No Applause...

There are times when we will be called to do something great.

We may see it as great. We work hard on it. We have sleepless nights. We ponder over them. We pray. We fast. We put our very best into it.

But there are times when it may not be seen as great. Others may not appreciate what you do.  Many will not even see what you do. Others may not see the hours of work. The lack of sleep. The prayers. The time and effort.

Is it still great?

What if there is no applause?

Christ was considered great until his call became his cross.  He was lied on. Hated. Tortured. Even Killed

(Well, they thought so anyway!) 

But it was great.  Without it, there would not have been a resurrection. We would have been without redemption for sins. Lost. Destined for an eternity separate from Him.

It was great.

So...While you fulfill your call, there may be no applause. There may be no appreciation. Many may not see your greatness.  What if your call becomes your cross?

You may be fighting for your children and they may fight back. They may not value your effort. They may not understand the path that you are trying to keep them on.  But it is Great!

You may be fighting for your marriage. It may not be appreciated or understood. You are in your prayer closet calling on the name of the Lord.  You are fighting for your family and it is great.

What is your call?

Some are called to lead companies. Some are called to clean them. Some to repair. Some to childcare. Some to care for the elderly or the disabled. Some to pray. It could be to lead a great ministry. Or it could be to work within one. Some to write letters of encouragement. Maybe it's to reconcile with an old friend. It could be to forgive someone and make peace.

Whatever it is, it may seem insignificant.

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

No applause.

No appreciation.

But it is GREAT!

Don't stop.

Keep going!

"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:10-12

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

"Whatever yo do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9


Blessings!

copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com . All Rights Reserved

Have You Made It?

I’m here to let you in on something. I’ve recently come to a realization that I need to share.  I need to say this but you need to hold on to your seat.  When I found out, I almost fell out of my chair. My heart dropped and I couldn’t believe that I fell for it.  I’ve been around for years and I can usually figure things out. But this one…

Are you ready?

Ok…

There is no place!

You know the place we are working all day to arrive.  It’s the destination where all things are wonderful. I’m not talking about Heaven. I’m talking about here on earth.  It’s where we have enough in our bank accounts. We drive the right car and have the right amount of bedrooms. Our children understand and accept our discipline. They make smart choices and apply the discriminatory thinking that we have been pouring into them since the age of 1. They love Jesus and are living their lives for Him.

In this place our marriages are perfect.  We finally communicate successfully and both feel fully supported and appreciated. Work outside and inside the home is equally shared. We are completely satisfied in our singleness and we have conquered loneliness and all struggles. 

We are the perfect size for clothing and we have the right hair products. Great hair day is every day. Amen!

We pray for an hour a day, have a deep connection with the Lord, and can hear him in all we do. We have figured out our purpose and we are fully engaged in carrying out His plan.

You know the place.

That’s what we are working for. We are constantly praying and fasting for our arrival. We fight our spouses for this haven. We yell at our kids for this. We read books and seek advice from the experts who say they know how to get there. There are shows, movies and podcasts that give us steps on how to make it.  We want our family and friends to validate for us that we are well on our way.

What if there isn’t such a place?

I know. It's hard to take in! 

What if this is about the journey and not the destination? What if it’s about how you live now as opposed to how you will live when you get there?

What if it’s about your compassion?  Love?  Forgiveness?  Patience?

What if it’s about your love for Jesus? Sharing Him through your actions when you have not arrived or when you have nothing or everything?

What if it’s about how you love those who you or society defines as unlovable?

What if it’s about how you pray for others?

What if it's about how you treat your loved ones?

What if it’s about how you care for the sick or feed those who are hungry?

What if it’s about how you stand up and not be ashamed for what you believe and how you live?

What if it’s about humility?

What if it's about grace and not entitlement?

If so, have you made it?

Blessings!

All rights reserved. copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com 

Alone With Nothing!

I’ve been going to my local coffee shop to write. I have a place at home but there have been instances when I can't use it. Why? My children seem to need all of my attention when I’m working.  All of it! You know how it is. I can loudly call their names and not get an answer. I can search the entire house when I’m needing them to do something. BUT, when I need to get something done all by myself,  suddenly they all appear.

So today I get an opportunity to actually sit and write out my thoughts.  I’m so excited. How often do I actually get this uninterrupted time of writing?

How cool am I? I have it all together. I have everything I need. 

Coffee? Check.

Computer? Check.

Books?  Check.

Colorful pens and highliters? Check

I am ready!

Wait.

One problem. 

I have no idea about what I’m writing.
I have nothing!
I mean NOTHING!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

See this only happens to me!  The time when I have the opportunity to actually get it all out, I can't.
Not anything.

So I’m sitting here. Watching. Wondering. Praying. Waiting.

Ugh!
Then it hit me.  Alone. Nothing.

 

I thought:

"Girl! You are alone and you have nothing!"

HA-LLE-LU-JAH!
 

I put my head in my hands and exhaled. I took advantage of this mental break.

