Tag: journal

Carnations and Roses

James HoganLeave a comment

As my burritos finish heating up, I thought I’d write a quick post, despite my weary eyes’ feeble protests. Had a rather late night last night, out celebrating Beth’s final days in Aberdeen!

And so now I just thought I’d, once again, say my farewell to a dear friend. Beth came over last July…and indeed her friendship has been such a treasure to me. Work is full of long days and stressful moments…but God has blessed me oh so abundantly with Beth!! Her words of encouragement and smiles of joy…what can I say, God knew I needed such a one as her. As she now travels back to Houston to continue her training, I can only say – while her absence from Aberdeen will be keenly felt, I know that the blessings of the Lord still will flow unceasingly, both to her in her new job and new home…and to me as well. As always. It’s been real, Beth. Our Father will continue to watch over you and His love will never cease to surround you. Always.

Molten chocolate

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning!!

I shockingly slept in quite late this morning…I first woke up around 7, but the state of my head informed me that today would most definitely not be a church day. Tried to get up before falling dizzily back into bed. So, slept a few more hours before waking up again, feeling considerably better. I needed the sleep, methinks.

And now I’m enjoying a delightful breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and hot cocoa…

While I’m saddened I wasn’t able to be at church this morning, there’s nothing stopping me from my own worship! And it’s an outrageously gorgeous day outside, so I’m thinking it shall soon be time for a walk.

And last night was a bittersweet riot of dagger thoughts and liquid poetry…maybe I shall share some of it with you later. Maybe.

Have an amazing rest of the day, y’all! As for me, I am back to breakfast and worship. Sing to the Lord a new song!!!

Lute-song

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Another update – same day? Shocking I say!

But just thought I’d write a brief few words as my dinner(stir fry of beef, peppers, broccoli, awesome much?) cooks. I’ve been feeling a bit sick all day, so decided to stay in tonight and try to regain my strength. Looking forward to a relaxing evening of reading, maybe calling a friend back in Florida, and an early bedtime…ah the simple pleasures of life.

Sometimes I long for what I do not have. Then I consider what I do have, and feel so silly! Today is one of those days.

Now, the aroma of spiced beef and noodles fills the flat. Dinner time, y’all.

Strings of beauty

James HoganLeave a comment

And I sit peacefully in Starbucks here in Aberdeen this Saturday morn…

I’ve been here for a few hours now. Successfully got some work done(although there is always more to do…) and now relaxing with my mocha and my reading. Mmm. I think I’ll stay here another hour or so, and then away home! I’m planning on going to David and Rosie’s tonight for dinner/gaming, but been feeling sick last night and this morning…so I may have to settle for a quiet night in instead. We shall see.

This girl at the table in front of me has been intently reading this book for the past hour or so and I’m tempted to ask her what it is…think that would be weird? Yeah, probably.

This week has been intense, but not always the bad kind of intense. Emotionally draining and anxiety-heightening? Yes. But still, the Lord does provide, always.

As I read today,

More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty. Your testimonies are fully confirmed; Holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.

Mm, yes.

And now before my mind wanders and my pen strays, I shall cease this writing and leave you all to your day. I say it’s time for some classic Isaiah for me. Yes?

No matter how your emotions dip or rise, no matter the wild desires of your heart, no matter your love-fueled dreams or woe-filled cries – set your gaze on our Jesus above. Seek for His beauty. Long for His love. Worship Him as Lord and God. Forever and always. Jesus. Rejoice with me!!

Joy Inexpressible

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And another Sunday evening rolls slowly on..

I meant to write a longer entry tonight, but I am getting a reading craving right now(first Ted Dekker’s Blink, then I’m thinking some classic John 17…oh yes) so thinking this will be pretty short. Famous last words.

Anyways, this day’s been simply lovely…despite waking up feeling severely under-rested. Played RISK at Ruth’s place last night with her and David and Rosie – epic game! Of course, I was eliminated first…but thus is war. Didn’t get to sleep until late, and then this morning woke up a bit early, since I was preparing to speak at the local Woodend hospital church service. I won’t dwell too long on that, except to say that God gave grace abundantly. (In case anyone’s interested, spoke on 1 Peter 1:3-9, our ever increasing joy as we love Christ more)

Then this afternoon, after church, came back and had a quick lunch before being overcome by my exhaustion. Did I have a two hour nap? Just possibly, yes. I feel asleep practically before my head hit the pillow and slept like a log. Woke up feeling simply amazing! You know those naps where you wake up feeling worse than when you lay down? Yeah, definitely wasn’t one of those.

And did I just spend a paragraph on my Sunday nap? Oops. Anyways! This evening was a lovely service at church, dwelling on John 21 and the restoration of Peter. Oh I wish I could have breakfast with Jesus!! Someday. Someday.

