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On today's episode of the Back Porch, Lisa and Allison share New Year's Eve memories, talk about gratitude, and reflect on the hope that comes from remembering God's faithfulness. They explore the crossing of the Jordan in Joshua and the practice of creating "Ebenezer" stones to mark God's work. Join us on the porch as we look back with gratitude and forward with hope, we're so glad you're here!
Every day we choose who and what to listen to. There are hundreds of channels on our televisions, millions of people sharing their opinions online. But only one voice will guide you to the Promised Land. Choose to trust the voice of God.
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.
As 2025 comes to an end, Ruth takes time to answer listener questions in this special Q&A episode.
Scripture referenced:
Genesis 3
Resources mentioned:
Lamplighter Rare Collector's Series
Foundations by Ruth and Troy Simons
Merry Christmas, friend! I pray this season brings you joy and peace and the hope that Christ, who came as a baby, is coming again.
In this merry-and-brightly honest episode of Back Porch Theology, Allison Allen, Lisa Harper, and Doc H swap stories from their Christmas tour aka their very first bus tour, complete with equal parts joy, Jesus, and questionable sleep schedules. They unpack a few favorite Christmas myths ~ including the real story behind Santa ~ and trace them back to the faith-filled roots of Saint Nicholas, the wise men, and other traditions woven through the season. Grab something warm to sip, ignore the Christmas to-do list for a minute, and pull up a chair, there's room for you on the porch.
The Lusko kids join Levi and Jennie for a cozy, hilarious, end-of-2025 family episode-full of memories, real talk, and the kind of side comments only siblings can pull off. Together they look back on the year's big moments: college life, tennis wins, learner's permits, a meaningful baptism, and the wild joy of serving together.
You'll hear the behind-the-scenes of the Bolivia mission trip (including travel chaos and a few very memorable mishaps), plus a rapid-fire stroll through favorite podcast episodes, sermon series that hit home, and the books/music that shaped the year. They wrap it all by looking ahead to 2026 with practical goals and spiritual rhythms.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Gospels in a year (Print Ed.): https://bit.ly/4pQG2HN
Gospels in a year (Digital Ed.): https://bit.ly/3L4HSWm
Movement 2026: https://www.mvmnt26.com
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
0:01:07 - New Year's as a "holy day" and old-school traditions
0:03:38 - 2025 family updates: college, baptism, tennis, and big milestones
0:08:34 - Bolivia mission trip stories: Compassion kids + travel mayhem
0:13:07 - Favorite podcast moments from the year (and the unforgettable ones)
0:15:07 - Blessed Are the Spiraling launch: 7 cities, 7 days, 7 runs
0:26:35 - What God taught them in 2025 + 2026 goals and a Gospels plan
Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word.
What does trust have to do with greed? According to Joshua chapter 7, quite a lot. This passage reminds us that looking for security in anything or anyone other than God will always let us down.
