I munched on a piece of calamari and stared into the eyes of the love of my life in sadness. It was our 18th wedding anniversary and both of us felt a little lost as we looked for the millionth time on our phones at house listings. I choked back tears and felt sheepish explaining to my love what was on my heart. This move felt like God’s will from the beginning. My husband received a job-offer at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC, tailor-made to his gifts and talents. I was confident in my ability to blog from anywhere, so it seemed like an exciting adventure. But now…after looking at expensive housing options that didn’t speak to me, I began to doubt that I’d be able to keep blogging with passion in a house I hated. It felt like such a spoiled, first-world problem, and I was ashamed for being such a baby about it.
At this point, I had given up hope and my heart was grieving. After looking at 100’s upon 100’s of homes in the Greenville, South Carolina area, none of them felt right. None. Although every home we’ve ever lived in has been far from perfect, I have always loved each and every one from the moment I laid eyes on it. “Home love at first sight” has always been a thing for me. I can typically see past outdated wallpaper and hideous decor choices and just see the amazing potential each home has to offer. But not this time. This time my gift, my “designer’s mind eye”, felt completely and utterly broken. I couldn’t see much of anything beyond the overpriced builder-grade architecture and future gut jobs we couldn’t afford. Love it or not, we needed to move in less than 60 days, and it was time to put the heart aside and get ruthlessly practical.
Sipping my mojito, I thought about all of the blessings and hardships Matt and I have endured as a couple over the last 18 years. God has always been faithful to us through it all. We could do this. We could choose a house we didn’t love and make it into a home. The time had come, and we needed to make a decision on a house this week. If it meant picking the most practical one, so be it. It was time to settle for good enough and pray that we would love our home and neighborhood in time. Matt pointed to another brick colonial on his iPhone and asked what I thought. It was fine. Perfectly and utterly fine in every respect. I would will “fine” to be good enough, and I chose to surrender it all. All of my hopes, desires, wishes, and dreams. All of them were placed on the altar as I prayed one last time for strength to be content in all things.
We moved around a lot growing up and a beautiful home we could make our own was always a priority. My dad, who passed away several years ago, always understood my mom’s love and need for a beautiful home. I knew my dad would want me to find a home I loved, but did God really care? I wasn’t so sure. I don’t believe in “prosperity gospel”, the belief that God blesses those God favors with material wealth, and I generally believe God is much more concerned with our character and service towards others than granting us our desires for material possessions. Perhaps I was supposed to live in a home I felt nothing for in order to learn some greater lesson? I shared these thoughts with my husband and was reminded of Matthew 7:11.
If you then, imperfect as you are, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
But we had asked. We had prayed and prayed for months for something in our price range to pop up that we both loved. There was one property that seemed ideal at the very beginning of our home search journey, but someone scooped it up before we could even view it. We figured there would be others and we sat down as a family to dream about what we all wanted the next decade of our lives to look like. The boys have only ever known city life, and they begged to live in the country. They wanted chickens and goats or at the very least a yard and maybe some woods. We wrote down a list of all the things we desired. Some of the things on our family’s wish list included: over an acre of land, 25 minutes or less from Matt’s work, 9 foot ceilings, 2500+ sq feet, bonus room for the boys, an office, updated kitchen and bathrooms–or priced low enough to remodel, old architecture preferred but character most important, a white house with black shutters would be a bonus, storage space, near a creek, and with horses over the fence would be a dream. We dreamt big and didn’t edit our list, but we knew we’d need to make concessions as time pressed in on us.
Before I went to bed that night, I checked the listings one more time to see if maybe some new and amazing house had popped up. It hadn’t. I prayed for peace, and I also did something I’ve never really done since my dad’s passing, I talked to my dad. I won’t say that I prayed to my dad because in my tradition that is frowned upon, but I was gut-wrenchingly honest about all of my fears and doubts to my Heavenly Father and my earthly father. I asked for help accepting things that were beyond my control and was vulnerable enough to ask one last time for the things we desired most.
Image source via Zillow.com
The next day, I was outside painting my back porch and an email notification from our beloved realtor Christy from Our Southern Home popped up. It was a new listing that had just hit the MLS. I flipped through the first few pictures and felt my throat catch and my heart race. I texted Matt the link and asked him what he thought, and he said, “Love it! GO, GO, GO!!!” I leapt into action and called Christy to ask for a showing. She immediately called to schedule for that afternoon and somehow someone had beat us to the first showing. I knew in my heart that we would most likely have to fight for this property.
