Over the past several years, I’ve has fun summarizing the previous year using one word and predicting what the next year’s word will be.
Here’s a brief recap….
2009’s One Word Summary: Growth
I started doing this in January of 2010, which means I didn’t have a prediction for 2009. Just a summary. And with all the growing I did as a Christian and as a writer, I’d say that fits the bill.
2010’s One Word Summary: Surrender
Jokingly, I predicted that 2010 would be my year for Victory. Ended up being a year of surrender. Gotta love the irony there.
2011’s One Word Summary: Trust
2011’s prediction was Anticipation, since I had just signed a two-book deal with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Throughout the course of the year, I not only quit my day job, Ryan and I said yes to adoption, both of which required a lot of trust.
2012’s One Word Summary: Grateful
2012’s prediction was Change, since I became a work-at-home mom and assumed we’d be bringing our Congolese son or daughter home at some point that year (oh Katie, you were so naive). Even though that didn’t happen, it was a year of many blessings–both tangible and intangible.
2013’s One Word Prediction: Surprises
Let’s see. Major highlights.
In 2013, Ryan and I accepted a referral for a little girl. That was in February. We thought she’d be home by the summer. But then Congo adoptions turned upside down and we watched from afar as timelines were extended and government departments shut down. Our Congolese Cutie officially became a Ganshert in July, but as of right now, we have no idea when she will come home.
In 2013, I traveled to Congo twice. Once in April for a humanitarian trip. Again in November to spend time with my daughter.
In 2013, I saw an outpouring of God’s provision like none I have ever seen before. Kelli Standish’s flash mob made my 2nd trip to the Congo possible and it had God’s fingerprints all over it.
In 2013, my second book, Wishing on Willows, hit book stores.
In 2013, my debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, was nominated for a Christy and won a Carol!
In 2013, I signed another 2-book deal with Waterbrook Multnomah, and wrote a novella for Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings novella collection.
In 2013, my son’s life became increasingly miraculous. Yearning for a child has a way of making you appreciate the one you have in a profound way.
If I had to sum up the year in one word, it would be….
Surprises
Because the shoe fits…
If you would have told me last year that we’d somehow have the money for me to fly to Congo TWICE, I would have laughed.
If you would have told me last year that I would be nominated for a Christy or win a Carol, I would have laughed.
If you would have told me last year that we still would not have our daughter home, I would have laughed.
The year was filled with surprises–some amazing, some not. But surprises nonetheless.
So what’s my one word prediction for 2014?
I have no idea.
In fact, I’m going to stop making predictions.
Here is what I do know…
I’ll spend these next two months in a writing cave, finishing my fourth novel.
My third novel, A Broken Kind of Beautiful, will release this April (I am so beyond excited to share this story).
My first novella, An October Bride, will release in….well, October. (I’m pretty excited about this one too.)
Our daughter could come home, or she might not.
There will be days when I can handle the wait and days when I can’t.
Brogan will start kindergarten (what?!?!)
I will give my husband lots of kisses and my son lots of cuddles. We’ll probably do some bickering and I’ll probably lose my patience. I will do some writing, some playing, some laughing, some crying. And lots and lots of praying.
Happy 2014, from me to you!
Let’s Talk: How’s 2014 looking for you? Any big highlights to share from 2013?
Congrats, Katie, on all the exciting events of 2013. I pray your little girl will soon be home.
2013 was fabulous for me. I signed with Joyce Hart, a small press contracted me, and I had 3 novels released. My words for 2014 are, “move forward.”
I really loved this post. I am a nerd about reflection and writing down goals for the New Year.
I have enjoyed both of your books and are looking forward to the release of your new book in April.
2013 was a crazy year for us. My husband resigned from his youth ministry position of 8 years. Since then we are seeking God’s leading and doing a lot of wandering. So my 2014 word is TRUST.
In 2014 I also hope to get more serious about my writing. I have sat on this dream for so long. I am hoping to continue to expand my blog and possibly publish an e-book.
It’s so good to hear all God has done and is doing in your life, Katie. I can’t wait to read your new books this year.
Some exciting writing news to happen in 2013, I contributed to a book with a short story and devo. That was very exciting for me.
2014 I plan on making more time to work on my WIP, I really fell behind last year 🙁
I just pre-ordered your new book and ordered your first two 🙂 Can’t wait to read them!! I’m praying for both of our sweet little girls to be home this year. Here’s to an amazing 2014!
You’ve had an amazing year, Katie…and those surprises that weren’t so pleasant, well, I have a feeling they deepened your faith a lot. That’s usually what happens for me, anyway!
2013 was a great year, with the Genesis final and signing with Rachelle! I’m looking forward to several writing retreats and conferences in 2014, as well as several family vacations. Still trying to get up the strength and excitement needed for everything I want to accomplish this year!
You’re such an inspiration, Katie!! And those covers are GORGEOUS! Can’t wait to read A Broken Kind of Beautiful!
I love love love the book covers, Katie! The words *wait* and *trust* are organic to the writer’s life, aren’t they? And now you’ve added another layer with the adoption. Praying you have a Spirit-filled 2014! (And as a new school mom, I affirm your decision to smother your kiddo with lots of love…Life is never the same once they graduate to kindergarten.) 🙂
I loved looking at your photos. You DID have a big year. Fun stuff, for sure. 🙂
My 2014 is looking…busy. But super fun. I’ll be writing a LOT in a short timeframe, but it’s a blessing and all part of a big dream come true. So no complaints, that’s for sure. I’m excited about this year in general. 2012 was full of surprises, 2013 was like one big rush and 2014…well, I’m just excited to see what happens.
2013 was also full of surprises for me! Joining ACFW, signing with Books & Such, winning Genesis. I never could have imagined! My word for 2014 is JOY…and that’s pretty much all I know about it 🙂
Loved reading this. So great to see God’s blessings in your life. I pray He’ll continue to surprise you this year 🙂 I like the idea of predicting one word for the year and looking back to see what the year was all about. Mine was “trust (in God)” for 2013 and come to think of it, it ended up being a year of self-discovery and introspection. This year, I’m hoping to rest in God’s faithfulness. Here’s to a wonderful, wonderful 2014. Your daughter looks like a cutie pie – sincerely believing and hoping and praying that this year will bring her and your family together.
So good to see you here, Ganise, as always! I love your words for 2013, and especially love 2014, because I keep hearing God telling me to rest too…in His faithfulness and provision. Thanks for those prayers!