Tag: praise

Stripes of Blue and Green Sing Ever so Sweetly, See?

James HoganLeave a comment

A bare few words. Just to chronicle the loveliness of the day. Woke up nice and early except not really…645 maybe? Light was streaming through my window when I awoke, oh glorious day! I was on coffee-brewing duty at church today…but I made the unilateral decision to not fully clean up the coffee-making supplies and instead went to the sanctuary so I could not miss too much of the worship service. And indeed the worship was glorious. Got to sing “Jesus Paid it All”, “All Creatures of our God and King” and “Holy Holy Holy” (at the very end of service)…oh what joy was mine singing praise to my God, my King this morning. And then Pastor Wayne’s sermon on Hebrews 10:-1-18…magnificent. And well yes, that is one of my favourite passages, why do you ask? What a beautiful reminder of God’s love and what He has done for me. All my sins and all my lawless deeds…my God remembers them no more. I felt much heartened by the end of church, the Holy Spirit working through the preaching of the Word of God to speak to my soul and encourage my spirit. Oh what love is mine. Oh what love is Thine, my Lord and my God.

And so I hope it is obvious, even if not plainly stated, how much I enjoyed worshiping God this day. I am ever so thankful to my God for allowing me (what a worm am I!) the honour to offer praise and adoration to Him. My worship is feeble yes. But by the grace of God, it is real.

Be at peace my friends. All my love.

Lies We Once Told Ourselves in Order to Ameliorate the Moods of Grey and Bare-branched Days

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I wonder if I can make a post where the title is longer than the actual entry? No, that is rubbish. But…I am posting simply to say that it is a nice Friday in which I am enjoying a warm(ish) peppermint mocha and looking forward to the beauty that my God has in store for me this day. I know not what it is. But at least I do know that to know God and know that I am known by God is beauty. For the love of my God has saved my soul truly. Thanks to Him for the blood of His Son – atonement perfect and complete. Only through Christ am I saved. And so I am known forever. I am loved forever. Only by the grace of my God and through the faith He has so graciously granted me am I made complete and whole. One more thing I’m grateful for…that God has given us His most perfect Scriptures through which we may know Him. How awesome is that? We are not required to follow some imperfect tradition or fallen man to gain access to heaven. The way of true salvation is seen through Scripture alone. And I can read it anytime I want. Again…how awesome is that? I really need to take advantage of this more often. Now truly this is a random potpourri of a post, very unstructured and random, but I shall let it stand. To end…to God alone by all glory and all praise.

Redemption

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Quick update this Wednesday morn! Firstly, a few of my latest book logs…I just cannot keep up lately for some reason. My latest three:

35. Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card. As said a few entries ago, I sort of read the Bean series out of order. So this is the last one I read, even though it really should have come earlier. Not going to go into plot details, but yet another gripping adventure with amazing characters – I really do love Bean, Petra, Peter et. al. so much!! I think(since it’s been a few weeks since I’ve read this so I’m already forgetting) that this is also the book that Peter’s parents (and Ender & Valentine’s…but they’re not in this book) play a much larger role. They are simply hilarious and I love them much as well. Finally they get to be a bit more than just “the parents”. Fun times. And the ending to this book. I cannot talk about it without spoiling, but to this day I can remember the stunned exhilaration I had when I first realized what had happened near the end of this book. Orson Scott Card is one of my favourite authors for a reason. Speaking of…

36. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. The OSC train continues! This is technically the sequel to Ender’s Game but it is a very very different book to that. I was trying to explain the plot of this book to John the other night and…it was a bit difficult. It’s set some 3000 years after the first book. Ender is basically grown up now? He comes to a planet where a Portuguese Catholic colony has been founded and made first contact with an alien species(the pequeninos…) and he meets a very messed up family and there’s also a deadly virus that’s trying to kill everything and I am really going to stop talking about this plot because it’s impossible to summarize for someone who isn’t going to read the book. But it is truly a remarkable book. It starts the trend of each book in the Ender series being more philosophical and “talky” than the last. It starts to get a bit wearing by the final book, but here…this book…masterpiece. And apart from the mystery that must be solved(why did the pequeninos brutally massacre the human scientists? What’s their secret??), the thing that I remember the most about this book is the thrilling human relationships and interactions that OSC describes. Again, OSC is a master at talking about interpersonal relationships and painting vivid characters. So the main family in this book…they have six children right? A lot of times when a lot of characters are described, they all run together and you don’t really remember who’s who. Not this book. I can tell you the name of each character and describe them to you in detail. (Miro, Ela, Quim/Estavao, Olhado, Quara, Grego…) So reading this book – it’s more than just a science fiction novel (although it is that). It’s reading about a family and their problems and their pain and their fears…and what shall be their hope? If you can’t tell, I much enjoyed this one.

37. Xenocide by Orson Scott Card. Next book in the series. Actually just finished this one last night! Shan’t write long about this as I’m very much running out of time. This book is slightly more difficult to read, firstly because of the slightly overwrought philosophical discussions. Secondly because the story of Qing-Jao and the “gods of Path” (actually just an overly aggressive and tragic form of OCD) is definitely not always fun to read. The mental illness aspect is uncomfortable in and of itself. And although OSC is a religious man (his Mormon tendencies do come out at times, as much as I wish they wouldn’t), he does love to play with the idea of religion just being a way for humanity to explain the universe…and in this book in particular, he likes to explore the idea of a character (Qing-Jao) being able to explain any situation or circumstance (whether good or bad) as just being the will of the gods expressed in the disguise of explainable human action. I know what OSC actually believes, so I respect him for having the intellectual honesty to approach this question rigorously…and for these novels, in and of themselves, to take the humanist/agnostic perspective! Nonetheless, it still is slightly irritating, for I do believe in a real God that works in this world. And I believe God is sovereign over all. Of course, Qing-Jao’s dogmatism and unshakable faith in the cruel gods of path is something that I cringe at. Yet I am aware that some others in this world would cringe at my own faith in a God whom many would see as cruel and unloving. Somehow I really did still enjoy this book though. And thinking of things in a religious light, I do long that all in this world would come to know and understand the true God of this universe, a most perfect, just, loving and sovereign God. A God whom we may call Father – if we would only believe in Him. Thus is my heart.

Now I really am running out of time. A few more words and then I shall fly. Last night got to go to a Rockets game with James – Rockets v Blazers! Firstly, the Rockets are…not great right now. So they got destroyed. They’re 1-5 now I think? 1-6? But apart from that! Was an awesome night. Me and James – great talks as always…good to catch up, especially since he is no longer part of Cameron…sad and tragic but great for him so I am happy. And apart from the good chat and good food (classic Rockets meal for me = buffalo chicken strips and fries!), it was an extra-special game night, as James met up with his ticket rep beforehand…and because of…er…how terrible the Rockets are now?…we were offered free seat upgrades to lower level (bonus!) and even more exciting, we got to stand court-side for warm-ups! Sadly the Blazers were warming up on our end, but it was still pretty cool watching the players warm up. I realized I am very small. And just standing on the actual Rockets court – so incredibly amazing for a basketball nerd like me!! And the very best part…? The Rockets starters always get announced after the lights dim, intro video plays…right? And they run onto the court when their name is called, right? Anyways – a few of us who were court-side got to make a little tunnel and high five the Rockets starters as they were announced. So yes, I got to high-five Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela & Eric Gordon. Pretty sick. It was pretty amazing to be standing feet from them pre-announcements and watch them get psyched up for the game…Paul is so incredibly focused and intense, stretching, swaying back and forth…game face. No wonder he’s as good as he is. But seriously now…standing right next to these men, you do realize (even though you know this!) that they are regular humans. I may see them on TV and read about them online…but they’re as human as you or me. They are not titans (although they are very tall). They are but men. Severely flawed ones, to be sure. As am I. And so although too often our adulation and praise for sports stars can veer towards the idolatrous, let us remember that our worship belongs to only One. Our Lord, our God. And on that note…let me share a couple verses from a song that encouraged my soul this morning as I drove to work…

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

So Many Blinking Lights – is it Time to pull the lever?

