Tag: friends

Connections

James HoganLeave a comment

Advantages to missing my flight to Aberdeen:
1) I get to sit in glamorous Schiphol for five hours.
2) I get to leisurely enjoy my mocha from Starbucks.
3) Phone is now fully charged!
4) A shocking mid-trip LJ entry!!
5) Indulging my love of people watching.

Disadvantages:
1) I get to spend far too much time in Amsterdam(I am seriously considering a souvenir here at Schiphol to commemorate my many hours spent here thus far…)
2) I miss my long-anticipated Lairhillock dinner with John.
3) I don’t get to Aberdeen until 10pm tonight!
4) I now won’t see Chris and Jo until Saturday!!
5) Starbucks for dinner? (Not sure what this is, advantage or disadvantage)

And a little more seriously – writing this on my phone is excruciatingly slow, so not many more words. Except, as I sit here in Amsterdam and reflect on my adventures so far – Anna and Balazs are now married – all glory to God!! What a wondrously beautiful wedding!!! – I can only think on how blessed am I to be granted this gift to see so many of my dear friends. Truly I am blessed. And so how can I complain or fret over silly travel delays? Truly am I blessed.

And now, the journey continues.

Joyful

James HoganLeave a comment

And now – I sit here awaiting my dinner to come to its completion. Spaghetti sauce(with onions, peppers, sausage…) merrily bubbling away on the stove and with the aroma wafting through the apartment…it’s feeling like dinnertime. Thought that while I wait for the sauce and sausage flavours to marry, I could write a few words here. Not much to say of note, really. Had a nice time at church this morning(Pastor Wayne finished up 2 Timothy – such a great book!) and then afterwards went out with friends for a BBQ lunch where I enjoyed a brisket sandwich with potato salad. Only in Texas.

This afternoon, got a bunch of random things done around the flat – yet still made time for my quiet time on the couch with my coffee, etc. Finally I decided to make dinner(even though still being a bit full from lunch!) to the lovely sounds of Beethoven on my TV(my favorite part of this TV I think – I can connect to youtube through it and play any kind of music I want for ambiance. My TV speakers are *far* superior to this old laptop’s speakers and it’s very nice hearing the music throughout my place).

With all that said, I do want to mention something briefly that I’m not sure I’ve said before – I’ve been planning my grand return to Europe for a while now…and so this week, on Thursday, I fly out! I’m going to first arrive in Budapest and pop up to Miskolc for the weekend…for Anna’s wedding. Yes, dear Anna is getting married – oh joy of joys! And so I’ll be there to celebrate with her and her family and friends. It will indeed be awesome to see her and her family again – been a while since I’ve seen any of them! Me and Noemi have been keeping in touch fairly well – and now we finally get to chat in person! (So much better, eh?) And of course..Steven will be at the wedding too. So – a true and most excellent reunion will be had. God is good. Always.

And of course, once I leave Hungary a week Monday, where will I end up? Aberdeen of course. A week in Scotland with my dearest friends awaits. I’m not going to detail my itinerary…but it will be most glorious. And I cannot wait. God is good and His lovingkindness is everlasting. Always. Always.

Now as Beethoven’s ninth comes to its climax, I think it is a good time for me to get my dinner. Peace, my friends – have a most lovely Sunday evening.

Valley Falls

James HoganLeave a comment

Good evening, one and all!! Once again, I write on a Monday evening as my dinner bakes in the oven. And so once again, I don’t have long to write. But I thought I’d put down a few words, because a few are better than none, are they not? Not necessarily of course, because if the few words lack purpose, no words may actually be preferable. But now as I write myself into some sort of convoluted knot, it may be best if I stop prefacing my few words and actually write them. Ahem.

