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

Use Your Wings!

Days are busy and summer is NOT a break!

I've fooled myself for many years thinking that summer was a break from the stress and schedule of the school year. But I've come to realize that we just fill the time slots with many other activities. Swimming lessons, music lessons, camps, practices etc.

I'm just as busy now as I was a few months ago. I must say that I prefer this kind of being on the move. I am enjoying every minute of it!

Having three kids means I'm usually dropping off, picking up or trying to coordinate with my husband in making sure we end the day with all three. Seriously!

As I hurried to pick up a kid from another activity, I noticed a bird trying to walk across a busy street. Cars were moving quickly and it stood waiting for the right moment.

Huh?

I thought to myself "Why is the bird walking across the street?"

I shook my head and thought "You can fly! What are you doing?"

I just assumed that it was trying to get to food in the middle of the road. That had to be it. Why would a bird, with the capability of flying over the madness, choose to walk through it?

Immediately, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper "Exactly.Why are you trying to maneuver through situations that you were created to fly over?"

Goodness Gracious!

This one hit me! HARD!

Some struggles are not for me. There are some situations, people, or feelings I should not attempt to engage or entwine.

Am I the only one?

How many of us are hiking through the terrain of unproductive situations, relationships, feelings, debates, and conflict that we are meant to circumnavigate?

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57

"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

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If  God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37


Why are we developing strategies to march when we have been given wings to soar?


Blessings!



copyright 2015. www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved

Tick Tock The Game is Locked!

I enjoy memories of playing outside as a little girl...

Jumping rope and singing rhymes. Playing hopscotch with rocks and not jumping far enough to 8 or 9. Girls competing against the boys in freeze tag. Playing kickball and getting hit by the ball so hard that it stung!

Playing jacks was my all-time favorite! Bouncing the ball, picking up jacks, around the world, lagging, and making it to 10's were all kinds of fun! Playing with my sister was one thing but when I had the opportunity to play with girls from the neighborhood, that was even better.

I remember once excitedly spotting a game and being ready to join in on the action. As quickly as I ran to play, the girls shuffled, held hands and yelled "tick tock the game is locked!" That was the signal saying that I was not invited to play the game.  I was left out and had to stand back and watch while they played. I was excluded for whatever reasons 9 year old girls could make up.

I smile now but at the time I was so hurt. Not only did they not want me to play, it felt as though they didn't want me. Something was wrong with me. What did I do to not get invited? Why were they having the fun and I only had the unfortunate privilege of watching?

So now that I'm older and as I talk to others I think adults are having the same feelings!

We see or hear about all the success others are having. New homes. New cars. Traveling. Great careers. Great ministries. Great health.

Singles see their friends going out on dates and having the audacity to have fun or even get married!

Parents see the successes of other children as ours are battling difficulty.

We see others have financial blessings as we struggle.

It's as if we are watching and they are saying "Tick Tock the Game is Locked!"

Children often make decisions about their world though their limited understanding of it. Most difficulties in their lives are often explained through themselves. So it wasn't unusual that I blamed myself for not being invited and not the inconsistencies of little girls. It made me think twice about joining in the next time I saw them playing.

Unfortunately as adults we tend to make decisions about our circumstances with limited understanding of them and with limited knowledge of God's Word. We conclude that we have been forgotten,. We are convinced that something is wrong with us and we have not been chosen for a purpose. As a result, we limit our involvement with others. We isolate ourselves. We blame us instead of the lies of the enemy!

As long as we nurse this lack of understanding and knowledge, we are rendered ineffective for the Kingdom of God. If we can continue to believe the lie that it's just us, we are too self focused to turn our attention to purpose. Meanwhile, as Jesus said in Matthew 9:37 "Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

We often think that the enemy or Satan only wants us dead. Or we declare that he wants us destroyed.
He does.

However, he will also be content with us being ineffective.

Not a threat.

Powerless.

Isolated.

Uninvolved.

What he doesn't want you to know is the truth of God's Word!

And here's the truth!

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us then who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

"Our Master Jesus has his arms wide open for you." I Corinthians 16:23 (The Message)

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out" John 6:37

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8


You are IN!

GO!

Blessings!


copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All rights reserved.

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.

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.

Are You Sticking to Your Story?

I am humbled and blown away that I have been chosen by the Lord to walk with people during difficult seasons in their lives.  I am so unworthy.  I know that I am full of flaws and can in no way sit in a seat of wise counsel without the inexplicable grace of my Savior.

