Grandmother's Favorite

My Grandmother recently celebrated her 83rd birthday!

My sweet girl and her Great Grandmother
Great Grandmothers are a Blessing!

She has been my joy since I was a girl in pigtails. I was her first grandchild and I am her favorite! Well, that's how she has made all of us feel over the years. Her favorite.

I have great memories of her humming as she cooked and cleaned. I would sit and watch her do everything. She did it all effortlessly.

I remember her:
*teaching me how to thread a sewing machine.
*baking cakes without recipes
*teaching me how to make popcorn balls
*laughing as she told the stories of her children.
*standing in the middle aisle at church as an usher
*cooking Sunday dinner on Saturday night
*sweeping
*praying
*singing in the choir
*pressing my hair

I can go on and on attempting to recapture all of The Wonderful we have had over the years. But we don't have that kind of time!

As much as I remember, unfortunately she does not.  At times her memory fades and her 83 years of memories deviate from the simplicity of daily routine, familiar faces and chronological order.

I find something intriguing about the aging mind of my Grandmother. As much as she forgets or seems as if she is speaking from another place and time, her love of the Lord remains in tact!

She has not forgotten the One whom her soul loves. She is saturated in Him. His word is still there and she remembers it flawlessly. She continues to tell of His goodness and how He has brought her through the years. When I wished her a happy birthday, she did not remember that I have lived hundreds of miles away for the past 26 years. However, she reminded me that it was the Lord who gave her 83 years!

What a testament to the power of God and His word!

My Grandmother continues to live a life giving thanks for His grace and mercy! This is who I've known and have loved dearly over the years. She has always sang praises and gave witness to His power. She has given us a legacy of Jesus that has been passed through my mother, myself and now penetrating my children.

I don't know about you but this makes me examine my heart and mind!

Are you saturated in His word? Or are you driven by the wisdom of the world? When life squeezes, do you leak witness to Him? Or do you drip questions of your faith and His integrity? Is your mind clothed in His ways? Or are you covered in human reason? Do you have His word in the crevices of your heart? Or are you driven by the chaos of your emotions?

Is God's Word and your Love for Him your Autopilot? 

Whew...

Over the years my cousins, aunts and uncles have all carried the honor of being her favorite.  I'm afraid that we have been fooling ourselves. She has given us her favorite!

How He Loves Us!


Blessings!


copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved

Fact, Fiction, and Feelings!

We have something to talk about.

I mean we are in desperate need to get something straight!

Being a counselor, I have the privilege of serving people.  I am humbled by this opportunity to walk with others during difficult seasons and am in awe of God's grace and love for us. I mention that because I have been serving in this capacity for 13 years and have served many people from many walks of life. I've heard many things and have seen many faces.

I have one question. 

What is going on?

We've been hoodwinked!  Bamboozled! Lied to! Deceived!

How?  Our Feelings or Emotions!

I wonder what you are feeling right now. At this moment. What are they saying to you?

Me?

I'm feeling bored, therefore, I'm hungry. Seriously.  I love food and I love to eat.  Sorry Oprah and Dr. Phil! I am an emotional eater. Food makes me happy.  Because of this, I get up at 4:30 in the morning to exercise. (There's always a price isn't it?!)

I'm asking about your feelings because we are being led by them. We are making life decisions on them. We are raising our kids with them. We are choosing our mates with them. We are choosing our wardrobes with them! YIKES!

And because of this we are CONFUSED! Why? Because feelings change.

Wait. Clarity: Emotions are not wrong. They are important, created by God, and should be used wisely. However, they have no intellect. All they do is react. They will react to a lie like they react to the truth. They react to things that are not real in the same manner as though it is reality. They are the response not the thought!  They must always be second. Not first!

Proverbs 28:26  "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered." 

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things and is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it?"

When we react in emotions, we often end up saying or doing things in error and then we regret. Our feelings get stirred up and drown out God's voice and His insight.  As a result, we make commitments we shouldn't make. We quit things in which God wants us to remain involved. We are confused about our destiny and purpose. We say things that damage people and relationships.  We have emotional experiences, make decisions, and live with the life long consequences. Daily. (Can I get a witness?!)

So what now? What do we do? How do we filter our emotions?

Our feelings are based on our beliefs. What do you believe? What is your source of truth. It CANNOT be you! It must be the Word of God!

What does God's word say about it? Yes I will always go back to Him and His word. That's all I have! I can't give you my thoughts. I have issues too! I laugh, cry, want to be alone, and with everybody in 30 minute increments 1 or 2 weeks of every month!  (Forties!)

