Hello friends!! Posting a quick pre-work entry here before everything gets hectic busy. Of course, things aren’t that busy of late here…mostly with the oil industry being semi-catatonic and all. Layoffs are still happening(two more engineers got let go from my office yesterday..) and everyone is in a bit of a grim mood. Anyways! Cheery intro, eh? I’m enjoying my cup of coffee this Wednesday morning and slowly waking up. I’ve felt like I’ve been on the verge of getting sick for the past week or so…and I’m a bit tired of being tired all the time. Oh so weary! I would like to have my proper energy back, please! Alas. Tonight should be a restful night at home and then tomorrow night going out to hang with Chase and Sarah! That will be good times, no doubt. Last night was a beautiful small group meeting…despite my tiredness, God indeed gave grace(as always!) and we had a pretty sweet discussion of the gospel of God. What is the beauty of the gospel?? That was my ending question last night, and as I begin to dive into work this morning, I want to be pondering and meditating on the everlasting mercies of my God. Peace and love, dear friends.
Tag: thanksgiving
Far Too Beautiful
Good morning, dear friends!! It’s a beautifully cold morning here in Houston and it’s about time for work to begin – but thought I’d pop on to the dusty world of livejournal and say hello. I’ve had an interesting few days(I’m terrible I know…no time to share the details!) and while it can at times be easy to moan and fret about the things that go not the way I’d prefer, I really can’t stomach the thought of complaining when I know the God I belong to. And on this morning that I’ve been constantly reminded of the rich and endless love that has been granted me, I leave you with these words from one of my favorite songs lately…
And heaven knows
I’m prone to leave
the only God
I should have loved,
and yet You’re far too beautiful to leave me.
Behold the Day
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.
Cinnamon Jump
Happy Saturday, y’all!!! I seriously am only going to write a few words, because my feet are tapping and I’m eager to get out in the bright sunshine…and leave Starbucks behind, where I’ve spent far too much time today(shocking, I know!). But – it has been a most productive morning…got lots of little online chores done(having no Internet at home means Saturday Starbucks is my best time for online tasks, naturally…). I also mostly got my community group lesson for next week done, which is a pleasant surprise as I didn’t think I’d be able to complete it today. I probably will work on tightening it up a bit tomorrow…but it’s in good shape so I am happy. Looking at prayer and Philippians 1:9-11. Good words. I really did want to write a little something beautiful…like a poem or something…but I’ve been here too long and since I’m getting antsy – my heart is not in the poem-writing mood. Alas.
Quickly, before I fly! Last night! Spent a marvelous night with friends – reminded again as always of how much I’ve been blessed. Went out north to the Woodlands for a concert(of course accompanied by a fine tex-mex pre-show meal at Chuy’s…). Ernie, John, Michelle, Abby, Claire and Julie and I had such sweet times…talking, laughing, being silly…and then enjoying a quality rockin’ show by The Avett Brothers – they’re a folksy band that really knows how to rock!! I’d never heard them before, but not at all sorry I was there.
And oh I said I would only write a few words…how has it spilled to three paragraphs? Oops. Anyways, I’m going to leave and continue enjoying my Saturday. This is my last Saturday in Houston for a couple weeks…as next week, I’m going to be going on a fine Maryland adventure – return to my homeland indeed!! Will be some quality times with a quality friend…and I’m pretty psyched, cannot deny! Now I’m off for real. Need to do some shopping(thinking a fine dinner tonight of chicken, baked potatoes and homemade stuffing). But I can’t end this without simply stating how thankful I am for the blessings of my God. He has blessed me much. Peace, my friends. Peace and love!!!
Holler
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
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
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
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
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
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!!
