What do you do when you keep hitting a wall trying to go deeper in friendship? Today, I'm joined by Nicole who is feeling hurt by the cycle of trying to go deeper with friends, but finding herself at a dead end. She's feeling discouraged and wondering if it's even possible to connect with people on the level that she's desiring for friendship. I challenge her to dig deeper into some of her personal fears and triggers that might lie underneath the surface, particularly regarding rejection wounds, and then I give her practical steps for what to do next when you want to go deeper in friendship. If you're struggling to find the right fit in friendships, you have to listen to this episode! We cover this and more, in today's episode of Talk To Me! Dig deeper into going deeper in your friendships and connections 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.
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
Could your everyday decisions actually be acts of worship?
This week on The High Note, Tauren Wells and Phil Wickham sit down for a real conversation about what it means to live a life of worship...not just sing about it.
They dive into songwriting, creativity, and the tension between creating for ourselves vs. creating for God. This conversation will challenge you to see your gifts in a new way, not just as personal expression, but as an act of obedience, service, and eternal impact.
Have you ever felt like the storm should have taken you out? In this episode, Christine Caine walks through Acts 27-28 and shows how the apostle Paul survived a storm, a shipwreck, and a snake bite-all because he refused to give up. With powerful encouragement, Christine reminds you that even when your journey doesn't go as planned, God still has a purpose for you-right where you are.
What you'll learn:
- How to endure trials without internalizing the pain.
- Why revival often comes in unexpected places.
- What it takes to keep moving forward after you've been bitten.
This is part of our Resilient Hope Summer series - real talk and encouragement to keep your faith strong in every season.
Don't forget to grab your free Episode Reflection Guide here!
P.S. We made a bonus resource for you this summer. Download your free 'Hope Kit' now!
+ + + + +
Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
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
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
Could your everyday decisions actually be acts of worship?
This week on The High Note, Tauren Wells and Phil Wickham sit down for a real conversation about what it means to live a life of worship...not just sing about it.
They dive into songwriting, creativity, and the tension between creating for ourselves vs. creating for God. This conversation will challenge you to see your gifts in a new way, not just as personal expression, but as an act of obedience, service, and eternal impact.
What do you do when you keep hitting a wall trying to go deeper in friendship? Today, I'm joined by Nicole who is feeling hurt by the cycle of trying to go deeper with friends, but finding herself at a dead end. She's feeling discouraged and wondering if it's even possible to connect with people on the level that she's desiring for friendship. I challenge her to dig deeper into some of her personal fears and triggers that might lie underneath the surface, particularly regarding rejection wounds, and then I give her practical steps for what to do next when you want to go deeper in friendship. If you're struggling to find the right fit in friendships, you have to listen to this episode! We cover this and more, in today's episode of Talk To Me! Dig deeper into going deeper in your friendships and connections 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
How often in life have you needed someone to step-in for you? To make you dinner when you weren't up to it? Pick the kids up when you weren't able? To remind you to rest when you were rushed off your feet?
In this episode, Charlotte helps us to identify areas of our lives where we need to be proactive in 'getting in line' for other people. Just like the friends who lowered a man to Jesus for his healing, who in your world needs you to take them to the feet of Jesus?
This episode will leave you challenged, encouraged, and spurred on to make a difference in the world around you.
New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!
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