Renewing Life Center

09/11/2024

Experiencing Jesus, Step by Step, As We Welcome Him into Our Daily Life

The Christian life isn’t a stationary life! Rather, it’s a life that changes with the winds and the circumstances that confront us! The CONSTANT in our life is JESUS, who doesn’t change but rather desires to be with us in our day-to-day, ever changing life.

The Bible is full of these changing circumstances. It tells us real life stories that allow us to see how God engages with us in each new circumstance. Jesus always shows up when we need Him, helping us to navigate the new.

Take this story from the life of Jesus.

“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing, and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”

The disciples had never been through this storm before. Understandably, they were anxious and afraid. What’s going to happen? What ultimately made the difference for the disciples was the presence of Jesus. His presence brought peace. The same is true for us.

This past year has brought a significant storm into my life. Last December, I thought I had a bad cough. I went to quick care twice. The cough stayed. I finally went to my doctor, and in three minutes, she said rather forcefully, “Pat, you don’t have a cough … you have pneumonia! You need to go to bed and now!” This diagnosis led to other complications, so I listened and did what I was told. I had never been so sick, not even close.

Continue:

The Christian life isn’t a stationary life! Rather, it’s a life that changes with the winds and the circumstances that confront us! The CONSTANT in our life is JESUS, who doesn’t change but rather desires to be with us in our day-to-day, ever changing life. The Bible is full of these changing ...

08/29/2024

Reducing Back-to-School Anxiety

We’re a few weeks into the 2024-2025 school year! Not only is it an exciting time, but a new school year can create some feelings of anxiety for some children. Here are some quick, practical tips to help if your child is experiencing back-to-school anxiety:

1. Open Communication
"Let your conversation be always full of grace."(Colossians 4:6)
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and worries.
Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.

2. Establish a Routine
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace." (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Gradually reintroduce school routines (bedtimes, homework times).
Predictability helps reduce anxiety.

3. Focus on Positivity
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble...think about such things."(Philippians 4:8)
Highlight exciting aspects of school (friends, activities, learning).
Help them set positive goals.

4. Prayer and Meditation
"Do not be anxious about anything...the peace of God...will guard your hearts." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Pray together each morning. Encourage your child to meditate on comforting Bible verses.

5. Model Calmness
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Stay calm and composed; your child will mirror your emotions.
Practice deep breathing or calming activities together.

6. Encourage Social Connections.
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

Arrange playdates or social activities before school starts.
Reconnecting with friends can ease anxiety.

By following these tips, you can help ease your child's transition back to school. God is with you and your child every step of the way. If you or a loved one needs further assistance, Renewing
Life Center is here to help! Call 702.434.7290 to schedule an appointment.

08/21/2024

Why Can I Forgive Everyone, But I Can’t Forgive Myself?

My husband, Vince, is a pastor who has taught a lot on the topic of forgiveness. Because so many struggle with it, I asked him to write a blog on forgiving yourself.

How Do I Forgive Myself?

A few years ago, at our church in Las Vegas we did a series on forgiveness. The first three weeks were on forgiving people who have hurt you, and they were wildly popular. Our attendance shot up each week. What surprised us was the fourth week; that’s when our attendance exploded. The fourth week was about forgiving yourself. Turns out people struggled to forgive others, but really struggled to forgive themselves.

An author named Brennan Manning tells of when he spent 28 days in a treatment program for alcoholics. One day they sat in a circle and everyone was encouraged to tell the whole truth, to themselves and the group, about the extent of their drinking. They went around the circle and everyone told the truth, except for a successful businessman named Max. He said, “I never really drank that much.” They told him, “You’re in an alcoholic treatment center. Tell the truth to yourself. Admit it.” He said, “I am being honest. I’ve never had that much to drink.” Later the group had to answer the question, “Have you ever hurt anybody while you were drunk?” Everyone around the circle told the truth until they got to Max, who said, “I would never hurt anyone, sober or drunk.”

The leader replied, “Max, we don’t believe you. We’re calling your wife.” He did, on a speakerphone for everyone to hear. Max’s wife answered and the leader asked, “Has Max ever mistreated you or any of your kids when he was drunk?” She said, “Just this last Christmas Eve he took our 9-year-old daughter shopping. On the way home, Max passed a bar and saw the cars of some of his buddies so he pulled in. It was a cold night, 12 degrees, with a high wind chill. He left the car running so the heater could stay on and told our daughter he’d be right back. He went into the bar and started drinking with his buddies. … He didn’t come out till midnight. The car had run out of gas and shut off. The windows had frozen and he was unable to open any of the doors. When the authorities came they opened the door and rushed our daughter to the hospital. She was so badly frostbitten that her thumb and forefinger had to be amputated. And her ears were so damaged by the cold that she'll be deaf for the rest of her life.” The group turned to Max, who had fallen off his chair and was convulsing on the floor.

