Run Anyway!

I showed up to meet with my running group bright and early Saturday morning. I was so excited. It's been awhile and I was ready to be with my people. I'm a runner. I started running 10 years ago. I fell in love and I haven't stopped. Well, not all together anyway. There have been periods of time when I took breaks. Having a baby, raising kids, and life in general have made me park my shoes. But this Saturday I was ready to get back. I left home early because I knew it was going to be crowded. I was a little anxious because I hadn't run with a group in awhile. As I arrived, I noticed that it wasn't as crowded as I had anticipated so I got a great parking space. This day was starting off wonderfully. I jumped out of my car and there they were!  My people! Tables and Tents were waiting to welcome me and check me in. Wait! Why are they sweaty and stretching? It's 7:45am and the run starts at 8:00am. I saw an old friend and he asked why I was there. "To Run" I responded. He said "It started at 6!" WHAT?! Surely he was mistaken. I immediately checked my email on my phone and it was right there in black and white "Starting at 6:00 am..."

I WAS TWO HOURS LATE!

My excitement quickly turned to disappointment. I actually missed the run. My people had that after run glow and were already gathered in small groups. As I walked by I heard them talk about their pace and their plans for their next run. Ugh! I looked around and began to notice how fit everyone was. They had the latest running gear. They wore great shoes, the latest dri-fit clothing, race watches/heart monitors, ear buds (bluetooth of course) and running sunglasses. These people's shoes haven't been parked! They've been running and they are much further ahead than me. I wanted to get in my car, drive one block and let Starbucks "Soy Triple Venti Hazelnut Macchiato with Whip" take my troubles away! (Don't judge me!)

I frantically searched and found the person in charge. She listened, consoled and said "Run Anyway!" Those words reached down inside, grabbed my spirit and shook me to my core. Her mouth was moving but it was definitely the Holy Spirit speaking to me! "You've felt that it was too late for you. You've been disappointed and felt that others are achieving their destiny and you've been left behind. Study Anyway! Write Anyway!

RUN ANYWAY!" 

So I began my run alone. I ran the same route as the other runners and was reminded that in our walk with the Lord, we compare ourselves to other believers. We are often distracted by their "gear" and become discouraged that we are not as "spiritual" or as close to the Lord as they are. They seem so much further ahead. For those of us who haven't been walking closely with the Lord, this can be especially daunting when we decide to start again.  At that time, He reassured me!

REASSURANCE!

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)

During the run I noticed that the hydration stations were still available. The same way He provided for the earlier geared up runners, He provided for me!

PROVISION! 

Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Matthew 6:31-32)

The run confirmed that I am definitely out of shape. I couldn't help but think of all the junk I've been eating lately. None of which sustained or provided me with the nourishment I needed to make it through this difficult run. Yes, all the quick prayers and missed or shortened quiet times will not sustain me through tough times in my life. (I know right! The Lord spoke the WHOLE time!)

As I ended my run, an older gentleman was running my way. His pace was slower but he looked steady and strong. He must have noticed the agony on my face. I was out of breath and about to pass out! He looked at me with a huge smile and said "You look great! Keep going!" 

ENCOURAGEMENT! 

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.   (I Corinthians 1:8-9)

Let the Church say Amen!

I finished my run and went home in awe of God and His timing. I thought I went for a run with others but the Lord wanted me alone so that He could speak and I could listen. I am grateful. 

Do you feel like it's too late? Do you feel left behind? Do you feel ill-equipped or out of place? Do you feel that everyone else is either living in their destiny or closer to it than you? 

He is your strength. He is your salvation. He is your provision. He is your encouragement. 

RUN ANYWAY!

Blessings!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
(2 Corinthians 3:17)

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Black Fathers are Home!

Common stereotypes portray the Black father as missing. In researching statistics on fatherhood, it was common to find books and articles based on this phenomenon. Startling statistics report that 2 out of 3 African American children are born to mother only families. A book title even depicts black fathers as vanished. As I read these staggering facts, I became saddened by this reality. But as I scoured through recent studies, I found it difficult to find adequate positive research regarding African American fathers who are home.

This is not a post about those who are absent. It's to celebrate those who are present. It's not to say that they have "stepped up." These men regard their roles of being fathers as intrinsic, belonging to their essential nature. They esteem their imprint on their children and willingly embrace their responsibility. They understand that they are building purpose and Kingdom in their children as well as strengthening a society.

I begin with my own father. I am a girl who is completely in love with her Daddy! He was there everyday. He demonstrated love by loving my mother, my sister and me. He prayed for me. He taught me to change the oil, change a tire, mow the yard and use duct tape in 1,000 ways! Hearing his voice saying "Hey Baby Girl" makes me melt to this day! I love him so...

