Tag: friends

Oh So Spartan

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Happy Sunday, friends!! Shan’t write long, just thought I may as well write a few words this rare moment I have my laptop on and humming away. I sit here on the comfy chair as the afternoon wanes away, having enjoyed a lovely day of rest. And no, it is not over yet! Was able to attend church today and be heartily encouraged – by the preaching of God’s Word, singing songs of praise and talking with dear friends. And then…had a nice salad for lunch, hanging out with John…took a quick nap then a quick workout then a not-quite-as-quick chat with Maryanne! All in all…a good day.

And now I watch the Kansas/Michigan State basketball game and read a bit more of my book…and even though I feel sleepy and in a bit of a contemplative mood at the moment, I will thank God for what He has granted me this day and I shall rest in the joy that is my salvation – fixing my hope completely at the grace to be brought to me at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Love you, my friends.

A Framing of the Mind

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Hello friends…and happy Tuesday! I dare not write too much right now, as my eyes are sleepy – despite the coffee I’m currently gulping down! – and at some point I need to attempt to wake up by doing work. But at least a few words? I am still recovering from Sunday night…me and John had a small Oscars-watching party at our place, a fun time with a few friends(Joe, Julie, Abby, Camille, Julia…) but of course the only problem with the Oscars is it’s approximately a four hour show. Eventually everyone left or (in John’s case) just went to bed, but Julie and I persevered to the bitter end! Worth it to see Moonlight‘s best picture win…of course, I’ve not seen that movie – looks a bit depressing for my taste. Maybe someday. Emma Stone did win best actress for La La Land, so all is well! Anyways! Sunday was a late night. I really need to get more sleep. Not tonight, since it’s community group night. Not tomorrow night, since I’m hanging with Sammy. Oh well. Maybe someday my poor body will get sleep.

Anything else? Hm, I guess I’ve just been pondering thoughts lately of life, the universe and everything. You know, the usual! And just the realisation that people(myself included!) are far too consumed by thoughts of how to please and love ourselves to the exclusion of all else. Yes, we say we love others. But words are cheap. Our actions are dictated far too often by the desire to please the god of ourselves. That sacred throne of rank pride – how we do love that seat. And at the end of the day – at the end of all things – does it really matter how much we’ve sacrificed to bring oblations to our own soul? God forbid that we should live so. I so much want to not be so concerned about my own vanity or cravings or heartache… Fierce and most loathsome ambition to raise myself above all else, why is this part of me? I flee. I am on this world for a purpose far greater, a cause far purer. May I remember that and forget myself.

Peace and love.

Prayers Ascending

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Hello friends – and happy Tuesday! I’m going to be starting work in a few minutes, just wanted to briefly chronicle some events of last night – very insignificant to the world at large, but precious to me. Last night, was driving to get dinner with Julie and as I was speeding up down the onramp to I-10, looked up at the sky and was almost overwhelmed by the cacophony of light and beauty shining forth from the sky. Yesterday, it rained and drizzled most of the day, but just as I was driving to dinner, the sky had begun to clear – and so shone forth the sun amidst a riot of towering purple clouds and smooth-streaked grey wisps and dazzling orange shaded fluffy cloud banks…I was so startled by the sight of the sky filled with such a varied and most gorgeous array of clouds and colours and swift shining lights that I had to ease up on my accelerating foot and tell myself to tear my eyes away from the sky. And as I relished the sun setting beauty that confronted me, I realized the gift I had been given to me by my God – a sight of awe and wonder and gorgeous delight. Oh and I suppose this entry is a bit self-indulgent…apologies! But was the rest of my night just as wondrous? Actually, it so happened it was. Dinner with Julie at Dish Society and as always it was wonderful and just what I needed. We enjoyed our food and chat and I was so encouraged by her(and maybe I encouraged her a little too? I hope so). Oh how dear of a friend is she. How marvelous it is to have such a deep bond with someone, a bond forged in the Spirit of God and of our love for Him. We finished the evening and I was able to pray for her and as I prayed, felt simply overwhelmed by the love of God for us, His humble and insignificant children. He loves us.

Redux

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This post written yesterday, February 20th…thought I may as well post it today!

Good morning all!! I am writing this from work this morning(well, as I guess I usually do on Monday mornings?) But feels a bit weird now, as I’m writing this on a Word doc and not in livejournal itself. The whole network is down at work right now, so no internet, no emails…almost no work of any kind is possible right now! Hopefully the internet comes back soon, because (sadly or not!) I really do want to get some work done today. Also, it is pouring buckets outside and I very much appreciate the fact that I am inside where it is warm and dry just now! And since I can’t do anything online, I figured I may as well write a few words now and then post them on livejournal once the network comes back online. If it ever does.

