Today I’m joined by Amber Smith, wife of Granger Smith. Amber shares their story of navigating the unspeakable tragedy of losing her 3-year-old son, River, and how that "bathroom floor" moment of ultimate grief and despair became the very place God met her.

If you are walking through a storm or know someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that you are not alone and your story is not over. Let’s go to the Story House!

Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen joins Levi and Jennie for a warm, joy-filled conversation about his faith, marriage, and music. From writing “I Am Barabbas” to exploring national parks with his wife, Trinity, Josiah opens up about how worship, creativity, and everyday life all weave together into his walk with God.

They swap stories about summer tours, cold plunges, and close encounters with buffalo in Yellowstone — plus why Josiah believes his best songs come straight from scripture stored in his heart. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth episode that celebrates calling, consistency, and God’s surprising sense of humor.

Connect with us on social!

Josiah: @josiahqueenmusic

Levi: @levilusko

Jennie: @jennielusko

Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]

Listen to MT ZION: https://bit.ly/4mWlb3y

Sign up for Movement Conference 2026: MVMNT26.com

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Timestamps

6:03 – Summer Worship Nights with Brandon & Phil

08:14 – Cruise chaos & a sketchy flight

11:02 – National parks bucket list + Glacier invite

16:51 – Buffalo standoff in Yellowstone

19:21 – Supervolcano talk: wonder without panic

33:01 – Cold plunges: Levi’s case for the cold

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What if your studio felt like worship instead of a grind? We explore five grounded, practical ways to honor God with your creativity—starting with gratitude, moving into faithful studio rhythms, inviting the Holy Spirit into your process, growing in artistic excellence, and learning to create from rest. Rather than chasing likes, sales, or approval, we shift the focus to peace, purpose, and partnership with God.

We begin by anchoring identity in the truth that creativity is God’s idea and a good gift. From there, we talk about showing up consistently and dedicating a simple, sacred space—whether it’s a full studio or a corner table—as an act of faithfulness. We unpack what it looks like to co-create with the Holy Spirit, recognizing those moments of flow as signs of relationship, not randomness. You’ll hear why “filled and skilled” is a powerful pairing for artists, how excellence expands your creative vocabulary, and why skill actually births freedom. Scripture threads through the conversation—Genesis 1:27, James 1:17, Luke 16:10, Exodus 31, Proverbs 24:3–4, Philippians 2:13, Psalm 46:10, and Colossians 3:23—offering a biblical framework for creative practice.

Finally, we challenge the hustle mindset with the unforced rhythms of grace. Creating from rest means trusting God with outcomes, releasing comparison, and working wholeheartedly as an offering rather than a performance. Expect practical steps, honest encouragement, and a clear path to align your art life with Kingdom peace and purpose.

If this message resonates, tap subscribe and share it with an artist friend who needs permission to rest.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Brothers, Jeramy & Cody are The Band Reeves --third generation construction workers who may sing in they homes they build, preachers kids who still found their own way to Jesus, and songwriters who know how to build redemption into a country song. We can't wait for you to spend time with us in this One Small Step conversation! Amazing things happen when we pray that we would have eyes to see! Bandkind

Dadvice: Sidelines

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In this engaging episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented Canadian creative Rob Dinwoodie—a visual artist, musician, and entrepreneur whose life blends artistry, faith, and purpose. 

From his roots in British Columbia to his work as a performer and creator, Rob shares how he’s embraced creativity as a lifelong pursuit without letting the pressure of monetization steal the joy.

We discuss the value of formative years spent honing your craft, the freedom that comes from knowing your identity in Christ, and the importance of maintaining a playful, authentic spirit in your work. Whether through his art, music, or community presence, Rob’s story is a reminder that creativity flows best when it’s rooted in purpose and joy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why embracing the process matters more than rushing to monetize your art
• How to keep joy and authenticity at the center of your creative life
• The value of freedom and play in artistic expression
• Lessons from combining multiple creative disciplines
• Staying grounded in your identity in Christ as an artist

Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

Connect with Rob Dinwoodie: http://robdinwoodie.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

On today’s episode, I sit down with young author Caroline Shankle for a powerful and honest conversation about navigating the challenging "mean girl" years of high school and how those struggles prepared her for facing bigger giants in life. At just 22 years old, Caroline has poured her heart into her new 100-day devotional, "The Lion and the Bear: A Guide for Facing Your Giants," offering encouragement from her own journey of faith..

This episode is a must-watch for any teenager, parent, or anyone who has ever felt overlooked, unseen, or battled with bullies. Let’s go to the Story House!

In this moving and deeply personal episode, Levi and Jennie sit down with Shawn and Jill Johnson to talk about their new book Kiss the Fire—a message born straight out of pain, perseverance, and the unwavering hope they’ve found in Jesus. Shawn opens up about his journey with Parkinson’s and the moment everything changed with one doctor’s appointment, while Jill shares what it looks like to cling to faith when life takes an unexpected turn.

Together, the Johnsons reveal how “kissing the fire” has become more than just a phrase—it’s their daily declaration to keep trusting God, even when the flames are fierce. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of life-giving encouragement for anyone walking through their own season of struggle.

 Connect with us on social!

 Shawn: @shawnjohnsonrrc

 Jill: @jilljohnson03

 Levi: @levilusko

 Jennie: @jennielusko

 Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

Read Kiss the Fire: http://bit.ly/3IQQMFU

Red Rocks Worship Tour: http://bit.ly/3J1lWua

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:

 01:09 – The diagnosis

 06:06 – Kiss the Fire

 08:12 – Writing through pain

 10:53 – Hope in the hard days

 21:48 – Finding balance and healing

 29:45 – A prayer for the fight

Send us a text

What if your creative practice is meant to be a doorway where heaven meets earth? We dig into the supernatural calling of artists and why creativity isn’t a side note—it’s central to how the Kingdom moves. Drawing from Genesis, John, Ephesians, and the pattern of Bezalel in Exodus, I make the case that you were designed to carry God’s life and light into your studio, your market, and the moments where viewers unexpectedly encounter grace through your work.

I share a formative gallery story where a simple basket became a message of comfort, reminding us that the Holy Spirit can speak beyond our skill or intention. From there, we unpack five anchors: creativity is God’s idea; all creativity comes from Him; God can use any artist yet invites us to partner; art carries a prophetic role that can comfort and confront; and we’re called to co-create with God, not perform for Him. This isn’t about trends or chasing “spiritual” labels—it’s about becoming both filled with the Spirit and skilled in craft, trusting that your workmanship (poema) becomes a conduit for beauty, truth, and transformation.

You’ll learn how to approach your studio with expectation, invite the Holy Spirit into process and release, and drop the heavy yoke of performance for the lighter rhythm of collaboration. We talk about letting your work reveal redemption even when it names hard things, stewarding technique as an act of worship, and assuming connection—Christ in you, the hope of glory—as you make. If you’ve ever wondered whether your “hobby” matters, consider this your permission to step boldly into calling.

If this resonated, leave a comment with your biggest insight or story of God meeting someone through your art. Subscribe, rate, and share to help more artists find freedom and clarity.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.