Tag: journal

Incorruptible love

James HoganLeave a comment

And now as I slowly recover from being weirdly ill, I thought I shall write a post I’ve been meaning to a while, but never gotten around to…any of you remember my “TOP FIVE ALBUMS OF ALL TIME” post a couple years back? Ok, maybe not. Anyways, thought I’d do an update of that, but instead of qualifying them as my top five music albums EVER, let’s just say they’re my favorites of the moment. And oddly enough(or not so oddly?), these are almost completely different from a couple of years ago. Also, this is heavily influenced by the physical CDs I have available to me here in Aberdeen, since I do most of my musical listening in the car on my way to/from work. So, a touch biased…but still. Anyways, let’s count ’em down, shall we??

5. Nightwish: Century Child
Favorite Tracks: End of All Hope, Slaying the Dreamer, Beauty of the Beast
This was a bit of a tough choice, choosing between this one and Oceanborn, but in the end, there was no way I could leave Century Child off my top five list! So many seriously epic and beautiful songs. In case you haven’t been introduced to Nightwish before, check some of their songs out on youtube right now. Orchestral operatic power metal. Convinced? You should be. Tarja’s voice combined with Tuomas’ gorgeous song-writing skillz…yeah, tough to top. This whole album is just beautiful. Emotion bleeding through the notes and raging through the heights. I’m not always in a Nightwish mood, but when I am, this is my go-to. Some of these songs are even better live(Say, End of all Hope and Slaying the Dreamer – go look them up on youtube to see what I mean).

4. Snow Patrol: Eyes Open
Favorite Tracks: Open Your Eyes, Set the Fire to the Third Bar, Chasing Cars
Oh Snow Patrol. Loveliness. This is one of those odd albums that I’ve had on my computer since…2005? And yet I didn’t fully appreciate Snow Patrol until last year. Or was it summer of ’09? Anyways, I’ve always liked Snow Patrol and was happy whenever I heard “Chasing Cars” on the radio…yet when I heard their “Open Your Eyes” driving in Houston sometime during the summer…oh amazing. And ever since then, that song has been intertwined with so many amazing memories. And as I’ve listened to the album more since then, more songs have started revealing their beauty to me, like “Set the Fire to the Third Bar” and “It’s Beginning to Get to Me”. So yeah, there’s no way this album doesn’t make top five with so many emotion-wringing songs. Again, I can’t listen to Snow Patrol all the time, but when I’m in the mood, oh bliss. They also make the list of being one of the few bands I’d love to see live…maybe someday.

3. Enfield Hymn Sessions: Resolved Music, Vol. 2
Favorite Tracks: Holy, Holy, Holy; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing; How Firm a Foundation
And here we come to Enfield!! I had a bit of a difficult time deciding which Enfield album to put first(because oh yes, they both make the top five!), but because this one’s a bit more recent and I haven’t quite had as much time to fully fall in love with it, V2 makes the third spot. Anyways, it’s possible(actually likely) that you’ve not heard of Enfield – they’re just a small band that’s played at a few Christian conferences(that I’ve never had the privilege of attending)…but their music is just amazing. I do love classic and gorgeous hymns, and these bands actually keep the traditional melodies, unlike so many other contemporary re-imaginings. And thus the power of the music is kept along with the majesty of the words and the results are…indescribable. I know their style won’t be everybody’s. But their music has touched me more than almost any other ever has. This is definitely mostly due to the glories of the words contained…and of course, when they have some of my favorite all-time songs(like Come Thou Fount and Holy, Holy, Holy), how can they NOT be one of my favs? Listen to them, seriously. If you can’t find them on youtube and really want to listen to them, let me know and I’ll send you a CD. That’s how good they are.

