Everyone wants a piece

Just a few minutes ago I opened my email to a whole list of promotions all begging me to use up the last of my money on their products, promising that they had that perfect item that would complete my list of Christmas gifts.

They all want a piece of me this Christmas. In our materialistic, consumer-based society, it seems like everyone wants a piece! The stores want our money, our jobs want as much work as they can get - giving the least amount of holiday time possible, our friends and family want our time, the charities want our donations and volunteer hours, the special shows and concerts want our attendance, and the cameras want our smiles. 

Sometimes it feels like we aren't just doing the consuming, we ourselves are, in fact, being consumed by this holiday season. Piece by piece by piece. 

And yet, it's "the most wonderful time of the year"! The time of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Funny that, our greatest desires during this season are usually never realized. Our hopes for a peaceful, joyful celebration surrounded by those we love, celebrating the greatest gift of all, usually go unmet. We have spent so much time consuming and being consumed, that when it all comes down to it, we have nothing left. 

Everyone around us wants a piece, but really... what we all want more is peace. Something we can't get from each other or even ourselves. We ache for that great hope of Christ's return and we pray that we will be filled with joy and love from above. 

At least I hope we do. I hope we stop and let go a little bit this season. Don't be consumed by the holiday, but rather, be filled.

For "every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation of shifting shadow" (James 1:17). 

Scone Confessions

So I bake scones for therapy? What you gonna do about it? 

The answer is, come over and help me eat them.

Seriously. I am on such a scone kick over here that my family is threatening to take away my pastry blender... or they would, if they thought of it. Because I refuse to make scones with anything except an old fashioned pastry blender, without it...I'd be lost.

Raspberry Almond

Not that they don't like my scones or are sick of eating them - no the real problem is that they like them TOO much! See, they are worried about their waist-lines...and so they should be. It isn't exactly the most health-conscious pass-time to pursue I guess.

But lately, it's my stress-reliever, my fallback, my happy place.

Blueberry Lemon

Just me and the pastry blender and the soft dough. And when that perfect, warm, flakey, yet fluffy pastry comes out of the oven... well its almost bliss. Almost.

It started with the blueberry lemon scones (those are still the favourite) and grew from there. Raspberry almond, strawberries and cream, banana maple pecan, and tonight it was chocolate hazelnut. I'm pretty much stoked for autumn and all the new flavours that it inspires (think: cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, CHAI, and vanilla)

Then I made mock devonshire cream. Best idea ever. I guess I'm secretly British at heart, or at least... in the taste buds.

Chocolate Hazelnut

The arms that rocked me

As is always fitting on a bright Mother's Day Sunday, Pastor Don preached a message all about mothers today. He quoted from an old poem, you may have heard it: The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. 

It got me thinking about those hands who did so much more than just rock a cradle. They cleaned, they bandaged wounds, they caressed my hair, they taught me to crochet, they showed me how to knead bread, they held my own as we walked down the street. Those arms held me tight on countless occasions, from the rocking chair when I was a child unable to sleep, to the floor when I collapsed in distress, to the airport as I left home... and they are always open to me. 

Those hands that I know so well, always moving, always busy, always fulfilling another need. Those hands and the woman to who they belong have taught me well. About life and love and faith; about work and rest and play; about tears and joys and pain; about gentleness and strength and endurance. 

This Mother's Day, I am thanking God for those hands, those hands who have influenced countless lives besides my own and which I hope to one day be able to mimic with my own. 

Farewell

For being the shortest month of the twelve, February seems to have dragged on rather long this year. I wasn't ready for it when it got here but then it seemed to be quite happy to stay awhile. Funny how time can just fly by slowly....

It was also one of the busiest for our family. It seemed we were always headed somewhere for some festivity or another: weddings, parties, baby showers... I'm hoping a new month will give us some time to breathe.

It was a month of bright sunshine and drenching rain. As usual, the people of the Fraser Valley seemed to be trying to rush spring one day: planting flowers and taking walks without jackets, but the next day they are hitting up the slopes, enjoying the fluffy snow of a glorious powder day. I just have to smile. We live in a truly special place here on the coast. 

Today seems like the perfect day to bid February farewell. Wet, windy and wild, I'm looking forward to March and the closer it brings us to the freshness of spring once again. 

Some of my favourite pictures of the month came from my dear cousin's wedding (no surprise there!). I was blessed to have both my sisters with me again and to enjoy the time up north with family. 

Still hard to believe my beautiful little cousin is married! 

Typical Swaan-Styles girls pic 

Loved watching the precious moments between my aunt and Courtney as they both move on to a new stage of life.

