Tag: friends

Vintage

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! Just about to start work here – thought I’d pop in for a quick update as another week begins! Had an awesome weekend, full of productivity and fun times(both good things!). I’ll focus mainly on the fun times, as taxes and cleaning aren’t quite as enjoyable to talk about. Anyways! Saturday started with a sweet morning breakfast with the community group leadership team…much good discussion was had(mainly as we tried to hash out the purpose of our group and what we’d like to see come from our times together. A mission statement is currently being constructed, which I think is very much needed) Good times indeed. Following, got to hang out with John a bit(Thai food for lunch…and I worked on the aforementioned taxes). That evening, me and John and Peter went to Melissa’s place where we had a fun game night! Abby and Claire and Jim and a few others were there as well. The highlight of the game night was definitely Pandemic, where me and Claire and Peter saved the world from many virulent diseases(a super fun game that’s played cooperatively…I need to play again – I think the fam would like it a lot too!).

Oh dear, need to speed through the rest of this as work time approaches. Yesterday was a beautiful Sunday morning – worshiping God at church in the morning and then a lunch meeting with the Gathering(young adult ministry) leadership team. After some good open discussion, I went back to my place, did laundry, worked out and prepped for…the Super Bowl! There were no big parties planned and I didn’t really want to watch it on my own…so I invited John, Earnie, Mandy and Julie over to watch. We ordered pizza and wings and had an awesome night talking and being together…oh yeah and watching some football too. The Broncos crushed the Panthers(the Broncos defense was truly ferocious – seven sacks and multiple takeaways!!)…Peyton Manning got his second Super Bowl ring – so cool to see him smiling so much! One of the greats of all time. But truly, apart from the football, it was just a really special evening of being together with my friends.

And now, I must be off. Peace, friends – have a most lovely day.

Sweet Chariot

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! Posting a quick pre-work entry here before everything gets hectic busy. Of course, things aren’t that busy of late here…mostly with the oil industry being semi-catatonic and all. Layoffs are still happening(two more engineers got let go from my office yesterday..) and everyone is in a bit of a grim mood. Anyways! Cheery intro, eh? I’m enjoying my cup of coffee this Wednesday morning and slowly waking up. I’ve felt like I’ve been on the verge of getting sick for the past week or so…and I’m a bit tired of being tired all the time. Oh so weary! I would like to have my proper energy back, please! Alas. Tonight should be a restful night at home and then tomorrow night going out to hang with Chase and Sarah! That will be good times, no doubt. Last night was a beautiful small group meeting…despite my tiredness, God indeed gave grace(as always!) and we had a pretty sweet discussion of the gospel of God. What is the beauty of the gospel?? That was my ending question last night, and as I begin to dive into work this morning, I want to be pondering and meditating on the everlasting mercies of my God. Peace and love, dear friends.

The Lions of James

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday my friends!! Don’t have long to write, as work needs to begin in earnest shortly…(even though it is not even six AM here yet!). But I wanted to at least write a few words to let you know this December is already rolling along nicely. I can’t believe it’s almost time for Christmas. Ridiculous. But I still have two more weeks of work to conquer(along with a few Christmas parties to attend!) before I can think about home time in Tampa. And this past weekend(while tiring!) has been most delightful…besides fun events with lots of people(Christmas party at Abby and Claire’s on Friday! Dinner and movie(Creed – awesomely done!) with the gang for Matias’ birthday on Saturday!)…have had some quality talks with dear friends who I value greatly. And just realise how truly blessed I am to have such amazing friends. Talking with Laura K on Saturday…Daniel yesterday(I miss that guy!!)…then me and John had a sweet evening last night…eating pizza, watching random football game and just talking about life. So yes, as busy as I have been…I just want to sit back for a moment here and remind myself of the friends that I love so much.

Now – work time here y’all. Peace and love.

