I slip my toes into water and sand along the shoreline. Above me a moon spreads light like frosting on the water. Behind me the chatter of late night conversation spills out.
I’m in Hilton Head, South Carolina with many of the (in)courage writers.
It’s our last night here and we’re already feeling the tug toward home. But for now we’re having a dessert picnic on the beach, passing around plates of brownies, chocolate cake, slivers of pie.
We’ve stayed in two beautiful houses, the kind where you can put your sandy, dirty feet on the coffee table anyway. We’ve dreamed and planned for this next year with our (in)courage community. We’ve ridden bikes down the beach, carrying sea shells home in our baskets. We’ve eaten wonderful meals that made us lean back in our chairs with happy sighs. And we’ve launched long-anticipated surprises.
Through it all, we felt you with us.
Last year and this one too, I had a moment when I walked across the little pathway to our beach, over a sand dune, and happy tears slipped out of my eyes as a I caught a glimpse of these women because it felt so much like a glimpse of heaven. And so much like what happens here on these pages.
It’s been two years since we flung open the doors of this online beach house, handed you a key, and welcomed you inside. Two years of sharing our lives, laughter, even tears. Two years of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Two years of dreaming together.
As I stare out over the ocean with my (in)courage sisters around me, I know with all my heart this is true.
I turn and begin to reach down to gather plates from upheld hands.
I smile at bits of frosting, crumbs of chocolate, the last traces of whipped cream.
I think of the supper the disciples shared with Jesus and I smile.
Because this is what I pray every day–that there will be words that feed all of the hungry hearts who come. And when I pray, it’s not just for bread. Not just for manna. Oh, no, my friends. I ask for words that are like cupcakes, like the most delicious piece of chocolate cake you’ve ever eaten, like the most wonderful thing you can imagine.
Abundant life.
That’s what we’re promised.
And that’s so much of the reason we’re here in this place together.
Because all of life, every last bite, is so much sweeter when savored together.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for the comments you leave. Thank you for the joy of sharing this journey with you.
I walk into the beach house with a smile on my face, empty plates in my hands and a heart that’s full…so very full.
{with thanks to Dawn Camp and Emily Freeman for the amazing photos}
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Leave a Comment* Would you like to plan a trip to Hilton Head? Connect with our sponsors and friends below!
Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau
Sponsor Host
http://www.hiltonheadisland.org/
Twitter: @hiltonheadsc
Beach house provided complimentary by:
Resort Rentals Hilton Head Island
FB: Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island
Twitter: @RRofHiltonHead
Bike rentals provided complimentary by:
Low Sea Bike, Beach and baby Rental, Inc.
http://hiltonheadbikerental.com/
FB: LowSea Rentals
Wednesday Evening Catering Reception, sponsored by HHI VCB:
One Hot Mama’s with Food Network Finalist, Orchid Paulmeier
FB: one hot mama’s
Dinner at Food Network, Robert Irvine’s, eat!
Twitter: @RobertIrvineEat
Breakfast on Thursday Morning:
Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery & Café
Twitter: @SignesBakery
Amy Hunt -- a {Grace} full *life* says
What a great idea–we could do it, too! This whole (in)courage community could come together on our own–together! Literally!
You’re all real and I’m just receiving that gift. Soaking it up and tasting.
Thank you. For living your idea.
You’ve changed our lives.
Rich blessings to all y’alls!
Holley Gerth says
We’re so grateful for you, Amy!!
Teena Price says
So thankful to be a reader and an occasional commenter! Thank you for all you do. For loving us… giving words of encouragement.
Much much love
Holley Gerth says
Thank you for joining us on this journey, Teena!
Beth Williams says
Holley and (In) Courage Writers,
Thank you ever sooo much for this outlet. Your words encourage/uplift me and the comments draw me to pray for women all over the country and world! What an amazing venture we’ve been on for 2 years thanks to God and all your hard work!!
God Bless ya!
Holley Gerth says
Yes, an amazing venture indeed! Thank you for praying for your sisters, Beth!
Jennifer says
Ahh I love this place! So glad we can meet here!
