Tag: music

Ulysses

James HoganLeave a comment

For this past week I have been working to find the time and space to write a few words on the concert I was at last week, yet I couldn’t summon up the time and appropriate energy to do it justice. I fear I still will not be able to, yet I don’t want to wait any longer lest my memory begin to dim! I haven’t been to as many concerts this year as in years past, which I suppose makes sense as my time and appetite for such have diminished as I refocus my energies elsewhere. Sometimes this saddens me a bit, but then I consider all the concerts I’ve been to that really are not all that worth it. Well, this past Sunday? I went to a show that reminded me why I love live music and why going to the right show is 1000% worth it. Josh Garrels, hello.

I have been listening to songs by Josh Garrels for close to ten or eleven years now, I believe? Shoutout to Daniel from back in the Bethel days, for introducing me to whom I now believe is one of the greatest and most encouraging artists of our generation. Even back in 2014-2015, I remember listening to some of his songs and feeling the tears fill my eyes as I consider what it means to be a son of God and to be welcome at His table. Being loved and welcomed by God is a theme that is fairly pounded home in many of his songs but not in a way that feels forced or unwarranted by the stories woven throughout Josh Garrels’ discography. Even these past few years, though not much new songs of his have been released, the songs he has released (Anchor of my Soul & Watchman in particular!) have been received by me with much joy as they’ve aided in my ever seeking to know Christ more and press into this abundant life that we have been welcomed into. So! That all to say I was excited to see him in concert, but also not really sure what to expect. I went alone and figured it would be encouraging (partly why Dani said I needed to go, once I told her I knew it would be an encouraging night for me!). So go I did. Met a few people before the show and had some good conversation. Then I found a seat on the front row of the balcony – yes I now much appreciate a concert while sitting down, what have I become – and settled in to enjoy the show.

After a fun opening act, Josh Garrels came to the stage and quickly I discovered this wasn’t simply to be a show. Rather, it felt almost more like a church service at times. Singing and preaching abounded! The songs were poignant and beautiful and brought emotions close to surface as I considered the love that is mine in knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. He started with “At the Table” and proceeded to play most of my favourite songs. Amazing set list. He played of course the classics – Ulysses, Farther Along, etc – but also some of my newer favourites like Steadfast and Watchman!

But honestly? As much as I loved the songs and rediscovered how amazing a good live show can be, I was almost more encouraged and my heart made full by listening to Josh bare his heart and soul between songs. At times it almost seemed as if Josh Garrels spoke as a prophet, exhorting us as Christians and believers in Christ to press in to what it means to be living in the here and now in the love of God, fully understanding and aware of the height and depths and breadth of the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord! Too often do we live as Christians in a way which almost seems to indicate that we believe all the lies this secular and faithless world attempt to persuade us are the truth. Too often do we live almost as if we don’t believe God works in this world at all. Do we actually believe that God still yet works mighty acts in this world in which we live? Do we actually believe that God came and walked upon this earth and died for us and rose again for our victory in Him, inaugurating a kingdom through his blood, a kingdom that shall know no end? Do we live in this present age understanding the power of the Spirit who lives within us, the Comforter promised and sent and resting upon our brow as holy oil anointing us as blessed ones? Do we live now walking forth each day in the triumphant and faith-filled joy that comes from being oh so aware that we are children of God? Josh Garrels talked much on such things, and on more besides and I dare say I can’t do his words justice now. But oh how wonderful it was to hear this humble man of God sing his heart out and then talk of the mercies and wonders of our Lord and point to God in whom is all our hope and joy.

I’m grateful for such a man whom God has blessed and given such creative talent. Still more? I’m grateful to hear the testimony of a man who knows that he’s washed and saved by the blood of Christ and ever dependent on Him every day for this life he lives. I’m grateful to be a part of the body of Christ and know that there are thousands of brothers and sisters who praise the God in whom I trust and that we all someday will be worshipping together before the throne. And even I walk and sing, recognizing that each day upon this earth is a day my God has given me. I thank God for the days he gives me now to serve his name and be faithful and wait for the upward call. I thank my Father for the knowledge that he has through His Spirit given me, that in my Jesus is my all in all. I long to see my Saviour’s face.