Hazelnut Lane

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!! I am posting this before work begins this morning, partly because I realise I haven’t properly written anything in far too long! And I thought that trend of not posting needs to be arrested immediately!! And even now, I don’t have the time to say much. But it is a beautifully cold morning here(low 40s – for Houston, shockingly cold!) and it’s pretty awesome finally getting to wear a turtleneck and sweater to work again. Yes, I am easily made happy. And so as I drove to work this morning with my hazulnut mocha, feeling warm and cosy in my car as I watched the sky slowly lighten and listened to Sufjan’s soft jams…I just realised how truly blessed I am – I have been given so much. No doubt there, none at all.

And really, I think back over this past weekend – and am even more thankful!! I’ve been having an interesting few months here(and few weeks! Maybe I shall discuss in depth at a later date, we shall see) and I know God has definitely been teaching me to even more fully rely on Him and enjoy Him purely and above all else. And I’ve still been feeling a bit emotionally weary…and then right before this upcoming weekend trip to Austin, I ended up getting physically sick! A nasty cold and fever…you know, all that good stuff. I almost cancelled the trip to Austin, but John talked me into it. And I’m very glad he did. Drove up with John to Austin Friday afternoon and spent some quality time hanging out with him that night and Saturday morning(before Melissa and Jim drove up to join us!). Me and John got lots of talking time…of course interspersed with some quality Doctor Who watching. Of course. And once Jim and Melissa joined us, we had a sweet afternoon(more wonderful talking as we walked in the Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary in the middle of Austin – gorgeous walk, did not see any wildlife. Still, would come again). And as I walked on the woods trail and breathed deep of the crisp wintry air and looked at the piercing blue sky above…I gave thanks to God for his many and diverse blessings that He has given me. Later that evening was the object of our trip – the Oh Hellos concert! I’d not really listened to their music much(Christian folk/rock, I guess?), but John loves them, so I figured it’d be fun! And it was simply a grand time! Outdoor venue, so very very cold though – had my coat zippered all the way to my chin, still shivering in between sets! But being with Jim and Melissa and John…hearing beautiful music and looking up at the moon shining down on us from the nighttime sky and feeling the sure confidence that comes from knowing I am loved by my Father God. And so yesterday morning, we enjoyed a sweet breakfast at a French cafe, then worshiped at a church in downtown Austin…and after a much enjoyed pizza lunch, me and John drove back to Houston, where – of course – more quality talking time was had. And so now I am back in Houston, about to embark on another work week(ok – a very short two day work week!!) and though I know not all before me will be smiles and laughter, I know that God is with me and I cannot wait to see the things He has in store for me. The Lord God is my joy and my confidence – now and forever.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that shall I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple.

The Turn of the Tide

James HoganLeave a comment

Hey friends!! A very quick post indeed, since I’m posting from my phone and my fingers are not as nimble as I would like. All I really want to say is.. a very awesome afternoon is being enjoyed here and I am ever so thankful. Right now a pot of chili simmers on the stove and my all time favorite movie plays on the TV(The Two Towers…*of course*…) and I’ve had some quality poolside time reading and soaking in the sun and good times were spent with friends – Ernie, Mandy, Abby, Claire and Angela!! – laughing and talking and reading/reciting scripture…and while I know this world is broken and is ever groaning…Right now I simply see those gifts God has given me and I must and shall lift up my voice in praise to Him – oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise!!!

And now…Two Towers and hot chili. Not much better, y’all. Peace friends.

Streets of New York

James HoganLeave a comment

Hey friends – happy Saturday!!! I am very wisely making use of the wi-fi here at Starbucks and hence you all get a small update. I do apologise that my literary(or not so literary??) output has been so drastically reduced ever since I moved to my new place. My new apartment is rather fine, if I say so myself…but I don’t think I’ve yet written an entry from there. Alas.

Anyways – it’s a fine September day here in Houston and I’ve already gotten quite a few things done(the most important – obviously – being the crafting of my newest mix CD. I’m not sure if it’s perfect yet, but figure I’ll take it to NYC this weekend and let Maryanne trial it out(and if it proves acceptable, I may post the track list here eventually…)) Oh have I not mentioned that yet? Yep – me and Maryanne are going on a city adventure this weekend – I fly out Thursday morning and then me and Maryanne have a glorious four days to explore NYC(and Philly! – on Saturday). I’ve never visited NYC(to my shame?) and I’m pretty psyched. Of course, mostly because me and Maryanne get some quality hang-out time. Who cares about the city anyway, eh?

