It is good to be near God. A few minutes past six and it is still dark outside yet I know the dawn approaches. I wish I had more time to write all the thoughts of my heart yet perhaps it is best they stay with me? It is not always the wisest course to spin out one’s innermost cries for all the world to hear! Sometimes, perhaps. But not always. This is partly why I love writing in poetry and veiled prose. The tears of my heart drip onto the page yet the scribblings legible only to myself. And now I do let my words wander. At times I wonder what the turning of the day shall bring. Yet I know even as I anticipate the line of storm clouds approaching from yonder horizon that what drives them onwards is the fresh wind of autumn. How my heart sings. Soon my feet shall tramp these city streets and my heels shall echo the song of fall. The wind will be cold around my neck and the air crisp and clear in stunned realization that summer has bowed prettily and given up the ghost at last. It is time, my friends. It is past time. A leaf or two descends from the trees above me. I anticipate now. The branches shall be bare again and whisper sentimental musings in my ear. I cannot express the longings in my heart or the fears that sometimes rise. Yet I know that I belong to one who knows my heart better than I myself. My heart aches for longing fulfilled. The pale grey of the sky brightens.
Tag: journal
Endurance
Hello friends! Thought I’d write a little post before I pick up my book and transition into reading time. I’m now at home and though I did enjoy my time at coffeeshop, it’s so nice now just to be home and relax on the couch with dinner in the oven. The chicken, potatoes, carrots & onions are roasting and I am most excited for the point about an hour and some minutes from now when it’s done and I can fill my plate. Ah simple pleasures. Though I was going to play some of my still-in-progress next classical playlist, I couldn’t resist turning on the TV and putting the baseball on instead. Cleveland vs. White Sox Game 5, winner shall advance to face the Rays in the ALCS! I do love playoff baseball and I love having a game on while I read. A baseball game is just sedate enough that I can have it on and still focus on my book. I’m excited by this one – just started it last night. It’s a book by Gavin Ortlund called “Why Christianity Makes Sense” and while he doesn’t have to convince me, I’m already finding my heart encouraged as he talks about the truths of Christianity and the beauty found therein. Speaking of. I think this post has rambled on enough and it is time for it to end. Much love to you all. Rest in our Lord this night. Peace and love.
Leave Falling All Around Now
Hello friends! A Saturday afternoon post from the coffeeshop! I have very sadly used most of my coffeeshop time here looking through old pictures and not writing at all, even though that was my express purpose for walking here. Alas. But now I’m not sure if I really feel like writing anything at all, as sad as that sounds. So…maybe I’ll just ramble on about my day and maybe some inspiration will come?
It’s been a good day, I suppose. A busy one. Early morning discipleship group then back home for a few hours. Dani and Joy are off at the beach now, so I decided I must be productive with the time alone so what did I do? Well, some errands, grocery shopping, etc. Figured I’d make a roast chicken for dinner tonight, as it’s not Dani’s favourite and since she isn’t here well…I can have it all to myself! A nice roast chicken with potatoes, carrots and onions. Can a dinner get much better? I submit that it cannot. Anyways, got the goods to make that, then came back home and did some housecleaning chores. Decided after that while I could just sit at home and attempt to write, why not walk on down to coffeeshop and attempt some writing there? Well, a valiant idea, to be sure. Alas, I got down here and ended up going through old pictures with the idea of printing out some of my favs from the last few years. It was a good exercise though as one can guess, looking at old pictures sure does stir up the memories, hm? Looking at pictures from 2021-2024…what a stretch. It made me sad in some spots and then ever so happy in others, as is…expected, I suppose? I shan’t talk more about that now.
What now? Well my coffee is cold and I really should go home and get dinner started sometime soon. But I am a bit sad I didn’t write anything creative. At least I got this little update post written? That’s something. That’s something. Be well, dear friends. Peace and love.
Greenway
Hello friends! A quick post before I continue with my evening and (most likely) shut this laptop. I’ve written a little something on creating and the mediums used in such (see post below) and it’s in my typical stream-of-consciousness style, random with perhaps a nugget of truth here and there. Sometimes perhaps I need to learn to write more concisely. As I read my current book with essays by C.S. Lewis, I take a step back and admire how he so brilliantly communicates profound truths. I am, I must confess, a bit jealous of his skills in such communication. Anyway! That was a fun bit of writing to accomplish, but now I feel that dinner making must take place. Tonight is classic sausage pasta, hurrah! It will take a bit of time to cook the sausage, carrots, onions, etc, of course. But the best part? Once the tomatoes and milk is poured in and everything is slowly bubbling away, I have a good hour or so to sit back down here in my corner chair and read. I’ll light a candle of course as well and then sigh for pleasure that I have the time to let my mind linger on the words on the page in front of me. I think I’ll knock out the C.S. Lewis book and then perhaps read either more of my Bonhoeffer book or the (admittedly lesser in quality and content) Sanderson that is my current. So that’s the plan for the evening. Grateful for this night of rest that is given me. Peace and love, dear friends.