2. Rhapsody: Rain of a Thousand Flames
Favorite Tracks: ALL OF THEM. But specifically, Rain of a Thousand Flames, Queen of the Dark Horizons, The Wizard’s Last Rhymes
Oh Rhapsody! I’ve liked Rhapsody for a while now, ever since late ’08, I believe. But because I try not to be too impulsive, I still don’t yet have all of their albums. Slowly rectifying that(have one yet to buy, planned for this Christmas for a gift to myself!), so I picked up this EP earlier this summer. Only seven songs. But wow, not a bad one in the line-up. Every single one hits hard and hits beautiful. Rhapsody is an Italian power-metal band. That may sound a bit scary, and yes, half the time, you can’t really understand their lyrics. But the music is too beautiful to deny. And this album tops them all. Thus far. I’ve had to exert great self-control to avoid playing this album into the dust. Give it a try – Rain of a Thousand Flames is a sweet short song. Majestic, powerful, lovely. Queen of the Dark Horizons is a beautiful, sweeping epic – clocks in a little under 14 minutes. And The Wizard’s Last Rhymes…mm yes. Apparently the song-writers stole much of the music from the last song from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”. Maybe that’s partly why I like Rhapsody so much? Their classical influences married with their power style – few can match. And yes, Rhapsody isn’t for everyone. But for me, oh yes. Also, almost perfect driving music. Give ’em a whirl.

1. Enfield Hymn Sessions: Resolved, V1
Favorite Tracks: Again…ALL OF THEM. Especially And Can it Be?, Our Great God, There is a Fountain; Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken; O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, Be Thou My Vision…oh and ALL OF THEM.
Yeah, here we come to number 1. Enfield, yep. I’ve already introduced them, but this is the first album of theirs I’ve heard, and the more I hear, the more I love. The more I love, the more my love for our most glorious Lord increases!! Of course, music shouldn’t be the sole inspiration for our love, but if the music we listen to *isn’t* increasing our love for Jesus, then we should tread carefully. Anyways, before I go totally off tangent…this album has some of the most gorgeous songs EVER. Also, to state another reason I like Enfield so much…unlike some modern hymns that are put out by Christian bands, Enfield doesn’t cut off a hymn after only three verses. They take on all five(or six!) verses of songs and avoid cutting short the beauty! And Can it Be? was definitely my first favorite(possibly because it’s also one of my favorite songs of all time), but the more I’ve listened, the rest of the songs have jumped out at me as well. Our Great God. Beautiful(and also intertwined forever with certain memories of amazing friends). Jesus, I my Cross Have Taken. Gorgeous. Wistful. Lovely. Profound. O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus. AMAZING ahhhhh. Yeah, pretty much all of these songs are awesome. Listen. Rejoice. Praise. Worship. Bow down. And again, if you want to listen to these songs and are too lazy to look them up online, message me and I’ll mail you a CD. Seriously awesome. In the truest sense of the word.

And this post has become far too long…and I’m sensing serious hunger pains as I haven’t eaten in far too long. Probably not helping my low state of health at the moment! So time to hunt some food.

Peace, y’all.

All my tears

James HoganLeave a comment

Holla, y’all!

And you know where I’m chilling now? In Amsterdam, what! Currently sitting in the departure lounge at Schipol, as my flight back to Aberdeen leaves in a little more than two hours…been here for a couple days now, on a two-day training course(“Coaching Others”). It finished a few hours ago, so I was able to spend a couple of luxurious hours writing in my notebook and enjoying the goodness of the Lord in bringing me to new lands and new adventures!! Grabbed a quick dinner and then I realized they have free wi-fi here(well, at least for half an hour) and that I have my laptop with me…so decided a shiny new update was in order.

And now I’ve about run out of things to say, but just know this – the lovingkindnesses of the LORD are everlasting!

Oh and tomorrow’s bound to be a crazy work day back in Aberdeen – since I’ve been gone for two days and I’m slightly worried to see what’s gone in my absence. Pray for me.

Also! Talked to Anna briefly today in between my training sessions – such sweetness hearing her voice again! I think our God is far better to me than I deserve, giving me such friends as her. Hungary trip’s definitely happening next year, all I’m saying!

