Empty Boat

Out of all the things I had to get done today, writing a blog was not one of them.  So in sincere "attention challenged" fashion, I write anyway. I found something else to do instead of what I'm supposed to be working on. This is my story. This is my song!

Oh how I have missed talking to you. Emptying my mind and telling you how the Lord speaks in the midst of my crazy was my therapy. It was how I shared the good news I received in my time with the Lord.

So fast forward to now. My days are still crazy. I decided to take my own advice and Jump out of the safety of my boat! The Lord is showing himself faithful minute by minute. That's how I'm living life. Minute by minute. Taking one step and waiting for the Lord to tell me when to move again because if left up to me, I'd convince myself to run quickly in the wrong direction.

The reason I have been away for so long is that I've been in a place where I am being pulled in every direction and uncertain of my own abilities to manage them. It's been day after day waiting and receiving "daily bread." Everyday, the Lord has given me enough for that day. And when I open my eyes the next, I am grateful and wait for the day's direction

I have been fighting and resisting this place. Ugh! I need to KNOW!  The human, independent, prideful part of me needs to know the layout and direction in full. Not in part!

Anyway...I digress!

See...I'm still crazy! :)

Remembering the instructions of  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to  Him and he will make your paths straight."

I have had several conversations with myself about being here a few times before. Back then I opted to get out of the water and back into my boat. The force of the winds and waves of life pushed me to focus on my own lack of strength instead of omnipotence of my God! So as I talk to myself, I remind me that I know all too well how it feels to walk in a false sense of security inside the familiarity of my boat. It's a place also known as fear. It robs you of experiencing the promises and purpose that the Lord has so freely extended.  Fear doesn't allow for anything but limits you in everything. I am very familiar with this place of emptiness and regret.

NOT THIS TIME!

Have you been there? Or are you here with me? Waiting. Wondering. Not knowing how or when? Have you been or are you in that place where the Lord is showing you that your time frame is not His? Is he demonstrating that you are limited by time but he is eternal?

Are you being reminded that He is in control and not your desires? Is he teaching you to sift your desires through his word?

As I lamented about the winds and rain outside of the boat, I was swiftly reminded that this is the place where He wants us. Total dependence on Him. Not on our own abilities and fears. This is where He teaches us his priorities as we abandon our own. We learn patience, courage and his goodness.

I want to encourage you as I encourage myself.

It's in this place that we see the magnificence of a God who wanted us even when we didn't want him.

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us." I John 4:10

I am overwhelmed that he wants us to know Him:

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:27.

I am humbled that the God of the Universe wants us to come closer. The more he pulls the more we reach.

So with tear stained faces, we exhale, unclench our fists and we wait in the water. Not because we are confident in ourselves and our waiting. But we are confident in the One whom we are waiting on! The One who has the power to calm the winds and waves. He is the same One who placed that power in us!  He wants to lead and guide us to the place that he has appointed just for us.

Go ahead. Look around. This is not a place of fear and worry. It's a place where the Providence of God reigns. This place where he prepares us in humility to depend only on Him!

Rest in Him.

Trust Him fully.

He is ABLE!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

 And the comfort in all of this is that we may not understand why we wait but we don't have to wait alone.

He is Here!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6


Blessings!



copyright 2016 www.shundriariddick.com  All Rights Reserved.

No Applause...

There are times when we will be called to do something great.

We may see it as great. We work hard on it. We have sleepless nights. We ponder over them. We pray. We fast. We put our very best into it.

But there are times when it may not be seen as great. Others may not appreciate what you do.  Many will not even see what you do. Others may not see the hours of work. The lack of sleep. The prayers. The time and effort.

Is it still great?

What if there is no applause?

Christ was considered great until his call became his cross.  He was lied on. Hated. Tortured. Even Killed

(Well, they thought so anyway!) 

But it was great.  Without it, there would not have been a resurrection. We would have been without redemption for sins. Lost. Destined for an eternity separate from Him.

It was great.

So...While you fulfill your call, there may be no applause. There may be no appreciation. Many may not see your greatness.  What if your call becomes your cross?

You may be fighting for your children and they may fight back. They may not value your effort. They may not understand the path that you are trying to keep them on.  But it is Great!

You may be fighting for your marriage. It may not be appreciated or understood. You are in your prayer closet calling on the name of the Lord.  You are fighting for your family and it is great.

What is your call?

Some are called to lead companies. Some are called to clean them. Some to repair. Some to childcare. Some to care for the elderly or the disabled. Some to pray. It could be to lead a great ministry. Or it could be to work within one. Some to write letters of encouragement. Maybe it's to reconcile with an old friend. It could be to forgive someone and make peace.

Whatever it is, it may seem insignificant.

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

No applause.

No appreciation.

But it is GREAT!