Swamplands
Hello friends!! Happy Saturday and blessings be upon you. I shan’t write long. Burritos are in the oven and dinner shall be enjoyed shortly. And I hope to read a couple chapters of Lewis before then. But just thought I’d write a few words as I finally sit down and rest this day. It’s been a good Saturday but a busy one! Up and out the door before 6 to go to discipleship group. Good times were had there, then some errands before back home to see Dani. Then soon enough…off to book club at 10 to discuss the previously reviewed Jurassic Park. Solid discussion even if the book itself was not my favourite! Grateful for those friends. Following that…back home again for lunch and some more time with Dani. Then at 2? Off down south to go to a birthday party for little Ella (Daniel and Eunice’s daughter who is somehow now 9…what). Enjoyed some quality discussion times with the dads there and my heart was much encouraged. Sometimes kid birthday parties are worth it after all eh? Eventually drove back north and home again for the final time. Football on the TV! Haven’t watched the Gators this season and so it was a treat to watch them take it to Ole Miss (ranked 5 currently). Florida looked…good? They actually have a competent offense now? The mind boggles. It was a good football day elsewhere as well, as Iowa took out Michigan. Go Hawkeyes! While the football was footballing, I was also cooking and prepping for the burritos now residing in the oven. Now? Kitchen clean, freshly showered and about to enjoy a bit of reading. It is good to be busy and accomplish things and talk to all the peoples but…well, it’s also good to rest. Thankful to my Father God for granting me such. Also grateful for dear friends and family…some of my favourite moments of the day were my car phone conversations with Dad and Laura. Ah how I miss them.
Well. I’ve rambled enough. Time to close this laptop and open a book.
Shoreside Wanderings
Hello friends – happy Sunday! I write a few words now as the Redskins/Eagles game plays in the background. Yes, football is back! It’s probably for the better that I not put my hope in football or certain teams but I do enjoy watching it now and again. That aside, enjoying a sweet and relaxing Sunday afternoon. A good time at church was had as Dani and I worshipped with our dear brothers and sisters – all glory be to our God as we consider the glorious gospel that is a man once dead now alive forevermore – Jesus Christ the salvation of our souls! After a lunch of hearty sandwiches back at home, naptime was on the menu, as is proper on a Sunday. Now? A grocery store adventure awaits. Dani and I shall run (er, drive) to HEB and pick up some of the needed items for tonight’s dinner. It’s our “Sunday classic” – sushi for Dani, frozen pizza for me! I think I’ll also make a tomato salad or some such, just for good measure.
What else shall I say? Well, I’m wandering towards it but fear I do not have words to do it justice. So I shall just come out and say it – happy 40th anniversary to Mom and Dad!!! It’s been forty years since they were married – truly? Yes, truly. On September 13th, 1986, Dad & Mom joined hands and pledged their lives to each other and now some forty years later…they press on in love for one another still. Oh the greatness of God’s love and the wondrous bounties that He has poured out upon my parents – what a wonder it is to see how God has worked in these lives through the decades!! I could of course speak on them and their marriage at length as I have been alive for the vast majority of those forty years, but I shall not make this entry a book. Instead, I simply wish to say how encouraged I am as I have witnessed their marriage and have seen how they have steadfastly loved each other through the storms and trials of life and have been faithful to one another as they seek to glorify God as they work out God’s purpose for their lives. I’m so grateful that I have been blessed enough to be called their son. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!
Spare
Hello friends! A few words before I start my reading session this evening. While I kind of wish I could write a bit, I don’t think I feel suited for such tonight. Of course, maybe that is exactly the sort of night I need to be writing? Ah well, we shall see. But for now, let me spill a few words on my latest read. Not many. Then I shall be off.
63. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling. Such a romp. I love this book even though I do feel it didn’t hit quite as hard this time as last time I read it (when I recall wondering if had ascended to being my very favourite of the series!). Still though, it’s a great adventure. It’s an almost perfect transition book, one in which the kids move from the innocence of just being school kids to…well, a world that has changed entirely, one full of evil unmasked and death in all its horror. This book was just a pleasure to read. Still a good book, but maybe not my favourite of the series.
Old School
It’s a two post day! Now back home and Dani is still out and about thrifting and having adventures and so I have all the time in the world. Whatever shall I do with myself? Well apparently…cook and talk to people on the phone. Called Caisson and we had some good catch-up time, and then talked to Dad for a bit too! All errands have been accomplished and now on the couch with college football on the TV. First college football of the year!! Apparently I am so excited by that that I currently have Boston College/Cincy on. Why. Well, I’m not really paying attention, it’s just fun to have football background noise once again.
