Tag: friends

Rachmaninoff

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday, friends!! I’m now very sadly drinking the dregs of my peppermint mocha frap on this fine afternoon. I may or may not have been here at Starbucks for most the afternoon, but well…I have had quite a bit of work to get done! Finally finished prepping for community group a few minutes ago, then me and Maryanne had a nice chat for a while! In a few minutes, I’m rolling off to Bethel for our Thanksgiving dinner event – that’s going to be super fun to enjoy with my whole church family! Then tomorrow starts another work week which shall hopefully proceed in a somewhat smooth manner.

This weekend, while somewhat busy, has also been very much assuredly blessed by God. I got quite a few errands done yesterday(also including further unpacking of my room. I have too many books…but at least two shelves are now complete!! Two more to go. Also, is there such a thing as too many books? I am as of yet unsure of the answer to that). Anyway, after a busy day yesterday, I enjoyed an evening out on the town! Me and Julie went and grabbed dinner at Dish Society(I had a rather fine pork tenderloin cooked in a cherry reduction sauce…with sauteed spinach and mashed sweet potatoes. Amazing? I can confirm that it was). Afterwards, we made our way downtown and had time for a quick glass of wine and some chat…and then it was symphony time!! Julie had never been to see the Houston Symphony before, so she was in for a treat. There was a guest pianist in town – Daniil Trifonov, who played a superb rendition of Schumann’s piano concerto. So stunningly beautiful was it that we gave him a rousing ovation and he eventually played an etude(…I am too musically ignorant to be able to tell you what it was!). After the intermission, the symphony played Rachmaninoff’s symphony no 2…and it was simply magnificent. I have naught the skill with words to describe it here, but trust me in my assessment of it as…overwhelmingly gorgeous. How special it is that God has granted us the gift of music – and that certain people would be given such skill as to write musical compositions of such intricate beauty that they draw the purest emotion from those who listen. Ah to hear this with my own ears last night….skillfully played by an orchestra most accomplished…I am so grateful for this night of wonder I was given. Oh and I think Julie enjoyed it too! At least, as long as her joyous effusions were genuine! It was really just quite fun to have a night out on the town and feel all high society! I’m now really tempted to get tickets for another symphony next year – they’re doing Rachmaninoff’s piano concerto no 3(not my favorite no 2, or I would have already bought tickets!). We shall see…

Now – I’ve written far too much on this – hopefully you all are not bored to tears. I must fly – have a most joyful remainder of your Sunday, my friends. Look to the heavens and consider what wonderful gifts we have all been given – to live on this earth and enjoy so many good things…sweet music, joyous laughter, dear friends and light from above. Ponder the fact that our heart beats in time with the rhythms of the universe and that we are loved by God Most High. We are loved. Forever and always.

Oh Soul, Canst Thou Repine?

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Tuesday all!! Figured it’s been a few days since I’ve posted, so might as well put up a quick mid-week update. And sadness of all sadnesses, it’s not even really mid-week. More like…post-Monday. Anyways, I’m sipping on my honey-tinged coffee here and slowly waking up as I prepare for work shortly. I really don’t even have that much to talk about. My upcoming move to John’s place this weekend is demanding most of my attention of late – I’m rather excited for a new place and a new/old roommate! This weekend was pretty fun too, even if I got a severe lack of sleep which rather impeded my wakefulness yesterday! Saturday morning was simply gorgeous here(low 50’s(F)) and so my run in Memorial Park was simply wonderful…it was rather amusing noting how the running population dropped quite a bit, presumably because of the “cold” weather! Anyways, after I’d done my 5.5 miles, went home and then enjoyed my tea and reading time. Later on, went with John and a few of his friends to the Houston Holocaust Museum, where we attended a Bonhoeffer tour. Sobering, enlightening and encouraging all at the same time. Is that possible? I don’t really feel in the mood to describe it more, but oh, how I long for that day when evil such as this is no longer possible.

