Tag: scripture

Little Flock

James HoganLeave a comment

So just reading some fantastic verses here – Luke 12 is really a great chapter! I’m not even done with it yet, but so many good parts – I’ll just excerpt the following:

‘But seek His kingdom, and these things will be
added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for
your Father has chosen gladly to give you the
kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity;
make yourselves money belts which do not wear out,
an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief
comes near nor moth destroys. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
-Jesus Christ, Luke 12:32-34

I could quote a lot more, but you’ll just have to read for yourselves! Anyway, just good to ponder these things, especially living in a city and culture consumed by the longing to make itself happier by the gaining of material possessions. Truly, these things matter so little – when we know our Lord Jehovah is coming back someday soon, how can we be so enthralled by the things of this world? I know not, but it is good for us to remind ourselves how important it is to dwell on the things of God instead, and to follow His commandments and to love as He has loved us.

And now I say – I did not mean to write so much, but I will not take it back now! I am currently sitting here at Beans Cafe Coffeehouse…in Houston, Texas. Because yes, I am truly moved back to America and I am no longer in Aberdeen, my friends. I must confess – this coffeehouse is only a mile away from my apartment, yet I drove here! I was going to walk, but it was raining and so…yeah, I crumbled. Oh well, guess no Saturday morning walk for me.

And this place is fantastic, even if it’s no Books and Beans! It’s only one floor, and it’s much smaller than Books and Beans, but it looks like it offers lunch too, which makes me happy. I’ve already read a bit and posted some pictures on facebook and now I think it’s time to read some emails from some dear friends and respond to those. Maybe I’ll write more here later?

We’ll see. For now, farewell, my friends. Farewell from Houston.

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

Books and Beans

James HoganLeave a comment

Third update in three days, what!! Just popping in to say hello to you all this fine Saturday morning. It’s a bit grey and dreary outside(and not warm at all – where did summer go?) but that is no matter. I’m inside and enjoying my coffee this day. Just spent a few hours cleaning out my computer and doing random maintenance tasks on it. It may be going on six years old, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to not take care of it. May it last another six! (Ok, that’s extremely doubtful)

Anyways, also enjoyed some sweet Psalms this morning(Psalms 9 and 10 – go read them!) And now before I go get my lunch, think I’m going to finish my mocha and read a letter from a dear friend. And after that, who knows? Should probably go home and do some packing. We shall see. But in all these worldly things I do, let I remember the One who made this world and all it contains. As I go throughout this day and rejoice in the wonderful gifts I have received, may I think on Jesus and the wonder of knowing Him. May I meditate on His beauty. May I rest in His love. May I ponder on all He is and was and ever shall be! And I pray that you all may know the joy I have in knowing my Jesus and my God. Peace, my friends – always.

Now, it is more coffee time. I think I shall be bad and go order another mocha. Mine here is cold. So gonna hop downstairs and get that and then retreat back up here and enjoy another hour here enjoying the beautiful music floating through the air and the comfortable sounds of people talking about their days and the reading I have in front of me. Farewell, yo.

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!

Lord of the Sabbath

James HoganLeave a comment

One of my favorite passages recently…witness the grace and compassion and fierce anger of our Lord Jesus – marvel at His love and almighty power!

He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the main with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?”

But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” – Mark 3:1-5

Don’t have too many comments to add…just wanted to say how much I love reading about Jesus. I hope y’all feel the same!!

And now I guess I can write a few more words – chilling at Books and Beans(literally, instead of going from out in the cold to the warmth of this coffeeshop, I came from out of the heat to the coolness and shade here. Yay summer!!). I’m enjoying the remnants of my mocha(yeah, it’s definitely not hot anymore) and trying to persuaded myself to budge from my chair here. I shall soon enough, because it is a marvelously hot and sunny day outside and I need to soak it in. But for now, I want to finish writing this and then maybe write a couple letters while I have my lunch.

Anyways – I’ve had quite a busy week both at work and with people, so suppose I’ll share a few highlights! Working backwards…last night was most lovely and awesome – went over to Chris and Jo’s for a most fun evening involving delicious lasagna and salad and some yummy Tokaji as well! Besides just hanging out and eating and talking, we also watched “Princess Mononoke”, a delightful Miyazaki film. Oh gosh, how I’m going to miss these guys.

Thursday night – me and John and Rosemary went to cinema to see “Now You See Me”, a fun magic/heist/action movie. Morgan Freeman and Jesse Eisenberg and other fine actors made for a good movie, and of course being with cool people didn’t hurt. Wednesday night was bible study! Still studying Elisha, and as always, Dominic spoke with power and our prayer/chat time was oh so encouraging!!

