About this episode

This week, we’re joined by Sissy Goff and David Thomas, longtime counselors and co-executive directors at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville. With over three decades of experience each, Sissy and David have dedicated their lives to walking alongside kids and families as they face anxiety and stress and

providing kids with tools for healthy living. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from authors and speakers Gabe and Rebekah Lyons. Gabe and Rebekah are parents to four children—including two with Down syndrome—and they share about the unexpected challenges that have deepened their family’s bond.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Ellie Holcomb Upcoming interview: Patricia Heaton Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Sissy Goff  David Thomas Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville Raising Boys and Girls square breathing www.raisingboysandgirls.com The Daystar Dogs   Gabe and Rebekah Lyons Down syndrome THINQ Media The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives Interview Quotes: “[We are] teaching kids that God’s equipped us with something as simple as breathing that will begin to slow down our heart rates and settle our bodies so we can feel more in control of our emotions.” - David Thomas  “We can only take the kids we love as far as we’re going ourselves. If we’re not regulating our own bodies, if we are not able to respond rather than react, then everybody’s going to be  operating out of the amygdala of their brain, which is the fight or flight region of our brain.” - Sissy Goff  “Helping [children] learn that they can lean into how loved they are and to where God has uniquely gifted them, and step out in that to experience things that might sound a little scary, ends up being a whole lot of fun, and really rewarding, too.” - Sissy Goff “We were gracious that God helped bond us through a crisis that we weren’t expecting. That’s given us a bond and a trust and a lesson to keep going back to His faithfulness, as well as what it means to turn towards one another.” - Gabe Lyons  “Every season of life is an invitation for conflict and stress because it’s new. We’re all rookies throughout the entirety of our marriage.” - Rebekah Lyons “Sometimes in a marriage relationship you dream early on, but man, as life piles up, we’ve had to really implement a structure of our rhythms that allow us to keep having conversations about the future.” - Gabe Lyons “[In marriage] we’ve realized that God’s given us each other as part of our healing, to help us experience the fullness of feeling alive and being connected.” - Gabe Lyons  “We’re so grateful for the example of Jesus who modeled humility, who humbled Himself, that He took death on a cross so we could be free, we could have life. We believe that’s a picture of what our marriage should look like—humbling ourselves, walking in the freedom that Jesus paid for so that we could have that.” - Rebekah Lyons  _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

More from Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

View all
  1. 1One Church's Walk With Jesus CallingIn today's Experience Jesus Calling Podcast, we'll tell the amazing story of one church and the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within its community. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible personal stories of members of this church, and many other Jesus Calling readers around the world...readers who have had their lives transformed. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.11 min
  2. 2A Family’s Journey Through AddictionThe Rozenburg's discuss their daily struggle as parents to a child suffering through substance abuse. For more on the Rozenburg's and other Jesus Calling stories visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.22 min
  3. 3Teen Siblings Honor Their Mother's LegacyBrent and Monica Wicke discuss their mother's cancer journey; remembering her strength and determination, and talk about what they are doing today to honor her legacy. To read more about how Jesus Calling is impacting communities visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  4. 4A Young Girl Finds Her Spiritual PathLina Finau exemplified the heart of a servant, even as she struggled with health challenges. Her life has inspired her daughter, Utther Finau, to take a similar road in pursuit of service and bringing joy to others. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit http://JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.14 min
  5. 5Hope and Healing for a Church and Its PastorThe Community of Grapevine United Methodist Church was in turmoil.  After the sudden loss of their pastor, Associate Pastor Cindy Ryan set about to put the pieces back together for their flock. It was then that she was faced with another, very personal crisis; an unexpected cancer diagnosis. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit the Jesus Calling Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.13 min
  6. 6A Father's Wedding Gift Blesses His Daughter, Family and FriendsMike Huether, the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota shares the walk of faith that led him to public service and the touching story of how he honored his only daughter with a very special wedding gift. For more Jesus Calling inspired stories, visit & subscribe at http://JesusCalling.com/Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min
  7. 7A Mother Learns to Let Go As Her Daughter GraduatesAuthor and Speaker Sherri Gragg reflects on her daughter's upcoming graduation, and the unique challenges and joys a mother faces as she and her daughter embrace a new season of life.  Sherri Gragg is the author of Arms Open Wide - A Call to Linger in the Savior's Presence.  She shares her heart as a mother who is preparing herself and her daughter for graduation; and her thoughts on what it means to "let go." Find out more about Jesus Calling for Graduates here http://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-for-graduates/ -- The excerpt from this episode comes from the Dec 21st entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Happy Mother's Day!   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  8. 8The Power of Prayer: A Family Trusts God During Their Son's AccidentDeborah Jentsch and her husband practiced the habit of saying "I trust you, Jesus," daily.  This faith would be put to the ultimate test as they faced their son's devastating accident. See other inspirational Jesus Calling stories at www.JesusCalling.com/blog/category/podcast/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  9. 9Love & Respect in Marriage: Dr. Emerson EggerichsDr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah present Love and Respect conferences around the world. Sarah, an avid intercessory prayer warrior, loves to share Jesus Calling with others as part of her ministry as well. The excerpt from this episode comes from the July 24th entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.15 min
  10. 10Charlie Daniels: Musician, Patriot and Jesus Calling ReaderCharlie Daniels shares his journey of faith, his long-standing commitment to the military, and his passion for Jesus Calling. The excerpt from this episode comes from the April 19th entry: " Stay conscious of My loving Presence...and I will direct your steps." Visit JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.17 min
  11. 11Bicycling Across USA Supporting Children in NeedWith hopes to give back to local children, Fargo teacher, Paul Shol is cycling across the country, raising money for education, and sharing Jesus Calling along the way. The Jesus Calling excerpt for this podcast comes from the Audiobook for June 13th: "I am creating something new in you, a bubbling spirit of joy that spills over in others’ lives. Do not mistake this joy for your own, or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as my spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit’s fruit. "Your part is to live close to me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don’t try to control the streaming of my spirit through you. Just keep focusing on me as we walk through this day together. Just enjoy my presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy and Peace." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.12 min
  12. 12How Mom, Wife and Author Emily Ley Gave Up Trying to Be PerfectEmily Ley seemingly has it all—she’s a wife, a mother, a successful business owner and now an author.  Emily shares how she gave up always striving for perfection and found grace instead. Emily Ley is the author of Grace Not Perfection (October 4th, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) and creator of the Simplified Planner®, a tool that helps busy women everywhere simplify their lives, organize their days, and prioritize what’s truly important to them in life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min

Get the Pray app

Follow Sarah Young and keep listening on your phone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play