Hello friends! Been a bit too long since I’ve written…and I honestly don’t even feel much like writing now, but I suppose I should at least attempt to write something. I’m sitting here at Starbucks – not for long though as it is sunny and delightfully cool outside and I shall not waste that – and sipping on my coffee…and yeah, guess I can write a few words! I’m listening to a preliminary mix of a CD I hope to be completed sometime in the next few weeks. It’s not there yet, alas. Alas. Speaking of mixes though – why don’t I share one I made earlier this year? This must have been sometime in…July? August? I actually knocked out 3 mixes in short succession and I don’t exactly remember which I made when – and I’m not going to share all three today! But going alphabetically because why not? This one came about shortly after my Colorado trip with Robbie in which fantastic and memorable times were had. On Sunday of that trip, we had a hiking day in which we drove outside of Denver some ways, found a cool path and hiked up and back. It was beautiful and so different than the Houston I’m usually in. But as we drove there and back, we listened to the music on Robbie’s Spotify – and I realised he had some most excellent dance tunes! By dance tunes (this time), I mean more modern dance/pop music…music that’s fun to listen to, even if the content is a bit lightweight! But hey – great road trip music. And so when I returned from Colorado, decided I needed to memorialize the trip by making a mix using Robbie’s music. I messed with the flow a bit…but the content is pretty much straight Robbie. Thanks man. So now – for a fun, frothy mix…I humbly present Denver 2AM:
1. The Ocean – Mike Perry feat. Shy Martin 2. Summer Air – ItaloBrothers 3. Don’t Let Me Down – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya 4. Paper Planes – M.I.A. 5. Heroes (we could be) – Alesso feat. Tove Lo 6. Alone – Marshmello 7. False Alarm – Matoma & Becky Hill 8. Havana – Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug 9. Closer – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey 10. Faded – Alan Walker 11. Habits (Stay High) (Hippie Sabotage Remix) – Tove Lo 12. Baba Yetu (Deep Radio Edit) – Supanova 13. Tilbake (Saevik Remix) – David André Østby feat. Marie Hognestad 14. S.O.S. – Indila 15. Sugar – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates 16. So Good – LZ7 17. Runaway (U & I) – Galantis 18. Reload (Vocal Version/Radio Edit) – Sebastian Ingrosso & Tommy Trash & John Martin 19. Don’t Wanna Wake Up – Capital Kings 20. Tidal Wave – Sub Focus feat. Alpines 21. Headlines – Robin Schulz feat. Ilsey
So there you go! A bit more words shall I put to page? John (Dixon! From Scotland!!) was here this past week and it was glorious. I shan’t write about all we did(honestly, we didn’t do that much! But definitely enjoyed taking him to a Dynamo game – my first too! Good times were had wandering around Houston in the grey and the rain and the cold…he picked the wrong week to come to Houston for sun and warmth that’s for sure!)…for truly the best part was just being with him again and having quiet moments talking and being together. Sitting on the couch one evening, watching the baseball(World Series – Dodgers v. Red Sox – ugh) and talking about random life thoughts. Or down the street at Christian’s, enjoying a burger, half-watching the Rockets game (but not really) and again just chatting about our past, our future, our hopes, our dreams. You know. All that good stuff. I think one night, I was texting Julie about something and once she found out I was with John – she asked, “Why are you chatting with me when your friend is there!?!” And I thought about it and see that we’re chilling in the living room, half on our phones, half paying attention to whatever was on TV and then making random comments to each other now and again and realised…this just feels like being flatmates in Aberdeen again. A normal evening together. And so having that experience this past week was…quite nice. I treasure the friendship I have with John dearly and I thank my God for that. And I pray that God continues to bless John in all things!! To Him be the glory throughout, now and forever.
Now, before I spiral off into further flights of emotion, I shall take my leave. It really is a good time to get out of this dim coffeeshop and into the glorious light.