And now I must sign off, as I see I only have 11 minutes of internet left and I want to write a quick email back to Dad.

Peace and love, y’all. I love you all so much – more than you know.

Speaking foreign language..

James HoganLeave a comment

Starbucks time, yo!

Yep, it’s a Saturday morning here and I’m rocking out in Starbucks…catching up on some reading(just finished reading Joshua…awesome book. “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”), enjoying my peppermint mocha and doughnut(that I bought as I was walking down George St. – SO GOOD), catching up on some emails and now relaxing here in the soft light of the Starbucks basement(and yes, this is ok because it’s rainy outside, so not really that nice to be out today)…

I always find it interesting looking around at all the other people here in Starbucks(hmmm, hopefully this doesn’t make me too much of a creeper?)…out of the ten other people in the room here, three are on laptops like me and the rest are enjoying their friends. One guy over in the corner also has his white earbuds in as he’s pondering whatever’s on his computer…a blonde girl is sipping what looks like a latte as the light from her Mac shines on her face and she flexes her fingers..another girl in a rad black and gold headband is chewing away on something as she taps on her Toshiba…and then there’s me, a random bearded fellow in his brown San-Fran shirt, tapping furiously on his Vaio as he attempts to chronicle his morning… The rest of the people in the room are happily(or so I imagine) talking to each other, but I can’t really hear them as I’m currently also listening to music(Nightwish – “End of All Hope”) for writing muse purposes.

Alright, enough randomness for you yet?? I’m honestly not sure why I started this entry…not a lot has gone on since I last wrote here(what – yesterday?), but I figure I’m in Starbucks and in a writing mood….so now is as good a time as any.

And I’m now writing this almost an hour later from the previous paragraph…just got done writing some emails and messages to people whom I haven’t seen in far too long…it’s almost depressing how long it’s been since I’ve seen some friends. To think that almost two years has gone by since I’ve seen some dear friends…yeah. Trying not to think about that! Moving off that topic…apparently I’ve scared most of the people here at Starbucks away, as there’s only four people left besides me! A few people talking at a table…but two of the laptop people are still here, too! White Earbud Guy moved tables(I don’t really know why?) to where Blonde Mac Girl was sitting(she’s long gone)…and Rad Headband Girl is still in her corner across from me, intently staring into her screen.

And I think this update must be the longest one I’ve ever written with so little actual content. My apologies!! (Well sort of. Writing about random people at Starbucks is surprisingly fun.)

On a cloud-laced sun blessed morning,
taking the path less trod than most,
relishing once more wind’s caress,
slaying once more grim nighttime’s ghost.

Breathing in the rose’s music,
Humming soft with the lyre of sighs,
Taking again the hand of light,
dreaming again of mist blessed skies.

Laughing with whirlwinds,
Dancing with seas,
Embracing
in arms
of twining
destinies
and falling ever faster
through the mirrors
of our wondrous songs
and feeling ever fuller
of hope more divine
and flying ever farther
into life and love.

And…

Love of stars and love of hosts,
Peace to men and truth be told!
Kindness felt and fire beheld,
Riches fall and powers ghost,
Swirling praises, gleaming throne,
All behold the glorious Lord!
For now and forever
and with the stars of eternity
and to the God of infinity
and to His eternal majesty
be all glory and praise
and honor and might
and power and anthem
and beauty and riches
and love all sublime
forever and now
for love all perfected
for love all divine
to our Lord
to our God
Amen and Amen.
Hallelujah.
Forever.
All glory to our God.

Ignition

James HoganLeave a comment

Only a couple minutes before work starts, but thought I’d dash off a quick entry here!

Been a week of craziness here, but a glorious time of coffee, bacon and reading this morning relaxed me sufficiently to be ready for a sweet day today!! Despite all the issues that I’m sure will crop up, I can be at peace knowing that I am exceedingly blessed and preserved, always!!

