Tag: thanksgiving

Holler

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Sunday friends!! I realise I haven’t written a proper reflective piece in far too long(and no, this won’t be it either!). Just wanted to acknowledge that I’m aware I’ve been absent lately(apart from my slightly odd story I wrote last week!). This evening though, I’ve just finished going over Psalm 19 in prep for community group on Tuesday…and truly, such a glorious and wonderful Psalm! I’m super psyched for Tuesday, gotta admit! This day’s been marvelous…worshiping at Bethel with my fellow brothers and sisters(singing “Holy Holy Holy” never fails to make me think of heaven…), chilling with Daniel this afternoon/evening(watching far too much “Justified” and eating some quality pizza…oh and having some solid talking time, as always…) and now studying God’s Word and simply being staggered by the beauty and truth that lies therein.

And I feel a bit sad that I haven’t written more recently, as the past few months, I’ve been blessed much by all that God has been doing in my life. I’ve failed to chronicle as well as I should have – just know that God is good and I am very conscious of His hand on my life. He is with me. He is working. God is with me.

I think back to a few weeks ago – flying back to Tampa for a quick weekend trip. Spent such a sweet time with Dad and Steve and Dan Hayden in Orlando at a one-day conference. The conference(mainly eschatological in nature, but I’m not going to take the time now to detail every seminar!) was stimulating, but the best part of the day was simply being with my Dad and Steve and Dan and being encouraged in their presence. And then the next day at church in Tampa…being with God’s people in Hope Bible Church and being encouraged yet again as I was very aware of the presence of the Lord that Sunday morning. Of course, the time after church was no less wonderful. Had an awesome hamburger lunch with Mom and Dad…talking and relaxing with them – loved it!!!…and as I stepped through the airport doors to come back to Houston, I couldn’t help but be sorrowful to leave. Sorrowful, but also thankful to God for giving me such a time of refreshing and encouragement!

Oh and I could go one and on talking about different times these past few months that God has blessed me, but I am starting to get tired…and so bedtime it is for me. Just remember, friends – how great and glorious a God we belong to. Forever and always.

Peace, dear friends.

1989

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One and all, Merry Christmas!!!!!

I sit here on the couch, chilling with Maryanne as we listen to one of my Christmas presents(Taylor Swift’s “1989” – wonderfully dance-y!)…and the lasagna is in the oven and the afternoon wanes. And it is beautiful. This day has been a fabulous smorgasbord of all kinds of delights!! Started the day with the family opening our gifts…and while I(of course!) got lots of awesome presents from the fam(and got to give some fun ones too!)…that wasn’t the best part at all. Just being with Dad and Mom and Maryanne and Laura…(and Caroline kitty!)…one of the best things ever. Don’t think words can express. (No, they can’t). Now, we’re switching the TV from “Little Women” to the game between the Cavs and Heat(LeBron returns to Miami!)…as is proper. After presents-opening today, we had cinnamon rolls and bacon and (yet more) coffee and talked as a family. Beautiful. I read my cards from Chris and Jo and John…and although I still miss them dearly, it made me ever so happy to read letters from them. Handwritten letters are a beautiful thing. We also had our ping-pong tournament(me, Maryanne, Laura and Dad), which I managed to win, hurrah! We’re soon planning to play a stirring game of Avalon before dinner. After dinner, more ’24’ will be watched! We’re making steady progress through Season 3(one of the best – Jack, Tony, Michelle, Chloe, President Palmer…so many good characters!!) these past few days…Jack Bauer and mint-chocolate chip ice cream and fam – quality combination.

Now, it’s game time…maybe I’ll get time to write later, we’ll see. Laters!!

Unbroken

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So I’ve been dreadfully neglectful at writing this last week. But I won’t overly apologise, as I’ve been having a most marvelous time here in Tampa with the fam! We’re just about to enjoy our Christmas Eve dinner(fettucine alfredo, salad, fresh shrimp and sweet wine…delicious much?!) And so now as I sit here on the couch, family surrounding(hey Dad, Mom, Maryanne and Laura!!)…

Maybe later I shall write more to chronicle this Christmas holiday of awesomeness, but right now…think on the wondrous gift of perfect love that our most Holy God has given us, through the beautiful sacrifice of His only begotten Son. Peace and love.

Now – dinner time – Mom calls!!

Riverstones

James HoganLeave a comment

Evening, friends!! I am just enjoying some post-workout yogurt and realised it’s been a while since I’ve posted here…so here you go! I’ve survived a long and moderately tough day at work and so right now as I sit and rest(and as I’m about to enjoy a yummy dinner of fish fillets, french fries and tomato salad!) I simply thank my Lord God for all that He has done for me. Truly, I praise His most wondrous name! Peace.

