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    <title>Draw Near - Episodes Tagged with “Identity In Christ”</title>
    <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/tags/identity%20in%20christ</link>
    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <description>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</description>
    <language>en</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, our podcast is a space where authenticity meets joy. We’re two best friends navigating life, family, and faith with honesty, humility, and a lot of love. Each episode is a heartfelt conversation—sometimes deep, sometimes lighthearted, but always real. We strive to be vulnerable, faithful, and passionate, sharing insights and stories to inspire you on your path toward Christ.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
    <itunes:keywords>Faith; Christ; Podcast; Catholic; Friends; Draw Near</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>drawnear.me@gmail.com</itunes:email>
    </itunes:owner>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
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<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality"/>
<item>
  <title>Guided Meditation: God Saw That It Was Good</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/233</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/8124cd21-bf08-48a1-b8b5-fbcd6eadeb85.mp3" length="25380054" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this guided Christian visualization meditation, Kara leads you into prayer to help you see yourself through God’s eyes: intentionally formed, fully known, and deeply loved. Rooted in Draw Near’s Surrender Journal, this reflection invites you to receive all that God has created in you—your gifts, personality, and even the parts you struggle to understand—with truth, purpose, and love.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:37</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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  <description>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. 
This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.
Drawn directly from the Surrender Journal (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop) we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.
Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.
Questions to reflect on before you begin:
1. Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?
2. What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?
3. What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? 
The Surrender Journal: 
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE (https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop)
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara, Christian meditation, guided Christian meditation, guided prayer, Christian guided prayer, visualization prayer, Catholic meditation, Catholic prayer, encountering God’s love, God’s intentional design, identity in Christ, seeing yourself through God’s eyes, God’s gaze, prayer for self-worth, prayer for healing, spiritual reflection, contemplative prayer, surrender prayer, inner healing prayer, Christian mindfulness, resting in God’s presence, God’s love for you, personal prayer, Draw Near podcast, Surrender Journal</itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. </p>

<p>This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.</p>

<p>Drawn directly from the <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Surrender Journal</a> we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.</p>

<p>Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.</p>

<p><strong>Questions to reflect on before you begin:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?</li>
<li>What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?</li>
<li>What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? </li>
</ol>

<p><strong>The Surrender Journal:</strong> <br>
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE</a></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God formed you carefully—every part of you. In this episode of Draw Near, Kara leads you through a guided visualization meditation designed to quiet the noise and open you to the depth of God’s love for you. </p>

<p>This reflection is especially for anyone who struggles to see themselves as wholly good and loved... those who can appreciate their strengths but wrestle with their weaknesses, insecurities, or parts they wish were different. This meditation gently invites you to see yourself through God’s eyes and to receive yourself with the same love God offers.</p>

<p>Drawn directly from the <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Surrender Journal</a> we wrote and offer through our shop, this prayer experience is meant to be returned to again and again—especially in moments of self-doubt, comparison, or discouragement.</p>

<p>Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and allow God to remind you: you are deeply known, carefully created, and lovingly held.</p>

<p><strong>Questions to reflect on before you begin:</strong></p>

<ol>
<li>Where do you find value within yourself? When do feel valuable? Are there moments when you do not feel valuable but worthless? What are they?</li>
<li>What lies from the evil one do you listen to regularly regarding your life, identity, or value?</li>
<li>What does it mean to be made in the image of God? What does it mean to be in the likeness of God? </li>
</ol>

