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.

"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.

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!

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



copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com All rights Reserved

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.

Position or Love?

I wanted to write something meaningful and informational regarding current events. I did my due diligence in researching opinions, articles, and blogs. I just couldn't come up with anything that would be different than what's already out there. It's been said countless times what God is for and against. The Church's position has been blogged, argued, and challenged. I'm sure I could continue to lament about the state of our country. I could complain and shake my head in disgust.  However, I decided that there is enough of that going on. I didn't need to add anything to that pile. It was large enough!

It would be easy to continue the angry rants and condemnation that we so self righteously articulate and justify with scripture. Although the Bible is very clear and does not waiver, we must not engage in rage and ostracize those we are trying to reach.

We were commanded in John 13:35 to love:

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples-- when they see the love you have for each other."

Let us not forget that we are saved by grace! Ephesians 2: 8-10

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

It's easy to get lost in what's right and wrong and forget that we have a mission. We are to show the world the love of Christ and tell them the good news of Christ.

Don't misunderstand. I'm not discounting that we have an enemy. I Peter 5:8

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

However, we can stand firm in God's Word with the humility of Christ.

Matthew 5:9 reminds us.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Issues are becoming more complex while politics and opinions fuel division. We are to be careful and not take the bait of discord, condemnation and hate.

Have you searched your heart? Are you recognized by your love or your position? Is your goal peace or to perpetuate the dialogue of anger and hate?

Don't forget that we are all in need of a Savior. The ground is leveled at the foot of the cross.



Blessings!

copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved.