Encouragement for Real Life

<p>We know real life is a mixture of blessings and blunders, celebrations and sadness, excitement and apathy. It’s a combination of memory-making moments and moments we’d rather forget. It’s a blend of triumphs and failures, happiness and heartaches, and hope and discouragement. And some days we could use a little extra encouragement for our real lives right now.</p><p>You'll find that here, all in about 15 minutes each week. So, you can listen as you’re driving the kids to school, or as you’re getting ready in the morning, or with whatever your day consists of. The episodes are short enough to fit into your real life.</p><p>Included are life-impacting stories, helpful life tips and tricks, timely inspiration, Biblical insight, and a fresh perspective, combined with a light-hearted tone to encourage your heart and put a lift in your step.</p><p>More than a pep talk and more than a fun place to plug in to, the <strong>Encouragement for Real Life</strong> podcast not only lifts your spirits, but it equips you to be a light in this world. To shine bright wherever God has you. And to be a blessing in the lives of others.</p><p>Support us on <a href="https://paypal.me/JulieLefebure?locale.x=en_US" rel="payment">PayPal</a>!</p>

225. Just Say No to Perfectionism

Feeling the pressure to hold it all together? Julie gets real about her own battle with perfectionism and what God is teaching her about grace, identity, and letting go. Discover why your weaknesses are not failures—but invitations for God to show His strength. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

11-18
28:51

224. Just Say No to People Pleasing

Are you exhausted from trying to keep everyone happy? This episode exposes the quiet burden of people pleasing, and how it steals peace, drains joy, and distracts us from God’s best. Discover the freedom of living loved instead of living to be liked, and learn practical ways to say no with confidence and follow God first. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

11-11
31:10

223. Just Say No to Rushing

Ever feel like you’re rushing through life, even through time with God? In this kickoff to our Just Say No series, we explore why hurry steals peace, presence, and joy, and how slowing down can open space for God’s voice and your soul’s rest. Say no to rushing and yes to God’s pace. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

11-04
26:50

222. Life to the Full with My Little Brother, Pat Gorkow

This week, Julie is joined by her little brother, Pat Gorkow—mayor, financial advisor, husband, dad, and one of her favorite people. We share stories, laughter, and real-life wisdom about staying focused in full seasons, managing distractions, and choosing impact over busyness. Be encouraged to live lighthearted, intentional, and focused on what matters most. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

10-28
40:11

221. Say No to Good and Yes to God

Sometimes distraction doesn’t come from bad things—it comes from good things. But good isn’t always God’s best. In this week’s episode, we’re looking at how to say no to good so we can say yes to God. Discover biblical wisdom and practical steps to release what weighs you down and make room for what matters most. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

10-21
19:59

220. How to Take Back Your Attention

Where your attention goes, your life follows. This week in the Undistracted October series, Julie gets practical and shares how to take back your attention from life's distractions. Discover "The Big Five" distractions, simple biblical resets, and one step you can take today to live with more focus, presence, and peace. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

10-14
21:44

219. The Cost of a Scattered Life

Ever catch yourself missing moments because your mind is somewhere else? Distraction is a subtle thief that robs us of peace, presence, and purpose. In this kickoff to Undistracted October, Julie shares personal stories, biblical truth, and practical steps to help you start living with greater focus—right where you are. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

10-07
21:19

218. Living Life to the Fullest with Debbie Hitzel

This month's guest episode features someone who directly impacted Julie's younger life in high school by speaking words of life to Julie at a pivotal moment in her life. Julie says God used Debbie to change the course of her life one evening, and she never looked back. Listen in to this uplifting and inspiring conversation to be encouraged yourself! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-30
43:54

217. Encouragement Extra: Where Do We Go From Here?

In this bonus encouragement extra, Julie offers us a timely word of faith and hope after tragedy, reminding us to look to God’s promises, find His peace, and live boldly for Jesus in uncertain times. Find the encouragement you're looking for here. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-26
23:28