I think that we are a society of people who have made chaos our comfort zone. We crave it. We have become so accustomed to it that we don't know what to do with peace. We question it, feel bad about it, and schedule it away. All the while, we complain about being overwhelmed and tired.

Where's the place that we are so desperately trying to go? What are we doing? When did distress become preferred and quiet become uncomfortable?

Sometimes nothing is ok.

Sit still. No words. Nothing to say. Not a list to create. Not a task to complete.

Wait. Not that you don't have anything to do. You do! I definitely do! It's that you don't have to complete it at this moment.

We have so many distractions. So many things thrown at us daily. So many songs. So many words, pictures, videos, and voices. So many ideas. Plans. Tasks. Checklists.

Sometimes we need a break. A time to exhale. A time to sit and listen to what the Lord has to say to us.

I’m away in a coffee shop. My children are home with their father. No one is calling me. I’m not responding to texts. I’m not wondering about next week. I’m not creating any checklists.

After my initial panic, I actually began to appreciate my quiet.

During this I hear the Lord telling me that He is enough and that with Him comes all I need.  I can relax and enjoy. He's telling me that it’s ok to sit still.  It's ok that I don’t have something to write that will blow someone’s mind. I don’t have to write the next bestseller. I don't have to have next week's plan ready to print and execute. I don't have to have it all together. I don't have to do anything.

It's okay.

Crazy huh?

When was the last time you sat still?
When was the last time you scheduled away your peace?

 What if the Lord is waiting for you to be still so that he can speak to you?

What if in the place of silence is your answer?

Blessings!

Copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

 

The Thing About Contentment

My husband and I live a relatively normal life. Except for that fact that if you visit our home you may hear someone singing mariachi, playing Tchaikovsky, riding skateboards, dancing to old school music or playing volleyball without a net.  Except for that, we are pretty normal!

We buy what we need and sometimes what we want.  Kids are expensive! We have cars that are about 10 years old. and we plan on driving them until the wheels fall off! In other words, not too much longer. Ha!

We absolutely refuse to pay $300 for a pair of shoes for our children because we just refuse! In addition to that, their feet grow too fast and they don’t have jobs!

So…normal.

My husband and I recently went to dinner at a “swanky” hotel.  We have such great times when we go out sans kiddos! (They don’t read my blog so don’t tell them I said that!) 

We decided to meet friends for a fun night out.  As we entered the parking lot of the luxury of the luxuries of vehicles, we valet our normal car. Proudly I must add because I am not walking across the street in heels. Ummmkay! We sometimes ask jokingly "Why don't you park our car in the front with the other expensive cars?"  They stare and stumble, not really saying anything. We laugh and enjoy our evening.

I told my husband “Lots of people are wealthier than we are!” He lovingly said “I disagree. We are rich. We have a great family."

I completely agree! We do. But we would look even better in that $80K SUV! Just sayin...

It made me begin to wonder about contentment. Are we really satisfied with who we are, what we have, and where we are going?  It’s tough to find someone who is truly satisfied with their situation in life.

When do you know you are fine?

When is enough, enough?

One more decimal over in my account.

One more car.

One more computer.

One more house.

One more outfit.

One more pair of shoes.

One more boat.

One more.

Look at this!

Beautiful!

 And this!

I can definitely enjoy this!

We are inundated with the images of “My life is better than yours, My body is skinnier than yours. My home is bigger than yours. Your life can be this way if you have what I have and look the way I look."

We are falling for it too!

We are in debt to the amount of approximately $16,000 per household and still not satisfied.

"And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

"For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:32-33

So many of us are frustrated, depressed, angry and resentful because we are not content. We inherit so much pressure and stress. We are not satisfied with things as they are. We have adopted an unhealthy world view of "enough."

When do you have enough? When will you be satisfied?

What if where you are is your normal?

Will you still seek first His kingdom?

Will you be like Paul and understand the secret in not complaining?

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

The thing about contentment is that we easily abandon it as we pursue the goals of the a particular zip code, Hollywood, or Silicone Valley. We have given over our fullness of joy in contentment with Christ to the unquenchable thirst and insatiable hunger for that which is temporary.

This is all so easy for me to type. But remembering it as I navigate my way through constant images of excess is far different! A great remodel episode on a home channel or the right pin on Pinterest can send me into a struggle.  Seriously! :)

What is your thing about contentment?


Blessings!


"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." I Timothy 6:6-11


Copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights Reserved

Keep Going!

All of us have a desire to be seen at our best.  We have a face that we prepare daily. We wake up and outfit ourselves with smiles and pleasantries in hopes of disguising our pain and the reality of our current self. But deep inside we say:

If only they knew.

My struggle. 

My heart. 

My thoughts.

That I cry at night.

I wonder.

I question.

I’m uncertain.

I’m scared.

I worry.

If only they knew.

So we sit quietly

Waiting. Not letting anyone in.

What would happen if they knew about our gaping wound that bleeds throughout our day? It presents itself in the form of: Impatience. Anger. Sadness. Fear. Frustration. Fatigue.

Friend, you are not alone. Most of us are where you are. We are hiding. Hoping that tomorrow will be different. Praying that our situations will change.

There are so many of us that are going through difficult seasons. I am overwhelmed by how much is happening each day in our world.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

There is HOPE!

Jesus knows. He is not surprised. He knew when He created you that this season would come.

This is not the part where I say share this post with ten people and in ten days your prayer will be answered.  I will not list seven steps to freedom from worry, frustration, sadness, etc.

Sometimes we don’t need a complex answer. We don't need to share, click, or type "Amen." We need hope!

Here it is!

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”  Romans 5:2-5 

 I just want to encourage you to keep going. He will answer.  I don’t know how. I don’t know when. I don’t know what will happen when He shows up but He will.

You will know it when He comes because God’s presence ALWAYS produces evidence.

So no magic.

No steps.

Just wonderful assurance and hope.

You are not alone. He’s there.

He will answer.

Keep going.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” I Peter 5:10

Blessings!


Copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved

Use Your Wings!

Days are busy and summer is NOT a break!

I've fooled myself for many years thinking that summer was a break from the stress and schedule of the school year. But I've come to realize that we just fill the time slots with many other activities. Swimming lessons, music lessons, camps, practices etc.

I'm just as busy now as I was a few months ago. I must say that I prefer this kind of being on the move. I am enjoying every minute of it!

Having three kids means I'm usually dropping off, picking up or trying to coordinate with my husband in making sure we end the day with all three. Seriously!

As I hurried to pick up a kid from another activity, I noticed a bird trying to walk across a busy street. Cars were moving quickly and it stood waiting for the right moment.

Huh?

I thought to myself "Why is the bird walking across the street?"

I shook my head and thought "You can fly! What are you doing?"

I just assumed that it was trying to get to food in the middle of the road. That had to be it. Why would a bird, with the capability of flying over the madness, choose to walk through it?

Immediately, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper "Exactly.Why are you trying to maneuver through situations that you were created to fly over?"

Goodness Gracious!

This one hit me! HARD!

Some struggles are not for me. There are some situations, people, or feelings I should not attempt to engage or entwine.

Am I the only one?

How many of us are hiking through the terrain of unproductive situations, relationships, feelings, debates, and conflict that we are meant to circumnavigate?

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If  God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37


Why are we developing strategies to march when we have been given wings to soar?


Blessings!



copyright 2015. www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved

Flying, Turbulence, Trust, and the Insane.

I've missed this place. I took two weeks off and I can't promise that I won't do it again! End of the school year projects, concerts, awards, testing and competitions leave no rest for the weary.

The last couple of weeks have definitely been a lesson in trust.  It has reminded me of a plane flight I took in June of 1993.

It was a Delta Flight. Dallas to Houston.

Oh how I remember...

Flying was always something that I enjoyed. I loved everything about it. The sounds, the window seat views, and the faces of the passengers. All of it.

This particular day I was on my way to a wedding. Like always, before take off I bowed my head and prayed a prayer of safety and protection.  When I finished, I heard the Lord ask "Do you trust me?"

I thought it was odd but my obvious answer was "Yes!"

It's the answer that most of us would give. Of course we trust the One who loves us most. We worship. We pray. We read his word. We know that He's a healer. He's a protector. He's a provider. He's a deliverer.

We know.

So for me to answer anything other than a yes would have been disrespectful and according to my heart, absurdity.

As the plane took off I was feeling pleased about my answer. Looking out the window, I marveled at His handiwork!  It was breathtaking. I closed my eyes and told Him how much I loved Him.

As soon as I started to get comfortable on this one hour flight it was time to land. The pilot came on and said that there was a storm in Houston. We were going to have to fly in a holding pattern until we were cleared to land.

I thanked God for safety and protection and waited patiently.

One hour later the pilot announced that we would start our descent. He told us to fasten our seat belts. I didn't think this was out of the ordinary, as this was the normal sequence of many flights before.

And then...

I LOST MY MIND!

The turbulence was dreadful.  Bumps. Drops. Swaying. The noise of the engine. Clouds. Screams.

Me screaming.

Plane descending.

Me screaming.

Bumps. Drops.

Shaking.

I looked at the faces of the flight attendants. Calm.

Me still screaming. Wondering if they were just okay with the fact that we were obviously dying.

Turbulence stopped.

Calm.

Plane landed.

Everyone clapped.

I didn't.

I needed to get OFF!

As we taxied in, I could not stop shaking. I cried. I couldn't believe what just took place. Never in my life had I been through such an experience. It was horrendous. I couldn't imagine getting on another plane.

I got my things and ran off the plane. Pushing many people out of my way too. I needed to put my feet on the ground!

When I got to sure foundation, (as the older saints would say),  I thanked the Lord for answering my prayer of safety and protection. I was more than relieved.

Then I heard Him ask again, "Do you trust Me?"

Then it began to unfold.  I was so focused on the bumps and drops during the storm, that I didn't trust the one who I had just told I trusted.  I didn't remember that He was a deliverer or a protector. I didn't even remember my own prayer!

