Becoming Whole

Send us a text“God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you.” This is Contentment and the Ache Within.Augustine wrote these words on contentment long before instant text messaging and social media. The truth remains; you were made by God, for God. Yet you live in a world that says we can double-tap, swipe-right, thumbs up our way to happiness. The problem is instant gratification does not equal happiness. Your very essence is designed to find rest and wholeness in your Creator. While the world says contentment is a state of happiness or satisfaction we know there is more.  Reverand Bob Ragan, a member of the Regeneration Ministries team, is on the podcast to unpack the meaning of contentment and 4 ways to develop it in your own life.  Come as you are. “Becoming Whole” is inviting you to discover how to satisfy the ache within.Highlights:The world's idea of contentment is based on my emotions and my environment, contentment is based on a set of conditions and our world is in a state of fluxThe Holy Spirit shifts our focus out of this temporal satisfaction  and says there’s something moreWhen we feel that ache of longing for it to continue, that actually is God’s way of helping to increase our hearts capacity for what is comingHomework:Gratitude is powerful for shaping our brains, our hearts, and our actions. The road to contentment begins with gratitude.What do you pay attention to? What’s wrong? Your fears? LOOK AROUND TO FIND SOMETHING TO BE GRATEFUL FORGratitude moments - Make time every day for Moments of Gratitude. Ask yourself, What can I thank God for right now? What good am I seeing?Practice  - send out text messages/emails to 5 people telling them why you’re grateful for them.Resources/Extras:"God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you." Augustine"Nothing makes God more supreme and more central in worship than when people are utterly persuaded that nothing - not money or prestige or leisure or family or job or health or sports or toys or friends - nothing is going to bring satisfaction to their sinful, guilty, aching hearts besides God." – John Piper "There's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have the energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him. - J.I. Packer“Fill these Hearts: God, Sex and the Universal Longing” by Christopher WestPsalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.”“The loss of joy is the warning sign of discontentment knocking at our heart.” C.S. Lewis "I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God's thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking." George MacdonaldTranscription:Free Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textIt seems as though we’re all hunkered down in our political and ideological trenches these days. We hurl arguments like grenades, watching them explode from a “Twitter” distance away, high-fiving those on “our” side. Division is competing with COVID for pandemic status in our country. How do we, as believers, make our way through this division? We connect.Josh and Kit invite Ana Samuel, PhD to share practical ways for you to be loving and kind in a world that is anything but.You don’t have to slink away from the heated debates. As hard as it is, you can engage people of different world views. This is delicate business but it is necessary and do-able. Samuel is an expert in the art of human relationships and she brings the foundations of a personal approach to being a person.When it comes to the hot button issues, you don’t have to stick your head in the sand. Rather, come out of the trench and open your eyes to see others as good people, no matter their view. We hope you walk away from this episode with practical ways to love others well, especially those you don’t agree with.Guest Bio: Ana Samuel, PhD, is a Research Scholar at the Witherspoon Institute and the Academic Director of CanaVox, a movement that hosts reading groups around the world on marriage and sexuality from a natural law perspective. She completed her studies in political theory at Princeton University and focused on the political thought and sexual ethics of Montesquieu while at the University of Notre Dame. She is the grateful daughter of Mexican immigrants, the wife of an Argentine immigrant, and the mother of six children.Highlights:Learning to walk with people with tremendous finesse and patience and not coming into the relationship with an agenda but really wanting what is good for that personHaving your heart full of willingness to seek their good at their pace one on oneThe principals still apply that there is a very important foundation that I am for you even if I disagree with you.Homework:Deposits of Good Will - symbols, signs and actions that affirm you really care about the person as a wholeBuild your Base - Find like minded people you can trust. Base friendships offer trust, confidence and nourishment moving out in the world. “The more you work on you, the more you deepen in love and knowledge and understanding of these issues, and the more you talk about it with like minded people who agree, and the more you learn together - what naturally happens is that you don’t fear talking about these issues as much with others.”Am I looking out for the welfare of others? Do I want what is good for them?Situational Awareness: Samuel says this is foundational for good decision making.  