Tuesday night! Hm, trying to remember what I did this night…did I just stay at home and have a quiet night? I think I must have, hah, seeing as I can’t recall what else I did. Monday night though, me and Mike and Chris and Phil went and saw “Pacific Rim”, which was ridiculous and gorgeous and crazy and really really fun. It was basically a movie about the end of the world and giant alien sea-monsters and mechs and really really amazing battles. Coolest scene – a mech riding a sea-alien into outer space and then pulling out a sword and slicing it in two. I think that sums up the movie. Anyway, we loved it. SO MUCH FUN.

And working backwards a bit more, while I don’t think I can do it justice at all(and this entry is already far too long), last weekend I was not here in Aberdeen, but with Joel and Graham, rafting the River Tay and enjoying the countryside in full summer bloom. We spent most of a day building our raft(felt a bit like Huck Finn!! Our raft – so much better) and then sailed a bit down the river…had a few adventures(like swamping our raft and almost losing all our stuff to the bottom of the river) and eventually we finally set up camp along the riverbank. Took us a few hours to properly set up and get the fire going. Finally, we were watching the sunset over the river and enjoying the first few bites of roast lamb…when we got an angry estate-keeper who kicked us off “his” land. Sad day! It was pretty late, but thankfully the cavalry(in the form of John, Duncan and Russell) arrived pretty much at the same time. After we delivered the sad news, we broke down camp and headed off to Graham’s house in their cars. Not quite the camping we had planned, but hey. An epic weekend was had.

Now, it’s really time to get going! Don’t know how much of my planned letters I’ll get written, but I’m really hungry for lunch. I’m in a soup mood – carrot and coriander today, methinks. Peace my friends!!

Market Street

James HoganLeave a comment

About time for a sandwich this gorgeous Saturday morning(sunny, blue skies, crisp and not-freezing air!) but thought I’d write a few words first. Am still a little bit sleepy despite the copious amounts of sugar I’ve been consuming via my raspberry mocha, but the fun times last night with John and Ruth and Zara were very much worth the sleepiness today.

So now…well, I thought I’d try and write a short poem or story or something at least mildly literary, but my muse has fled and I’m hungry and I can think of some words far better than any I could craft…

And we know that the
Son of God has come,
and has given us understanding
so that we may know Him who is true;
and we are in Him who is true,
in His Son
Jesus Christ.
This is the true God and eternal life.

Little children, guard yourselves from idols.
-1 John 5:20-21

How true and lovely these words are!! As we have been made pure and holy in the sight of God Himself, how much more should our love overflow and our hearts long to stay free of the snares of this world and our songs rise e’er higher to our Father and our God! May our praise mingle sweetly with the music of the glorious stars above and the roaring seas below as all things created worship the Creator! May all things – both visible and invisible, both weak and strong, the mighty and the humble, both old and young and the wise and the simple and both fey and common and the low and the glorious- may all things praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Whisper of Heaven

James HoganLeave a comment

I decided to write a brief few words even as my belly growls for lunch here – I’ll use my hunger to drive me on to pen my thoughts before giving in and going downstairs for a sandwich. At Books and Beans right now this cold and rainy day and delighting in the warmth and light inside here as I’ve been relaxing this morning(now afternoon!). Been reading a bit, as well as doing some miscellaneous computer and internet errands and soon enough, time to brave the wet city and hop over to Rosie and David’s for Rosie’s birthday tea…and then later this afternoon, Chris and Jo and I are off to see the Hobbit again!! Of course me and Maryanne and Mom already saw it, but it will be awesome to be with Chris and Jo and just enjoy the beauty of Middle Earth once again…

And I feel like I should be writing more than this, because really – this is a rather short update thus far, but what shall I write? Ah, I know – I’ve been reading through Mark lately(such a great book! I think it has some of the most hilarious lines in any of the gospels. Particularly relating to the disciples’ interactions with Jesus…they’re so silly sometimes(Mark 8:16!)…and then I realize they really don’t differ from us at all. We’re all just as weak and dim-witted most of the time, so then it simply comforts me that Jesus still loves us and holds us close to Himself nonetheless(or should I say – all the more!!). Anyways what was I saying? Ah yes, Mark. Anyways, for some reason the past few days I’ve been reading Mark 13 over and over again. If you’ll recall, this is the chapter talking about the Last Days and the return of Christ to this earth in all His glory. I think my heart has been especially yearning for this Day recently…partly as I read my yummy book A Memory of Light as it describes a fictional End of Days and this makes me think of the true Day of the Lord when our Christ comes back to this earth…and it will be dark and glorious and epic and fiery and lo – the end of this present age. And lo – the beginning of the reign of Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords! Him who will reign forever, whose kingdom will have no end!