Also cooked some chicken – chicken thighs marinated with paprika/onion powder/garlic powder/cumin/salt/pepper then blasted at high heat in the oven for 25 minutes. Now letting that cool. Will soon cut it up into small pieces and make some chicken/cheese/spinach burritos. I’ve been craving such lately and with Dani out, figured now was the time! Will be a good lunch(at 3pm) – I so declare.
Wow this entry is so random. Sorry not sorry? Think I’ll dive into my fun book and enjoy some of that while I chill this Saturday afternoon. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! I do love that book in all its ridiculous glory. Once Dani gets back, we’ll go on a date to Warby Parker and look for glasses, hurrah! We definitely need new ones as our old ones have been serving us well for over two years now and showing definite signs of wear. After that? A relaxing evening and beef/okra/rice dinner made by Dani are in the cards. It’s a good day and I’m grateful to my Father God for such blessings. Oh how wonderful it is that I can cry out to my God all day every day. Now before I spiral off into who knows what, shall close. This has been a random one, to be sure. Peace, dear friends.
Over the Shoulder
Hello friends! It’s throwback time – I’m currently writing from my old Starbucks from years of yore. A bit of a pilgrimage this morning…these past few weeks I’ve been going through some of my old journal entries and currently in 2017-era. And apparently at that time, I frequented this Starbucks all the time! So this morning, with Dani off on her own adventure, I thought why not? Why shouldn’t I visit my old Starbucks and enjoy some good writing time just like I used to so many times before? So here I am, sitting and sipping my black coffee and looking around me as I do so. It’s odd indeed, being here some nine years later and…well yes, it’s Starbucks so it hasn’t changed that much. Yet the sad thing is all the people I used to know are gone! No more barista friends, alas. But I sit here and smile as I think of friends of old and the many good conversations that were had. Ah how thankful I am for God blessing me so throughout the years. I am beyond blessed – of that there can be no doubt.
Also I am amused reading all my entries from back in the day…I did a much better job of chronicling my life – that is for certain! Back then I actually wrote about what I did and where I went and who I hung out with. Nowadays? Well…I suppose my entries have gradually become more opaque – likely a result of growing older and moving away from the public sharing of the facebook era. I do now and again write a newsy post and I’m actually working on being better about that – sharing my life and praising God for what he is doing in it. But the majority of my posts these days tend to be book reviews or quotes from books or random creative flow. My creative output – whether it be poetry or prose – is precious to me and I love it so and I’m so thankful for that gift…yet I do realise it’s not as accessible to others. I know what I’m saying and what lies on my heart! Yet others don’t quite have the same understanding of my heart and so my writing is at a bit of a remove. I’m ok with that, I think. What does it mean that my writing of late is less transparent? I suppose it simply shows that while I still love to write – ah so much word vomit! – I won’t always explain myself clearly in such. That has always been the case to some degree. Even in the early days of my journal career, poems were dropped from the sky without a guide in sight. Now I suppose it’s just that the majority of my writing tends to be the random creative output. Also I have less time now than I once did. Hence…when I do get a chance to write, a few creative lines strain to escape and I gratefully take the opportunity to release them into the wild. It is good for my soul.
All that being said? I have been far too random this morning and not entirely sure what the point of all the above is! Still, I shall let it stand. I’m so grateful for this morning. And thankful that God has given me both the ability and the desire to write. The quality may be questionable at times, yet still I do love the process. Those of you who read what I write, thanks for putting up with me. That last came with a half-smile and a raise of the eyebrow. Remind me to give you a hug next time I see you.
Haunted Moors
Hello friends! Writing a few words this Sunday evening. About to perhaps attempt to write something flowery and ridiculous and ethereal and grey in its beauty and majestic wonder. Shall I succeed? Who knows, who knows. While I write now, listening to an old playlist from a few years back – “windswept queens of the haunted moors”. One of my favourites, it is darkly beautiful even though its lyrics are at times agonizing in their pain. Yet, at times the melancholy calls to me and this playlist, while not for the faint of heart, still sings. If you want to listen…well, I’ll link it here. Only if you wish.
Leaving aside the dangerous musical madness of my past, what now stirs my heart? I feel as if the days and weeks have been busy of late and my heart is weary. Yet what does that signal but that I am still trudging on? I am grateful to my God for holding my hand as I walk this path. And I’m grateful oh so grateful that I am not alone. I wish I had more time. I wish at times the things of this world didn’t take so much time and that I had more time to write and dream and wonder. Ah my thoughts are too messy for this mundane of a post. I will attempt to channel into something creative. If I give up, will just move on to making dinner! Leftover meatloaf is the plan. Also going to fry up some broccoli and make some mashed potatoes. Will be a good Sunday dinner, so says I. Now, I’m off, to write. I hope. I sigh and roll my eyes as I think on the likelihood that little of the beautiful shall proceed forth from my pen. But sometimes a leap is necessary. Farewell, my friends.
