walk confidently in God’s timing and plan.

Dear Emmanuela is not just a blog—it’s a safe place for your questions, your heart, your healing, and your growth.

I’m a Certified Christian Marriage Coach who is deeply committed to helping women build godly relationships from the inside out.

So whether you're single and preparing, engaged and planning, or married and pressing through—this is for you.

Write to me. Ask the hard questions. Share your story. I’m here to walk with you.

With love and truth,
Emmanuela Rodenberg
Author of How to Attract a Godly Husband
Minister of the Gospel
Certified Christian Marriage Coach
Christian Dating & Relationship Coach
Founder & CEO, Wives in Training International