Hello, my friend. Thanks for joining me on the podcast today. There are few guarantees in life, but there is at least one thing that's true for us all - life comes with storms. And where you turn your eyes when trouble comes makes all the difference.
Hi, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word. Today's episode features a story found in Mark Chapter 2. Maybe you know it - it's about a man who is unable to walk and goes to great lengths to be in the same room with Jesus. He wants to be healed. And he is, but that's not really the point of the story.
Sensitive Content Disclaimer: The following conversation includes sensitive information, covering themes of abuse.
Today on the show I am joined by my friend Tim Ross for an on-air counseling session as we process the concept of vulnerability in relationships. What does it mean to be vulnerable? I guide him through the analogy of seeing vulnerability like a pool - equipped with both a shallow end and a deep end. Vulnerability means to go first, to take that first jump, and to invite people to the deep end of your life, and share authentically. He opens up about the moment that changed everything for him, where he decided that he will never keep a secret again, and his journey toward being open and honest in every part of his life. We process through both the benefits and the risks of vulnerability, how to find friends who are willing to go there, and why being open and honest is not a gender thing - it's an invitation to all. This episode is filled with lessons to learn and things to process about your own life, and what holds you back from sharing authentically. Don't miss this on-air session, and then go deeper with your relationships by grabbing a copy of People Skills.
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.
Hello, friend. I hope you're doing well today. We're beginning a new series of episodes this week, tackling the topic of fear. Fear comes up a lot in the teachings of Jesus. In fact, the most common command issued by Jesus is some version of "Do not fear." Easier said than done, right? But with God's help, it's possible, my friend. You can fear less tomorrow than you do today.
Licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta is back for her third appearance, and this one hits different - she's here to talk about the skill we're all convinced we already have. Levi and Jennie dig into Debra's new book People Skills, unpacking why our tech-saturated world is quietly eroding our ability to connect, why most of us privately think this book is for someone else (spoiler: it isn't), and how communication styles - passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive - show up in something as simple as a wrong order at a restaurant. Plus: Debra shares the moment God changed her perspective on public speaking anxiety, Jennie confesses she's a chameleon in social situations, and Levi admits cocktail parties are somehow scarier than 10,000-person crowds.
Connect with us on social!
Debra: @debrafileta
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Get Debra's book People Skills: https://bit.ly/4fco6Vl
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:
00:07:46 - Introducing People Skills - and Jennie's very tabbed-up copy
00:08:26 - Why we're losing the art of real human interaction
00:18:44 - The room full of strangers exercise: how do YOU show up?
00:25:45 - Stop focusing on what they give you, focus on what you can give
00:49:10 - Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, assertive
Is immigration good or bad for America? Are we handling it right? Is the system working? In this episode Lance Hahn breaks down this very complex subject and helps us UNDERSTAND the different sides and perspectives. He talks about Illegal immigration, DACA, the Border Wall, changing immigration patterns and refugees, and he does it with the help of a special guest: The head of the world's largest Hispanic Christian organization, Samuel Rodriguez. 'The Lance Hahn Podcast drops a new episode every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
Welcome to the POGcast! This week, two special guests join the circle with Shelley and Leigh: Gabe Scott and Andy Gullahorn. Tune in to hear how our friendships change the makeup of our bodies, being honest with God, and the best part about turning 50.
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:
2:02 What's Up: Austin Trips, School Fun Week, and Bad Spaghetti
12:08 Circle of Friends: Gabe, Andy, and the Power of Being Present
34:09 What in the Word: Friends Who Help You To Be Honest with God
41:47 Circle Up: Pips Corn Dippers, Good Crisp Company Classic Potato Chips, and Ladybird Tacos
Sit down with Jeremy Foster, Lead Pastor of Hope City in Houston Texas, for a conversation on combating negative self talk, keystone habits, the sermon studying process, and the power of storytelling.
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 Jeremy: jeremyfoster.org or @jeremyfoster on social media
Connect with Hopy City: hopecity.com or @yourhopecity
Sweet and Spicy Tea: https://amzn.to/3jT7Dck
NASA Apollo 11 Lego: https://amzn.to/3AMkbZ5
Circle up! This week on the POGcast, Point of Grace shares a sweet story about childhood friendships, special tips for bringing the gospel to our global neighbors, and the best kind of sunscreen to wear with glasses.
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:
1:36 What's Up: Babysitting, Soccer Games, and Jigsaw Puzzles
7:42 Circle of Friends: Spence, George, and Having a Family of Friends
13:38 What in the Word: How Do We Share The Gospel With Our Global Neighbors
25:37 Circle Up: "Remarkably Bright Creatures," Personalized Party Cups, and Mineral SPF Powder
Mentioned on the POGcast:
SarahCCreative Custom Party Cups
Roe Wellness SPF 50 Mineral Powder
"Remarkably Bright Creatures" By Shelby Van Pelt