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.

"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.

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.

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.

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

I Blame It On Them!

Why haven't I posted since September you ask? It's because of them!

Time Snatchers!

School started right after my last blog! Yes it's their fault. They have too many things happening all at once. How did I get myself into this?  I said "yes." That's what I did.  I said yes. Yes to everything!

My Kids' schedule:

Flag Football 3 days a week (Yes, I'm Team Mom!)
Cheer Practice 2 days a week
Tumbling once a week
Mariachi Rehearsal 2 days a week
Performances, Games and/or Competitions EVERY Saturday
PTA Mom
Fundraising for School and Mariachi

And yes I did all of this while working full time and training for my fourth marathon!

Go ahead and say it. It's okay!  I know I'm CRAZY!

Yes I am. My husband is actively involved but he has the astonishing ability to do it all in stride. HOW? That's another post!

I took my hair out of the bun it's been in for three months and realized that I'm a LION!

Disregard uni brow and beard! :)

I won't even begin to have the hair discussion. That's another post! But dealing with that hair takes TIME!

And I don't have it! *eye roll and neck work*

I lost my makeup a few weeks ago and I haven't had time to find it. Facial cleanser, moisturizer and lip gloss are making it do what it do!

Yes I'm THAT Mom! I drive a minivan. My wardrobe is made of school t-shirts, jeans and running shoes. Cooking consists of whatever I can throw in a crock pot and cornbread! Laundry...ummm...yep it's clean. Get it out of that basket! (don't judge me!)

So that smile you see me displaying is part enjoyment of life and part insanity.

Approach with caution!


Blessings!



I'm back. I'm ready. I have so much to share!

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!


copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com  All rights reserved.

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.

Under Construction!

Finally pregnant and building a house, the Lord had answered our prayers.  We were so excited!  Throughout the construction process, my husband and I would stop by and check on the progress of our home.  With hope filled eyes we watched as they lay our foundation and build our home from frame to finish. We didn't exactly know how things were created. We didn't understand foundations, codes, or any technicalities of the process. We handed the responsibility to the builder and trusted the experts. They gave us advice about what kind of wood to choose for our frame and brick to finish. We had many meetings about design, fixtures, floors and finances. We discussed everything. We hung on every word and looked forward to their guidance. With hope filled eyes we trusted what we saw. We were so amazed at the final product, we didn't ask many questions. Our dream was finished and we eagerly moved into our new home.

We have lived in our home for 13 years.  It has weathered storms, three children and many play dates. Even though we are still very grateful for our home, we have noticed over the years that materials used and methods of construction were not always the best.  We have invested in repairing, replacing and rebuilding things that were not given much attention.  It has been realized that our dream home was not given great care by the builder that we once trusted.  We've had to pay a costly price for their shortcuts, inattentiveness and lack of regard for it being our dwelling place.

These experiences have tugged at my heart over the years. They have reminded me of our responsibility as parents.  We are responsible for giving our children their foundation, building their frames and installing their fixtures.  They trust us. Our children are watching intently as we are constructing them emotionally, giving them materials of living, and installing fixtures of God’s word.

Will they benefit from us as parents or will they pay the cost? Will they be able to have a firm foundation in Christ or will they spend years trying to repair, rebuild and replace our work? Will they benefit from our Godly guidance? Or will they pay the price for our shortcuts in parenting, inattentiveness to their spiritual life and lack of regard for the impact we have on them? Will they completely abandon what we have prepared? Will they spend their lives taking shelter in the world's temporary places that were not built to nurture, protect or weather storms?

God’s word instructs us in Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) "Start children off on the way they should go, and even whey they are old they will not turn from it."

Our confusing and misguided society is making accommodations for our children. It’s working overtime building dwelling places for them.. 

Are we?

Blessings!

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com. All rights reserved.