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Friday, friends!! Not much time to write but thought I’d poke my head in. Had a delightful last night chatting with David Tombs…who is in town this weekend visiting me! So excited, so utterly fantastic to catch up and have amazing talks about so many things. Thankful to Dream that she allowed her husband to come and hang out with me!! This weekend shall be delightful, I so declare. Now I’m at work, but it is a Friday and I’m trusting it won’t be too hectic. Famous last words. But my peppermint mocha is hot and the day is young and all is rosy and bright at the moment. Saw Penelope and Katie at Starbucks and nice chats were had (as always!!) and now I suppose I should settle down to the business that is at hand. I did want to write about my luscious time reading through Psalm 37 (+38 + Proverbs 31) but…the minutes have fled too rapidly and I dare not attempt to write more. I can say that it is oh so truly beautiful to rest in my Lord and to wait patiently for Him. At the thought of being close to my God…joy fills my heart and my soul sings.

Slightly Transylvanian

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A restful night. Meatloaf and green beans in oven…and mashed potatoes shall accompany once it is time for dinner. A quiet night. I am ever so grateful to my Father God for blessing me so. I have had a long weekend and my body craves rest. My heart longs for quiet. My soul cries for love. This night I lift my song of praise and thanksgiving to my Lord, my God, my Father. He has given me much. He has forgiven me everything. Thus sings my soul. A lovely night.

The Dying Light of 6 O’Clock

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Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!

Remember this. Forever and always.

Praise the Lord, oh my soul.

Smeared Black Ink

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So it is the exact midpoint of the week.  Wednesday at noon and while I should be beginning my lunch (cheese sandwiches – don’t judge!), I somehow feel like writing a few words instead.  So I shall do that.  Only a very few words though since I am hungry!  Today read a number of passages in my coffee time, but the words that struck me the most came from Romans 5…the first few verses.  And since they so powerfully rocked me, I shall quote them here:

Therefore, having been justified by faith,
we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained
our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;
and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations,
knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character;
and proven character, hope;
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts
through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

That’s Romans 5:1-5.  And truly, reading those words…does that not stir your soul?  Each line more thrilling than the last – a whirlwind of love and glory, a symphony of hope and awe.  I shan’t talk about all these words as my time and abilities don’t stretch that far….but look at that first line: “Therefore, having been justified by faith.”  This is the bedrock of our salvation – and rather than something as grand and magnificent as some great work that we have done…we have been justified(i.e., had righteousness credited to us) because of our faith alone.  Simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and ye shall be saved.  (And at this point I must mention before I forget…that these words in Romans 5 really must be read with the understanding and context of the first four chapters of Romans.  In which, briefly – our sin and utter damning lack of holiness before God demands a response.  There is no one righteous, not even one. And nothing we do in and of ourselves can atone for our sins or is something we can boast in.  The wages of sin is death.  All we can do as we consider our great and overpowering sin before the face of a holy God is…tremble.  And fall flat on our faces before the Almighty.  And wail and weep.  And yet.  There is an Answer.  There is a Hope.  And that Hope is Jesus Christ, in whom is our redemption and our salvation).

Ahem.  So…in returning to my point, we are justified by faith.  How marvelous is that?  Simple, precious, beautiful faith – believing and trusting in God and understanding that He is able and willing and desirous to save us from our sins(from ourselves!).  And that next line…because of our faith, we have peace with God.  How can we possibly react to this.  We – who are dirty and vile and impure and rotten and dark and lost – have peace with God.  The Creator of the universe and the Most Holy One who sits in the heavens.  We have peace with this God.  We should tremble in awe and adoration at these words – how can it be that our God shouldst grant us this peace?  And one more line…this peace is through our Lord Jesus Christ – of course! – because of what He has done for us.  Our God – died – for – us.  So we now stand, not sit or kneel or even flat on our faces as wouldst be appropriate.  We stand in the grace of God.  And our response?  We sing and dance and praise – we exult in hope of the glory of God, for that is from whence all our joy should spring – that God is glorified in all these wondrous things!

And…funnily enough, this passage continues.  You would think it would be a perfect spot to end – exulting in hope of the glory of God, right?  Wrong.  …we exult in our tribulations. Hm, that’s weird.  Tribulations?  Sounds terrible and not at all appropriate to be part of an uplifting and self-affirming passage as this right?  (Well, there’s your first mistake – this is most definitely not a self-affirming passage!!  If you think that’s the purpose of reading Scripture – to uplift and affirm yourself – you are gravely mistaken).  Anyways.  Our tribulations result in perseverance, proven character…and hope.  So next time you encounter tribulations(perhaps later this afternoon?), rejoice.  And seek that perseverance, proven character and hope that is promised here – for truly, this is a promise from God.  What is God teaching you through your tribulations?  Trust in Him, lean on Him and surely you will rejoice as God honours your acknowledgement of Him alone as the sole Sustainer of your soul.

And now that my appetite begs me to eat lunch…how can I end this?  Simply by reminding you that if and as you are a child of God because of your faith in Him then the Holy Spirit has been given to you.  This is true!  And what a miracle – we have God in us.  We have a Comforter with us at all times.  And because of this Spirit, the love of God has been poured out within our hearts.  Let me repeat – the love of God has been poured out within our hearts.  Does that even make sense to you?  It takes me aback.  I question it.  I wonder.  I certainly don’t always feel that.  Yet.  It is true.  As children of God, we have been abundantly and staggeringly blessed with the love of God Himself.  Consider that as you go throughout your day.  Next time you’re tempted to complain or fear or snap…pause.  The love of God has been poured out within your heart.  Stunningly beautiful words.  Meditate on them.  What cause have we for grief and sorrow in the face of such an overwhelming jewel of light and beauty as this?  The love of God has been poured out within your heart.  Remember.

new Sun Rising

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Happy Monday friends!! It is a lovely cold morning(below 40 for what is most likely the last time this year!) so yes I enjoyed it to the uttermost…almost as much as I’m enjoying on my peppermint mocha now(I must confess I had a brief dalliance with the new cherry mocha yesterday…for all its bright allure, it was most definitely not worth it. I am ashamed for even thinking of abandoning stalwart peppermint. Never again). I’m also a bit sleepy, as last night went to Rockets game to celebrate Danielle’s birthday! Angela and others of Danielle’s friends were there and good times were had by all. Oh and yeah Rockets beat Mavs(of course). Houston triumphant! Anyways – today shines bright another day and I must simply be thankful knowing it is the day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it, yeah? Peace, my friends – peace and love.

Behold the Day

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Hi friends!! Happy Christmas Eve!!! I’m posting a quick entry from Tampa home! I have been meaning to write more this break(I’ve been here for five days now!), but alas, an abundance of good times with family and friends has prevented me. Alas indeed. But no complaints whatsoever! And now I find myself faced with the problem of too much to write about. Well, suppose we shall bounce back to Friday night, shall we? One of my favorite nights of this whole past year, I can confidently assert! Went with a group of friends(had fourteen of us!) to see Handel’s Messiah at Jones Hall in downtown Houston. It was a grand evening with simply wonderful friends. We were pretty snazzily dressed up(if I do say so myself!!) and after we finished our dinner at Bombay’s Pizza, we made our way to the hall and then enjoyed a marvelous few hours hearing and seeing the Houston Symphony perform the Messiah. I may have said this before, so pardon the repetition, but this is my favorite piece of music ever, and every time I hear it…it delights my soul. And hearing it live – oh joy!!! I really wish I could properly convey the feeling at being there, but my skill with words is not sufficient to the task. But hearing God be praised via the words of the Scripture(Isaiah! Malachi! Psalms! Luke! and more!) by so many beautiful voices…oh gorgeous. Just a little piece of heaven. And again, hearing that with some of my dear friends, thinking on the deep and wonderful mysteries of God Almighty, Saviour of my soul…I cannot express my heart. ’tis wonderful.