Summons of sunlight

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And since I’m sitting here in Starbucks this gloriously cold afternoon in Aberdeen, I feel almost compelled to write at least a few lines! Although I must confess my writing muse is cold and I don’t think I’m up to my usual standards of wordiness today. We shall see. I just knew I couldn’t let this opportunity to write a brief entry pass! I currently don’t have internet in the flat, so my online time is quite limited as of late…so this morning I trudged down George Street(making my customary doughnut stop) to Starbucks where I’ve been catching up on correspondence ever since! Oh and before I came here, stopped by the music store and picked up Imaginaerum, latest Nightwish album!! I’m sorely tempted to listen to it now, but will wait until I can listen to it properly at home. One amazing advantage to living in Europe…I was able to get this album now. You know when it’s released in the US? January 10th. Yep, there are certainly advantages! Anyways, I’m expecting this album to be epic, even more so than Dark Passion Play. (Other random note, now that I’m talking about Nightwish…Laura got me their “End of an Era” live DVD – watching that at home together with her was simply awesomeness)

And while my writing will hasn’t deserted me yet, I’ll continue, just touching on the highlights of the last few weeks! Last weekend, where was I, you may ask? Well, not in Aberdeen. I was in Glasgow, seeing Coldplay in concert! They kicked off their Mylo Xyloto tour in Glasgow and I WAS THERE. Sort of odd thinking that back in 2009, I snobbishly thought that Coldplay couldn’t possibly appeal to me since they were too mainstream. Ah how foolish was I. Anyways, Rosemary, Beth, Bree and I all rocked out and had a most amazing time. I’m not a big concert person in general…but I wanted to see them at least once! And they played all my favorite songs, so I was most satisfied. Yellow, Scientist, Fix You, Violet Hill…mmm, aural loveliness.

And seriously – enough about music now! I do enjoy good music so, but never may I let it subvert my worship to the King. Never.

On to my other highs for the month(year!) – home in Florida!! Of course it was awesome. Of course it was amazing. And of course I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And of course I am far too blessed. Besides watching far too much 24 and eating food far too delectable and buying far too many books to bring home(seriously, I had to bring an extra bag just for my books!! Hunger Games trilogy plus Lord of the Rings plus Towers of Midnight paperback plus a couple Joel Rosenberg books…YES), I simply loved relaxing with Dad and Mom and Katharyn and Maryanne and Laura…love you all, always.

And no, I did not limit myself to Tampa! Spent a day in Gainesville early on in my trip to catch up with RobG(yeah, we may or may not have spent over five hours together talking and playing frisbee and praying and…yeah) and awesomely got to see Deanna too! And after Thanksgiving and Christmas(yes, we celebrated Christmas on November 25th, since I won’t be home for real Christmas…), Maryanne and Laura and I drove up to Gainesville for the UF/FSU game! (Which I will not comment further on for the duration of this entry) But the most lovely part of the weekend(by far) was simply being with my sisters and the whole Lebo family, where I stayed a couple nights. What was included in this weekend adventure? Of course, classic awesomeness. Disc golf, epic board games(MUST get a copy of Shogun!!), delicious food, ping-pong and fun times talking and talking…yeah just amazing times. And I hadn’t seen Becca in nearly *two* years. So being able to talk to her again(in person!) was just glorious. Of course, my Gainesville trip had to come to an end eventually, so I bid farewell to Maryanne and Laura and the Lebo fam…I shall return, someday!

But all I can say about my Florida trip was that God has blessed me exceedingly…knowing I needed a time like that with the people he’s blessed me with so. And now, I worship him in humble adoration. Why do I deserve such extreme and everlasting love? I know not. I simply exalt my God and lift up His name – Him do I worship. Always.

O ancient doors

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And good morning from Aberdeen, y’all!!

Not going to write long today(yeah right…well, I’ll give it my best shot), but it’s been far too long since I’ve updated so thought I should at least write a few words. In Starbucks this fine Saturday morning and have just enjoyed a praline mocha and a chocolate doughnut and some glorious reading! Of course, it’s a tad bit distracting writing now with the couple on the sofa next to me discreetly(or not) making out. Seriously, this is Starbucks, yo. Not your home.

Anyways! Guess what! I will be in Florida in approximately five days from now! And unlike several of my other trips back to Florida this year, it will not be for work or visa purposes…no, going back home for vacation, hurrah!! Specifically for Thanksgiving. And I just cannot wait to relax with Dad and Mom and Katharyn…and then see Maryanne and Laura when they return and we’ll all be together and again and it will be awesome. Oh yes. And a weekend in Gainesville(UF/FSU game!) seeing some friends that I haven’t seen in far too long? Yeah, that’s not too bad either.

I have to say, I am most grateful to God for giving me this very well-timed vacation, as work’s been quite intensely busy lately. Not complaining for the over-abundance of orders being placed through our plant lately, but I think we’ve all been getting a little tired out. And I will rejoice supremely to have this time at home…especially with such amazing people as God has blessed me with as friends and family. My cup overflows, y’all. What can I say??