Anyways, let me share a few verses that have struck me recently(all in Mark 13- you can read the whole chapter to see them all in the context of Jesus explaining to His disciples something we should all long to know more about)..

When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be frightened;
those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.
For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines.
These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs…

…And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’;
or, ‘Behold He is there’; do not believe him; for false Christs
and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders,
in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven,
and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see
the Son of Man
coming in clouds with
great power and glory.
And then He will send forth the angels,
and will gather together His elect from the four winds,
from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven…

And those words do stir my soul – let us all be eagerly looking to the coming of our Lord – let us be on the alert! Let us be longing for this most terrible and most glorious day!!

And now on that awesome note, it is time for a humble lunch. Ham and cheese panini and salad I think? Going to hop downstairs and order that and then maybe read a bit more this morning(er..afternoon I mean). Peace, y’all!

A Memory of Light

James HoganLeave a comment

For those of you uninformed and slightly curious, the above title references the book by the same name…the *last* book of the Wheel of Time series – which comes out this next week. I remember starting the series when George Lebo lent me the first book oh so many years ago…(ok, maybe not that long ago – 2008, I think)…anyway, it’s been a good run and I’m a bit sad to see the end come. I will try and slow my usual frenetic reading pace down and savor this last one. I’ll still probably finish it in a week – curse me and my quick reading abilities!! And maybe Laura will hurry up and finish up the preceding books sometime this year so she can read this one! (You know I love you, Laura!!)

Just now, sitting in Books and Beans(for the second time in three days!!) and as my coffee slowly gets cold, I think it’s almost time for lunch, but I wanted to write a little bit first! I’ve been doing my normal Saturday morning routine…reading(Psalms 59-60, Proverbs 5 and some more of 2 Samuel! Absalom is currently being a punk and David is hiding out…may I always have his attitude when persecuted/downtrodden! When Abishai wanted to decapitate the guy that was cursing David, David said, “Let him alone and let him curse…Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”) and also have been having online time(checking on bank accounts and the all-important facebook..as well as trying to find a way to watch the Redskins/Seahawks playoff game Sunday night! Looks like my best bet may be to listen to it on BBC Radio 5…)

And I really am hungry, so I want to get a sandwich. First though…

Time and space and interwoven footprints in the snow,
the young man tilts his head and smiles and ponders,
and thinks of flickering fires and fragrant hot cocoa
and whispers of the violin
and his dream wanders…

Soaring rhythm accompanies lilting steps of heels upon the well-worn tiles
and eyes of sea-swept grey dip and gaze into sparkling eyes of richest caramel
and the dance of the heavens proceeds on unimpeded by the smaller cares,
and the music of the stars dazzles with the bliss of its perfect harmonies,
and sweetness as of raspberries and chocolate and honey swirling in the tea
and beauty as the sun twirling her skirts of cloud into the blue of the sea.

And his thoughts wander
ever towards that whisper of heaven,
and he thinks of cobblestone streets and sun’s gentle warmth
and the strums of that achingly perfect song in his soul,
dreams and well-loved pages and scarf tugged snug in the snow.

Glories upon glories

James HoganLeave a comment

O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendour above the heavens!
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes
You have established strength
because of your adversaries,
to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
what is man that You take thought of him,
and the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
and You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

O LORD our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
-Psalm 8

Simply and blissfully glorious!! Maybe I’ll write more later tonight once work is done for the day, but for now, have a marvelous Thursday, my friends!!

Ruhamah

James HoganLeave a comment

Just finished the book of Hosea at church tonight. Can’t express in words how lovely that book is and how it has blessed my soul…just read the below verses and linger in the gorgeous music of the heavens…

Then I saw a new heaven and a
new earth; for the first heaven
and the first earth passed away, and
there is no longer any sea. And I saw
the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming
down out of heaven from God, made
ready as a bride adorned for her
husband. And I heard a loud voice from
the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle
of God is among men, and He
will dwell among them, and they shall
be His people, and
God Himself
will be among them,
and He will wipe away every tear
from their eyes;
and there will no longer be any death;
there will no longer be any mourning,
or crying, or pain;
the first things have passed away.”

And He who sits on the throne said,
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
And He said, “Write, for these words
are faithful and true.”
Then He said to me, “It is done. I am
the Alpha and the Omega,
the beginning and the end.
I will give to the one who thirsts
from the spring of the water of life
without cost.
He who overcomes will inherit these things,
and I will be his God
and He will be My son.”
-Revelation 21:1-7