This is a peaceful night. A night of rest.
And I sit here and praise my Father for all that He has done for me. Praise the Lord!!
And I am thankful. For everything. For my hot dinner and comfy couch and the soft whine of the lamp behind me. My friends, my family – have a most beautiful night!!! May your hearts sing with mine!
A kiss upon the lips,
A cup of coffee in
my hand,
and all the colours
glow a little brighter.
And half-sung words
of grasping love
try to touch the stars.
So, it’s random-Tuesday-night update time!!
And seriously, don’t want to write much this night. But just wanted to say how thankful to God I am for a chance to sit quietly this Tuesday night. Thank you, Lord – that I can rest after a long and tiring day. This is such a pleasure!
And also – so so joyous upon hearing the news that Maryanne now has a job!! Teaching third-graders in Gainesville. I couldn’t do it. But you’re going to be absolutely amazing, by the grace of God – this I have no doubt whatsoever!!! (Also, you will be taller than all of them. This is a plus)
And so with my dinner(burritos and my tomato-avocado salsa!) in front of me, I simply wanted to offer up a song of praise to my God this night!! Peace my friends!
Just going to write a few words this afternoon – don’t feel in much of a writing mood, to be honest! But as it is Saturday, thought I couldn’t just leave this page blank. Just got done doing some cleaning around the flat – vacuuming, laundry, etc. Also threw a bunch of old papers out in preparation for upcoming move(current date is set in September – about a month to go here in Scotland). Now, sipping my coffee and debating on whether I want to go out in the garden to sit and read or not. The weather is a bit inconstant, fluctuating between sun and clouds. We shall see. Anyways, for now I write!
This past week’s been another busy week, so having a day of rest today is just oh so lovely. And this morning got to catch up with Jackie at Books and Beans – fantastic! First time I’ve seen her in a while – as always, awesome chat.
And now I sit and ponder on the words I’ve just read in Isaiah – frightening and terrifying and glorious. The judgment of God sits heavy upon the land of Israel(and yea, even the whole earth). It is terrible to think of us, the clay who rebels against our Maker. And we think we know better and we think we are gods. And we are as nothing. We are but dust. And yet we rage.
But then we come to these beautiful words!
Is it not yet just a little while before Lebanon will be turned into a fertile field,
and the fertile field will be considered as a forest?
On that day the deaf will hear words out of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD,
and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. – Isaiah 29:17-19
And now I think I may go outside after all! Trying to figure out what to read though – Lord of the Rings is my normal outside-reading book and I finished it yesterday. Oh such a good book!
Before I do go outside and enjoy the sun…I leave you with my latest CD, “The Homestretch II”:
1. Let There Be – Gungor
2. Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective
3. In Your Sleep – Andrew Belle
4. Lover of the Light – Mumford and Sons
5. Maybe They’re On To Us – Needtobreathe
6. Hello Again – Lost Prophets
7. Taikatalvi – Nightwish
8. Storytime – Nightwish
9. Stars – Philip Quast – Les Mis
10. Night Castle – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
11. Butterflies and Hurricanes – Muse
12. The Scientist – Coldplay
13. Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
14. Make My Life a Prayer to You – Keith Green
15. War – Trip Lee
16. It is Well with my Soul – Bob Kauflin
17. This is Not the End – Gungor
18. Finish the Fight – Martin O Donnell – Halo 3
Now – time for garden and sun and being with my Lord.
Peace, my friends – and much love!
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Quickly I write!
About to go off to Rosemary and April’s flat for dinner(a surprise meal- I have no idea what’s brewing!), but I wanted to write a few words. Firstly, I need to say that I still maintain Halo soundtrack music is some of the best writing music there is. I still remember writing Finance discussion boards listening to this…and now, as I’ve struggled through my Bible study prep(this coming week! Elijah awesomeness!! Well, not really. More like Elijah despairing. But that doesn’t sound that fun..) – anyways, I’ve gotten my best writing done listening to Halo music. I don’t know why.
So yeah, been working on my Elijah study for the past few hours now. I really should have been working on it all day, but I’ve been procrastinating by drinking coffee and looking at pictures and talking to fam. Oops. But these past few hours have been productive – I now have a very serviceable draft(i.e., I’d be comfortable preaching off my current notes). Tomorrow afternoon, want to tighten it up a bit and work on structure and format, etc. Anyways, I’m sort of looking forward to Wednesday night. Key point – we are not alone. God our Father is with us. Always.
That’s enough of that though. You surely don’t want to hear all my study thoughts!!
Last night was bittersweet. Mostly sweet really! Ruth and Zara came over here for a delicious(if-I-say-so-myself) fettuccine alfredo dinner with me and John. Youtube videos were watched and cake was eaten and laughs were had and funny pictures were taken…and I realized yet again how much I love these guys. Why sad though? Well, Zara’s moving tomorrow(Northern Ireland – home – for a month, then Glasgow in August)…after I helped her move her stuff to her brother’s this morning, we said goodbye. Well, not goodbye. Not forever. But I don’t know when I’ll see her again. And as we hugged farewell, I just…couldn’t help but be a bit sorrowful. She’s been such a friend to me…indescribably so. And so, instead of wasting mean words now, I will simply say a prayer of thanks to my God for giving me a friend such as her. Peace, my friend.
And now, I must away. Dinner calls my name!
Something Weird 