Tag: friends

Rockets

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening friends!! It’s a quiet Wednesday night here and all is well. John is chilling here in the living room with me as I watch the Rockets/Clippers playoff game on TV…and check in for my flight tomorrow. Because yes – I am flying home to Tampa tomorrow!!! It’s going to be an epic weekend of awesomeness…starting off with seeing Mom and Dad tomorrow night…then driving up to Gainesville to pick up Laura whereupon we will immediately drive to Orlando for a rocking Nightwish adventure!! And yes, I’ve seen them before(back in Glasgow with Jackie in 2012)…but I’ve always really wanted to see them with Laura. And now(less than two months before she marries Caisson!!) me and her will finally get to see the the beautiful symphonic metal band that is Nightwish…together. And it will be awesome, I do declare. And of course, the best part won’t even be the show, but just all the sweet time I’ll get to hang out with Laura and talk and be together. I do love her so…and still can’t believe my baby sister is soon to be married.

Now, I didn’t quite mean to finish this entry without mentioning some of the events of this past week, as I’ve been running around like a madman. Tonight has been one of my few nights of rest in a long time, and I have been heartily enjoying that. Last week, me and Daniel went to a Needtobreathe concert(much fun and rocking out was had! Needtobreathe live is so good!)…then on Thursday night, me and Daniel went to see Avengers: Age of Ultron(where again, much fun was had, even though somehow we went to a 9:20 showing…terrible idea on a work night, let me tell you…still – an epic comic-book adventure. Well done indeed)…and I’m pretty sure I did more awesome things over the weekend, but it’s been such a long week already that I honestly can’t remember anymore. Hah! And you can probably tell from the rambling nature of this post that I’m a bit tired even now…which means I should probably stop writing. Think I’m going to read some of my church history book and drink my tea. Chase is about to play some Skyrim – so figure I’ll watch that a little as I read! Be well, my friends – think on all that our God has done for us and rejoice. Peace and love – always!!

Holler

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday friends!! I realise I haven’t written a proper reflective piece in far too long(and no, this won’t be it either!). Just wanted to acknowledge that I’m aware I’ve been absent lately(apart from my slightly odd story I wrote last week!). This evening though, I’ve just finished going over Psalm 19 in prep for community group on Tuesday…and truly, such a glorious and wonderful Psalm! I’m super psyched for Tuesday, gotta admit! This day’s been marvelous…worshiping at Bethel with my fellow brothers and sisters(singing “Holy Holy Holy” never fails to make me think of heaven…), chilling with Daniel this afternoon/evening(watching far too much “Justified” and eating some quality pizza…oh and having some solid talking time, as always…) and now studying God’s Word and simply being staggered by the beauty and truth that lies therein.

And I feel a bit sad that I haven’t written more recently, as the past few months, I’ve been blessed much by all that God has been doing in my life. I’ve failed to chronicle as well as I should have – just know that God is good and I am very conscious of His hand on my life. He is with me. He is working. God is with me.

I think back to a few weeks ago – flying back to Tampa for a quick weekend trip. Spent such a sweet time with Dad and Steve and Dan Hayden in Orlando at a one-day conference. The conference(mainly eschatological in nature, but I’m not going to take the time now to detail every seminar!) was stimulating, but the best part of the day was simply being with my Dad and Steve and Dan and being encouraged in their presence. And then the next day at church in Tampa…being with God’s people in Hope Bible Church and being encouraged yet again as I was very aware of the presence of the Lord that Sunday morning. Of course, the time after church was no less wonderful. Had an awesome hamburger lunch with Mom and Dad…talking and relaxing with them – loved it!!!…and as I stepped through the airport doors to come back to Houston, I couldn’t help but be sorrowful to leave. Sorrowful, but also thankful to God for giving me such a time of refreshing and encouragement!

Oh and I could go one and on talking about different times these past few months that God has blessed me, but I am starting to get tired…and so bedtime it is for me. Just remember, friends – how great and glorious a God we belong to. Forever and always.

Peace, dear friends.