I thanked him for answered prayer after it was over but I did not trust Him during the process.

He even showed me in the faces of the flight attendants that we were fine, and I questioned the assurance. *sigh*

And OF COURSE I remembered Matthew 8:23-27

And He got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying "Save us, Lord. we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose an rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying "What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?"

Nope. Not one of my best moments. Now I can laugh at my foolery. I was insane!

Even though I was such a mess, He still calmed the storm and landed that plane. In spite of my response, He remained God and in control.

Oh how I love Him!

I could keep going on and on about this one.So many lessons from this one flight but I will leave you with this...

He loved me enough to show me that my perception of our relationship is not always reality. He showed me that trust is by experience like any good and healthy relationship.

The only way to get to know Him is by experiencing Him. I can hear and read about His deliverance but I will never fully know Him until I have been delivered. I will never know Him as a provider if I've never needed provision.

So many of us are going through some really tough times. These are difficult days. Can I just encourage you to keep your focus one the One who speaks to the winds of your situation?

I know it's easier said than done when you are in the bumps, sways, and drops. But He has promised in Psalm 34:19:

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

He's there. Holding you. Protecting you. He's in control.

Do you trust Him?

Blessings!

copyright 2015 www.shundriaridick.com All rights reserved.

Mother's Day Reminder

Mother's Day was yesterday and the best gift I could ever receive was the bedtime prayer of my sweet 8 year old.

"Jesus thank you for letting my mom be my mom."

I. die. 

Not a gift card, spa package or flower can reach in a grip a heart like the words of a grateful child.

So Precious and I am so thankful to hear his prayer. I cannot tell you the joy in my heart to hold the hands, touch the faces, and kiss the cheeks of the children I never thought I would have. 

His sweet prayer was an answer to a prayer I cried through 16 years ago. 

As much as I love this day, I do not get through it without thinking of those of us who love to see it leave. It's a reminder of what we do not have or what our heart aches for most. 

After having a few conversations this week about the loss of children, I couldn't help but re-post a blog that explains the silent struggle of us who have endured this day.

I'm Glad Mother's Day is Done

Blessings!

copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Tick Tock The Game is Locked!

I enjoy memories of playing outside as a little girl...

Jumping rope and singing rhymes. Playing hopscotch with rocks and not jumping far enough to 8 or 9. Girls competing against the boys in freeze tag. Playing kickball and getting hit by the ball so hard that it stung!

Playing jacks was my all-time favorite! Bouncing the ball, picking up jacks, around the world, lagging, and making it to 10's were all kinds of fun! Playing with my sister was one thing but when I had the opportunity to play with girls from the neighborhood, that was even better.

I remember once excitedly spotting a game and being ready to join in on the action. As quickly as I ran to play, the girls shuffled, held hands and yelled "tick tock the game is locked!" That was the signal saying that I was not invited to play the game.  I was left out and had to stand back and watch while they played. I was excluded for whatever reasons 9 year old girls could make up.

I smile now but at the time I was so hurt. Not only did they not want me to play, it felt as though they didn't want me. Something was wrong with me. What did I do to not get invited? Why were they having the fun and I only had the unfortunate privilege of watching?

So now that I'm older and as I talk to others I think adults are having the same feelings!

We see or hear about all the success others are having. New homes. New cars. Traveling. Great careers. Great ministries. Great health.

Singles see their friends going out on dates and having the audacity to have fun or even get married!

Parents see the successes of other children as ours are battling difficulty.

We see others have financial blessings as we struggle.

It's as if we are watching and they are saying "Tick Tock the Game is Locked!"

Children often make decisions about their world though their limited understanding of it. Most difficulties in their lives are often explained through themselves. So it wasn't unusual that I blamed myself for not being invited and not the inconsistencies of little girls. It made me think twice about joining in the next time I saw them playing.

Unfortunately as adults we tend to make decisions about our circumstances with limited understanding of them and with limited knowledge of God's Word. We conclude that we have been forgotten,. We are convinced that something is wrong with us and we have not been chosen for a purpose. As a result, we limit our involvement with others. We isolate ourselves. We blame us instead of the lies of the enemy!

As long as we nurse this lack of understanding and knowledge, we are rendered ineffective for the Kingdom of God. If we can continue to believe the lie that it's just us, we are too self focused to turn our attention to purpose. Meanwhile, as Jesus said in Matthew 9:37 "Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

We often think that the enemy or Satan only wants us dead. Or we declare that he wants us destroyed.
He does.

However, he will also be content with us being ineffective.

Not a threat.

Powerless.

Isolated.

Uninvolved.

What he doesn't want you to know is the truth of God's Word!

And here's the truth!

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us then who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you." I Corinthians 16:23 (The Message)

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" John 6:37

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8


You are IN!

GO!

Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

Still Under Construction!

I am constantly running interference on behalf of my children. So many things are pulling at them for their attention and their hearts.  TV, movies, games, and music are all aimed at deceiving them into a world of discontent and a hollow form of happiness.

