Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan

by Nicholas G. Louh, Roxanne K. Louh

Are you struggling in your walk with Christ? Do you want to rediscover your reason for living, the person you were created to be? Renewing A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan gives you the keys to unlock areas of your life that hold you back from fully experiencing the renewal and transformation God has in mind for you. Co-authored by a priest and a psychologist, Renewing You combines principles of spiritual growth with psychological tools to help you become your best self, fully connected with God's purpose for you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2020

Reviews

[Marianna Constable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone, orthodox or not. The first couple chapters had a few hints of cheesiness but the chapter on thoughts/mental processes, self care, marriage, and parenting were all phenomenal. Well worth the read and a GREAT book for lent!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be able to read an advance copy of this book as part of the Ancient Faith book review group. As a disclaimer, this was written by my parish priest and his wife, and so I had highly anticipated the release of this book. That being said, I have read a lot of "spiritual self-help" books in the past and felt "I had heard it all before" and I was very interested to see what Fr. Nick and Dr. Roxanne would present that I would find useful. I was quite pleased to find a book packed with a useful plan to "renew" my psychological and spiritual health. Although the book is obviously written from a Christian perspective, the practical tips presented are reasonable and applicable in all walks of life. Once such tidbit (that has already proven helpful in my household) is to picture guilty (or negative) thoughts as a cloud in the sky -- not to dwell on it, but rather recognize it and then watch it change shape and move away/evaporate.

While full of practical helps, such as the one described above, it is also provocative in helping you identify reasons behind your choices, thought patterns, habits and relationships. To further your growth, at the end of each chapter is a set of questions to contemplate or discuss with your spouse or friends -- or even spur journal entries. Not just for Orthodox Christians, this book is meant to be kept nearby -- to read and underline frequently -- by anyone who is or wants to pursue purposeful living in Christ.

[Nicole Roccas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's be honest: life in our current cultural milieu is basically an exercise in collective insanity. Although Renewing You has been years in the making, its release at a time when so many are in need of mental and spiritual sanity is truly a godsend. This tour guide of sorts orients readers toward the promised land of healthy minds and healthy souls, a terrain that for many is as distant and bewildering as a foreign country. Drawing on their shared pastoral and clinical training, Fr. Dr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh impart countless practical strategies and insights so that we may reunite not only our minds with our souls, but also our whole selves with the grace and love of God. For anyone who has read the command to "be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6-7) and wondered where the how-to guide is, this book is for you!

DISCLAIMER: I was invited to endorse this book by the publisher.