Lilies on the Sun

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! On this beautiful and most delightful Saturday, I sit here at Beans coffeeshop, about to head out. But I must not let the opportunity to write a quick update pass me by! I’ve just enjoyed a pretty awesome morning here, sipping on first my mocha, then a nice honey-flavored green tea. Now, the afternoon is beginning to wear on, and I really should get back to the house. Me and Daniel are planning to see Interstellar at the cinema, and I’ve been here long enough, methinks! Last night had a sweet relaxing Friday night, involving eating a delicious dinner(grilled burgers! green bean casserole! deliciousness!) and watching random videos with Daniel(Legend of Korra!!). And today, I really should be prepping for Tuesday bible study, but I’ve been doing Christmas shopping instead. And mixing up an awesome playlist(I think I’ll burn it for Maryanne’s Christmas present…but it’s so great, I’ll make myself a copy too I think). Now though, as disjointed as this entry is, time for me to go. One of these days, I’ll write something properly, but this will have to do for now.

Peace always, friends!!!

Spaced

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday, yo! I’m sitting in Beans with John, having enjoyed a very proper morning here. Drank a mocha…and maybe an extra shot of espresso too. Don’t judge. I’ve read a bit but really spent most of my time doing some quality Christmas shopping(i.e., browsing Amazon and placing several different orders…so now, Christmas presents…sorted! Mostly. Still debating on a couple more possible presents for Maryanne and Laura…) John joined me about an hour or so ago, and we’ve had some sweet times chilling here(i.e., looking at our separate computer screens and speaking to each other every once in a while). I’ve wanted to do some writing, but sadly, I think my writing here will have to suffice for today. At least this morning. It’s now past noon and I should probably do my errands and head back home eventually. Anyways, I wanted to write because I felt I’ve been pretty absent lately. This past week has been another hectic work week, but joyous moments have been liberally sprinkled throughout, so I cannot complain. Never ever. Lots of quality time spent with Daniel either having deep talks about life or being silly watching the best shows ever(the ARROW or the FLASH…I am being totally serious as to their being the best shows ever. Maybe with a very slight tinge of sarcasm. Y’know)…lots of moments at work realising that despite the stress and the weariness, God has used me to encourage and help people as I work…moments hanging out with friends and watching silly movies(like the terribly silly and romantic yet wondrous About Time at Erica/Emily/Michelle/Meagan’s place or last night watching Star Trek Into Darkness with John and Daniel as we heartily enjoyed watching Kirk being awesome and Spock beat up on Khan…)…and really, this whole week…just relishing the goodness and love and wonder of being a child of God. Each and every moment I am alive, I exist to bring glory to the Most High God. This brings joy to my heart and a song to my lips. And now, I must let my espresso-fueled fingers rest, as I fear this paragraph is terribly unwieldy. Yet, I feel oh so blessed. And I long to share these moments with you all. My friends.

Peace and love.

God of our Fathers

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello and happy Saturday evening, friends!! Daniel is currently playing guitar and I’m chilling in the living room…thought I’d write a few words. This day has been long and difficult but now I am resting. And it is good. I went in to work for a while this morning(oh crazy Ensco and their rig down emergencies!). Working on Saturday isn’t always fun, but sometimes it must be done. Afterwards, went over to the Maresh’s for one of their patented International House of Coffee events…even though I felt a bit tired and stressed from work, really wanted to see people. And so of course, it was a lovely time hanging out with awesome friends and drinking far too much(not really) delicious coffee…

Afterwards, even though I really felt like going home, went back to work for a few more hours to ensure the equipment testing(an HC connector, which none of you will know what that is…but I do, so you can ask me all about it sometime!! Or not, as it’s really not that interesting!). Anyways, after work-part-two, I came home, had a little dinner…and now hanging out in the living room as me and Daniel talk about random things. Pardon the disjointedness of this entry, as me and him have been talking throughout the writing of this!

So now, as I think about today and all that I have done and all the people I have talked with…I rejoice. I rejoice because even though I am tired and weary, I am a child of God. And that is truly wonderful.

Peace and love.

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