Marriage Grace

It's been two weeks since my last post and it felt like one! I'm so serious. Where did the time go?!

Last week my man and I celebrated 17 years of marriage and our first born's 13th birthday! It was a whirlwind of a weekend! In the midst of celebrations, we had football games and mariachi performances! On our anniversary we were serving nachos in the concession stand of a football game. This is my life.

Seventeen years! Wow! I can't believe I'm old enough to have done anything consistently for 17 years. It's been a winding wonderful road.  I've been asked "If someone could have said one thing to you before you got married, what would it have been?" My answer "Buckle up!"

August 24, 1996

It's been a ride. Highs have been high and lows have been low. I look at those faces 17 years ago and think "clueless!" Ha! We loved each other don't misunderstand. But neither of us knew the depth of love and sacrifice we were about to embark upon. We didn't know.

I am so glad that the Lord kept us and still holds us. If it were left up to us we would have driven this thing into the ground. We had so many personal obstacles, unreasonable expectations, and worldly views of marriage. By the absolute Grace of God we are still together and have the privilege of encouraging others in their marriages! To God be the Glory...

This isn't a post about how wonderful marriage has been. It has been that. We've shared so many incredible years. My husband can still walk into a room and take my breath away! It's not about how hard it's been. It has been that. We don't have the time to even begin! :)

This post is about Grace in marriage. In spite of everything we've been through, Grace kept us. It loved us. It carried us. When we wanted to walk away, it reminded us of the covenant we made with God and each other. When we laughed through great times, Grace strengthened us. Grace is for us. 

If I could say anything to encourage someone in marriage it would be:

• It's not always fair, Don't expect it.
• You may give more one season and your spouse may give more the next.
• Only Christ can complete you, not your spouse.
• Love is sacrifice not a feeling.
• Walking in your Role is important. Know it.
• God's Word is the authority not your feelings.
• Arguing is healthy.
• Making up is even better.
• Laugh together.
• Hold hands.
• Forgive like you want to be forgiven.
• Accept that your spouse's weaknesses are different than yours
• ALWAYS PRAY TOGETHER
• Love your kids but never before your marriage (Your marriage is their foundation.)
• Live your life understanding that a Godly healthy marriage and a healthy family are the enemy's biggest threats. YOU ARE KINGDOM BUILDING! He wants your marriage and your children broken. He is your enemy not each other.
• Marriage still works!

I'm looking forward to many more years with this man! We often say that no one else is crazy enough to be with us. So we might as well be together!

17 years later!
Happy Anniversary Honey!

Blessings!

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Where is Jesus?

When my 12 year old was around 5 he was filled with so much curiosity. He had so many questions. Many of which we didn't have the slightest idea how to answer. "No we don't know the absolute last number. No we don't know why there are so many stars." Needless to say, we spent a lot of time on the Internet trying to answer his questions.

One question from this little guy I will never forget! As we picked him up from children's church one Sunday, we noticed that he was a little bothered. He gets in the car and says "Where is He?"

"Where's Who?" We asked.

"Jesus?"

"Huh?"

"Where's Jesus?!" he says emphatically.

"What do you mean?"

"Every Sunday we talk about Jesus. Every time we go to church we talk about what He does and where He goes. We ALWAYS talk about Him!" he says with the face of complete mental exhaustion.

"Honey, of course."

"Well, we talk about him the whole time and he NEVER shows up! Does He come to your church?"

"Yes you bring Him with you. He lives in your Heart." Yep. That's all I had folks!

"What does He do in there?"

You see what I deal with here? We didn't know what to do with this kid! We still don't know what to do with this kid!

I recently thought of this conversation as I considered if other's asked "Where is He?" when it came to my life. I wondered if others could see Jesus in me. They hear me talking about Him. I am quick to proclaim his goodness and mercy, but does my heart reflect Him in how I live my life? Am I trying to generate a Christian image and not have the heart of Christ?