Three to the Power of Three

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!!! I shan’t write too much now, for the hour is late. But I thought I’m required to write a few words, for today I celebrate my twenty seventh birthday. Yes, truly!! And though now I am slightly sleepy, I wanted to chronicle the day. (Shall I chronicle the year? I shudder at the thought!)

But enough rambling. Today’s been beautiful, mostly because it hasn’t been about me. I had a perfectly awesome time at church this morning, worshiping God along with my dear church family. Some quality songs were sung in adoration and praise to God(“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, “Be Thou My Vision”, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”…and “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul…”). A beautiful sermon was preached on the primacy and importance and clarity and power of God’s Word. And then got to eat lunch and talk with lots of people…I have been given many good friends. I am oh so grateful for the goodness of the Lord to me.

And afterwards, Chase was insistent that I come over to his house for Halo goodness! And I couldn’t really say no, so the afternoon was spent in epic Halo battling with Chase and others!! I must say, I think I almost hit my limit for Halo in one day! But it was awesome…I may have even placed second a few times. (No one touches Chase. No one) We ordered pizza for dinner and it was fantastic just being with people.

And then I drove home, talked to Mom and Dad for a bit on the phone(may have been third time of the day I got to talk to Dad!!) and just had lovely chat…again – I am blessed beyond measure for being given parents such as they. Truly.

And now I sit here and reflect(slightly sleepily, I confess!) on the day and the year and on all that God my Father has given me. I think of a year ago, in which I spent my birthday in Aberdeen with dear friends, friends who I treasure. Friends who I miss. I still think back on that brunch at Ruth and Zara’s with fondness, of the time I spent with John and Chris and Jo and Alec and Pip and Ruth and Zara…and we talked and we laughed and it was beautiful. How I was blessed.

And now, I’m living in Houston, and while I do indeed miss my friends, I am here now for a reason, and God has blessed me much here. He has given me friends and true brothers and sisters here, and I cannot doubt my God’s faithfulness to me. Never never. I spent today in the company of such dear people. I have been given much.

And I think of the most precious gift of all, that God has blessed me with salvation through His one and only Son. Who died and shed His blood for the forgiveness of my sins. And who was raised to life on the third day, triumphantly, eternally! I died with Christ. And I have been raised with Him. And so I have been given much. I have been given everything. How can I but love? How can I but offer my being – my very heart – to the One who is Lord of all, God of heaven and earth. I am known by Him. He is my Shepherd. And I follow Him. He knows me. And He loves me. And it is beautiful.

Now to Him who is able
to do exceeding abundantly
beyond all that we ask
or think, according
to the power that works
within us, to Him
be the glory in the
church and in Christ
Jesus to all generations
forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Hot Soup

James HoganLeave a comment

Happy Monday, my friends! This entry shall be brief, but I thought I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write a bit, since Monday afternoon updates are so rare! And for good reason, since I’m usually at work, correct? Well, this day is a most wonderful day off, for which I am exceedingly grateful. I’ve enjoyed a nice morning of coffee and reading and random internet errands. Soon I shall go and do some real errands and then back to my apartment for a productive afternoon. It is cold and drearily wet outside, but that is no matter.

Now my hot soup has arrived, mm!! It looks to a be a delightful amalgamation of chicken and rice and celery and carrots and onions and good broth. Delicious. So just took about ten minutes to dig into my soup, and I’ve made good progress! But really, I should finish writing this while I wait for it to continue to cool down…what shall I write about? Ah – yesterday! It was a long day, but a most wonderful one. Met Will at IHOP for breakfast before church – yes!! I haven’t seen Will since over a year ago, so the catch-up was truly deserved. And as always…great times were had. Sadly we’re not at the same church anymore, but we decided that doesn’t mean we can’t still hang out!

And church – to be with my brothers and sisters and worshiping God. That is where it’s at, my friends.

The afternoon was spent Christmas-decorating and cleaning(my living room is finally free of boxes!! Not my bedroom though. Shush) And then Sunday night – Christmas pageant at church! We sang heaps of Christmas carols and heard God’s Word read and it was delightful. But after that, did the night have to end? Certainly not! Zach had a great idea – we needed to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” And so we did! A few of us went over to Sarah’s apartment and spent the rest of the evening watching that movie(which some had not seen!). I haven’t seen it in a while myself. So much enjoyed. I’m not certain where it ranks in my pantheon, but it’s certainly up there. Finally made my way home late at night…but joys – it didn’t matter because Monday is no work day! Sadly, I have done some work today(emailing and such), but that’s alright.

This is much longer than I anticipated, and I want to get back to my soup! Just know that God is good. I’ve had some rough times lately, but in midst of it all, God has reminded me of all He has done for me. Simply thanking Him for all the things He’s given me…it does wonders for the soul. So be thankful to our God. Let your hearts abound with joy and praise and thanksgiving, my friends. No matter the wilderness we walk in or the darkness that plagues our souls – give thanks to our God and Father. And He is with us. Always. Always always.