We have to steadily find opportunity to fill them with the truth of God's word while modeling a fulfilled life in Christ.

That's work because this world is after us too! 

More money. More things.

More anything!

If we are not diligent in being fixed on our purpose in parenting, we can easily be distracted while leaving our children uncovered and ill-equipped.

Parents, we can attend weekly church services and still not prepare our kids in living a life for Christ.

While fighting for them this weekend in prayer, I was reminded of a previous blog post from April 2013.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

I wanted to share it again because it encouraged me so much and gave me new energy at the importance of building Kingdom in our kids!


Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved.

Re-Define!

Where do your beliefs come from?

The importance of our childhood is often overlooked.  The saturation of pop psychology in our society has made us incurious and negligent regarding the events or situations that assembled who we are and what we believe. Nonetheless, our childhood is what gave us our infrastructure in which we shaped our lives.

The presence of both parents or the absence of one consigned to us our philosophy of love and marriage. Their attendance, or lack thereof, and quality of participation dictated our theory regarding faith, self,  relationships, commitment, responsibility, and work to only select a few.

Our home environment, family relationships, culture, traditions, entertainment and more during our formative years have remarkably influenced how we live our lives as adults. These experiences guide us in making from the least and trivial to the most significant decisions in our lives.

For example, if we experienced the divorce of parents at the age of 9, we form ideas regarding men, women, commitment and marriage.  As adults, even though we have greater aptitude and competence, we typically do not change these ideas. Instead of challenging these conclusions, we continue to make adult decisions in these areas with a 9 year old's understanding and feelings.

Many of us are continuing to live our days through our limited views as children.

Wait...

I'm not saying that every aspect of our childhood has to be viewed differently. Many of us had great experiences in our homes and with our families. The commitment and love of my family have shaped the structure of my home today. However, I'm emphasizing that some of our most difficult issues currently are a result of earlier mishandled experiences and decisions.

But God!

Re-Defining these experiences through God's Word is essential in healing and living out an abundant life in Jesus Christ!

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14 

Whatever situation or circumstance we were born in, left in, or given, we are purposed in being here.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them". Ephesians 2:10

And BLESS the Lord for this!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Thank God that our value is not evidenced in how we were treated. Nor is it placed in our circumstances or descriptions given by others.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 

At some point we need to challenge our beliefs about faith, love, life, relationships, marriage, self-worth, success, etc. We need to question those ideas that were formed on the frailty of human behavior and the restricted comprehension of a child. Unfortunately, some of our current arduous situations are dictated by these ill formed axioms.

We need to abandon any theory or definition that is not from God and embrace our identity and purpose in Him!

What do you believe?


Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com  All Rights Reserved

A QUICK REMINDER...

With busy lives and even busier minds, sometimes we need a reminder.

We need to know that we are forgiven. Redeemed. We are the loved. 

In the midst of living life, we disappoint, fail and make many mistakes.  When we do, sometimes we forget.

We forget that there is no mistake, disappointment or failure too dreadful that it cannot be forgiven by a loving and merciful God.

So go to Him.

Right now.

He's there.

Ready to discuss it with you. As you come in truth and humility, He will help you. He isn't surprised nor put off by your sin.

There is NOTHING too hard for Him.

Give it to Him.

He's there.

Ready to cleanse.

Ready to get to the core of your issues.

Ready to restore.

He's there.

He gives grace to humble, so don't show up in pride.

He is close to the contrite heart. So come in your brokenness.

He wants to wipe away your pain.

He wants to wipe away your tears.

He wants to renew your hope.

He wants to give you a new song.

He wants to make you new.

Go.

"God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he is rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him."  Psalm 103:8-13 The Message

Blessings!
.


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

You Are What You Eat!

I've said it before and I'll say it again I love to eat!

I really do and no parts of me are ashamed of it.

Yes I am an emotional eater because food makes me happy! A warm piece of chocolate cake sitting next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a kiss of comfort. A good piece of corn bread positioned next to a heap of mustard greens makes me want to cry OUT! (Don't judge me!)

Because of this love and fascination with food, I'm always looking for the next great recipe. Something different. Something new. Something that will make my family want to rise up and call me "Blessed!"

My poor family. They never really know what they will see when they park themselves at the dinner table. It's a good thing. It keeps them on their toes. It broadens their limited palates. It makes them very nervous.

My 14 year old son will eat anything that isn't nailed down to the table. He eats all day. Everyday. It's like a sport. He will eat bean and cheese burritos everyday if I would let him. My 13 year old daughter doesn't like sauces or condiments. But she eats spaghetti. She eats her veggies but not salads because she cannot have a wet salad dressing on it. But she loves barbecue with sauce. My 8 year old says vegetables destroy his taste buds. So it takes him an hour to eat 3 bites of peas. My husband eats whatever I cook. Not picky. He just wants a good home cooked meal

Needless to say, none of these desires and limitations interfere with my creativity. I'm so serious. I have five people to feed and I don't have time to make sure I cover every one's preferences. Whatever I cook is what's for dinner. I'm that mom.  If you don't like it tonight, hold on! You may get lucky tomorrow night.

