The whole family was out in force at the Zockoll homestead last night, seeing in the New Year. Robert and Marlene Livesay. Jill's folks, were over and leading us in a rousing game of Apples to Apples, which lasted for a good couple of hours of debate and influence (try the game if you're not familiar with what I'm saying). Jill was showing off our new dishwasher (what can I say? We get hyper over the small things in life) while Peter was breaking in a new video game in the Man Room. The most excitement was our fireworks display in the back yard. The family piled onto the deck while Nicholas, Peter and I lit off the best of Bimbo's Fireworks inventory - we really went all out this year, and ignited fireworks with enjoyable titles like Triumph America, Happiness, and Chinese Explosive Connection.
Our first volley freaked out our Sheltie, the newcomer to the Zockoll household. At the explosion of Victory Attack, Misty bolted and almost jumped off the second story of the deck. We didn't see her the rest of the night and I sincerely thought we'd lost our puppy, when at 1 a.m. Nicholas and Alexis came in carrying a shivering muddy little dog.
A Florida college student, Pete, is staying with us and is enjoying himself with hiking in the Smoky Mountain National Park and perusing the stores in Gatlinburg for the finest in fudge, samurai swords and Tennessee flags.
What's in store for 2010? As I am no prophet nor the son of a prophet, I cannot even begin to tell you, but I can let you know that we are seeing a gentle and forward nudging of our family into God's protective and personal care. Day by day we see Him in ways I have not experienced in years. It's going to be a good year, and all the glory goes to God the Father.
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.
(Psalm 92:1,2)
(Psalm 92:1,2)