And now, I’m away. To finish my soup!!

Star Dream

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello there!

I’m currently writing from Beans coffeeshop in Houston. Yes, back in Houston! I had a ridiculously early flight this morning(6:30AM flight, which means I was awake at 3:30…fun times…). For some reason, I decided to still go to church. Which was good, but I must confess I felt quite sleepy while there. I’m still sleepy now, but since I don’t have internet in the flat yet, figured I should come here so I could get some work done online. So I’ve had my lunch and now just need to get some shopping done(no food in apartment!) before I can go home and take a nap. A nap sounds simply delightful right now. Stef invited me and others to go see a movie this afternoon(Thor!) but I’m going to pass, as much as I’d like hanging out with people. I think falling asleep in the cinema is probably not the best plan.

Anyways, I did want to write a little bit here of Thanksgiving fun times. Not long though! I got in to Tampa on Wednesday night, and after enjoying a delicious chicken caesar salad dinner(plus cinnamon rolls!) with the fam, went to bed. Thursday – Thanksgiving day! And I still maintain Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite holidays. So much less pageantry surrounding it, compared to the other holidays. Just a time to be together with family and relax together and enjoy the many many blessings we have been given by our Lord. And so Thursday we enjoyed more cinnamon rolls and crunchy bacon and delicious coffee and then in the afternoon, we all went over to Steve and Vickie’s and had the most awesome afternoon with standard Thanksgiving fare. Oh lovely.

And you can tell I’m tired in that I’m really finding it difficult to find the words to describe these last few days! Anyways, on Friday and Saturday, the best parts of the time was just being with Dad and Mom and Maryanne and Laura…talking and laughing and loving and being together. You know. Friday night, had some sweet game night action(with Megan G – we got to play our homemade Star Wars game(which is pretty sweet if I say so myself) and Taboo! I was victorious all night long). Saturday, got to make a yummy lasagna for the fam(with Laura’s help!) and then last night we got to be together just a little more.

And now I’m back in Houston. And while I fear this entry has been all over the place – lack of sleep will do that! – I will let this stand. Now, time to log off and go shopping. Burritos tonight, I think. And then, prepare for the week ahead. Go forth and conquer, my friends.

Fire and Ice

James HoganLeave a comment

I was going to start this off by saying good morning, but it’s definitely morning no longer! I’ve been here at this coffeeshop a bit too long today, but no matters. It has been a good morning. I woke up early this morning to take my car to the shop for an oil change, then made my way over here for a nice breakfast and coffee time! I’m now on my tea and trying to decide whether I want to spend the remainder of my time writing or reading(I really should write, because of the disastrous state of my NanNoWriMo novel!). Anyways, we shall see. I just thought I’d write a few words here, since it’s been a while!

So I guess my biggest update is that I’ve moved into my “permanent” apartment! Got a nice little place that’s a bit more central – also only five minute drive from church! It’s so great being able to finally settle down – I got some nice second-hand furniture(including an epic map table!!). Today I need to put together my final bookshelf, and then I can start unpacking all my books, movies and music! I fear that I won’t have enough space for everything though. Three bookshelves are not enough.

I’ve been told that my walls are looking a little bare, so I guess I need some kind of art or something to decorate the walls with, but that can wait.

In other news…work is still going strong, and by strong – I mean insanely busy! I do have to offer up praise to God though – yesterday morning before going to work, I feared it would be a crazy day that I would have trouble surviving, so I prayed and asked God for strength and blessings. And lo! He blessed exceedingly and gave me grace with my endeavors and things went far more smoothly than I had anticipated. I can only praise my God. Always.

And this time next week – I will be home in Tampa with my family. Oh yes. Thanksgiving this week – home-time beckons!

I’m now going to sign off and attempt to write a bit. Farewell, friends.

Love, Unbounded

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello my friends!!

This night, I am sleepy and thus cannot write as much as I would like. I’m also hungry and should probably make dinner at some point! Frozen pizza? Yes.

But a few words before I do turn the oven on. This weekend I’ve been having a most marvelous time in Northern Ireland! And would that I had all the time in the world to properly do it justice, but alas, the clock ticks ever on. And my heart is too full.

I really cannot chronicle this trip as it deserves. Maybe I’ll write more later, when my mind is less sleepy and my heart is ready to give up its song? Maybe. But now – just know that this weekend was beautiful. Seeing my dear friend Zara again and spending time with her and her family…climbing mountains and seeing the beauty of the earth laid before my feet and knowing how our God cares for each and everyone one of us as He looks out upon His earth…exploring the grand north coast and marveling at the beauty of the waves of the sea crashing against the cliffs jutting out into the ocean proud…eating lunch in the burning sunshine and luxuriating in the goodness of our God in giving us far more than we deserve…talking of the majesties of our God’s staggering creation and worshiping our God in word and prayer and song…and being with friends who remind me what a great God we serve, one who watches out for us and cares for us and holds us close to Himself. Always. And so.

I was right, I really can’t adequately write about this weekend, at least not tonight.

Maybe tomorrow. For now, simply think on the love of God. Think on Him who loved us when we were but sinners – and decided to save us from his terrible and righteous wrath. Think on Jesus – Him who made the universe – the glorious stars above and the swift seas and green fields below. Think on Him who made us His own. This is our God. Remember this, my friends.

Untitled

James HoganLeave a comment

Well, I can’t think of a title for this post yet, but John has given me instructions to just go ahead and write something(instead of stare at the glowing blank screen!) and worry about the title later. That is sound advice, so write I shall!

It’s Sunday evening, and I could ponder the upcoming work week. Or I could think on the awesomeness that has taken past this weekend. Yes. That sounds much better. And so I think of yesterday, waking up around 8AM and feeling exhausted(pretty much entirely due to playing Street Fighter II with John until far too late the night before. Yes, it stole our sleep. But WE WERE VICTORIOUS. Take that, M. Bison). Right, so waking up yesterday morning…walking down George St and grabbing a choc doughnut from Thain’s on the way to Books and Beans. Spending a delightful morning there, first reading and enjoying my mocha and eventually enjoying a good lunch with Rebecca!

And then the rest of the day – came back here and spent most of the afternoon making chocolate chip cookies! I was in a rare baking mood and could not let that go to waste. So watched National Treasure and made heaps of chocolate chip cookies. If I say so myself, they were pretty delicious. Of course, me and John tested the dough sufficiently beforehand.

Now, after spending hours baking – me and John made our way to Chris and Jo’s for…my leaving party!! Thankfully, while it was my leaving party, I was also very conscious that I’d see (pretty much) everyone again, so it wasn’t too sad. I loved walking up to their door and seeing a sign posted there, reading in Elven script, “No Admittance Except on Party Business”. Classic. (And sorry if you don’t get that – Lord of the Rings reference).

So yeah, party time!! Oh what a lovely time it was! There were plenty of delectable treats and some quite delicious Tokaji(thanks Chris and Jo and Aiysha!!) and there were friends aplenty and conversation flowed on and on into the night. No tears. Not yet. And I simply enjoyed being with my friends. A night of joy – a night of love. What have I done to deserve such dear friends and close companions? I know not – but I do know this – my God has blessed me exceedingly more than I could ever have hoped or dreamed. My God has been good to me. And as I think on this, on how my God has given me good things – this causes my spirit to rise and soar and my hopes for the future flare bright as I think that the God that has carried me thus far will not now let me slip through the cracks of time. My God will continue to be with me, even in that far-off land of Houston! I need fear not.

And seriously now! How much am I going to write this night!? I must rein in my fingers now. But let me spend a few moments on today. After church this morning, came back and enjoyed a bit of time in the garden. Sadly, the sun spent most of the time being a tease and hiding behind the clouds, but I still got some quality reading time! Eventually, it got a little too cold, so I came in and chilled in the lounge with John.

And then this evening back at Gilc we heard an epic sermon on Jonah from Dominic. I don’t think epic is really the right word, but my mind is a bit too frazzled now to come up with a better. Anyway, he preached on God being the God of second chances(and third and fourth…and five hundred and sixty fifth…) and how despite all of Jonah’s flaws and issues(he was not exactly a model citizen, what with his prejudices and lack of compassion!), God still used him to do his work. Think on us – we with our rebellious natures and wayward souls…God loves us all the same. And our God and Father turns our eyes and hearts back to Him and gives us missions to perform. We may mess up at times. Ok, we will mess up all the time. But God – He with His everlasting lovingkindnesses – continually renews our hearts and points us in the way we should go. So if you are feeling a bit far from God right now – think on His goodness. Think on His love. Think of Christ. Think of these things and let your heart be open to the love of God – thank our Father for all the many blessings we receive. Each and every day. Even now, I sit on this couch in comfort(and in darkness – not really sure why we haven’t turned the lights on yet. Hm). I have a warm cup of coffee sitting next to me. I have my Bible on my lap. These are all good things. These are all from God. The God who is good. The God who gives us second chances. The God who loves us so.

And now – this is much more than I meant to be writing! But I shall let it stand. I am going to read a bit more tonight – maybe write a bit more too. We shall see.

Farewell my friends!!

(Oh wait, I need a title now. Hm. Oh whatever)

Peace!