Born that way

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Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors their ways,
and sinners will be converted to You.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness,
O God, the God of my salvation;
then my tongue will joyfully sing of
Your righteousness. -Psalm 51:5-14

Oh I will sing!!!

Ahh this has been such a sweet day!! Admittedly, I’ve been inside for most of it…but that’s because it’s been grey and gloomy and rainy outside all day long…so I decided it was a perfect day to relax indoors. Had a late night anyway(sweet party times with Aiysha and Sam et al!) so woke up sort of late…(11AM, eek! That’s probably my latest lie in in quite some time!) So after my shower I enjoyed my sweet bacon and coffee breakfast and reading…and for the past few hours I’ve been chilling in my living room and compiling a new iTunes playlist(felt it was time for a new one…and in doing so, realized I had NO “And Can it Be?”. That had to be rectified and so I found a sweet version…in this awesome CD that you all should get – Resolved Music, Vol 1 on Amazon. Great stuff)…so making the playlist took me a while because I kept getting distracted(first by talking to Laura on Gmail…and then Katheryn. So worth it though! *waves to both*). Anyways here’s the playlist I came up with…I’m pretty happy with it. Presenting…”The Homestretch”:

1. Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
2. It’s Beginning to Get to Me – Snow Patrol
3. All of Us – Blindside
4. Ever Dream – Nightwish
5. Dargor Shadowlord of the Black Mountain – Rhapsody of Fire
6. Nothing but the Blood – Jars of Clay
7. Go Hard ft. Tedashii – Lecrae
8. The Prodigal Son Suite – Keith Green
9. Something Beautiful – Needtobreathe
10. Die Alone – Ingrid Michaelson
11. Blackout – Muse
12. Yellow – Coldplay
13. Revelation 5 – Hope Bible Church
14. And Can it Be – The Enfield Hymn Sessions

Good stuff, neh? I’ve been listening to it right now and I am most pleased. I forwent my usual hardcore opening and went a little softer with Postal Service and Snow Patrol opening…but don’t worry, got at least a little power metal awesomeness in there with Nightwish and Rhapsody. I’ve been much enjoying Rhapsody of Fire on the way to work lately – glorious beautiful music(even if Galan’s the only other person I know that agrees!!)

And in other news, tonight having Steven, Maren and Anna over…my 3rd night having people over in four nights!! But this time, Maren and Anna are going to cook apparently, so I can relax a bit. Ooh, I probably should clean the kitchen a bit though before they’re here. Yes, good plan.

And although I think I have more to say, time to run to the store to get some juice for tonight and then prep my place for company. Hope y’all are having a most glorious day!!!

Rock on!

Light infused

James HoganLeave a comment

Of good bacon and sweet coffee and loveliness…as I take this amazing Friday morning and glory in the beauty of the day!!! I’ve started a Friday tradition of waking up a bit earlier(around 5-ish instead of 5:30-ish) and making bacon along with coffee…and having a nice extended time to read and relax before I go off to work. And that means I *won’t* be spending much time writing…sorry, I know you all are terribly disappointed. Looking outside the window here as the sky slowly lightens…

