A New Year!

This is officially my first entry in my new blog in the new year.

I was actually in the midst of writing in my journal but my pen died so I resolved that I would just make a blog and update here rather than in my little journal. Plus, I never get around to writing in that thing more than like, once every two weeks anyway. I'll also be able to write a lot more in here.

I'll find a different use for that thing soon.

So anyway, I got home at around 2:40 AM. It's the latest I've ever come home and mom and dad didn't say a word to me about it. In fact, they were sleeping when I came home! A first! They didn't even call me! Possibly because I left dad a reassuring voicemail at around 12:30? Anyway, the New Year's Eve service at church today was pretty awesome. A nice long worship set, a pretty good message from Pastor Dave, and wonderful fellowship time with Mimi, Sydney, David, and Pastor Dave.

We went to eat at Norm's after service ended because Koraku was closed. Our dinner conversation started off with a few scary stories, then moved onto stories of demonic posessions, then Holy Spirit things, then spiritual healers, etc. Pretty interesting stuff and P. Dave gave me a realistic look at these so-called supernatural events, saying that alot of it, if not most or all, is done by the brain, adrenaline, etc.

Anyway, it really doesn't feel like a new year. 2008 was a good year for me. I feel like I really matured alot, got a lot pimplier, grew some, blew out all my SAT's, finished college apps, went through some tough relationship things, matured in my relationship with/view of Christ, and also grew closer with friends (new and old) and family. Despite some mistakes, bad luck, tough economic times, etc, I am happy to still be in one piece, healthy, happy, and blessed.

I am looking forward to 2009. It should be very exciting and interesting. I am also a bit afraid of what is to come. It is the fabled "transition year". As I graduate high school in the summer, I will face the challenge of leaving home and entering college. I have a lot of questions as to where God will take me. I wonder what college he will place me at (if He even has college in my plans) mostly, since that will likely shape alooooot of my future.

I worry a bit about how I will turn out in terms of being able to withstand the temptation to do things like drink, smoke, party, etc. I think as a graduating Senior I will face alot of temptation to sin. I really hope I don't end up going down that path. I am trying to be a good role model for alot of kids.

Now I will focus on school. Basically, I feel energized. I want to make sure to kick these last couple weeks in the butt. I have a risky B in Calc so I want to make sure I get that to a solid B. I also think with enough effort, I can get an A in APES. Though, I do not see the point in trying. Will it really affect my admissions? Eitherway, I think I'll try hard these next few weeks.

Speaking of which, winter formal is on the 31st. I don't think I will be going at this rate. I have no one in mind and I really do not want to spend a grip load of money on some girl that's just a friend. Is that bad?

We'll see.

Ummmm. OH. New Year's Resolutions!!!

*Drum Roll*

None.
Yet.

I haven't given it much though but one thing that really spoke to me during tonight's sermon was the part about choosing deliberately whether to be WITH God, or AGAINST God. In other words, I think I am going to focus alot on choosing not to sin, and choosing to be a good witness and servant. It will be a very tough challenge. Given my age, personality, and status (high school senior), I will likely be facing a lot of hurdles. I will choose not to stumble or fall! Hopefully God grants me a smooth road. But if I do fall, I am sure I will learn from it and make good of it. Like I have done in 2008.

Man. Speaking on 2008 in the past tense is weird. It seriously was the fastest year ever. I don't know how it flew by so fast. Everything still feels like it happened just last week. Goodness.

Oh well.

I think this was a good length'ed first entry. And very well timed as well. I am interested in updating this pretty often. I think since I'm always on the computer, I should naturally feel compelled when I'm bored to update. I'm still thinking about what I should do/use this as. I just found out it's not possible to make a certain entry private to me, and others public to everyone. While I do want to be able to easily give people a link to my blog when they want to know how I'm doing, I also want to keep certain things private.

I think I will make it public. I doubt people will really follow along anyway so I'll be pretty controlled but open about stuff. I guess honest would be the right word.

:)

I think that'll be it for now.
My next entry will include just a quick quick bringer-up-to-dater on some of the last prayer topics of 2008. I 'll also have my resolutions ready, updates on New Year's Day activities, etc.

And it is now 4:21am. And I am pretty tired. Today was a good day though and I will rest in peace :D

Yeap.