Tag: music

Ariel

James HoganLeave a comment

Just going to write a few words this afternoon – don’t feel in much of a writing mood, to be honest! But as it is Saturday, thought I couldn’t just leave this page blank. Just got done doing some cleaning around the flat – vacuuming, laundry, etc. Also threw a bunch of old papers out in preparation for upcoming move(current date is set in September – about a month to go here in Scotland). Now, sipping my coffee and debating on whether I want to go out in the garden to sit and read or not. The weather is a bit inconstant, fluctuating between sun and clouds. We shall see. Anyways, for now I write!

This past week’s been another busy week, so having a day of rest today is just oh so lovely. And this morning got to catch up with Jackie at Books and Beans – fantastic! First time I’ve seen her in a while – as always, awesome chat.

And now I sit and ponder on the words I’ve just read in Isaiah – frightening and terrifying and glorious. The judgment of God sits heavy upon the land of Israel(and yea, even the whole earth). It is terrible to think of us, the clay who rebels against our Maker. And we think we know better and we think we are gods. And we are as nothing. We are but dust. And yet we rage.

But then we come to these beautiful words!

Is it not yet just a little while before Lebanon will be turned into a fertile field,
and the fertile field will be considered as a forest?
On that day the deaf will hear words out of a book,
and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD,
and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. – Isaiah 29:17-19

And now I think I may go outside after all! Trying to figure out what to read though – Lord of the Rings is my normal outside-reading book and I finished it yesterday. Oh such a good book!

Before I do go outside and enjoy the sun…I leave you with my latest CD, “The Homestretch II”:

1. Let There Be – Gungor
2. Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective
3. In Your Sleep – Andrew Belle
4. Lover of the Light – Mumford and Sons
5. Maybe They’re On To Us – Needtobreathe
6. Hello Again – Lost Prophets
7. Taikatalvi – Nightwish
8. Storytime – Nightwish
9. Stars – Philip Quast – Les Mis
10. Night Castle – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
11. Butterflies and Hurricanes – Muse
12. The Scientist – Coldplay
13. Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
14. Make My Life a Prayer to You – Keith Green
15. War – Trip Lee
16. It is Well with my Soul – Bob Kauflin
17. This is Not the End – Gungor
18. Finish the Fight – Martin O Donnell – Halo 3

Now – time for garden and sun and being with my Lord.

Peace, my friends – and much love!

Rainy Days

James HoganLeave a comment

Saturday afternoon here in the flat! Would have written earlier in Books and Beans…but for some reason their internet wasn’t working. I spent the time cleaning out my computer and finding lots of old random pictures and videos. I realized it’s been four years since I’ve been in college. Wow.

Anyways, now back at home and going to read a bit this fine wet afternoon. Soon enough, going to walk down to Sainsbury’s to pick up ingredients for chicken parmesan tonight! I figure that’ll be a nice meal as I watch the Gators play basketball – going up against Alabama in the SEC tourney semifinals. Go Gators!! Sadly I can’t watch it with dad, alas.

Before I get to my book, just thought I’d leave you with the tentative playlist for my newest CD. Approve? It’s my “preparation for summer” CD. And yes. Summer is coming. Eventually.

Peace y’all!!

1. Oohs and Ahhs – Needtobreathe
2. Charlie Brown – Coldplay
3. High of 75 – Relient K
4. Last Summer – Lost Prophets
5. Arise Shine – Hope Bible Church
6. Oh My Stars – Andrew Belle
7. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
8. We are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
9. Knowledge of the Glory of the Lord – Hope Bible Church
10. Time of Your Life – Green Day
11. In Your Sleep – Andrew Belle
12. You Belong with Me – Taylor Swift
13. All Those Pretty Lights – Andrew Belle
14. Crags and Clay – Gungor
15. The Boxer – Simon and Garfunkle
16. 22 – Taylor Swift
17. Stars – Switchfoot
18. One Day More! – Les Miserables International Cast
19. Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain – London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir
20. Amen – London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir

Nightwish

James HoganLeave a comment

And this will be a blitz of an entry – as I’m currently a bit starved and feel that a frozen pizza is calling my name this evening! But I cannot help but write at least a little this night!! Last night, got to experience an amazing event of music and beauty…seeing Nightwish live in concert. And yes, it was *AMAZING*.

Most live shows, you can’t really get across in plain words. Even a video wouldn’t do it justice! But take my word for it. And for those of you that are not Nightwish fans, let me briefly describe them: a band from Finland, sometimes described as orchestral power metal, sometimes described as symphonic power metal, and always described as crazy awesome beautiful music makers!! If you want a good intro, youtube “Sleeping Sun Nightwish”. Gorgeous.

Anyways, before I succumb to my hunger and end this entry…let my fingers be off and tell this tale! And let me warn you now…if you’re not one of the two Nightwish fans I know and are reading this…you may get bored partway through. My apologies. I just want to chronicle this while the memory is fresh!

Took the train into Glasgow yesterday afternoon(on which I got some sweet reading and even a little napping in!) and then met Jackie!! Which was absolutely amazing because I hadn’t seen her in ages…and by ages I mean a couple months. But still, so so good to see her again! We grabbed dinner(steak and chips mmm..) and had a delightful time chatting and catching up…my only regret is we didn’t have a chance to talk more, because sadly, we eventually had to make our way to the O2 for the show! After queuing for a bit, me and Jackie finally made our way indoors – beautiful venue!