For 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.
-Romans 8:18

Tea and a pen in hand

James HoganLeave a comment

And a lovely Thursday night to you all!! It’s approaching the time when I should be going to bed…but no, writing a bit would be *far* more fun! Tonight is the first night I’ve had by myself in quite some time…and that’s not a bad thing, but a little rest and relaxation is most definitely appreciated!! And so you may be wondering what I’ve been up to these past few days…but before I get to that, time for a little announcement. I have my USA return date…April 4th it will be! And sadly there won’t be any time to visit Florida, but I WILL have an approximately six hour layover in Houston! So any of you in Houston that have a few spare hours that day…just saying. Oh and wait a second. I never mentioned where I’m going, did I? Well, Oklahoma City it is! At least…for a few months. Apparently on May 2nd I’ll be receiving word on where my more “permanent” assignment is. But it’s a bit odd…a few months ago I was thinking that I was definitely looking forward to being back in the States…but now that I have my departure date, I feel strangely sad. Or maybe not so strange! Just thinking about leaving Aberdeen now…and not leaving the city, really, but the people. I mean, sure – I’ll miss the sweet narrow streets of Aberdeen embracing me close and the way the sun sets through the perfectly blue northern sky and the chill air’s touch on my cheek and the twinkling of the morning star as I drive in to work…and being reminded every time I step outdoors of the beauty of the earth that the LORD has made…but that is not all. And see, I’m trying to postpone my sorrow at leaving by not writing about what I’ll miss the most. I’ll miss the friends that the Lord my God has given me here…the church so providentially placed before me…the late nights and the early mornings and the coffee conversations and the cinema moments and the wonder and joy at sharing my life with such dear friends…Aiysha in her many distracting ways(I’m pretty confident in saying that we’ve had some pretty radically awesome conversations..)…Steven in his total awesomeness(we may have far too much fun together, but is that a bad thing, hm??? Oh God’s blessed me with his friendship)…Anna in her sweet intensity and joy(oh but we have a glorious time discussing the goodness of the Lord together….that He would bless such fallen ones as us!!)..and well…I could keep going, but it would take a while to get through everyone! Just know this – God is good. And He has blessed me exceedingly. As always. And then…well my church. Gilc is a place filled with people longing to glorify God and teaching the Word and reaching out to Aberdeen around…and it is beautiful. A place where the truth is preached mightily(went through the first half of Jeremiah 7 last Sunday evening. Yeah. That was a bit intense…Jeremiah was told to stop praying for the people…because God would not hear him, for His people had abandoned Him for that which does not save and for gods which do not move and for things which do not satisfy. And so the God of the universe prepares His wrath. Although his patience is exceedingly great, it will not last forever. And..yeah). A place where our glorious Jesus Christ is exalted.

And new paragraph time, neh? Because I did intend for this to be an actual update of what I’ve been up to lately…and I’ve failed miserably at that and instead turned it into random musings! But, I should stop thinking about leaving Aberdeen, since I have a good month and a half before I have to go! And that time will be spent glorifying the Lord, I so declare. And enjoying His goodness!

And now I have very little energy left for writing(or rather, little desire…since my writing muse has been used up on the previous! And my emotions are spent…), so it appears that the afore promised update will be a bit…er, short. ANYWAYS. Last Friday night, went down with some of the guys to Arbroath, where we were having our Gilc Young Adult Weekend Away trip, huzzah!! We started off having a good dinner together(must have been about 30-40 of us? I’m rubbish with estimating head counts) and then playing some intense challenge-type games. We were all in teams and each competed in separate tasks. Mine was to roll marbles across a table trying to catch the sticky tape at the end. Yeah. It’s harder than it sounds. Anyway, my team fell behind quickly, but came back to make it 3rd(out of 8 teams). Good show. And after that, a few of us stayed up for a while talking and chilling…

Next day, I meant to get up early! Alas, this did not happen, but made it down to the dining room for breakfast(the food all week was ridiculously good. Seriously. For Sunday dinner we had roast beef, potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings…cobbler…ice cream…and that was just one meal) and then later saw Steven and Anna! They couldn’t come the night before because of work so was most glad to see them arrive. We then had our first seminar…and to save time, I’ll try not to give you a blow-by-blow account of his teaching, but it was a most encouraging and exhorting time of realizing how important theology is to our walk with Christ(a good theology is critical in three areas…our sanctification, our service towards others, and our worship – yeah, that pretty much covers everything). Later that day, a bunch of us went on a walk along the coast of the North Sea…and oh it was beautiful. I can’t really describe it…other than to say that looking at the sea lap up to the cliffs below our feet as the clouds descended upon the distant horizon in splendor…I could have spent all afternoon sitting on the edge of the cliffs watching the sea(me and Steven climbed down to the edge to the great chagrin of some of the girls there…) but alas, I was with a group and so had to rejoin the party soon enough..

And walking back along the coast as the sun began to set and making sweet conversation with Anna, praying mightily and rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord. That’s a pretty good afternoon, no? After getting back to the conference center, Anna owned me in ping-pong(yes, I will admit it. 21-14, 21-18 I believe. Ow) That evening was more fun times engaging in costume hilarity(the theme was “Farm”. I was wearing my Iowa Hawkeye jersey shirt. Get it? Iowa? Farm? Yes? Yes) and more games. Stayed up late again…got some pool in and more talking. The next Sunday morning was our last breakfast together…then worship service time! And finally we all had to make our way home. If you’ll notice, I accelerated near the end there, but be assured that there was much more awesomeness than I’m revealing here!!

