Before I start work this fine morning, just wanted to say how awesome a good thunderstorm is! We rarely ever get thunder and lightning here in Scotland(this may be the third time in my three years here?) so waking up today to the rumbling of thunder overhead…brilliant. And having to dash through pouring rain and flickering lightning to get from my car into work? Awesomeness. Who cares about getting a little bit wet?? So this morning, as I sit happily with the pattering of rain on my window and the promise of thunder in the air, I rejoice and praise the One who made it all.
Tag: life
Lavish Love
Just thought I’d write a few words this foggy Tuesday night. I feel like I haven’t written in a while, but alas – I do not feel I’m up to writing much tonight. A long exhausting day at work, so now, I simply look forward to eating my dinner(chicken and baked potatoes and salad!) and reading a bit this night. A relaxing evening. And luxuriating in the fact that I am a child of God. And as I think on the love of my Father, I cannot help but rejoice! With purest music does my heart sing. Peace, y’all!
The Homestretch II
Good morning, my friends! I thought I should write a few words this morning/afternoon, simply because I’m at Books and Beans and my computer is on and there’s really no good reason why I shouldn’t write. I got up this morning and after enjoying my walk into town, stopped at the bank and then came here for my morning mocha. Mm…it’s now sort of cold, but I’m still drinking it anyway. Soon enough I shall have lunch and make my way back to the flat, but for now, just enjoying reading and coffee time.
And the real reason I stared writing this was because I wanted to say that I shall soon be moving back to Houston. Yep, my time in Scotland is drawing to an end and my return to America is soon at hand! This past Monday I got my official offer letter from the Houston office and on Wednesday I signed my contract. So either in August or September, I shall be leaving Aberdeen behind and settling in Houston. I don’t have an official moving date yet – and I haven’t decided where to live in Houston – but these details shall come. For now, I can simply confirm that I’m coming back to America, y’all.
How do I feel about this? Well, I don’t want to delve too deeply into my feelings, but the word I think I’ve used the most this past week in talking with people about this has been “surreal”. Truly, I’ve been here in Aberdeen almost three years now. And it is home. And I have dear friends here and I love living here. And yet. I do feel that God is leading me to go back to the States. I’ll be so much closer to my family(2 hour flight is far better than traveling over 12 hours!) and I also have good friends in Houston! So though I do not yet know all that is in store for me as I get ready to move, and although I do feel a bit sad at the prospect of leaving everyone here behind, I look forward to the new adventures that await me! God is taking me by the hand and He shall continue – as He always has! – to guide me for His glory. Never shall I fear that my heavenly Father shall leave or forsake me. Never shall I doubt my Father’s goodness to me. Always shall I remember the great things He has done for me – for me!
And now, I shall get ready for lunch – think I might change it up a bit today and get a soup(spicy broccoli and cherry tomato!) instead of my normal ham-and-cheese panini. I know, daring.
Peace, my friends. Peace and love.
Houses of Healing
Quickly this Monday evening shall I write. As the strong evening sunlight pours through my bedroom window, I feel compelled to write a few words, though what they be I know not yet. I think I simply want to praise the Lord my God for all He has blessed me with – my heart is too full and to speak many words would dull the glory of the hour. Yet, let me put to page at least a few thoughts, dear readers.
This past weekend has been a riot of love and sun and glories bright – I think the Florida in my blood still burns strong, as I’ve simply been unable to resist soaking in every last droplet of sun this beautiful Aberdeen summer has to offer!
Saturday I spent a few hours downtown…but upon coming home, immediately me and John made camp outside to take advantage of the absolutely gorgeous afternoon that was afforded us. Laura from downstairs was out in the garden too, with her sister – so we spent the hours talking and enjoying the warmth and heat of the sun. Eventually, Laura decided fajitas was a good dinner plan, so I helped her cook and then we(of course!) ate out in the still e’er so delightful summer evening. Eventually me and John went back upstairs and decided to watch The Amazing Spiderman(his birthday gift to me!). We went to bed a bit late…but that was no matter.
Sunday – well, I’m already writing too many words here, but simply – breakfast with Graham and Joel and Ben at Graham and Tineke’s – not going to describe the beauty of the morning, but suffice it to say that it was. And worship with the people of God in church. As always glorious. And when me and John came home, I decided once again – time must be spent in the garden! So while John cooked inside(keeping an eye on Andy Murray’s Wimbledon quest!), I read outside for a few hours. Lord of the Rings, of course. Eventually I went back in to watch the fulfillment of Andy’s quest(British champion of Wimbledon, huzzah!!) and then evening service at church! More worship. More awesomeness.
