Bruised and Broken

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

Finding February

February feels odd to me this year. I'm not sure why. I mean, perhaps it's related to my previous post about the sudden realization of change... but maybe it's also because I've just never really thought about it. 

This second month of the year doesn't really have a lot going for it you know. No big holidays. No change of season. And it's that oddly short month on the calendar. How many days again? 28? Wait, is it a leap year? How many would it have in a leap year again? Who decided on that system anyways?? It's still winter in February but it's not really known for its winteriness...at least not here. It's just chilly and wet and a short stopping off point on the way to spring I guess. 

We had sun this week though. And it's been uncharacteristically warm, though still cold enough to wear my new fuzzy boots and red mittens. It was rather pleasant, if I do say so myself. I was out walking and I was feeling sorry for this morose short month. The brief moment of sunshine made me realize that its rather grey most the time. Everything has a dull tone. Grey skies, grey-brown trees, the dead leaves have lost their luster, even the grass is rather dull. Winter has seeped into the heart and soul of the earth and it's just waiting for the uplifting fragrance of spring. 

And so I decided to capture this sunshine and search for the beauty I know is out there, the beauty that makes February, well, February.  

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. 

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.

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