[Alex Holguin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A worthy introductory read regarding spiritual renewal during a time of structural loss, unease, and uncertainty.
The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh and Dr. Roxanne Louh pair to produce “Renewing You: A Priest, A Psychologist, and A Plan” as an addition to the Christian anthology of spiritual and psychological self-care rooted in a faith-based foundation to inculcate healthy and purposeful habits during what appears to be increasingly unsettling times. Nicholas is an ordained priest, and Roxanne is a practicing psychologist, and this book offers their insight as counselors from generally different theoretical fields in one inter-disciplinary read. It is fairly natural to see scriptural advice on why a destructive habit may be corrosive from a religious perspective in one paragraph, with critical psychological insight on that same practice’s effect on the body within the next breath. The Louh’s are aware that there is historic tension between the fields of psychology and Christian theology, but it is certainly not a problem in their home: their wedding together of the two concepts creates a world in which all persons are invited to discover purpose, relational healing, and self-care in their lives. Despite popular belief, becoming mentally healthy or Christian does not guarantee the converse, and both doctors are willing to stake that pursuing both at once is not only possible, but also the best way of pursuing either.
As someone that is interested in Christianity, psychology, and becoming both spiritually and mentally fortified in the embodied practices of the gospel at both an academic and practical level, I found the book to be tonally similar to the experience of being a wayward sheep herded by a shepherd. If you find that you might be in search of a guide to lead you back to the tried-and-true aspects of a Christian psychological life that feels both healthy but also has practical suggestions for how to live and pray considering its particular instruction, this could be the book for you.
I have said that this book is introductory in nature, and that is true in terms of both style and form. In terms of style, the application of scripture sometimes appears topically selected – and I found myself wishing there was further explication of the religious context that informed the point they wished to make. For example, in a section on committing to the Sabbath the authors point to Mark 6:31-32 to refer to the fact that Christ suggested that rest was an appropriate response to good work. This narrative is complicated in verse 33 where, just as the apostles and Jesus had left for a quiet place to rest they were surrounded by masses of individuals seeking their teaching – and so they returned to work. Now, that is not to say that rest is unimportant, not-sought after in the scriptures, or even that a particular interpretation of the Sabbath is preferable to another (the authors find ways to support multiple perspective in their drive towards wholeness) – just that the examples that are given sometimes leave a “comma” for the curious mind where a “period” is preferred.
In terms of form, the book is divided into eight primary chapters that build a religious psychosocial scaffolding for the human flesh to express through. Chapters one and two begin by engaging in cursory symbolic exchanges: trading previous habits with faith-based ones in order to rehabilitate the heart and mind. Chapters three and four target specific “inner demons” and find ways to purge them from our lifestyles so that we can work towards feeling more in-tune with both our selves and the Holy Spirit. I’ll return to chapter five momentarily, but chapters six and seven focus on marital relationships and advice towards parents. Chapter eight impacts the book with its purpose: sharing our light as a testimony of how we, as uniquely designed creations with different passions, strengths, and needs can better show God through our everyday walk through life.
Now, chapter five is about self-care, and that is a distinction that I (coming from the relatively narrow tradition of Christian psychoanalysis) find difficult to wade through. The Louh’s do manage to be wary of this as well – noting that it is easy for self-care to become selfish. I think better definition work on key-terms across the book would be helpful, but it is important to point out that they do lowlight practices that are falsely deemed self-care whilst simultaneously highlighting the true need for mental and spiritual self-care as a legitimate biological necessity – not an excuse for luxurious self-exaltation.
For those that have never read a Christian psychology book on self-care, this is probably one of the better introductions to the field. In an academic field that purports to be Christian but is oftentimes bathed in bad theology, “Renewing You” certainly has a tighter hold on the reigns as it walks the reader through the much-needed Christian affirmation of mental health. I’m less sure that this book will be as necessary for folks studying religious psychology or already seeking counseling at a higher intensity (whether individually or as a couple/family), but the end of chapter prayers and prompts are wonderfully practical ways to meditate on the book’s content and to pursue small-steps that can lead to a journey of true renewal.
If you have been unsettled by the year, life, or are just looking for a place to start over in your journey of renewal with God, I think this book can give you the resources needed to begin (again).