So this week was no different.  As I served them, I saw that they were eating food that at one time they were utterly unyielding over and declaring that they would detest it. They were devouring food that made them dry heave when told to take at least ONE trial bite.

This made me understand that as a parent I give them their food preferences. I set their palates. I teach them what's healthy. I train them to choose options that they will glean the benefits and not have to repair the damage because of them.

It  made me think of what I feed myself?

Then I wondered...

In what other areas of their lives am I feeding?  What are their desires in music? Clothing? Education? Entertainment?

What are mine?

What do they desire spiritually? Do they have a palate for the things of Christ? Or have I not demonstrated or fed them enough in this area for them to even have a taste for Him?

Do I have a taste for Him?

Am I feeding them things that will give them life regardless of their preferences? Or am I serving according to their short lived feelings which results in a life of entitlement and self indulgence?

What am I feeding myself? Are my preferences His or mine? Does my life portray my choices? Does what others see in my behavior and choices represent what I say? Or does it contradict?

So...

I have to be up for the challenge of resistance. My kids nor I will always want to sit and read God's Word.

But we must.

There may be attempts to stray from modesty in clothing and behavior.

But we can't.

We may listen and then dismiss when we hear about what the Bible teaches us about love, serving others and sharing Christ.

But there is no alternative.

I have to keep molding, feeding and establishing their appetites and mine because the world is preparing a feast for us daily. A spread that will only give us an initial sense of fulfillment but leave us with a longing and emptiness that can never be fully satisfied.


Bon Appetit!


Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

That's what I want to do....Nothing!

Ummm...

I don't want to write today.  I'm exhausted.  Every aspect of my life right now has a responsibility attached to it and somehow everything will fall apart if I don't get everything done!

shhhhh.....

Don't tell anyone I said this but I don't want to do anything!

Have you ever felt that?

Not wanting to engage in anything or anyone. Not even do the thing you love most.

Just wanting to sit.

Just sit.

I don't want to think.

I don't want to plan.

I don't want to solve a problem.

I don't want to read a book.

I don't want to mediate an argument.

I don't want to wash a dish.

I don't want to clean anything.

I don't want to do anything.

NOTHING!

I want to turn off.

I want to sleep.

I want to relax.

I want to eat food that I do not have to cook and on dishes that I do not have to wash.

I want to lay in a bed that I don't have to make in a room that I don't have to clean.

I want to aimlessly surf the Internet and get sucked into a YouTube black hole.

I want to go at least 7 layers deep on Pinterest Boards

I want to watch mindless television and every movie I've seen at least 100 times already.

I want the remote.

I want to sip on a ridiculous espresso drink like "soy triple threat with an extra shot of gooey goodness and topped with double whip cream" and nibble on a piece of something made with white sugar. And I want it for breakfast and lunch.

And I want to do all of this in cotton clothes without buttons or zippers.

It's just one of those days.  It's not a depression. It's not any one's fault. It's not a strike.

It's REST!

I want REST!

Unfortunately we have been deceived into thinking that rest is laziness. It's not being productive with our time. We are being duped into believing that every day should end in the lists being completed and projects being done. We've been told that successful people keep going. Anything less than giving 100% of your efforts and 100% of your time, is considered unfocused and aiming for failure. As a result, we feel guilty for resting.

We are exhausted. We are overwhelmed. We are stressed. We are overworked. We are over planned. We are over committed.

So I have taken it upon myself to give you the following information, It will give you FREEDOM from this foolishness.

It is Written!

Psalm 127:2 "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves."

Yessss....

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"

Won't He Do it!

Mark 6:31 "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure to even eat."

Yes Sir!

Exodus 33:14 "And he said My presence with go with you and I will give you rest''

I'll take it!

Jeremiah 31:25 "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."

Thank you Lord!

Go Ahead and do Nothing!

REST!

The Creator of the Universe said it. So we have to do it.

And the next time someone complains or questions your "Nothing," just quickly remind them that it's in the Bible. You are just being obedient to God's word! :)

And you know that God's Word is true. It's real. And it never fails!

Let the Church say AMEN!



Blessings!


copyright 2015. www.shundriariddick.com   All Rights Reserved.

"That was Cool Mom!"

I am completely captivated by my oldest son. He is intelligent, comical, and extremely talented.  He is my heart and I treasure his smile.

He is 14.

So the little boy who used to tell me everything about his day and ask to take my hand with him to school has grown up.

His words are few.

He eats everything.

His smiles have changed from the excitement of our time together to him telling stories about his time with friends.

A few days ago he asked me to come outside and ride his longboard.  He wanted me to "bomb some sick hills" with him. (That's skateboard down a hill for us who are over 35)

I agreed.  Of course I did.  My 14 year old son is not asking me to longboard. He's asking me to spend time with him. So I go. I accept the challenge.

