AT THE WELL... getting to know you

Welcome back to AT THE WELL. Each Monday we gather around the well and discuss life changing topics. This week, CHELSEY, is our discussion leader and she has given each of us "name tags" and asked us to go around the well and introduce ourselves and give some feedback on "who we are".

Before I get into telling a thing or two about who I am, I was thinking about those silly personality tests. I don't mean one of those technical psychological tests ~ but the dime-a-dozen types that are constantly advertised on the covers of the magazines in the check out lines or those personality tests that seem to circulate time and time again on the Internet in our email messages. You know ... the ones that ask:

• "Are you a couch potato or a Daredevil?"
• "Cat person or a Dog person - which are you?"
• "Which famous leader are you - Gandhi or Hitler?"

The most recent one I saw (and the far most corniest...):
"Are you a Charlie Brown?"

Following a slew of questions such as "what is your favorite color" and "What type of movies do you prefer?" - you can determine if you are a Charlie, a Snoopy, Dexter or maybe Sponge Bob Square Pants!

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THESE SILLY TESTS?
~ Some people think they are fun.
~ While others find it interesting and it gives them a glimpse of who they are.

These type of tests don't really show you who you are...only through Jesus Christ can you know who you are....

• You are a new creature in Him.
• You are the apple of His eye!
• You were bought with a price.
• You are redeemed by His blood!
• You are a beloved child of the King!!

NOW ISN'T THAT BETTER THAN BEING A SPONGE BOB OR CHARLIE??

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 " If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things passed away. behold, new things have come."

WHO AM I?

IDENTITY: defined as "set of characteristics by which an individual is recognizable or known" You can recognize me as the following...

DAUGHTER

(yeah...that's me with dark hair - a very long time ago! )

At my Grandma's funeral with Mom, and brothers Don and Larry

I was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin - living with my Mother and 2 brothers. I was the baby of the family. I grew up father-less until I was reunited with my birth father just a few years ago. (you can read my restoration story HERE!)

No doubt - I am a daughter of a King!

WIFE

(married to the love of my life!)

I married my high School sweetheart at the young age of 17. We have been married for 27 years now. I am thankful for the godly heritage that his parents raised my husband with and I am blessed that he has been a man of godly character not only in our marriage, but in his career, with his children and in our community.

It's been a wonderful life!!

MOTHER

(this is the last time all of my children were together!)

Since we married so young - we started our family young. Our first was born when I was just 19 years old and the last when I was 32 years old. 3 of our beautiful 4 children are grown and I could not be more proud to say that each of them are serving the Lord.

CHILDREN, they are truly a blessing from God!

FRIEND

(at my son's wedding with friend and Mother of the Bride - Barbara)

I have heard it said that sometimes in life a true friend comes around once in a lifetime. I have been blessed with many true friends over the years.

I love Proverbs 17:17 that says "A true friend loves at all times."

I cherish my friendships!

PASTOR'S WIFE

(missions trip to Ecuador - getting down and dirty for Jesus!)

WOW! What a honor for the past 8 years to stand at my husbands side as we pursued the call on our lives to enter ministry full time. It has been a whirlwind experience. First of all that God would have confidence in us is an awesome thought and secondly, that God would teach us and mold us into the vessels that He could use! Have I said Wow yet?? I remember asking God, when we were first called into ministry, "God how can I BE a successful Pastors wife?" and God spoke to me very clearly and whispered in my ear..."Love the people" and that has been what I have tried to do these past 8 years.

I just love the people!

ROYALTY

For those of you who may not know this .... I come from a royal family. I am a princess... a daughter of a King! My daddy has a crown, a mansion with so much gold and fine things, and He has even prepared a place for you to come. You are a child of the King too and the King is waiting at the gate for your arrival.

We are family!

1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

When it's all said and done...as I take my final breath...I do hope that someone will say that I have been a good daughter, a loving wife, a devoted mother, a trusting friend and a supportive pastors wife, but the most important thing I hope people will know about my identity is that I was a child of God. A daughter of the King who loved, served and honored her Heavenly Father.

??WHAT IS YOUR IDENTITY??

Join us over AT THE WELL and see what others are saying about their identities. CLICK HERE! Thank you CHELSEY for leading us today!

BLESSINGS, Laurie