Amy says
I’ve always believed in the power of words – I love how they are used in poetry, in music, in life. I never thought I’d be drawn to the power of words on a blog until I found Holley Gerth and (In) courage. The power of the words written here, to glorify God, to encourage one another, to share life – bring tears to my eyes on a daily basis. How amazing to read words from people I’ve never met, yet who have experienced some of the same things or feelings that I have had. After reading these blogs, I feel refreshed, encouraged, renewed and ready to be used by God. I praise God and thank Him for the gift He’s given each one of you to write the way you do and to encourage women all over the world. Thank you for being real. Thank you for reminding me that I have significance in the eyes of God and that I am loved beyond measure.
Anonymous says
Amy, you’re a pretty good writer yourself….. you said exactly what is in my heart…. thanks.
Lynn Warren says
Anonymous, my sentiments, exactly!! Thank you, dearest Father, for your dear angels right here on earth, but most of all, thank you Holy Spirit, for this daily unction.
Holley Gerth says
Wow, Amy, thank you for those beautiful words! Honored and humbled.
Diane Bailey says
I love it when women get together. I sometimes wish we still lived in the time where women sat together and sewed.
As I read your blog I feel myself squirm a little. Inside I hear myself saying, “Awwww, I wish I were there with them!” (in)courage, is such a blessing. As I begin to get to know each writer by reading their blogs, if feel like a soul susta is being created in my heart. Maybe one day we will meet face to face. I’ll bring gumbo if you’ll have chocolate cake!
Holley Gerth says
Gumbo and chocolate cake–it’s a date! 🙂
Wanda says
Great memories! Lovely ladies!
Lisa-Jo @thegypsymama says
Licking crumbs off sandy fingers alongside you, Holley Gerth? A wonder, a gift. Thank you for being my friend. I love you.
Holley Gerth says
Oh, girl, you are pure JOY and I’m so thankful for you!
Debbie Dillon says
Thank you for opening the doors of your heart AND your beach house 🙂 What a wonderful blessing of time spent together – now, onward and upward to a whole new season. Many blessings to you 🙂
Holley Gerth says
Yes, good things are ahead and we’re so glad you’ll be with us!!
Reese says
Yay! [insert clap…clap…clap..] Bloom Book Club+(In)Courage=Changed me.
Holley Gerth says
Cheering with you, Reese!!
Amy says
So wonderful. Finding community online or off is such a blessing and I’m glad to have found this place.
Holley Gerth says
Yes, community is a wonderful thing, especially with other like-hearted women. So glad you found us too!
Elluz says
I would love to be in one of those gatherings or maybe retreats if possible next year! Keep me posted! God bless you and continue pouring such sweet words for all of us who need them so.
Holley Gerth says
You can find one near you at http://www.inrl.us!
Barb says
Thank you so much for sharing a little piece of Heaven this morning! I LOVE the ocean and the delightful memories you brought to mind. It’s raining here (thank you, Lord), so memories of those waves lapping at the beach was just what I needed.
Blessings to you, Holley!
Holley Gerth says
Love, love the ocean. It just seems like God is a bit closer there, doesn’t it?
Stacey says
I’m just betting, that with all your dreams and all your hopes, that this place is far better than you ever imagined!
He loves doing that!
What a blessing in my life you and these (in)Courage gals are.
Thank you.
Holley Gerth says
Oh, Stacey, so wishing I could hug your sweet neck right now!!
jules says
Holley…I am so pleased you and your girlfriends had such a wonderful opportunity to take time out together and be blessed.
Your words of encouragement bless my heart so much and I am happy to share them with friends here in UK. I always look forward to see what gems you will be sharing with us. Thankyou so much….. and keep writing!!
Holley Gerth says
Thank you, Jules! All the way in the UK. I love how words can cross oceans and bring hearts together!
Jennifer says
Holley, this is just beautiful. What a treasured gift — to be gathered up, and recognize the gift for what it is. All of this, all for His glory. So love your heart. Thank you.
Holley Gerth says
Jennifer, you are such a blessings. So grateful God has connected us through this little place online!
Priscilla Shouders says
Holly, I so often feel your messages are written just to me. When I stop and think about it, I know it’s God’s way of speaking to me through you and your encouraging words. Thank you for blessing my life.