When we forget our place, we can find ourselves in hot water.Resources/Extras:Dr. Meg Meeker -  Her definition of intimacy is - Into Me SeeSean Covey; “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People”William Shakespeare “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and thFree Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textWe’ve lost our center.Our focus on the Cross has faded; making the conversation you’re about to hear necessary. The world and, in some cases, even the church is offering a watered-down Gospel. Rather than looking past the Cross as a place of burden, let’s start to look to the Cross as a place of intimacy.  Lingering where Jesus died for you may make you uncomfortable. You may even question the power behind an event that took place more than 2,000 years ago. We want to challenge you to stay and listen to the invitation God sets before you. The power of the Cross is very much alive, active, and waiting for you.Do you feel the weight of the desire to be changed from the inside out? It’s time to re-center our gaze on the Cross. Listen in as Josh and Kit explore 3 ways to access the power of the Cross in your life with God: Sanctification, Healing of Wounds, and New Identity.We encourage you to say yes to a deeper understanding of the Cross. We hope you will set the bar high and come expectantly to the Cross. Lean in and listen to the invitation before you on “Becoming Whole.”Highlights:We’re coming to a Wounded One, our Wounded Savior, our Loving Wounded Lord; and there’s an intimacy that takes place there because we’re coming as wounded ones to our Wounded Savior.It’s a gift of love from God and it’s a chance for us to say, ‘God you are the one who loves me, sees me, understands me, created me. I’m going to trust you with these really deep things and you’re going to receive them from me.’He doesn’t undo what happened to us but he can transform it into something that’s meaningful. He can withdraw the toxic shame that comes with some of the wounds we experienced.Homework:Reflect on the things spoken over you, things people told you. You can see where you lost your identity when you accept what others told you as the truth about you. Let God refute it with HIs truth about you. It takes courage and patience and honesty. The reward is freedom.Find a prayer buddy to pray scriptures that remind you who you are as a new creation in Christ.Resources/Extras:1 Peter 2:24 “…and he himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.”1 John 2:2 “…and He himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for our sins only, but also for those of the whole world.”Romans 6:5-7 “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”Isaiah 53:4 “Surely, our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”Revelations 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written whFree Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textWho you are and who you want to be… Do they feel oceans apart? If you’re feeling a disconnect between the two, you’re not alone and you’re probably exhausted.The battle between True Self and False Self is more common than you know. What is true is you are created in love by God for a purpose. But, this broken world takes a toll on that vulnerable, soft, true core. So, the “True Self” gives way to the “False Self.” In this episode, Josh and Kit expose the masks and fronts we use for what they are - survival mechanisms.  And, you were made for much more than just survival.  We hope you’ll join us as we explore another step in your spiritual journey.  Unraveling the mask to discover your true self, to live in freedom; this is your next step on ‘Becoming Whole.”Highlights:our false self is often created by pain and pain is often a way we discover our way to our true selfWhen we can embrace the identity God has given us that’s real and solid then we can have a sense of stability that defines our lifeLet’s have courage to feel the pain and to allow God to unravel usHomework:Take some time to list your core needs - your need to be seen, to have a deep connection, to be affirmed of your goodness and value, to know your existence is necessary.Now take some time to think on how you’re meeting those needs.Read Ephesians 1:3-6 and repeat to yourself;  I am accepted. I am redeemed. I am covered by grace.Hear God’s words, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9) and accept His invitation to face Him as you are.Allow God to search your heart and ask God in. Try reading Psalm 139 as your heart's prayer.Resources/Extras:“The Hidden Life: Awakened” by Kitty Crenshaw“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4“Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful Heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus - all because he sees us wrapped into Christ.  