Why? Because he was faced with the truth about himself. A truth he couldn’t handle, and so he had been living in denial. Living in a fantasy world because he felt like he could never forgive himself.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you:

· Physically hurt someone in some way.

· Walked out on your family.

· Were involved in an accident that seriously injured someone.

· Had an abortion when you were younger.

· Found yourself wrapped up in an affair.

· Went through a rebellious period in your teens, and know the damage it did to your parents.

· Were in the military and can’t forget the things you saw and did.

· Did someone wrong in a business deal and it ruined them financially.

Continue Reading:

My husband, Vince, is a pastor who has taught a lot on the topic of forgiveness. Because so many struggle with it, I asked him to write a blog on forgiving yourself. How Do I Forgive Myself? A few years ago, at our church in Las Vegas we did a series on forgiveness. The first three weeks were o

08/07/2024

It’s Back to School Time!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year!

As we approach this new school year, it's crucial to prioritize mental health to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help everyone prepare for a mentally healthy year ahead:

For Students:
Establish a Routine:

Create a consistent sleep schedule.

Set aside time for homework and relaxation.

Stay Organized:

Use planners or digital apps to track assignments and activities.

Break tasks into manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Practice Self-Care:

Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy.

Stay active and eat healthily to support overall well-being.

Build a Support Network:

Connect with friends and family regularly.

Reach out to teachers or counselors if feeling stressed or anxious.

Continue Reading: https://www.renewinglife.net/renewing-life-center-blog/its-back-to-school-time

07/25/2024

Celebrate With Us!

We are thrilled to share an extraordinary milestone with you—the
Renewing Life Center has reached 100,000 sessions! This
significant achievement marks a journey that began with a big vision and unwavering faith.

With hearts full of faith and a commitment to serve our community, Renewing Life Center opened its doors in 2005 with a vision for individuals and families to find healing, hope, and renewal through compassionate Christian counseling and support. Since then, we have seen countless lives transformed and relationships restored. We believe that God has truly opened doors for us, guiding our mission and expanding our reach. Each session represents a step toward healing and a testament to the power of compassionate care.

As we celebrate our 100,000th session this month, we want to
extend our deepest gratitude to you—our clients, supporters, and
community. Your trust and support have been instrumental in
making this milestone possible.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the
countless stories of renewal and transformation that have unfolded at the Renewing Life Center. We look forward to continuing this journey with you - and with God's guiding hand.

With heartfelt thanks,

The Renewing Life Center Team

07/17/2024

Idols of the Heart: Understanding Our Inner Drives that Keep Us From Peace and Purpose

In modern society, the concept of idolatry might seem archaic, conjuring images of people worshiping statues and golden calves. However, the essence of idolatry is far more contemporary and personal than one might initially think. Idols of the heart refer to anything that occupies the place of God in our lives.

As a counselor, when I can identify “the thing” that a client is subconsciously pursuing, “the thing” they believe they need to make their life safe and secure, “the thing” they believe will help them feel worthy and worthwhile, I am able to discern the source of their greatest anxiety.

St Augustine wrote, “Our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Thee.” When we subconsciously place anything other than God as the source of our well-being, it will always lead us away from fulfillment and peace.

Identifying the Idols

The first step in addressing idols of the heart is identifying them. Unlike physical idols, these are often intangible and deeply ingrained in our thoughts, desires, and habits. They typically reside beneath the surface in the subconscious and are often uncovered in our quiet times with God, time with mentors, or in counseling. Common examples include:

1. Materialism and Wealth: The pursuit of money and possessions can become an all-consuming goal. When our self-worth and happiness are tied to our financial status, we place materialism on a pedestal, often sacrificing ethical values and relationships. Jesus addressed this idol of the heart often. He said very directly, “you cannot serve both God and money.”

2. Control and Power: The desire for control over every aspect of life can become an idol. This obsession can lead to anxiety, stress, and strained relationships as we attempt to manipulate situations and people to fit our expectations. This also leads us to be hard on ourselves as we try to plan and organize every possible scenario to avoid pain and discomfort.

3. People Pleasing and Approval: Seeking validation and acceptance from others can become a powerful idol. Trying to please others and keep everyone happy is flat-out exhausting. When we base our identity on how others perceive us, we lose sight of our intrinsic value and worth given to us by God.

Continue Reading:

In modern society, the concept of idolatry might seem archaic, conjuring images of people worshiping statues and golden calves. However, the essence of idolatry is far more contemporary and personal than one might initially think. Idols of the heart refer to anything that occupies the place of God

07/05/2024

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

07/03/2024

The Secrets of Our Marriage Success

This month my husband and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary! 1994 was a LONG time ago. We didn’t have cell phones, laptop computers, Facebook or Amazon; sometimes I wonder how we survived! I met my husband while working at a movie theater. I sold the tickets; he ripped the tickets; it was destiny! LOL!