This evening I am quite tired, but it is that good kind of weariness. That weariness of flesh and bones that bespeak a good and wonderful past few days. Because these past few days, I spent in Florida with most dear friends! On July 4th, I flew in to Tampa. After renting a car and having a most awesome roast beef hash lunch with Dad, I drove up to Gainesville. Gainesville, where I spent four years of my life, yet so little time since. And so I had decided it was time for a proper time with people in Gainesville – and so it was. I stayed with Rob and Laurie – who else?! – and we had a time of excellence indeed. We talked and laughed and ate and talked and drank mugs of delicious coffee and talked and played some epic board games and talked yet some more. And of course, more awesome things took place than I can describe at the moment(awesome fun with Lebos! Lunch and sweetness with Maryanne!! Maryanne made her speciality lunch of fresh mozzarella/tomato/basil sandwiches. And we got to sit and eat and be together. And it was marvelous. Disc golf with Deanna! Reunions and worship at Creekside!! Perfect dinner of Ledo’s pizza with Mom and Dad!! And of course, little sleep was had this whole weekend. Yet, while I am now quite weary in my flesh, my spirit and my soul are refreshed. Just being with so many people who love me and love God. Being surrounded by those whom God has blessed me in this life. Being reminded of the goodness of my Lord. How can I ever doubt? Never. Never. And so now as I really must end this before I over-cook my dinner, I simply want to say one more thing. I have been given much. I have been given everything.

Now my friends – farewell! I love you all so – grace and peace.

Romano

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday, my friends!! I’m about to eat a delicious lasagna dinner with a bit of salad on the side – but thought I’d just state that time in Boston with the gang was truly awesome. Much fun was had – walking through the old cobbled streets, exploring the city where the American Revolution was born…biking along the coast of Cape Cod…playing games and being goofy and laughing almost too much!…but mostly, just enjoying all being together. Maryanne, Laura, Megan, Robbie…you are awesome, my friends.

Now, I’m going to start in on my dinner. Peace, one and all!

Three to the Power of Three

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!!! I shan’t write too much now, for the hour is late. But I thought I’m required to write a few words, for today I celebrate my twenty seventh birthday. Yes, truly!! And though now I am slightly sleepy, I wanted to chronicle the day. (Shall I chronicle the year? I shudder at the thought!)

But enough rambling. Today’s been beautiful, mostly because it hasn’t been about me. I had a perfectly awesome time at church this morning, worshiping God along with my dear church family. Some quality songs were sung in adoration and praise to God(“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, “Be Thou My Vision”, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”…and “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul…”). A beautiful sermon was preached on the primacy and importance and clarity and power of God’s Word. And then got to eat lunch and talk with lots of people…I have been given many good friends. I am oh so grateful for the goodness of the Lord to me.

And afterwards, Chase was insistent that I come over to his house for Halo goodness! And I couldn’t really say no, so the afternoon was spent in epic Halo battling with Chase and others!! I must say, I think I almost hit my limit for Halo in one day! But it was awesome…I may have even placed second a few times. (No one touches Chase. No one) We ordered pizza for dinner and it was fantastic just being with people.

And then I drove home, talked to Mom and Dad for a bit on the phone(may have been third time of the day I got to talk to Dad!!) and just had lovely chat…again – I am blessed beyond measure for being given parents such as they. Truly.

And now I sit here and reflect(slightly sleepily, I confess!) on the day and the year and on all that God my Father has given me. I think of a year ago, in which I spent my birthday in Aberdeen with dear friends, friends who I treasure. Friends who I miss. I still think back on that brunch at Ruth and Zara’s with fondness, of the time I spent with John and Chris and Jo and Alec and Pip and Ruth and Zara…and we talked and we laughed and it was beautiful. How I was blessed.

And now, I’m living in Houston, and while I do indeed miss my friends, I am here now for a reason, and God has blessed me much here. He has given me friends and true brothers and sisters here, and I cannot doubt my God’s faithfulness to me. Never never. I spent today in the company of such dear people. I have been given much.

And I think of the most precious gift of all, that God has blessed me with salvation through His one and only Son. Who died and shed His blood for the forgiveness of my sins. And who was raised to life on the third day, triumphantly, eternally! I died with Christ. And I have been raised with Him. And so I have been given much. I have been given everything. How can I but love? How can I but offer my being – my very heart – to the One who is Lord of all, God of heaven and earth. I am known by Him. He is my Shepherd. And I follow Him. He knows me. And He loves me. And it is beautiful.

Now to Him who is able
to do exceeding abundantly
beyond all that we ask
or think, according
to the power that works
within us, to Him
be the glory in the
church and in Christ
Jesus to all generations
forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Skies Held Up

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!! It’s a lovely sleepy Sunday afternoon. I feel a bit tired, so don’t think I shall write much here today, but I thought I’d at least pop my head in and say hi. It’s been a wearying past week, but God has blessed me much and given me a delightful weekend!! This morning I got to go to church and worship God…and afterwards, went out with friends for yummy tex-mex lunch. Now, I’m about to enjoy my raspberries and coffee, maybe read a bit? Or maybe play a bit of Tomb Raider! We shall see. I’ve had some good conversations(either on facebook or whatsApp) with friends from Scotland lately(hello John, Ruth, Chris and Rose!!!). I really do miss you all…and I guess I’m just reminded of how much God blessed me in giving me such dear friends…we can still talk across the waters, and I feel just as close as if we were sitting side by side. Well, not quite – I do long for that face-to-face interaction. But still, I am just overwhelmed by the goodness of God in giving me such dear friends – brothers and sisters forever. My heart rejoices to know that there is a day coming when we will all be together forever. Forever.

And now, before I get too emotional! I just started a book by Sinclair Ferguson, Children of the Living God. Utterly fantastic. Really, it’s just so good to remember whose we are. To ponder and meditate on the fact that we are sons and daughters of the living God. ’tis wonderful.

See how great a love the Father
has bestowed on us,
that we would be called
children of God;
and such we are.

Peace and love, my friends. Delicious hot coffee and sweet raspberries time!

Where is thy sting

James HoganLeave a comment

Just a very few words, my friends!

I’m sitting here on my couch in Houston, just newly arrived back in town. A pizza is in the oven for a quite late(but needed!) dinner. And the battle of Helm’s Deep is raging on my TV screen. A perfect end to a perfect weekend. I’ve been in Tampa all weekend long(arrived home about midnight on Thursday!), but as is typical, no time for writing the whole weekend due to the many moments of awesomeness contained therein. Rays game! Watching Divergent with Maryanne and Laura! Best New York Pizza with Mom! Lunch with Dad! Apple pie and chocolate cake and lots of talking and lots of late-night-youtube-watching with Maryanne and Laura(A Very Potter Musical!!) Seeing dear Steve and Vickie and having at least a few minutes with them this afternoon! And of course, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ this morning at Hope Bible Church with the family. And this is really what I’d like to talk more about(if my dinner was not about to come out of the oven in two minutes), because truly – how good it was and is to be reminded that no matter what fun things there are in this world(and we should not be ashamed to enjoy them!), we should be having our greatest joy and highest hope in the love and salvation and glory and wonder of Jesus Christ. We should yearn to be with Christ above any other. We should long for Christ more than anything else on this earth. This night as I walked back to my apartment, I looked up and even through the haze of the city sky, I saw the stars. Yet even their beauty pales in comparison to the glories of Jesus our Lord. There is no more perfect beauty than to know and be known by Christ our God. And that, my friends, is all I have to say tonight.

Sleep well and be at peace.

Cottontails

James HoganLeave a comment

Good evening, my friends!

I have but a few minutes as my dinner is currently baking away in the oven(fish fillets and french fries – simple and fantastic. Oh and a yummy salad too – complete with radishes, green onions, tomatoes…y’know). But I thought I at least wanted to write a couple words, mostly just to thank God for the most beautiful weekend that He gave to me! I can’t fully describe it or properly do it justice, but that doesn’t keep me from praising God for His goodness and love!!

So yes, this past weekend, was up with friends at a state park near San Antonio. And it was beautiful. I’m not always a huge fan of camping, but I couldn’t complain one bit about the time we had. Early morning walks through the Texas hill country…seeing the deer and the rabbits dart about and listening to the calls of the early morning birds and crying out to my God. Saturday – full of an epic hike through the rugged terrain and followed by a swim in the river – cold flowing water and hot sunshine and yes, I may have gotten slightly sunburnt – but oh so worth it! Eating lots of amazingly prepared food(plenty of coffee in the morning, and plenty of chili at night!). Having oh so sweet talks with friends, old and new – not much better than that. And of course, singing praises to our God around the campfire. Pretty awesome. Pretty glorious. And this slightly haphazard paragraph dances to and fro and does not properly describe the peace in my heart. Sometimes I feel far too frazzled and shaken by the fears and worries of this world…and so my God and Father gives me gift like this. A time to be with Him. A time to be with His people. A time to be in His world. A time to be with Him. Thank you, Father – for your mercies and love. Always.

Now, before I spill too many more words, time to turn off this computer and eat my dinner and further think on the love of Christ. Peace, my friends – peace and love!

Sky of Violet

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, my friends!! I am very shockingly sitting here at Beans this morning, mocha in hand. Well, actually it’s not in hand, it’s sitting on the table. But you know what I mean! I thought I’d dash off a quick entry before my omelette arrives. Once it gets here, I’ll be much more interested in it and far less excited about writing!

But yes, it’s a Saturday morning and it feels so good to sit here and just rest after a long, weary week. And this morning has already been decently productive, what with getting my car serviced and a shop done at the farmer’s market. So I feel this breakfast is well deserved. And truly, it just is good and proper to rest after a grueling work week. It is good to work, but it is also good to rest.

I possibly stayed up a little too late last night. Was at Christina’s apartment, where a few of us had a fun movie-watching night! I was very proud of the fact that both movies chosen were my contributions. “What About Bob?” YES. And “Inception”. I always forget how intense that one is. Quality. But intense.

And now my omelette has arrived. Possibly I’ll write some later? Possibly. But don’t count on it. Have a most wonderful day, my friends. Peace and love.

Truth and Reconciliation

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! I am currently at Beans coffeeshop and just finishing up my lunch. I decided I can eat lunch and write at the same time. Shocking, no? I’ve definitely been here far too long(it’s almost 3 o’clock!), but I’ve enjoyed my time here. Started out with a mocha and apple bread before moving on to my lunch of lentil soup and toast. Delightful. And of course, in the middle of my two courses, I got some good reading done. Along with some computer maintenance. I really really need to start seriously considering getting a new laptop. I do love my Vaio, but it’s over six years old and I don’t know how much more loyal service it’s going to give me. Any laptop recommendations, good people? I fear I’m a bit out of the game, technology wise.

Any other updates? Well, besides having a busy work week, not really. Did have a delightful evening yesterday! Me and Chase went over to the Rice University fields and played Ultimate with a bunch of people there. I haven’t played Ultimate in at least five years, so my skills were lacking, but it was still great fun. Going to need to make a habit of this. And afterwards, got some tacos(at this sweet joint, Torchy’s Tacos. Quality fare) Of course, it was a Friday night, so couldn’t go home quite yet! Drove Chase home and then played Halo for a couple hours before calling it a night. We’re currently making our way through the original campaign, so much fun!! Even though I think Chase is doing most of the work. I just run around and try not to die!

Anyways, it’s now 3 o’clock and my soup bowl is looking very sad and empty and I think it’s time to go. A perfectly beautiful day outside. The sunny blue sky calls my name!! Tonight is game night at Abby’s, and I need to get some errands done first. Have a delightful day, my dear friends.