Also – got some fun news today – two people I haven’t seen in quite some time messaged me and asked if we could hang out when they’re in town. I was definitely confused(but elated!) to get messages from both in one morning! Joe Patz is going to be back in October and Mark Neish(wow I haven’t seen him since…I left Scotland!!) will be here in November for a week of training. So long-missed-friend-reunion times…coming up. God is good. Indeed, I get reminded now how much I’ve been blessed with FAR TOO MANY amazing friends in my life. These are just a few of them…always remember the good things that God has done for me, indeed.

Any other news of late? I’m sure I could think of some random tidbits, but really nothing else crazy in my life right now. Hopefully this post makes up for my long absence. Peace, my friends – peace and love.

Our Love

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! A quick post here…just making the most of the opportunity as I sit in Starbucks this relaxing Saturday evening. I really do mean to leave soon so I can go to the store and then go home and make some delicious tomato sauce! Thinking tonight sounds like a night for homemade sauce complete with Italian sausages, peppers and onions(and plenteous spices). Y’know. Delicious? Yes. I’m also thinking I might put on some Ben Hur for cooking accompaniment, but we shall see.

Anyways! Today has been a delightful Saturday, especially after a long and crazy week. This morning after a sweet reading and coffee time, went over to help Chase and Sarah move!! We had a good group of guys as manual labor(Jared! Peter! Donnie!) So the move was efficient and relatively pain free! Afterwards, came back and…well, I really meant to come here to Starbucks right away(needed to catch up on bill-paying, work emails…such fun!), but it’s so gorgeous outside, I couldn’t help myself. Ended up outside by the pool with my book(Lord of Chaos, book six of Wheel of Time!) enjoying the radiant sun and picturesque blue sky. God is good to me. Truly.

And now it’s going on six o’clock, so I really should be off. Store to grab the necessary supplies, then dinner-making time.

Peace, my friends. Peace and love.

Surfside

James HoganLeave a comment

Afternoon, friends!! I am writing a quick entry from here inside Starbucks…sadly, I came here to use some internet so I could write some work emails. Very very sad on a Sunday, I know. Oh well! Still, got some work done, and now almost time to go to the store and get some food(salad supplies and steak and potatoes!)…and then I’m thinking a beautiful idea would be to go out to my pool and soak in some sun!! I’m very much in a sun-enjoying mood, having spent most of yesterday having sweet beach time! It’s Ernie’s birthday today, so Mandy organised a little beach adventure…where me, Ernie, Mandy, Katie, Dakota and some others all had a smashing Saturday at the beach! After getting fueled up on coffee and donuts, we drove the hour down to the beach. The sun shone all day long and the water was positively bath-quality-warm and the sea breeze was perfectly fresh. Lunch time eventually came and due to Ernie’s grill skills, we had plenty of hamburgers(slightly charred) and hotdogs(a bit more charred) to feast on. As the afternoon wore on and we all started to tire a bit(how does one get tired just swimming around in the Gulf? Don’t ask me), we sat on the shore and just enjoyed being together. Gorgeous sun and sea, beautiful sand and surf…and dear friends and good chat. A good day was given me by my God and I thank Him!!

Now…it really is about time to go, but wanted to write a quote from a book I’ve been enjoying greatly lately. I really would have posted this sooner, but not having Internet at home is making my postings oh so much more sporadic. My apologies. Still. This quote. Just simply, wonderfully beautiful:

“So, then, this also is hid in Christ,-the great and unspeakable riches of the wisdom of God, in pardoning sin, saving sinners, satisfying justice, fulfilling the law, repairing his own honour, and providing for us a more exceeding weight of glory; and all this out of such a condition as wherein it was impossible that it should enter into the hearts of angels or men how ever the glory of God should be repaired, and one sinning creature delivered from everlasting ruin. Hence it is said, that at the last day God ‘shall be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe,’ 2 Thess 1:10. It shall be an admirable thing, and God shall be for ever glorious in it, even in the bringing of believers to himself. To save sinners through believing, shall be found to be a far more admirable work than to create the world of nothing.
-John Owen, Communion with God

