“Our faith increases when we’re in enough pain, we learn enough, or we’re given enough.” Bishop Chuck Murphy (paraphrased from 20 years ago)
Our lot, the one we closed on today, overlooks a creek, as well as houses, inns, and a church on the oldest part of Pawleys Island (Pawleys for short). We can take a boat from our neighborhood to secluded islands and walk to one of the island’s finest restaurants. The strip of prime property, the one we can see from where we’re building, is in between the marsh and the ocean. Our view is a little sand and a lot of wetland.
There is affluence mixed with old, original architecture that islanders call “shabby.” Sometimes structures get upgraded and sometimes not. No one seems to mind because it’s a given the property is valuable.
Making the island our home has been a hope of my husband’s and mine for more than 20 years. We set up an appointment that many years ago to look at a house for sale in Pawleys. The following day, the owners took it off the market. We did the same with our dream. We figured it was a sign about whether we deserved to live in Pawleys or not.
We didn’t.
Since then, we haven’t thought much about moving unless we’re down that way and riding around. When that happens, one of us mentions the imaginary line in the road, that place that when we drive beyond it, we get quiet and take a deep breath. Past that line, life feels more relaxed and free. Plus, our grandkids are closer, so life is more fun in that direction.
Not a geographic cure, for sure. Nowhere could fix us. We’ve had to do the hard work right here at home, most of which I’ve blogged about. Even though we know Pawleys isn’t our be all and end all, for us the place is special. It’s symbolic of something we can’t even name yet.
So, when my husband John convinced me a couple of years ago to sign up for a membership at one of the island’s highlights, Brookgreen Gardens, our decision rekindled a longing we’d dismissed – we longed to live in Pawleys.
The same thing happened when I stumbled onto a photo on Facebook of a stunning church on the island that we joined this year – we longed to live in Pawleys.
And then again recently when we made an offer before selling our house and on a lot that wasn’t for sale (a story for another blog post) – a lot with a dock, a view, and a breeze – we longed to live in Pawleys.
We rethought deserving it. Feeling undeserving is a habit, though I don’t think a holy one. Nor a faithful one.
I’m still not convinced I’m worthy. In fact, I’m overwhelmed by the bigness of our decision and overwhelmed by God’s graciousness to let us have it. Overwhelmed by His faithfulness to bring good from a “loss of faith” season. Overwhelmed John and I made it this far and intact, much less together in a place we’ve longed to live.
But mostly, I’m …
Overwhelmed by gratitude. I’m very grateful. Tears streaming down my face grateful. On my knees grateful. “Why us?”grateful.
Grateful for restored faith.
Grateful.
How much faith does it take to hang onto a dream? To make it happen? A mustard seed or less – I do believe I had less.
What dream are you waiting for? I hope you won’t give up. Ask often and expect a lot.
In This Together,
Kim
Photo #1 is of our view of the creek from the lot.
Photo #2 is our lot.
Kim, this moved me deeply, because I have been in the process of giving up on my dreams…I mean, if you\’re gonna die, why dream of something that needs clarity and health?
But reading your post I think maybe it\’s better to die betting on a miracle.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/06/your-dying-spouse-324-gates-of-mordor.html
Andrew, I got so emotional reading your comment. Yes, \”… it’s better to die betting on a miracle.\”
I've hated living with hopelessness, so whether this turns out like I want or not, I'm trying daily to choose the dream. Easier said than done for those of us in the fight for our lives physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
It helps to have friends walk alongside me. Thank you. <3
The views are breathtaking!! I love the peacefulness and beauty I see in your pictures. Can\’t wait to see your lot in person😘
On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 11:59 PM, S. Kim Henson ~ Getting Your Own Life Whi
I can\’t wait either, Donna! It\’s so peaceful there. We'll sit on the dock for 5 hours and talk. 🙂
I love you! <3
Congratulations Kim!!!! Amazing 🙂
Thanks so much, Meg! <3 We're getting more excited than scared, so I may actually be able to choose a house plan soon.
There are very few downfalls to the move, but one is I'll be a lot farther from WWW. Keep writing and we'll keep in touch from afar. I love all that's happening with you and your work.
