It’s almost hard to believe that another year has come and gone. It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready to launch our third (in)RL webcast and here we are, packing up the holiday decorations and looking forward to a new year.
But before we jump into the new, we thought it might be nice to look back at some of the highlights from this year and give God thanks for them. We’ve walked together through the everyday, ordinary parts of life together — and out of all the opportunities God has given us, the dreams He’s said “yes” to, and the words He gave us to share — our most cherished moments happened when we stepped across time zones and computer screens to grab hands with one another and simply say, “Me, too.”
We thank God every day for each of you. All of this — the posts and the products, the stories and sharing — it’s because of you, and for you, and for each of us so we can walk in this everyday faith together.
2014 Highlights
In January more than 400 of you joined us in choosing your “One Word” for the year – the word that God put on your heart, rather than a list of resolutions. We were inspired by your words, your courage to share them, and we can’t wait to hear what word God has given you for 2015. (Check in with us on Saturday for that post!)
In April we hosted our third (in)RL webcast and thousands of you joined us from your living rooms, churches, and coffee shops around the world to share your stories. Your story matters, and we were blown away as we saw God at work, building, repairing, and bringing new communities together. If you missed this year’s amazing theme song and video, we’ve got it for you!
Wondering what the plans are for 2015? God has given us an exciting vision for bringing community together (in)RL in a new way, and we’ll be sharing more soon — stay tuned (and be sure to sign up for our emails so you don’t miss any exciting announcements!).
In May we shared with you the new line of (in)courage Words Matter Art Prints. Your purchases of these beautiful prints, along with our Letterpress Blocks (August) and Everlasting Light jewelry & home decor (October), are the reason we can continue to offer free, daily encouragement on this site — and we are so blessed by your love and support of each item we introduced this year! {{pssst…and your feedback is already being used to make the new items for 2015 even more awesome — we can’t wait to share them with you!}}
This month we’ve been celebrating all of the women God continues to bring together here on the blog and on our social media channels. Not one single follower, fan, reader or friend is a number to us — oh, no. You are family, and we have been so blessed this year to watch our family grow in some amazing ways!
- Twitter: over 100,000 family members
- Facebook: over 165,000 family members
- Instagram: over 8,000 family members
- Pinterest: over 4,400 family members
It has been our joy to connect with you beyond the blog post, to see and read more of your stories, and to watch you find community with one another. From joining together on Facebook to dig deeper into the Bloom Book Club selections, to celebrating Advent with you this month as we counted down to Christmas with Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, spending time together was the best present we received all year – because we knew you were there, too, with your warm cup of coffee ready to start the day focused on Jesus.
We’ve got some really fun plans for our social media channels in 2015, so we hope you’ll connect with us there, for a little bonus dose of encouragement in your day!
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What would a year-end review be without a look back at some of our favorite posts from the year?
- 7 Things You Need When You’re Overwhelmed & Can’t Keep Up
- When Fear Chases Me
- What To Do When Compliments Scare You
- The Ugly, Valuable “Before” Photo
- Words for the Weary
- God Wants to Know: How Are You, Really?
- The Year We Hoped
- When You Are Not Fine
- The Day I Saw Jesus
- When Slaying the Giant Is Only the Beginning
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It has been a wonderful year, sisters! Thank you for joining us here, for praying for us and with us and for one another with such steadfast faithfulness. The friendships we’ve made in this space are by far the best highlight of the year — and we can’t wait to see what God brings our way in 2015!
With much love, cupcakes, and confetti,
All of us here at (in)courage
Leave a Comment
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
(in)courage,
I am so thankful that I am not, as you said, just a number. I feel like my words, thoughts and feelings are listened to and lifted up in prayer when needed. I love starting my quiet time in the morning by reading the (in)courage post! You are a lamp that lights my path and a balm of peace and encouragement. I am really looking forward to what you have in store for 2015. Thank you for all you do to build community within your readership! Happy New Year…can’t wait to get started 🙂
Blessings,
Bev
Karina Allen says
This is lovely Bev! Thank you! You are always such an encouragement to us! Thank you for your faithfulness to be in community with us. it is a joy to serve you!
I pray that the God’s highest plan for you will be realized in 2015!!!
trista says
Thank you wonderful women and friends. You are a blessing.
Karina Allen says
Trista, you are so sweet! You are the blessing. Thank you for sticking with us in this space!
May the Lord lavish His grace and favor upon you in 2015!!!!
Claire says
Such a lovely post! Wishing you all a blessed 2015.
Karina Allen says
Blessings to you as well Claire! Thank you for being here and sharing!!!!
May 2015 bring more than you can imagine!!!!
Kimmygirl says
I look at the cute picture of you all on the curved sofa and feel like I know you! I can honestly say that your posts and writing this past year have impacted my relationship with Jesus. I’m grateful for the honesty and transparency at (in)courage- as well as the amazing writing. Have a wonderfully blessed 2015!