Daddy!
The righteous who walks in his integrity
blessed are his children after him!
Proverb 20:7

Chris
A father has compassion on his children so the Lord has compassion
so those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13

Because my Daddy taught me love, I chose a man who does the same. My husband works hard and loves harder. He wipes our children's tears and celebrates their victories. We are grateful for him. Our children are strong and confident because of his daily hugs, many kisses and never ending "I love you."  He prays for our children and teaches them to pray. He loves us and we love him!

I have collected the faces of very few of the many African American fathers who are answering the call. These  are men of valor and vision. They are KINGDOM MEN as described by Dr. Tony Evans in "Kingdom Man: Every Man's Destiny, Every Woman's Dream"  They are dedicated to their families and are intentional in their purpose. I wanted others to see that they do exist. They have not vanished. They are not missing. THEY ARE HOME!

They are living the blessing  in Psalm 128 and Psalm 127:3-5:

Joe
How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

                                                           

Eric
Who walks in His ways.

Jessie
When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.

                                                     

Jonathan
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house.

 Brendan
Your children like olive plants around your table.

Jeff
Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed, who fears the Lord.

DeLario
The Lord bless you from Zion

Larry
And may you see prosperity of Jerusalem,

Anthony
All the days of your life,

         

Aaron
Indeed, may you see your children's children

Kevin
Peace be unto Israel!

                       

                                                                                                                           

Darrell
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.

Trent
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Jonathon
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Kedric
They will not be put to shame

 

Randal
When they contend with
their enemies at the gate.

                                             

There is only room for a few but they represent many.  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to the men who live beyond the world's expectations. Thank you for standing with your family regardless of misrepresentation in the media, alarming statistics, polls, and political agendas. Thank you for follwing passionately after God's own heart and living out your purpose.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HOME!

Blessings!


copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved. Photos for this blog only.

Mariachi Momma!

Praying for children and receiving that blessing has been a great joy and one of many reasons to constantly say "Thank You Lord."  But never in all my days did I expect to experience this!

Mariachi Los Reyes

Yes you are seeing clearly! My sweet boy is in Mariachi and he is absolutely in love with it! On my best creative day I could not have imagined that this would be my reality. He plays the violin, guitar and vihuela. How did this happen? Two years ago I didn't even know the word "Trajes." (That's the uniform worn by Mariachi.) Today, I traveled three hours to purchase one!

When my 12 year was just days old, my husband and I had a conversation. It went like this:

Me: So glad we have a boy!
Hubby:  He's going to be a football player!
Me: Wait! What if he doesn't want to play football. What if he wants to play the violin?
Hubby:  He can do whatever he wants AFTER practice! 

Of course my husband was joking! (kinda) We still remember that conversation and are amazed at how life has unfolded.  I cannot believe that I actually spend my days listening to Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. That's a long way from Kirk Franklin and Hillsong. Trust Me on this one!

I shake my head in disbelief as I hear him singing in Spanish! Is this my life? This has seemed so random but it reminds me of Ephesians 3:20.

 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams. (Amplified Bible)

When we pray we often limit God to our requests. Our expectations are far below his ability and often don't leave room for a "superabundantly" response from an All Powerful God.  There are no limitations with Him. He has no boundaries!  His abilities are limitless! He wants so much more for us than we could ever ask. (Let the church say Amen!)

I am overwhelmed by God's hand in my son's life. Making new friends, speaking a different language and appreciating that God is bigger than he could have imagined is carrying out purpose in him. I am looking forward to how the Lord will use this in his life.

My husband has enjoyed my son playing football. But it cannot be compared to the joy on his face when he sees him playing Mariachi! He's a proud Papi!

When I prayed 15 years ago, I did not think that I would be a Mariachi Momma! Far more than I could have ever asked...

Bendiciones!


copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved. Pictures for this blog only.

Answers and Side Effects: Be Careful What You Pray!

When I was in my early twenties (in dog years that was only 2 years ago), I wanted to get married and have children. I would pray often for this wonderful blessing. I fasted. I cried out to God. I attended singles conferences just to get a head start on what I needed to posses in order to be a great wife and mother. As I sought the Lord to drop this husband and kids from the sky, I often saw images like these:

photo by godaddy.com

Don't they look happy?  Look at this family.

photo by godaddy.com

This is what I wanted! They are so perfect. These images screamed Ephesians 5. They all looked so clean. The kids are definitely well behaved.  Of course these couples are madly in love with each other and they communicate effectively. Come on now! Every perfect family has a beach vacation!

My prayer was answered. But I got THIS:

photo by allyou.com

And THIS:

messy youngest son at age 3

When I prayed, this was not included! I checked those loving images and there was no fine print.I think photos like the ones above should come with side effects and warnings!