And now we come to Sunday afternoon, where we got back home to Aberdeen about 4pm or so. Made it to Gilc for evening service(for the aforementioned Jeremiah sermon of sobering intensity) and rejoicing with my fellow brothers and sisters(sidenote – read Psalm 130 that morning..sang it in the evening…oh God is awesome!)…and then me and Aiysha hung out for a bit(first time we’d seen each other in ages!!). The next day I was quite exhausted(work was tough, I’ll admit. My body cried for sleep). But Monday night did I sleep? Of course not!! When do I ever listen to my body, anyway? Steven came over for some Unit-watching action(Unit = an amazingly awesome special ops Army squad show. How did I miss out on this one??). Steven has the German version but thankfully we’re able to hear it in English. Anyways, we finished Season 1 on Monday and started in on Season 2, all the while enjoying some classic chicken caesar salad action…

So Tuesday night did I go to bed early? Of course not, once again! I think I mentioned this in my previous entry, but me and Aiysha hit up the cinema that night. Wednesday night was my weekly Starbucks dinner night(and by dinner I mean coffee. Shhh) and then worship/study/prayer at Gilc! We went over Romans 8:22-39. Just saying, Romans 8-11(particularly 8) have been some of my favorite chapters EVER these past few months(one of these days I’ll have to actually write up a mini-essay on that chapter..)…and so yet again, my Father continues to bless me. It was a glorious night.

And tonight? I rest. Can I write more? I can. Should I write more? Hm…if I actually want sleep, maybe not! Do you all want me to write more?? (No answer required)

But as I sip my mint chocolate tea and ponder on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…I can’t help but give glory. And I think I shall do a bit more of that in the privacy of my own head apart from this coldly glaring computer screen.

Love y’all.

Upon a lake

James HoganLeave a comment

And now from Aberdeen, g’morning all!!! Don’t have too much time to write now as work is about to start…but just wanted to say that despite the gloomy rainy day that is today, I am feeling marvelous and looking forward to dominating some work this day! For the past few days I’ve quite wanted to update y’all on my past weekend(which was simply glorious!!) but that will have to wait as I simply do not have the time now. Tonight I’ll be going to study/prayer time at Gilc…and probably won’t be home ’til after 10 at the earliest…but tomorrow night will be my first night to myself I’ve had in a week or so! So maybe tomorrow night. Anyways, last night I went with Aiysha to the cinema and as always, we had marvelous times together and I’m ever so grateful to the Lord my God for such an amazing friend!!! God is good, what more can I say?? I doubt, yet He is ever faithful.

And now it is work time. Time to glorify God a bit, yo. Have a beautiful morning, my friends!!! Let’s bask in the goodness of the LORD!!

Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
-Psalm 136:26

Overwhelmed by joy

James HoganLeave a comment

So I really should be going to bed now. If I go to bed now, I’ll get approximately six hours of sleep. Which is good. The bad thing is, I’ve been drinking coffee the past hour. Hm. Bad decision? We’ll see. Sometimes coffee doesn’t affect me. Let’s hope tonight is one of those times!!!

Anyway, I also probably shouldn’t be writing this, because it delays my head hitting the pillow…but don’t worry, I’ll keep this short. Honest!!

Just wanted to state that today has been totally awesome…starting with a sweet morning relaxing, drinking coffee and enjoying the marvels of the Lord in His Word(specifically classic Romans – 8-11…love those chapters!!!) continuing on through a great day at work(including sweet conversations with friends there…Mark, Paul, Hashina…and CHOCOLATE CAKE) to a walk in the cold rain(not so great, but hey, not complaining) to Starbucks where I had my dinner(steak panini + peppermint mocha = pure deliciousness) and more awesome times in the Word(more Romans and then epic Zechariah action!!!) culminating in an oh-so-lovely time of fellowship at church(drinking in the goodness of the LORD in the Word, prayer and sweet talks with friends…Steven and Anna, you guys are awesome)…and am I still on the same sentence? Sorries!! Sort of. Anyway, just realizing that despite all the blessings God has poured out upon me, my greatest joy is in Him alone, knowing that whatever situation I’m in…I can look to Him and my eternal hope before all else. The sufferings of this present time are indeed not worthy to be compared with the glory that is before us!!!!

And on that most glorious note, I’m off, y’all!! Have a most beautiful night!!