Psalm 119: 105 "You word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

I want to encourage you (and me) to stop submitting to your emotions. Stop depending and placing more value on how you feel rather than the Word of God. Make His word priority over your feelings. Believe what the Bible says! It is real. It is truth. It is relevant.


Blessings!




copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

My Computer Died!

So, I'm writing and my computer dies!

I shut down. Moved to my room. Tried to turn it on and...nothing,

What is that you say?

Yes I did that. I tried that too. And NOTHING!

The normal blogger writes on their site and it saves periodically. Nope. Not me!

I'm special. I write in MS Word and then paste to my blog. It's a comfort thing. I can't explain it. I'm old.

It doesn't matter now. It's GONE. Everything is gone.

Did I backup? Online? Yes but not since...

I'm now on my IPad realizing how absolutely useless it is! Don't get me wrong I love this thing but it can't help me now. Useless! Now I know why there's an App for everything!

And Breathe.

I'm laying hands on my computer now. Praying. Pleading.

This. is. not. happening!

Pictures. Videos. Writing.

Not Happening!

It is.

Happening.

To me.

And Breathe.

So needless to say. I'm a mess! But in all of this I know deep down inside that it's ok.

Really it is. Okay.  I will take it to a specialist and it will be okay. They will recover my files. Right? And After all of this, I will get A NEW ONE!!

There's always a bright side my friends! (This moment of sanity will soon be replaced by sobbing and rambling.)

I would post a pic but I need to download an app. I refuse!

My computer dies and there's no App for that!

Now...back to fetal position.

Stay tuned...

Parenting You

WHY didn't anyone tell me how intense this thing is?  What in the world was I thinking? These kids are a whole mess of trouble.  From birth they are always needing things like food, clothes and beds!

I spend most of my days trying to stick to a routine that only exists in my head. Really. For the life of me I don't remember when two days looked the same. Cooking, cleaning, teaching, correcting, holding, kissing, explaining, questioning, demanding, and disciplining. Then I go to bed feeling guilty because we were completely off routine, ate processed foods and didn't have an hour devotional.

Maybe I'm the only parent that is experiencing the madness of having kids. I know your children are in total anticipation of your every word.  They long to be taught the lessons of life. They sit inquisitively while you explain to them the importance of homework, spell checking and not waiting to the last minute to complete a project. They listen because you are the one and only person from whom they want to glean.  They value the sacrifices you make for them. They are appreciative and want to give back in honor of your hard work.

Well...That ain't my testimony! And I am guessing, I'm not the only one!

We repeat ourselves. ALL DAY!

Wash your face.
Brush your teeth.
Make your bed.
Pick up your shoes.
Don't hit your brother.
Say I'm sorry.
Inside voices.
Don't whine.
Do your homework.
Wait till your father gets home.
Read.

I love you.

Read.
Eat your vegetables.
Don't eat that.
What's that smell?
Be nice.
Pick up your towels.
Who spilled this on my floor?
Is that how you like to be treated?
Good job!
Be friendly.
Bathe.

I love you.

Yes.
Clean your room.
No.
Wait.
Ask your father
Don't waste your time.
Study
Read.
Ask questions.
Go to BED!

I love you.

They hear us! But they have their own minds and they know better.

They know our voice. We teach them lessons of life. Lessons that will protect them. Lessons that will prepare them. We pray for them. We try to give them the best of everything. We want to equip them to handle the world that's waiting to destroy them. We want them to be successful. We want them to know what true love is. We give them Christ. We teach them to listen for His voice. We want them to know and embrace Him.

We want them to live beyond the limits of their human imaginations and the expectations that are given by limited people.

We tell them constantly that we love them because we do. We really do. Beyond what they can even imagine!

They hear us but...They know better!

They do things that make us ask "Are you new? Do you know me? When have you ever heard me say that was OK? You're going to do it again until you do it right."

On occasion they lose their minds! They don't care how many times they hear the same thing. They do what they want. AND THEN look to us to fix their messes!

Because they know everything! They've lived for a few years and they've mastered this thing called life. They don't think they need us until they do!

And when they do, we're there. We help them up and start repeating ourselves again because we never give up on them. We will do whatever it takes. We sacrifice for them. We love them. We want what's best for them.

Recently I lamented about our parenting woes. I went to the throne for us! We need help!  The Lord lovingly said in a gentle voice, 

"I'm just showing you...YOU. I repeat myself. Daily. I give you love and direction. I am the Creator of the universe. I AM the way. I AM the truth. I AM the light. I love you. Don't follow that voice. Read your Bible. Learn my ways. Know my voice. I love you. I sacrificed for you. I know the plans I have for you. They are good. Read your Bible. Follow Me. I love you.  Love your enemy. Love your neighbor. Don't waste time. Yes I'm with you. I love you. No I will never leave you. I gave my life for you. I want you close. I want you to prosper. You are more than a conqueror. You win. I love you. I'm for you. But at times you think you know better."