Don't stop.

Keep going!

"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:10-12

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Hebrews 13:16

"Whatever yo do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9


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.

HOME!

So my kiddos are HOME and Spring Break 2015 is done!

All is right with the world. We are all together again.

Reunited and it feels so good! (I'm old I know.)

I am so thankful to God that He protected them and brought them home safely. I missed them.

However, I truly enjoyed being home with my 8 year old!

He's such a loving kid. Everyday he held my hand, told me he loved me, and gave me at least 100 kisses.

My husband kept telling him "Say man...get your own wife!"

My sweet boy would just giggle and give me more.

Yep.

Sweet.

He loved his time with me and I treasured our time together. He talked, laughed, and talked some more. I am now caught up on Transformers, Minecraft, and all things 8 year old boys.

So great.

But at the same time...I prayed!

All week I prayed! Do you hear me?!

I slept but didn't sleep.

I knew my two travelers were fine but couldn't help but wonder.

I prayed all week.

All week I prayed.

I prayed that they would be covered. Protected.

I prayed that they would enjoy themselves. Learn. Experience. Remember. Grow. See

I prayed for the bus driver and the pilot. I actually introduced myself to the driver and told him "Bring my baby back home." Yes...I'm that mom!

I prayed for the bus and the plane.

I prayed for clear safe roads and clear safe skies.

I prayed for their teachers.

I prayed for their friends.

I prayed for there food.

I prayed.

All week.

I know that I can only go so far and do so much.

Everything else is beyond me. Beyond my reach. So many things.

I know that there are so many miracles that need to happen correctly in order for us just to breathe. Cells. Organs. Biological systems. Environmental systems. And that's just to breathe!

I needed them to breathe, come home safely, and everything in between!

All beyond me.

So I prayed to the One who created it all.

The One who speaks and the winds obey Him.

The One who created light from darkness.

The One who created everything from nothing.

And He did.

He answered.

Grace. Mercy.

It's a tremendous comfort to know while in a completely powerless place that the Creator of the Universe is right there with you. Regulating! Orchestrating!

He makes it all happen according to His will, His purpose and for your good!

Prayer works. It does.

What are you praying for? Where do you feel powerless? What's beyond your reach?

Your hard is His easy!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer an supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6.

"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, an it will be done for you." John 15:7

Prayer works.

It does.



Blessings!



copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved. Images for this blog ONLY.

Water, Water, Everywhere!

It's been so long!

Actually, it's been a year. What happened you ask?  Life. Husband. Children. Orchestra. Mariachi. Basketball. Volleyball. Work. Trained for a Marathon. Ran a Marathon. And so on.

What hasn't happened?  SLEEP!

During this last year, I've had plenty of time to think and process about life, work, kids, health, weight and fitness. However, not a day has gone by when I haven't thought about purpose. Not one.

From as long as I remember I've been told that I have a purpose. I've heard countless messages and sermons about it.  I've been involved in bible study groups and taken assessments regarding my purpose. Goodness, I think I spend most of my days guiding others towards theirs.

It's not that I don't know my purpose. I do. It's starting that makes me feel like I'm trying to climb Mount Everest while using an App. Ill equipped!

What happens when you know your purpose but have no idea how to execute?  You know but there's no map. No directions. No way of knowing how to even start. Is there an app for that?

What happens when you know and try to start but run into people who are thriving? They are working brilliantly at theirs.  What about the feelings of being stuck? What about the feelings of being unprepared? Feelings of inadequacy. What about paralyzing FEAR?

I know the scriptures about not having a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7 to be exact) I know about power, love and a sound mind.  I know. I know! But what about when you know and still can't move. You can't breathe. You think to yourself "What if I fail? What if everyone finds out who I really am? Inadequate!"

I was recently on a road trip with two of my dearest friends, Chrystal Hurst and Priscilla Shirer. As many of our conversations go, we begin getting into each other's business!  Asking questions and eventually holding each other accountable regarding some situation, project or plan.  For some reason today I was on the hot seat!

I'm still trying to figure out how it happened!

So I sat there answering question after question. They were holding me accountable. They know my passion and I have shared with them on many occasions what I love to do most. They have always been gentle in their support but  this day was different. While discussing my plans of walking in my purpose, the conversation got serious. Oh LAWD! They were drilling me about why I was stalling.

They were DRILLING me!

I felt like going into fetal position and rocking. (I'm being a bit melodramatic!)

Chrystal only asked one question but it felt like a million!  "What's your plan?"

I started to sweat and babble. Something about monkeys, wizards and wind.

Then it happened.

I cracked!

I lost it!

"I'm not ready! I'm scared." 

I just knew that these two sisters in Christ would lovingly support me. I felt myself vulnerable. Worried about exposing my deepest feelings. I knew that they would stop the car, hold me and let me weep into their loving arms.