I love Galatians 2:19-21 in The Message:

What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be a God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.  My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going back on that.

God's word just gets right to the point doesn't it?!

Trying to merely create a Christian image with actions only result in frustration and fatigue! This will only display to others a testimony of stress, inconsistency and a lack of peace.

Where is He? Is He with you? Does He live in your heart?

That's a lot to think about for a Monday Morning! :)


Blessings!


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Go Fish, Camp and Contentment!

Today we dropped my two oldest children off at camp. This is our fifth summer shuffling kids down the highway to experience what they describe as the best week of the year. The first year was tough. By the fourth day I managed to cut my hair to the wick!

2009

I missed my kiddos so much. I was going crazy and all I could do was cut my hair! Yep...I was definitely out of my mind.

Well, today was different. I didn't go crazy and I'm keeping my hair. Although I will miss them, it is nice to be down to one kid. Yes I said it. I'm glad they are GONE! (I mean gone to camp! Ha!) I know it's not what a nice mommy would say but it's the truth. I'm telling the truth and shaming the devil.  I love my babies. God knows I do. But I need some quietness!

This year our goodbyes were GOODbyes!

Poppy saying bye and making them hug/kiss each other!
Of course they resisted!

Happy Mommy 2013!
Two down One to go!

Now before you look into the eyes of that little one, let me warn you. It's not real! Well, maybe a little real. It was sinking in that he was was dropping off his brother and sister for a week. He was leaving his best friends. Yes. Poor him. And when he thought about it for a minute his response was "FINALLY!"

I am not joking! He was so happy. He's been talking non-stop since we left them about everything and absolutely nothing. It hasn't been 24 hours and he's already seen a movie and eaten his share of junk! 

WAIT!  What happened to my quietness? As I think about it, my man and I are his playmates for the week. He's going to be talking to us about all the things 6 year old talk about. I've already had a lengthy discussion about superheroes, the Spanish alphabet and chicken. I am elated to spend one on one time with this sweet boy. He is a funny kid and I cherish the time with him.

HOWEVER...

My quiet won't be so quiet. My mind keeps swirling about all the boardgames, Tic Tac Toe, and Go Fish that awaits me. It's going to be great fun the first 10 times! Yay. 

I'm already missing my campers!

Isn't that just like us?! We are rarely content with where we are and long to be at another place in our lives. When we get to our "place," we realize that where we were wasn't all that bad. Sometimes we even label them "The Good Ole Days!"

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 what." Philippians 4:11-12

Are you content where you are?

Next year all three will be left for a week of summer camp wonder! YES! My husband and I have been thinking about great ideas for our time alone! Cruise? Island Getaway? As I'm typing, he just laid his head down to bed and said "I miss the kids."  We are in trouble :)

Blessings!

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

When Life Hurts

There is so much going on these days. When I turn on the TV, log on social media or listen to the radio, I can't escape it. People are hurting!

I have the privilege to listen to people who are hurting. It's an awesome responsibility and I am grateful. Emotional pain does not discriminate. I've come to an obvious conclusion that hurt has touched us all. It's rarely welcomed.  It's often a spouse, child, parent, family member or close friend who hurt us the deepest. Sometimes it's a result of our own mistakes or the mistakes of others. Failed relationships, rejection, mistrust, disappointment, and unmet expectations are a few of the many ways in which we experience emotional pain.

Regardless of the source of our pain, many of us just want relief.  We long for that person to say or do something that will resolve our restless heart.

We want to hear "I love you" or "I forgive you." We want someone to say "It's OK. I'm here and I'm not leaving." We long for security and acceptance.  We crave hope.

I have had my share of pain. It has turned calm days into raging storms. I, too, have longed for resolve and rest. In all of my tears and heartache I have learned that my place of security can't be in people. Of course God gives us people who love and support us. They comfort and pray for us. However, at some point I will let someone down and I will be disappointed by someone. My security has to be in the Lord!