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have thought long and hard about how to review this book. My feelings and impressions of it are complicated. Firstly, I will say that there is a decent amount of beneficial material in this book. The blend of spiritual and psychological is insightful as many “self-help” style books rely too heavily on one and in some cases, directly contradict the other. I particularly enjoyed how they approached the culture of busyness and the discussion of children’s psychology. That being said, my overall impression of the book is one of disappointment. There may be some good insights but the book on the whole feels like it misses the mark of what people really need to make a positive difference in their lives.
I knew from the beginning that this book was meant to be an easy-to-understand approach to the topic of renewal aimed at those who are new to Orthodoxy or from other Christian backgrounds. In the past year, I was welcomed into the Orthodox church and psychology is a fascinating subject for me, so I was intrigued to find what this book would offer. I am sorry to say that any hint of beneficial Orthodox practices is watered down in ways that weren’t necessary. There are brief mentions of a couple of common Orthodox prayers, but there were wasted opportunities to recommend things such as books of prayers or following a church calendar that not only are common in the Orthodox church (and Catholic, Anglican, etc) but work well with our human psychology. There are reasons these practices were implemented and maintained, and the cultural trend among many, restless Christians looking to deepen their faith is adding these sorts of traditions to their practices. I didn’t expect a promotion for a specific church just a sharing of common resources, many of which date back to early Christian church origins.
Another issue that I would like to address is the oversimplification of renewal. I know this is meant to be easy to digest, but the human experience is vast. Much of what helps us to become better people involves becoming better at building relationships with others and empathizing with experiences outside of our own. This book does not do a good job of addressing the difficulties of those whose struggles are maybe more complicated: those whose more basic needs are not being met, those with immense trauma, and those with mental illness. For example, going outside, exercising, eating healthy, and getting rest are mentioned in one chapter of the book to help mental health as they are proven to be beneficial. What is not addressed is those who bodily can’t do most exercises, those who can’t afford sustaining food, those who overwork just to provide basics for their family, or those whose brain chemistry makes it that knowing they should do something and actually having the ability to do so are completely different things. There may be people who could read this book and may feel guilty because they know those sorts of things would help but are unattainable without help. I have been there myself. There needs to be more acknowledgment of those situations not only for those in them but also for others reading the book who don’t struggle the same way. It isn’t about offering perfect solutions (in those situations improvement often requires outside help and time), but creating empathy so community can be built with everyone included in it. Only by building community can everyone get the support they need.
This leads me to my last major point. The sections on marriage and children were well and good, but there needed to be more information on how to work with others outside of these relationships. This is absolutely essential in the church. At several different churches, I have witnessed many instances such as things not getting done because personalities clash, people leaving because they feel belittled or ignored, or people won’t who step within 5 feet of a church because they have seen how people are treated there and they want no part of it. Every improvement people make is tested once they are placed in the company of other hurt and flawed people. The authors had really good advice on how to interact with children and spouses but the advice on how to interact with others was sparse and mostly in the context of very personal healing. As a priest and psychologist, I expected this to be discussed more as helping people mend relationships is a huge part of their occupation.
I have other smaller issues having to do with specific examples they used and the tone of the book, but I’ve covered the major things that bothered me. There is some insight in the book, but I found its scope rather shallow as it does not reflect the experience of a large portion of people who would have the opportunity to read it. After all, can we really experience the renewal God wants for our lives if it does not include building communion with others outside of our own experience?

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the book I wanted to read, but it is the book I needed to read.

I was asked by the publisher to review this book, prior to its release. I'll admit, when I received the request, I wasn't all that excited about it. There was another book, launching around the same time, that I really wanted to get an advance copy of, but I knew I wouldn't be able to review both in the necessary amount of time. I had caught the Louhs' radio show/podcast a couple of times, and, for whatever reason, it hadn't clicked with me at the time. I'm also wary of pop psychology, especially pop psychology with a Christian veneer, and I was afraid that could have been what this book was.

When I finally did open the book, the first paragraph spoke directly to my situation:

"Do you feel like your walk with Christ has become stagnate and stale? That you're no longer able to enjoy the continual transformation of your life and faith that used to energize you? Perhaps you used to wake each morning with a sense of purpose and excitement for the coming day, but now you get out of bed and face your daily to-do list with heaviness of heart—and no amount of coffee can help you rekindle the energy you need so desperately for the day ahead."

The introduction speaks of refocusing, rediscovery, and renewing my purpose as a Christian. At the end of page two, I wrote the note, "Does the rest of the book live up to this promise?" I was going to be very disappointed if it didn't . . . and very pleased if it did!

As Christians, we may feel like focusing on ourselves is not biblical. (Maybe that's an excuse we use not to do it.) The Louhs address this notion head on, in the introduction:

"It's important to note that self-awareness doesn't equal self-absorption: rather, we truly believe inward reflection is part of the foundation necessary for outward transformation."

This journey of renewal through self-awareness is laid out in eight chapters. I found the chapters to be too long to read in a single sitting, but they have frequent divisions and places to take a break. The chapters follow a natural progression, addressing first our faith, then our thinking, then self-control, external trials, self-care, our relationships with spouse and children, and finally our relationships with others in light of our faith. In every chapter, I highlighted paragraphs of practical advice—practices I need to add to my life, and statements I need often to recall. The chapters do build on one another a bit, but they can stand on their own. If you're having trouble in a particular aspect of your life, you could probably read that chapter first and then go back to finish the rest.

Often, throughout the book, Father Nick and Dr. Roxanne use illustrations from their personal life and their experiences as priest and psychologist to illustrate the points they're making. This helps to bring the concepts to a personal level. At the end of each chapter is a prayer that relates to the content and a list of thoughtful, open-ended questions. The questions are excellent for a group study, but I also feel like you'd be missing out if you didn't answer them just because you were reading the book alone.