That's not me! That's my boy and the sick hill I  bombed!

As I walked outside, the only thought I had was that when I was younger I had a red skateboard with metal wheels and I made it do what it DO! Do you hear me?!  I was the skateboarding QUEEN! 

Hills. No problem.

Turns. How many?

Stopping. Why?

So of course I was READY!

I bravely got on the board.

And something began to happen.. It wasn't familiar. Wobbling of some sort.

I wondered who took my BALANCE because it was not with me!

My body kept moving without my permission.  I began to try to get some control. It wanted to fall and I kept fighting it.  And that was only one foot.

When I carefully placed my other foot on the board, my hands automatically went straight up in the air.  It was like they were on autopilot. What is happening?!

Where are the breaks?

Wait. Just wait. It's moving by itself. Why?  I don't remember this.

My mind told me that I could do it. Over and over. My body told me that my mind lied. Over and over.

I can't stop now though. I gotta keep going. I can do this!

My son looked at me with excitement. I couldn't figure out if he smiled at my bravery or he was picturing me falling!

So I push off and proceed to go downhill. WHY did I choose to go down a hill?

Oh NOW my mind wants to be rational!  Now it's asking the right questions. I'm rolling down a hill! A HILL!

My mind changed and began to betray me. It proceeded to tell me about death on a skateboard. It flashed pictures of me falling and breaking bones. It whispered to me that I could fall and knock out my front teeth. Lord knows that dental insurance does not cover implants!

I'm rolling faster. This is crazy. WHAT am I doing?

How do I turn?

My kids are screaming "Go Mommy!"

I go. Hands up in air. The ground moving quickly past me.

How do I stop?!

Abort! Abort!

My mind quickly told me "You are doing it! GO!"

I raise my hand in victory and yelled out!

My body said "fool...you are going to DIE!"

I jumped off!

My heart beating ferociously from excitement and terror!

Then I must act cool because I made it do what it do again.

He was completely excited and I was still ALIVE!

He smiled and said "that was cool mom."

That statement made it all worth it!

He will not remember my inner turmoil or my gripping fear.

He will remember the time when his mom bombed a sick hill with him.

And then he will smile.

Life is quick. Busy. Our kids are growing fast. We want so much for them but mostly they just want our time. They want to share with us what they enjoy.

And when we do.

They will smile.

Yes...even 14 year old boys!



Blessings!



copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved. Images for this blog only.

HOME!

So my kiddos are HOME and Spring Break 2015 is done!

All is right with the world. We are all together again.

Reunited and it feels so good! (I'm old I know.)

I am so thankful to God that He protected them and brought them home safely. I missed them.

However, I truly enjoyed being home with my 8 year old!

He's such a loving kid. Everyday he held my hand, told me he loved me, and gave me at least 100 kisses.

My husband kept telling him "Say man...get your own wife!"

My sweet boy would just giggle and give me more.

Yep.

Sweet.

He loved his time with me and I treasured our time together. He talked, laughed, and talked some more. I am now caught up on Transformers, Minecraft, and all things 8 year old boys.

So great.

But at the same time...I prayed!

All week I prayed! Do you hear me?!

I slept but didn't sleep.

I knew my two travelers were fine but couldn't help but wonder.

I prayed all week.

All week I prayed.

I prayed that they would be covered. Protected.

I prayed that they would enjoy themselves. Learn. Experience. Remember. Grow. See

I prayed for the bus driver and the pilot. I actually introduced myself to the driver and told him "Bring my baby back home." Yes...I'm that mom!

I prayed for the bus and the plane.

I prayed for clear safe roads and clear safe skies.

I prayed for their teachers.

I prayed for their friends.

I prayed for there food.

I prayed.

All week.

I know that I can only go so far and do so much.

Everything else is beyond me. Beyond my reach. So many things.

I know that there are so many miracles that need to happen correctly in order for us just to breathe. Cells. Organs. Biological systems. Environmental systems. And that's just to breathe!

I needed them to breathe, come home safely, and everything in between!

All beyond me.

So I prayed to the One who created it all.

The One who speaks and the winds obey Him.

The One who created light from darkness.

The One who created everything from nothing.

And He did.

He answered.

Grace. Mercy.

It's a tremendous comfort to know while in a completely powerless place that the Creator of the Universe is right there with you. Regulating! Orchestrating!

He makes it all happen according to His will, His purpose and for your good!

Prayer works. It does.

What are you praying for? Where do you feel powerless? What's beyond your reach?

Your hard is His easy!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer an supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6.

"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, an it will be done for you." John 15:7

Prayer works.

It does.



Blessings!



copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved. Images for this blog ONLY.

I Hope They Know...

Spring Break!

I have not been doing much writing this past week. The only thing on my mind has been getting my two older children ready for their spring break trips. The only thing on their minds has been leaving! So getting them to concentrate on chores, homework and studying for exams have been all I can handle.

Packing! UGH! You know how it goes. Getting them ready and realizing everything they have is too small and washed out.