Saturday night, had a fun movie night with Julie – got to watch some classic Jason Statham in ‘Snatch’ and of course enjoy far too much good conversation and fellowship with dear Julie. Sunday morning…glorious time at church, always. Following, had to bunker down in Starbucks to get my community group prep done(Ecclesiastes 5). After eventually making it home and spending a few hours getting other chores done, the highlight of my week occurred – went to Bethel for ‘Family Worship Night’, where we sang a plethora of gorgeous songs(voted on by us the congregation…I was very proud of all of us for the vast quantity of hymns chosen!!). Worshiping God with uplifted voice and radiant eyes and weeping hearts – oh what a night of sweetest truth and more perfect beauty! I cannot describe further. And so upon ending our night of joy and song, talked with various friends and then made my way to Starbucks for yet more good fellowship with dear friends(Julian, Sarah, Jonathan, Natalie, Vanessa…), talking about such sundry subjects as bad roommates, weddings and dancing, and the fear of the Lord and what this truly means. We actually talked about a lot more too, yet my memory fails me and it is too late here and I have already written too many words. Again though, God has blessed me much with such friends and I dare not complain. Never, never.

Goodbye, friends – I raise my coffee cup in farewell! Peace.

a Whisper of Sunlight

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends…and happy Friday!!! I am sitting at my desk here at work, peppermint mocha in hand, soon to start actual work. But for now, thought I’d just say hello! It’s been a bit of a slog of a week here, partly due to not feeling physically great. But I shall not complain, for God is good and I am blessed much! Tonight, planning to go over to John’s place to begin prep for my move there in two weeks. So excited. Also – last night – got to talk to Daniel on the phone…oh so good hearing his voice again! I was much encouraged. Anything else going on here of late? I must say no. The regular routine of work and life rolls on and ever on. But just as this morning as I walked to my car and looked up and saw a bright star piercing the veil of clouds…I now lift my eyes and look to that far country.

Peace and love.

Rupp

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday, friends!! Quick dash of an entry here. I’m at Starbucks – shock! – and about to leave to go to Jared’s place for some college football watching action! (Even though it’s to watch Texas A&M and Tennessee…neither of whom I have any sort of fond feeling for. But – shall be worth it to hang out with Jared!) Anyway, this is really just that mandatory kind of Saturday post. I’m drinking my mocha and enjoying the feeling that comes with having had a productive morning. Five mile run first thing this morning and then I got to go home and shower and drink a nice cup of tea with a luxurious long reading time…bliss. Tonight, going to Abby and Claire’s to celebrate Earnie and Mandy’s engagement. SO EXCITED.

Now, my friends, seeing as my fingers have decided they really would rather be lazy this early afternoon and not write much of anything…I shall sign off. Peace and love – be full of the joy that comes with knowing and being known by our most glorious God.

Bohemia

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday, dear friends!! I really need to get some work done this afternoon(and by work, I mean prep for community group on Tuesday night. Ecclesiastes chapter 3…some great words contained therein!). But firstly, as I begin sipping on my peppermint mocha frap(yes, it is one of those very rare occasions I’m actually getting a chilled drink…since summer is stubbornly continuing to exert its influence upon us and it is far too hot outside to even consider drinking a hot drink. And I have to say…a drink made of milk, peppermint syrup, chocolate and espresso is a pretty fine lunch. Just saying), thought I’d write something quickly. This morning, got some quality worship time in. And because the word quality does not quite convey the meaning I wish it to…I suppose I will just say that I was able to stand in church with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and lift my voice in purest song to the God of the universe as I thought on the mercies and lovingkindnesses and grandeur and sovereign power and most perfect wisdom of our God. It was a humbling and most awesome morning – to worship the living God.

And now, while I need to write my study notes(fueled by this beautiful caffeine contained in my mocha!)…I’ll tarry yet a little longer. Yesterday was also a wonderful day, even though I did burn myself out rather too quickly!! I meant to wake up early for a run, but sadly that waking up early part was a distinct failure. Once I did manage to drag my lazy self out of bed though, I went to Buffalo Grille and met Earnie for breakfast!! So a few cups of coffee and a fine egg and hash-browns and beans breakfast later…we had enjoyed a most fine catch up. We hadn’t talked properly since well before my Scotland trip!! It was so good to talk to him…such a dear friend and brother to me. Following that, did a few random errands before making my way down to Sugar Land to meet Lea for lunch! We hadn’t had a proper in person chat in quite some time…and as I knew it would, a most enlivening and encouraging conversation over lunch was had!! Lea…another dear friend – and sister!! Again…I am far too blessed to have such good friends that my God has given me.