With faith,
Priscilla
Holley Gerth says
You are so welcome, dear Priscilla! Thank you for reading!
Barbara says
Thank you, Amy, for saying exactly what I feel about (in)courage! Jules, I’m in the UK, too, and I appreciate the links with my American sisters and the opportunities to share this with my UK family and friends. Thank you especially, Holley!
Holley Gerth says
Another UK friend! So fun. We are happy to connect with you “across the pond.” 🙂
Esther Carol says
Thank, Holley. You are just wonderful. God bless you abundantly.
Holley Gerth says
Right back at you, Esther!
Stephanie Bryant says
I’m so glad I was there with you. . .and to know that I wasn’t the only one with happy tears. Thankful for the thousands of almost-heaven moments I’ve shared with you over the last few years. Live God’s beach house every day!
Holley Gerth says
Girl, I love-love that we got to do this together. It’s one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me!
Deidra says
Holley-
Thanks for opening wide the doors of that beach house! Thanks for welcoming us all in! This is an amazing place, indeed. And yes. The best is yet to come!
I love you all!
Holley Gerth says
Deidra, loved being in the real life beach house with you last week and here all the rest of the year!
Kim says
Your words have often brought peace and calmness to my life! As is today, I can almost hear the waves and smell the brownies as you remind me how much God loves me!
Thanks Holley!
Blessings,
Kim
Holley Gerth says
So glad, Kim. Wish we could have a brownie together today!
Monica says
Thank you for welcoming us to the guest room at the beach, Holley.
So grateful I followed God’s roadmap to your blog. When my kids were small, we loved to fly kites at the beach each summer. Somedays, as adults, we’re like kites that just can’t get off the ground. It feels like there’s just not enough wind, or the tail is too long. Your gifted words remind us that God patches the broken places, and lifts us up over and over again.
What a sweet blessing you are to all who read your blog.
Holley Gerth says
Beautiful analogy, Monica. When we were at the beach we saw people flying kites–I can totally picture what you’re saying!
Kathy C. @ In Quiet Places says
Thank you for following your vision and starting something that God has immeasurably blessed as you stepped out to begin and fulfill what He put on your heart to build here at In Courage two years ago…
Kerry says
Thanks so much Holley, There are so many times I read here and I am so touched by what is written..On the days that are hard…and I don’t say much….You all lift and raise all of us up. What a gift you bring to all of us. God bless you Holley and each one who shares here.
Denise says
Hi Holley,
Thank you for your encouragement. Some days your words have been the very thing my soul longed to hear. God bless you so much for being here.
Love ya,
Denise
P.S. I love the dress you are wearing in the beach picture! So neat.
Jayme says
Can you just anticipate our Heavenly Father saying “Well done, my daughters!” when we finally reach the end of this journey? Thank you for this ministry! It has been such a blessing to me! Can’t wait to see what new adventures God has planned!
Sarah McCarthy says
Dear Holly,
I was in couraged by your creative ideas for fellowship. I will do this with my home group of wonderful girls. A beach dessert party .What a blessing for this 86 yr old. Blessing after Blessing . I wish this for you too. Love Sarah
Dee says
Holley…this sounds like a wonderful time for you. I’m glad you have these friends to share life’s joys with in such a beautiful setting. It gets me thinking about gathering friends to do the same thing. Thanks for all the info. God bless! 😀
Tara says
Hey, Holley!
In my heart I was there, too! : ) …even though I was home, I was sharing your newest book with as many family and friends as possible!
Your words are so on target….a sliver of heaven as real as the slivers of pie y’all shared on the beach! What a wonderful “picnic” heaven will be when we all get to meet face-to-face those whose words have served up Jesus again and again!
Blessings!
Tara
The Velvet Lime Girls says
We are inspired to run to the beach and join you in your next creative get-away! It was a little vacation just joining you through your words. The beach and God’s Word have also inspired us many times in our artwork and blog. We created an art collection based on a series of chairs and rest sentiments… and a BEACH CHAIR was our first piece! We made note of the kind of rest that comes from the beach and will share it here:
“A beach rest is a ripple compared to the overpowering wave of deep rest God offers. It envelopes our cares and pulls them out to sea with a strong rip-tide…. leaving us refreshed and restored.
