Tag: journal

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!!!

Untitled

James HoganLeave a comment

Hey friends!! A quick early morning post for me, before I officially start work…(and actually I take that back, because I’ve already been doing far too much work at far too early of an hour…oh early morning pressure tests – how I love thee). Anyway, I really don’t have that much to say, but felt it was a waste to not at least write something! Last night, had small group…and I got to pick all four songs – majorly awesome! I got to pick some of my favorites(Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Take My Life and Let it Be, Crown Him With Many Crowns and Holy, Holy, Holy..and I felt so privileged being able to sing praises to the God of the universe. A very special night, indeed.

And now…I’m still feeling a bit sleepy, but I have fresh coffee and a doughnut and I feel oh so blessed by God. And now as the clock has ticked past six, going to end this sleepy musing and do a bit of work. Peace friends!!!

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.

Spaced

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends!! It’s a calm Saturday afternoon here at the house…at least now it is! I’ve been happily productive today – got up and a had a sweet reading time with my coffee – then drove around Houston, doing various errands. One of them involved being at work for an hour. Joy. But hey – I’m actually glad I went in, because I got all my necessary work done and I can now relax this fine evening! After work, went to the grocery store to get necessary items…then I came back home(in the pouring rain, naturally) – all the way listening to my new mix CD – “Starlight City”. A thing of beauty if I do say so myself. I’ll post the tracklist here eventually, but not yet – just in case Daniel does read this entry! It’s his farewell present…not that I want to think about him moving away. You know. Because I’m silly and I love music, I also sent the CD to a few other far-away people! Anyways, once home, I made coffee to go with my lunch of pineapple and saltines(unorthodox meal, I know…) and then I turned on the TV to watch Eurovision 2015. Because yes. Oh Eurovision, never stop being weird. I watched the first few songs(Armenia being my favorite…but as is usual, my favorite is never the popular one…sadness) but then got interrupted by Caroline on Skype. Because we have not talked in far too long!! Two hours(and a cup of tea) later, and after some quality chat, we finally decided it was her bedtime and my dinnertime. But oh do I love good friends such as her…being able to talk on all matter of subjects even though we haven’t seen each other in months….quality friendship. Thank you, Lord – for dear friends such as her!!

And now my dinner is in the oven(another…interesting meal – a burger, green beans, and yellow squash, seasoned by garlic, black pepper, rosemary and lemon juice…and baked in the oven. Don’t judge). I’m going to walk to the mailbox now – hoping to see a parcel from Chris and Jo – according to Chris, it should be here soon! And it’s lovely outside now, all clean and fresh after the rain shower. So I’m going to take a walk and close this entry. Be well, my friends. Peace, always!

Symphony

James HoganLeave a comment

So it’s a gorgeous Monday morning…rain pounding on the roof overhead and the sound of thunder fills the air. I thought I’d just post a quick few words before I start work, as I’ve had a pretty sweet morning thus far! Already talked to Dad, Mom and Laura as I drove to work…and was mightily encouraged by them! Then picked up my peppermint mocha at Starbucks(typical, I know) and then continued my drive to work. And as I drove down the highway, I loved seeing the dark storm clouds gather in the sky above as lightning flashed across the horizon…and all this with the gorgeous chords of the Star Trek(Into Darkness) soundtrack playing. That really is some great music, what can I say! Those thrilling and enlivening moments driving to work amidst the storm…a lovely gift to me given by God Himself.

And speaking of music, the following words also came to mind from that classic old song…so let me close with this:

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the world Thy hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul!
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!

Wizard Party

James HoganLeave a comment

Hi friends! I’m chilling on the couch here in the Chuckberry house, all alone as Chase, John and Daniel are all away doing various things. And these past few hours have been a wonderful mix of both talking with friends(and by talking I mean…writing messages on facebook?), watching the Hawks/Wizards basketball game(the Wizards were perilously close to being eliminated from the playoffs…but right now, only one point down with four minutes to go!) and making a delicious dinner(which is my classic homemade burritos and tomato/avocado salad). And now, as I sit on the couch, refreshed after a hot shower and yet still weary after a long week of work, I am just thankful to God. Thankful for a nice dry house while the rain pours outside. Thankful for a delicious hot dinner to sustain my body. Thankful for an evening of rest which shall most likely include tea and a book! And oh so thankful for my wonderful friends and family that I love so dearly.

Now, dinner calls my name! Peace friends. Peace and love.

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!!

Brooklyn

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening all!! I’m just finishing up my post-workout yogurt, have done countless online errands(yay for getting my Needtobreathe tickets for tomorrow night! yay for replying to friends’ emails! yay for paying bills??)

Anyways, I’m super tired tonight. On a Monday. This does not bode well for the rest of the week. So I’ve decided I’m going to enjoy my leftover spaghetti and salad and then go to bed early. If I don’t get too distracted reading, that is…

So this entry seems a bit boring, so just gonna close and mention that I was listening to the new Nightwish album – Endless Forms Most Beautiful in my car this morning as I drove to work. I was heartily enjoying the gorgeous melodies and riffs contained therein but as I pondered the words in the songs(mostly involving the beauty and magnificence of this world and extolling the wonders of their god Evolution!!), I heard the plaintive plea of all those in this world who do not know God and I thought of the words I read this morning in Acts 17:

“The God who made the world and all things in it,
since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell
in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands,
as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to
all people life and breath and all things; and He made
from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the
face of the earth, having determined their appointed times
and the boundaries of their habitation,
that they would seek God,
if perhaps they might grope for Him
and Find Him,
though He is not far from each one of us;
for in Him we live and move and exist…”

So so true are these words. And so as I listened to the thundering guitar and chilling choir and soaring voices of Nightwish, I thought of how much God desires each one of us to know Him. The people in Nightwish(whom I will see in less than 2 weeks!) may think they know how the world works – of course there is no such thing as “a god”! They may think that this world and this universe – in all its grandeur – is all there is. And this grasping for beauty, this sighing for truth…it is but an echo of a cry of the heart that all men and women share as they feel the aching wound of the universe within their souls. Oh that they would seek God! If perhaps they might grope for Him. If perhaps they might find Him. He is not far from each one of us. Think on that this evening, I think I will. Pardon my slightly disjointed thoughts – but had to write them down now ere they flee! Peace, my friends. Peace and love.