The Kingdom

James HoganLeave a comment

Oh, the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God!
How unsearchable are His judgements
and unfathomable His ways!
For ‘Who has known the mind of the LORD,
or who became His counselor?’
Or ‘Who has first given to Him
that it might be paid back to Him again?’
From from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever.
Amen.
-Romans 11:33-36

So yeah, reading Romans 8.5 through 11…and I’ve decided they’re pretty much my favorite chapters right now. So so so amazing. And apparently Paul agreed with me as to the awesomeness of these chapters because the above passage is how he concludes! I want to write more to express my adoration for the Father…but my wonder at His love really can’t be much better stated than in the above verses. Anything I would add would just be rubbish…

Have a most glorious day, y’all!!

Before the sun

James HoganLeave a comment

So why am I awake so early? I woke up at 5 this morning…more than two hours before I have to leave for work. Some people(all people?) may think I’m slightly insane(which may be true), but I love having a nice relaxing morning with plenty of time to read and get ready for the day. And so now I’m munching on bacon and sipping my coffee and rejoicing in the beauty of the day that the Lord has made!! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!

2010 In Review

James HoganLeave a comment

So it’s a beautiful Sunday night here in Aberdeen, almost 9:30, and I really should be going to bed…but the writing urge is on me. Sadly, my muse is not cooperating. Punk muse. Anyways, today was rather awesome, even though I spent most of it at home(I feel a creeping sickness coming on…nooo!). I did go to the morning service at church – my first time at Gilc in about 3 weeks! So it was great seeing everyone again and finding out how everyone’s Christmases were…and then I found out my pastor is starting two new sermon series this year – Romans in the morning, Jeremiah at night. EPIC. Two of my fav books – I can’t wait!! So excited that I think I may read Romans tonight before going to bed…not that that will help me get to sleep any sooner. Nah, sleep is so unnecessary.

Also, since apparently I can’t come up with anything original to write(I’ll probably get some inspiration as I’m drifting off to sleep of course), I thought I’d do a year in review:


1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Lived in another country! Scotland w00t!!

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions for 2010? Will you make more for 2011?
Well, I don’t really make resolutions, so no. Will I make any for 2011? Nope.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
DREAM MARIE AND DAVID. WHAT!!!?!?! Baby Gloria is just made of awesome and it makes me sosososo happy I finally got to see her this past Christmas. YES.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, but this question is still quite sobering…knowing how many people die…by the minute…

5. What countries did you visit?
Scotland, obviously. England and Holland, if airports/train stations counted. I don’t think they do, so I won’t count them. Hopefully France(maybe Italy too!) will get visited in the next few months…

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Seeing certain people…whom I haven’t seen ALL YEAR. Namely, Rob G. Among others. There’s quite a few people I haven’t seen all year and that is just wrong.

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Mmm…so many days are memorable, but I can’t think of one single day that stands out above all others. God is good every day. That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it. Any singular moments that stand out in my memory are going to stay with me alone – don’t think I share every intimate detail of my life on here! (Sorry to disappoint)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Achievement? Of my doing? Well, I can’t really credit myself…but just seeking after my Lord and Father’s face more and more every day…I consider that an achievement.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I am a man of many failures.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Got sick a few times…nothing too bad though!

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmm, I don’t buy much, but I guess I’ll say my camera(Canon Powershot) after breaking my old one in a tragic accident on Enchanted Rock about 6 months ago…

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
This is such a weird question and I don’t get it. Everyone’s? I’ll just pick someone out at random…Laura my sister – whose domination in school continues. I swear, I think she’s a harder worker than I ever was; her work ethic puts me to shame. She’s about to graduate from Gaither this year!!

13. Whose behavior made you mad and ill-willed?
Another odd question. I’ll just be boring and say Congress. I don’t like to get political, but they really do a lot of silly things and the rampant corruption and self-serving by the members of the US Congress is a bit depressing. But then I look at the governments of much of the rest of the world and in comparison we look pretty ok…which is scary.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food? Actually scratch that. Probably rent. Oh yeah and MY CAR. Aeryn took up a lot of my money the first half of this year…*shakes head sadly*

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going home to see my family this Christmas!!! Oh and coming over here to Scotland. Yeah, that was pretty big.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Hm, this is always a tricky question. For some reason the answer’s always a pop song. That’s a bit worrisome. Anyways, the answer(after a moment of reflection) is Alejandro by Lady Gaga. Shh, don’t judge, yo. Or actually, judge all you want. But I don’t care. I’m sure there are other songs that will remind me of 2010…but the year’s barely over, so hard to tell.