Chapter two deals with our thoughts and contains a valuable list of errors we make when thinking about situations and others, and how to correct them. After reading Renewing You, I'm now much more aware when I'm making (or about to make) these errors. I'm also more aware when others are making them, which may not be a good thing in some situations, but which does help me in understanding my children.

Speaking of children, the chapters on marriage and children were the ones that really struck home with me. When I finished the book, I told my wife that she should read those two chapters. It probably came across like I was saying, "Read this to find out what you're doing wrong," but I know she values these areas of our life as much as I do, and I found the information in them too valuable to keep to myself.

The thing I loved most about the chapter on marriage is that the Louhs don't assume the person reading is "the good spouse" and that their job is to manage the other person's weaknesses. They assume that both spouses have unhealthy traits, that both likely want the best for their marriage, and that neither one is likely "the bad guy."

Back to the question I wrote on page two: Does the book live up to the promise of renewal? I think it does. Obviously, no book is a magic pill that changes your life just because you read it. Change requires work—sometimes hard work. The subtitle of Renewing You is A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan: The book doesn't offer a step-by-step plan in that respect. What it does is to lay out a framework and offer helpful knowledge you can use to begin the work of renewing you.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year (2020) brought change to each and every person. The stressors of isolation, quarantine, remote learning, masks, economic struggles and more mean that each and every one of us could benefit from a book like Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan. Dr. Roxanne and Father Nicholas have compiled a timely message of hope and resiliency in their offering of both spiritual and psychological truths. Their offering is grounded in a firm foundation of faith and supported throughout the book with Scriptural references, and adds to it a layer of their research into evidence-based methods of support for anyone who is challenged. The result is both thought-provoking and a challenging to do more than just read – they offer every reader an opportunity to grow in both faith and life through their words, prayers, and questions.

There are only eight chapters in this book, but please do not be deceived. Those eight chapters add up to almost 400 Pages. The information, while researched and knowledgeable, comes across as a conversation, not a lecture or textbook. It is easily understood and accessible. There are references to Scripture and church fathers as well as references to other mental health practitioners and forms of therapeutic treatment.

As the book is grounded in spiritual principals, the first chapter addresses the foundation – faith, and the eighth addresses the need to share that faith in many ways. The six chapters in between take a look at principals of changing faulty thinking, gaining victory over our vices, turning “trials into triumphs,” specifically caring for oneself spiritually physically and relationally, as well as chapters on marriage and children.

Chapters on marriage and children could provoke some hard feelings. There are almost 100 pages combined dedicated to two chapters: one on marriage, and one on parenting. Readers who are unmarried and/or childless may view these chapters as irrelevant or worse, as a slap in the face. There are no references to the single person, or to the childless ones, and that oversight may come across as glaring.

If those who may be sensitive to these two chapters are able to read with an open heart, though, and a willingness to validate their feelings while continuing to read, those readers will find a treasure in those pages. Though cloaked in specific marital and parental relationships, the principals of interpersonal effectiveness presented are the same no matter what the relationship. The truths, of honoring differences, praying for the other, generosity, forgiveness, kindness and gratitude, mercy, respect, humility, friendship, time in addition to advice about conflict, discipleship, discipline, mindfulness, self-control, boundaries, etc, are useful not only in marriage and parenting, but in relating to coworkers, friends, family, church family, and strangers.

The Louhs, in their book, teach not only principals but also methods. The highlight of each chapter is the prayer at the end, summarizing the essence of information given and bringing it before the Lord, asking for help. Those prayers can be revisited day after day, even if there is not time to review a whole chapter. The prayers are accessible to Christians of all denominations, not just those who are Orthodox. Their book is one that could be used individually or in small groups –study questions are the final part of each chapter, and they can facilitate self-reflection and/or group discussion.

Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan is a book worth reading and talking about; it is also a resource worth having. It provides sound, practicable, applicable advice to anyone with a heart to listen. It would have been useful before 2020 and will continue to be helpful in years to come. I initially received an advanced copy of their book in exchange for a review. It is a book that I will refer to often in my own practice as a therapist and look forward to sharing with my friends and loved ones.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well-written and well-structured book. It is an easy read, but, much more than that, it is (or can be) and extremely useful guide for both cradle Orthodox and converts.
If your spiritual life is on a downward spiral, if you've been struggling with personal vices, or just feel unable to maintain a life focused on Christ, this is the book for you. I wouldn't categorize it as a self-help book precisely because all the chapters come back to this truth: one cannot do ANYTHING without God. Each chapter ends with a prayer, perhaps as a reminder that prayer is one of the main tenets of an Orthodox lifestyle. In addition to the prayers, there are also sets of questions that are meant to trigger self-reflection on both positive and negative aspects of one's life. The readers can find practical tips for dealing with many situations in our day-to-day lives. The authors draw from their own life experiences and struggles with keeping the faith alive in their homes and in their hearts. As one delves into the book, their comprehensive research and their intellects are evident, and yet this still managed to maintain a friendly tone throughout the book. One thing that I have seen emphasized throughout the book is the fact that this renewal is an ongoing process that will take pains, increasing self-knowledge and self-reflection, along with humility to perfect.
This is the perfect book for those seeking a deeper relationship with God amidst all the hustle and bustle of the world.

[Ericha Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book renewing, but it helps to transform, reawaken, and breathe new life into your whole being. This book jumps right into ways to embrace a life filled with faith. Each chapter is short, easy to read, and full of useful knowledge.
In the beginning of this book, you learn easy ways to include God first. Our world is filled with social media, our own self doubts, and other challenges we face. “Renewing You” addresses the obstacles of today and how we struggle with them. It provides a step by step way to give ourselves over to prayer and God daily. It teaches us how to change our self defending behaviors and trials into a meaningful and successful life with God, our Father.
We learn how to give ourselves “self time”, remembering that we must take care of ourselves. While “self care” is important, we must tend and care for our marriage and our children in ways God had intended. We learn to empower ourselves with the help of God. Once we are healed and have a life focused around God, then we can give that to others.
This book is truly life changing. It has helped me to grow deeper in my faith. This book reminds me that I am worthy of God’s love and He truly wants what is best for me. I have realized I have to care for myself and the many blessings that God has provided. It is easy to pray and need God when life is hard, but a struggle to include God during times of peace and calm as well. This book puts life into the perspective of loving God in all things. I highly recommend this book, it is a must read.

[Serena Pridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became very excited to see Renewing You A Priest, a psychologist and a Plan being released by Ancient Faith publishing. I love books to help me improve my life and this book is one of the best I have read.

Rev Dr Nicholas Louh and his wife Dr Roxanne Louh do what many writing teams cannot, they mesh and are able to seamlessly change from one point of view to another, it's not awkward and it shows so clearly why these are the people writing this book. This book is really for everyone, married couples or single, male or female. The chapters on marriage and children taught me many things about relationships and how to relate to others even though I am single, and plan on remaining that way.

In addition to the information provided in the chapters there is scripture used to show how it relates back to our lives and at the end of the chapters there is a group of open ended questions so you have the option not only to absorb the information that the Louhs provide but you have the option to write out the answers to the questions and then really think about how the answers affect your life and what you need to change. I am sorry I didn't start with a journal beside the book while I read it, but when i go back and read it again, that will be one change I personally make.

I highly recommend this book and am excited for all of their future collaborations.

[Kristal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like its psychologist and priest co-authors, RENEWING YOU is a terrific coupling of psychological insights and Christian faith-based principles in one encouraging volume. The chapters are filled with Scripture-based examinations of not only what we are called to do and be in our lives, but thoughtful reflections on how to work through the struggles that we face in our attempts.

Each chapter addresses a different topic and includes various specific examples of changes we can make in the given area. There are also multiple prompts for self-reflection as well as group discussion. The chapter on marriage, in particular, resonated with me. After reading the reminder that “God has placed you in your marriage to help you both reach His purposes, not to judge your spouse along the way,” it made me realize how easy it is to forget that and think of marriage in a more self-serving way. There were many similar insights as I read through the chapter on parenting.