Hello from Houston!! (And not hello from New York, where I was just a few hours ago!) I am very deeply tired now(really looking forward to a long night’s sleep!), but wanted to write just a few words while my memories are yet fresh! For yes, I just had a brief one-night vacation in NYC. Random what! Well, exceedingly so, yes. But a few months ago, I was perusing instagram(as one does) and saw that Tarja was doing a few shows in the US. Those of you who don’t know Tarja…she is the original singer of Nightwish, one of my very favourite bands. And if I was forced to choose a favourite singer of theirs(because they’ve had three over the years), I would pick her in a heartbeat. Sadly, I came to Nightwish too late to ever get to see her live with the band. But it’s always been a dream to see her live…but unfortunately her solo career pretty much never brings her to the US. Americans are uncultured and don’t appreciate her, I guess. Anyways though – her voice is oh so gorgeous. And as I saw that she was going to four cities in the US(only four!!), I pondered for a few minutes…then spontaneously decided, “You know what? I may never get the chance to see her again – I’m going to do this.” So booked a ticket for the show in NYC, got a plane ticket…and then started second-guessing myself the next day! But I’m quite glad I did this…really just having a little mini holiday in NYC was brilliant. I had an early flight out of Houston yesterday morning, landed in Newark and then made my way to the city. Had to wait a few hours to check into my hotel and it was very grey and wet and rainy(and cold!), so I hunkered down at a corner deli, had lunch and enjoyed coffee and reading for a few hours. Reading John Flavel’s “All Things Made New” currently – some truly heart-warming and most encouraging words contained therein. How wonderful it is to read of the glories and majesties of Christ!! So yes, even some quiet hours reading old Puritan writings got to be part of my vacation. Lovely.
And eventually…I walked down to my hotel, checked in and dropped my bag off, and then made my way down to Gramercy Theatre…I got there over 3 hours before doors, but I was definitely not first in line! About 20-25 people in front of me. So settled down for the long wait. Thankfully, as one does, made friends with the people I was standing with in line – had some great chat as we waited! I met Ken, your classic metal aficionado(complete with long curly hair!)…apparently he goes to some 60-80 concerts a year!! Yeah, I could not compete. Also met this man named Bill…a guy probably in his forties who still yet loves metal. It was fun talking to him because he’s definitely not your stereotypical metal fan…works in construction in the city, part of the Iron Workers Union, just your average New Yorker. We had plenty of football and baseball chat, aside from concert talk! So yeah, it was fun to make some friends. I very much am not a fan of going to a concert on my own, but since I made that decision in this case, at least I got to meet some fun people!! Later on, nearer to doors opening, talked to this one girl(never did her name!) for a while. She was probably a couple years younger than me, and upon chatting with her, realized we both got into Nightwish about the same time, back in 07/08. We had much fun talking about our favourite songs, favourite albums…all the shows we’d been to…all the singer drama, etc, etc. I have to confess, I enjoyed that much, mostly because I don’t have many people I can discuss Nightwish with!! I ended up standing next to her at the actual show too, so we got to look at each other and get excited when particular favorite songs were played!! Oh and one more thing…while we were standing in line, a few hours before showtime…I noticed the people in line were getting louder for some strange reason. Looked over to see Tarja and her husband and daughter crossing the street! They made their way into the theatre, but she was smiling and waving at us, passing a few feet in front of me – my first time seeing her, so I was a little starstruck, ok!? – and I’m sure I had a silly smile on my face as I waved back at her. Moments like this. Fun times.
But alright, enough prologue, am I right?? (But seriously, standing in line for over four hours…always fun right???) Finally, after a bit of a delay, the doors were opened and in we rushed!! I was able to maneuver my way to a pretty excellent spot on the far left. Second row!! Yes, not center, but I’ll take it! The support band played and they were…acceptable? Not my favourite, but they tried hard and gave it their all, I’ll give them that. But then finally, finally – it was Tarja time. She came out, the crowd went crazy and the show was amazing. …I honestly don’t really know how to describe it and I fear I would not do it justice. She was energetic and fiery and passionate and radiant and it all was wonderful. Seeing the classic Tarja expressions and smiles in real life…making eye contact with her as her voice rose high…seeing her dance around the stage in joy…what a wonderful, beautiful show. I must now make a small confession and say that while I do like her solo material and seeing her sing is a treat no matter what the songs are…obviously my favourite songs of hers are the ones she sung with Nightwish. So when about halfway through the show she did a medley of Nightwish songs – I was simply ecstatic(along with the girl I was standing next to – we were so much hoping she’d do some old Nightwish!!). That was for sure my favourite part of the night – hearing her sing Ever Dream…Slaying the Dreamer…!!! I never thought I’d ever get this chance to hear her sing those songs in person. And of course…hearing other great songs of hers – Innocence, Diva, Demons in You, and more…was really happy to hear her sing Diva – love that song so much and she brings such energy to it. And of course for that song, she wore a special crown. Oh Tarja. Never change. Near the end of the show(think it was the last song, possibly?) as the band rocked out, she did some of her classic Tarja headbanging…then hilariously stood up, pointed to her neck, grimaced, smiled and laughed – as if to say, “Too old to still be doing this!!” Tarja has just a magnetic stage presence. As much as I tried to enjoy the rest of the band, it was almost impossible to keep from watching her perform. Part of what makes her a legend, I suppose!!
