I liked Rhonda as soon as she greeted me in her kitchen with an arm full of shirts and asked for a little wardrobe advice. She’s the type of person that immediately sets you at ease. Her home is your home. And she actually takes that idea to the next level! With six children, the Ellis Home is quite the hub of activity. But it doesn’t stop there. Rhonda is constantly hosting others – from cooking up big meals for large groups, to teaching women at a monthly event called “Cultivate,” to Bible studies, weddings, celebrations, teenagers just hanging out… There’s always something going on at her home!
And somewhere in between all the excitement Rhonda finds time to run her business, Cultivating a Home, speak to women’s’ groups all over the country, host monthly events, and she even started a blog earlier this year! She is passionate about mentoring women, and one of the ways she does this is through a monthly gatherings where she opens her home to them. They eat together, then she talks on topics like “parenting to the heart,” hospitality, or whatever happens to be on her heart at that time. Her desire is to be transparent and keep it real. These events are so popular that I’ve heard Rhonda’s name for years. Several of my girlfriends (all in different circles) have mentioned the impact she’s had on them, so I was excited to meet her and work together. Even though I grew up with the BEST example of a Godly wife and mother (my mom rocks!), I love the idea of having other mentors in my life. People who have walked the same path I’m on and survived! Ha! We all need that, and I’m happy that people like Rhonda are passionate about encouraging other women.
Rhonda says, “I love the Lord, and my desire is that all I say and write about has His Word, the Bible, as the foundation.” I love that! She’s honest about her journey as a wife and mom, and she always keeps the focus on God’s Word; not her opinions. Check out her blog and Facebook if you’d like to know more about her monthly Cultivate events or her speaking schedule!
Rhonda posted about our time together and some behind the scenes pics here.