Love how the less than a mustard seed of faith increased for you. What an inspirational miracle. Will share this one, Kim
It is a miracle, Joel! <3 They're happening all around us. I'm telling the story the best I can over a few blog posts. We've been looking for a house in Pawleys for more than a year, so it's been quite a journey to land us with a lot that wasn't for sale and with a view John kept talking about, but that we thought we couldn't afford. I teared up just commenting back to you.
Thanks for joining me here often. I couldn\’t do this blog without friends like you.
I am so incredibly happy for you, Kim. Your current home remains in my prayer journal until it\’s sold! Thank you for your transparency — in reality, none of us are \”worthy\” which makes our relationship with Christ so precious. I look forward to seeing how God will receive MUCH glory through your new place in Pawleys. I haven\’t been there in years but it\’s beautiful!
I appreciate your prayers so much, Cathy! <3 John and I don't think we've been ready for the house to sell, which is why we're still here. We believe the lot was God's way of helping us keep our dream alive until we're ready for it. 🙂 We're working diligently on our marriage and ourselves so that we don't drag unnecessary emotional junk with us. Please pray for that part of our selling, preparation, move too. Thanks.
Your move to a new place offered me a lot of hope. I appreciate your prayers and having you stay in touch! I keep seeing your eBook pop up and it makes me smile. If you send me a link, I'd love to share it on my page.
I will most certainly be praying for those specific things you mention. 🙂 That\’s so sweet of you to offer to share the link. It means more than you know! Blessings from the Upstate.
Thanks a lot 🙂 , Cathy! I love your devotion guide. I checked out the page available to read on Amazon and it\’s really good. I\’m happy to pass it along!
Kim ,
You just brightened my day. I\’m so excited to read this. I am beyond happy for you and John.
Enjoy your little slice of Heaven! Pawleys is like heaven on earth. ❤️
I love you . XO
C
Connie, thank you for celebrating with us! <3 I was thrilled to see your name pop up in my email (my blog comments go there first). It is heavenly in Pawleys and heavenly that we'll be closer to grandchildren. I'd love for you to visit even before the house is built. We could have dessert on the dock.
I hope you're doing great. I love you lots!
From Facebook (Kim Henson) ~
From Facebook (Kim Henson) ~
Delilah Lewis, Lesia Hughes and 50 others
3 shares
Joel Carter Beautiful lot, and story
Love · Reply · 2 · June 18 at 11:06pm
Kim Henson Thank you, Joel Carter. I have a lot to say about this lot. 😉
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 12:28am
Joel Carter Parcel it out a few sections at a time 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 12:29am
Kim Henson Joel Carter, that\’s what I thought too.
Like · Reply · June 19 at 12:33am
Delilah Lewis Awsome story and lot is beautiful.💕
Love · Reply · 1 · June 18 at 11:46pm
Kim Henson Thanks bunches, Delilah Lewis! <3 I love you.
Like · Reply · June 19 at 12:28am
Lesia Hughes How beautiful! God is rewarding you for your faithfulness in loving him.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 12:45am
Kim Henson Lesia Hughes, thank you! <3 When we're there and sitting on the dock, I know I haven't been that faithful, but John and I are enjoying it anyway and saying "thank you" a lot.
Like · Reply · June 19 at 12:53am
Megan Hunt Dell Kim, we have been experiencing something similar in the last few months – we're hopeful we'll finally be able to buy a house early next year. It is terrifying and exciting all at once. I look forward to the lots more you have to say about your lot 😘
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 6:09am
Kim Henson I'm so excited for y'all, Megan Hunt Dell. <3 That's a big step. Our son is signing in about 30 minutes on their first home. I think dreams are a package deal. You have to deal with the fear to get to the good stuff. Who came up with that plan, right? 😉 lol. I like the quote, "Fear is excitement in need of an attitude adjustment." My attitude needs a lot of adjusting when it comes to these sorts of things. I'll be blogging about it as it unfolds and I hope you'll share what's going on with you too. With pictures. I love seeing people's houses.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:37pm
Alice Wilson Roscoe Sweet story. Looking forward to following your story.😍
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 6:19am
Kim Henson Awe, thank you, Alice Wilson Roscoe. <3 I love having friends like you to share it with.