And now I feel I can’t really get back to writing about the rest of this week…but it’s been an amazing time with the family – Dad, Mom, Laura, Maryanne, Caisson…eating so much delicious food, watching fun movies(Jurassic World – Maryanne’s choice! Alice Adams, a classic Katherine Hepburn movie – Mom’s choice! Star Wars: The Force Awakens – All of our choice!! And if I took time to write a review of that movie now…in all its space-rollicking-adventure glory splashed across the cinema screen…this would be far too long of an entry!). And now it is Christmas Eve, and Dad is resting on the couch, Maryanne’s making her oven-roasted potatoes(lots of them!), and Laura and Caisson are shortly going to be cooking the steak and asparagus…while I laze about and type on this keyboard. And oft-times, I feel so unworthy of all these blessings…my thoughts and emotions whirl about within me in frantic currents and I doubt my place…yet then I think back on what God my Father has given me, and who He is. My Father, my God. My Love. And I rest in His loving arms and I fear no more. All glory be unto Him, forever and ever. Amen and Amen.

Now, time for me to contribute to this Christmas Eve dinner in some fashion. Maybe I’ll do some of the dishes here. Peace, my friends. Peace and love, forever and always.

Hazelnut Lane

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!! I am posting this before work begins this morning, partly because I realise I haven’t properly written anything in far too long! And I thought that trend of not posting needs to be arrested immediately!! And even now, I don’t have the time to say much. But it is a beautifully cold morning here(low 40s – for Houston, shockingly cold!) and it’s pretty awesome finally getting to wear a turtleneck and sweater to work again. Yes, I am easily made happy. And so as I drove to work this morning with my hazulnut mocha, feeling warm and cosy in my car as I watched the sky slowly lighten and listened to Sufjan’s soft jams…I just realised how truly blessed I am – I have been given so much. No doubt there, none at all.

And really, I think back over this past weekend – and am even more thankful!! I’ve been having an interesting few months here(and few weeks! Maybe I shall discuss in depth at a later date, we shall see) and I know God has definitely been teaching me to even more fully rely on Him and enjoy Him purely and above all else. And I’ve still been feeling a bit emotionally weary…and then right before this upcoming weekend trip to Austin, I ended up getting physically sick! A nasty cold and fever…you know, all that good stuff. I almost cancelled the trip to Austin, but John talked me into it. And I’m very glad he did. Drove up with John to Austin Friday afternoon and spent some quality time hanging out with him that night and Saturday morning(before Melissa and Jim drove up to join us!). Me and John got lots of talking time…of course interspersed with some quality Doctor Who watching. Of course. And once Jim and Melissa joined us, we had a sweet afternoon(more wonderful talking as we walked in the Colorado River Wildlife Sanctuary in the middle of Austin – gorgeous walk, did not see any wildlife. Still, would come again). And as I walked on the woods trail and breathed deep of the crisp wintry air and looked at the piercing blue sky above…I gave thanks to God for his many and diverse blessings that He has given me. Later that evening was the object of our trip – the Oh Hellos concert! I’d not really listened to their music much(Christian folk/rock, I guess?), but John loves them, so I figured it’d be fun! And it was simply a grand time! Outdoor venue, so very very cold though – had my coat zippered all the way to my chin, still shivering in between sets! But being with Jim and Melissa and John…hearing beautiful music and looking up at the moon shining down on us from the nighttime sky and feeling the sure confidence that comes from knowing I am loved by my Father God. And so yesterday morning, we enjoyed a sweet breakfast at a French cafe, then worshiped at a church in downtown Austin…and after a much enjoyed pizza lunch, me and John drove back to Houston, where – of course – more quality talking time was had. And so now I am back in Houston, about to embark on another work week(ok – a very short two day work week!!) and though I know not all before me will be smiles and laughter, I know that God is with me and I cannot wait to see the things He has in store for me. The Lord God is my joy and my confidence – now and forever.

One thing I have asked from the LORD, that shall I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD
And to meditate in His temple.