Your Children and Their Choices Don't Define You.

A Little Disclaimer: I've had a draft of this article/encouragement sitting in my queue to finish 
for months and I thought now is a good time to finally finish it with the season I'm currently in. :-)

As my wife and I move into the next phase of life with all of our 5 children being young adults now, I've been reflecting on all the child raising years. 

I've noted my own strengths, weaknesses, successes, and mistakes and yet despite all my short comings and even the good things I've done, I see that my adult children are making good decisions. They are owning their faith and relationship with The Lord and working toward their adult goals. I have no doubt that they will do well with God has their guide and I will continue to pray for them and be a line of counsel as they make their way. 

My aim in this article is to briefly touch on several parent related topics with hopes that you may find encouragement no matter the season you're in and no matter the actions your children choose. May you have a glimpse of God's grace and a renewed hope in The Lord as you continue your journey. 

The Source of Your Identity

Dear Friend, 

I wanted to take a moment to simply remind you that if you are in Christ, you are a new creation and your identity in Him is what matters plain and simple!

No one's opinions defines you nor does your past!

"When we finally understand and are confident and secure in our identity in Christ, our past as well as the opinions of others regarding us will not shake or define us!" -Randolph Koch

To learn more about your identity in Christ, Dive into God's Word and abide in Christ and you will discover your true identity!

True security and identity will only be found in Him! He is truly the source of who you are!

For further encouragement from God's Word, Please check out this post and pass along the Truth of God's Word about who you are in Christ: http://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2012/03/who-you-are-in-christ.html

In Christ Alone,
Your brother and servant,

rlk

PS: Check out this new page on A Shepherd's Heart: 
http://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/ministry-service-offerings.html which is a growing basic list of areas where I may be able to serve you!


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Remind Me Who I Am...

Are you struggling with your present circumstances? Do you struggle with your past? Do you struggle with insecurities? Do you label people or feel labeled? Are you struggling with your identity? Are you “paralyzed” trying to figure out who you are or by others opinions of you?  Are you listening to the lies and accusations of the evil one or maybe others in your life that hurl verbal abuse at you?

Stop right now and listen – you need only open and start reading and studying God’s Word, the Bible to see who you really are! Instead of focusing on what we call “self-esteem” start focusing on “Christ-esteem” meaning, every truth the Bible says about who you are and how God see your through and in His son Jesus Christ. This is where you true identity is...not in anyone or anything else!

When you have bad days, are feeling low, depressed, insecure, or whatever you may be thinking or feeling - open His Word and let His reminders wash over you! Don’t by the lies you, the evil one, or other people tell you. Cry out to God in prayer and lay down…give up…cast all those cares upon Him because He cares for you and doesn’t want you crippled by all untruths that are shot at you on a daily basis. Maybe even stop right now and ask Him, like this song/video by Jason Gray says…Lord, “remind who I am”…

Check out and dwell on this song and God’s word knowing that you are His beloved child!

                                    http://youtu.be/eKyY8zfjBMQ
Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

rlk