Oh for a Time Machine

Sometimes I really want to own a Time Machine.
Or a magic wand to alter the past.
Or a blackboard I can erase and wipe my personal slate clean.

Some days or weeks are just begging to begin again, to start over, new and fresh, full of better possibilities.

I know I can't go back and change the past.

With a few clicks on the internet I can try and delete and reorder and change things in the digital realm, however what's said has been said, and what's typed and seen lives forever.

I know I can't change the past...but some days I really wish I could.

Sometimes it's a moment or a chance, once gone, gone for good.
Sometimes it's a conversation taken the wrong way.
Sometimes it's news you wish to un-hear or an event you wish didn't have to happen.
Whatever it is, it's done, gone, said.

So. What can I do now?

I can learn.

Learn from a mistaken word.
Learn from what not to say.
Learn from what I could've said more clearly.
Learn that I am not in control.
Learn to trust.
Learn to forgive.
Learn to be more brave.

I can learn a lot from studying the past.

Maybe I need to become a better student.






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Looking Back

I was flipping through my photos from a year ago, June 2007, and these few favourites popped out at me. I love this house and these foxglove flowers growing in the wild-ish garden out front. I put this first photo on the front cover of a weekly Bulletin at my church (because that's what I do) and I received several lovely comments and compliments on the pretty photo. Thanks!

I also remember walking along Dallas Road with Sophie, my dog, on this particular evening when the moon was shining so brightly. I appreciate the beautiful city I live in and I adore the beautiful creation God lets us live in.

A look back....

As you can see, my blog has a new look for 2008....and it is a look back over my year of 2007.
I've had Camping trips, road trips, family trips, youth conventiuons, youth camp, weekends, walks, dinners, BBqs, and Galas.
I've spent time with family far and wide, friends closer and new, my lovey-dove Sophie and on my own.
My face has smiled, laughed, cried, sported swirls and sparkles, stickers, gazed in wonder, grimaced, flinched, squeezed eyes shut, frowned and relaxed.
I've heard new music, watched new movies, tried new foods, travelled across two provinces and up island, played with new gadgets and moved into a new home.
I've seen babies born, remembered loved one gone on and been a listening ear to those still here with me.
My world hasn't changed all that much; same job, same friends, same city, same life....but I can honestly say that at this point last year I was younger, more naieve, less thoughtful, and not as wise.
I may not feel as strong or as confident as I someday wish to feel, but I know that everyday I am learning and loving and walking my journey as best I can.
I know I am supported by my relationship with my Heavenly Father as well as my wonderful earthly family, my dear friends, my work and church family and even by those who say a prayer for me once in a while.
I thank you all for your part in making this past year an exciting, moving, fun, delightful, challening and insightful year.
I step forward without knowing what lies ahead, yet I trust my foot falls where it should. I can only hope to love more, learn more and grow more at each step I take.
May God bless you and your world this year, too!

This is my favourite photo I've taken from 2007: