Tag: friends

Refiner’s Fire

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, my friends!! It’s a beautifully cold morning in Houston, what! I think it’s approximately forty degrees, which is…surprising. But hey, I’m not complaining. I feel like I’m back in Scotland, as I’m pretty much wearing exactly what I would be wearing in Aberdeen – scarf, coat, boots and all!. So I could almost feel like I walked down George St. to Books and Beans today and sat at my normal table. Alas, that is not true. I drove down Westheimer and am now at my (semi)normal table at Beans! Still enjoying my mocha. Some things never change. God is good. Always.

And because it’s almost Christmas and I feel like it – listening to the Messiah right now. Simply lovely. I don’t think I’m going to see it in person this year – there’s a surprising lack of people who want to see it, and I’m not quite desperate enough to go alone! Maybe next year. I can still enjoy it on my iTunes…yeah.

Anyways, you all may have to get used to more sporadic updates from now on, as I’ve still not got Internet in my flat yet. I may soon, but holding off as long as I can. So – coffeeshop updates for now! Today’s going to be a fun day – a very much Saturday kind of day. Once I meander home from here(which may be a while), I’m going to go to the store(i.e., Super-Target!) and get cookie-making ingredients and cleaning supplies. Then home-time to make Christmas cookies! Of course, I’ve already had a few of Mom’s when I was home over Thanksgiving. That whetted my appetite enough that I simply must make my own now. And Abby, Claire and Charlotte are throwing a Christmas party tonight, so I want to take my cookies there(speaking of, I need to find a tacky Christmas sweater for aforesaid party. Hm. Let’s hope Target can provide). Anyways, besides making cookies this afternoon, I’ll probably just be continuing to go through some of my boxes that I haven’t opened yet(all clothes I’ve not worn in three years..) and I also need to do some cleaning and some laundry. Typical. To make it all more fun, I figure I’ll throw on Star Wars to play in background.

And this is a very chatty post – my apologies if I’ve bored you to death!!

I think I’m going to enjoy the coffeeshop here a bit more(not time to go out in cold yet). I might even write a bit more later, we shall see. Peace and love, my friends!

Curious

James HoganLeave a comment

Good evening my friends! My dinner(chicken parm!) is in the oven and I’m looking forward to a nice relaxing evening involving aforesaid dinner and possibly a little Redskins/Cowboys game action as well! Because I’m actually eating dinner early for once, I hope to have some good reading time(possibly involving chocolate and coffee? I say yes) before I go to bed.

But I did not write this post just to talk about my evening plans – no – I wanted to celebrate the birth of Chris and Jo’s baby girl!

Elizabeth(Lily) Aria George was born early this morning to some very happy and very weary parents! And she is just beautiful. And they are pretty much one of the most awesome families ever, let it be written! I couldn’t express my joy enough this morning when I discovered the news. Now as I think of Chris and Jo and Lily…I simply praise our God from whom all blessings flow. I love you guys!!!

And now, time to sprinkle some cheese on my chicken parm before putting it back in the oven. Mmm, dinner.

Peace and love.

Violetta

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday!! I’m here at Beans Cafe – already had my breakfast an hour ago or so, and now I have my Earl Grey sitting in front of me and I thought – no better time to write a bit! I wanted to begin this morning by something I’ve been reading – thought it was simply wonderful and I couldn’t not share. I’ve been reading in Acts lately. This is such a fantastic book, one that I always enjoy reading, because the power and Spirit of God is working mightily in the early church – and seeing how God works through His people is something to behold. So encouraging. And so I come to Acts chapter ten today. This is one of the first recorded instances of a Jew preaching to a Gentile audience. Shocking!! So God calls Peter to go and share His gospel with Cornelius. Peter obeys God. Peter goes to the house of a non-Jew, and there – he preaches the Word of God. This is truly remarkable. It’s a bit hard to convey how earth-shattering this moment is. But for a Jew who had considered Gentiles to be implacable enemies of God and totally undeserving of any grace, the fact that Peter would share the gospel of God with ones such as these…this account is stunning. Let me just share Peter’s words, because I think they are far better than any words I could say! From Acts 10, verse 34 on –

Opening his mouth, Peter said:
“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,
but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is
welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching
peace through Jesus Christ(He is Lord of all) – you yourselves know
the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the
baptism which John proclaimed. You know of Jesus of Nazareth,
how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for
God was with Him. We are witnesses of all the things He did both
in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by
hanging Him up on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted
that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were
chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He
arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and
solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as
Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that
through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

And this is the gospel of God. Love it. And just the fact that this inaugurates the preaching of the gospel of God to all peoples makes it even more awesome. Right after Peter says the above words, the Spirit falls upon all who were listening to His message and they believed and were baptised and were rejoicing and praising God. Hallelujah!

And now that I’ve written the above, I’m not sure what else I can write, but I suppose I can let you know that yes – I’m still settling in to Houston life! Me and Alex hit up the opera last night and well…it was quite good. Just because I don’t want to plagiarise myself – I’ll excerpt a review I wrote on another forum:

La Traviata dir. Enrique Carreon-Robledo. So, my first few weeks back in Houston, and I was able to get a ticket to see my very first opera! Background info – I’ve always said I never like opera, mostly because my only exposure to it has been random video clips or music on my iTunes that I’ve just..never found enjoyable. So I said yes to my friend’s invite, but went in expecting not to like this. Instead…the only word I could think of to describe it at the time – magnificent.

I didn’t know the story ahead of time, and so watched it with my heart in my mouth, wondering what was going to happen – and how it would end. The venue was a small theatre(probably less than 200 people, but we were at full capacity), and somehow me and my friend had scored front row tickets. Not quite ideal, since the translation screen was a bit hard to see from our angle, but in actuality, this was perfect. Being front row(touching the stage with my feet!!), I felt part of the performance – totally enthralled by it. I didn’t always know the exact words they were saying, but it didn’t even matter. All of the talent was simply top-notch. I was stunned by how good the performance was – Violetta was simply amazing – and I was in love with the way her voice spiraled and dueled with the orchestra. Magnificent.

I really shouldn’t make this review any longer, but just know that my opinion of the opera has been changed. I think I’m going to have to see more. I also really loved the intimate nature of the venue – afterwards, some of the cast came down to greet us – I really should have gone up and thanked them for their performance, but was too shy! As Americans are wont to do, we gave a standing ovation as well. I thought it was deserved.

So there you go – magnificent. Beautiful. I really should make a point to go to more fine art performances, whether it be music or theater. My problem is, I never like to go to things like this alone, but I simply will have to find people to come with me!! Anyways, it was great fun being with Alex again, and enjoying a fine performance…I can’t complain, even if it was a late Friday night!

And I don’t think I wrote about last weekend – I spent Saturday night last week at Abby and Claire and Charlotte’s house! It was grand – they threw a “Welcome back to America” party – slash game night. Really, just a good excuse for a party. I actually didn’t know half the people there, but that wasn’t a bad thing. I also saw again some people I haven’t seen in over three years! So we played lots of games(Signs, Balderdash, etc…) and laughed heaps, and enjoyed quality time together. I have good friends, what can I say? God is good to me. Always.

And tonight I’ll be going to the Jacobs for dinner! Will be awesome – was so great seeing them this past Sunday – and I’ve not been to their house in over three years! So looking forward to a good evening there(I’m quite positive there will be some ping-pong played, definitely ready for that!).

I could definitely write more, but I have suspicions this post is quite long enough as it is. Enjoy and God bless you all, my friends. Just know that despite my sometimes sighs as I think back on my time in Scotland and my dear friends there, I have no doubt that God is with me and leading me in every step I take. His Word is indeed a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. He takes me by the hand when I stumble and leads me in paths everlasting. So I have no fear, no worries. Well actually, I do at times when my flesh is weak and feeble, but then my Lord reminds me that He is the one who holds my hand. Even youths may grow tired and weary, but those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength and will mount up on wings like eagles…y’all, like eagles! So let us – like eagles – soar on the wings of the dawn and look to the heavens, where Jesus sits at the right hand of God Himself. When we fret and sigh at the miseries of this world, look to Jesus and remember that He is Lord and He is God. Worship Him, and all else fades away like the early-morning fog into the grey of the sea with the rising of the sun…

Peace, my friends.

Straight Street

James HoganLeave a comment

Good evening, my friends!! Thought I’d write a few words – I do promise I’ll write something more in depth at some point, but it is not this day! My pizza is in the oven and it’s only a few minutes away from delicious perfection, so I have a deadline. The Tigers/A’s game is on(winner advances to face the Red Sox…who the Rays were defeated by earlier this week. Sadness) and I’m enjoying a quiet evening!! It was great fun talking to Katheryn earlier – hadn’t had a proper chat with her in a while! One of the awesome things about living in America again…I can have long conversations with people here again! So yeah, we had a good talk. Then got to talk to Dad and now it’s dinner time. Hurrah!

Tomorrow is Friday and I will enjoy a good day working before going to the opera with Alex. Will be good to hang out with him again, even though my enjoyment of the opera is still an open question. We shall see!

Now I’m off. Oh and one more thing – in case you were unsure, title refers to my reading this morning – Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road. Such a glorious moment. And it’s possible that our moments of salvation were not quite as dramatic, but the wonder that we have a God who loves us and saved us from our sins…this joyful wonder never ceases. Never ever. Peace, my friends!!

Beans

James HoganLeave a comment

I keep meaning to write a proper entry here. One in which I go through my life as of late, what I’m thinking – what I’m learning. But I keep failing miserably at that, partly because I never manage to turn on my computer when I have enough time to actually sit down and write! Well, someday. I’m actually sitting in Beans Cafe just now, but it’s almost 11:30 and I think it’s time I move on! I came here a few hours ago and had a nice omelette to go with my iced coffee(yes, when walking from my apartment to here, I decided there was absolutely no way I was going to get a hot drink. Not going to happen). I should have a little time this afternoon to run errands and clean my place a bit, but tonight – wedding time! (Don’t worry, not mine). Bethany is getting married tonight, what!!! I’m so fortunate that I’m actually back in Houston for it! So me and Megan are going to drive over there at 4:30, and a night of joy and love and awesomeness will be had. So let it be written. So let it be done.

And why have I not had more quiet times to write lately? Well, I’m still trying to settle in here. Still trying to find a “permanent” apartment. Still trying to meet people(went to my first “community group” this past Tuesday night! One linked with Bethel Church). And last night, went to my first-ever book signing!! Got to meet Brandon Sanderson, whoa! He’s the author of some of my favorite books. Besides finishing the Wheel of Time series, he’s also written heaps of other books, including one of my all-time favorites – Mistborn. Anyways, it was weird being there where I realised how much more everyone there knew about his books than I did. I’m used to being pretty knowledgeable about books…yeah, I was outclassed there. Still, great fun meeting him(despite me feeling oddly nervous!!) – I even confessed to being a failure as a writer, since I agonise too much over my writing and don’t just sit down and *write*. He was very chatty and when I went back later in the night to get a few more books signed, he remembered my name! Very cool guy.

Now, I think I’m going to close my computer, get a cup of Earl Grey, and enjoy some quiet reading time. I love you all, my friends.

Glorious

James HoganLeave a comment

And now I sit at work with my coffee, a few minutes before eight. Time to start work soon, but I wanted to write just a bit. I’ve been meaning to write more for a while now, but I simply have no time!! I’ve been spending all my free time with my dear friends. And this is not a bad thing at all.

And as I begin my final day here in Aberdeen, I do not know what to say. Other than I must and shall praise my God for all that He has given to me. Praise Him with great praise!!

I think on the past few days and all the glorious times contained therein. A most lovely dinner at Lairhillock with John and Ruth – friends eternal. Hanging out with John on Friday night, watching Batman(oh no, now Batman music is stuck in my head…) and just relaxing together. Glorious.

Sunday. Would take far too long to describe now, but being in my church. Being with my family. Saying farewell, but never forever. Praying and thanking our God and Father for his boundless blessings to us. Worshipping together and hearing the Word of God preached. Saying goodbye to far too many dear friends and being crushed by the kindnesses and encouraging words lavished upon me. Yesterday stopping by Chris and Jo’s for one last cuppa and chat. Oh how I’ll miss them. Then being with John and Andrew Wilson last night, enjoying some classic frozen pizzas(baked in our shiny oven – finally clean after what John aptly named the Great Calsayseat Oven Cleaning Debacle of 2013!).

And I’m just writing what I’ve been doing, not what I’m feeling. Because I don’t quite want to delve into my emotions at the moment, but suffice it to say that I feel my heart swirling in a maelstrom of love and longing and joy. So so happy to be going back to America – to see my family!! So so sad to leave so many friends back here. But what can I say? I am blessed. I am blessed.

And today, driving to work for the last time, listening to Classic FM and watching the blustery skies and the brilliant sea flash by as I pondered these last few beautiful years…

And now, it’s time to go and take cakes out to the guys in the shop, say my farewell to them!

Peace, my friends. Always.

Sleepytime

James HoganLeave a comment

Should I write anything in here now? Almost definitely not, since I am far too sleepy to write anything coherent. This much is true! I did want to write an epic essay in here, but alas. Not to be! Just know this – today, my last Sunday here in Aberdeen for…quite some time – has been most amazing and most awesome. And I have far too good of friends. Far far better than I deserve.

And hopefully I write more later about these past few days I’ve had…with my friends, with such dear brothers and sisters. But for now, I just praise God for what He has given me. He has blessed me with so much. Saying goodbye to so many people today was not easy. But as I think of the times I’ve had with my friends…my heart sighs in joy. Thinking of the chat and laughs, my times with John and Ruth and Alec and Pip and Caroline and Joel and Graham and Ben and…I won’t go on naming everyone else. But just thinking now, of how much I am blessed. My Father and my God – thank you. Always.

And now, I really need sleep! It is almost midnight. Oh dear.

Fingal’s Cave

James HoganLeave a comment

So, sitting in Books and Beans, halfway through my mocha at the moment. Pretty soon, Graham’s going to turn up, so I can’t write too long! But for now, just thought I’d let my fingers dance over the keyboard for a few minutes and get a small update in!! Am still a bit sleepy this morning, even with my coffee. But that’s probably due to the fact that I did not get home until a ridiculous hour of the morning last night. My bad! Last night was my work leaving do – yes, the end is upon me! So was out with the gang at Revolution for dinner and drinks and good quality fun!! We were there for hours, and obviously since it was my party, I couldn’t just leave early. Yes, excuses, but a good excuse I say! Eventually Caroline came and met me at Rev, and we hung out for a bit before it was home time…at some hour of the morning I will not specify. Good times were had though!! I’m going to miss my work friends…they’re a good group. And we actually have fun together too, shock! And Caroline…I’ve only known her for some four months, but definitely going to miss her a lot! Oh why do we have to leave friends behind? But again, I can only bless the Lord my God for giving me such precious friends. And that’s all I can say.

And now, this update is turning from an actual update into an emotional musing! Ah well.

And Thursday night – ever so lovely! Me and Chris and Jo hit up Cosmo’s – where lots of yummy food was ingested and lots of delightful chat was had. Oh such good times!! And then afterwards, when I suggested we have coffee, Jo had a much better idea – rather than pay for coffee at Cosmo’s…we could have it at their place! So we drove over to their house, where delicious late-night coffee was enjoyed to the tune of a couple episodes of Spaced. Ridiculous. Hilarious. Such such a good night. As with Chris and Jo, it always is. Y’know. Any tiredness the next day was so totally worth it.

Anyways, Graham is going to be here any minute, so going to close this out. Maybe write more later!!

Peace.

Love, Unbounded

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!!

This night, I am sleepy and thus cannot write as much as I would like. I’m also hungry and should probably make dinner at some point! Frozen pizza? Yes.

But a few words before I do turn the oven on. This weekend I’ve been having a most marvelous time in Northern Ireland! And would that I had all the time in the world to properly do it justice, but alas, the clock ticks ever on. And my heart is too full.

I really cannot chronicle this trip as it deserves. Maybe I’ll write more later, when my mind is less sleepy and my heart is ready to give up its song? Maybe. But now – just know that this weekend was beautiful. Seeing my dear friend Zara again and spending time with her and her family…climbing mountains and seeing the beauty of the earth laid before my feet and knowing how our God cares for each and everyone one of us as He looks out upon His earth…exploring the grand north coast and marveling at the beauty of the waves of the sea crashing against the cliffs jutting out into the ocean proud…eating lunch in the burning sunshine and luxuriating in the goodness of our God in giving us far more than we deserve…talking of the majesties of our God’s staggering creation and worshiping our God in word and prayer and song…and being with friends who remind me what a great God we serve, one who watches out for us and cares for us and holds us close to Himself. Always. And so.

I was right, I really can’t adequately write about this weekend, at least not tonight.

Maybe tomorrow. For now, simply think on the love of God. Think on Him who loved us when we were but sinners – and decided to save us from his terrible and righteous wrath. Think on Jesus – Him who made the universe – the glorious stars above and the swift seas and green fields below. Think on Him who made us His own. This is our God. Remember this, my friends.

Untitled

James HoganLeave a comment

Well, I can’t think of a title for this post yet, but John has given me instructions to just go ahead and write something(instead of stare at the glowing blank screen!) and worry about the title later. That is sound advice, so write I shall!

It’s Sunday evening, and I could ponder the upcoming work week. Or I could think on the awesomeness that has taken past this weekend. Yes. That sounds much better. And so I think of yesterday, waking up around 8AM and feeling exhausted(pretty much entirely due to playing Street Fighter II with John until far too late the night before. Yes, it stole our sleep. But WE WERE VICTORIOUS. Take that, M. Bison). Right, so waking up yesterday morning…walking down George St and grabbing a choc doughnut from Thain’s on the way to Books and Beans. Spending a delightful morning there, first reading and enjoying my mocha and eventually enjoying a good lunch with Rebecca!

And then the rest of the day – came back here and spent most of the afternoon making chocolate chip cookies! I was in a rare baking mood and could not let that go to waste. So watched National Treasure and made heaps of chocolate chip cookies. If I say so myself, they were pretty delicious. Of course, me and John tested the dough sufficiently beforehand.

Now, after spending hours baking – me and John made our way to Chris and Jo’s for…my leaving party!! Thankfully, while it was my leaving party, I was also very conscious that I’d see (pretty much) everyone again, so it wasn’t too sad. I loved walking up to their door and seeing a sign posted there, reading in Elven script, “No Admittance Except on Party Business”. Classic. (And sorry if you don’t get that – Lord of the Rings reference).

So yeah, party time!! Oh what a lovely time it was! There were plenty of delectable treats and some quite delicious Tokaji(thanks Chris and Jo and Aiysha!!) and there were friends aplenty and conversation flowed on and on into the night. No tears. Not yet. And I simply enjoyed being with my friends. A night of joy – a night of love. What have I done to deserve such dear friends and close companions? I know not – but I do know this – my God has blessed me exceedingly more than I could ever have hoped or dreamed. My God has been good to me. And as I think on this, on how my God has given me good things – this causes my spirit to rise and soar and my hopes for the future flare bright as I think that the God that has carried me thus far will not now let me slip through the cracks of time. My God will continue to be with me, even in that far-off land of Houston! I need fear not.

And seriously now! How much am I going to write this night!? I must rein in my fingers now. But let me spend a few moments on today. After church this morning, came back and enjoyed a bit of time in the garden. Sadly, the sun spent most of the time being a tease and hiding behind the clouds, but I still got some quality reading time! Eventually, it got a little too cold, so I came in and chilled in the lounge with John.

And then this evening back at Gilc we heard an epic sermon on Jonah from Dominic. I don’t think epic is really the right word, but my mind is a bit too frazzled now to come up with a better. Anyway, he preached on God being the God of second chances(and third and fourth…and five hundred and sixty fifth…) and how despite all of Jonah’s flaws and issues(he was not exactly a model citizen, what with his prejudices and lack of compassion!), God still used him to do his work. Think on us – we with our rebellious natures and wayward souls…God loves us all the same. And our God and Father turns our eyes and hearts back to Him and gives us missions to perform. We may mess up at times. Ok, we will mess up all the time. But God – He with His everlasting lovingkindnesses – continually renews our hearts and points us in the way we should go. So if you are feeling a bit far from God right now – think on His goodness. Think on His love. Think of Christ. Think of these things and let your heart be open to the love of God – thank our Father for all the many blessings we receive. Each and every day. Even now, I sit on this couch in comfort(and in darkness – not really sure why we haven’t turned the lights on yet. Hm). I have a warm cup of coffee sitting next to me. I have my Bible on my lap. These are all good things. These are all from God. The God who is good. The God who gives us second chances. The God who loves us so.

And now – this is much more than I meant to be writing! But I shall let it stand. I am going to read a bit more tonight – maybe write a bit more too. We shall see.

Farewell my friends!!

(Oh wait, I need a title now. Hm. Oh whatever)

Peace!