These images may include and are not limited to side effects like fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, dishes, laundry, science projects, PTA, midnight feedings, thoughts of fleeing, chore lists, cooking, cleaning, ironing, packing, pampers, potty training, 2am stomach viruses, intense times of fellowship with spouse, puberty, tweens, tantrums, daydreaming about sleep, dance fees, football fees, library fees, lost homework, carpet stains, etc.

Unfortunately they do not. As a result, we are then left in a state of blissful unawareness that suggests we complete these images with our own delight and satisfaction.

I enjoy this life. But recently, I found myself upset about all the things I didn't have enough time to get done. As I complained and lamented about my life, I heard a voice inside say:

 "Everything you are complaining about is a direct result of answered prayer."  

(BOOM! Are you as blown away as I was?!) 

Immediately I repented! I began to thank the Lord for provision for the clothes to fold, food that needed to be cooked, kids to raise, a house to clean and a husband to share life. Regardless of our place in life, it's easy to forget as daily tasks become overwhelming, that we prayed for this!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live..    I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message)

Blessings!



copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com  All rights reserved. Personal images for this blog only.

A Mom's Day Off

We Americans took this day to observe Memorial Day. My family and I remembered those who died in active service for our country. We honored their memory, prayed for their families and celebrated those who continue to serve. 

I want to take this time to say "Thank You" to those who have made this day possible. Thank you to those who have sacrificed in their service in defense of our country. Because of their bravery, I can have days like these.that are filled with freedoms that we often take for granted. 

Thank You!

As I looked forward to a day of honoring  I was among those who looked forward to a day of rest and relaxation while away from work.

When I fantasized about the day I thought of great food on my brand new grill. I imagined friends over and kids playing. I couldn't wait for this day home from work. I had Pinterest dreams of red, white and blue food on a red, white and blue table being eaten by my family wearing red, white and blue.

And then came reality!

It was a great day! I enjoyed my family. It was a day of wonderful food. But I cooked it!  I chopped, seasoned, grilled and barbecued. I baked a cake and made cookies.  Well, the cake was from a box and the cookies were pre-cut. But that's irrelevant! I added the ingredients and placed them in the oven. At any rate, this was not a part of my fantasy! It skipped the work. I don't think I had anything  red, white and blue. I smelled like smoke and so did everyone else. My kids were just happy they didn't have school.

I wish I could say that my table looked like this:

www.stonegableblog.com

It did not. This is actually a pin I found on Pinterest. My actual table was complete with paper plates and mismatched cups because my day off included dishes! Yes that's right. Someone has to wash that beautiful place setting and linens. Today it was not going to be me. (Let the church say "Amen!")

My recipes were too complicated and so was my new grill.  I forgot to get mint for the homemade lemonade. I rubbed my eyes after stuffing jalapenos. Then I remembered that I was the only one who even liked stuffed jalapenos. So I served soda, bottled tea and eventually just wrapped everything in bacon and called it a day! Yes I even wrapped the asparagus. (don't judge me!)  Everybody likes bacon.

Today I:
cooked breakfast
cleaned after breakfast
prepped food for grilling and barbecuing
grilled and barbecued
fed my family
cleaned the grill
*my wonderful man did dishes
baked a cake
baked cookies
had an unexpected guest (glad it was a close friend because the house is scattered due to us painting)
went shopping for my kid's science project
washed and twisted my daughter's hair (this process took 3 hours)
wrote post on blog!

I did all of this and then felt guilty because I did not:
grocery shop for the week
prepare lunches
get kids ready for the week
finish work I brought home
help fold the laundry in the baskets
clean bathrooms
run at least 3 miles
remember everything that goes on the list!

All of this going on while I settled arguments, listened to my son's guitar solos, proofed my daughter's writing and kissed my youngest son's knee that needed a skate board band aid for the 3rd time in three days.

It was exhausting and I need a day off from my day off!

I know I am not alone. I know my fellow Moms and others who care for loved ones understand and agree with this misuse of the word "off."

Please know that I'm not complaining. I actually enjoyed cooking and spending the day with my family. I just don't want it to be confused with a day off!


Blessings and Laughter!


"Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time" Proverbs 17:22 (GNT)


copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com  All rights reserved.

Hello?! Are you there?

Do you ever feel like God is ignoring you?

I remember growing up and hearing the song "Jesus is on the main line, tell him what you want!" I loved that song as a little girl. I remember daydreaming about picking up the phone and actually being able to talk to God. I would get so excited about having the privilege of God wanting to speak with me. One of my favorite lines in the song was "The line is never too busy, tell him what you want!"

Well I'm not a little girl anymore and although I have grown and understand that the whole song is not about a phone call but praying, it still doesn't dismiss the fact that sometimes it feels like when I call him it goes to voicemail. It feels as if he is either blocking my calls or he sees that it's me and pushes ignore!

