"Last Year"

The phrase, "last year...." once referred to 2005, a year of many experiences. I lived in Calgary, working for Haworth as a showroom designer, spending obscene amounts of time and energy at my job to accomplish the demanding job. I travelled to the Dominican Republic, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, Denver, and Holland, Michigan all by the end of September. I felt successful, empowered, and proud (for the most part) of the life I had there. I spent weekends hiking and recuperating from my busy schedule with friends. I loved having my sister, Leslie, move and live in Calgary. It stopped feeling lonely when she arrived.

However, now "last year..." refers to 2006. In 2006, I moved and continue to live in Edmonton, with a very different life than the previous year. I looked forward to long weekends, not to do more work, but to leave this northern city. I no longer dream of my next North American showroom, with corporate visits, but instead the idea of being a poor student burdened me. Travel seems far from my life right now. The year of 2006 is described very differently....kayaking, waterfalls, University after-degree, and part-time designer.

I don't know which was or is better. I still miss 2005. I miss the people, my job and the knowledge of my place in this big world. Maybe, that is why in referring to "last year..." I wish it could stay 2005 forever. I never want to forget or let go of it. It was a good year to be proud of.

You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced.

You aren't an assembly-line product.

You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted,

and lovingly positioned on the Earth by the Master Craftsman.

~Max Lucado

In reference to the Savior, Jesus Christ, Sister Bednar state, "He knows you one by one, He hears you one by one and He can heal you one by one." The world is full of unique, talented and gifted children of a loving Father in Heaven. His way is simple, and can be obtained by all.

Personal Journeys

Each of us is on our own journey to the promised land. For Lehi and his family, their journey took them from Jerusalem to North America. For the children of Israel, they left Egypt to inherit Israel.

What is our personal promise land? Unlike the children of Israel who wandered for 40 years, I will not wander with uncertainty of the course. I know the way, the path is defined and the end is known. There is a rod to grasp in times of extremity that will prevent falling into the darkness or the raging river of life.

Think of a long hike with traverses, barren fields, and soaring peaks. The only way to overcome is one foot in front of the other. If the continual movement in the right path is followed, the sight is stunning, the water fresh and the accomplishment is worth the effort.

Don't misunderstand, the hike must be planned for in order to succeed. However, if obedient, and if the preparation is followed exactly, this journey leads to life eternal. You can stay forever! You will not descend the mountain once obtained.

Therefore, you must choose with true desire and effort to climb the mountain of the Lord, to the promised land. You will not be alone, but strengthened, lifted and the tender mercies of the Lord will bear witness in your life.

Do We Aim High Enough?

"The great danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high

and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

~ Michelangelo

If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise. ~ Robert Fritz

I wonder how many people have set their goals too low, and yet have reached them. Some say that you can't swing from the branches till you have climbed the tree- that you must first accomplish the small and meager before reaching for excellence. Yet there are many days that I feel like a compromise- that my life is not the dream I had imagined. Now only a few leaves linger, a few blinking images of what once was my dream haunt me.

I hope I can uncover my dream and release myself from the one that is leading me towards continual compromise. In a movie I recently watched, it is uncovering the -ness in each of us. The innate person in each of us that knows our primary dreams, desires, and futures. However, I must admit, my amber-ness feels lost. What did I give her up for, or where did I loose her? I don't know, but I intend to find, embrace and celebrate her!

Winter nights!

Edmonton continues to be cold. The streets are icy, and the snow piles are large. And yet, life continues on. Many need groceries, need to go to work, need to go to the bank and need to continue their lives.

I find courage to head outdoors in -36 degree weather (with the wind chill) when I see a small child or senior. Both impress very different tracks in the snow and on my heart. To be a child again, full of energy, endless possibilities and no bills.... or to be the senior with years of experience, understanding beyond my own, and treasured memories.

In either case, the road is long in life and I'm glad to be where I am. We all need to laugh, to love and to feel treasured. We need to find our own dance and song.

Beauty of Winter

Winter is raging in Central Alberta. Today I caught the bus, for the first time, to get to the University campus. A new adventure of beating the chill of the wind blown snow. Okay, not beating it, but definately running away from it. It is cold!

It is days like this, that a warm blanket, slippers, and a romance movie should be enjoyed while sipping hot chocolate cuddling with one you love. Otherwise, these days fill with solitude, isolation and bitter chill.

Winter wishes of snow angels, icicles, hot chocolate, snowmen, and warm sweaters, out weigh window scraping. I really hate car window scraping. However, driving down a street with trees heavy with snow glistening and smoke topping the roofs is a delight as it feels like a winter wonder land. Remembering these treasures when my legs are cold, nose running and cheeks rosy red warms my whole being with a quick smile.

A New Year! Welcome 2007!

A new year always feels so exciting. For some reason, I feel anything is possible. Maybe relaxing and spending holiday time with family refreshes the year end deadening sense or simply I'm a cronic procrastinator and a new year wipes the old slate clean. Whatever the reason, I welcome the new year with open arms.

In Church on Sunday, one of the speakers shared this quote..."God does not give us overcoming life, but gives us life as we overcome."

Life is wonderful. Life is full of adventures, challenges, and great experiences. Some are more strenuous and trying than others but the growth and experiences are necessary. As they make us who we are and need to be. They make us the children of God that are purified to return back to Him if obediantly righteous in this mortal world. Festering in my trials is easier than living them, but living them is the greatest adventure of all.

What will 2007 be? What adventures will occur? I do not know. But I will embrace what comes and enjoy the journey. Time flies too fast to not cherish it. So, Welcome 2007!