Image source via Zillow.com
As Christy showed us each room via Facetime, I tried to contain my excitement and my tears. As she walked outside and panned to horses over the fence I started crying and hid my face from the screen so she couldn’t see. Horses over the fence you all!!! Each item on our family’s prayerful, wished-for, hoped-for, longed-for checklist was answered in this home. It was “the one” on first sight in every respect, and I was willing to fight for it to be ours. The people who saw it just before us apparently felt the same. We entered a bidding war for the house, and our contract just barely won. It was stressful and nerve-wracking, but worth it! We close on June 20th so please pray everything goes smoothly for all parties involved!
Grace is getting what we don’t deserve and it always unravels the heart. I felt completely and utterly unraveled after having our contract accepted!
So yeah. I basically bought a house online and couldn’t be more thrilled about it. That is something I never in a million years thought I’d do, and I can’t thank Christy enough for her patience and diligence in showing us so many properties in person and via Facetime. The girl is a SAINT you all, and once again I am so humbled and honored to be a part of the blogging community. Home bloggers are seriously some of the best people on the planet. This process has been a challenge from the beginning and her care and attention to detail have made it so much easier. I’m excited to show you more of our home once we move in! I think you’re going to love it as much as we do! Thanks for following along with all of my many stories over the last 10 years. The stories will continue!
Stephanie says
I just found you today. Your story brought tears to my eyes because it sounds so much like my own. I am so happy you found the home of your dreams. I am continually praying that God will grant me the desires of my heart soon as well. Enjoy your new home! I look forward to following you.
Maureen says
I just found you today and read your “leaving” and “Go, Go Go!” adventure. I was pleasantly surprised that you are a woman of Faith and finding you has been a blessing.
Fancy Farmgirls says
LOVED this story! A good read. A great story!
Sandy says
So happy for you, Beth! What a gorgeous house. You’ll love living in SC. We lived in Greenville for about 8 years before moving to be closer to our families. There is such a fantastic creative community in Greenville! Our house was in Travelers Rest and we really enjoyed living there. So happy for you as you begin this new adventure!
Beth says
Thanks so much Sandy! We look forward to getting to know the area better.
Delores Payseur says
Beth, I’m so happy that you found “the one.”
I have followed you for awhile but never commented. My daughter and her husband graduated from. SWU and live right outside of central in a small town called six Mile. My son in law is a dentist there so if you need someone give e him a call at Atcheson dental. They are big contributers to Swu. His father retired from swu a couple years ago…he was vp of finance. Small world….but isn’t God’s timing perfect!! What type of job will your husband be doing??
Beth says
Hi Delores! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for the dentist recommendation. 🙂 My husband will be the director and lead professor for a new program they are starting which is a “gap year” program. It’s a leadership training program for a small group of students who aren’t quite sure what to major in yet, want college credit, but also want to travel a bit before settling into a major.
Debbie W says
Greetings from Pickens, SC!!! Loved your story and I hope your move to Upstate SC will be a positive one!!
Beth says
Thank you so much Debbie! We are looking forward to the move! Excited and nervous all at the same time. 🙂
Jennifer says
Congratulations! Your city home is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see inside your country home and see what y’all end up doing. Have fun. Enjoy the process and your summer.
Karen says
I WOULD HAVE DONE THE EXACT SAME THING…LOVE THAT HOUSE ! AND THE STAR ON THE FRONT CLINCHES IT FOR ME….THERE IS ONE ON MY FRONT PORCH AND ALSO BESIDE THE BACK DOOR. I KNOW THE FEELING ABOUT HOUSES, I BELIEVE THEY SPEAK TO US AND WE ARE LUCKY IF WE FIND THE ONE WE ARE MEANT TO HAVE. ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT..CONGRATS.
Karlene says
Tears of joy for you and your family! Isn’t life amazing at how things always seem to work out and even better than we expected!! Looking forward to sharing the journey as you turn that house into your home!
Best wishes on this new adventure!
Melinda says
I am like Sherri I have followed for awhile but never commented either. I also follow Christie’s blog as well. I live just outside of Greenville, have been here for about 4 years. You will just love it here! I will guarantee it!! Welcome to the south!
Beth says
I’m so glad you decided to comment! Thanks for the warm welcome Melinda!
Sue at Blu says
Beth I am so very excited for you. Isn’t it crazy how things come around? No doubt my friend, your daddy had something to do with this! Congratulations!
