Month: July 2013

Lord of the Sabbath

James HoganLeave a comment

One of my favorite passages recently…witness the grace and compassion and fierce anger of our Lord Jesus – marvel at His love and almighty power!

He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the main with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?”

But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” – Mark 3:1-5

Don’t have too many comments to add…just wanted to say how much I love reading about Jesus. I hope y’all feel the same!!

And now I guess I can write a few more words – chilling at Books and Beans(literally, instead of going from out in the cold to the warmth of this coffeeshop, I came from out of the heat to the coolness and shade here. Yay summer!!). I’m enjoying the remnants of my mocha(yeah, it’s definitely not hot anymore) and trying to persuaded myself to budge from my chair here. I shall soon enough, because it is a marvelously hot and sunny day outside and I need to soak it in. But for now, I want to finish writing this and then maybe write a couple letters while I have my lunch.

Anyways – I’ve had quite a busy week both at work and with people, so suppose I’ll share a few highlights! Working backwards…last night was most lovely and awesome – went over to Chris and Jo’s for a most fun evening involving delicious lasagna and salad and some yummy Tokaji as well! Besides just hanging out and eating and talking, we also watched “Princess Mononoke”, a delightful Miyazaki film. Oh gosh, how I’m going to miss these guys.

Thursday night – me and John and Rosemary went to cinema to see “Now You See Me”, a fun magic/heist/action movie. Morgan Freeman and Jesse Eisenberg and other fine actors made for a good movie, and of course being with cool people didn’t hurt. Wednesday night was bible study! Still studying Elisha, and as always, Dominic spoke with power and our prayer/chat time was oh so encouraging!!

Tuesday night! Hm, trying to remember what I did this night…did I just stay at home and have a quiet night? I think I must have, hah, seeing as I can’t recall what else I did. Monday night though, me and Mike and Chris and Phil went and saw “Pacific Rim”, which was ridiculous and gorgeous and crazy and really really fun. It was basically a movie about the end of the world and giant alien sea-monsters and mechs and really really amazing battles. Coolest scene – a mech riding a sea-alien into outer space and then pulling out a sword and slicing it in two. I think that sums up the movie. Anyway, we loved it. SO MUCH FUN.

And working backwards a bit more, while I don’t think I can do it justice at all(and this entry is already far too long), last weekend I was not here in Aberdeen, but with Joel and Graham, rafting the River Tay and enjoying the countryside in full summer bloom. We spent most of a day building our raft(felt a bit like Huck Finn!! Our raft – so much better) and then sailed a bit down the river…had a few adventures(like swamping our raft and almost losing all our stuff to the bottom of the river) and eventually we finally set up camp along the riverbank. Took us a few hours to properly set up and get the fire going. Finally, we were watching the sunset over the river and enjoying the first few bites of roast lamb…when we got an angry estate-keeper who kicked us off “his” land. Sad day! It was pretty late, but thankfully the cavalry(in the form of John, Duncan and Russell) arrived pretty much at the same time. After we delivered the sad news, we broke down camp and headed off to Graham’s house in their cars. Not quite the camping we had planned, but hey. An epic weekend was had.

Now, it’s really time to get going! Don’t know how much of my planned letters I’ll get written, but I’m really hungry for lunch. I’m in a soup mood – carrot and coriander today, methinks. Peace my friends!!

Sound of Thunder

James HoganLeave a comment

Before I start work this fine morning, just wanted to say how awesome a good thunderstorm is! We rarely ever get thunder and lightning here in Scotland(this may be the third time in my three years here?) so waking up today to the rumbling of thunder overhead…brilliant. And having to dash through pouring rain and flickering lightning to get from my car into work? Awesomeness. Who cares about getting a little bit wet?? So this morning, as I sit happily with the pattering of rain on my window and the promise of thunder in the air, I rejoice and praise the One who made it all.

Lavish Love

James HoganLeave a comment

Just thought I’d write a few words this foggy Tuesday night. I feel like I haven’t written in a while, but alas – I do not feel I’m up to writing much tonight. A long exhausting day at work, so now, I simply look forward to eating my dinner(chicken and baked potatoes and salad!) and reading a bit this night. A relaxing evening. And luxuriating in the fact that I am a child of God. And as I think on the love of my Father, I cannot help but rejoice! With purest music does my heart sing. Peace, y’all!

The Homestretch II

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, my friends! I thought I should write a few words this morning/afternoon, simply because I’m at Books and Beans and my computer is on and there’s really no good reason why I shouldn’t write. I got up this morning and after enjoying my walk into town, stopped at the bank and then came here for my morning mocha. Mm…it’s now sort of cold, but I’m still drinking it anyway. Soon enough I shall have lunch and make my way back to the flat, but for now, just enjoying reading and coffee time.