Like · Reply · June 19 at 2:38pm
Anjana C. Duff So happy for you that the dream is coming true! You absolutely deserve it! The lot is beautiful! Can't wait to see what you build. 😊💕
Love · Reply · 2 · June 19 at 6:26am
Kim Henson Thanks so much, Anjana C. Duff! <3 I can't wait to see it either. I wish someone else would choose and surprise me. 😉 lol. Are you and Mike still thinking about making a move? Since you're involved with Brookgreen and WIN, it seems like the area is calling your name. 😍
Like · Reply · June 19 at 2:43pm
Sue Clifton Stayton Such a blessing ❤️
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 7:56am
Kim Henson It is, Sue Clifton Stayton! <3 We visit it at least once a week and tear up every single time. We still can't believe it. I hope we never can. I love the wonder of it all.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:44pm
Maureen Shaffer How exciting Kim! Dreams come true!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 8:20am
Kim Henson They do, Maureen Shaffer! I'm such a Cinderella girl. 😍
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:45pm · Edited
Maureen Shaffer Cinderella was my nickname growing up lol. Got my prince charming too!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:00pm
Kim Henson Maureen Shaffer, good for you. <3 I love a happy ending!
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:40pm · Edited
Jan Glover Selwa Such a heartfelt story, Kim!! You have a beautiful way of putting your thoughts on paper! I am so happy for you and John! You are so deserving and I know you will live "happily ever after"!!!! ❤️
Love · Reply · 2 · June 19 at 8:34am
Kim Henson Awe, Jan Glover Selwa, you're so kind and encouraging! <3 I'm thankful you and I have stayed in touch on Facebook and sometimes at Costco. 😉 My entire life I've swung from big dreams to depression. Hopefully my writing offers hope to others who go through this same thing. It's helping me take the next step now that I'm writing about it. Love you! 😍
Like · Reply · June 19 at 2:53pm · Edited
Jan Glover Selwa ❤️❤️❤️
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:56pm
Diane Wilson Dale So happy for you and John…can't wait to see it!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 8:52am
Kim Henson Thanks, Diane Wilson Dale. I love your excitement for others even when you're in a place that's not so good. I'm praying for a miracle for y'all. <3 I hope you'll come see the house in person. There's good food in Pawleys. 🙂 I love you!
Like · Reply · June 19 at 2:56pm
Lucille Zimmerman How exciting.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 9:34am
Kim Henson Thanks, Lucille Zimmerman. We're really excited and scared. 🙂 I'm okay with both.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:57pm
Pat Davidson · Friends with Anjana C. Duff
This is a beautiful article. Spoke to my heart. It's the way I feel about all that God has given me. God bless you for sharing this.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 10:16am
Kim Henson Thanks so much, Pat! <3 I love your comment. It reminds me how important gratitude is daily. It's not just for big dreams. My good pillows from Costco, my comfortable shoes from Target, and feeling good when I got up this morning. Every. single. thing.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:02pm
Paula Vaught Adams Now you have me wanting to live at Pawleys!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 10:42am
Kim Henson Come on down, Paula Vaught Adams! 😍
Like · Reply · June 19 at 3:30pm
Paula Vaught Adams We will, eventually. Just don't know which area we will end up.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 7:02pm
Angie Mojica This is beautiful Kim. ❤️💕💕
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 10:49am
Kim Henson Thanks, Angie Mojica! <3 We could have a concert here. 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:37am
Angie Mojica Kim Henson 🙂😉
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 7:03am
Denise Mangum Grady-Bryant You and John deserve every inch of it! 🦋💛
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:49pm
Kim Henson Awe, thanks, Denise Mangum Grady-Bryant! <3
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:38am
Jana Braden Greene Beautiful.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 2:56pm
Kim Henson Thank you, Jana Braden Greene! 😍
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:38am
Teresa Hardee Cox Beautiful! So happy for you.God is good/great!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:33pm
Kim Henson He is, Teresa Hardee Cox! <3 Thanks so much.