Beth says
Thanks Sue! I miss my dad so much it was special to have him as part of my story on our new place. 🙂
Cindy Richter says
I totally love your new house that you’ll turn into a wonderful home but more than that, I love how you trust and let the Lord guide you. Your faith has brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Love your story and love that we are sisters in Christ. Big hugs beautiful heart.
Beth says
Bug hugs back Cindy! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂
Cherie M. says
Saw your blog via another blog I follow. While I am excited for you that the perfect house is yours, I am more excited that you learned to pour your heart out to your Heavenly Father (and your earthly father). God wants to give us the desires of our heart, but we need to learn to totally rely on Him and His goodness. You placed your trust in Him and He provided for you. Powerful lesson learned. Continue the learning my precious sister. The gifts get better and better when the lessons perfect our soul.
Beth says
Thank you Cherie! I have so much left to learn!
Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} says
I am so stinking excited for you my beautiful friend!!!
Beth says
Thank you dear friend!!
Terri says
Sooo… I am in tears… tears of joy for you and your family!! How good God is!!!!! When I first saw your post today.. and it said you were moving.. I literally said out loud.. “Oh No”!! I have loved every single post on your blog… even the ones on “The Twin” !! lolol… BUT OH MY GOODNESS…. cannot wait to see what you do with this new beauty!!! Congrats!!!!!!
Beth says
Thank you Terri! And thank you so much for following along all of these many years!
Deb says
I am in the same situation and have begun to lose hope. My home sold 8 months ago and I’m staying with a friend until I can find a house. My children and grand babies are in Charleston and where i’m trying to relocate. I somehow stumbled on your post this morning and its just given me a blessing. Thank you for sharing and reminding me not to lose faith.
Molly Kay Johns says
I’m so happy for you Beth! I know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives! Our new house we move into next week is a testament of that! He knew what we wanted and needed and blessed us with this opportunity even when we weren’t looking for it but had always said we wanted to build “someday”. What a beautiful post! I’m looking so forward to seeing your new home!
Beth says
Thank you Molly Kay! It’s so fun to watch your IG stories and see the progress on your gorgeous dream home!
laura janning says
Beth, congrats to you and your family on your new journey, your husband’s new job and life in a new state. your new home looks lovely.Christi and I are pals, and she is a true gem. being remote you were/are in some good hands. I am just down the road and perhaps once settled we can all meet up . Best of luck!
Beth says
Thanks Laura! A meet-up would be so much fun!
Melissa says
I went to Clemson and had many friends at Southern Wesleyan, it’s a beautiful area and the home looks gorgeous, can’t wait to see you put your touch on it! We’re moving to Georgia this summer and will be at Clemson games for sure-we can plan a blogger get-together, there are so many near Greenville!
Beth says
That would be so much fun to get together!
Jaimie Bowman says
I’m so happy for you Beth!! Cannot wait to see what you do with the place – it is already gorgeous!! We had a similar story when my husband accepted a pastor position in Northern California. We were looking for a rental home but it is super expensive here and nobody wanted to rent to someone living 7 hours away without being able to see the house first. We made a list with our boys too, and God provided exactly what we wanted with an amazing landlord. We have now been here 15 months and still love it.
I’m excited to see too who you are able to connect with in Greenville, because there are SO many bloggers there. That is where the Allume conference was that I went to a few years ago and it was just the most beautiful, friendliest city ever!!
Beth says
It’s so funny because I went to Relevant which was held in Harrisburg, PA where I currently live before it became Allume. 🙂
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Beth… we know these are first world problems… but God planted us in this place and time and he really does care about these things. In fact, I truly believe that it’s he who gives us these desires (after wanting him first). I am so excited for you to have found YOUR home. This will be one of those touchstones to always look back on and be reminded of God’s amazing goodness and grace.
Beth says
Yes indeed, a touchstone of grace. Thanks for your words of encouragement Diane!
SheilaG-PlumDoodles says
Welcome to SC! We had the same problem when we moved here 2 years ago. We ended up buying land living in our 180 sq ft camper for a year, and building. We live outside Greenville, so let me know if I can help in any way, would love to meet up.
Beth says
Building was definitely something we thought we might need to do! Thanks for the welcome Sheila!