"What happened to the socks I just bought? What do you mean that was last summer?"

"You cannot take that underwear! Gotta have new underwear just in case there's an accident." That's my mother's wisdom.

"Are those the shoes you've been wearing?"

"What do you mean you only have one belt?"

"You are not taking that shirt."

So...I've spent a lot of time making lists, shopping, and packing.

I carefully planned each bag of luggage and backpack. They have everything they need and more. I mean down to Kleenex and hand warmers.

So they've been gone a couple of days. Each child on each side of the country.

East Coast

West Coast

Yes, I'm a mess. I want them home but excited that they are away. I am worried about kidnapping, blizzards, earthquakes, and a sudden case of early onset Dementia. I know I'm crazy.

My youngest is home with us by himself and HAPPY! He's in their stuff. He's playing their games, in their rooms and eating their snacks. Heaven I tell ya! HEAVEN!

My daughter has been gone one day and I've heard from her by 3 calls and many texts.  My son has been gone for four days and I've gotten two calls and two texts! BOYS! Of course after I threatened to show up, I immediately got a call back. Funny!

I've been getting pictures of them and they are not wearing their clothes according to plan. Shirts, shoes, pants are all mixed up and they are HAVING A BLAST!

I am so excited for them!

I know...

They will remember the songs they sang on the bus ride. The view from the plane window.

They will joke with their friends.

They'll eat junk.

They will stay up way later than they need to.

They will forget to call.

They will lose something.

They will laugh uncontrollably.

They will see something that will remind them of home.

They will miss home.

They will want to come home.

They know that their father and I will be here ready and waiting!

I look at the pictures of their sweet faces and I think...

I hope they know.

I hope they know how much they are loved.

I hope they know the sacrifices made in order to get them there: Hours of work. Money. Time. Preparation. Prayer.

I hope they know that they are blessed beyond measure to have these experiences.

I hope they know that they are surrounded by people that love and care for them.

I want them to know that each step has been planned and on purpose. They will use this information again. Something will happen in their lives and these experiences will be useful. They are creating memories and being prepared for the next season of their lives.

I hope they know how much I want them home but not before they see all that's planned for them to see and experience.

I hope they know.

And then I cried.


I wonder if the Lord thinks that of us.

I hope they know..

Really know the sacrifice of dying for them.

I truly love them.

I hope they know.

The plan of defeating death for them so that they can live.

The plan I have made specifically for their lives.

The care and protection I put into them daily. I have surrounded them with people who love them.

Each step. Each experience. All have been planned and on purpose.

They have been equipped.

They are chosen.

They win.

I hope they know.

How much I want to hear from them daily.

That I will never leave them or forsake them.

How much I want them home with me but not until their time and experiences are complete.


I am with them and I hope they are aware that I know...

Their experiences. Their joy. Their pain. Their prayers.

I know they will forget to talk to me. Read my Word.

I know they will mess up.  Lose something.

I know they will laugh.

I know they will cry.

I know they will miss Me.

I know they will want Me.

And I will still be there. Ready.



And then I cried!


Blessings!





copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved. Pictures are for this blog only.

Stitches and Knots

I've heard so many times that you and I are God's Treasure. 

We are His Masterpiece. His Tapestry. And He has a plan for us!

That's so wonderful to hear. Isn't it?!  

I love knowing that He has a plan for.us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I love hearing about His promises. 

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. and so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

I am overwhelmed when I hear how much He loves us.

"But God shows his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

It's so comforting that the God of the Universe cares about us individually. 

We often hear of these amazing truths and never fully receive what the Lord has for us because of our perspective. 

What perspective?

The other side of the Tapestry.

Many of us view life looking at the back side of this Masterpiece. 

It's a mess!

Random threads. Jumbled. Purposeless. Knots. Chaotic.Tangled. Frayed. Senseless.

God is the Master Weaver. His view is complete. Every thread of failure, loss, rejection, triumph, faith, and promise are woven into His wonderful design. 

He is creating His Master Work!. 

Everywhere you go. Everything you see. There are no accidents. Your experiences are custom made.  

Every now and then He gives us a glimpse of what He is weaving. We see the beauty in life. We understand our purpose. We see the colors and patterns of answered prayer. We see the threads of impossibility woven to create possibility. We get the courage to continue because we can see that life isn't random and nothing is an accident.

Where are you today? What are you dealing with at this moment? 

Loneliness...

Uncertainty...

Chaos..,

Family Discord...

Divorce...

Financial Difficulty...

Exhaustion...

Sickness...

During these times we often lose heart. Whatever it is, it's not the full picture.

"For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when completeness comes, what is in part disappears."  I Corinthians 13:9 

Every experience from the top of the mountain to the inmost depth of the valley is not wasted. 

He's weaving.

He's planning.

Something good.

Even when we don't see it.

Every stitch.  Every thread. Every knot. Every color. Every direction.

His Perfection.

His Jewel.

His Masterpiece.

For His Glory. 

Amen!

Blessings!

copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.