Every new year, I like to summarize the previous year using one word and predict what the next year’s word will be.
Here’s a brief recap….
2009’s One Word Summary: Growth
I started doing this in January of 2010, which means I didn’t have a prediction for 2009. Just a summary. And with all the growing I did as a Christian and as a writer, I’d say that fits the bill.
2010’s One Word Summary: Surrender
Jokingly, I predicted that 2010 would be my year for Victory. Ended up being a year of surrender. Gotta love the irony there.
2011’s One Word Summary: Trust
2011’s prediction was Anticipation, since I had just signed a two-book deal with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Throughout the course of the year, I not only quit my day job, Ryan and I said yes to adoption, both of which required a lot of trust.
2012’s One Word Prediction: Change
Let’s see. Major high lights.
In 2012, one of my biggest dreams came true. My debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, hit book stores. I became a real-live published author. The entire experience was made a thousand times more awesome because of supportive, encouraging people like you!
In 2012, I watched my husband be selfless and brave. He became a living donor for his younger brother and is one kidney shy of the average.
In 2012, we finished our home study, put together a huge fundraising event, got matched with a two-year old Congolese boy, lost the referral, watched from afar as the country broke out in violence, and continue to have our eyes opened to the many challenges that come with pilot programs and adoptions in DR Congo….
In 2012, my little man Brogan started preschool and turned four.
If I had to sum up the year in a single word, it would be….
Grateful
I’m grateful for the opportunities God has given me.
I’m grateful for the support of family, friends, and this online community.
I’m grateful for the encouraging notes from readers and the way God has used Wildflowers from Winter to speak hope into people’s lives.
I’m grateful for a sacrificial husband and a healthy son.
I’m grateful for my publishing house.
I’m grateful for the way this adoption journey has opened my eyes to the plight of the orphan like nothing else before.
I’m grateful for God’s provision and peace in the midst of disappointment and unmet expectations.
2012 has been a lot of things. And I am grateful.
So what’s my one-word prediction for 2013?
I have no idea why, but the word that keeps popping to mind is….
Surprises
Let’s hope they’re the good kind!
Let’s Talk: What word would you use to summarize 2012? What’s your one-word prediction for 2013?
So honored and excited that Wildflowers from Winter made several popular book reviewers’ Best of 2012 lists! Thank you Rachel McRae, Casey Herringshaw, Brenda Anderson, Christy Janes, Lydia Mazzei, Rel Mollet, Renee Chaw, Gwendolyn Gage, and Kara Isaac (honorable mention) for bringing a huge smile to my face and pointing the way to some excellent books out there that I need to read!
Equally honored and grateful that Wildflowers from Winter came in third place for Book Club Networks’ Book of the Year, which is decided on by reader votes! Thank you so much to everybody who voted! To see which books came in first and second, check out the magazine (p. 64-65).
