Tag: life

Holler

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Happy Sunday friends!! I realise I haven’t written a proper reflective piece in far too long(and no, this won’t be it either!). Just wanted to acknowledge that I’m aware I’ve been absent lately(apart from my slightly odd story I wrote last week!). This evening though, I’ve just finished going over Psalm 19 in prep for community group on Tuesday…and truly, such a glorious and wonderful Psalm! I’m super psyched for Tuesday, gotta admit! This day’s been marvelous…worshiping at Bethel with my fellow brothers and sisters(singing “Holy Holy Holy” never fails to make me think of heaven…), chilling with Daniel this afternoon/evening(watching far too much “Justified” and eating some quality pizza…oh and having some solid talking time, as always…) and now studying God’s Word and simply being staggered by the beauty and truth that lies therein.

And I feel a bit sad that I haven’t written more recently, as the past few months, I’ve been blessed much by all that God has been doing in my life. I’ve failed to chronicle as well as I should have – just know that God is good and I am very conscious of His hand on my life. He is with me. He is working. God is with me.

I think back to a few weeks ago – flying back to Tampa for a quick weekend trip. Spent such a sweet time with Dad and Steve and Dan Hayden in Orlando at a one-day conference. The conference(mainly eschatological in nature, but I’m not going to take the time now to detail every seminar!) was stimulating, but the best part of the day was simply being with my Dad and Steve and Dan and being encouraged in their presence. And then the next day at church in Tampa…being with God’s people in Hope Bible Church and being encouraged yet again as I was very aware of the presence of the Lord that Sunday morning. Of course, the time after church was no less wonderful. Had an awesome hamburger lunch with Mom and Dad…talking and relaxing with them – loved it!!!…and as I stepped through the airport doors to come back to Houston, I couldn’t help but be sorrowful to leave. Sorrowful, but also thankful to God for giving me such a time of refreshing and encouragement!

Oh and I could go one and on talking about different times these past few months that God has blessed me, but I am starting to get tired…and so bedtime it is for me. Just remember, friends – how great and glorious a God we belong to. Forever and always.

Peace, dear friends.

Grey Velvet

James HoganLeave a comment

Quick early-morning-before-work post! Spent this morning having a lovely drive to work in the slowly falling rain…listening to my favorite music ever – Handel’s Messiah and sipping on my peppermint mocha…

Surely our griefs He himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.

-Isaiah 53:4-6

Sons of Levi

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening!! I realised I haven’t written in here…in quite some time. So considered that remedied! Besides that, I really don’t have too much to say. It’s been a long Wednesday at work…and I’ve now made my tomato salad and I’m waiting for my fish-fillet-and-french-fry dinner to come out of the oven. It will be delicious – I so declare. Also going to watch a little ’24’, because sadly, never got to finish Season 3 when I was home for Christmas! (Of course, the parents finished it long ago) Therefore, this is a simple night of supper and Jack Bauer. Can’t really complain there. Then I just might have some coffee and read as I contemplate the goodness of our Lord. Yes. Yes, I think that sounds totally lovely. Peace!!

They will not hurt or destroy in
all My holy mountain,
For the earth will be full
of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.
Then in that day
The nations will resort to
the root of Jesse,
Who will stand as a signal
for the peoples;
And His resting place will be
glorious.

-Isaiah 11:9-10

Messiah

James HoganLeave a comment

Good evening, my friends!

The light is slowly fading here in Houston and I say goodbye to a lovely Saturday. It’s been a grey day here…but somehow that accentuated the beauty all the more. Clouds scudding before the wind and autumnal leaves dancing across the city pavement and the kiss of the winter light upon the earth. And as I drove around this day, I couldn’t help but think of the God who made it all. And now I listen to Handel’s Messiah as I write this, firmly convinced it’s one of the greatest pieces of music ever composed. Surely it is my favorite piece, that I cannot deny. In a little bit, I’m going to start getting dinner ready…going to be a delicious vegetable and bean soup(carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes, beans, etc….), recipe graciously passed to me by Dad! A perfect warm meal for a winter evening. Maybe I’ll even write a bit of something? I can always hope! Peace, my dear friends.

Riverstones

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening, friends!! I am just enjoying some post-workout yogurt and realised it’s been a while since I’ve posted here…so here you go! I’ve survived a long and moderately tough day at work and so right now as I sit and rest(and as I’m about to enjoy a yummy dinner of fish fillets, french fries and tomato salad!) I simply thank my Lord God for all that He has done for me. Truly, I praise His most wondrous name! Peace.

