When I began this blog on March 26, 2012, I had no idea where I would be or what I would be doing when 2013 rolled around. In fact, I had no idea where I would be or what I would be doing when March 27, 2012 rolled around. “But God is faithful!”

I wrote earlier this week on New Year’s Eve that I would be reflecting on the past year and eagerly anticipating the new one. I am careful to point out that, for me, “reflecting on the past” does not equal “dwelling in the past.” In fact, I don’t even dwell on yesterday. It’s done. It’s “unchangeable history.” I probably too readily “move on” from my yesterdays, and that can be misunderstood as not caring by those whose nature is to ponder the past and long for its moments to remember or to relive.

I couldn’t handle living in both the past and the present. One time zone is enough for me! I’m grateful to have a natural outlook that has a singular focus: forward momentum. My parents have instilled that in me, and I have come to value it more through each passing year!

Rather than writing a “my goals for 2013” post today, I just want to share with you the “where I am” and “what I am doing” as of this present moment. The hand of God has held mine every step of the way, and I truly do consider every moment of my life a “journey of joy!”

As for location, I have been able to stay in the greater Milwaukee area. I have not moved. I have always felt that being in a good church is critical to my decision-making process when it comes to where I live. So let me share one brief story about how God used that element to lead me to stay: My first Sunday without a church home, I knew that if I didn’t go somewhere, I probably would use that as an excuse not to faithfully be under the preaching of God’s Word from there on out—so I knew I had to go. Three things led me to a church right near my home: (1) My dad had briefly crossed paths with the pastor many years ago, and spoke highly of his character and integrity. This recommendation was huge for me. (2) It was big enough that I could “sneak in and sneak out” if I hated it. (3) I was now unemployed, gas was at its all-time high, and the church was very near my home. (Yes, that’s a lame reason, but God uses all kinds of things to lead us!)

I drove to church on March 25, 2012, and as I fearfully prepared to open my car door and get out, I silently prayed almost these exact words, “Lord, just use something today in this service to give me hope. I simply need hope today. But please make it clear to me, because You know how bad I am at discerning Your leading sometimes!” I walked to the front door, was greeted by sincerity and kindness, and looked up to see a ginormous sign outside the main auditorium entrance that stated the church’s theme for 2012: “The Story of Hope!” (Wow!!!) The church has its roots in the same roots from which I came, so it was like coming home! I’ve gone back every week since then (unless I was out of town), and I became a member of Spring Creek Church in July!

As for work, I looked through literally thousands of job openings and applied to more jobs than I ever thought possible. The Lord began to use specific people and events to open my eyes to the fact that I should focus on using the skills and gifts He gave me—gifts and skills that had been some of the most enjoyable aspects of many of the jobs I’ve held through the years. I began to avidly research and study and glean from the advice of others in the field, and chose to place my full focus on working as a freelance proofreader and editor. I had prayed that, if He chose to do so, the Lord would give me a job that (1) provided a steady income, (2) allowed me to work from anywhere—primarily so that I can assist my parents or family if they need anything, and (3) would be something that I would truly love doing.

I created and launched PEP Writing Services to promote my freelance work of Proofreading, Editing, and Publishing Preparation (PEP!), and slowly but surely, I am learning about the process of adding and filtering through clients and services. Through a connection with a communication firm, I was able to begin working as a freelance proofreader. I love the work, and continue to count them as my favorite proofreading clients! However, I found that I was getting twenty hours of work one week and two hours the next! The uncertain cycle continued throughout the summer and the early fall. I knew I needed something that would provide a little more certainty but still allow me to retain my current clients.

God is faithful! Mid-Fall, a friend provided a connection with a self-publishing company that offers editing packages to its clients. After taking their editing test assignment, I was invited to join their team as an outsourced editor! I have been reading several books each week, and I positively love what I’m doing! And yes, I have even been able to work from my parents’ home in another state a few times already! Soon, I will be able to have a steady income from this! The more I learn, the more I see that God has been preparing me for this all along! His way is perfect!

In the small photograph of a year’s time, no one wants to be unexpectedly unemployed, without substantial income for more than seven months, and wondering “where” and “what!” In honesty, I will readily confess that I found myself all too often at the brink of literal disaster. But as I glance back at 2012 and look ahead through what 2013 holds, as God wills, I see their place in the mural of life. It comes down to four simple words: “But God is faithful!”