These two are my favourite. Best friends for life.

Me and my gorgeous, talented sister who slaved over everyone's hair all morning! 

Always Daddy's little girls

Flickers of Christmas

The flickering glow of the fireplace

dances around the room

and the wind whispers frosty carols 

flitting through bare, dark branches

furry slippers keep me warm

and safe

and so cozy

I wiggle my toes, close my eyes

and just let the Christmas air absorb, like the cold

into my bones

my nose

my smiling heart

Perfect blend of gingersnaps, broken pine needles

and vanilla 

the shock of fresh peeled orange

tickles my nose 

I sneeze into the softness of my creamy scarf

and I snuggle deeper into its caress

after tugging my woolly toque 

over my ears 

Amy, Michael and Kenny harmonize

saturating the air with nostalgic joy

the tea kettle whistles 

chocolate swirls and dissolves

rich and sweet

topped with melting whip

like the snow, so anticipated

I lift the curtain one time more

despite disappointment, smile

Mom's voice, soft like wax dripping

in smooth red trails down, down, down

flames testifying to Messiah's advent

glowing, one two three four

hope. peace. joy. love.

flickering together

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?

a happy place

Summer Memories: August 8-11

The excitement began under sapphire blue skies and the brightest sunshine I've ever seen. How does one describe in mere words the magic of "the Happiest Place on Earth"? From the pavement beneath your dancing feet, to the flag topped spires of the castle, with all the music, rides and shows encompassed between, Disneyland embodies the childlike, limitless fascination of imagination. Every detail is perfectly designed to draw you into the world of make-believe; every song tugs at the heartstrings of your memory, stirring up clips from favourite childhood movies; even the smells are cheery: sugary churros, roasting turkey legs, fresh coffee...

I can remember walking in with my family that first day, all of us like giddy little children. We were ready to be amazed, looking for the magic, embracing the colours, the sounds, the laughter and smiles of everyone around us. Every corner led us to something brand new and exciting. Each ride brought a thrill of discovery and exploration. Each beloved character elicited squeals of joyous exclamation. 

Disneyland is oddly...perfect. I mean, until you put all us humans in it. It's so spic and span, seriously you could probably eat off of the ground. You could get lost in that world of imagination, the unrealistic fantasy of storyland...if not for the occasional baby screeching or the overpowering heat or the growing impatience that comes from waiting in too many lines. 

a patriotic place too...

Kind of puts things into perspective don't it? The supposed "Happiest Place on Earth" is a far cry from true happiness and joy. Without a doubt, it IS a happy place but I think it also highlights how inept we really are at creating our own joy. 

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11) 

Truly God blesses us with innumerable moments of joy here on earth. Imagine though, the "fullness of joy"; everlasting joy in His presence. One day we will be there forever, constantly praising and rejoicing in Him.

Disney magic all night long

My best girl

Saying goodbye once again. This time to a beloved friend and four-legged member of our family. We were blessed with twelve years of furry companionship with our dear Java, and yesterday we had to say goodbye.

I hardly remember life without Java. I was only eight when Jordan brought her home, an adorable bundle of big eyes and soft paws. Ever since, her expressive sweet face has drawn friends and strangers alike to adore our beautiful girl. She was Jordan's best bud out there on the farm and running all over the mountain. She was always ready and eager for a swim in the lake, a dirt bike chase or a cuddle by the campfire. She became my best girl as we spent early mornings walking, watching the sunrise, and afternoons delivering papers together. She kept us warm in tent on camping trips, cleared the beach of rocks for us, ate up all our leftover lettuce heads, and cuddled with our kittens. Ever loyal, ever true. There is hardly one childhood memory that doesn't include her smiling face. How thankful I am for the years we had with her.

Of course she had her animal moments: tearing off after an illusive rabbit or barking throughout the night, keeping everyone up. She couldn't stand wind or thunderstorms or fireworks, poor delicate pup. Then there was the ever frustrating disappearances when she decided to wander off only to return in her own good time. But she always did return, every time. Her big brown eyes staring up adoringly even as her tail drooped in apology. It's hard knowing she won't be coming back this time.

She was our perfect dog. Loved by all the whole family and she loved us in her doggy way. Even Mom and her had an understanding I think. They loved each other in their own way, respected each other and protected each other. No other pet has really fit out family like Java and I'm sure none will.

As we continue to find little pieces of her throughout the house and yard, the constant reminder of her missing presence is surreal. The shock of saying goodbye so fast isn't easy but the years of memories are a balm to our hearts. She was truly a gift, a blessing, and a special friend.

We'll miss you Javapup.

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!!