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 

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

These Days

These Days...

I can't even begin to tell you about the twists and turns life has taken me. I am grateful. At the time of the twist or turn, I can't say that my first thought was "I'm grateful." It was something like "Are you kidding me?!"

Older women often encourage me and say "enjoy these days because you will miss them!"

I try to remember that as I scrub stains from my carpet or clean toilet seats. There's a bunch of stuff happening during these magical days. It's easy to get lost in the madness of it all.

Raising our three children, my husband and I often find ourselves bending in the winds of their lives. Homework, chores, extracurricular activities, and their many personalities are enough to keep us busy at all times.

This weekend our family traveled to San Antonio, Texas where our oldest son participated in a State Mariachi Competition.  In one day, we sat through eight hours of mariachi music. Any music for eight hours straight is enough to cause babbling, extreme hallucinations and mild depression. Trust me on this one!

During this exercise of waterboarding, my husband looked at me with a sweet smile and said "We're making memories."

Then it hit me!

"enjoy these days because you will miss them!"

I sat there and looked around.  The room fell silent. I turned around and looked at the face of my son. He smiled. He and his friends had faces of anticipation and excitement. They listened. I noticed the eyes of their director that were filled with confidence and hope. She listened. I captured the faces of their administrators and teachers who traveled to offer encouragement and support. They were proud. They listened. My daughter held my hand and my youngest son offered me another kiss. My husband pulled me closer.

I inhaled to remember the smells. I closed my eyes to hear what my eyes missed.

I cried a few tears and whispered "Lord thank you."

Immediately, I changed my perspective. It was no longer an elongated grim experience. It was my children's childhood. It was my years with my husband and school aged children. It was the support of friends and family. It was the lesson of hard work. It was a memory of longing for children and this moment being an answer to prayer.

I was there. Fully. I felt every second of it.

So this week I only have this.

Nothing deep.

Simple.

These days are your memories. Your stories. Your testimonies. Your deliverance. Your victories. Your failures. Your lessons.

Your Life.

These days are your life.

Regardless of your situation, you can change your perspective and see the artistry of your days.

These days.

Enjoy them because one day you will miss them.


Blessings!




copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com  All rights reserved.

Hello My Name Is ______

What a rough and wonderful week it has been! Jumping out of the boat has been mind blowing! What I've tried to avoid (fear, doubt, uncertainty, etc) has met me face to face in the water. 

But...I'm swimming.

I've had many discussions this week with others who are also diving in!  All have said "I agree Shundria. Enough is enough. It is time to go for it. It's time to walk in our purpose!"

So many are trying to maneuver their jump. but are constantly bombarded by their past. They are haunted by past mistakes, failures, and hurts.

I have listened intently while being told of overwhelming guilt and shame. Many are wanting to jump into their purpose but feel as though too many mistakes have been made. They are carrying too much baggage and too many people know about it.  They said "I need to learn to be different. To be free. I need to find out how to be victorious in my situation. I need to be better."

How many of us can identify?

With so many accusations from the enemy, we meander in the memory of our past.  We make decisions about our future as if our history is our present. 

But GOD! *insert praise here!*

Our past is over. It will always be what it was. It can only do what it did. We can't change it. It's done.

I thank the Lord that we don't have to unravel our history to have hope for our future.

This week as the enemy accuses you with your own words, actions, failures, mistakes and broken promises, remind him of your name! Christ has given you a new one:

He calls you Justified and Redeemed. 

But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus - Romans 3:24

You are Not Condemned.

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

He calls you Chosen, Holy and Blameless before God.

For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love - Ephesians 1:4

He calls you Free.

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery- Galatians 5:1

He calls you Complete. 

You have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority - Colossians 2:10

He calls you Chosen.

We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you - I Thessalonians 1:4

He calls you Friend.

I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father.
- John 15:15

He calls you a New Creation!

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away--look, what is new has come - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Receive it!

#JUMP

Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved

Parenting You

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

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

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

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

We repeat ourselves. ALL DAY!

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

I love you.

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

I love you.

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

I love you.

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

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

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

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

They hear us but...They know better!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings!

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

copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com

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.