This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts!  And he chose us to be his very own, joining us to himself even before he laid the foundation of the universe! Because of his great love, he ordained us, so that we would be seen as holy in his eyes with an unsustained innocence. For it was always his perfect plan to adopt us as his delightful children, through our union with Jesus, the Anointed One, so that his tremendous love that cascades over us would glorify his grace - for the same love he has for his Beloved One, Jesus, he has for us. And this unfolding plan brings him great pleasure! Ephesians 1: 3-6 TPT“We can be so busy being in the world for God that we fail to be in God for the world.” -Dr. M. Robert Mulholland Jr.Transcription:Free Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textUnderstanding and Healing the Mother Wound Part 1 gave us an understanding of a Mother Wound. Now, let’s keep the conversation going. There is more to you and the relationship with your mom than the wounding. You are not stuck. This second part of the conversation pushes past the initial step of facing a mother wound to the work that comes next.And, the work is hard. There may be anger. There may be tears. And that is okay. Acknowledging your mother wound means moving past shame and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. No, it's not easy but your story doesn’t end there. You are meant for more. God’s plan for you is full of honor and hope and freedom. It takes courage to face wounds and trust God with them. Our work's focus at Regeneration Ministries is coaching you through the process. We pray you can listen to today's episode and allow it to be another step towards “Becoming Whole.”Highlights:A lot of people are vulnerable to believing other people had perfect mothers and this can be an opportunity for healingWounds are real things and they need to be walked throughYou need to be able to uniquely process this with God and see what forgiveness looks like for you in this situationHomework:Look at how you see your story. What messages did you receive?Think about your story. What role did others play in your story? Do you want your story to continue?Have you fallen in the trap of believing that other people have had “perfect” moms?Think about the expectations you had for your Mom. Name and identify the feelings that come up: anger, sadness, fear, frustration, betrayal. Can you allow your space the time and emotion to grieve now what you didn’t receive? It’s okay to get angry, as Josh said, “we want to keep the horizon in view and that’s forgiveness.”Resources/Extras:Genesis 1:27 "God created man and woman in his image."Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."More on ForgivenessTranscription:Full Transcription Available hereOriginal music by Shannon Smith. Audio engineering by Gabriel @ DelMar Sound Recording.Support Becoming WholeFree Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textMother. Mommy. Mom. Momma.When you were just a baby, your first smile was for her. And when she locked eyes with you and smiled back, something cemented deep down inside. As a child, seeing your emotions reflected back from your mom’s face was validating and connecting for you at a foundational level.  That “mirroring” became an understanding for how you on how to move through relationships with yourself and others.So, what if mom didn’t smile back because of her own depression or pain? What if that Mommy Mirror was broken and she couldn’t lock eyes with you? Parents give us a sense of themselves and in turn who we are. Since Mom is the very first relationship we have, there’s something even more powerful to that bond; for better or worse.In this episode, Josh and Kit sit down to talk about Understanding and Healing the Mother Wound.  The conversation is as delicate and intense as the topic. As an adult, whether you know it or not, you carry those needs still.Listen first. Take notes the second time. Because when the Mommy Mirror is broken, it leaves behind pieces. We pray this two-part conversation will serve as a building block for you on your journey to “Becoming Whole.”Highlights:Mom is supposed to be foundational.  Mom is supposed to be a secure source for the child. So, if mom’s not doing okay emotionally in this moment then I’ve got to take care of her in order to be okay. And plus, there’s not really enough room for me to deal with my own stuff.If there’s something that we needed from our moms that God designed us to receive from our moms, or things we were designed to receive, when something goes sideways then it leaves us with a markMom has a unique place because she’s that very first relationship with the child, she almost serves as a bedrock foundation under a child and if that’s shaky that can be a difficult thing for kids to reckon with.Homework:“MIRRORING” can be defined as the act of validation and connection through active reflecting.Six Themes Related to Mother Wounds:Boundary IssuesNot Trusting Your Own FeelingsNot Being Able to Trust OthersBeing Over-Sensitive or Being Ultra-ReactionaryChronic Difficulty in RelationshipsLow Self-EsteemResources/Extras:Genesis 1:27 God created man and woman in his image.Still face experiment Dr Edward Tronick https://youtu.be/apzXGEbZht0Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." (NIV)Luke 13:34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (NIV)Transcription:Free Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a text“Becoming Whole” - that is the goal. But, when you can’t see past your past, it’s hard to believe you can be whole again.  Have you ever considered Spiritual Coaching?We’re sure you have lots of questions: What is it? How does it work? Why should I even try?Listen in as Josh invites coaches from the Regeneration Ministries Team to unwrap what it all means.To be clear, we all have secrets and baggage. Spiritual Coaching offers a way to lay it down in a safe, sacred space and see a path beyond it. Despite our brokenness, God is inviting us into a life of wholeness and goodness and freedom.Spiritual Coaching is a way to hearing God’s call and saying yes.Highlights:It is this privilege to come alongside people wherever they are, and to listen to them, and to listen to God, and to help them understand some of what’s going on in their life.There is something very holy, set apart and sacred when someone is sharing their story and we’re in it with them.So often, the stories that we carry, we can’t imagine that anyone would want to step into our story with us. But in that moment we’re stepping in and that’s what Jesus does.Resources/Extras:“Care of Souls” Dr David Benner“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!’ - Mark 9:23-24Transcription:Full Transcription Available hereOriginal music by Shannon Smith. Audio engineering by Gabriel @ DelMar Sound Recording.Support Becoming WholeFree Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textWhen you step into Regeneration Ministries by talking with a counselor or listening to our podcast or exploring our webpage; our mission is clear. We hope to help walk you through the process of being reformed, regrown, created again. We believe our Heavenly Father sees the broken places in your life and wants to make them whole.Our guest, Laurence Koo, bravely, and honestly, shares his experience of living a whole life. Laurence shares what it meant for him growing up in a Christian home, developing a relationship with Jesus all while wrestling with same-sex attractions.What makes this conversation different and important is that it’s not so much about labels as it is more about living.Laurence shares his life: the journey, his hard-fought wisdom, and the questions he’s still living with. He exposes the deep split he felt between his sexuality and his spirituality. Maybe you feel that too. And how Jesus brought them back together again.This episode speaks to all followers of Jesus who all have broken sexuality. “Becoming Whole” means freedom and light and life for you. Listen in.Highlights:My expectation was that God would take these feelings away from me and that would mean complete wholeness. But that it meant for me to really integrate these feelings and say even if my sexuality is this particular point in life. I am a son of God, his adopted son, his beloved son and I want to be part of his kingdom and I want to represent his kingdom.To me my sexuality was never a matter of identity, that was a matter of sexuality. And sexuality then was submitted or surrendered itself under my core identity being a follower of Jesus, being his beloved sonallowing God to embrace you in the most broken and vulnerable places, it just required a lot of humility from my partQuestions:Deny vs Renounce: Deny says the same-sex attraction is not there. Renounce acknowledges the attraction but chooses not to follow where it leads.Laurence spoke about freedom, not as in an absence of distractions, but an awareness. Spend some time analyzing what keeps you from living in God’s freedom.Laurence talked about putting his desires or loves in order. Can you list your desires/loves and ask God to help you rearrange them into His order for you?Resources/Extras: https://www.navigators.org “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and breakthrough every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 Laurence’s liFree Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textImagine sitting down to catch up with a friend. They unload all the details of all their highs and lows but just as you open your mouth to speak; they up and leave.In true friendship, that just doesn’t happen. And yet, how often do you do that with God?When you pray, you are trusting that God is hearing your words. You share all the details of your highs and lows, believing that God is listening.But, when it‘s your turn, do you get up and leave before giving God the chance to respond?Prayer is a two-way conversation- a Holy Dialogue. God wants to speak