Now, I fear this post is getting rather long, but I suppose I will – as is tradition – also confess that I couldn’t help praying for her as she sang…in one of her talking moments, she spoke of how music was her first love, great passion, etc. And you can definitely see that passion within her! But I do pray for her soul – that she will someday find a new great love, that she will come to know Christ. So many people(very obvious at show last night!) worship her, adore her, shower her with love. May she discover that all in this life is as vanity without knowing God. This I pray. And as for me – as much as I found great joy in listening to her sing…I have a higher joy than that. May I not forget that my true love is Christ! (That’s why it was so special yesterday that I got to read for a few hours in Flavel!)
So the show ended and it was sad and magnificent all at the same time. She did three songs for an encore, then the band made their bows and Tarja had that beautiful smile she always has as she waved farewell. She truly did seem so excited and happy by the love she got from us!! But finally it was over. I eventually made my way to the hotel, feeling oh so tired and having no voice!! (Yes, I yelled a bit too much. Alas) Woke up early this morning(oh wow, it was really only this morning. Seems so long ago now) so that I could take a nice early morning walk. Grabbed some coffee at Pret and made my way through the rainy streets up to 441 W 53rd Street. What is that address, you may ask? (Well, you won’t ask if you’re Mom). Because that is where Mom worked back in the day(80-81, I think) – the “Power Station”, recording studio extraordinaire! She’d sent me the address earlier, so I couldn’t help but make a pilgrimage to see it. Took some pics and called Mom while I was there! It was pretty special, I have to admit.
Eventually though…it was time to return to Houston. Walked down 8th Ave, enjoying walking amidst all the normal New York foot traffic…even though it was *still* raining! I don’t think it was dry the whole time I was there.
Now though, I’m back in Houston, sitting on my couch while John watches some The Last Jedi deleted scenes and I am oh so tired and oh so hungry. Think I’m gonna make some mashed potatoes and go across the street to get some nice spicy chicken. A good dinner, methinks. Thanks for putting up with this rambling entry(sorry for the ill-structure and repetitiveness – tiredness does not a good writer make)…as a reward – a few pics!!
Standing in line
The rather interesting support band!!
Diva
Always love a good acoustic song!! (plus Tarja’s voice!!)
Tarja forever
Outside the Power Station!!
Thanks for reading all this. Love you all!!! Now. Dinner time.
Hello friends!! It’s been a bit too long since I’ve written a proper update…my apologies! And I can’t even promise that this will be a decent one, seeing as it’s Tuesday morning and I’m sleepy(albeit in possession of peppermint mocha) and eventually need to get started catching up on work. But…we shall see. Anyways! Main purpose of this post is to chronicle this past weekend’s epic adventures…in Colorado! But even better than getting to visit and explore a new state was hanging out with Robbie! I hadn’t seen him since his wedding(yay Natasha!) late last year. And obviously, it being his wedding and all, we didn’t have a ton of time to hang out then either! But this weekend was a wonderful time to actually be with Robbie and also do some pretty awesome things. But right – I should stop rambling and actually describe the vacation a bit. Flew out Saturday morning and landed in Denver…whereupon since I had a few hours to kill before Robbie arrived, I took the train into the city centre and…as one does, I found a sweet book store(Tattered Cover). Because I was a bit exhausted(from long week previous and just waking up early to pack and go to airport…), I decided I needed a triple-shot of espresso…naturally. Drank that and read some of my Wendell Berry book in the book store for an hour or so(speaking of, I really do need to eventually log the last four books I’ve read. Next time). Still had some time before Robbie was set to arrive so I walked around Denver a bit in the scorching heat(96 degrees seriously!?!). Finally – he texted me that he had landed so I walked back to train station to meet him. While waiting, watched a bit of the Russia/Croatia quarterfinal…which is where Robbie found me when he arrived! We greeted each other quickly then decided we needed to find a proper place to watch the game(it had just gone into extra time!). We found a pub nearby, got lunch and then watched the rest of the game(surrounded by many fans of Croatia, evidenced by the yelling!). Croatia did end up victorious on penalties. So the last four of the World Cup is France, Belgium, England & Croatia. Europa invicta! I’m very torn on who to root for…France for Julie’s sake or England for Robbie’s? I really don’t know what I shall do if they meet in finals. Of course with my luck…will probably end up being Belgium v Croatia. Anyways right…watching the World Cup in pub with Robbie…doesn’t get much better than that!! We reminisced about the last time we watched a World Cup game together…in a bar in Boston four years ago!! Guess we shall have to make plans for 2022 as well then…to continue this glorious tradition.