Jennifer Dukes Lee says
I love this, Kimmygirl! So glad you feel at home with us. Grateful for your kind words. Maybe someday, we can share space on a curved sofa! xo
Karina Allen says
Kimmy, that blesses my heart so! I wish that you were on that sofa as well. One day I hope to hear your story and all that the Lord has done in your life.
I am overjoyed to know that God is using our words to speak life and hope into your walk with Him. It is our prayer that we would always be honest and transparent in this space. It a honor to serve you here.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
May Jesus be radiant in you and through you in 2015!
Penny says
From the bottom of my heart , thank-you to all of you…..You have helped me more than you know.
(love the song too)
May you all have a blessed 2015………….
Penny
Karina Allen says
Penny, it is a great song! It just makes my heart happy!!!
You are such a blessing sister! It is our privilege to serve you here. Thank you for being committed to this community.
May God shine His face on you in 2015 and exceed your every expectation!!!
Kim j says
InCourage has been such a blessing to me!! I truly have found community and love here, and it has strengthened my walk with God. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2015. God bless you all for your time and dedication to this ministry.
Karina Allen says
Kim, thank you so much! That means alot!
It is our prayer to be a continued space of authentic community, love, friendship, truth and healing.
Thank you for being here! You are treasured sister!
May God overwhelm you with His love and mercy in 2015!!!!
Jenni DeWitt says
I’m so grateful to have found this community. I tell my friends, “These are my people, our people. You’ve got to check this sight out!” It’s amazing to find so much love, support, and inspiration all in one place. Such a treasure! I am excited to see what lies ahead in 2015!
Karina Allen says
Jenni, I LOVE that! We are your people and you are ours!!!!
It is our heart to foster genuine love and community in this space. May God be praised!!!
Thank you for your faithfulness. You are a gift!
May the Lord birth some dreams in your heart and stir up a deep desire for Himself and His kingdom in 2015!!!!
Linda says
Your words have been inspiring. So glad to see the generation of young women growing strong in the lord. I was surprised though not seeing a wider age group in that very large group. In my walk with the Lord, God has placed several key older ( Titus) women, in my life that influenced me greatly, and still do. Thank you younger women for speaking into a sixty somethings life.
Karina Allen says
Thank you Linda for your words!
I pray that you always find truth and encouragement here!
May God reveal some beautiful mysteries to you in 2015 that will draw you closer to Him and bring encouragement to those around you!
Beth Williams says
Dear In(Courage) women,
Thank you for following God’s leading and being obedient to do His will and write for us. We (I) really need this encouragement. 2014 was a tough year dealing with dad’s ailing health, job issues with me and hubby and at the end losing 2 friends. Constant struggle with my emotions all over the map!
You have sustained me through these tough trying times and helped me to encourage others and realize that people have worse problems than I do and I can pray for them.
Thanks so much! Have a blessed New Year!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Beth!
May God bring supernatural healing, provision, restoration and hope to your life in 2015! Believe Him for BIG things. He is a BIG God! He loves you and cares for you. May you sense His nearness to you in this season. Trust that He has good in store for you because He is your good, good Father!
Sandra Reeder says
Thank you for all the encouragements throughout the year. You’ve taught me to be more obedient to God’s word & to follow Him & to always want to live like Jesus. Last year was a tough year, losing my dad & my husband’s mother. We had some low days, but you & God’s word sustained us. I pray you all have a blessed year!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Sandra!
Praying for sustained healing and joy in 2015! May God stir up a deep desire for His Word and presence. May you seek nothing over Him. May you hear His still small voice and follow Him with reckless abandon! He is so worthy!
Lori says
I’ve been thinking of a word or “theme” to focus on for the new year and that word is renewal. I was so excited when I saw the verse for today!
Karina Allen says
Lori, I love it when God does that! He make all things new!
I pray that in 2015, He breathes new life into some dry places in your life. May you begin to seek Him like never before. May you discover new found intimacy with the Lord. May you hear His voice in fresh ways.
May He exceed your every expectation! Blessings to you!
Lisa says
Can’t believe the year is almost over. Can’t wait for what 2015 has in store.
Karina Allen says
Couldn’t agree more Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marina says
love it! Love y’all!! Can’t wait to see what God’s been working on behind the scenes for 2015! Thanks for the look down memory lane!!!
Karina Allen says
Love you Marina!!!!!! God is on the move and it’s the best adventure ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jean says
Thank you for being a blessing to me in the year 2014. Look forward to your postings in 2015 !
Karina Allen says
Thank you Jean! We are having a blast walking out God’s truth and love in this space!!!!!!!!!!!
Marisa Slusarcyk says
I love this post! It is si (in)couraging to know we are all part of the (in)courage family. Thank you dear Sisters! I can’t wait to see all that 2015 brings. Many blessings to each of you!