Month: September 2012

Life Eternal

James HoganLeave a comment

And I am oh so weary this Tuesday evening. But…I need not be downcast. Truly – “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” True that!! A thousand times yes. And thus I sit back in my chair and relax in the peace that comes with knowing my God. My God.

And now, about time for my meatloaf and potato dinner. Another blessing that we don’t often consider enough – that we have such delicious and plentiful food. Truly, let us be thankful!

Farewell, my friends. Grace and peace.

Hope

James HoganLeave a comment

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law’s commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

Hawkeyes

James HoganLeave a comment

Currently in Starbucks, even though it’s a bit late in the afternoon. My feet are itching to leave and enjoy the sunlight!

But I did want to write a few words – you’re not complaining, right? I got a couple new CDs that I ordered today, listening to one of them now – such gorgeous and heart-enlivening music!! I’m so excited that I can’t help but share them with you. Once you see the track list, you’ll understand why I love them so. Listening right now to And Can it Be sung by thousands of voices…oh for that glorious day where we all shall sing together to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever and ever. And ever. Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me????


1. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
2. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him
3. A Debtor to Mercy Alone
4. Hallelujah, What a Saviour
5. Mercies Anew
6. Before the Throne of God Above
7. Come Thou Almighty King
8. Immortal, Invisible
9. Like a River Glorious
10. The Look
11. I will Glory in My Redeemer
12. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

And if that isn’t enough…the live album from Together for the Gospel 2008.


1. A Mighty Fortress is our God
2. It is Well with my Soul
3. How Firm a Foundation
4. Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
5. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
6. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
7. How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
8. My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
9. I will Glory in my Redeemer
10. Arise, my soul, Arise
11. The Power of the Cross
12. My Song is Love Unknown
13. And Can It Be
14. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
15. Before the Throne of God Above
16. In Christ Alone

So yeah. Couldn’t help but share.

And listening to these songs now, how my heart is encouraged and my soul is lifted up! I have had a long and weary week, full of trials. My heart has been burdened and my soul downcast. Yet now as I praise my God in song and thought…there is such a peace in my heart. A peace that surpasses all comprehension. Oh how blessed are we. I seriously am so overwhelmed by the goodness of my Lord in granting me such peace and encouragement this afternoon. If I could weep…

So last night as I came home from work tired and discouraged, I decided to go for a run in the crisp autumn air as the sun gloriously set. That was definitely much enjoyed! Afterwards had a sweet talk with Dad and then showered before my dinner of frozen pizza and spinach salad(ok, maybe not the most elaborate dinner, but it sure tasted good!!).

Now this morning was sadly filled up with being at work and trying to keep the reins steady on my wildly careening project. Thankfully was only there about four hours and now I’m here at Starbucks(could not give up my Saturday Starbucks!). Been here for a couple hours now and really should be leaving soon…but no, a few more words. These songs(now listening to Before the Throne of God Above) are seriously amazingly powerful. I’m…a bit emotional listening to them. Just finishing reading a letter from Mom, too – received very timely today! Oh what a joy to read the six pages from her. Oh joy, oh bliss. Love you, Mom!! 🙂

Now my peppermint mocha is a bit cold, so it must be about time to go. And my CD is on the last song(In Christ Alone). It must be a sign.

Farewell, all. Grace and love and peace. Hope in the Lord. Sing and dance and wonder at what amazing love we are blessed with so. Peace.

A cloud floats free from filmy sea to frozen sky,
Rainbow croons of crimson peace and truest glory,
An apple tree blossoms white in silent beauty,
And upon the land a song of love is lifted.

Blood so perfect, blood so true,
How oh how could Christ love us so?
Story written, love anew –
Glories and wonders and beauty!
Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords
King Almighty and He Who Will Reign Forever,
Song of my heart and Poem of my soul,
Jesus my God.

Haste the Day

James HoganLeave a comment

How blessed is the man
who has made the Lord his trust,
and has not turned to the proud,
nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

Many, O Lord my God,
are the wonders
which You have done,
and Your thoughts
toward us;
there is none to compare
with You.
If I would declare
and speak of them,
they would be too numerous to count.
-Psalm 40:4-5

Bliss. (Also, all of Psalm 40…love it so)

Unveiled

James HoganLeave a comment

It is a dark and weary night.

Ah and how do I need this night of rest! It has been a long and most tiresome week…but now my Father has granted me a night where I can be alone and rest in Him. At peace. Joyful. Confident that no matter what hurricane assail, I need have no doubt or fear. I am watched. I am held. I am loved. Never shall I fret when I am lavished with such grace as sits upon my shoulders! Never shall I weep when I am blessed with such an encompassing love eternal! Never! Cruel and raging world – you hold no chains to me. I serve a higher Master. I serve a greater Lord. Oh love-torn songs and notes of wonder! Falling veils and dancing thunder! I do not cry for loss, no – I weep for love. Jesus my God – hold me still. Bliss and poetry and writ of heaven. I bow my head.

What more can I say?

And as the aroma of meatloaf wafts through the room, I think dinnertime calls my name. Tonight is a good night. Peace, my friends.

Autumn Leaves

James HoganLeave a comment

Well, I thought today I’d post a rather epic entry involving the recent adventures of the parents over here on my island(yes, they were here in Scotland and it was glorious and magnificent!! And I really don’t think I can adequately describe it with my words, but my times here with my parents this past week are times that I will remember always…).

But I’ve seemed to have used up a significant time here in Starbucks already(mostly putting pictures on facebook, hmm…) and it is a most beautifully sunny day outside and I cannot spend anymore time here in Starbuck’s depths!

So I go now and leave you with the sweet sound of silence. Enjoy your day, y’all…and rejoice in the peace that comes with knowing our Lord and our God – our salvation and our song. The glories of the universe and melodies of the stars above pale in comparison to the Majesty on high.

And now I really bid thee farewell. Peace!

Grace Eternal

James HoganLeave a comment

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and the love which you have for all the saints;
because of the hope laid up for you in heaven,
of which you previously heard in the word of truth,
the gospel which has come to you,
just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing,
even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it
and understood
the grace of God
in truth.