Well...

Priscilla turned to me and with great certainty and volume said "Do it anyway! The enemy is attacking you and you can't let him stop you from moving forward. With all of that fear and uncertainty, you have to GET OUT OF THE BOAT ANYWAY!"

I looked to Chrystal for rescue. She looked at me. She nodded and said "Yep." (no rescue!) Thanks.

In my head, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

I turned to look out the window and immediately I saw this scripture boldly displayed on a fence on side of the highway:

Commit your ways unto the Lord and He will establish Your thoughts. Proverbs 16:3

I thought "Chrystal, Priscilla, and the Lord are all ON ME!" I laughed, let go, and decided to get out of the boat. Not the car! :)

It's wonderful to have friends in life that listen to you and love you. But it's a blessing to have friends that are bold enough to challenge you. (Btw...those two wonderful women wiped my tears. Stood me up. Held my hand. And continue to walk beside me. I love them dearly.)

I was quickly reminded of a recent family vacation. We went on a snorkeling excursion and had the exciting opportunity to jump off the top of a boat into the ocean. I still marvel at the beauty of God's creation. The kids decided that they wanted to jump. I decided to photograph their decision!

They jumped. No worries. No hesitations. No life preservers. One at a time. They jumped.

Baby Boy!

Sweet Girl!

Big Boy!

There is one important thing that you can't see in these pictures. It's what gave them their courage. It's what made it look so easy for them. It's what made them look so brave.

Their father is in the water!

He instructed them prior to their plunge, "When you jump in, just swim towards me. Don't worry. I'm here. I got you. Just swim in my direction."

The Lord is telling me and you to jump and swim towards Him! He's in the water. He wants us to keep our focus on Him.

"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  

JUMP! 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Go into your purpose even though you feel ill equipped, inadequate, not ready, or not smart enough.

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7

As Priscilla told me "Sometimes you have to get out of the boat. Scared and all. Just walk on the water anyway."

Let's do it together. Let's dive into our Purpose! Let's pray for each other. Let's surround ourselves with friends that lovingly challenge us. Let's Jump.

He's there.

Let's swim towards HIM!

1....2.....3!

Blessings!




copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved. Images for this blog only.

Missing Moments...

After a long exhausting day of work, I geared up to go home only to start what I call my real job.  There's so much to do but of course there isn't enough time. I work about 30 minutes from my home but this day it took about 2. I left work and arrived at my house. I couldn't tell you how I got there. My body was on autopilot and I missed the ride home.  I was so disappointed because I LOVE riding in my car alone. You must understand! It is my place of silence and tranquility. I can talk out loud to God. I can listen to the music I want. I can sing with a voice that ONLY the Lord enjoys! But this day I missed the whole ride! 

I'm sure you've been there. We've all been there. We arrive and wonder "how?"  During the journey, our minds take us to places other than where we are or where we are going. It begins with a single thought. It then transforms into daydreams, wishes, wonders and unbridled imaginations.

DISENGAGED AND DISTRACTED!

That's what it is! Not fully present. Not experiencing the now. Being in the place but missing the moment.

I often wonder how many times this happens in our daily lives. Because it surely takes place. With substantial amounts of  technology, entertainment and busyness, it's easy to lose time in things that divert our attention from what's most significant.

The indisputable would be that we lose closeness in our walk with the Lord. How many times do we check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Skype, email, phones, etc? Now compare that time with the amount of time we spend checking in with the Lord. Yep...I'm going to leave that alone.  Just marinate on that one! I'm telling my own issues now...NEXT!

What are we missing with our family because we are distracted by the complaints and frustrations of being with them?

Are we disengaging from the experiences we desire most?

Are we longing for a time in the future, only to get there and realize that we've missed the time we had when we were there in the past?

What are the sights, smells, and sounds that have gone unnoticed on the journey between prayer request and answered prayer?

I cringe to think of the countless times that I've missed the sweetness of the presence of God. I ache to ruminate on the reality of unnoticed whispers of the Holy Spirit.

I've started my day longing for Him and then became distracted by the events of the day. He directed me to Him and I've walked right by Him. I cower in the confession that it was purely because of disengagement and distractions!

But GOD..

I'm so thankful that in all of our distractions He holds to his promise that He never leaves us! He's there.

Deuteronomy 31:8 "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."

Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Praise GOD!

I challenge you to eliminate your distractions. Ask the Lord to help you engage.

Don't miss your moments.  Don't miss your comfort. Don't miss your encouragement. Don't miss your peace.

He's There.

Don't miss Him.



Blessings!



copyright 2014 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

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...

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

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)

copyright 2013 www.shundriariddick.com  All rights reserved.  

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.

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!


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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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