2016 in Review

2017 – HERE WE GO. Like many people, I am happy to see this year arrive. 2016 has brought many stellar moments and a lot of heartbreaking realities. And quite honestly, I have made some kickass goals that I am ready to crush during the new year. Lookout -Leslie Hannah King Knope on the horizon!

leslie-knope-fierce

However my “achieve a backbend” and “turn in your RSVP on time” will just have to wait until I have fully reflected and celebrated 2016. Because lets be honest, memory fades and how else will I remember come next year?

At the beginning of 2016, I chose two words that I wanted to focus on throughout the year – Release & Be. The idea of choosing words was to simply make a conscious effort to focus on them daily, and then at the end of the year see if change occurred from that choice. Honestly, I had no idea what my words were to bring except that I wanted them to be true of myself – to LET GO of control, and BE content in who God made me to be rather than seeking perfection.

Now looking back it’s crazy to see how those words were so consistently written across my entire year. When it first began, it was more of an emotional change I was seeking. I thought I would be working on letting go of pride, expectations, singleness and so much more. But I had no idea that Jesus would bring those words to have more of a physical meaning. In May I read the book Anything by Jennie Allen and started surrendering that prayer. The thought had been on my mind long before, but the book solidified the anxious tug at my heart. And after a half-year of what I like to call “heart preparation”, I was called to my Anything.

“Hannah, quit your job. Leave your friends. Move from Fayetteville. Come trust and follow me.”

Ehhh.. What? As exciting as it is to adventure and try something new, it’s equally heart-wrenching and scary to leave what you love behind. But the most hopeful thing is, Jesus sees and knows the glory in it all. So He called me to my words, let go, and taught me to be while fully trusting and relying on Him. Five months later and still uncertain of what’s next, I realize Jesus must have done some WORK because I don’t know how I haven’t been having a heart attack every day. But reading through some prayers, I see He kept my calm but continually speaking His truth over me:

September 8th, 2016 – Trust brings clarity.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

September 26th, 2016 – Surrender brings freedom.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.. Hebrews 12:1

October 12th, 2016 – Brokenness means healing.

Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds. Hosea 6:1

November 11th, 2016 – Life comes from self-denial.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

November 30th, 2016 – Faith requires patience.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7-8

December 10th, 2016 – Hope builds strength.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Today I am back in Fayetteville visiting friends, celebrating engagements and enjoying the feeling of being back “home”. As much as I love every minute here, I have realized I wouldn’t trade one jobless nomadic learning moment to go back. Trusting comes from a brave jump. Surrender does bring freedom. And believe me, weariness requires strength and patience. But Jesus is faithful, and He wants to show us that He provides all of those things and more. In 2016 He asked me to let go, and in return taught me a new way of life. That’s a trade I will make any day.

Time to celebrate!

TOP 10 2016 MOMENTS

Chattanooga New Years