Anyways, what shall I write about? Hm, I know! Earnie and Mandy’s wedding this past weekend! They got married this past Saturday at Bethel and it was glorious. I can’t express the joy that was in my heart at seeing them being knit together as one! Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Terrell, congratulations!! Oh what bliss and oh what love!! The ceremony was gorgeous and I shan’t describe it in detail. We drove out to Plantersville for the dinner and reception – where much delicious barbecue was consumed and much awesome dancing took place!! Good times with so many good friends. I do so love weddings and this one did not disappoint. And just to see God’s work in the life of Earnie and Mandy. I’ve known Earnie for a few years now, and I remember when he would talk about Mandy and be yearning after her…even though she had no thoughts for him! And now…to see how God has brought them together is truly amazing. And they are brought together not just by their love for each other, oh no! They are brought together and bound by their love for Christ. Amazing love.

Now, the network is still down, so I guess I can keep writing! Yesterday was a joyous time at church, worshiping God and offering praise to the One from whom all blessings flow. Afterwards, had a good meeting with Sammy and some of the other young leaders at church – talking about millennials – oh that fickle, silly and irksome generation! Eventually made my way to the store for some dinner materials, then homeward bound! While my spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove, finished my 1 Peter study for next week(vss. 1-2 – keeping it real, keeping it slow!) while I listened to my prime study muse – Lorde – don’t ask me why. Then did my workout and afterwards, got to talk to Maryanne for a while!! We hadn’t talked in ages – so it was very well worth it. About time. Sorry for the wait, sis!!

Finally, it was almost dinner time, so made meatballs while John and Camille hung about and watched me do so. I don’t know why meatball making is so fascinating…but there you go. Julia came over and we all watched Dr. Strange(fantastically fun movie, with so many good actors…Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong – all the Benedicts!! …now I want some eggs benedict…mm…) ANYWAY. It was a beautiful relaxing night, enjoying a delicious dinner and watching a fun movie with friends. Can’t get any better. Me and John had a good talk before I went to bed and I daresay I’ve been feeling very encouraged lately. I am at peace and I feel oh so blessed by God my Father. How should it be that I am blessed so? I know not. I simply lift my eyes to the heavens and pray with adoration in my heart to my Father. Abba Father – hear my cry.

Now, dear friends…I end this. Still network outage here, but going to tear my eyes away from the computer screen and talk to some of my friends here at work. Be warm and safe and dry this day, fellow Houstonians!

That Scent of Pine

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It’s a Friday once again, hurrah!! I have been sick most of this week(not hurrah??) and that’s not been fun, but oh well. I am surviving. Now I’m just happy to reach the end of this week – been super low-energy and work has been taxing. Last night was great though – a relaxing night with John…we got Chinese take-out and watched approximately four episodes of Avatar. As is proper. And had good chat, about things both serious and silly…so grateful to have a roommate like him. So blessed indeed to be living with him…while it was good and well living alone before, I don’t think I’m made to live on my own. Not optimal. Now, time to get to work here. A relaxing(at least as of now!) weekend ahead and I am happy. Farewell, friends!

A Day of Chili

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Happy Friday, all!! I’m enjoying my Friday peppermint mocha and this early morning calm before the storm. Nice and quiet here in the office currently, although that will soon change. Anything much going on here lately? Not really, although did have a great roommate night yesterday with John! We actually expanded it to include Camille last night…went over to her place, had far too much yummy pizza and watched Groundhog Day(as is proper). Bill Murray is outstanding, I always forget how much I love watching his movies! Tonight is Rockets game with James – I’m excited because they’re playing Chicago…never seen the Bulls play before! And so I get to see Butler and D. Wade and Rondo and all them play – should be a fun one! (Although of course…go Rockets!) And now, I must be off.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends – peace and love, always.

La La Land

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…and it’s Friday once again! And beautifully enough, it is cold outside and it is wonderful. 37 degrees this morning – love it so! Also raining slightly, which is not quite as nice, but I won’t complain. Stopped at Starbucks for my traditional and now I’m at work ready for a good and most productive work day! I have to say, I did so much enjoy walking from my car to the building this morning and feeling the cold air on my face, relishing the feel of winter. And then I think about all the terribly bitter cold mornings in Aberdeen, crunching through snow and ice and barely being able to feel my fingers. This Houston “winter” is nothing in comparison!!

