Well hello February

It seems like I have been called to a period of waiting at this time in my life. And I have discovered there is a lot to learn in these periods. I would never characterize myself as a patient person. I am not one to sit back and watch and hope... not that I don't do that sometimes. I have my dreams and aspirations. But I'm more of a get-up-and-get-it-done type. I'm a planner. I organize. I strategize.

But not always. Not now.

Right now, mostly, I wait.

And during this waiting I have experienced an odd phenomena. Time seems to stretch on and on and on; the future is this foggy unknown; the days go by marked only by their lack of definition and unknown answers.

And then suddenly it's February.

It's like I have been in this habit of waiting so long, feeling immobile, that though time is passing, I don't really expect anything around me to change because I'm in a seemingly static state.

But the month has changed. They tend to do that, I realize. And I knew it was coming. But it's here now. A simple change maybe. But a change nonetheless.

Perhaps there's hope for me too.

In the air

I have missed being here during the fall season. Truly. The colours, crunchy leaves, and rain - you just don't get those in Wyoming where I have been for the past two autumns. I finally got some time today to go out and enjoy one of these rare sunny November days we've been having.

It was just cold enough to drive my hands into my pockets and the wind made me shiver once or twice as I walked through the park in my sweater. I'm looking forward to toque, scarf, and mitten weather. And I think it's coming soon my friends! The snappy cold air lingered all day even as the sun tried to generate some warmth. There is nothing quite like that smell of winter eh? 

And winter IS coming. The world outside is getting duller by the day as the leaves lose their bright lustrous colours. I was glad to catch those that are still lingering. 

Red is in this year and I'm loving it. 

Change is in the air. 

Ready. Set. 

Go. 

Carving out time

So. Halloween is tomorrow.  

Costumes. 

Candy. 

Ghosts.

Leaves.

Darkness.

Fireworks.

Pumpkins. 

Did you say pumpkins? I love pumpkins. I like their cheery orange colour; I like their different shapes and sizes; I like their prickly stems and their earthy pumpkin smell. 

I like carving pumpkins. There is nothing quite like the orange, squishy, seed-filled guts of a good pumpkin. This year Janelle and I carved a rather delightful image of Wall-E into our chosen specimen, with the help of our little nephew.

What a joy it is to embrace the little traditions of fall. To spend time scraping out the inside of a fruit or telling a 2-year old a story about a robot. Time. What a gift. Autumn is one of the seasons that really shows me how fast time goes. 

Change is so visible in this season. Leaves change colours. The wind strips them from the trees. The clouds become constant companions. The sun comes up later and sets sooner. It's around this time of year we start saying, "I can't believe it's almost Christmas! Where did the time go!"

And yet, as time flies by us, we are still blessed with little moments whether it be pumpkin carving, crunching through leaves on a walk, watching fireworks or starting up the first fire of the season. 

"Life Means so Much" as Chris Rice puts it. Are we missing out on the gift?

Tomorrow...

Well I had grand intentions of writing a few more detailed blog posts about my trip this summer but time, it would appear, has gotten away from me. Perhaps I will yet come back to the topic but for now, I am about to embark on a whole new adventure.

A train.
A big city.
A fast paced intensive course.

New people.
New places.
New challenges.

I've been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive and now it is only hours away. I am taking my first big step towards a career in journalism... I am tempted to dissolve into tears of anxiety; to drown in the dread of the unknown. But...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

I believe in God's promises. I can not thank Him enough for His provision and His peace and His protection. I am blessed beyond imagining. He has promised to guard my heart and mind in Christ and I believe He does and will continue to.

I know that He has lead me here. I know taking this course is my next step. Now I know I need to give God the little things that have me worrying. Because He is sovereign over them too!

I remember, on our trip this summer, being fascinated by the little things; the tiny details God has designed in creation. I marvel over the work of little caterpillars.

I stare in awe at the intricacy of a flower.

I study the tiny designs in the leaves.

God's glorious fingerprints are everywhere; the evidence of His care and precision and attention is all around me in the inanimate world. How much more will He give His care to the details of my life? Small things like getting a good sleep tonight, arriving at the train on time, finding parking, where I sit in class, who will sit beside me, who my professors are, and what they shall teach me...all this is in His hands and will follow according to His sovereign plan.

And so. Tomorrow is coming. No sense in worrying. I rest in Him. May His will be done, for His glory alone.

Would appreciate your prayers as I embark on this journey.

Strong

With cap and gown you are robed
The picture of beauty and success
Eyes bright and radiant with joy
And that sparkle only you possess

It’s surreal for me to watch
As you take to the stage
It feels like you’ve barely started
But here you are turning the high school page

I hope you are proud to be here today
For you have done so well, more than I can say

I rarely fail for words
But today it’s not easy
To form feelings and thoughts
And not come out just plain cheesy

But how am I supposed to tell
How proud and amazed
And happy and blessed
I am to be raised
With a sister so gracious
And honest and kind
And, I’ve said it before,
The best friend I could find

I am blessed beyond words Sis, to have you around
And I dread the coming year as you head out of town

But my dear, you are blessed
For God is your guide
He has plucked you up in His hand
And you are along for the ride
Look where He has brought you
For truly it was Him
Who gave you your passion, perseverance,
And that joy none can dim

I am excited to be here
To watch you and pray
That you follow His leading
And find peace in His way
Danae, you are strong
Because your peace is in Him
You know your true purpose
You can face both easy times and grim

And so as you pass on from high school
Don’t ever have fear
Just make God’s glory your center
And keep Him always near

graduation brings out the best in all of us :)

so many amazing girls! So proud of them all!

!

kinda love everyone's expressions

love these girls soooooo much!!

Once upon a time...

I had a little sister who was just the cutest little person in the world. She was my best buddy and we made quite the pair. Back then I was two years taller than her, two years faster and two years smarter. But most of the time I felt that there was nothing separating us. She was my playmate, my confidant and my partner in crime. She was a goofy, squealing little child, ticklish too a fault and with a smile as wide as the horizon and bright as the sunrise. Her long blonde hair was unkept, her front teeth missing and her knees skinned but she was, even then, unbelievably beautiful.

This little scruffy sister of mine has grown up. She's still my best buddy in the world and together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Now I'm the shorter one and her long legs outrace mine but I'm pretty sure I've still got some smarts on her... There is nothing that comes between us and I trust her with my life. She's still a goof and I love to tickle her until she is in fits, if only to see that dazzling smile again and again. A couple weeks ago, I saw that unkept, skinned-knee little girl transformed into a stunning image of grace and astounding beauty. Could I ask for a more gorgeous subject for these photos???