Cinnamon Jump

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday, y’all!!! I seriously am only going to write a few words, because my feet are tapping and I’m eager to get out in the bright sunshine…and leave Starbucks behind, where I’ve spent far too much time today(shocking, I know!). But – it has been a most productive morning…got lots of little online chores done(having no Internet at home means Saturday Starbucks is my best time for online tasks, naturally…). I also mostly got my community group lesson for next week done, which is a pleasant surprise as I didn’t think I’d be able to complete it today. I probably will work on tightening it up a bit tomorrow…but it’s in good shape so I am happy. Looking at prayer and Philippians 1:9-11. Good words. I really did want to write a little something beautiful…like a poem or something…but I’ve been here too long and since I’m getting antsy – my heart is not in the poem-writing mood. Alas.

Quickly, before I fly! Last night! Spent a marvelous night with friends – reminded again as always of how much I’ve been blessed. Went out north to the Woodlands for a concert(of course accompanied by a fine tex-mex pre-show meal at Chuy’s…). Ernie, John, Michelle, Abby, Claire and Julie and I had such sweet times…talking, laughing, being silly…and then enjoying a quality rockin’ show by The Avett Brothers – they’re a folksy band that really knows how to rock!! I’d never heard them before, but not at all sorry I was there.

And oh I said I would only write a few words…how has it spilled to three paragraphs? Oops. Anyways, I’m going to leave and continue enjoying my Saturday. This is my last Saturday in Houston for a couple weeks…as next week, I’m going to be going on a fine Maryland adventure – return to my homeland indeed!! Will be some quality times with a quality friend…and I’m pretty psyched, cannot deny! Now I’m off for real. Need to do some shopping(thinking a fine dinner tonight of chicken, baked potatoes and homemade stuffing). But I can’t end this without simply stating how thankful I am for the blessings of my God. He has blessed me much. Peace, my friends. Peace and love!!!

The Wheel Turns

James HoganLeave a comment

Hi friends!!! I have just realised that – shockingly – I have not posted here in over a month!! Terrible behaviour, simply terrible, I say. But I do have a good excuse. I have not(and still don’t!) had Internet in my flat, so posting is just a little more difficult than it used to be. Could I post from my phone? Well, I guess I could…but I type so slowly on my phone and then I just couldn’t be half as long-winded as is my wont. Couldn’t have that now could we? But now I’m ensconced at the Starbucks a few minutes away from my apartment, enjoying my chocolate and cinnamon tinged coffee…and I actually do have a bit of time to write!

So I could write all about my new apartment and what it’s like living alone again…or I could talk about my super hectic and crazy work life…or I could even talk about all the books I’m reading(Wheel of Time re-read – currently on The Dragon Reborn! Just started another John Owen book last night…Communion with God!!) or the TV shows I’m watching(Just finished watching Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer last night…on to S2!!)…or I could talk about something even more awesome. Like…you know, Laura and Caisson getting married last weekend. Yeah. I think that wins.