<p><strong>The Surrender Journal:</strong> <br>
Find additional meditations in the Surrender Journal. <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/drawnearshop" rel="nofollow">Learn more or ORDER by clicking HERE</a></p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/drawnear/membership" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fredandkara/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Washed and Chosen: Living Out Our Baptismal Call</title>
  <link>https://drawnear.fireside.fm/207</link>
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  <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
  <author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</author>
  <enclosure url="https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/8d57d823-28b1-4ab4-9d43-ccf8e3a0a849.mp3" length="54240847" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this inspiring episode of Draw Near, we delve into the transformative power of our baptism and its enduring impact on our identity and mission as disciples of Christ. Through meaningful reflection and practical insights, we explore the deep truth that each of us is a beloved child of God, uniquely called to live out our baptismal mission with purpose and joy. This episode offers not only spiritual depth but also actionable ways to deepen your relationship with God in the midst of life’s busyness. You’ll be inspired to embrace your identity, rediscover your mission, and live as a light in the world.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>55:00</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e1ddec60-ea89-4a32-a14b-8340909d71a5/episodes/8/8d57d823-28b1-4ab4-9d43-ccf8e3a0a849/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this inspiring episode of Draw Near, we delve into the transformative power of our baptism and its enduring impact on our identity and mission as disciples of Christ.
*Theme: *Renewing Our Identity in Christ
Through meaningful reflection and practical insights, we explore the deep truth that each of us is a beloved child of God, uniquely called to live out our baptismal mission with purpose and joy.
Key Questions Answered:
How can we understand and embrace our identity as beloved children of God?
* Discover how God’s unconditional love defines our worth, sets us free, and calls us to a life rooted in hope and purpose.
What role does baptism play in forming our mission and vocation?
* Learn how baptism commissions us as missionary disciples, equipping us to live our faith in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.
In a busy world, how can we renew our commitment to living as disciples?
Gain practical steps to cultivate prayer, prioritize the Eucharist, and reflect Christ’s love in everyday actions.
Why Listen?
This episode offers not only spiritual depth but also actionable ways to deepen your relationship with God in the midst of life’s busyness. You’ll be inspired to embrace your identity, rediscover your mission, and live as a light in the world.
Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)."
Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. 
"Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! 
Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.  (https://www.drawnear.me/)
Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! 
Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp;amp; Kara Kardell 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Baptismal call, Catholic discipleship, identity in Christ, living your faith, Catholic podcast, Christian spirituality, renewing faith, mission and vocation, beloved child of God, practical discipleship tips. pokemon </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this inspiring episode of Draw Near, we delve into the transformative power of our baptism and its enduring impact on our identity and mission as disciples of Christ.</p>

<p>**Theme: **Renewing Our Identity in Christ<br>
Through meaningful reflection and practical insights, we explore the deep truth that each of us is a beloved child of God, uniquely called to live out our baptismal mission with purpose and joy.</p>

<p><strong>Key Questions Answered:</strong></p>

<p><em><strong>How can we understand and embrace our identity as beloved children of God?</strong></em></p>

<ul>
<li>Discover how God’s unconditional love defines our worth, sets us free, and calls us to a life rooted in hope and purpose.</li>
</ul>

<p><em><strong>What role does baptism play in forming our mission and vocation?</strong></em></p>

<ul>
<li>Learn how baptism commissions us as missionary disciples, equipping us to live our faith in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.
<em><strong>In a busy world, how can we renew our commitment to living as disciples?</strong></em>
Gain practical steps to cultivate prayer, prioritize the Eucharist, and reflect Christ’s love in everyday actions.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Why Listen?</strong><br>
This episode offers not only spiritual depth but also actionable ways to deepen your relationship with God in the midst of life’s busyness. You’ll be inspired to embrace your identity, rediscover your mission, and live as a light in the world.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this inspiring episode of Draw Near, we delve into the transformative power of our baptism and its enduring impact on our identity and mission as disciples of Christ.</p>

<p>**Theme: **Renewing Our Identity in Christ<br>
Through meaningful reflection and practical insights, we explore the deep truth that each of us is a beloved child of God, uniquely called to live out our baptismal mission with purpose and joy.</p>

<p><strong>Key Questions Answered:</strong></p>

<p><em><strong>How can we understand and embrace our identity as beloved children of God?</strong></em></p>

<ul>
<li>Discover how God’s unconditional love defines our worth, sets us free, and calls us to a life rooted in hope and purpose.</li>
</ul>

<p><em><strong>What role does baptism play in forming our mission and vocation?</strong></em></p>

<ul>
<li>Learn how baptism commissions us as missionary disciples, equipping us to live our faith in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.
<em><strong>In a busy world, how can we renew our commitment to living as disciples?</strong></em>
Gain practical steps to cultivate prayer, prioritize the Eucharist, and reflect Christ’s love in everyday actions.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Why Listen?</strong><br>
This episode offers not only spiritual depth but also actionable ways to deepen your relationship with God in the midst of life’s busyness. You’ll be inspired to embrace your identity, rediscover your mission, and live as a light in the world.</p>

<p>Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near &quot;<a href="https://www.drawnear.me/booking" rel="nofollow">booking page</a>.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drawnear.me/donate" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to become a patron! Patrons are essentially &quot;sponsors&quot; and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. <br>
&quot;Like&quot; and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara" rel="nofollow">Facebook!</a>. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>! </p>

<p>Who are &quot;Fred and Kara?&quot; Find out by visiting our <a href="https://www.drawnear.me/" rel="nofollow">home page. </a></p>

<p>Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! </p>

<p>Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger &amp; Kara Kardell</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/drawnear">Support Draw Near</a></p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
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