And today, I was working, as is good. Upon coming home, I couldn’t resist the lure of the sun and the call of the road beneath my feet. A quick run later, home again…and out again to the garden to read and enjoy the goodness of the Lord. The sun is beautiful and the heat of the Scottish summer on my skin is glorious and I praise the One who made it all. Reading a few chapters of LotR was simply lovely. I have to say, I think my taste in reading may be changing over the years. A few years ago I would have said the chapter “The Battle of the Pelennor” would have been my favorite. Fierce deeds of valor and epic victory over evil and hope triumphant. And while I still loved reading that chapter yesterday, today, reading “The Houses of Healing”, I think a new favorite chapter has arisen. The dazing aftermath of battle. The sorrow of the sick and wounded. The slow renewal of hope. The return of the king into his city. And the hands that had just dealt destruction to the enemy and sent terror into the heart of darkness healed the broken and brought peace to the sick in heart. The hands of a king are the hands of a healer, indeed. Yes, a good chapter.
And of course, Aragorn and Gandalf both got to be extremely snippy with long-winded Gondorians! I just may have laughed out loud in the garden as I read.
And seriously – this is enough of me writing! I’m going to finish preparing my dinner(chicken and baked potatoes!!) and enjoy this evening the Lord has made. And as I think further upon my time here in Scotland dwindling, I cannot be thankful enough for what the Lord hath wrought here. In my life and in for His glory. Always. Peace, yo.
Norn Iron
Quickly I write!
About to go off to Rosemary and April’s flat for dinner(a surprise meal- I have no idea what’s brewing!), but I wanted to write a few words. Firstly, I need to say that I still maintain Halo soundtrack music is some of the best writing music there is. I still remember writing Finance discussion boards listening to this…and now, as I’ve struggled through my Bible study prep(this coming week! Elijah awesomeness!! Well, not really. More like Elijah despairing. But that doesn’t sound that fun..) – anyways, I’ve gotten my best writing done listening to Halo music. I don’t know why.
So yeah, been working on my Elijah study for the past few hours now. I really should have been working on it all day, but I’ve been procrastinating by drinking coffee and looking at pictures and talking to fam. Oops. But these past few hours have been productive – I now have a very serviceable draft(i.e., I’d be comfortable preaching off my current notes). Tomorrow afternoon, want to tighten it up a bit and work on structure and format, etc. Anyways, I’m sort of looking forward to Wednesday night. Key point – we are not alone. God our Father is with us. Always.
That’s enough of that though. You surely don’t want to hear all my study thoughts!!
Last night was bittersweet. Mostly sweet really! Ruth and Zara came over here for a delicious(if-I-say-so-myself) fettuccine alfredo dinner with me and John. Youtube videos were watched and cake was eaten and laughs were had and funny pictures were taken…and I realized yet again how much I love these guys. Why sad though? Well, Zara’s moving tomorrow(Northern Ireland – home – for a month, then Glasgow in August)…after I helped her move her stuff to her brother’s this morning, we said goodbye. Well, not goodbye. Not forever. But I don’t know when I’ll see her again. And as we hugged farewell, I just…couldn’t help but be a bit sorrowful. She’s been such a friend to me…indescribably so. And so, instead of wasting mean words now, I will simply say a prayer of thanks to my God for giving me a friend such as her. Peace, my friend.
And now, I must away. Dinner calls my name!
Raindrops
My Friday mocha in hand, relaxing these few minutes before work starts and enjoying this day that the Lord has made!
The wind swirls.
Upward reaches that ever greener crown,
Tears of joy and life softly dripping down,
as that lone magnificent sky wanderer
loops a sweeter song
and lo the scent of good pure earth
burns so sweetly strong.
The wind joins in the chorus,
the peonies, blushing,
join their tongues
and rushing tears of heaven
add their voice.
Praise Him, ye heavens
Praise Him, ye earth
Praise Him, ye trees and birds and flowers bright
with all your laughing mirth.
Praise Him, ye stars above and seas below
Praise Him, ye glorious men and maidens,
Praise Him, our God and King and Christ!
Praise Him, the Lord of all!
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Praise Him, all the earth!
Praise Him who created,
Him who made us,
Jehovah is His Name.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Praise Him, all the earth!
