Hi, friend. Welcome to the Encouraging Word Podcast. This week's episode brings us to a story you've probably heard; you may even hear it this Holy Week. In John chapter 13, we read about Jesus washing his followers' feet. This passage is often referred to when teaching about service or humility. But it also offers something else very important-how to respond to someone who hurts you.
Today I'm joined by my friend and co-author of one of my books, Gary Thomas. He's opening up about many different times in his life when he's either felt misunderstood, slandered, or dealt with toxic interactions (some even from childhood) - and how he's learned to respond as a person who typically leans toward peace and repair. We talk about how to set proper boundaries in relationships with different people, depending on their level of safety and health. Dig deeper into dealing with difficult people and setting healthy boundaries, by ordering my new book People Skills anywhere books are sold.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!
DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
In this special episode from the Back Porch Theology Christmas Tour, Lisa, Allison, and Dr. Howard come together for a warm, hope-filled conversation about faith, waiting, and the meaning of Christmas. Through laughter, Scripture, and personal stories, they explore biblical waiting, from Zechariah and Elizabeth to Simeon and Anna, reminding us that waiting is never wasted and is always part of God's story. Wrap up in a blanket, grab a warm drink, and pull up a chair ~ it's Christmas on the porch.
Welcome to the POGcast! This week, the girls are talking all things the "Lady Wisdom" album. Tune in for sticky note scriptures, behind the scenes stories from the album cover photo shoot, and the spiritual danger of folly.
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
1:52 What's Up: It's "Lady Wisdom" Release Week!
4:11 Circle of Friends: Questions From You! Album Cover Shoot Stories, Songs About Prodigals, and Sticky Note Scriptures
20:00 What in the Word: Proverbs and the Call of Folly
26:19 Circle Up: Decorative Jean Clasps, Ferrero Pocket Coffee Candy, and Cupcake Bouquets
Join Jennie, Levi, and Lisa Harper - author speaker and mom - for a conversation on the art of storytelling, hearing from God, meeting famous people, and online dating.
Connect with Levi: levilusko.com @levilusko on social media
Connect with Jennie: jennielusko.com or @jennielusko on social media
Connect with Fresh Life Church: freshlife.church or @freshlife on social media
Connect with Lisa: lisaharper.net or @lisadharper on social media
How Much More by Lisa
Lisa's New 100 Day Devotional
This week on the POGcast, the girls are talking about highlights from their trips to Europe (and exciting news from Denise!), their advice for new empty nesters, and what the thief's response to Jesus on the cross means for us today.
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
1:49 What's Up: Engagements, Michelin Star Fish & Chips, and The European Pace of Life
20:34 Circle of Friends: Tiffany, Big Changes, and Advice About Empty Nesting
27:06 What in the Word: Passion Week, Luke 23, and the Thief on The Cross
33:48 Circle Up: Mammograms, Shokz Headphones, and "Calm My Anxious Heart"
Abbie and Gabriel Gamboa join Levi and Jennie for a hilariously honest, deeply encouraging conversation about marriage, calling, and the messy middle between "God said" and "okay... now what?" From conspiracy-theory dabbling to the sacred art of naming what's real (in dating, in ministry, in life), this episode is full of both belly laughs and quiet conviction.
You'll hear how their friendship turned into a seven-year marriage, the wild backstory of getting pulled into music as kids, and the gritty season where they were juggling jobs, babies, and payday loans-until they finally took the leap into full-time ministry and music. Plus: a movie-level travel nightmare involving visas, a Colombian passport, and the terrifying possibility of being homeless and stinky in Paris.
Connect with us on social!
Abbie: @songbirdabbie
Gabriel: @gabrielgamboa
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Check out Abbie's Music: https://bit.ly/3OM0ko5
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Time Stamps:
00:05:05 - "So drama": defining the relationship and finally dating
00:06:28 - The car accident text... and the cold shoulder
00:17:34 - The late-night prayer encounter (3-4 a.m.) and music calling
00:23:59 - Songs that mattered
00:29:46 - Payday loans, diapers, and the leap toward calling
00:37:18 - Paris coffee "Substance," UK visa chaos, and the 20-minute scramble
Today I'm joined by my friend and co-author of one of my books, Gary Thomas. He's opening up about many different times in his life when he's either felt misunderstood, slandered, or dealt with toxic interactions (some even from childhood) - and how he's learned to respond as a person who typically leans toward peace and repair. We talk about how to set proper boundaries in relationships with different people, depending on their level of safety and health. Dig deeper into dealing with difficult people and setting healthy boundaries, by ordering my new book People Skills anywhere books are sold.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!
DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
It's a Q+A! Sit down with the Lusko's as they tackle your questions on hearing God's voice, how to handle doubt, church planting and redemption for sins that feel too big.
Links:
Connect with Levi: levilusko.com @levilusko on social media
Connect with Jennie: jennielusko.com or @jennielusko on social media
Connect with Fresh Life Church: freshlife.church or @freshlife on social media