I'm not an expert by any means. But I do know that sometimes relief comes through the presence and words of someone who loves and cares.

So...Here it is.

I love you

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

I forgive you.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  I John 1:9

It's OK. I'm here and I'm not leaving.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"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." Deuteronomy 31:8

Security

"No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."   Romans 8:37-39

Acceptance

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." John 6:37

Hope

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." I Peter 5:10

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

This may all seem very simple. I understand that situations involve many variables that create extreme complexity. This post is not intended to minimize. Nor is it intended to disregard. It is intended to turn towards an all sufficient God who heals our pain.  It is undeniable that He is present. He cares. He listens. He answers. He is Love. He is our greatest Hope.


Blessings!

"...and after you have done everything to stand, Stand firm then,..." Ephesians 6:13b



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Faith, Mariachi and My Boy!

This weekend my son sang a solo for the first time in front of an audience. This was a step of faith for him. He's not usually the kid who wants to have all of the attention on him. Well...he doesn't like to be the center of attention when I'm around. Stinker!

This time he actually volunteered for the opportunity of being on a stage and singing a song in a language he does not speak!  Why? He said he knew he could do it  Philippians 4:13! Is this my kid?!

This week he attended a Mariachi Camp at a nearby university. He said that he had the time of his life. Approximately 80 students from all over in one camp learning from the best.  I instructed him to have a good time and to call me to check in every now and then. Well, I received two phone calls in five days. One was voluntarily and the other was under threat of me coming to pick him up from camp. He had a great time and he called.  I guess he followed instructions!

Can you tell which one is mine?! :)

UNT Mariachi Camp 2013
with Jose Hernandez!

The students performed at the close of camp and it was awesome. He was incredible! He is in love with music. He loves Mariachi! Yes he has Mexican heritage from his father, but I would have never guessed he'd be this in love! As he sang, I cried like a baby. I am overwhelmed by God's sovereignty, I am in awe of how God has orchestrated his life and the lives of our family.

He's 12. Can I get him to have this much passion for cleaning his room? I would pay good money for that to happen! I know. I know. It ain't happening anytime soon!

This continues to remind me that God is in complete control and He has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

He has plans for us! It may look nothing like our plans. It may not be in a familiar place or with familiar people. But He has a plan and it is for our good! We have to be open for the opportunity. We have to be willing to say YES.

Where is your step of faith? What are His plans for you? Could it be in an unfamiliar place? Could it be with unfamiliar people? Are you willing?

My son has no limits on the God he serves. It is mind blowing to watch. He loves what he knows about our God and is willing to admit that he doesn't know it all. But he is willing to trust in Him. He knows he can do it because he chooses not to believe he can't.

That is Faith.

Blessings!

"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1


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Confidence: An 11 Year Old Lesson!

You can enter my home at any moment and see evidence of my 11 year old daughter.  Colored pencils, scrapbook paper, cut outs, and glue are strewn all over the floor in at least two rooms of the house. I absolutely love this age! Kisses, hugs, love letters, snuggles and girl time are her favorites! She still giggles and enjoys hanging out with her mom! I just love her! I don't want her to grow up. I keep asking her to slow down but she keeps growing.  *sniff*

I wanted to share her with you. She is a wonderful writer and loves sharing her love for the Lord. She is my Guest Blogger this week! I hope you enjoy. 

These are her thoughts!

Many people won't believe it but being eleven takes a lot of confidence. From the classroom, to sports, to friends, confidence is a very crucial aspect for everyone.

A few months ago, I fractured my elbow during a cheerleader tumbling lesson. Devastation, pain, and hopelessness filled my heart at the news from the doctor. I knew that my life as a cheerleader took a real big crash. 

It was hard for me to watch the other girls jump and flip across the floor. All I did was sit in a wooden chair and take notes. It's hard for an eleven year old to watch other girls be amazing and not able to join in on the fun.