Darlene says
Oh my stomach churns just reading this. Is there anything worse than house hunting with a gun to your head? No. I am in a similar situation. I live in a very rural area, surrounded by horses, roosters, even llamas but unbeknownst to me, a 3 dog restriction. I have nearly 2 acres, my dogs are all little guys rescued from the S. Korean meat markets, already traumatized once & I’ve sworn never again. So there was no question when confronted with this restriction (thanks to my lovely neighbor-not) that I would not be surrendering these damaged souls who have just begun to heal. I was told I needed 10 acres & parking for each dog! What??? I don’t board, groom, breed etc, no matter, more than 3, I’m a dog kennel. So began our search for a dog friendly township, acreage & enough rooms to hold what I’ve accumulated over the last 26 years from 3 grown children & downsizing my parents into a nursing home. We found a house, signed the contract & just 3 weeks before closing, the seller backed out, had judgments against them etc, all in all a nightmare & we had $2K invested already in appraisal & inspection fees. We hired a lawyer but it would have dragged on & we were running out of time with the zoning office. Our hearing is tomorrow. We found another house, did the appraisal, inspection etc & are scheduled to close on the 9th – God willing. While the mortgage company fusses over the appraisal, our life hangs in the balance, my stomach has given in to the stress & I’ve actually developed diverticulitis over it all. I truly hope that beautiful house becomes yours, stay calm, cool & collected. And a prayer my way would be welcomed in a big way.
Beth says
Oh my goodness Darlene! I’m so sorry to hear about all of your recent trials. Prayers indeed are headed your way that this home comes through for you and that your family and fur babies are happy in their new space. Moving is so very stressful!
Glenda says
Darlene,
My daughter is the manager of Luvable Dog Rescue in Eugene, Oregon. They too took in dogs from the Korean Meat Market and worked hard to find the perfect family’s and home for them. God bless you for rescuing and putting these precious lives first. God gave us dominion over the earth to care for it and His creations.
My daughter started rescuing at an early age. At this time she has 6 dogs, a cat and a Kinkajou! She has always had difficulty finding a place that would accept her animals. So what did God do? He opened up a job for her as manager at this wonderful rescue where she can have all of the animals that she can take wonderful care of and a free home as part of her benefit package! Now she is dedicating her life to seeing that as many dogs are rescued from kill shelters and found wonderful loving homes just like yours.
God is good!
Sharon Rexroad says
Oh, Beth! What a pretty house those horses look over he fence at! I’m going to look up hoe far Greenville is from where my sis is (Orangeburg).
Julie Echterling says
God is so good. So glad he gave you your house and peace about it. We will have to a girls night out before you leave. I will miss your spirit and strength
joanie says
Beth so glad i found you on fb & Pinterest so happy you found your new home looking forward to see all decorating & talent God is so good may you & your family found Perfect peace in your new home joanie
Beth says
Thank you Joanie!
Emily says
So happy for you! We looked for 2 years. I kept telling my husband we would know it when we found the right house (we were moving in the same town). When we walked into our place, he looked around and said, “this is it, isn’t it?” And it was. He was so nervous something would happen but I just kept saying I had faith. My prayer had been we would find the right house for our family. And we did. I’ve been amazed at how much better our family life has been since we moved in, and we are fixing it up to be our own!
Emily says
Beth, I’m so glad you found a wonderful home for you and your family! And how awesome the Christy was part of the whole process! I’m looking forward to seeing how you bring your passion to life in your new home and what sorts of SC stories are in store!
Beth says
Thanks so much Emily! Christy is the best. 🙂
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Beth,
It has been a please working with you and Matt on this journey! It has truely been a pleasurable experience and look forward to you being in our neck of the woods! Continued prayers for both transactions to progress smoothly and an uneventful move! Hugs! PS: I can’t wait to turn you into a TIGER! Christy
Beth says
Ha! Go Tigers! 🙂 I promise to try and pretend to like football.
Jamie says
WOW!!! This is amazing! I’m so happy for you girl.
Hugs, Jamie
Beth says
Thank you sweet friend!
Roeshel says
Oh, Beth! What an answer to your prayers! What a dream come true! Your story had me crying. lol! I am so over the moon thrilled for you! I love it! Congratulations!!!
Beth says
Aw, thanks Roeshel! xoxo!
Shannon Fox says
There is much to love here!! Wow Beth, she’s beautiful. Prayers that all the rest goes smoothly. And so happy for you, your family, and your new adventure. I think it’s going to be amazing!!
Beth says
Thank you Shannon! I think it’s going to be amazing too. I just have to get through this move without it killing me off first. 😉
Gretchen Van Peeren Gonzalez says
This is beautiful, Beth. I am certain that your dad was part of it…if nothing else than to give you the courage to stick it out. Best to all of you on your new adventure!
Love,
G
Beth says
Thank you Gretchen!
