Pay attention. That seems to be what God is telling me.

On New Year’s Eve afternoon, I posted a Facebook status that included these words:

… But you know what? It’s all OK. Looking forward to whatever this year has to offer — and especially whatever God has to offer — and thankful that, whatever it holds, I have lots of good friends along for the ride.

A half hour later, my husband came home and told me that he was just let go, effective immediately — happy new year.

A couple days earlier, I posted here on my blog about my renewed commitment to God: to turn away from turning away from Him. To lean on Him even when it was scary to do so.

You know, sometimes you just gotta laugh.

I know some people out there don’t understand why Christians believe what they do. I know some of my friends love me and yet don’t “get” my faith. Well, this is why. Because, no matter what happens, God always seems to prepare me. Oh, I still get knocked off my feet sometimes. I have all the same struggles and pain and worries and fears as everyone else.

But I don’t think this is a coincidence. My book is all about letting God turn your life upside down. About looking at situations in unexpected ways so that you can see God in them. I just turned in my manuscript to Tyndale last week, feeling thankful that I had all of last year to write it. I needed that time to rebuild, to process, to grow.

I have to believe He’s not done with me yet.

Over the past years of following God, I’ve learned to recognize His timing. And to believe Him when He says it’s time to pay attention. So I stand here, facing the unknown — like we all do, all the time, but maybe a little more so than usual. I may need you to help prop me up if things get tough over the next few months, but deep down I believe God’s got this. Can’t wait to see what I get to see of Him. And I’m so grateful that He allows me glimpses into His presence, little moments that remind me that He’s here, busy doing His thing.

And that, no matter what, I’m not in this alone.