Frozen

James HoganLeave a comment

Good morning, friends!! This is a quick-before-work update…I just couldn’t resist writing a few words! It’s delightfully cold(36 degrees outside! …or 2 degrees, if there’s any non-Americans reading this!) A busy day is ahead of me, but right now, I’m just enjoying sitting here nice and cozy in my turtleneck/sweater combo and drinking my steaming hot honey-laced coffee. My hands may be cold. My heart is warm. Peace, my friends – have a most glorious Tuesday!!!

Lilies on the Sun

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! On this beautiful and most delightful Saturday, I sit here at Beans coffeeshop, about to head out. But I must not let the opportunity to write a quick update pass me by! I’ve just enjoyed a pretty awesome morning here, sipping on first my mocha, then a nice honey-flavored green tea. Now, the afternoon is beginning to wear on, and I really should get back to the house. Me and Daniel are planning to see Interstellar at the cinema, and I’ve been here long enough, methinks! Last night had a sweet relaxing Friday night, involving eating a delicious dinner(grilled burgers! green bean casserole! deliciousness!) and watching random videos with Daniel(Legend of Korra!!). And today, I really should be prepping for Tuesday bible study, but I’ve been doing Christmas shopping instead. And mixing up an awesome playlist(I think I’ll burn it for Maryanne’s Christmas present…but it’s so great, I’ll make myself a copy too I think). Now though, as disjointed as this entry is, time for me to go. One of these days, I’ll write something properly, but this will have to do for now.

Peace always, friends!!!

Spaced

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Saturday, yo! I’m sitting in Beans with John, having enjoyed a very proper morning here. Drank a mocha…and maybe an extra shot of espresso too. Don’t judge. I’ve read a bit but really spent most of my time doing some quality Christmas shopping(i.e., browsing Amazon and placing several different orders…so now, Christmas presents…sorted! Mostly. Still debating on a couple more possible presents for Maryanne and Laura…) John joined me about an hour or so ago, and we’ve had some sweet times chilling here(i.e., looking at our separate computer screens and speaking to each other every once in a while). I’ve wanted to do some writing, but sadly, I think my writing here will have to suffice for today. At least this morning. It’s now past noon and I should probably do my errands and head back home eventually. Anyways, I wanted to write because I felt I’ve been pretty absent lately. This past week has been another hectic work week, but joyous moments have been liberally sprinkled throughout, so I cannot complain. Never ever. Lots of quality time spent with Daniel either having deep talks about life or being silly watching the best shows ever(the ARROW or the FLASH…I am being totally serious as to their being the best shows ever. Maybe with a very slight tinge of sarcasm. Y’know)…lots of moments at work realising that despite the stress and the weariness, God has used me to encourage and help people as I work…moments hanging out with friends and watching silly movies(like the terribly silly and romantic yet wondrous About Time at Erica/Emily/Michelle/Meagan’s place or last night watching Star Trek Into Darkness with John and Daniel as we heartily enjoyed watching Kirk being awesome and Spock beat up on Khan…)…and really, this whole week…just relishing the goodness and love and wonder of being a child of God. Each and every moment I am alive, I exist to bring glory to the Most High God. This brings joy to my heart and a song to my lips. And now, I must let my espresso-fueled fingers rest, as I fear this paragraph is terribly unwieldy. Yet, I feel oh so blessed. And I long to share these moments with you all. My friends.

Peace and love.

God of our Fathers

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello and happy Saturday evening, friends!! Daniel is currently playing guitar and I’m chilling in the living room…thought I’d write a few words. This day has been long and difficult but now I am resting. And it is good. I went in to work for a while this morning(oh crazy Ensco and their rig down emergencies!). Working on Saturday isn’t always fun, but sometimes it must be done. Afterwards, went over to the Maresh’s for one of their patented International House of Coffee events…even though I felt a bit tired and stressed from work, really wanted to see people. And so of course, it was a lovely time hanging out with awesome friends and drinking far too much(not really) delicious coffee…

Afterwards, even though I really felt like going home, went back to work for a few more hours to ensure the equipment testing(an HC connector, which none of you will know what that is…but I do, so you can ask me all about it sometime!! Or not, as it’s really not that interesting!). Anyways, after work-part-two, I came home, had a little dinner…and now hanging out in the living room as me and Daniel talk about random things. Pardon the disjointedness of this entry, as me and him have been talking throughout the writing of this!

So now, as I think about today and all that I have done and all the people I have talked with…I rejoice. I rejoice because even though I am tired and weary, I am a child of God. And that is truly wonderful.

Peace and love.

Royals

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening friends!! Sitting here on a relaxing Saturday night, drinking tea with Daniel and watching some of “The Arrow”(best show ever…ok, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration). Good times! Anyways, I realise I haven’t written in a while. Sadly, I am now sleepy and don’t feel like writing much at the moment. Peace, one and all!