And seeing the crimson slice of the sun peek up over the horizon today as I drove to work and being pierced by the early morning rays of light, I could not but help and glory in the presence of our Redeemer! Oh do I enjoy Him so every day!!!

(Of course, it’s a bit sad knowing that the gradually shortening days means I will soon not be able to drive to work in light anymore…oh well. I will still rejoice!)

Also, in sports news, the Rays made it to the playoffs the other night in the most epic fashion imaginable!! Down 9 games to the Red Sox at start of September. Came roaring back to be tied with them on the last day of the season. Orioles beat the Sox in the bottom of the 9th on a single with two outs, two strikes. The Rays, meanwhile, were down to the Yankees 7-0 in the 8th. Comeback capped by an Evan Longoria three-run homer in the 8th, and then a Dan Johnson homer in bottom of the 9th(again, two strikes, two outs!!) Went all the way to the 12th…where 5 minutes after the O’s had defeated the Sox, Evan hit *another* homerun to claim victory and the wild card berth!! Sadly, I was asleep the whole time. Still…absolutely AMAZING. And now they’ll play the Rangers – first game tonight! GO RAYS.

Now that I’ve spent most of my time discussing the Rays, no more time to write! It’s work time…time to dominate it up. Peace. Love you all!!

Like the spring rain

James HoganLeave a comment

And I am far too sleepy to cohesively write, but I wanted to jot down a quick update here anyway! I’ve had such a marvelous weekend in which the mercies and greatness of God have been exceedingly manifest! I cannot doubt the goodness of the Lord. Seeing His faithfulness to me His servant, and experiencing His love day by day – joy unbounded!

And now I don’t think I can do justice to my most sweet and restful weekend. I will say that today(although I spent a few hours at work!) was most awesome. Waking up late(7:30AM feels SO LATE now!), grabbing a peppermint mocha on the way to work, getting a few hours of work done…enjoying a cucumber salad lunch at home with the sun shining brightly through the window and warming my heart…walking through the Aberdeen streets feeling totally relaxed and at peace a midst the jostling crowds…spending some quality time with quality friends and then coming home to the flat and chilling with John here before I drift off to sleep…yeah. Awesomeness. Just know that I cannot cease from praising our God for his goodness. Always. And now, bedtime.

Peace, y’all! Sleep well and have a most glorious week!!

Moonlight Rising

James HoganLeave a comment

So once again, no time for a long update..but relaxing with a nice mug of coffee this Sunday evening and getting ready for a sweet(and most likely hectic!) week. Had an absolutely lovely weekend – got some errands done yesterday while of course making my obligatory Starbucks visit(now frequenting a different location, so sadly not all the baristas know me yet, but Steph Smart works there, so it’s fun seeing her!) and enjoyed some quality time reading and sipping on my mocha, mmm…

Oh and before I go further, you all should also know I’ve moved flats – now a little closer to city centre, living with John Dixon(a guy from church – he’s awesome!!). It’s pretty sweet having a roommate again, been a couple years! Wow, ever since my times at Stoneridge…seems like it was yesterday and years ago, all at once. It’s not bad living on my own, but all in all, I think I prefer being with someone else! God is good, giving me such a sweet place to stay, with such an awesome guy!

And today was just as lovely as yesterday, relaxing yet more and worshiping the Lord at Gilc this morning! Pastor Dominic’s still going through 1 Timothy in the mornings. Afterwards, me and Joel chilled out at the flat before eventually going to evening service(where we heard a powerful and sobering sermon on the “sheep and the goats”, Matt. 25 – we serve a sovereign God – all glory to Him!!). Me and John are now sitting here in the lounge, trying to postpone going to bed…while I type away here, he’s watching Match of the Day(which is sort of like a compilation of all the highlights of all the football games played today). Sadly, there is no real(American!) football shown. Oh well. By the way, Gators beat Tennessee yesterday(wow, I can still remember my first Tennessee game back in ’05!!) and Redskins beat Arizona today! Go Skins!!

