The eve of New Years, '09

It is now officially 2009, and the 2nd, and Friday, already. Yes, the year has flown by, already! :P One thing that has been different for me already is the pace of my life and schedules so far in welcoming in the new year. I have been preparing for 09, at least the spring semester, i do not what holds after that. Things sure have slowed down for me, and I am trying to keep it that way, in order to focus my attention on just one main thing, and not so many different things as I have usually done. I hope this results in better success and fruit :).
My car sits outside, I have not gotten in it as often I used to. Mulitple times a day, it would be, but now (until work begins) it is only a few times a week, usually to go to church.
The last time I got in it was December 31, 2008, which was only three days ago. It was in the p.m. and dark. Shannon and I bundled up, grabbed a pair of socks, and followed her neighbor friend and her family to the skating rink. Her friend had run over to our house a few hours before to ask us if we wanted to go. With mom and marcey having plans, I decided to go with Shannon for a while and skate. It was quite fun- I love spending time with ones younger than me, giving them my attention and energy, praying for them and shinning the Light for them to follow as they grow up.
With the three of us holding hands making circle after circle around the rink, picking each other when shannon would fall and autumn to trip over her, we laughed and giggled, rested and used our tickets to get a funnel cake and sierra mist.
The rink had balloons in bags to be let out at the countdown. I ended up leaving about an hour early after receiving Katie's phone call: she had gotten off of work early enough for us to go do something. I went home, changed into some boots and a fury colored shirt and made my way down highway 75 to Trinity Hall at Mockingbird Station. It was surprisingly empty. We both got parking spots in the main parking rows. She barely beat me there, waiting for me at the table closest to the door, where the band was.
Not long after that, the waitress brought her her drink, and asked if we would like to move. Surprisingly, and despite the line, the table nearby, amongst the crowd, had opened up. We did want to move because of the door -and it was cold! I glanced and saw it, getting up quickly to grab that one- it was right in front of the band! I felt a duty to be extra attentive to the music, cheering them on. Now, of course everyone here is Irish. When I had gone to the bathroom and got a chance to see the crowd, most were wearing green, some were dancing, and a few had kilts on. Returning back to my seat, I confirmed my assesment with Katie and realizing, "this is a Pub, afterall!"The band was yuda-leighing, and the drummer had a mature red beard on his white, green-eyed face. I got the vibe soon after that.
I ordered my drink and joined in the clapping, and then it was 22 minutes till 2009 before I knew it. Everyone was already blowing their horns, turning their noise makers, and the screen for the countdown was scrolling down in place of the band in front of us. On it, we watched, for the first time, the Dallas countdown at the America Airlines center, instead of New York's! It was quite historic, I thought. It was like "the new New York!"
49,48,47....32,31,30...10,9,8...4,3,2,1!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Katie and I watched everyone kiss on the screen, and blow their confetti in the air. Then I turned and looked at everyone around me -why do people kiss on new year's? Anyway, Katie and I toasted, and enjoyed watching the fireworks on the screen go off of buildings around town. We could hear them from outside. I got up to go see them, but we were blocked by some buildings... And then the yuda-leighing got louder! the bag pipe man in a kilt stood in the middle of the pub and blew two songs! It was joyous, and as Katie said, special. "It is like a blessing," she said. It was right in our ears, but I took it as a blessing anyway. And that was our toast -to be blessed, "a year of blessings," we said. "It is going to be like a rain of blessings! Watch out!" I added. And I make it a point to remind her often.
Also for the 2009 year, it is to be a year of Glory. "Let the Glory Rise and Shine," it shall.
I remember 2007 was a year for fruit.
I don't remember setting something special for '08, but it was a year mostly for completion. However, for me, it was a year of endings and beginnings -definitely a year of CHANGE. for America too, with Obama, which will set a whole new motion not only for America, but the World. And I will be part of it.

We sat a little bit longer, enjoying the music, and chatting about my Norse mythology findings. After the band slowed down, and the people behind us began to show signs of drunkenness, we decided it would be best to head out. It was crowded on the streets at 1a.m. And the traffic was slow, which was good. I would like to think that we were all being cautious for drunk driver -and we were. We all know that is a killer. So we go slow and cautiously. I got home safely. Mom was still up and Marcey came in a few minutes later. We ended our celebrations and called it a night.

On New Years day, the 1st, yesterday, I wanted to bring glory to God. I actually would have loved to had a worship and Glory service new years eve night. But, with the Lord with me, I kept it in my heart. It is waiting to come out, and a dedication to the Lord, corporately, would be nice. Lord, I dedicate me to You. With all glory and honor, I fear and obey You. You are my God and King, my Ruler. Let this new year come with Your plan and reigns. and whatever happens, I still look to You as Sovereign. Amen.

Let the Glory rise, in 2009. amen.