So…this entry is already far too long and I’ve gotten barely a few hours into the trip! I shall have to accelerate and compress. Following the game, me and Robbie made our way to our hotel. We checked in and set out bags down, then explored Denver a bit more! Walked past the capitol building and some park…then discovered the true prize – a sweet used book store! We perused the offerings there for a while, although I held strong and bought no books. I do love used book stores though…just standing in the midst of the stacks…the possibilities are endless and hope is supreme, for one never knows what gem may be sitting on the shelves…
We did eventually tear ourselves away from the books and walked back, through a thunderstorm nonetheless! Dinner was at a delicious ramen place and following…well, we were in a board game mood because Robbie had been talking about this fun game that everyone in his church had been addicted to this past year or so. We looked up board game stores in Denver and made our way to the nearest one, thinking maybe we’d find this game at the store and he would buy it. Well…this “board game store” actually ended up being a place where you play board games! They had a whole wall full of games and then tables strewn throughout so you could play with your friends. I…didn’t even know they had places like this. Well, wonder of wonders, they actually had this epic strategy game Robbie had been talking about! So instead of having to buy it, we were able to sit down and play it right there! The game is called Scythe – and it’s basically a strategy game set in alt-history early 20th century Europe. What does that even mean? Well…you have farms and mines and workers…and you try and complete certain objectives…oh yeah and you also have mechs. Glorious. So I played as Russia and Robbie played as the Norse and even though I had no idea what I was doing, when we called the game half-way through(because it was almost midnight and really it was time to go!) I somehow won?? I still have no idea what I was doing…but playing with Robbie was super fun. Epic strategy gaming – that’s how we holiday.
Got to the hotel super late…but next morning we couldn’t sleep too late as Sunday was our hiking day!! And really I’m running out of time so I shan’t describe the whole day in detail(thank goodness right??), but we drove out west of Denver to…what I think was technically part of Rocky Mountain National Park – or near enough anyway. We had been researching various trails and because we hadn’t exactly had an early start, wouldn’t have time for any of the really challenging ones. But we hiked what is known as “Jim’s Creek Trail” and it was gorgeous. Again…it’s hard to put to words how it felt to just be hiking through the woods and enjoying the beauty of a vigorous hike up hills and over streams and clambering up muddy slopes and through it all being surrounded by the wondrous beauty of God’s creation. Pretty much the whole hike was next to the creek and so we were able to hear the water running and tumbling and singing throughout our walk…and eventually when we decided to eat our prosciutto and cheese sandwiches, we did so upon what I dubbed Picnic Rock, a massive rock that was just perfect for a mid-hike lunch. And so eventually we turned around and hiked back the way we had come…and for some reason, probably due to the clean air and lovely walk, I was more energized than ever as we completed our hike. As we made our way to the exit, Robbie and I had fun singing some of our favourite songs…think we were singing “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” when we broke from the trees at the end! Oh how wonderful it is to have have a dear friend like Robbie.
And…really I must go now. The rest of the trip shall have to go untold…but it involved much more fun adventures, including listening to fun dance music as we drove through the wonderfully mountainous terrain, me introducing Robbie to Torchy’s Tacos…and more walking around Denver and exploring…visiting another bookstore(in which I did succumb to temptation and buy a couple books!) and more of what I have really left out up til now – the best part of this trip was obviously all the many conversations Robbie and I shared…talking about deep things, talking about our lives, talking about the state of the world(global socioeconomics, Canadian & American politics, etc, etc!), talking about the glories of God and what He has been doing in our lives…and then talking about what all guys end up talking about – girls obviously! – Natasha for him and then any “possibilities” for me…as we do eh? So truly I am grateful for the glorious weekend that we shared. It is obviously fun to explore a new city and it is of course beautiful to hike through gorgeous countryside and it is always good and proper to enjoy so much delicious food when you’re on holiday…but the truest and most treasured part of this trip was the many deep talks Robbie and myself had. Even being able to end a night together reading a Psalm. What is better than that? Not much. So if you’ve read all this(*applauds*), thank you, but most of all I hope you get a sense of my gratitude to my Father God for how He has blessed me so. I am deeply loved.