Now – I’m going to end this entry and buckle down and actually study for my community group upcoming time. Have a most joyous afternoon, my friends!!!

Peace and love.

Trembling

James HoganLeave a comment

And so shall I post once more?? Thought it was best that I let the last two song-heavy updates stand on their own. I also should probably zoom off soon, since I’ve spent quite long enough here at Starbucks! But I still have a little coffee in my cup, so I shall write a little more. Pardon the spaciness of my thoughts…I’m in an intriguingly odd mood lately. Odd as in I’ve spent time in several different countries in the last few days…and this time has left me abundantly encouraged and oh so thankful and I really do not think I can quite put my thoughts to page. But…I shall try, at least a little bit. This morning, me and Julie went to Dish Society for breakfast…because I was craving their food partially, but really so Julie and I could catch up and I could tell her a least a bit of my last week in Scotland. Despite all my many tangents, I think she got a good overview of my adventures! Can I capture that here? Maybe.

Anyways. Today is my first full day back in America for over a week. Yesterday afternoon, my plane touched down in Houston and I was once again in my home country. And how was I feeling? Bittersweet. For truly, it is good to be back here and be able to call Dad and family again on phone and see all my Houston friends again(Reliant K and Switchfoot concert tonight with Peter, et al!). But after such a beautiful week with my friends in Scotland…I must admit to a bit of sadness after leaving them (again!).

Oh this is a nightmare – I have no idea how to properly chronicle this past week…and I may admit defeat and try again tomorrow or Monday. I think I shall just thank the Lord my God for giving me this holiday and blessing it in such a way that I had prayed for but wasn’t quite sure would happen. Being with my dear friends again(Chris, Jo, Joel, Laura, John, Ruth, Jackie, Graham, Tineke, Mark, Rosemary…and more!!) was amazing and I realized I am blessed far beyond I deserve with such good and precious friends. Even after being gone three years, I can still talk and laugh and deeply connect with them. But more than just the fun times with friends(and it was indeed fun!!), I relished the chance to commune with my God. I set aside particular times to get alone with my Father God and these times were blessed be Him, of this I testify! As I walked the cliff side path south of Stonehaven on Monday afternoon and felt the sea spray on my face and looked out and watched the sea meet the sky in a beautiful embrace of grey and blue and white and saw the grass dance in the cold sweet breezes and as I sat upon a rock on the seashore and gazed upon the horizon and thought upon the fact that God has called me His true son and placed His hand upon me in perfect love and as I closed my eyes and prayed to Him, I felt at peace. There are so many things in our lives that we feel ill equipped to handle and so many futures we desire were our own and so many trials and tribulations we wish were not our own! And so to realise that God knows us, heart and soul and eyes brimming with tears and passions…this is gloriously precious. And to remember that God loves us His children with an unending and all encompassing love…this is beautifully divine. And so as I sit here in Starbucks, recalling this past week, how God blessed me with such a time of communion with my God…I rejoice. I sing. My meditations this day are full of the glories of the Lord. My heart this day is a-tremble with the thoughts of my Father. My eyes this day are bright with the passions of my God. Let us pour out our souls before the Lord our God, all ye nations -let us rejoice and sing to Him this day He has made! Amen and amen.

Tears of Joy

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends – and a happy Tuesday to you all!! I am going to write a quick update here before work begins…because this weekend has been quite a whirlwind, not at all the “free and relaxing” weekend I thought it was going to be! Well, it was a beautiful three day weekend but somehow I found a way to cram many many things into it. Hmm. Not one quiet night, what has become of me!!? Anyways! Friday night, had a fun time going to Torchy’s with Angela and John and having some good catch-up time with them(and delicious tacos, natch!) Saturday morning…somehow I got the brilliant idea that I needed to run since it’d been a while. So I got up uber early(to beat the heat, etc. Oh Houston) and ran my long run(10 mi). After I was halfway through, body was feeling great and so I was thinking I might push it to 13…but sadly my lack of hydration caught up with me about the 8 mile mark and so I most struggled those last couple miles. I decided not to be foolish and just finished my normal run. Anyway, once I hydrated, I felt great(albeit quite sore rest of day. And day after. And day after…) and I got to enjoy a nice coffee and reading morning at home. Eventually I went out, did various errands that needed doing(and buying books for people in Aberdeen, hurrah! I shall not name them here, just in case they’re reading this. Which is probably doubtful). Then I popped over to Starbucks for some online and writing time(which was very unsuccessful – I’m struggling with current story sadly). At this point, it was about 2pm and I realised I was very faint and dizzy and getting a headache. I wondered why. And then I remembered that I had sort of forgotten to eat anything all day. Even after my run. Oops? So I went to Trader Joe’s, got some hatch chile mac’n’cheese(which was quite good!) and then ate that at home while watching college football(which has returned! Houston beat Oklahoma and Texas A&M beat UCLA and Texas beat ND…so all is well in the state of Texas today).