Surely, I'm not the only one!  I am completely aware that my feelings are just that. Feelings. Without reason or intellect, feelings are purely chaotic and capable of ruining the best of relationships. So I know that he's not putting me on his "do not call" list. But it sure feels like something is NOT going on.

No answers.

No direction.

No "ah ha!" moments after the Sunday sermon or quiet time.

Nothing. Silence.

It's usually during these times when you hear others talk about all of the amazing things happening in their lives. They are sharing about how God is answering their prayers. You've heard the testimonies of how they were down to their absolute last and someone sends them a check that pays their bills and sends their children to college for free.  All 8 of them. Oh and the one about how they were without work and while they were in the grocery store they held the door for an older lady. She thanked them and mentioned that she happened to own a Fortune 500 company and hired them to a very lucrative position.

I know I'm exaggerating (and laughing) but it sure seems that way when you are hearing NOTHING!

I have and am in the midst of one of these seasons in my life. I have questions and situations before the Lord and I'm hearing *crickets.*  I have what I feel are urgent needs and am getting no response.

Too many times our tendency is to go negative and ask "why me?" We wonder if we have disappointed him or if he's angry with us.  Sometimes in our urgency we may attempt to manufacture his voice by convincing ourselves that what we want is what he wanted to happen anyway. "I feel it. It must be true!"

I don't have your answer. I don't even have mine but maybe he is speaking through the silence.

Maybe he's saying that he wants us to trust and believe in what he has already said. We have to go back to his word.

Maybe he's saying wait while he's working it out for us.

Maybe he's saying no because he has something better.

Maybe his reasons for not speaking to us are as mysterious as he is!

"Just as you'll never understand the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman, So you'll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does." Ecclesiastes 11:5

Whether he answers to our approval or not, we can always rest in the fact that he is in control.

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10a

Or what if it is as simple as he IS speaking and WE have to be silent?

Blessings!


copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

I'm Glad Mother's Day is Done

Fourteen years ago I whispered those words. 

My husband and I got the news that we were expecting a baby and our life immediately changed. We were so excited about our expanding family. We began planning and talking about how life would be different. We discussed moving, schools, careers etc. We were anxiously awaiting the birth of our daughter Grace. We couldn't wait to meet her. At 22 weeks, I went to the doctor and was immediately taken to the hospital. I was told that my daughter was coming sooner than we anticipated. We prayed, cried and prayed more. How could this be happening? At that moment, everything we thought was real was questioned. We were thrown into a world that we didn't know existed. A world where pregnancy didn't mean a healthy baby. Our precious daughter died at birth. We held her in our arms as she fought to breathe with her underdeveloped lungs. Our hearts were beyond broken. Words cannot express the agony of losing a child. We buried our baby and prayed for restoration.

Seven months later I was pregnant again. At 19 weeks I was again placed in the hospital. For three weeks I prayed that our son Caleb would be born. This time we were hopeful. We were sure that it wouldn't happen twice. Of course, this time would be different. At 22 weeks, our sweet Caleb died in our arms at birth. Our world went silent. 

For years, we prayed and mourned the loss of our children. 

Of course many days after were tough. Mother's Day was especially difficult. I didn't know how to answer, "Are you a Mom?"  I didn't know how to respond to "Happy Mother's Day!" It was not a happy day. I was a Mom but I wasn't a Mom. I was a mother by definition but I was not a mother by experience. Seeing other Moms with their children was hurtful. Pregnant women were painfully obvious. I was broken. I couldn't wait for the day to end. My challenge was just to traverse the day.

I want to dedicate this post to those who have done the same. 

This is for the women who hope they are not asked if they are mothers. It's to those who don't know how to answer "How many kids do you have?"  It's to my sisters whose hearts are aching and arms are empty. It's to those who have experienced stillbirth and to those who have had one or multiple miscarriages. It's for Moms who have suffered Perinatal, Postnatal or Neonatal death.

I prayed for you on Mother's Day. I prayed that the Lord would comfort you. I prayed that you were surrounded by those who love you and are walking with you during this difficult season. I also prayed that he shields your heart. I prayed that the loving intent of comfort from those around you was received. I prayed that you extended grace to those who may not have understood your pain. I prayed for you if you felt ignored or forgotten.  I prayed that the Lord would calm your heart's ache and wipe away your tears.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

I can't answer the question "Why?" But I know from experience that God is faithful. He restores. He comforts. He heals. 

In 2000, 2001 and 2007 the Lord answered our prayers. He was gracious and gave us 3 wonderful children. I am overwhelmed by Him.  

Mother's Day 2013

I don't know how or when He will answer. But I know He will.  He'll come. I can't guarantee what His answer will be but his Grace is sufficient. 

I am praying for you.


Blessings

The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'
The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love."
Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32 (NLT)


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