So I am really quite sleepy and I am definitely going to bed soon(well, after I write this. Oh and after I read some of my book as well). But thought it was proper that I write at least a few words(seriously, very few!!) I write this as I currently sit(well, sit/lie) on my bed in my room here at home in Tampa…glorious. This bed is super comfy, I gotta say – hence why I have no idea how long I’ll stay awake.
Today was a wonderful day here with the fam…from waking up not-as-early-as-normal and having an encouraing reading/coffee time….to chocolate chip pancake time with Dad and Laura and Caisson and Mom and talking about love and life and the blessings of the Lord…to mall adventures involving many fragrant roses on display and cheeky express shopping with expert Mom assistance and chicken meal consumption with again – Laura/Caisson/Mom – and just laughingly good times at the old classic Citrus Park…to attempted car-fixing-adventure-but-sadly-failing with Caisson…and then attempted rose-mulching-adventure-and-actually succeeding with Caisson…to getting far too many birthday half-presents from the parents and Laura and Caisson…finally dinner with the fam – mmm roast beef and buttery potatoes and tender carrots and onions – and then enjoying the perfectly delectable chocolate sheet cake while we watched the classic and inspiring and truly beautiful Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, in which Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur are simply magnificent…and finally more talking and relaxing times with Laura and Caisson while me and Laura gave each other back massages…and now it really should be bedtime because I have half-perused this current sentence/paragraph and oh dear it is a mess.
Apparently I really like ellipses and hyphens when I’m sleepy?? But hey – I shall let this stand as a memorial stone to this wonderful day that my God has granted me. Being with my wonderful family is a gift I shall always treasure – may I never cease to thank my Lord for blessing me so. I wish Maryanne could have been here too…but apart from her not being here, today was perfect. Truly.
Now time to close this computer and think and meditate on how good it is to abide in Christ, for in Him is my great love. Forever and always. Peace and love, my friends. Peace and love.
Hello friends!! I have a couple quick minutes here before me and Maryanne go off to meet Mom for lunch(her work break!). I’m definitely a little more awake than the last time I posted here a few days ago…it definitely helps that it’s not almost midnight! We’ve been staying up late pretty much every night I’ve been here, but that is entirely proper and not a bad thing at all! Last night(Christmas night!) following our epic dinner of burgers, oven-roasted potatoes, asparagus and the remnants of the sweet red wine…we watched another episode of Jack as we enjoyed ice cream(with Dad’s honey-based chocolate sauce!)…then even though I think we meant to get ready for bed after that, we got distracted watching a 60 Minutes feature on Hamilton and I of course couldn’t say no to that. Hearing Miranda talk about his emotions and inspiration behind writing the musical – and seeing clips of it! – was well worth staying up a little later! Then…did we go to bed? Nah. Me and Dad and Maryanne stayed up even later watching the end of the Broncos/Chiefs game! Good times.
And I probably should describe more of Christmas day, but I shall not now. It was indeed sad that Laura and Caisson couldn’t be with us…we missed them dearly. But thank God for the miracles of technology – namely, the cellular phone – that enabled us to chat to Laura anyway!!
Now – I need to fly off to meet Mom…and then shortly I shall literally fly off to Houston. Sad day. I always get a little depressed on my leaving day, especially as I know not when I shall return. But now, I simply thank my God for giving me such precious times here in Florida with my wonderful most favorite family in the world…being here and having such lovely times talking with Dad and Mom and Maryanne…I cannot express all that is in my heart. And even above that joy…the peace and love that fills my heart as I think on the gift of God to me. The precious gift of salvation – eternal peace and unbounded joy and unsought for love and bliss indescribable. Oh Lord my God, I love you so – my light, my song, my salvation. Be near to me, God I pray – let me ne’er forget all You have done for me. My words are feeble, my eyes dim, yet I shall offer all I have in worship to my God.
What more can I say? Peace and love, dear friends.