Delilah says
Oh my goodness, I started crying!! God is soooo good! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story! Praying that it all works out for you and your family.
Beth says
Aw, thanks girl!
Marty Oravetz says
Oh I can so relate, we looked at 100’s of homes too and lost out on the first one that we thought was “the one” only to find this one that is even better. I am so happy and thrilled for you. How exciting. The outside looks absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to follow along.
Beth says
Thanks Marty!
Sara @ Mom Endeavors says
Oh Beth! This post is beautiful! I may have just gotten goosebumps and a little teary-eyed for you. The property is absolutely gorgeous! Can’t wait to follow along!
Beth says
Thank you Sara! We are so sad to leave our current home but we are looking forward to what the future holds for us. 🙂
Shelley says
I kind of felt like we were at a cafe with you telling me this wonderful story in person! It speaks volumes about God’s love for each of us. We are seen and heard and so very loved!
I’ll be thinking and praying for you all in your transition. Love to each of you!
Beth says
Thank you Shelley! We will miss Harrisburg and PA in general something fierce.
Nora Avery says
When I first saw your blog a few years back I sensed that your row house was in Harrisburg, PA. Something about the “look” of the outside. I am originally from Harrisburg and my grandparents lived on Regina St almost to Resevoir Park. Back in those days (1930s-1968) it was a safe neighborhood. I love what you did to your home there and am sure your new digs in Greenville will feel like home to all of you in a short time. And the mountains are soooo close!
Tammy says
Oh I totally know what you are going through. I’ve bought a house in NC online while in Texas as hubby was in Korea. Wow the trust we must give the realtor. And now we head back to Texas and went through your same ordeal. I knew what I wanted, a historical house like my current one. But we were buying in a lake subdivision and pickings were slim. To cut to the chase, we had to buy a house neither of us liked but fit the needs not wants. It’s a modern exterior that needs lots of work so I’m going to focus on remodeling it to my style. But I realized…it’s WHO is in the house not the house that is important and it will all work out.
Beth says
So very true! I’m sure you’ll make your home feel like your own in time. It is so much harder when you don’t feel connected to it from the outset.
Pamela-From My Front Porch To Yours says
So excited for you! We have been in the same position. It is a tough one for sure and the constant battle of well we are blessed and maybe we are just expecting too much.Last year we ended our 3 year long search for a new home. There were many many hours spent praying on it and asking God to lead us where he wanted us to go. You will love Greenville. It is a beautiful beautiful area! I can not believe lovely Christy helped you find your new home! Christy is amazing and truly the best! It is funny how the blogging world is so large but yet at times seems so small. Good luck Beth on your families new adventure!
Beth says
Thanks so much Pamela! We know we would have been just fine if we had to settle for something that didn’t fit our family’s wish list but what an absolute blessing not to have to! And yes, the blogging community makes the world seem smaller and cozier all around. 🙂
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
So sweet, Pamela!!! Big hugs, friend!
Doreen @ Hymns and Verses says
Love this, Beth! God is good! I’m so excited to see more of this gorgeous country home and all you will do to make it yours!! Congratulations!
Beth says
Thank you Doreen! I’m so excited to share all of it with you!
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
So awesome! Happy for you and excited to see what you’ll do in this new space.
God is so good and I love that He goes above and beyond to bless his children when we least expect or sometimes deserve it.
Congrats!
Beth says
Thank you so much Melanie!
Sandy says
What a precious story! We should have written a list for our next house. We sign this week on a little cottage that is perfect for our first empty nester home..cheap enough to renovate…but scary all the same as it will be our first Fixer Upper. Thanks for your honest post. Excited for your family.
Beth says
Congrats on your new home Sandy! How exciting!
Jane@cottage at the crossroads says
I am so excited for you and your family! We live in SC and I grew up near Clemson. My niece graduated from Central Wesleyan. So happy to hear that Christy helped find the right house.
Beth says
Thanks Jane! This process has been so darn stressful! I seriously don’t know how I could have gone through it without Christy. She has been amazing and gone above and beyond for us every step of the way. We are excited to move south!
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
So sweeet, friend! If you ever come visiting this way please stop by! I’m 20 minutes from Clemson!
Sherri says
I’ve never commented, but I’ve been following you forever! I happen to live about 10 minutes from Southern Wesleyan! I’ve been in this area my entire life. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email!
Beth says
Hi Sherri! I’m so glad you commented. 🙂 Thanks for following me forever and for reaching out. We are so excited and nervous about the change and know it’s going to be a huge adjustment.