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:39am
Sarah Koper Clayton It's absolutely beautiful!!! Congratulations!!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 3:56pm
Kim Henson Thanks so much, Sarah Koper Clayton. <3 I hope you, Alex, and the children will come for a swim and to fish when we're finally settled there. They may be teens by the time I decide on house plans. 😉 lol
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:42am
Beth Stallings Odom …and closer to Savannah and us !!!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 4:49pm
Kim Henson So true, Beth Stallings Odom! Maybe we'll actually see each other in person. Could happen! 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:42am
Gayle Sloan Congratulations!!!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 5:11pm
Kim Henson Thanks so much, Gayle Sloan! It's time to sell this one. 🙂
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:43am
Lisa D Tower-Couture Beautiful, Kim….you deserve it because you will take care of it.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 5:27pm
Kim Henson Thank you, Lisa D Tower-Couture! <3 We will. And hopefully we'll remain just as grateful. I don't want to forget how we got there – not by our own actions, for sure.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:45am
Summer Turner When I was married, I knew we were to have a certain house near the tip of the historic section of St. Pete Beach, one block wide with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. I knew it because I had had a dream one night of this place …See More
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 7:21pm
Kim Henson I absolutely love your story, Summer Turner. The location sounds wonderful. <3 Dreams are powerful. This sort of thing used to happen more often, but then I stopped noticing and believing. I'd like to think that's turning around.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:50am
Maria Franken Really lovely spot… I'm soo happy for you!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 7:56pm
Kim Henson Thanks for celebrating with us, Maria Franken. <3 You can come to our lot anytime you want. 😉
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:51am
Susan Blanton Roche Beautiful!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 19 at 10:14pm
Kim Henson When there's a house on it, I want you to visit, Susan Blanton Roche. Or just come on now and we'll rock on the dock. 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 2:52am
Susan Blanton Roche Sounds perfect! I can't wait to see and hear the step by step process!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 6:07am
Joan Pisani Just Beautiful!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 12:13am
Kim Henson Joan Pisani, thanks so much! <3
Like · Reply · June 20 at 2:53am
Barbara Suggs Dreams do come true …. God is good!!!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 7:20am
Kim Henson They do, Barbara Suggs! <3 We weren't ready 20 years ago anyway. God knows all about timing.
Like · Reply · June 20 at 10:39pm
Linda Saelg Calvanico Gorgeous! Love the heart – in the story and picture!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 9:19am
Kim Henson Awe, thanks, Linda Saelg Calvanico. <3 I hope you're doing better. I think about you a lot.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 10:40pm
Linda Saelg Calvanico Kim Henson thanks! I am sorry I don't comment more – I don't scroll Thru my feed as often but you're in my favorites. Still have some things to work on but heading into remission. Pain not as bad – mostly it's exhaustion (beyond fatigue). I love your posts and blog – so inspiring. Miss you! 😘
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 11:56pm
Kim Henson Linda Saelg Calvanico, don't worry about commenting. I'm just really happy we stay in touch sometimes. I'm also happy to hear you're improving. I miss you lots. Take good care of yourself and I'm continuing my prayers. Lymi! <3
Like · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 11:59pm
Kathy Andros Eckert <3 <3 <3 ~ My faith is telling me that I am going to be your neighbor! I love this, love you, and love our Powerful God!!!! He is the giver of all good things!
Love · Reply · 1 · June 20 at 10:01am
Kim Henson Hahahaha, Kathy Andros Eckert! 😍 You're so cute. My faith tells me the same thing. That'd be so much fun! You and your daddy get to praying for that lot and it may be sooner than later. You may be there before us. I love you, neighbor! <3
Like · Reply · June 20 at 10:42pm · Edited
Paula Vaught Adams I love the double meaning of the words in parentheses. (We've been given a lot.)
Love · Reply · 1 · June 21 at 12:39am
Kim Henson Thanks for getting it, Paula Vaught Adams. <3 I wasn't sure anyone did.
Like · Reply · June 21 at 12:59am
Mary Lou Anderson Eddings How wonderful, we love Pawleys and one of my favorite beaches in the area is is Huntington Beach Park. What a blessing, can't wait to see your new home.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 21 at 7:37am
Kim Henson Thank you, Mary Lou Anderson Eddings. <3 We can't wait to be there. We've never built before so this should be an experience.
Like · Reply · June 21 at 12:34pm · Edited
Mary Lou Anderson Eddings I have a cousin who is a builder, Will Rabon, Rabon Construction. Check out their FB page. I have my low country cottage plan picked out already for when we find our parcel.
Love · Reply · 1 · June 21 at 1:21pm
Kim Henson
Kim Henson We're building our own, Mary Lou Anderson Eddings. Thanks for the info, though. John may pass some business along. We're swamped.
Like · Reply · 1 · June 21 at 1:27pm
From Facebook (Joel Carter @ One In His Spirit) ~
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