And...I had no words. Just  "thank you!"

I'm so thankful for his loving patience. Even in our parenting He gives us grace. Teaches us. Loves on us. Grows us. Walks with us. He has plans for us. He brings us closer to Him. He never gives up on us. I am madly in love with Him! 

Blessings!

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11

copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com

Missing Moments...

After a long exhausting day of work, I geared up to go home only to start what I call my real job.  There's so much to do but of course there isn't enough time. I work about 30 minutes from my home but this day it took about 2. I left work and arrived at my house. I couldn't tell you how I got there. My body was on autopilot and I missed the ride home.  I was so disappointed because I LOVE riding in my car alone. You must understand! It is my place of silence and tranquility. I can talk out loud to God. I can listen to the music I want. I can sing with a voice that ONLY the Lord enjoys! But this day I missed the whole ride! 

I'm sure you've been there. We've all been there. We arrive and wonder "how?"  During the journey, our minds take us to places other than where we are or where we are going. It begins with a single thought. It then transforms into daydreams, wishes, wonders and unbridled imaginations.

DISENGAGED AND DISTRACTED!

That's what it is! Not fully present. Not experiencing the now. Being in the place but missing the moment.

I often wonder how many times this happens in our daily lives. Because it surely takes place. With substantial amounts of  technology, entertainment and busyness, it's easy to lose time in things that divert our attention from what's most significant.

The indisputable would be that we lose closeness in our walk with the Lord. How many times do we check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Skype, email, phones, etc? Now compare that time with the amount of time we spend checking in with the Lord. Yep...I'm going to leave that alone.  Just marinate on that one! I'm telling my own issues now...NEXT!

What are we missing with our family because we are distracted by the complaints and frustrations of being with them?

Are we disengaging from the experiences we desire most?

Are we longing for a time in the future, only to get there and realize that we've missed the time we had when we were there in the past?

What are the sights, smells, and sounds that have gone unnoticed on the journey between prayer request and answered prayer?

I cringe to think of the countless times that I've missed the sweetness of the presence of God. I ache to ruminate on the reality of unnoticed whispers of the Holy Spirit.

I've started my day longing for Him and then became distracted by the events of the day. He directed me to Him and I've walked right by Him. I cower in the confession that it was purely because of disengagement and distractions!

But GOD..

I'm so thankful that in all of our distractions He holds to his promise that He never leaves us! He's there.

Deuteronomy 31:8 "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Praise GOD!

I challenge you to eliminate your distractions. Ask the Lord to help you engage.

Don't miss your moments.  Don't miss your comfort. Don't miss your encouragement. Don't miss your peace.

He's There.

Don't miss Him.



Blessings!



copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

I Blame It On Them!

Why haven't I posted since September you ask? It's because of them!

Time Snatchers!

School started right after my last blog! Yes it's their fault. They have too many things happening all at once. How did I get myself into this?  I said "yes." That's what I did.  I said yes. Yes to everything!

My Kids' schedule:

Flag Football 3 days a week (Yes, I'm Team Mom!)
Cheer Practice 2 days a week
Tumbling once a week
Mariachi Rehearsal 2 days a week
Performances, Games and/or Competitions EVERY Saturday
PTA Mom
Fundraising for School and Mariachi

And yes I did all of this while working full time and training for my fourth marathon!

Go ahead and say it. It's okay!  I know I'm CRAZY!

Yes I am. My husband is actively involved but he has the astonishing ability to do it all in stride. HOW? That's another post!

I took my hair out of the bun it's been in for three months and realized that I'm a LION!

Disregard uni brow and beard! :)

I won't even begin to have the hair discussion. That's another post! But dealing with that hair takes TIME!

And I don't have it! *eye roll and neck work*

I lost my makeup a few weeks ago and I haven't had time to find it. Facial cleanser, moisturizer and lip gloss are making it do what it do!

Yes I'm THAT Mom! I drive a minivan. My wardrobe is made of school t-shirts, jeans and running shoes. Cooking consists of whatever I can throw in a crock pot and cornbread! Laundry...ummm...yep it's clean. Get it out of that basket! (don't judge me!)

So that smile you see me displaying is part enjoyment of life and part insanity.

Approach with caution!


Blessings!



I'm back. I'm ready. I have so much to share!