Evening, friends. And…Merry-almost-Christmas!!!!! It’s 18 minutes away and I really should be asleep by now!! But I can’t help it – must write a few words, especially as I haven’t posted anything this whole holiday thus far!! I could write so much about how delightfully relaxing this past week has been, here with the family…but I shall refrain. Just know it’s been lovely. And tonight – oh what a perfect Christmas Eve night. Begun by a perfect dinner(Mom’s fettucine alfredo, salad, shrimp, and red wine….), after doing dishes, we(Mom, Dad, Maryanne and I – oh how I miss Laura, but she and Caisson are with his family…) continued by opening a few gifts and then reading the story of Christmas – God becoming man.. for us!!! Truly the most wonderful story ever told. We then proceeded on our annual Christmas walk. Went outside, and walked around the block and looked at all the Christmas lights and gazed up at the stars shining bright in the night sky. It was beautiful. Soon enough, we made it back to our house and we got down to watching another episode of Jack(…I mean, 24!! We’re continuing our grand tradition of watching 24 over Christmas break…season 6 currently) along with cherry pie. Once that was done(the episode and the pie!), we watched the end of It’s A Wonderful Life together and I just soaked in the beauty of the moment….
And so – yes, I have described much of the fun things we did tonight(and the food we enjoyed!!!), but the best part was just talking and laughing and discussing life and love and God Himself with my dear, dear family. Oh how deeply am I blessed. All my thanksgiving and praise to God most high. Forever and always.
Merry Christmas Eve, my most loved friends. Tonight, rest in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ and be full of joy and peace as you think on the mercies of God. Oh! How good it is to be near God.
And so shall I post once more?? Thought it was best that I let the last two song-heavy updates stand on their own. I also should probably zoom off soon, since I’ve spent quite long enough here at Starbucks! But I still have a little coffee in my cup, so I shall write a little more. Pardon the spaciness of my thoughts…I’m in an intriguingly odd mood lately. Odd as in I’ve spent time in several different countries in the last few days…and this time has left me abundantly encouraged and oh so thankful and I really do not think I can quite put my thoughts to page. But…I shall try, at least a little bit. This morning, me and Julie went to Dish Society for breakfast…because I was craving their food partially, but really so Julie and I could catch up and I could tell her a least a bit of my last week in Scotland. Despite all my many tangents, I think she got a good overview of my adventures! Can I capture that here? Maybe.
Anyways. Today is my first full day back in America for over a week. Yesterday afternoon, my plane touched down in Houston and I was once again in my home country. And how was I feeling? Bittersweet. For truly, it is good to be back here and be able to call Dad and family again on phone and see all my Houston friends again(Reliant K and Switchfoot concert tonight with Peter, et al!). But after such a beautiful week with my friends in Scotland…I must admit to a bit of sadness after leaving them (again!).
Oh this is a nightmare – I have no idea how to properly chronicle this past week…and I may admit defeat and try again tomorrow or Monday. I think I shall just thank the Lord my God for giving me this holiday and blessing it in such a way that I had prayed for but wasn’t quite sure would happen. Being with my dear friends again(Chris, Jo, Joel, Laura, John, Ruth, Jackie, Graham, Tineke, Mark, Rosemary…and more!!) was amazing and I realized I am blessed far beyond I deserve with such good and precious friends. Even after being gone three years, I can still talk and laugh and deeply connect with them. But more than just the fun times with friends(and it was indeed fun!!), I relished the chance to commune with my God. I set aside particular times to get alone with my Father God and these times were blessed be Him, of this I testify! As I walked the cliff side path south of Stonehaven on Monday afternoon and felt the sea spray on my face and looked out and watched the sea meet the sky in a beautiful embrace of grey and blue and white and saw the grass dance in the cold sweet breezes and as I sat upon a rock on the seashore and gazed upon the horizon and thought upon the fact that God has called me His true son and placed His hand upon me in perfect love and as I closed my eyes and prayed to Him, I felt at peace. There are so many things in our lives that we feel ill equipped to handle and so many futures we desire were our own and so many trials and tribulations we wish were not our own! And so to realise that God knows us, heart and soul and eyes brimming with tears and passions…this is gloriously precious. And to remember that God loves us His children with an unending and all encompassing love…this is beautifully divine. And so as I sit here in Starbucks, recalling this past week, how God blessed me with such a time of communion with my God…I rejoice. I sing. My meditations this day are full of the glories of the Lord. My heart this day is a-tremble with the thoughts of my Father. My eyes this day are bright with the passions of my God. Let us pour out our souls before the Lord our God, all ye nations -let us rejoice and sing to Him this day He has made! Amen and amen.