Happy Tuesday
Sadly, my delicious chicken and spinach sandwiches got left in the fridge this morning, but fear not – I am having lunch! Just having subway for the second day in a row! Oops.
Anyways, just wanted to briefly write and say what a glorious weekend was had – spending time with Maryanne and Laura here in Scotland, yo! Pretty awesome, neh? So from hiking on coastal paths to drinking coffee together to hanging out with so many of my friends here…good times were had. And I am – as always – oh so thankful. Tomorrow – Ireland beckons!! And more adventures with Maryanne and Laura. Going to be epic, y’all.
And this morning as I was driving to work, I passed my favorite spot on the route and was stunned anew how fortunate I am to live where I do! Driving on the bridge across the River Dee and looking to my right to see the green hills rise up…looking quite like the Shire in all its beauty…and just grateful that I’m in a place right now where I feel so at home. Truly right now, this is the Shire to me. This is home. But new adventures await – and so soon I will be moving on. But I will never forget these years.
A Song upon the Lips
So just dashing off a quick post here! I have chicken and potatoes in the oven, set to come out in, oh…four minutes! So I will be quick(maybe). Spent the last few minutes uploading pictures to Walgreens so Mom can pick them up tomorrow. And before that, working on my Elijah study. So difficult because there’s just so much to say!! I pray God will give me further wisdom and grace. Anyway, it’s a great passage – at least I can say I’m encouraged by it! Now, it’s almost time to eat…but first gonna post a quick something I wrote this morning after driving to work. It’s terribly sloppy – why I should never write anything prior to my first cup of coffee – but…I haven’t written anything in so long, so here you go. It faintly echoes my heart. Faintly!
The clouds so dark,
they’re almost purple,
foreboding,
they sneer.
And yet the sea
blue and magnificent
reflects beauty towards
the sky.
Clouds swirl and gather
and sea leaps up
for that misty kiss
and time slows.
The sun breaks through
its morning curtains
and reaches out unto the sea.
And I tremble.
Beauty and bliss
and love divine.
I praise the King.
Seven Thousand
G’morning y’all! Or actually afternoon if you’re in my timezone – can’t believe it’s already past 1 here. Oops. I got here(Books and Beans) about 9:45 I think? And I’m still here. Well, I got a bit caught up in my Bible study prep – getting ready for 1 Kings 19 in a few weeks time, and I’m getting really excited – such a great passage!! One of my favorites – just because…it’s so encouraging and uplifting and full of God’s awesome power and love. From the lowest low in Elijah’s life to God’s encouraging and exhorting words to then the sovereign pronouncement that we are not alone in this life. God is with us. And so are others. As God says, “I have yet reserved seven thousand that have not bowed the knee to Baal.” We are not alone, y’all, despite the state of this weary world sometimes indicating otherwise. Anyways! I should probably not be preaching a sermon on here, so I will cease. But I’ve had such fun going through this passage this morning. So I lost track of time.
Also posted some old pictures(from Maryanne’s graduation!!) on facebook – reminded me of such good times back in May with the fam. Oh how I am blessed. And now, about to read a bit of Laura’s story and enjoy my ham and cheese sandwich – I think I see the waitress bringing it over now!
Mmm, this looks delicious. I’m gonna eat and read and then run back home – French Open women’s final starting at 2. Sharapova v. Serena Williams! I’m a bit wary – Maria tends to get hammered by Serena..but we’ll see. (Tomorrow, Rafa goes for his 8th French Open title vs. Ferrer!). So this afternoon will be full of tennis and chores back at the flat. Then, dinner with Chris and Jo and Jaime tonight at Cosmo’s! Can’t wait for that! But now, lunchtime, before my sandwich gets cold.
Peace, yo.
Sundew
Almost half past nine here, and the sun still shines! I have to say – I do so love Scottish summertime evenings! Just getting ready for bed soon, but now drinking my hot cocoa(yes, I can drink cocoa in summer, don’t hate) and contemplating what a sweet and relaxing week it’s been. Especially compared to the brutality that was last week!
So tonight, just had a yummy lasagna dinner(John-made!) and been thanking the Lord for all His goodness to me. Indeed, I have been blessed so much, I can’t even describe. Truly. This period(almost three years!) I’ve been in Aberdeen has been simply grand. And that, my friends, is a fact. So all praise to our God from whom all blessings flow!! All hail the Lord of righteousness and peace. Let us not hold back anything from our King. May our eyes shine with purest love for our God. Our Father. Always.
Something Weird 