Now, about time to get to work…guess I’ve used up all my time talking about the weather! I am quite sleepy this morning – was at Chase’s last night for a long-awaited catch-up time. We got some quality gaming time in as well – dominated it up in classic Gears of War fashion! So yes, an epic night…but now I am quite sleepy. Ah well, will try and find some good music to wake me up. And I am rambling.

I’m off – peace and love!

Always

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Good afternoon, friends…and Happy New Year. Thus begins the year of our Lord 2017. May this year be blessed – and so it shall be!

I shan’t write long now(mostly because I have a bandaged finger that makes it somewhat awkward to type – resulting from me mistaking my finger for a potato during potato peeling time yesterday. Not advisable).

Anyways!! Just wanted to write a few words – maybe more later this week when I have full use of my fingers! – as we enter this grand new year. 2016 was a year in which God worked mightily in my life – even the times I was not always aware of such! And I want to offer my praise and thanksgiving to Him this day – for who He is – God Almighty! – and for all of His great works.

And what else shall I say? I suppose I will say how precious yesterday was…a day where I decided to stay at home and make a nice roast beef dinner and enjoy a quiet night in. A day that turned in to a relaxing time over at Camille and Erin’s with John, reading and eating fine food and watching far too many episodes of Sherlock! And a quiet night – one spent with good friends, finally eating my roast beef dinner and ringing in the new year sitting on this couch, reading a bit of A Wise Man’s Fear and sipping on my Hungarian wine. A wonderful, relaxing and joy inspiring day, all in all. And now, as I sit here on the couch and lift my eyes to the heavens, I ponder anew the goodness and love of my God. May I never cease to think on these things.

Peace, my friends. Peace and love.

Faithful

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends, and happy Monday!! On this beautifully cold morning, I cannot help but rejoice!! It was (seriously!) 33 degrees this morning as I drove in to work. What is this wonderful cold weather doing here!? I have no idea, but I am so thankful to God for granting such a gorgeous weekend to me. A very proper last day in Houston, I do say. I get to enjoy my peppermint mocha and slowly warm up here in the office…this is simply fantastic. And yes, last day in Houston! Tonight I fly off Florida way for a week – hurrah! Of course, I’ll miss my friends here, but a week with the family will be oh so much enjoyed…of that I have no doubt.

And this past weekend has indeed been one in which I have been blessed by God exceedingly. As I have been praying to God for guidance in various matters, I have been reminded anew how blessed I have been here in Houston with the friends God has given me. Saturday night – was able to enjoy a fun and relaxing night over at Camille and Erin’s place with John – we had dinner and watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Then yesterday, after a sweet morning of worship at church, I went home and got a few things done…then went and picked up Julie for our Sunday movie adventure – LA LA Land. It was a simply lovely movie, bittersweet and tinged with nostalgia, yet currents of joy running throughout. I think I will buy this one when it comes out…that’s how much I enjoyed! It had lots of good music as well – that definitely didn’t hurt! Afterwards, Julie and I went out and got dinner and simply had a fantastic time talking and chatting about so so many things…this was our last time to hang out before I go to Florida tonight and she’s off to France tomorrow! So we made the most of it. Such a dear friend is she. And then I came home and me and John had some quality talking time. So encouraging is he!! I am oh so blessed to have him as a roommate. And then…I finished reading my book(Swiftly Tilting Planet – I have realised lately how influenced my writing has been by reading L’Engle’s works. My writing takes after hers more than I thought!!). My next book is going to be a re-read of Name of the Wind. It is time.

And now, I do write too much. One last day of furious work. Then…homeward bound.

Peace, my friends – peace and love.

Sanguine Eyes

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Hi friends, happy Thursday! Just jotting down a few words here before I start work…it’s a nice cold morning and set to get a lot colder!! According to our wise weather prognosticators, temperature is going to drop steadily throughout the day, possibly even to freezing point! I came fully prepared today, wearing my turtleneck and sweater – so excited! Sad how happy cold weather will make me, but there you go! Also, last night was simply beautiful. Sarah Hadley just started working at this coffee shop nearby(2nd Cup) and once I realised I could walk there in about 20 minutes…I got up and did just that! Had a great post-dinner walk through the crisp almost-wintry air enjoying walking through my neighborhood…then a nice cup of cocoa at coffee shop! Got to chat with Sarah for a bit before deciding not to distract her anymore. And so my evening was finished off by sitting and drinking my cocoa and reading Faith and Life by Warfield…meditating on the wonders that is the incomprehensible fullness of the love of Christ…for us. And that, my friends, is a good night.

Peace and love.