Enjoying my chicken parm leftovers and a fresh tomato salad this lovely Sunday afternoon. And I shan’t write more than a couple sentences here – need to get back to my dinner and football(Giants v Packers playoff game), of course! But just wanted to take this chance to say how wonderful today has been. A day in which I was able to worship God with all my heart as I stood amongst my fellow brothers and sisters in church this morning. What a wondrous thing it is to be loved by God. What a beautiful thing it is to be known by God. We are blessed e’er so much, my dear friends.
Tag: worship
Night Songs
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and might and honour
and glory and blessing.
To Him who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb,
be blessing
and honour
and glory
and dominion
forever and ever.
Amen.
Breakfast on the Beach
Hello friends and happy Monday!! …apparently I only write on Mondays anymore? I noticed that my last entry was also on a Monday. Ah well, eventually I’ll write a proper length entry and it shall be glorious but…it is not this day. This weekend was a most beautiful weekend…Daniel was in town and so as is proper, we spent oh so much time together. Oh how good it was to see him again!! We’ve had amazing conversations and wonderful times just hanging out. And I am sad that when I return today, he will be gone(he was sleeping on the couch when I left this morning for work…I couldn’t resist and had to wake him up to say goodbye one last time!). Anyways, he is a most dear friend and brother and I shall miss him dearly when he is gone. Again.
Now though, no time to write more. I must be off. Have a beautiful morning, my friends – look to the sky and see the beauty that surrounds you…and note that the Lord our God is the one who made it all. Ponder the lovingkindness of the Lord. Are we not blessed? Amazing love, how can it be – that Thou my God shouldst die for me.
Oh Soul, Canst Thou Repine?
Happy Tuesday all!! Figured it’s been a few days since I’ve posted, so might as well put up a quick mid-week update. And sadness of all sadnesses, it’s not even really mid-week. More like…post-Monday. Anyways, I’m sipping on my honey-tinged coffee here and slowly waking up as I prepare for work shortly. I really don’t even have that much to talk about. My upcoming move to John’s place this weekend is demanding most of my attention of late – I’m rather excited for a new place and a new/old roommate! This weekend was pretty fun too, even if I got a severe lack of sleep which rather impeded my wakefulness yesterday! Saturday morning was simply gorgeous here(low 50’s(F)) and so my run in Memorial Park was simply wonderful…it was rather amusing noting how the running population dropped quite a bit, presumably because of the “cold” weather! Anyways, after I’d done my 5.5 miles, went home and then enjoyed my tea and reading time. Later on, went with John and a few of his friends to the Houston Holocaust Museum, where we attended a Bonhoeffer tour. Sobering, enlightening and encouraging all at the same time. Is that possible? I don’t really feel in the mood to describe it more, but oh, how I long for that day when evil such as this is no longer possible.
Saturday night, had a fun movie night with Julie – got to watch some classic Jason Statham in ‘Snatch’ and of course enjoy far too much good conversation and fellowship with dear Julie. Sunday morning…glorious time at church, always. Following, had to bunker down in Starbucks to get my community group prep done(Ecclesiastes 5). After eventually making it home and spending a few hours getting other chores done, the highlight of my week occurred – went to Bethel for ‘Family Worship Night’, where we sang a plethora of gorgeous songs(voted on by us the congregation…I was very proud of all of us for the vast quantity of hymns chosen!!). Worshiping God with uplifted voice and radiant eyes and weeping hearts – oh what a night of sweetest truth and more perfect beauty! I cannot describe further. And so upon ending our night of joy and song, talked with various friends and then made my way to Starbucks for yet more good fellowship with dear friends(Julian, Sarah, Jonathan, Natalie, Vanessa…), talking about such sundry subjects as bad roommates, weddings and dancing, and the fear of the Lord and what this truly means. We actually talked about a lot more too, yet my memory fails me and it is too late here and I have already written too many words. Again though, God has blessed me much with such friends and I dare not complain. Never, never.
Goodbye, friends – I raise my coffee cup in farewell! Peace.
Honeysuckle Memories
Happy Monday, friends! I’m mere minutes away from starting another week of work here, but thought that I’d write a few words as I sit here, peppermint mocha in hand. My mocha is shockingly a venti today – even though I usually try and limit myself to grande, Katie talked me into it(and by talked me into it, I mean she just mentioned it and I crumbled immediately and said yes). I am going to be sad when I move…I love all my Starbucks people and will miss them! Jake, Kelli and Katie were there today, and although I can’t say I know any of them super well(save Jake since he comes to Bethel now and again!), they are simply lovely people and my random interactions with them brighten my sleepy mornings. Alas, I’ll just have to come back and visit this Starbucks from time to time and visit. And oh yes, I’m weird. Again – when I write early in the morning like this, I tend to be a bit less…focused…in my writings. Also – the moon tonight shone brilliantly. Yesterday was the full moon I think, so this morning the light of the moon simply filled the sky with its grandeur. And thinking of the One who placed the moon in the sky – His lovingkindness endures forever!! Now, I’m off – have a wonderful Monday, my friends – may the joy of the Lord be your strength(per Nehemiah…as I read today…the law was being read to all the people and it was stunning to see the people’s response. Grieving and weeping as they heard the words of God. A very natural response, I feel. Yet Nehemiah and the priests told them – do not weep. The joy of the Lord is your strength!! Thus should we remember. Yes, at times as we ponder and think on God’s commands and His words and how we fail so utterly to keep them, our heart breaks and our tears do flow. But ultimately, even through our tears, we rejoice. Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou my God shouldst die for me!?!)
