Every new year, I like to summarize the previous year using one word and predict 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 Prediction: Change
Let’s see. Major high lights.
In 2012, one of my biggest dreams came true. My debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, hit book stores. I became a real-live published author. The entire experience was made a thousand times more awesome because of supportive, encouraging people like you!
In 2012, I watched my husband be selfless and brave. He became a living donor for his younger brother and is one kidney shy of the average.
In 2012, we finished our home study, put together a huge fundraising event, got matched with a two-year old Congolese boy, lost the referral, watched from afar as the country broke out in violence, and continue to have our eyes opened to the many challenges that come with pilot programs and adoptions in DR Congo….
In 2012, my little man Brogan started preschool and turned four.
If I had to sum up the year in a single word, it would be….
Grateful
I’m grateful for the opportunities God has given me.
I’m grateful for the support of family, friends, and this online community.
I’m grateful for the encouraging notes from readers and the way God has used Wildflowers from Winter to speak hope into people’s lives.
I’m grateful for a sacrificial husband and a healthy son.
I’m grateful for my publishing house.
I’m grateful for the way this adoption journey has opened my eyes to the plight of the orphan like nothing else before.
I’m grateful for God’s provision and peace in the midst of disappointment and unmet expectations.
2012 has been a lot of things. And I am grateful.
So what’s my one-word prediction for 2013?
I have no idea why, but the word that keeps popping to mind is….
Surprises
Let’s hope they’re the good kind!
Let’s Talk: What word would you use to summarize 2012? What’s your one-word prediction for 2013?
So honored and excited that Wildflowers from Winter made several popular book reviewers’ Best of 2012 lists! Thank you Rachel McRae, Casey Herringshaw, Brenda Anderson, Christy Janes, Lydia Mazzei, Rel Mollet, Renee Chaw, Gwendolyn Gage, and Kara Isaac (honorable mention) for bringing a huge smile to my face and pointing the way to some excellent books out there that I need to read!
Equally honored and grateful that Wildflowers from Winter came in third place for Book Club Networks’ Book of the Year, which is decided on by reader votes! Thank you so much to everybody who voted! To see which books came in first and second, check out the magazine (p. 64-65).
[…] And there was one I found particularly resonant. Especially since it mentioned Surprises, which was my prediction for 2013. I thought I’d share it with you today, in case you need the reminder as […]
Surprises truly is a wonderful word! I can’t wait to see what surprises God has in store for you this year.
My word for 2012 would have to be faith. Not only did I have to have faith in many situations last year but my Heavenly Father reminded me again and again how faithful He is. Love Him!
Happy New Year, Katie! 🙂
And hoping that 2013 is filled with wonderful surprises for you and yours.
My word is trust for 2013.
And on a side note, I’m hoping to be able to read your debut really soon…whoo-hoo! 🙂
I came and went from here quite a few times today. I’d say 2012’s word was WOW.
-I wrote a book
-I went to the Navajo Nation
-I went back to Bolivia
-I met all kinds of new friends
-I know who will squeal for chocolate
-I got called the Squirrel Lady
-I got to go to Cleveland…okay, now I’m just bragging.
I have loved watching your journey. Thanks for sharing and letting us be a part of it. 🙂
I didn’t have a word for 2012, but I think I’d sum it up with: Beginnings. I had so many “firsts” last year in the world of writing: first book finished, first content entry, first request, first rejection, first content final, first conference…it was an amazing, amazing year.
My word for 2013 is Rejoice. I don’t know if I’ll have much to actually rejoice over, but I aim to rejoice over whatever happens (Philippians 4:4).
And by content, I mean contest. Ha.
I love how you shared the summaries of the past few years. It’s amazing to see what God has done! And, just think, He has more planned!! 🙂 I pray the Surprises (I didn’t miss the plural) come from the Conga!
Oh, I just love the word “surprises!
In our family we combined two words: special + surprises and came up with “sprizzies.” I love giving my kiddos “sprizzies.”
My word for 2012 was Trust. God tossed in a debut novel — lots of reasons to trust — and then a computer crash, a wedding, and a wildfire all in the same month. Lots of reasons to trust then too.
My word for 2013 is Confidence, based on Hebrews 10:35, which says “Do not throw away your confidence …”
Surprises are blessings to come! What a great word!
My word for 2012 was Believe, and my word for 2013 is Freedom. I’m so thankful for the way God has used me in the past few years. His grace and provision continue to bless me. Now I’m striving for internal freedom from certain fears to honor Him with my life.
SURPRISES…what a wonderful word, katie…i just may have to borrow it 🙂
Surprises is a great word! I would use the word “humbled”. So many wonderful things I didn’t deserve happened to me. This year my one word is “joy”.
You know, Jessica, it was a total tie between gratitude and humbled. I felt both this past year. Love that you are chasing joy this year. I’m chasing peace.
See, this is why I love you. Talked all about gratitude on my blog today. You’re swollen with it & I love, love, love that!
~ Wendy
I read your blog post this morning with a smile on my face. Love that we’re on the same page.
It was suppose to say you chose a good word .
Thanks Elizabeth, for the encouragement!
I love surprises & I think you chose a good with.
I am sure you will do good this 2013 year.
Keep the good work up .
Ooh, I love surprises–well, happy ones, anyway. I hope 2013 holds tons of happy surprises for you!
Actually, I think “surprise” would be my word to describe 2012. It was full of ridiculously happy surprises for me. My one word prediction for 2013: Full. 🙂
Great word, Melissa! And it could mean so many different things. A full schedule (which you will have with your debut releasing) and a full heart, full spirit, filled with joy and peace. I hope this describes your year!