Curtains and Wii

I woke up the day after Christmas with the desire to put up curtains. My protective dog barks at every passing neighbor or dog, so I thought curtains would help decrease his barking. My incredible dad worked hard to put curtains up in the dining room and kitchen. What a great change, right? Wrong.

Then, my parents left. The house was empty. The curtains were closed. The world couldn't see me. I couldn't see the world outside. People won't know I'm still here. I'm alone. I lost my mind. I cried like i haven't cried in a while. Perhaps, they were tears that i had been holding in for a while/ I felt trapped and panicky. Then, suddenly I realized (Holy Spirit style) that it was the curtains. The curtains. Open the curtains, Erica. You are not alone.

Isn't it amazing how one little thing can set you in a tailspin?

it would be very easy to keep those curtains closed and to let myself drown in the panic and darkness. But I choose to open the curtains and let The Light in.

Oh, I also got a wii. Dude, HeeJun would have loved it. I chose to play Wii, instead of being sad that he isn't there to play it with me.

Christmas is for the dogs...

Silent Night

Sunday's message started out, "Christmas by society's standards is supposed to be full of cheer and merriment. However, for most people it is the greatest time of loneliness and heartache."

Society Answers to Grief:
1. Bury your feelings
2. Replace your losses
3. Grieve Alone
4. Let Time Heal
5.Live with Regret
6. Never Trust Again.

Society has it all wrong.

Isaiah 41:10: Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Sam 12:22...read the whole story. It's powerful.

1 Thes 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.