Tag: pondering

A Day Arises She Sings Once Again

James HoganLeave a comment

I really must write more. It is early Monday morning here in the flat and I have been perusing old entries and it has perhaps put me in a nostalgic mood. Also I have noted how my writing style has changed and morphed over the years in both content and form. For better or for worse? I shall leave others to say. But it is certain that in the past my entries used to be a bit more proper journal style and now, well…it seems that only my poetical or grasping creative fancies are what I decide to pour out on this screen. Oh, and book reviews of course. Never forget the book reviews! I wonder what it is, this slight drawing back, this pulling the curtain over my face ever so slightly. It perhaps reflects my growing, maturation dare I say? Maybe it is an acknowledgement that the internet is not quite as young and innocent as it was back in the day. Of course it never was, but I was more naive back then. Now, if I share on here, it feels riddles is the order of the day. Wade through enough metaphorical language and you may glimpse my heart. I know not all the reasons yet still it is fascinating to wonder.

And now my mind drifts as my fingers wander and I think perhaps it’s alright that I don’t write of my days in detail as I once used to do. Though I’m grateful for the chronicling of the past and the memories that now float through my mind for it spurs thoughts of gratitude and joy. Gratitude to the God who has blessed me far more than this young man could ever have hoped to dream. Joy for the life this same God has given me – a life poured out as offering devoted to the One who holds my hand yet a life blazing forth full of light from that same God who fills me in ways I most likely won’t ever truly comprehend. I am a broken vessel, a clay pot. Who am I to show forth this brilliant glory? Who am I to write down this achingly beautiful song? I bow my head in praises to the One who made me, to the One who called my name.

Perhaps I shall write more of my life in the future. Perhaps not. But I’m grateful for the thoughts that flood my being and the emotions that well up within.

Adventures

James HoganLeave a comment

So before I make my dinner tonight(leftover spaghetti and meatballs – fantastic!!), just wanted to write a few words. Thinking more of my upcoming move back to Houston and as tends to happen, worries and doubts creep in. Am I doing the right thing moving to Houston? Am I going to regret this move(this huge life-changing move!)? Am I going to miss my friends here a lot? Well, that last one is definitely yes. As for the rest…I am simply encouraged by the following verses in Jeremiah(props to my dear friend Noemi for the reminder!!). Spoken to Israel in their time of need when they were exiles, yes. But God has also used these words to comfort me. And I am confident in my God. Always.

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’
declares the LORD,
‘plans for welfare and not for calamity
to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon Me and
come and pray to Me,
and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me
when you search for Me with
all your heart.’ – Jeremiah 29:11-13

Houses of Healing

James HoganLeave a comment

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.

A white knight

James HoganLeave a comment

And what a lovely Saturday evening it is! I don’t think I shall write too many words tonight, but thought it’d been a touch too long since I’ve last updated y’all! This evening, I currently have lasagna in the oven, perfuming the apartment most nicely. I hadn’t planned on making it, but me and Rosemary were talking about it last night and so I got this craving…and yes, when I was in the store, couldn’t resist buying everything I needed for the king of meals. Of course it’s not as good a lasagna as the one I’ll be having a few weeks, when I’m home in Florida!!! Yes, that’s right – don’t know if I told you all previously about my plans(Well, I’m sure most of you reading this already know!), but I’m flying back to Tampa on the 5th and staying through the 15th! Going to be in Tampa for most of my vacation, but will be in Gainesville for Robert and Cindy’s wedding!! Wow, I still STILL cannot believe Cindy is getting married…I still remember when I was a senior at UF and she came in, such a crazy little freshman…and now she’s about to embark upon one of the greatest adventures – married life. Can’t wait for the wedding!

And of course, being back home with the fam will be pretty sweet. Y’know.

Anything else I can update you on? Well, work is going much as usual – hectic and crazy. Yet my Lord God gives me a most supreme peace and I cannot deny His goodness to me! And while work takes up far too much of my time and I don’t get to see other people that often, the times I have with my friends, I treasure dearly. Wednesday nights at church are indeed one of my favorite times at the week, plop in the middle of my week…what an oasis of love and rest. I talked with Dominic this week a bit(I’m going to be speaking on Isaiah 40 in a few weeks, so he was giving me some pointers – pray for me!!) and I shared with him my sometimes uncertainty as to my future and for God’s plans for my life. While I know my Father has indeed a most glorious future and hope for me, yet my heart sometimes rebels and wonders. Oh why do our feeble minds offer battle to the words of almighty God? I know not. Yet I do. While we live in this world, these earthly temples of ours still cling to the sweetly tempting and faintly beautiful things therein. Yet does our soul and our spirit cry out within us for the fulfillment and glory that awaits us. Come Lord Jesus! Come.

And now that I’ve written far more words than I intended, and allowed my mind to drift to the far beyond…it’s time for me to take the lasagna out of the oven to set. These bodies of ours do need food, after all – and if food, it might as well be deliciously magnificent, so say I!

Have a most beautiful evening, my friends, my brothers, my sisters.