Oh and going to add on to this one real quick. Just listening to “Open Your Eyes” by Snow Patrol right now…and that definitely will remain a 2010 song(no matter when it came out). I’ll always remember listening to it driving through Houston crazy traffic as the sun sets behind me…

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
1. Happier or sadder?: Happier? Yes. Every year has always been better than the year before so…
2. Thinner or fatter?: The same? I don’t know – I haven’t weighed myself in ages.
3. Richer or poorer?: Richer, I suppose. Working for a year will do that.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Write. Oh that would be a good resolution(If I made resolutions, which I don’t. So never mind). I do so need to write more but my discipline at forcing myself to write is really quite non-existent. I’d love to start writing an actual long work of some kind…but to write a couple short stories/essays would be a start. Alas, it seems poetry is my only outlet of late. And that rare.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wow, not sure how to answer this. Waste time on the Internet? Probably that’s it. Eek, sorta scary.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with the fam, relaxing, eating awesome food, playing ping-pong…watching ’24’…actually why am I re-summarizing this. I wrote an entry on this a few days ago, so go read that.

21. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Well, I already spent it..but I spent the first part of it at work(sadly) but spent the rest traveling to the Isle of Man and spending an epic weekend with the Ripamonti family there!! New Year’s Eve, I got in to the airport about 8PM. Robbie picked me up and took me straight to his house, where there was a party going on…so I got to meet lots of people I didn’t know and have good conversations…and watch the clock wind down to midnight where we all celebrated! Five hours ahead of most of you(or six if you’re in Texas…or…well, calculate it yourself if you’re somewhere else), so hah!

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Whoa, whoa…what is this personal question doing here! I refuse to answer this on principle.

Hah, but no, no falling in love for me. Not yet.

23. How many one-night stands?
HEY. This is way too personal. And besides, if I said none, would you believe me? Well, you’ll have to take my word for it. No one-night stands for me.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
LOST finished this year!! So I guess I’ll say LOST. Also, got into 24, which is also pretty intense.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Um, no? I don’t like hating people, in general. It’s not fun.

26. What was the best book you read?
Oooh, tough. Best new book, or old one? (I reread lots of books) Best overall might be the Life of Jonathan Edwards, by Iain Murray. I just love that book…read it for the second time earlier this year. Best new book? Possibly the Towers of Midnight, penultimate book of Wheel of Time series. It was EPIC.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Lecrae? Well, I didn’t technically discover Lecrae this year(David introduced me to him a while back), but I didn’t fully appreciate and love him until this year. His older album(Rebel) has been my favorite walking-in-Aberdeen music these last few months…

28. What did you want and got?
For what? Christmas? I’ll pretend that’s what the question is asking. And I asked for clothes, “Contributions to the James-sometimes-looking-cool Fund”…and I got an awesome sweater vest(from the parents), a sweet blazer shirt(from Katharyn) and…a kilt. From(who else) all my sisters.

29. What did you want and not get?
Again, I’ll take it this is Christmas. Anyways, I wanted a Church History book. Didn’t get that, so guess I’ll have to buy it as a present from myself!

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
New film? Inception! A remarkable film in that it was a big Hollywood film and hugely hyped…and it actually delivered. And it is currently in my possession. Great, great movie.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent time with some of my awesome Htown friends(after working) at my apartment, eating yummy food, drinking coffee, having sweet conversations… Glorious evening…I miss y’all, Htown friends…you know who you are.

32. What’s one thing would have made 2010 immeasurably more satisfying?
I can’t think of anything. Honest. 2010 was a good year.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Same old? I don’t know what my personal fashion concept even is. Anyone care to enlighten me?

34. What kept you sane?
Finally an easy one!! My Lord and Saviour, Father and King, God of the Universe, Jesus Christ.

35. Which celebrity did you fancy the most?
Hmmm…I don’t really have any celeb crushes at the moment. Sorry to disappoint! Is there anyone I *should* be fancying?

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Hmm, this is a dangerous question…so I’ll just be political and say: “No comment.”