And wow, this entry is a bit ridiculous – I am rambling overmuch and I would apologise, but I’m not done yet. I shall try to quicken the pace though, as I do need to start work soon. So where was I? Saturday? Oh yes. Right. So, after watching a bit of college football, I had plans with Jared to hang out and watch a movie at my place. Sadly, he had to cancel because of some family plans that came up…but since I have awesome friends that invited me to something else(thanks Lea and Marianna!), my evening did not go wasted. Went to the Miller Outdoor Theatre and enjoyed some quality baroque music and some even more quality conversation with the aforementioned Lea and Marianna. I got home at some point and promptly fell into bed. Sunday! Sunday was the day of days. Church(which was marvelous and encouraging and God exalting!), then missions prayer time, then had some good sushi with Jonathan and Julian for lunch. Afterwards when I was back at my place, invited Julie over for tea and reading time, but sadly(not really!) we got no reading done and just had a great time talking and talking and talking instead. She is such an encouraging and dear friend! After that…Jared came over and we had some dinner and watched the Texas-ND game(instead of movie, because who needs a movie when you have football?). And unsurprisingly, while we watched the game, the best part was just talking about life. And thus ended my Sunday, in which I got approximately one hour to myself. And I am not complaining one bit.

And…er, I really need to cut this off here, even though I haven’t even talked about yesterday(Labor Day) yet. Oh well – just know that it was good and God blessed. As always. I must simply praise my God for always blessing me oh so much. Of course, there are some parts of life that are sorrowful and so we must grieve. But when I am enjoying life, I must recognize that it is God my Father who has blessed me so – and I thank Him and Him alone.

This morning, I heartily enjoyed listening to my newest mix CD…it is maybe my best yet. It is all hymns(do not laugh!) and it is beautiful. It is very unoriginally entitled HymnSing and it contains pretty much all my favourite hymns. Singing them in the car this morning as I thought about the love of God…oh what tears, oh what joy. When someday God grants that I may return to Him(oh come that day!), I do hope that some of these songs are sung. Oh how wondrous it is, to think that the blood of Jesus has paid for all my sins. That is my theme, my song. I will at some point post the track-list, but now I shall simply end this very very long entry(my apologies, dear friends) and leave you with this…

Soul, then know thy full salvation
Rise o’er sin and fear and care
Joy to find in every station,
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
Think what Father’s smiles are thine,
Think that Jesus died to win thee,
Child of heaven, canst thou repine?

Neon Haze

James HoganLeave a comment

Morning, all!! Quick update time. It’s a wonderfully sticky Monday morning here in Houston and as the day slowly lightens, thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to lately as I sip on my peppermint mocha…

In actuality, this weekend was a nice and calm one, which I appreciated much. Friday night, went with Sammy to a random church’s young adult group meeting, where he was engaged to preach. He was much blessed by God and preached mightily on 2 Samuel 11 and the effects sin has on us. Powerful, convicting and encouraging – God be praised! Saturday, I got many random errands done, then went to Natalie and Andrew’s engagement/wedding party in the afternoon, where it was awesome to celebrate their soon marriage!! Sunday was church and afterwards, I went straight home and did various household chores before finally sitting down and having my dinner of leftover lasagna and a tomato salad. And…with my dinner, watched Return of the King. It’d been far too long. And even more fun was me and Maryanne watched it in sync, so we got to text each other random comments back and forth as we watched. Fun times…just wished we lived closer so we could watch in person!!! Alas. Oh! I also was much engaged in writing yesterday afternoon…got a powerful urge to put a story to paper, even though I am now doubting my literary powers and ability to do the themes of this story justice. I’m about 2200 words in and halfway done, but it is most rough so far and I am unsure whether it will get to where it needs to be. We shall see. I need to fly now, but shall leave you the opening…sorry to be such a tease. Love you all, my friends!!

