Stepping Out
Hello and Happy New Year!
I'd like to share a devotional by Tracie Miles that expressed my thoughts perfectly......
"When life takes a turn, there are moments when the future feels like a blank canvas — but not the exciting kind. Instead, it looks more like an intimidating void. Maybe you’ve found yourself in one of those seasons, facing an empty nest, a painful divorce, a sudden loss, a career change, or simply the quiet ache of midlife.
Maybe your life took an unexpected turn years ago, and you never quite found your footing again. You've longed to move forward, to do something new, to embrace a dream God has placed in your heart — but fear whispers louder than faith.
Is it too late? Do I still have what it takes? What if I try and fail?
Friend, you’re not alone. But here’s what I have found to be true: You are not starting over. You are stepping forward into a new chapter, and God is already there, ready to meet you with grace, strength, and purpose.
Psalm 138:8 offers this powerful reminder: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
God’s purpose for our lives isn’t something we can miss, lose, or age out of. His purpose will be fulfilled because it’s not dependent on our flawless track record or perfect circumstances — it’s grounded in His steadfast love, which never changes. The love that carried you through past seasons will carry you into the next.
After all, you’ve been gathering wisdom, experiences, resilience, and faith all along. What you’ve been through has shaped you, and it is usable by God.
You’re not discarding your past. You’re bringing everything God has taught you. You’re moving forward with history, with growth, and most importantly with Him.
You are “the work of [God’s] hands” (Psalm 138:8), not forgotten or overlooked. You’re deeply loved and intentionally crafted. If God has placed a longing in your heart — to write, to create, to lead, to serve, to heal, to learn, to go — then that dream is part of His workmanship in you. And He will not forsake it.
So take the next brave step. Not because you have it all figured out but because the God who formed you and holds your future will fulfill His purpose for your life.
You’re not starting over. You’re stepping forward — with Him."
For months now, I've had this prompting to take some time away from the day to day, get away from my comforts and totally rely on God........ so here I go; I am stepping out!
My plan is to travel as the spirit leads me this year (yes I will also be scouting cool places to share with you). Along the way, I hope to post Blogs on my website and send you virtual postcards from my travels. And while I won’t be around for in-person classes, I’m still just an email or phone call away. So please don’t hesitate to reach out for prayer or encouragement. And who knows — when homesickness hits, it might be YOUR voice that is exactly what I need to hear.
And if you are planning on attending one of my already planned retreats, then we will catch up there -
Vietnam Retreat A Daring Journey Retreat March 1-10th, 2026 - which still has a one slot open.
Or at the newest offering with Heather to Budapest Hungary September 17-24, 2026. Check out the details in the link.
Thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for supporting my small business and the work I feel called to do. I am deeply grateful and continually inspired by your encouragement.
With all my love,
Hanan
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9