So I don’t think it’s even possible to do last week justice. But I shall try to paint a picture, and even though it may be slightly dim and ill-formed…it’ll at least give you an idea of the glorious week that was had as Laura and Caisson came together as husband and wife!! I flew to Tampa last Wednesday and then drove to Gainesville for the beginning of wedding week festivities! Bachelor party that night with Caisson and the gang(didn’t know any of the other guys going into the week…but no worries, as expected – they were all awesome and most quality guys!). Thursday – woke up feeling a little tired(yes, I am apparently not in college anymore and not used to going to bed after 2AM…) but enjoyed a sweet brunch with all the guys and all of Laura’s bridal party(Maryanne was one of the maids of honor, as is proper…and I knew some of the other girls too – all very top-notch ladies!!). Thursday afternoon involved disc golf played with none other than Rob G! And Laurie and Jonah. And Maryanne. And some of the rest of the wedding party. And after that…dinner at Outback with Aunt Bev and Aunt Linda and Mom and Dad and Maryanne and Laura and Caisson!! I feel like I’m just speeding through the events here, but trust me…if I don’t, there is no way I’ll get through everything!!! But seriously, sitting at Outback with the family, talking about life and being all together. Truly special. And speaking of special…after that dinner, got to go over and see Rob and Laurie and Dan and Betsy!!! It’s been…wow, I don’t even want to know how long since I’ve gotten to hang out with all of them. But we got some quality time over coffee and brownies and…again, truly….being with some of my best friends in the world, talking about all manner of things…really, just being together. Knowing them and being known by them. God has given me some amazing friends, y’all – and that night with them. Marvelous. And so of course, another late night(think I made it to bed by midnight though!). Then Friday. Got to hang out with Dad a bit and get food for our lunch at Maryanne’s place…sweet lunch there with the whole extended fam!! Then afterwards, me and Maryanne got to go for a walk on her route(hurrah – now I finally know where she’s at when we’re talking on phone!)…afterwards…rehearsal and rehearsal dinner!! Again, I will make this brief – but it was a joyous time. Getting to hear the toasts and honor heaped upon Laura and Caisson by all of their dear friends and family. Wow. Oh so encouraging. Oh so wonderful!! Steve and Vickie arrived that night as well(and Steve’s parents!!). And Uncle Jeff and Brittany!! And so all of us together…beautiful. And that night ended with much dancing and revelry and it was awesome and I got another late night…because I got home and did I go to bed straight away? Of course not. Me and Rob had ice cream and talked and talked and soon enough it was midnight. Oops.

Saturday. Wedding day. This day was a blur and even now almost can’t believe it really happened. My baby sister’s wedding day. And so I got to see Laura at various points in the day(got to pass her a journal from Caisson while everyone was getting ready!) and I eventually put on my tux, etc. And the day sped on, and all of us proceeded up the aisle and then up walked Laura on Dad’s arm…and…yes. As is good and right and proper, Laura and Caisson were pronounced man and wife in a ceremony whose beauty shone oh so bright…and I’m not even going to attempt to properly describe it, but it was beautiful. Oh so beautiful. God our Father has bountifully blessed their union and I pray that He continue to bless their life as they adventure together in this crazy world. Oh thank you, God – for all the good that You have done!!! And afterwards? Why even bother? But it was more joy and laughter and fun….much dancing(I got to dance with Mom, hurrah!!) and talking and love and smiles and purest happiness!! And eventually Laura and Caisson left and we were all still rejoicing. Oh so much rejoicing! The family went back to Tampa, but me and Maryanne(being somewhat younger, maybe me not quite as young as Maryanne….) stayed in Gville to enjoy being with the rest of the bridal party(again, an awesome group! Love y’all – Maryanne, Ara, Emily, Jami, Taylor, Joel, Dan, Adrian, et. al….) a little longer. We went over to the apartment complex and played volleyball(Oh yes I love vball!! We also had the sweetest team ever, hi-fiving and yelling after every point, whether we’d won it or lost it…we were pretty hilarious, f’real). Then we ate pizza and sat by the pool and enjoyed the fading summer sun as we reflected over a beautiful day… But of course, it wasn’t over because me and Maryanne still had to go back to Tampa! So we made our farewells, hugging everyone goodbye…then we left Gainesville. Fueled on sweet mocha, I drove the two hours back to Tampa and we made it to bed sometime a little after midnight.

And the next day…we may or may not have been pretty tired. Still went to Hope Bible for church and it was glorious! Worshiping God together with everyone and glorying in the goodness of our Lord and God and Savior! And then, after church…we were spent. Enjoyed some Best New York pizza for lunch with Dad and Mom and Maryanne…and we all rested. Soon enough, I had to leave for airport, but we won’t dwell on that part. For me right now, as I sit in Starbucks in Houston…I reflect back on the events of a week ago and I smile. Smile for joy, smile for love. Oh Lord, my God – you have blessed me and my family so. And I can ne’er cease thanking You. You, my Lord – are all my hope and all my joy. My true and greatest love. Now and forever. My heart sings to You, my Father – my Lord and My God!

Amen and Amen.