After nine weeks of being out, it was hard for me to get back in the rhythm of things when I got my cast off. My jumps weren't close to great. My round offs looked like cartwheels! When I stretched, I looked liked a 100 year old lady getting off the floor!

I was tired of being on the sideline and being the only one left out. I was tired of "Are you OK?' and "Do you need help?" I prayed and prayed until my voice was hoarse. I said things like "Help me become like the cheerleader I was before."

After many talks with my Mom and many prayers, God stuffed confidence into me! He made me not see what I was but what I would become. He got me to get to work and start believing in myself.

Today I am doing back handsprings and looking forward to working on back tucks!

The Lord God has been a real big...well not a big but a HUMONGOUS part of my life. He's shown me confidence, the thing that I was lacking.

My confidence comes from Him. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This is a beautiful thing. This has really changed my life. I don't have to count on my strength. I know I can count on His strength in everything I do...even a back handspring!

Confidence in Him opens doors in you that you have never seen! It's a blessing from God. 

Blessings!

E

I'm her Mom but I'm a big baby. I'm crying reading this! Sweetness...

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Now What Was My Post About?

I had this idea for an incredible post. It was filled with great scripture references and meaningful life application. I couldn't wait to hunker down and write it out.

Then I forgot! ha!

Why? Because life happened! Because I'm a wife. Because I'm a mom. Because I forget everything!

Our weekend went a little like this:

Friday!

We started with a 5 hour day at the water park. That will wipe anybody out! Why 5 hours? We purchased season passes and we are going to go until they drain the pools and dry the slides!

I even came home and grilled burgers and hot dogs! (insert applause here!)

Kids took a quick nap and then they were off to football practice with their father, better known as "Coach Poppy."  After a long practice, we couldn't end a 100 degree heat day without a trip to the local snow cone shop. That was dinner. No one complained!

Saturday!

I worked an 11 hour day while my man worked and shuffled kids for mariachi and cheer. With my aching feet, we took the 6 year old to the toy store because his gift card was burning a hole in his pocket. BTW...That $15 gift card cost me $25 when it was all said and done! Yes his smile was worth it but blah blah blah! He's getting a limit. His adorableness will lose power one day. Not anytime soon though.

Because this Proverbs 31 woman wasn't cooking, we had family dinner at an Asian restaurant. My two older children were happy to eat out of course. Noodles, chopsticks and a 6 year old means he was hungry an hour later! He enjoyed his microwaved corn dog. (No guilt here)  Momma was TI-RED.

Sunday!

Sunday we worshipped. My sweet girl and I went to see her friends praise dance at their church. It was Youth Sunday! So a normally 1 1/2 hour service ended up being 3 hours long. The boys ate without us and we didn't mind at all. We went to a nice restaurant and treated ourselves to a girls only lunch. Of course, we ordered dessert to go! I couldn't pass up the four layer red velvet cheesecake. Amen and Amen again!

On full stomachs and a rainy day we took a nap, read books and played with that $40 toy.

As I recall the details of our weekend, I didn't include the cleaning, cooking, arguing, playing, spilling, breaking, crying, stomach aches, scrapes, hair combing, ironing, phone calls and running. I'm sure I left something off the list!

And that brings me to now!

Now what was my post about?!

I can't even begin to recall the particulars of it. It was going to be wonderful and insightful. I promise it really was!

Today I only have this...

My weekend was busy like most days during this season of my life. But it didn't escape me that He kept us, covered us and protected us. He put clothes on our backs, food on the table and a roof over our heads. These things may seem simple and insignificant until the day you don't have them. (Did I just sound like my Momma?!)

God's grace in our everyday lives is overwhelming. The small things we take for granted daily are completely because of his goodness and mercy! We are drowning in His love! How He love us...

This was my weekend song. Enjoy!

Anthony Evans "How He Loves"

Blessings!

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