We’re sparkling sea glass lying on the beach.
Washed. Fresh. Clean. Reflections of peace.”
Thanks for your sandy sentiment filled with grace.
The Velvet Lime Girls
quote from:
http://velvetlimedesign.blogspot.com/2011/08/beach-trip-some-thoughts-just-refresh.html
Kristen says
Last weekend? A thousand kinds of wonderful. It felt like heaven, like *home*.
Do you have any idea how crazy I am ’bout you? Thank you for being you, glorious you. And thank you for welcoming me with arms flung wide as the beach house doors. Thrilled to stand beside you, Sister, as we see what the future holds. The best *is* yet to come!
Lindsay Blair says
Dearest Holley,
Thanks so much for connecting with me even though we’ve never met. What a gift you have to be able to do that. I’m a twenty-nine year old Member Services Assistant at a residential community club, but my passion is to connect with people and share my faith in Christ with them. My desire is to grow in speaking, writing and healing ministry and right now I’m focusing on cooperating with the Spirit to build the character I’ll need (NOT perfection) to carry this calling healthfully. We have not met yet, but thanks so much for encouraging me along this broken road…I know I need to look in to my Savior’s eyes more and know that it will be OK. With a heart that’s full also, Lindsay
Anne says
Sisters and friends…
Remember, there are ladies all over the world thankful for the blessings of the words of (in) Courage and yearning one day to join you face to face for a coffee…
Please remember those of us thousands of miles away…
Me? I’m in Scotland.
God Bless you all and thanks for all you have spoken to my heart Holley.
Ting says
Dear Holly,
Hello from Taiwan! How true your words are – they wash over me like the waves. I always relax when I come here, and thank you for offering the key. I love the community you have started, and I truly feel accepted. Your words are a blessing.
God Bless!
Carolyn says
Holly, thank you for sharing Gods heart with us. Many have been the days where I am discouraged then check my email and find exactly the words I needed to hear that day.I read about your time at Hilton Head and you explained it with such details that I felt as if I was there with you all enjoying the beauty of Gods creation with a group of Gods Most precious & wonderful creation. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Sending blessings your way. 😀
LOVD says
Absolutely inspiring! I thought I caught a glimpse of the wonderful Lisa Leonard??! You all are such great women that inspire the rest of us to push forward, connecting our hearts through words to the world. Thank you!
Bonnie Gray | FaithBarista says
I still have to pinch myself every now and then… I feel like Sarah from “A Little Princess”. Did I just dream of moonlit prayers, chocolate, and Klondike bars, sharing laughter and life one post at a time — for two years — together with you, Holley? Thank you for being faithful and courageous to follow Jesus and open up the beach house online and invite us all in! You are a blessing! Love you!
Sarah says
Thank you, Holley, for all your words of encouragement. You bless us so much. I am “across the pond” too in the UK 🙂 Praise God for this online community!
Paulie says
3 simple words…Thank you Holley!
Michele@From the Unpaved Road says
Awww the pictures of all you amazing lovely ladies brought tears to my eyes right here in the middle of entirely land locked South Sudan. I am a FL girl who learned to swim before she learned to walk and whose idea of camping is {STILL} a spa day. God picks unlikely candidates some days! Missing the beach but rejoicing in the *beach*house* you all have be so faithful to create. Much love from an unpaved road in Sudan- Michele
Shirley says
I have just discovered you, but I know I am going to take a lot of encouragement from you. I already have started to. Thanks.
Patty says
I am so blessed to have found something good by reading a piece of junk mail. I pray you will be always be protected with the Armor of God and His mighty power. Your sister in Christ Jesus.
Not my words, but my heart also « Histendermercies says
[…] ago, after we’ve had pie together and laughed the dark away under stars, I stand in a doorway late at night, in a house full of (in)courage […]
~Lynn says
(In)Couragement in the most unlikely places. I live in an isolated area and have found so much encouragement from the Incourage community.
thanks so much!
If you’ve ever been wounded by women » A Holy Experience says
[…] then came summer days when I gathered with women and we had pie together and laughed the dark away under stars and I stand in a doorway late at night, in a house full of (in)courage […]