Transparency

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a personal struggle, season of trial or time where you're really going through something and could really use some help? There may be that hesitation to share it...especially with certain people because by all means you "have be careful" with whom you share with. You have to have the trust factor with them.

It's sad because so many suffer through things without telling anyone for fear of being judged because it seems some just don't care or are simply rude!  Ever shared with obviously the wrong person (as you find out later)? Then you know what I mean!

No one should  have to go through these seasons alone and you and I should be able to find support, encouragement and comfort by being surrounded by those who care and will walk through those seasons with us...because they actually care!

Then there are those who don't share because they've bought into the lie that they don't need anyone!? Or, those who don't ever want to give the perception that "they've got it all together!"

There are also people who just don't care about anyone else in general that's a bleak existence to say the least but on the flip side...there are those who do genuinely care.

Gender Equality and Fifty Shades of...Oh My!

Gender equality, a topic and cause that is widely thought about, discussed and debated.

There is a big push for this and in an age where gender equality is fought for in the USA for many various reason and hoped end results as well as globally there seems to be conflicting thoughts and actions on this.

Equality should be fought for and especially in countries where women and children are treated like they are property... which is disgusting that anyone is treated like this!

Through what I share here, I’m not not jumping on any band wagon, rather, I've been processing thoughts about this for a while and I’m attempting to articulate them here...

Updated Distribution List and Free 5 Day e-Devotional!

Hello!

Just a message to help you our loyal and amazing subscribers with some house keeping regarding your subscription and to provide a quick update. 

Whether you're reading this online or received this delivered to you via e-Mail, we wanted to make you aware of a current update we're making to our distribution list.

1. We're getting ready to do a re-launch of the blog with more regular / weekly posts!

2. If you're receiving this via e-Mail then you are either on the original list or have recently signed up via the new form (WELCOME!) which is located toward the top right of this page which is the new distribution list.

The new list (via MailChimp) allows us to send you content when you sign up as a thank you and also from an administrative standpoint, it allows us better list management options. It also allows you the ability to manage your subscription.

• For instance, if you signed up within the last week, you would have received a confirmation e-Mail with a link to a free 5 Day e-Devotional as a thank you! 
• If you signed up before this past week, you didn't have this option but now you do!
• So, if you'd also like the free e-devotional (or you're simply visiting this site and would like it as well!) please feel free to sign up via the new form and you'll receive the link to the free download as well. 
• Please note: Full site view required to see the form as for some reason mobile view doesn't allow you to see the form to sign up.

If you do nothing, no worries, you'll still receive the posts that come through but if you'd like the e-devotional, again, feel free to sign-up via the new list and encourage your friends to do so as well! :-)

• One note, if you are on the original list (prior to the last week or so via feedburner) then if you sign up on the new list you may receive duplicate e-Mails for a period of time unless you #1 unsubscribe from the feedburner list or #2 send a mail to ashepherdsheart.blog@gmail.com and let us know that you were previously signed up on the feedburner list and we can then go manually remove you from that list.  

You're prayers are appreciated for God's leading regarding the future content that will be shared here to encourage and challenge you in your walk with the Lord!

Thanks for your time! Feel free to drop us a line at the above e-Mail address if you have any question, prayer needs, topic ideas, etc. 

Many Blessings In Christ,
Your brother and servant,

Randolph Koch

Audio / Video Venture...following God's calling!

Do you have a dream of doing things in your life that you believe are your calling? Yep, me too! 

I’ve been sensing a nudge and calling this direction for quite some time and had a dream of using my communication and broadcasting skills in different ways reaching out to our community and beyond. 

Whether in ministry, the workplace or elsewhere, I’m called to be a communicator and as part of this calling I’m looking to start an audio / video venture of sorts. I don’t have a regular communication outlet or opportunities in the traditional settings so this is part of the plan to use what God has given me to reach beyond and follow His leading! 

The Venture: I’m going to start working on a podcast and other recordings and later possibly do some video work to encourage others. It may turn out to be several different types of podcasts but will focus on few ideas first. 

So, in order to help this dream become a reality, I need to acquire some specific basic equipment to get started. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll do voice work for documentaries or ministry related projects too! 

I’m not a 501 (C) (3) so this would be friends helping friends like one of those “gofundme” or “kickstarter” campaigns.

If you're interested in helping please go to my secure online store here:

https://store7359482.ecwid.com/ (or if you’re reading this on my blog, click on the resources tab above)

Click on audio/video venture and proceed from there however you're led to help.

On a side note: I will also be adding actual products to my store in the near future such as Devotional eBooks that I'm working on and other resources that I've authored and I'm in the process of updating and making available. Stay tuned!

Whether you're led to help or not your prayers are the best help ever and they are free! Your prayers are really appreciated beyond anything else!

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration!  

Are You Listening?

A Father's Voice has Power and the voice of your Heavenly Father has ultimate Power in your life if you're willing to listen! Just open your eyes and ears to see and hear Him! Check out this brief video. Watch until the end! It's worth it!

https://youtu.be/TU0f8a3Cizo

I also wanted to share in relation to this great word from Michael Jr., that when our oldest was born he was a month early and was in the NICU for two weeks. (He's 19 years old now at the time of this writing)

I remember going there and spending lots of time of course there. He's heart would be racing and sometimes would be upset but once we sat next to him and talked to you...his heart beat calmed down to normal and he was at peace and he recognized my voice! He'd turn his head my direction and the the staff noticed too. 

So, I can relate to Michael Jr's sharing very much. Amazing! I guess it's because we talked to him before he was born and he also heard us talk before he was born in general. Wow!

I pray that we'll learning daily to listen to the Father's Voice and open our eyes to see where He's leading! 

A Prayer for when you think you're too far from God.

There is no such thing as "too far away from God."

Romans 5:8 "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Psalm 139:7 "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?"

Heavenly Father,
Please help us to remember that there is never a place too far from You. There is never a place we can hide from Your presence. You love us unconditionally and You are omnipresent and omniscient! You know our thoughts and You are everywhere! Help us to draw near to You each day! Help us to repent when we sin, turn from the sin...growing and changing and still come to You as our loving and righteous Father! Block Satan's lies that anyone has strayed to far from You as You tell us to simply come...come to You and although sometimes I'm sure we don't please You... YOU are ready and waiting with outstretched arms to receive us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 #truth