So, per popular demand(if one person constitutes popularity, that is – *bows to Noemi*), I shall write a quick update here…
And where is here? Well, I just happen to be at a burger place in the Houston airport. And I just happen to be heading over Scotland way in…oh about two hours!!! I simply cannot describe the anticipation that fills my heart and I don’t have time to tell of all the people I’m longing to see again….but it shall be grand and simply glorious. Oh what a gift God my Father has granted me, to be able to go to Scotland and see so many dear, dear friends!!!
And now, my turkey burger and fries are here…so this short update shall conclude.
I purchased tickets for a holiday to Aberdeen this September. Should I have?? Maybe not, but well…I really craved a decent holiday in some far off country among dear friends. And I have not seen my friends in Aberdeen in far too long. So. It is time to return. Maybe I shall rue this decision in the next few days, but I don’t think so. I see the friends the Almighty God has blessed me with and I wish to see their faces again. Oh how lovely will it be to talk with all of them face to face!! Chris and Jo, Rose, John, Ruth, Graham and Tineke, Joel…and so so many others I won’t mention here now. I’m really rather excited just now – it has been too long Scotland. And I planned it well enough that I will celebrate my three-year anniversary of leaving Scotland…in Scotland. September 11th, 2013. And it is now 2016. How the years do tick by, methodically and unhindered by any desire on our parts for time to stand still. There’s only one person who’s ever gotten God to stop time, and my name is not Joshua!! But before I start rambling further…maybe I should sign off and walk off into the bright Texas sun. Thinking of a chicken/broccoli/mushroom stir fry dinner for tonight. Yes? Yes.
Also, I lied. I do sort of want to keep rambling. Been thinking about my walk with God lately, and how precious it is to know Him, deeply and intimately. Too often do we talk of the externals in our life, of our living situation, our delicious home cooked meals, our fun adventures around town, our pleasant diversions. And none of these things are bad in and of themselves, I think we can agree. But in the end of all things, are we letting ourselves be too diverted by the things of this world? Possibly. I know I fall into the trap of living in the world without remembering often enough that I am not of this world. And so do we get swept up by the torrents of the Charybdis of this life in the flesh. Let us remember that the pleasant things of this world are just that – of this world. And that our true joy should come from the knowledge that we are known by God and part of His family. Let us utterly delight in the communion we have with God through the indwelling of His Spirit in us. Imagine that – God’s Spirit – in us! What foolishness it sounds. Yet most profoundly and shockingly true!! And so I urge you all, my most dear and gentle readers, to think on the simple wonder and grave truth of God’s hand upon us as we walk through this earthly life. The sirens of earthly delight wail on every side, yet plug your ears to their call and remember the most pure and heavenly music that is God’s covenant with us. Think on that far country where all songs rise to the One who sits on the throne. Meditate on the delightfully sweet fruit of communing with Christ our Saviour. Fall on your knees and pray to the Lord and blissfully think on who God is. Sweetly rest and delight in this God. The God. My Lord and my God.
And let the homeward call of the Spirit ever resound in your hearts.
Advantages to missing my flight to Aberdeen: 1) I get to sit in glamorous Schiphol for five hours. 2) I get to leisurely enjoy my mocha from Starbucks. 3) Phone is now fully charged! 4) A shocking mid-trip LJ entry!! 5) Indulging my love of people watching.
Disadvantages: 1) I get to spend far too much time in Amsterdam(I am seriously considering a souvenir here at Schiphol to commemorate my many hours spent here thus far…) 2) I miss my long-anticipated Lairhillock dinner with John. 3) I don’t get to Aberdeen until 10pm tonight! 4) I now won’t see Chris and Jo until Saturday!! 5) Starbucks for dinner? (Not sure what this is, advantage or disadvantage)
And a little more seriously – writing this on my phone is excruciatingly slow, so not many more words. Except, as I sit here in Amsterdam and reflect on my adventures so far – Anna and Balazs are now married – all glory to God!! What a wondrously beautiful wedding!!! – I can only think on how blessed am I to be granted this gift to see so many of my dear friends. Truly I am blessed. And so how can I complain or fret over silly travel delays? Truly am I blessed.