I’d be lying if I told you 30 years of marriage has been easy. We are two very different people with contrasting personalities and love languages. We had different childhoods and learned different things about the world. So how did we do it? How are we still happily married after all these years? Here’s a few secrets of our success.

1. Love: An unconditional love you give, not because you feel like it or the other person is being lovable, but because you made a vow, “To love and to cherish.”

2. Laughter: Laugh often – when somethings funny and maybe even when it’s not.

3. God at the center: This is the key; marriage is like a triangle, with God at the top and each spouse at the opposite bases. If both spouses keep growing closer to God, they will also be growing closer to each other.

4. Honest and open communication: Every relationship – especially a marriage – is built on the trust that comes from consistent honest and open communication.

Continue:

This month my husband and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary! 1994 was a LONG time ago. We didn’t have cell phones, laptop computers, Facebook or Amazon; sometimes I wonder how we survived! I met my husband while working at a movie theater. I sold the tickets; he ripped the tickets; it ...

06/19/2024

Understanding Anxiety

Dealt with anxiety?

Me too.

Everyone becomes familiar with anxiety at some point in their lives. It’s that uneasy feeling that occupies our minds and seeps into our bodies. For some, anxiety is a fleeting sensation; for others, it’s a persistent and debilitating reality.

According to recent statistics, 76.2 million people globally struggle with an anxiety disorder, a figure that has risen by 25.6% since the Covid-19 pandemic. For these individuals, anxiety is not just an occasional feeling but a significant issue that interferes with their daily lives and happiness.

Let's delve deeper into what anxiety is and explore strategies to cope with it.

What Are The Signs of Anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms can vary from person to person, but here are five common signs:

Excessive Worry:

Worry becomes excessive when it’s disproportionate to the actual event or potential threat and persists for a long time.
Excessive worry can also hinder concentration, making it difficult to focus on tasks as anxious thoughts dominate the mind.

Inability to Relax:

People with anxiety often find it challenging to relax, even during downtime.
Their minds race with anxious thoughts, and they might feel a persistent sense of unease, remaining on high alert even in calm situations.

Sleep Disturbances:

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequently waking up, or waking up much earlier than usual can all be signs of anxiety.

Continue:

Dealt with anxiety? Me too. Everyone becomes familiar with anxiety at some point in their lives. It’s that uneasy feeling that occupies our minds and seeps into our bodies. For some, anxiety is a fleeting sensation; for others, it’s a persistent and debilitating reality. According to recent stat...

06/05/2024

Being With Jesus

Moving From Duty to Relationship

Jesus didn’t come into this world to inaugurate a system of order and power that demands duty. He came to bring a relationship with Him that brings God’s real presence into our inner being and, in time, through us into the world at large. As we experience this “God-life” within we find we begin to be changed, from the inside out … one day at a time.

Let’s look at a conversation with two people, where one chooses to taste and experience Jesus’ teaching, and the other becomes angry because there was too much to do to just sit and listen to Jesus.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha’, the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42)

The question Jesus raises to Martha and us is: What is better than duty?

The invitation to come and listen to Jesus’ teaching opens our minds and moves our hearts to comprehend something greater than duty that can guide our life choices.

Continue: https://www.renewinglife.net/renewing-life-center-blog/being-with-jesus-moving-from-duty-to-relationship

05/29/2024

Where are you in your life with Jesus?

The Spiritual Formation Institute is specifically designed to connect you with this dynamic journey of knowing Jesus Christ and the abundant life He offers.

The Spiritual Formation Institute is offered through the Renewing Life Center. It's specifically designed to connect you with this dynamic journey of knowing Jesus Christ and the abundant life He offers.

Registration opens for 2025 on June 1st!!!

https://www.spiritualformationinstitute.com/

05/22/2024

Communication Styles and Your Most Important Relationships

Do you ever wonder if your spouse or kids are intentionally trying to drive you crazy? Do you wonder why they are so different from you and whether you will ever be able to get along?

Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending a Capable Life Leadership Intensive in Colorado. It was such a wonderful experience. We learned about communication styles and how they impact our relationships. As a marriage and family therapist I am always interested in how we function in relationship with one another. How do we impact each other and what does health look like?

According to Steve Cuss and The Capable Life Team, there are three main types of communication styles.

1. Rigid vs. Fluid Communicators:

Rigid communicators speak definitively. They sound sure of themselves and often use formal language with a focus on precision and detail. They are consistent in communication and may lack warmth or personal connection.

Fluid communicators tend to be more adaptable and open. They communicate more informally and may speak in a way that sounds like they are asking for advice when they actually know what they want. Clarity and consistency can be lacking, which may frustrate a rigid communicator.

Continue Reading:

Do you ever wonder if your spouse or kids are intentionally trying to drive you crazy? Do you wonder why they are so different from you and whether you will ever be able to get along? Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending a Capable Life Leadership Intensive in Colorado. It was such a won