Justified

So many good chats with dear friends today, so many reminders of how I am blessed.

And now, about to enjoy a wonderful evening of rest. A much anticipated dinner of steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus. A lovely relaxing night that my God has blessed me with. Again, little things. But blessed of God am I, this I cannot deny. I bow my head in thanks to my Father, my Lord, my God.

A Framing of the Mind

Hello friends…and happy Tuesday! I dare not write too much right now, as my eyes are sleepy – despite the coffee I’m currently gulping down! – and at some point I need to attempt to wake up by doing work. But at least a few words? I am still recovering from Sunday night…me and John had a small Oscars-watching party at our place, a fun time with a few friends(Joe, Julie, Abby, Camille, Julia…) but of course the only problem with the Oscars is it’s approximately a four hour show. Eventually everyone left or (in John’s case) just went to bed, but Julie and I persevered to the bitter end! Worth it to see Moonlight‘s best picture win…of course, I’ve not seen that movie – looks a bit depressing for my taste. Maybe someday. Emma Stone did win best actress for La La Land, so all is well! Anyways! Sunday was a late night. I really need to get more sleep. Not tonight, since it’s community group night. Not tomorrow night, since I’m hanging with Sammy. Oh well. Maybe someday my poor body will get sleep.

Anything else? Hm, I guess I’ve just been pondering thoughts lately of life, the universe and everything. You know, the usual! And just the realisation that people(myself included!) are far too consumed by thoughts of how to please and love ourselves to the exclusion of all else. Yes, we say we love others. But words are cheap. Our actions are dictated far too often by the desire to please the god of ourselves. That sacred throne of rank pride – how we do love that seat. And at the end of the day – at the end of all things – does it really matter how much we’ve sacrificed to bring oblations to our own soul? God forbid that we should live so. I so much want to not be so concerned about my own vanity or cravings or heartache… Fierce and most loathsome ambition to raise myself above all else, why is this part of me? I flee. I am on this world for a purpose far greater, a cause far purer. May I remember that and forget myself.

Peace and love.

Prayers Ascending

Hello friends – and happy Tuesday! I’m going to be starting work in a few minutes, just wanted to briefly chronicle some events of last night – very insignificant to the world at large, but precious to me. Last night, was driving to get dinner with Julie and as I was speeding up down the onramp to I-10, looked up at the sky and was almost overwhelmed by the cacophony of light and beauty shining forth from the sky. Yesterday, it rained and drizzled most of the day, but just as I was driving to dinner, the sky had begun to clear – and so shone forth the sun amidst a riot of towering purple clouds and smooth-streaked grey wisps and dazzling orange shaded fluffy cloud banks…I was so startled by the sight of the sky filled with such a varied and most gorgeous array of clouds and colours and swift shining lights that I had to ease up on my accelerating foot and tell myself to tear my eyes away from the sky. And as I relished the sun setting beauty that confronted me, I realized the gift I had been given to me by my God – a sight of awe and wonder and gorgeous delight. Oh and I suppose this entry is a bit self-indulgent…apologies! But was the rest of my night just as wondrous? Actually, it so happened it was. Dinner with Julie at Dish Society and as always it was wonderful and just what I needed. We enjoyed our food and chat and I was so encouraged by her(and maybe I encouraged her a little too? I hope so). Oh how dear of a friend is she. How marvelous it is to have such a deep bond with someone, a bond forged in the Spirit of God and of our love for Him. We finished the evening and I was able to pray for her and as I prayed, felt simply overwhelmed by the love of God for us, His humble and insignificant children. He loves us.

Redux

This post written yesterday, February 20th…thought I may as well post it today!

Good morning all!! I am writing this from work this morning(well, as I guess I usually do on Monday mornings?) But feels a bit weird now, as I’m writing this on a Word doc and not in livejournal itself. The whole network is down at work right now, so no internet, no emails…almost no work of any kind is possible right now! Hopefully the internet comes back soon, because (sadly or not!) I really do want to get some work done today. Also, it is pouring buckets outside and I very much appreciate the fact that I am inside where it is warm and dry just now! And since I can’t do anything online, I figured I may as well write a few words now and then post them on livejournal once the network comes back online. If it ever does.

Anyways, what shall I write about? Hm, I know! Earnie and Mandy’s wedding this past weekend! They got married this past Saturday at Bethel and it was glorious. I can’t express the joy that was in my heart at seeing them being knit together as one! Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Terrell, congratulations!! Oh what bliss and oh what love!! The ceremony was gorgeous and I shan’t describe it in detail. We drove out to Plantersville for the dinner and reception – where much delicious barbecue was consumed and much awesome dancing took place!! Good times with so many good friends. I do so love weddings and this one did not disappoint. And just to see God’s work in the life of Earnie and Mandy. I’ve known Earnie for a few years now, and I remember when he would talk about Mandy and be yearning after her…even though she had no thoughts for him! And now…to see how God has brought them together is truly amazing. And they are brought together not just by their love for each other, oh no! They are brought together and bound by their love for Christ. Amazing love.

Now, the network is still down, so I guess I can keep writing! Yesterday was a joyous time at church, worshiping God and offering praise to the One from whom all blessings flow. Afterwards, had a good meeting with Sammy and some of the other young leaders at church – talking about millennials – oh that fickle, silly and irksome generation! Eventually made my way to the store for some dinner materials, then homeward bound! While my spaghetti sauce simmered on the stove, finished my 1 Peter study for next week(vss. 1-2 – keeping it real, keeping it slow!) while I listened to my prime study muse – Lorde – don’t ask me why. Then did my workout and afterwards, got to talk to Maryanne for a while!! We hadn’t talked in ages – so it was very well worth it. About time. Sorry for the wait, sis!!

Finally, it was almost dinner time, so made meatballs while John and Camille hung about and watched me do so. I don’t know why meatball making is so fascinating…but there you go. Julia came over and we all watched Dr. Strange(fantastically fun movie, with so many good actors…Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong – all the Benedicts!! …now I want some eggs benedict…mm…) ANYWAY. It was a beautiful relaxing night, enjoying a delicious dinner and watching a fun movie with friends. Can’t get any better. Me and John had a good talk before I went to bed and I daresay I’ve been feeling very encouraged lately. I am at peace and I feel oh so blessed by God my Father. How should it be that I am blessed so? I know not. I simply lift my eyes to the heavens and pray with adoration in my heart to my Father. Abba Father – hear my cry.

Now, dear friends…I end this. Still network outage here, but going to tear my eyes away from the computer screen and talk to some of my friends here at work. Be warm and safe and dry this day, fellow Houstonians!

Up and Down the Heights

Hey friends – happy Saturday evening!! I’m about to eat dinner…my chili is bubbling away on the stove and is almost ready. And I’m not a little hungry, so not going to postpone that in service of writing! I’m still sick(ugh), but I have had a most blessed day, I cannot deny that. Deacons meeting this morning, then was able to rest and relax the rest of the day. Good times studying for community group and talking with John as I read my Knowing the Times by Lloyd-Jones. Felt so encouraged by God this day – I shan’t attempt to put that into words, but I know my God and I know I am loved. Then got a nice walk to Krogers while talking to parents. And at this moment…on the couch, getting ready to watch Warriors/Thunder game and enjoy a delicious bowl of chili(along with a glass of red!). It’s funny how sometimes I can be in a perfect state of health and be so unhappy and discontent….and then now, my physical body ails and yet I am at peace, joy abounding. Maybe it’s not that funny after all.

Alright, food time for me. Peace and love, dear, dear friends.

That Scent of Pine

It’s a Friday once again, hurrah!! I have been sick most of this week(not hurrah??) and that’s not been fun, but oh well. I am surviving. Now I’m just happy to reach the end of this week – been super low-energy and work has been taxing. Last night was great though – a relaxing night with John…we got Chinese take-out and watched approximately four episodes of Avatar. As is proper. And had good chat, about things both serious and silly…so grateful to have a roommate like him. So blessed indeed to be living with him…while it was good and well living alone before, I don’t think I’m made to live on my own. Not optimal. Now, time to get to work here. A relaxing(at least as of now!) weekend ahead and I am happy. Farewell, friends!

A Hint of the Sea

Hello all! It is a dreary Monday morning and I am sleepy. I really shouldn’t be writing at all, as it is time for work to start, but thought I would at least say hi! I really need to wake up a bit more, as I feel like I’m in that hazy mind state halfway between sleep and wakefulness…hopefully this mocha helps with that. We shall see. I have to say – I much enjoyed my music driving to work today…it’s maybe a bit sad how much pleasure my music brings me at times, but there you go! Started listening to Seaspray again – surely one of my very favourite mix CDs. Just delightful. Puts me in the mood to go down to the seashore and gaze off into the horizon…but anyways, I suppose I’ll now just take my leave and write more at a later date. Farewell, friends.

A Day of Chili

Happy Friday, all!! I’m enjoying my Friday peppermint mocha and this early morning calm before the storm. Nice and quiet here in the office currently, although that will soon change. Anything much going on here lately? Not really, although did have a great roommate night yesterday with John! We actually expanded it to include Camille last night…went over to her place, had far too much yummy pizza and watched Groundhog Day(as is proper). Bill Murray is outstanding, I always forget how much I love watching his movies! Tonight is Rockets game with James – I’m excited because they’re playing Chicago…never seen the Bulls play before! And so I get to see Butler and D. Wade and Rondo and all them play – should be a fun one! (Although of course…go Rockets!) And now, I must be off.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends – peace and love, always.

Bells on the Wind

Good morning, friends!! Just a minute to post, and thought I’d write a few words…as January – what a month – winds to an end. I am honestly quite tired right now – sleepy James needs his coffee with honey, this is a fact! But I was invigorated at least slightly as I walked from my car to the office this morning. I forgot if I mentioned I moved office locations recently? Well, I did and now, in the midst of Houston, there is a lovely mini(very mini) pine forest next to my office!! So every day I walk from the parking lot to the office surrounded by pines reaching high. The scent of pine pervades my walk and I am encouraged and refreshed anew each day. This is a small thing, I know. But oh this makes me happy!! Alright, I’m off now…time to drink a bit more coffee and wake up this sleepy Tuesday….