And now that I’ve made my way to sports news, it must be almost time for bed! I will be getting up in about six hours, so I guess sleeping would be good. Have a most lovely night, y’all!! Whoever’s reading this(unless you’re someone in the UK!), I’m sure I miss you.

Peace and love.

Swamplands

James HoganLeave a comment

So don’t have a lot of time for a yummy long update now…so you will just have to settle for me showing my face! And yes, I am now back in Scotland after a brief(but supremely wonderful!) couple weeks in Tampa. Got to see so many people that I’ve missed so much my joy cannot be fully expressed. And now as I roll away from Starbucks and walk home on this sleepy rainy day in Aberdeen…

Nameless fear and graceless fall,
hear and bow down, sinners all:

In the Presence, at your altar,
all my weakness praises You.

My spirit sings at Your name
and my eyes shine in Your glory
and my heart is full of wonder
at the sight of Your face.
My spirit weeps in love.
My purpose found.
I am with Thee.
Forever and always.

Softer glory

James HoganLeave a comment

Well, it’s late at night…and I really should go to sleep. As my consciousness slowly fades, perhaps this is not the best time to write! But it’s been far too long and while I shall not write long, I must at least let you all know that I am currently in Tampa, what!! It’s been a simply amazing time thus far…relaxing with dad and mom and Katharyn here and relishing the joy of being home. And of course, hopping up to Gainesville over the weekend to see my college-student sisters Maryanne and Laura(WAIT. HOW ARE THEY BOTH IN COLLEGE NOW. THIS IS RIDIUCLOUS) was beyond fabulous!! Oh yeah, and I saw a few other rather awesome people in Gainesville too, but the full story of my Gainesville trip will have to wait for another post. One where my fingers are a bit more nimble and my mind is a bit more quick. And maybe I’ll even have a candlestick.

…alright, yeah. That’s definitely the sign that I need sleep.

But before I do, just hope y’all are having as wonderful a night as I!!! Anyone who still reads this, holla at me! I love you all…sleep well and sweet dreams!

(And if you’re in Scotland, I hope you’re already asleep!)

Peace and love.

Little children

James HoganLeave a comment

And we know that the
Son of God has come,
and has given us understanding
so that we may know
Him who is true; and we
are in Him who is true, in
His Son Jesus Christ.
This is the true God
and eternal life.
-1 John 5:24

Love. Beauty.

If only our frail minds could grasp the full infinitude of the love of God!! Let our souls be awash in the knowledge of His love. Let our hearts dance and sing and glory!

Örökké és mindig

James HoganLeave a comment

Late getting home from work and dinner calls my name(leftover Pizza Hut, yes!)…but briefly, have to express my sadness that Steven and Anna are both now gone from Aberdeen. Steven left last Friday(but I’ll see him in August in Germany!!) and Anna this evening…and I don’t know when I’ll see her again. Next year Hungary holiday? Um, yes!

But regardless of my silly feelings of loss and sadness…I must just rejoice in our great God in giving me such friends as these. Oh how blessed am I! Hung out with Anna and her sisters last night at my place, and though I(yet again!) got no sleep, it was oh so worth it! From playing random Magyar songs to playing card games(where the power of sisters forced me to admit defeat in every game I played. Hmph) to taking far too many pictures to laughing even more than talking…to driving one last time downtown with Anna…to simply glorying in one last time of awesomeness.

And now that I let my veil of denial down and admit that Steven and Anna are actually gone, I can embrace my sadness with tears of love. My love is with you, Anna, Steven. Always.

And…random poetry snippet just because I feel like it.

To see the stars,
I reach a little higher,
I drown in song.

Tears from love,
tears from joy,
all for unrequited glory
all for long forgotten story
all for the love of a Potter
all for the love of a King.

To see the stars,
I kneel a little lower,
I drown in love.