37. Who did you miss?
LOTS OF PEOPLE. Too many to name. Far too many. If you’re reading this and aren’t in Aberdeen(or maybe even if you are!), you’re probably one of them. My family of course…Rob G, Laurie, Deanna…all my Gville friends…David and Dream…all my Tampa friends! Will and Alex…and all my Htown friends…and if you didn’t get named, don’t feel bad – blame it on my sleepiness!! I do truly miss you all. Well, unless you’re a random person I don’t know who’s reading this. Then of course I don’t miss you.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Oh gosh…this is a tough one. I guess I had already met most of my Houston friends in 2009, so I can’t name any of you guys. So that means it would be a Scotland person…well, I guess if you take talking-time as quality of friendship, Aiysha would win that lottery! We’ve had some epic conversations and sweet times together!! Sadly, I haven’t seen her in about 3 weeks…But yeah, she’s pretty awesome(*waves to Aiysha* SERIOUSLY, we must hang out soon!!). ALSO, meeting most of the Ripamontis for the first time!! Me and Robbie had some sweet times together this past weekend on the Isle of Man…a New Year’s never to forget. Technically, I met Robbie on New Year’s Eve, so that counts for 2010, right??

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Just one? Well, I think I already knew this, but it was further reinforced in 2010: having guy friends is pretty awesome. And now that I’m currently in a far-away land from many of my good friends(specifically thinking of a few of you in Houston…), I think how blessed I was to have some sweet man-friendships in 2010. Ladies, don’t get me wrong…I love you and all…but guy friends are just…different from girls. And having fellow men and brothers whom I can share everything with and pray in sweet communion to our Jesus with…that’s just awesome. And I miss it a bit now.

40. Quote or Song Lyric that sums up your year:
I have become a marvel
to many, for You are my
strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with
Your praise
and with
Your glory
all day long.
-Psalm 71:7-8

And that pretty much sums it up. A MUCH longer survey than I anticipated! All I will say further is something I think I’ve said every year now for the past few years…once again, God has blessed me exceedingly. And I know that this year, 2011, He will bless me still. Whether I am in times of great bounty or times of tribulation, I will always love my Lord. He is good. And He is God.

The eye of the sea

James HoganLeave a comment

Mmmm…sipping some perfectly lovely mint-chocolate tea right now and feeling slightly sleepy, but I couldn’t resist writing a few words(and since I’m hearing my bed call my name, it will indeed be only a few!). Today, returned to Aberdeen after a totally awesome week in Florida!! I wish I had the time to truly do it justice, but alas for my tired state(flew from Tampa to Detroit to Amsterdam to Aberdeen last night and so didn’t quite get much sleep). Truly though, just let me say one thing(actually no, two things): firstly, I have pretty much the best family in the world. Secondly, God is awesome.

And while one week isn’t really the ideal length of time to spend at home…we made the most of the time, what with continuing our annual Mini-Golf Tournament of Champions tradition and eating like royalty(roast turkey, potatoes, stuffing, asparagus, fettucine alfredo, shrimp, lots of salad, chicken parmigiana, chocolate sheet cake…just the tip of the iceberg) and playing cards and ping-pong (which got stylishly interfered with by our resident kitten troublemakers, Caroline and Julia) and relaxing in the joy of each other’s company and watching Jack Bauer dominate it up in a ’24’ marathon(Season 3 – but we didn’t get to the finale before I left ahhhh!!!) and singing together and staying up late talking about random things with the sisters and making known the goodness of the Lord and going out to lunch far too much(TGI Friday’s with Mom, Panera with Katharyn, TGI Friday’s with Laura, Chili’s with Maryanne, Five Guys with Dad…yes, I told you I ate bad. Shh, no telling. But it was so worth it just to get the time to talk with everyone..) and catching up with friends(and seeing friends’ new baby – Gloria!! David and Dream, y’all are indeed most blessed of our Father!) and oh I just don’t know how to properly convey the joy of the blessings of the Lord which He has bestowed on me and my family! And while my prayers for them will not lessen as the distance between us increases, may my love for them increase all the more! And all of you that aren’t my family, don’t worry, I love you too. Always.

And as for me, it is not that late, but I fear my wits are fleeing me, begging me to rest my eyes and drift away to the land of my dreams before I pour out my whole mind like a waterfall into the deep… First though, I will finish my tea.