to you. And we don’t want you to miss out.For now, open your ears and your heart as Josh and Kit sift through some of the barriers to good listening.Stepping beyond your monologue and into a Holy Dialogue is the next step to “Becoming Whole.”Highlights:As we cultivate this aspect of listening in our prayer life that there’s something healing in just thatThat’s what I’m made for, that’s what everybody’s made for, to have that communication, relationship with God.It can really be helpful to seek to hear God with somebody else who’s got a little more experience in discerning God’s voiceQuestions:To hear from God, we need to be able to recognize His voice. Spend time reading the Bible each day to learn what He sounds like.If you feel like God is speaking to you; ask yourself: Is it consistent with Scripture? Is the tone loving, encouraging?Hearing from God is sometimes best done with a small group of people. Can you find 2 or more trusted friends to listen with?After submitting your requests to God; jot down any songs or verses, specific words, or images that may come to mind.Resources/Extras:“Walking with God: How to Hear His Voice” John Eldredge EXCERPT“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” -John 10:27 1 Samuel 3 Hearing God Developing Conversational Relationship“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” -Luke 2:19“Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.” - John Wimber, Founder Association of Vineyard ChurchesTranscription:Full Transcription Available hereOriginal music by Shannon Smith. Audio engineering by Gabriel @ DelMar Sound Recording.Free Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)

Send us a textRaising a teenager is hard work. Full stop.Gone are the days of playdates and lessons on using our inside voices. Before you now, is a teenager - a growing, constantly changing human. With all this change, you might find yourself wondering, “Why is there no Moms groups for teens?”This is it. Therapist, Rebecca Baker, joins the podcast offering the support you need now. Rebecca, Josh, and Kit sit down to discuss some practical steps to pave the way to better communication with your teen. It begins with awareness. And that awareness starts with you.Shrugging off the parenting struggle with a “Big Kids, Big Problems” attitude may end in a standoff or a slammed door.Relax those shoulders. Listen in for some life skills leading to better conversations and how to give your child room to explore how they’re feeling as they’re feeling it. Connecting with your teen starts with learning to connect with your own emotions, your body, and your community. This is hard work, but you can do it.Learning how to evolve and shift with your teen, giving you both the room you need to grow - this is your next step to “Becoming Whole.”Highlights:What do you say to a parent who says, ‘I know my kid’s struggling but they won’t talk to me.’ How do you help parents who find that to be true? You invite, invite, invite, invitepay attention to the small things so when the big things come up they know that you’re going to be there and they can talk to youto catch them getting curious about something or trying something new, to be able to point that out and shine a light out it and say I see that and I see you and I love itQuestions:Think about how your body reacts to stress, excitement, anger. Where and how do you feel it? Make a note of those mind-body connections to use later in connecting with your child.GIVE IT A NUMBER! Try using a number scale of 1-10 to identify how big a feeling (good or bad) feels in your body.Make space to Connect: Go for a drive, Bake something, Go for a hike.What you pay attention to will grow. Pay attention to what you pay attention to with your child. Try to shine a light on the good, curious, funny moments too.Resources/Extras:Dallas Willard on The Mental Life “The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God” “Now we need to understand that what simply occupies our mind very largely governs what we do. It sets the emotional tone out of which our action flows, and it projects the possible courses of action available to us. Also, the mind, though of little power on its own, is the place of our widest and most basic freedom. This is true in both a direct and an indirect sense. Of all the things we do, we have more freedom with respect to what we think of, where we will place our mind, than anything else. And the freedom of thinking is a direct freedom wherever it is present. We need not do something else in order to exercise it. We simply turn our mind to whatever it is we choose to think of. The deepest revelation of our character is what we choose to dwell on in thought, what constantly occupies our mind – as well Free Resources to help you on your journey to Becoming Whole 👉Men's Overcoming Lust & Temptation Devotional👉Women 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Women overcoming unwanted sexual Behavior)👉Compass 21-Day Prayer Journal & Devotional - (Wives who are or have been impacted by partner betrayal)