Bohemia
Happy Sunday, dear friends!! I really need to get some work done this afternoon(and by work, I mean prep for community group on Tuesday night. Ecclesiastes chapter 3…some great words contained therein!). But firstly, as I begin sipping on my peppermint mocha frap(yes, it is one of those very rare occasions I’m actually getting a chilled drink…since summer is stubbornly continuing to exert its influence upon us and it is far too hot outside to even consider drinking a hot drink. And I have to say…a drink made of milk, peppermint syrup, chocolate and espresso is a pretty fine lunch. Just saying), thought I’d write something quickly. This morning, got some quality worship time in. And because the word quality does not quite convey the meaning I wish it to…I suppose I will just say that I was able to stand in church with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and lift my voice in purest song to the God of the universe as I thought on the mercies and lovingkindnesses and grandeur and sovereign power and most perfect wisdom of our God. It was a humbling and most awesome morning – to worship the living God.
And now, while I need to write my study notes(fueled by this beautiful caffeine contained in my mocha!)…I’ll tarry yet a little longer. Yesterday was also a wonderful day, even though I did burn myself out rather too quickly!! I meant to wake up early for a run, but sadly that waking up early part was a distinct failure. Once I did manage to drag my lazy self out of bed though, I went to Buffalo Grille and met Earnie for breakfast!! So a few cups of coffee and a fine egg and hash-browns and beans breakfast later…we had enjoyed a most fine catch up. We hadn’t talked properly since well before my Scotland trip!! It was so good to talk to him…such a dear friend and brother to me. Following that, did a few random errands before making my way down to Sugar Land to meet Lea for lunch! We hadn’t had a proper in person chat in quite some time…and as I knew it would, a most enlivening and encouraging conversation over lunch was had!! Lea…another dear friend – and sister!! Again…I am far too blessed to have such good friends that my God has given me.
Now – I’m going to end this entry and buckle down and actually study for my community group upcoming time. Have a most joyous afternoon, my friends!!!
Peace and love.
And I See the Sun!
So I may have just done something rash.
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.
Peace, my friends. Peace and love. Always.
Heart of Chambers
I am at peace.
A most beautiful afternoon comes to an end(indeed, a beautiful day!!). I write this from my apartment in Houston, just having woken up from a lovely ten minute nap so pardon me if my words are slightly sleepy sounding. But I simply must chronicle today so that I always remember the goodness of my God to me. This morning, worshiped God at church with my fellow brothers and sisters, reveling in the revelation of our Lord we have been granted! “Holy holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty”…our voices rose up to heaven in praise, accompanied by the skillfully played organ. Let us never forget the majesty and undeniable beauty and mercy and might that belong to the God of the universe, this God we serve. Singing these words of praise..oh how I long for the days to come when we in heaven will join the chorus of every created thing! O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise!!
And how do I follow that up? Well, I cannot, surely. Yet I enjoyed a delightful afternoon with Julie at the sports bar watching the Euro final, Portugal v France. Sadly, despite our great hope(and Julie’s cheering in French!!), Portugal grabbed the 1-0 victory and title of 2016 Euro Champions. Despite my disappointment, it was fun to see them all happy and dancing as they celebrated!! And of course, during the ever-more-nervous-making game watching, Julie and I had some lovely talking time – as always!!
Then, made my way to the store and then home…And I brewed some coffee, put some classic Beach House on the record player, and then enjoyed some luscious minutes reading Owen on the satisfactory death of Christ, and what it means for us. Christ died to save sinners. I read those five words and I am blown away. What stunning mercy. What beautiful love. And so now I sit, at peace and and at rest. Peace, my friends. I love you all ever so much.
Now, I will make my turkey burgers for dinner, and also am planning to read some more Owen. I will finish his Volume II tonight, I think. Only eight pages to go. It’s only taken me a year!!! But first. Dinnertime.
Peace and love.
Love Song
Hey friends!!! It has indeed been far too long since I’ve posted anything here…And I can promise this will be short, since I’m using my unwieldy phone to write this. But I just wanted to say hi this beautiful Sunday evening!! I’m just about to have a yummy dinner of leftover pizza and a tomato salad…after having enjoyed a wonderful Palm Sunday concert at church!! Hearing lovely voices being lifted up to our God in praise – oh what rapturous delight filled my soul. And as I think about what Jesus did on this wounded weary earth over two thousand years ago…He gave of Himself and emptied all that we might live. He bled and suffered and died. For us. Think on that, my friends. And rejoice. We who have done nothing but scorn the God of all things. Jesus weeps over us as He wept over Jerusalem…He longs to gather us all to Himself…but we are unwilling. Oh how foolish are we!! So now before I say more, just think on Jesus and who He is. God Himself who died. For us. That we might be called children of God. And such we are. Is that not wonderful my friends?? Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Rejoice in our salvation – sing a song of love and hope and wonder!!
Peace, my friends – peace and love. Now…dinner time for me.
Untitled
Hey friends!! A quick early morning post for me, before I officially start work…(and actually I take that back, because I’ve already been doing far too much work at far too early of an hour…oh early morning pressure tests – how I love thee). Anyway, I really don’t have that much to say, but felt it was a waste to not at least write something! Last night, had small group…and I got to pick all four songs – majorly awesome! I got to pick some of my favorites(Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Take My Life and Let it Be, Crown Him With Many Crowns and Holy, Holy, Holy..and I felt so privileged being able to sing praises to the God of the universe. A very special night, indeed.
And now…I’m still feeling a bit sleepy, but I have fresh coffee and a doughnut and I feel oh so blessed by God. And now as the clock has ticked past six, going to end this sleepy musing and do a bit of work. Peace friends!!!
Something Weird 