I listen to many stories and am in complete awe of how much grace is given to each of us. 

Over the years, I have learned that there is a story in us all.  There are stories of generational sins, abuse, broken homes and abandonment.  Many of these stories are of unspoken experiences that linger in the crevices of our minds.  Unfortunately some are stored only in the simulated safety of secrets.  Unbelievable experiences that fester and are transformed into behaviors that destroy marriages, hurt children, nurture depression and perpetuate cycles that never end.

What's your story?

Yes.  All of us have a story of how we have become who we are and why we have made the decisions we have made. Actually, I think at times we prefer these stories.  They nurse the victim in some or they feed the ego in others.  We like the feeling of how they embrace us and we relax in the comfort of their familiar voice. 

Of course we have episodes of happiness, success, deliverance and freedom.  We love them. We keep them. We nurture these as well. However, in times of stress and hardship due to the unpredictability of life, they are consumed and replaced with the repetitive play of our narratives that feed our feelings of helplessness, defeat, fear and discouragement.

What role in life have you taken as a result of your story? What role do you fight for and defend? How has this role influenced your life and relationships? 

I ask because I don’t think we realize that we are so entrenched by them that when we hear the truth of God’s word, we reject the freedom it offers.   We sing about deliverance in the safety of a jail cell with the door wide open!

But God!

The outcome of our stories was changed because of the outcome of the CROSS! 

Jesus lives and He has interrupted our story with a new role:

Free.

Redeemed. 

Conqueror. 

Blessed. 

Holy. 

Beloved. 

Friend.

Beautiful. 

Courageous.

Equipped.

HIS.

Let's take it! It completely changes our story!

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you FREE! John 8:32

Blessings!

copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com All Rights Reserved

Feeding Chickens!

Freedom. 

That's what I've thought about all week. I ruminated about how I was set free because of the redemptive work of Christ. It was nothing of my own.

He just did it.

Set us Free.

We were imprisoned and he set us free.

Living as free is now our responsibility. THIS had me up most nights. I asked myself, "How am I not living free? What am I fighting? To what am I holding on?"

When I was a little girl, my sister and I were often dropped off at my Great Grandmother's home. We were there to help out in any way she needed. We loved being distracted by her things. They were treasures that we loved finding throughout her house like washboards, antique wall phones, old wigs, books, and old bibles. We were constantly excited to get lost in her possessions. There were many great stories of her life in the old days.

I remember one day our responsibilities were to clean the chicken coop, gather eggs, and feed the chickens. I was about 11 and my sister was 9. In our minds this request from her was a confirmation that she had lost her mind! We never had a desire to do anything with those chickens in her backyard and this day was no different. However, we knew she wasn't asking. She was telling!

So off we went!

We began to devise a plan. My sister would distract the chickens by feeding them and I would gather the eggs. She picked up the feed bag and began to scatter it across the feeding trays. The chickens began to follow the feed. Why did they do that?! My sister noticed that they were following her and she LOST HER MIND! Sheer panic! She began screaming and running in circles! I watched it all in disbelief. My great grandmother laughed so much she wasn't of any help. She chuckled so hard, tears were falling. 

Unbelievable! 

My poor sister. Notice that I just watched. I was not about to join in the mayhem and get plucked or eaten or whatever they do. As my sister ran away from the chickens, she continued to spill the seeds. As she spilled they were clucking, flapping their wings, and running behind her. 

Why didn't she just drop the bag?! 

Three circles later, she did. She let the feed bag go. She ran clean out of the backyard, around the house and back into the front door. My great grandmother was still laughing!

What does this have to do with freedom?  Everything!

Sometimes the very things that we are trying to get away from, we are feeding.  We live our days giving life to the things that we want to kill. 

We scream.

We cry.

We beg for help.

However, we have the feed bag under our arms and are still dropping seeds. Our thoughts, actions, and words are sustaining Fear, Doubt. Worry. Depression. Anxiety, Anger, Unforgiveness, etc.

www.shundriariddick.com 

What are you trying to live free of? What's continuing to chase you? What are you feeding? How are your thoughts, your daily activities, or your words hindering your life of freedom?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.-Galatians 5:1

I am challenging myself to drop the bag and run in FREEDOM! What about you?

When we catch ourselves feeding the chickens, we will say "DROP THE BAG!"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

We can do this!

Let's  #JUMP!


Blessings!



copyright 2015 www.shundriariddick.com Pictures are for this blog only.

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

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.