(Oh and side note…I’ll be back in Aberdeen the first of December. Third of December is Coldplay concert in Glasgow – it will be just beautiful!! Rose and Beth and her sister Bree are coming too…Can’t wait! Also, this year has been absolutely ridiculous music-wise. Two Rhapsody albums came out this year. Two Enfield albums came out this year! One Coldplay album. New Nightwish album coming out December 2nd. Coldplay concert December 3rd. Oh yeah and…Snow Patrol concert here in Aberdeen 30th of January. Living in Europe is awesome. End-extremely-long-side-note)

So now as I enjoy my last Saturday in Aberdeen for a couple weeks, hope you all are having a most excellent day! I’m off to do a little downtown walking(maybe even shopping? Shocker!) so my writing will be cut short.

Peace, y’all. Peace and love.

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.

Waterfalls

James HoganLeave a comment

And here again we have a quick before-work update! Sitting here on this sunny Thursday morning, preparing for another day of oil-equipment-remanufacture-awesomeness(really, remind me to write a post someday explaining my job in great detail. Or not) as I enjoy my coffee and revel in the beauty of a new morning!

And I just realized this is my 365th post on livejournal. Only took me some seven years to get here!! It is sort of odd, because all the friends I started out with on livejournal are mostly gone. What does that mean that I’m still writing away, hm?

Oh and I was bemoaning my short commute today…at this rate, I’ll never get to finish the final song on the newest Rhapsody of Fire album(“From Chaos to Eternity” – epic title, neh?). Of course, the final song is some nineteen minutes long. Oh well, maybe there will be enough traffic tomorrow morning so that I can hear the whole song in one drive.

And enough randomness for the morning?

Time to work!

Oh by the way, the book of Matthew is awesome. Been enjoying it incredibly so lately. You all should read it. Right now.

The Homestretch

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And now almost time for bed(especially as I’m currently trying to avoid getting any sicker than I already am..) but just wanted to mention how totally awesome today was!! Playing paintball for the very first time with amazing friends(including Steven, Anna, Alec, Pip…) on a beautiful Scottish day, sun shining bright and blue skies abounding…yes, this all equals good times. Chilling with friends having fun on a Saturday afternoon…driving home to epic music(Snow Patrol, Lecrae, Muse, Coldplay…y’know)…us all deciding that having an ice cream snack is always a good idea…also equals good times! Just now finished watching Florida win a hard-fought game vs. UCLA in the NCAA tourney – Sweet Sixteen, YES. And so today has been a sweet day. And more than all this, I am reminded by the great and incomprehensible love of Jesus. Why do I ever doubt the goodness of the Lord? Don’t ask me. I’m silly, what can I say? And now, as I feel my feeble grasp at coherence finally give way…I think it is time for sleep.

Vast of blessing

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Not quite sure why I decided to start writing now, since I really should be getting ready for church!! I’ve been meaning to write something all afternoon but have been getting distracted burning Laura(sister) a CD for her graduation present…(yes, even though it’s three months away) and been having sweet times listening to my new hymn album. Like I said yesterday, it’s pure awesomeness and you all should get it. I most highly recommend it.

And this morning was amazing times at church(is it ever *not* amazing times?) and then I went out with Aiysha and Sam for lunch before coming back home and doing some shopping for the week. And last night was…well…awesome? Can’t think of a better word. Steven, Maren and Anna were over and we got to feast on a sweet Hungarian dish(which was just delish and I’m going to make Anna give me the recipe!) and a supremely yummy classic German dessert(and no, I don’t remember what it was called. It was some German name, yeah) and most importantly, we enjoyed lovely times of talking and playing card games(introducing Steven and Maren to poker!!) and listening to music and just chilling out and enjoying the goodness of the LORD!! And as I drove them home, us all rocking out to “Eyes Open”(Snow Patrol) with the windows down and cold air rushing into the car, I rejoiced in sweet friendships… Oh our God is good!!!!!!

And now, church time. Peace!

Born that way

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Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors their ways,
and sinners will be converted to You.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness,
O God, the God of my salvation;
then my tongue will joyfully sing of
Your righteousness. -Psalm 51:5-14

Oh I will sing!!!

Ahh this has been such a sweet day!! Admittedly, I’ve been inside for most of it…but that’s because it’s been grey and gloomy and rainy outside all day long…so I decided it was a perfect day to relax indoors. Had a late night anyway(sweet party times with Aiysha and Sam et al!) so woke up sort of late…(11AM, eek! That’s probably my latest lie in in quite some time!) So after my shower I enjoyed my sweet bacon and coffee breakfast and reading…and for the past few hours I’ve been chilling in my living room and compiling a new iTunes playlist(felt it was time for a new one…and in doing so, realized I had NO “And Can it Be?”. That had to be rectified and so I found a sweet version…in this awesome CD that you all should get – Resolved Music, Vol 1 on Amazon. Great stuff)…so making the playlist took me a while because I kept getting distracted(first by talking to Laura on Gmail…and then Katheryn. So worth it though! *waves to both*). Anyways here’s the playlist I came up with…I’m pretty happy with it. Presenting…”The Homestretch”:

1. Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
2. It’s Beginning to Get to Me – Snow Patrol
3. All of Us – Blindside
4. Ever Dream – Nightwish
5. Dargor Shadowlord of the Black Mountain – Rhapsody of Fire
6. Nothing but the Blood – Jars of Clay
7. Go Hard ft. Tedashii – Lecrae
8. The Prodigal Son Suite – Keith Green
9. Something Beautiful – Needtobreathe
10. Die Alone – Ingrid Michaelson
11. Blackout – Muse
12. Yellow – Coldplay
13. Revelation 5 – Hope Bible Church
14. And Can it Be – The Enfield Hymn Sessions

Good stuff, neh? I’ve been listening to it right now and I am most pleased. I forwent my usual hardcore opening and went a little softer with Postal Service and Snow Patrol opening…but don’t worry, got at least a little power metal awesomeness in there with Nightwish and Rhapsody. I’ve been much enjoying Rhapsody of Fire on the way to work lately – glorious beautiful music(even if Galan’s the only other person I know that agrees!!)

And in other news, tonight having Steven, Maren and Anna over…my 3rd night having people over in four nights!! But this time, Maren and Anna are going to cook apparently, so I can relax a bit. Ooh, I probably should clean the kitchen a bit though before they’re here. Yes, good plan.

And although I think I have more to say, time to run to the store to get some juice for tonight and then prep my place for company. Hope y’all are having a most glorious day!!!

Rock on!

Raging starfire

James HoganLeave a comment

So, at work a bit early this morning…despite the continued onslaught of snow against my fair city of Aberdeen! I woke up this morning and looked outside to see that not too much snow had fallen during the night. Relieved, I went to make my coffee and sandwiches and then sat down and read for a while. Before I left my flat, I looked outside again…to see it snowing furiously outside, with an additional few inches of snow on the ground!! Knowing that every second I delayed inside would mean more snow on the roads, I hurried outside to my car, quickly warming it up and scraping it off before undertaking the treacherous six mile journey in to work(which took an hour last night, ugh). You may ask why I’d drive to work in the snow, with a very reasonable probability of not being able to get back home tonight? Well honestly, I don’t know either. But driving convoy style on the dual carriageway(er, that’d be highway for us Americans), we all made it through the snow safely, each of us following through the tire tracks of the car before. And by the way, Rhapsody of Fire is pretty much the most intensely awesome music to listen to while driving through the snow, just saying. “The embrace of ice and snow could stop the bravest warrior, but the thirst for justice still and more will warm our soul.” What now?!! Finally made it in to work just to find that the lights were off in our Drilling office…yes, I was the first one in. That did give me just a bit of pride at first, being the Floridian and all in the land of Scotland, before I realized it might just mean that I was the only one silly enough daring to brave the snow. I’ve sat here for a while now, sipping my hazelnut-tinged coffee(props to Deanna for bringing over wondrous proper American coffee creamer from the States!!! You will be my bestest friend forever and ever for that, Deanna. Mmmmmm…and now you all know the way to my heart. Oops) and writing this snow filled entry.

And now, there are actually people in the office besides me and it’s about time for work to begin. Have a lovely day!! Hopefully there’s far less snow wherever you all are at..

Oh and I really will end this entry after this sentence, but Romans 8 is awesome, y’all; you should read it right now, that’s how awesome it is(I have been abundantly reminded of the glorious love of God our Father and of Jesus Christ our Saviour and of the Spirit our Comforter these past few days through this chapter) and I would be negligent indeed to not point you all to such an amazing wealth of words and storehouse of grace and fountain of truth that is contained therein.

All we, like sheep

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Lunch time here at work! Actually, it’s about over but thought I’d post a quick update, seeing as this last week has been most full of awesomeness! Hopefully I’ll get around to a longer post later detailling my adventures with Deanna throughout Scotland(and yes, it was an amazing few days!!) but for now, suffice it to say that…yeah, Scotland’s a pretty beautiful country. It’s true.

And last night, went with Rosemary to see Handel’s Messiah at the Music Hall here in Aberdeen – my first time ever seeing this performed! Listening to it on my laptop is most definitely not the same thing. So amazingly lovely and gorgeous and our-Lord-glorifying and beautiful and powerful and majestic. And He shall reign forever and ever! My only regret…that I couldn’t sing with them! Ahh, one day. One day.

And now it’s time to get back to work, but know this: tonight will be my first night to myself in quite some time, so I will most definitely enjoy the time to relax and read and SLEEP. Oh the sleep will be welcome! I may or may not have a satisfying dinner of delicious hamburgers, baked potatoes and crispy green beans too. Mmmm. If I don’t fall asleep first.

Have a simply lovely day, y’all! Love you guys!!