And now I feel it’s reading time, before my cocoa gets cold. Have a lovely week, y’all. My prayers and thoughts are with you. You who are far away(you know who you are!), oh how I long for the next time we can speak face to face!

G’night all – and sweet dreams.

A cup of chocolate

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And a brief few words from me before I dive into my lovely Thursday night reading. Just had a good meal of leftover pork chops, potatoes and green beans and now enjoying my hot chocolate as John watches the football(Man U vs. Ajax, 1-1, 49th minute for anyone interested!). Had yet another crazy day at work, but I cannot complain when I am so abundantly blessed!! Last night had a beyond lovely time at church(still going through Revelation – the letter to the church at Sardis – oh so convicting and yet I loved it so) being encouraged by the Word of God and being encouraged by His people. May all of us become ever more driven by the passion to know our Lord more and to seek after Jesus and to gaze into His glorious face! May our hearts burn ever hotter and may our lives glow ever brighter with the Spirit that is poured out upon us so mightily. May we be so washed in the love of Christ and so aware of His beauty that we cannot help but follow after Him in the sheer bliss of being His. Oh inexpressible joy!

And I totally didn’t mean to spiral into such an outpouring…but thus goes my heart.

And going back to last night…after such an amazing time at church, came home, but did I do the sensible thing of eating dinner and going to bed? Of course not. Instead I walked the sidewalks near my flat as I conversed with my dear friend back in Florida…ah how sweet an evening it was! And though I never did get dinner last night, it was all worth it.

And now, with my brief words said, it’s reading time. And maybe time for another cup of cocoa.

Love you all, ever so much.

Peace.

Dreams of love

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And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like
a flame of fire, and His feet are like
burnished bronze, says this:
‘I know your deeds, and your love
and faith and service and perseverance,
and that your deeds of late are greater
than at first. But I have this against
you, that you tolerate the woman
Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess,
and she teaches and leads My bondservants
astray so that they commit
acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed
to idols. I gave her time to
repent, and she does not want to repent
of her immorality. Behold, I will
throw her on a bed of sickness, and
those who commit adultery with her
into great tribulation, unless they repent
of her deeds. And I will kill her children
with pestilence, and all the
churches will know that I am He who
searches the minds and hearts; and I
will give to each one of you according
to your deeds. But I say to you, the
rest who are in Thyatira, who do not
hold this teaching, who have not known
the deep things of Satan, as they call
them- I place no other burden on you.

Nevertheless, what you have, hold
fast until I come. He who overcomes,
and he who keeps My deeds
until the end, to Him I will give
authority over the nations; and he
shall rule them with a rod of iron, as
the vessels of the potter are broken to
pieces, as I also have received authority
from My Father; and I will give him
the morning star. He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to
the churches.’

Oh what sweet words!! Something that’s really hit me hard lately…how can we compartmentalize our lives so, and be so self-satisfied in our own accomplishments. How can we so easily tolerate and even praise the evils of this world? Oh let us overcome. Let us hold fast to the the words of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. And let us praise His most glorious name! He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Thyatira

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So another crazy week comes to an end…one overflowing with the joys and trials of work…and one in which I was reminded evermore of the goodness of our Lord. Ah how gracious is He to us – to provide us with such good things! I have been blessed with such sweet friends here in Scotland…and my God is always with me.

And now, my hastily cobbled together dinner is almost ready(I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to eat, so I ended up with chicken, pasta, romano cheese, onions, tomatoes, tomato sauce, green olives and lots of basil in a pan in the oven…now time to top it with mozzarella and see how delicious this experiment turns out…)

Farewell, all.

Grace and peace.

Flickering

James HoganLeave a comment

It’s Saturday evening. This means I probably should be writing a long entry, or at least something more substantial than my last few updates! But alas, my mind feels dim and my fingers feeble. I do not think I can write much tonight. I’ve been pretty sick(well, mostly just coughing alarmingly every other minute or so) this past week and work has been as hectic as usual…so today has been oh so sweet! This morning I woke up at the late hour of 9:30(four hours later than usual? Bliss) and made my way to Starbucks, where I dedicated the first few hours to working. Because yes, it had to be done. Finally, was able to relax for a few hours and read and rest with my chocolate doughnut and my musings.

Now, relaxing on the comfy brown couch here in the flat and I feel sleepy. My body is probably trying to recover, but I shall not go to bed this early on a Saturday night!! Enjoying listening to the new(ish) NeedtoBreathe album, but wonder if I should turn the music off and just read for a bit…I think it’s been too long since I’ve had a nice long reading night. Would be oh so lovely.

So now, despite this stretching beyond what I planned…I will write no further. ’tis reading time.

Love you all.