The book is also incredibly well-written and well-organized. Though it is about 400 pages long, I read through it quickly and easily. Very much recommended!

[Zubin Mehta-Rao]

When I first picked up this book and read the synopsis I rolled my eyes a little bit. I was worried about what I was going to get myself into. The synopsis made the book sound very self-helply with a dash of Christianity mixed in, and being the cynical fellow that I am I thought for sure my eyes would constantly be rolling about in my sockets while I ploughed through this book. Luckily for me, I was pleasantly surprised by what I read. This is no complicated tome of Theology, but is very accessible and it does not sacrifice substance for that accessibility. Yes, this is definitely a self help book, but there is a very refreshing aspect about it. The authors really focus on centering our lives around the Christian Faith without completely disengaging from the world. Through the help of prayers and advise from the Church Fathers, "Renewing You" is a great source to help you delve deep into the mire of yourself and try to rekindle to Light of Christ in our lives.

[Marlena Proper-graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young, I used to listen to Focus on the Family regularly. I was disheartened when it took a hard political turn. What I like about the Louhs is that they are a team; they lift each other up - they're egalitarian in their interactions - valuing one another. And also, they're an Eastern Orthodox couple! He is a priest, she is a psychologist. Not only do they model a healthy marriage, family, and working relationship, but it comes through in their writing. I certainly could not have written this book; they do great job of reaching a general audience with wisdom. I was especially convicted about self-care. This is a book you can give to people in congregations and even to those who are exploring the faith. I can't wait to see them reach the broader Christian audience. The Eastern Orthodox are sharing their wealth with the rest of us. For that I am grateful!

[Charlie Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of us find at some point we are struggling in our Faith. Weather it is with prayer rule or even simply having the strength to go to Church. Farther Nick and Dr. Roxanne Louh have given us a wonderful gift in this book Renewing You. With the work of both a priest and Dr. Roxanne’s in Phycology their “Plan” puts forward a fresh a unique way in finding a path to Renew our Faith Foundation. The audible book is an easy and enjoyable listen. I would highly recommend this to both new and long-term Orthodox Christians. Infact this is a good book for any Christian. I found especially relevant for me Chapter 4: Turn Your Trials into Triumphs. I found this insightful and helpful.

All in all, a wonderful book that I would highly recommend

Charlie Stayton

[Summer Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by incredible people. For self help people, Christian people, and I would like to suggest some parts for teens too. You can buy in hard copy or audio for on the go which is SO convenient! This book has helped me to grow spiritually, and has helped me communicate more effectively in all my relationships. I highly recommend.

[Dr. Stephanie Douglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book.
Some Orthodox books can be really deep and hard to grasp. Also, Renewing You is not just for those of the Orthodox Faith. It's for anyone looking to turn a leaf in any aspect of their life. The topics are relatable and easy to digest.
Each day, I looked forward to picking up this book. I felt a friend was talking to me.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how scripture was laced throughout this book along with practical insights & questions for reflection. I found myself taking notes & sharing what I read with loved ones. It was a huge encouragement to me in my faith. Highly recommend!

[Christopher J Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Wish I had this book before I married and had a family. Appropriate tools for almost every situation one may face in life. I learned way late in life to let go and let God.

[Shimeles]

I love to read this book

[Summer Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's excellent and I'm fortunate to have received this at this specific time in my life. I highly recommend.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Laura N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts off a little basic, but there is some great stuff here. Worth the read!

[Matina Kazameas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that deserves to be read several times and studied with friends. Loved the insightful questions, examples and stories.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Marked so many pages to go back to and read again.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone interested in psychology of relationships and ways to improve them. Throughout the book the explanations and examples are given and easy to follow. The commentary throughout the book is nice that it is simple to follow and also is general enough to be applicable to any type of Christian (or even beyond just Christians). I particularly enjoyed that there were prompts of things to think about and consider at the end of each chapter along with action items to improve yourself.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many practical tips for managing daily situations. "Renewing You" has helped me identify some destructive habits I formed over the years and guided me to make positive changes.

The Louh’s address challenges in life through relatable examples from daily life, biblical insights, and spiritual inspiration.


I enjoyed the audiobook version of this book and will definitely listen to it again.