216. Summer of Abundance Bonus Recap: Keep Eternity in View

As we wrap up our Summer of Abundance series, we ask ourselves, were do we go from here? Now that we've learned the twelve elements of Abundant Life, we are better equipped to live the life we were designed to live. Let's step forward in faith as we keep eternity in view. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-23
23:26

215. Summer of Abundance Week 12: Do It Afraid, Do It Anyway

One of the biggest emotions we face, sometimes daily, is fear. If you struggle with fear, this episode will equip you. Julie shares through truth and hope the twelfth element of abundant living: courageous obedience. Living an abundant life is possible through doing it afraid in God's guidance and doing it anyway in His strength. You'll find the encouragement you've been looking for! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-16
21:57

214. Summer of Abundance Week 11: Give What You've Got

What if God asked you to give away something you dearly loved? Julie shares a story of how God asked this of her, her struggle, and what she did in response. We discuss the eleventh element of abundant living in this episode: Faithful Generosity. It's a must if we desire to live the abundant life. It's more than what you think. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-09
24:58

213. Summer of Abundance Week 10: Speak Life, Live Full

Our words matter--the ones we say to others and the ones we tell ourselves. We can't live abundant lives if our words don't align with God's. Julie offers us a fresh perspective on our words and gives us tangible ways to upgrade them. You'll want to share this one with your friends! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

09-02
21:29

212. What Happens When Four Women Show Up to Pray

Four years ago, Julie said yes to something small that became something life-changing—an online Monday morning prayer group. What she didn’t know then was how God would use it to deepen her faith, surround her with prayerful friends, and knit together a sisterhood she didn’t even know she needed. In this special episode, Julie is joined by three of those friends—Natalie Ogbourne, Pamela Henkelman, and Rachel Fahrenbach—to celebrate four years of praying together, the beauty of friendship rooted in Christ, and God’s goodness in bringing them together. During a girls' weekend in St. Louis, they pulled up the mic and recorded this uplifting conversation you won’t want to miss! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

08-26
37:15

211. Summer of Abundance Week 9: When Enough Really Is Enough

Would you describe yourself as a contented person? Are you happy with what you have or are you striving for more? In this episode, Julie helps us learn what God says about contentment and how we can cultivate more of it in our lives. We will learn when enough really is enough. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

08-19
24:55

210. Summer of Abundance Week 8: You Are Not Meant to Run on Empty

How is the pace of your life? Is it full of hurry and hustle or is it more about pace and peace? We weren’t created to run at full speed all the time. In fact, part of living an abundant life means learning to live in rhythm—God’s rhythm. Find hope in this element of abundant life! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

08-12
24:51

209. Summer of Abundance Week 7: Care for the Body God Gave You

Julie says this is a subject she is passionate about--caring for the bodies God gave us. God desires for us to care for what He's given us, including our bodies. Scripture reminds us we are temples of the Holy Spirit. How are we doing in this area? You'll leave this episode feeling empowered, hope-filled, and inspired through grace and no guilt as we explore this seventh element of abundant living. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

08-05
27:44

208. Faith, Friendship, and a Full Life with Patty McDorman

What do you get when you cross a lifelong friend since 5th grade and this podcast? Our guest episode for the month! Julie's friend, Patty McDorman, a faith-filled and full-of-life woman, offers us hope, inspiration, and encouragement for abundant living.  You're spirit will be lifted and your steps will feel lighter after listening! Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

07-29
41:17

207. Summer of Abundance Week 6: Gratitude Changes Everything

In this episode we explore the sixth element of abundant life: Joyful Gratitude. It's a must if we want to live the abundant lives Jesus came to give us. Listen in to learn how to cultivate gratitude and why it's so important. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

07-22
23:44

206. Summer of Abundance Week 5: Be Where Your Feet Are

In this episode we explore the fifth element of abundant life: Purposeful Presence. If you know Julie at all, you know this is a subject she is passionate about, and she shares how important this is to thriving in the abundant life Jesus came to give us. You'll receive timely action steps to stay present in your real life today. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday morning as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 15 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/. Support us on PayPal!

07-15
23:25

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