Before the show started, we met a couple girls that also live in Aberdeen and had sweet times talking with them – eventually made our way to the floor, where we got spots super-close to the stage! We took lots of random pictures and eventually the show started! The support act was ok, but a little bit too crazy for me! And then…it was Nightwish time. They opened up with Storytime from their new album and then went into Dark Chest of Wonders and then I Wish I had an Angel! I have to admit, really weird(yet awesome!) seeing them actually play the songs live after listening to them for the past four years…seeing Tuomas interact playfully with Emppu mid-song…watching as Marco croons powerfully into the microphone as he’s rocking out…watching Jukka pound the drums ever more passionately…and then being stunned at the gorgeousness of Floor Jansen’s voice soar to the rafters. I couldn’t believe how good Floor was, since she just started singing for Nightwish mid-tour!

So yeah, they played so many of my favorite songs(including: The Islander! Planet Hell! Ever Dream! Ghost Love Score!) and the crowd was just electric. The band even seemed a bit taken aback by how loud we were! Seeing the emotions surge in Tuomas’ face as he played…I think one of the things that struck me the most about the show is just realizing – in truth – that all the band members…Tuomas and Emppu and Jukka and Marco and Floor…are real people just like us. And just like all of us, they rage and cry and love and dream…and I couldn’t help but pray for every one of them. And like I know I’ve written before, I realized again the sheer power of music. It has such a hold over us at times, such a firm grasp and we don’t even know it. And so once again, while I do so love the gift of music that God my Father has blessed us with…I also must acknowledge its dangers and not give it my heart…as is so easy to do! So here at the end of all things, I think of the beautiful evening I had last night and I thank my Lord for blessing me so! I got to hang out with Jackie and experience beautiful music. A good night! The only thing that would have made it better was if Laura could have been there too…I called her afterwards to give her the full run-down and felt sad that she couldn’t be with me. Laura, miss you!!

And now, it truly is dinner time. And then time to crack open a book. Read a little, wonder a little, love a little. And ever dream.

Hawkeyes

James HoganLeave a comment

Currently in Starbucks, even though it’s a bit late in the afternoon. My feet are itching to leave and enjoy the sunlight!

But I did want to write a few words – you’re not complaining, right? I got a couple new CDs that I ordered today, listening to one of them now – such gorgeous and heart-enlivening music!! I’m so excited that I can’t help but share them with you. Once you see the track list, you’ll understand why I love them so. Listening right now to And Can it Be sung by thousands of voices…oh for that glorious day where we all shall sing together to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever and ever and ever. And ever. Amazing love, how can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me????


1. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
2. Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him
3. A Debtor to Mercy Alone
4. Hallelujah, What a Saviour
5. Mercies Anew
6. Before the Throne of God Above
7. Come Thou Almighty King
8. Immortal, Invisible
9. Like a River Glorious
10. The Look
11. I will Glory in My Redeemer
12. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

And if that isn’t enough…the live album from Together for the Gospel 2008.


1. A Mighty Fortress is our God
2. It is Well with my Soul
3. How Firm a Foundation
4. Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
5. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
6. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
7. How Sweet and Aweful is the Place
8. My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
9. I will Glory in my Redeemer
10. Arise, my soul, Arise
11. The Power of the Cross
12. My Song is Love Unknown
13. And Can It Be
14. There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
15. Before the Throne of God Above
16. In Christ Alone

So yeah. Couldn’t help but share.

And listening to these songs now, how my heart is encouraged and my soul is lifted up! I have had a long and weary week, full of trials. My heart has been burdened and my soul downcast. Yet now as I praise my God in song and thought…there is such a peace in my heart. A peace that surpasses all comprehension. Oh how blessed are we. I seriously am so overwhelmed by the goodness of my Lord in granting me such peace and encouragement this afternoon. If I could weep…

So last night as I came home from work tired and discouraged, I decided to go for a run in the crisp autumn air as the sun gloriously set. That was definitely much enjoyed! Afterwards had a sweet talk with Dad and then showered before my dinner of frozen pizza and spinach salad(ok, maybe not the most elaborate dinner, but it sure tasted good!!).

Now this morning was sadly filled up with being at work and trying to keep the reins steady on my wildly careening project. Thankfully was only there about four hours and now I’m here at Starbucks(could not give up my Saturday Starbucks!). Been here for a couple hours now and really should be leaving soon…but no, a few more words. These songs(now listening to Before the Throne of God Above) are seriously amazingly powerful. I’m…a bit emotional listening to them. Just finishing reading a letter from Mom, too – received very timely today! Oh what a joy to read the six pages from her. Oh joy, oh bliss. Love you, Mom!! 🙂

Now my peppermint mocha is a bit cold, so it must be about time to go. And my CD is on the last song(In Christ Alone). It must be a sign.

Farewell, all. Grace and love and peace. Hope in the Lord. Sing and dance and wonder at what amazing love we are blessed with so. Peace.

A cloud floats free from filmy sea to frozen sky,
Rainbow croons of crimson peace and truest glory,
An apple tree blossoms white in silent beauty,
And upon the land a song of love is lifted.

Blood so perfect, blood so true,
How oh how could Christ love us so?
Story written, love anew –
Glories and wonders and beauty!
Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords
King Almighty and He Who Will Reign Forever,
Song of my heart and Poem of my soul,
Jesus my God.

Summons of sunlight

James HoganLeave a comment

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

James HoganLeave a comment

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

James HoganLeave a comment

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

James HoganLeave a comment

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!