A window stained, spattered with raindrops and grim in both general aura and appearance. Thunder rumbled in the far off distance and the harsh neon lights glared into the window, through the rain streaked plastic and into the cramped room. The room, mean in appearance and dim lit with a single lamp beside the bed, had a singularly utilitarian appearance. A bed, a sink and a mirror. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing more was needed. Nothing less was used.

A Note

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends…and happy Monday!! I don’t have time to write long, but thought I should dash down a few words here, even though I can’t properly chronicle the weekend! Alas. Still, a good one was had(even though I was busy every night and didn’t quite get in a relaxing rest night like I had planned!) Still, I can only thank and bless my God for all His goodness, for all His love. I was able to sing praises to my God in a hymn-sing that John put on, Friday night…oh so joyous!! And then dinner and good chat with new friends(plus John!). Saturday involved a quality coffee morning and many more conversations at the Maresh’s, followed by watching the new Jason Bourne movie with Julie(it was a good movie…but definitely not up to the standards of the previous three. Oh well. Still awesome seeing Matt Damon be amazing on the big screen!!) Then I had a craving for lasagna so of course…had to go home and make that for dinner!! Julie came over to help me eat it and we watched so many good Olympics events(and had some good chat interspersed!). Saturday night was an excellent Olympics night…Mo Farah taking the gold(again!!) in the 10k – so thrilling, especially as I remembered watching it from my Calsayseat flat four years ago!! – then Michael Phelps dominating in the pool one last time…Sunday, many more fun things happened, but I simply don’t have the time to write about them now!! Sorry for this poorly constructed, somewhat rambling entry, but just wanted to write these things down so that I always point back to them and…remember the goodness of the Lord. Be well, my friends – take courage and live today for the glory of our God and Father!!

Rio

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends, happy Monday!! A quick post before work…hope that’s acceptable to you all! I realise I haven’t posted in quite a while, so thought I’d write something just to break up the monotony here! August is steadily rolling on here in Houston and I am quite ready for summer to hurry up and leave. It’s been quite sweltering these past few months and I’ve reached that point where I’m not really welcoming the constant sunshine and heat any longer. Oh well, suppose I shouldn’t complain, since at least there hasn’t been any flooding in Houston for approximately two months. A new record!

Enough of the weather though…a fun weekend has been had here – actually a quite busy one! We had our community group barbecue on Saturday afternoon. That was a relaxing time, full of yummy burgers and other assorted foods of course, but the best part was just hanging out with friends and having quality conversations. Then last night, went out to celebrate Annie’s birthday. More good food, more good conversations…and some quality game playing(featuring Four Men on a Couch – which is always hilarious when played late at night when everyone is tired and not entirely thinking clearly…). Besides all that, just good times talking with people, including but not limited to Julian, Isaac and Julie…)

And of course, the other notable part of this weekend was the beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympics! I do so love the Olympics and it’s been just grand watching them yet again. So very excited for these next few weeks!! Julie came over Friday night and we watched the opening ceremonies in Rio – it was a joyous and exuberant beginning of the Games and much enjoyed watching the athletes of over two hundred nations march into the stadium. Love it! The past few days, have watched much volleyball and swimming and road cycling and other various sports…and for the next few weeks to come, will enjoy much more daily sport in the form of Olympics. Hurrah! It’s also a bit bittersweet as I remember back to the last Summer Games – the London 2012 Olympics. And when I was – of course – in Aberdeen as those occurred. (And yes, even was in London for a few days with Joel to witness some of the events in person!) And so as I think back to those fun days in Scotland, I do get a bit nostalgic…remembering how blessed I was to enjoy the time I did there. God blessed me much no? And oh yes – He blesses me still. Always remember. Always.

Now, I must be off. Peace, one and all!