And the real reason I stared writing this was because I wanted to say that I shall soon be moving back to Houston. Yep, my time in Scotland is drawing to an end and my return to America is soon at hand! This past Monday I got my official offer letter from the Houston office and on Wednesday I signed my contract. So either in August or September, I shall be leaving Aberdeen behind and settling in Houston. I don’t have an official moving date yet – and I haven’t decided where to live in Houston – but these details shall come. For now, I can simply confirm that I’m coming back to America, y’all.

How do I feel about this? Well, I don’t want to delve too deeply into my feelings, but the word I think I’ve used the most this past week in talking with people about this has been “surreal”. Truly, I’ve been here in Aberdeen almost three years now. And it is home. And I have dear friends here and I love living here. And yet. I do feel that God is leading me to go back to the States. I’ll be so much closer to my family(2 hour flight is far better than traveling over 12 hours!) and I also have good friends in Houston! So though I do not yet know all that is in store for me as I get ready to move, and although I do feel a bit sad at the prospect of leaving everyone here behind, I look forward to the new adventures that await me! God is taking me by the hand and He shall continue – as He always has! – to guide me for His glory. Never shall I fear that my heavenly Father shall leave or forsake me. Never shall I doubt my Father’s goodness to me. Always shall I remember the great things He has done for me – for me!

And now, I shall get ready for lunch – think I might change it up a bit today and get a soup(spicy broccoli and cherry tomato!) instead of my normal ham-and-cheese panini. I know, daring.

Peace, my friends. Peace and love.

Houses of Healing

James HoganLeave a comment

Quickly this Monday evening shall I write. As the strong evening sunlight pours through my bedroom window, I feel compelled to write a few words, though what they be I know not yet. I think I simply want to praise the Lord my God for all He has blessed me with – my heart is too full and to speak many words would dull the glory of the hour. Yet, let me put to page at least a few thoughts, dear readers.

This past weekend has been a riot of love and sun and glories bright – I think the Florida in my blood still burns strong, as I’ve simply been unable to resist soaking in every last droplet of sun this beautiful Aberdeen summer has to offer!

Saturday I spent a few hours downtown…but upon coming home, immediately me and John made camp outside to take advantage of the absolutely gorgeous afternoon that was afforded us. Laura from downstairs was out in the garden too, with her sister – so we spent the hours talking and enjoying the warmth and heat of the sun. Eventually, Laura decided fajitas was a good dinner plan, so I helped her cook and then we(of course!) ate out in the still e’er so delightful summer evening. Eventually me and John went back upstairs and decided to watch The Amazing Spiderman(his birthday gift to me!). We went to bed a bit late…but that was no matter.

Sunday – well, I’m already writing too many words here, but simply – breakfast with Graham and Joel and Ben at Graham and Tineke’s – not going to describe the beauty of the morning, but suffice it to say that it was. And worship with the people of God in church. As always glorious. And when me and John came home, I decided once again – time must be spent in the garden! So while John cooked inside(keeping an eye on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon quest!), I read outside for a few hours. Lord of the Rings, of course. Eventually I went back in to watch the fulfillment of Andy’s quest(British champion of Wimbledon, huzzah!!) and then evening service at church! More worship. More awesomeness.

And today, I was working, as is good. Upon coming home, I couldn’t resist the lure of the sun and the call of the road beneath my feet. A quick run later, home again…and out again to the garden to read and enjoy the goodness of the Lord. The sun is beautiful and the heat of the Scottish summer on my skin is glorious and I praise the One who made it all. Reading a few chapters of LotR was simply lovely. I have to say, I think my taste in reading may be changing over the years. A few years ago I would have said the chapter “The Battle of the Pelennor” would have been my favorite. Fierce deeds of valor and epic victory over evil and hope triumphant. And while I still loved reading that chapter yesterday, today, reading “The Houses of Healing”, I think a new favorite chapter has arisen. The dazing aftermath of battle. The sorrow of the sick and wounded. The slow renewal of hope. The return of the king into his city. And the hands that had just dealt destruction to the enemy and sent terror into the heart of darkness healed the broken and brought peace to the sick in heart. The hands of a king are the hands of a healer, indeed. Yes, a good chapter.

And of course, Aragorn and Gandalf both got to be extremely snippy with long-winded Gondorians! I just may have laughed out loud in the garden as I read.

And seriously – this is enough of me writing! I’m going to finish preparing my dinner(chicken and baked potatoes!!) and enjoy this evening the Lord has made. And as I think further upon my time here in Scotland dwindling, I cannot be thankful enough for what the Lord hath wrought here. In my life and in for His glory. Always. Peace, yo.