Restoration Counseling NW

Creating Connections

Ask Kenna

What Does the Signal Mean?

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The odometer on a car signals it is time for an oil change. A persistent cough accompanied by a mysterious rash signals it is time to call the doctor. A furnace that won’t turn on signals it is time to call a heating expert. We rely on the knowledge and expertise of others to help keep things working and in good repair.

When tension continues to mount in marriage pay attention to this signal and call a counselor. When you struggle to get out of bed each day, pay attention to this signal and call a counselor. When anger and bitterness consume your thoughts pay attention to this signal and call a counselor.

We cannot afford to ignore the many signals our life supplies and expect our relationships to function well. Pay attention to the signals and call me for help today!

 

Unforgiveness Increases Your Blood Pressure!

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Did you know there is a measureable cost to our bodies and brains when we choose to hold onto hurts and anger? When we don’t forgive, this causes the body to move into a negative stress response. The negative stress response releases higher levels of stress hormones, which in turn increases blood pressure and heart rate.

When people hold onto their anger and past trauma, this keeps the stress response active and causes sickness in their bodies and minds. There are more than a hundred studies showing the healing power of forgiveness. Changing how you think about past hurt can reduce its impact on you.

Of course Jesus has been telling us to forgive for 2000 years. When we forgive we are not making excuses for someone’s behavior, but we are letting go of the person and letting God sort them out. It is a choice and demonstrates great courage.

Call me today for help in neutralizing painful memories and moving into forgiveness.

The Reality of Feelings

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Are you unable to respond to your spouse when they ask what you are feeling? Do you find yourself yelling at the kids when you are angry with your boss? Do you “escape” with a few drinks or by sitting in front of a screen? Do you find yourself struggling with depression and anxiety?

For many people feelings are powerful and what they base their choices and behavior on. While for others they are often unaware of what they are feeling and respond out of logic, anger or habit.

I love what Dallas Willard says in Renovation of the Heart, “Feelings are good servants. But they are disastrous masters”

I would love to help you sort through challenging feelings or learn how to identify what your feeling or work through buried emotions from the past. Call me today at 360 524-1870 to book an appointment.

Obeying God Changes Us

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Yesterday in a session I was reminded again that God desires our obedience to Him in the large and small things. He wants us to obey Him for our benefit. He has a storehouse of blessings with our name on it that He desires to deliver. He created us and knows what helps us to live well. It is the forgiveness that comes before the sun goes down. It is the kind word spoken because a harsh one hurts our spirit as well as the one on the receiving end. It is guarding our heart and the giving of ourselves only to the one we have committed to in marriage. It is choosing to dwell on whatsoever things are lovely. Consider again today how you can obey Him. Obeying God changes us from the inside out.