Cheryl Scruggs
An all new, solo episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, with Cheryl Scruggs!
104: John Mark Comer
enNovember 13, 2019
What was the main topic of the podcast episode?
Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?
Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?
Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?
Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?
Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?
About this Episode
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Please welcome John Mark Comer to the Thriving Beyond Belief podcast this week talking about our world of HURRY and how we can eliminate it!!
Author and Former Megachurch Pastor John Mark Comer Advocates a New Practice for Your Spiritual Life: Slowing Down
Our worst moments tend to happen when we are in a hurry—late for an appointment, behind on our to-do list, cramming too much in our day. It occurs when we’re trying constantly to do more, creating a bone-deep tiredness not just in our minds or bodies but deep in our souls. In short, hurry doesn’t just make us weary. It is the great enemy of our spiritual life.
Author and pastor John Mark Comer proposes that the solution to being fully present to God, others, and our own hearts is found simply by following the unhurried way of Jesus. He explains, “Jesus invites all of us to take up the ‘easy’ yoke. He has—on offer to all—an easy way to shoulder the weight of life with his triumvirate of love, joy, and peace.”
Comer’s journey to discovering the life-changing remedy of slowing down began while he was pastoring a successful megachurch with six services each Sunday, a marathon lifestyle which left him feeling burnt out and detached from those around him. In a moment of desperation, he asked his mentor, John Ortberg, for advice. The response he received was the same as what philosopher and Christian spiritual formation teacher Dallas Willard had given to Ortberg years before: “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. There is nothing else.”
As Comer put this simple truth into practice in his own life, he experienced radical renewal in his mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry describes his transformation and offers hope amidst the toxicity in our fast-paced, modern world.
In a casual, conversational tone, he presents a poignant message: “This is an invitation—for all the tired, the burned out, the stressed, all those stuck in traffic and behind on their to-do list….If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.”
John Mark Comer lives, works, and writes in the urban core of Portland, Oregon. He is the pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church. Prior to that, he was lead pastor of a suburban megachurch. He has a master’s degree from Western Seminary and is the author of Loveology, Garden City, and God Has a Name. John Mark lives in Portland with his wife, Tammy, and their three children.
Recent Episodes from Thriving Beyond Belief with Cheryl Scruggs
Laura L. Smith
Laura L. Smith is an author who intertwines her personal experiences, biblical truths, and creative practices to address mental health struggles through a faith-based lens. Her latest work emphasizes the importance of self-care as a biblical principle, advocating for a holistic approach that includes therapy, medicine, movement, healthy boundaries, and more. Her book aims to show the depth of Jesus' love in the midst of fear, anxiety, and depression, providing practical tools for mental health care. For more about Laura and her work, you can visit her website.
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: LauraSmithAuthor.com
- INSTAGRAM: @laurasmithauthor
- FACEBOOK: /LauraLSmithAuthor
Carole Holiday: I Don't Know Who I am Anymore
Wonder. Mystery. Awe.
The older I get, the more I value these things. Perhaps because somewhere along the way, life had not gone as planned. There were losses and griefs and new labels like “Divorced” to check off on the forms at the doctor’s office. There were no easy answers for the hard stuff, so I chose to give myself grace as I figured it all out.
I never thought I would be writing a book at the same time that I qualified for Social Security.
I never thought that anyone would pay a dime for anything I had to say.
I never thought a woman with a senior discount would be taken seriously at any place other than the Michael’s checkout register.
Yet, here I am. What are your “never thoughts?”
Love, Carole
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: Carole Holiday
Cheryl Scruggs (Solo Episode)
The first episode of 2024!
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
David Pelzer
In "A Child Called 'It'," author Dave Pelzer recounts a profoundly shocking personal history of childhood mistreatment, marking it as one of the most extreme cases of child abuse recorded in California. The memoir garnered significant attention, staying on the New York Times best-seller list for an extended period and earning a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize.
The narrative begins with Pelzer's early school years, highlighting the onset of abuse by his mentally unstable and alcoholic mother. From first through fifth grade, he endured severe physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. His mother's cruelty escalated to the point of denying his identity, referring to him as "it" rather than his name. The constant abuse nearly led to his death, until intervention by authorities. Despite the harrowing experiences, Pelzer's resolve to survive and his faith were undiminished, driving him to not only overcome these challenges but to share his story with the world.
Born on December 29, 1960, in San Francisco, Pelzer is recognized for his autobiographical and self-help writings. His 1995 memoir reached significant commercial success, staying on The New York Times Best Seller list for numerous years and selling over 1.6 million copies within five years. The publication of this book brought Pelzer widespread fame, though it has also been the subject of debate and skepticism, with some family members and journalists questioning the authenticity of certain events depicted.
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: David James Pelzer
Chuck & Ashley Elliott
Meet Chuck and Ashley Elliott, a dynamic duo in the realm of relationship guidance, active since 2009. Their journey began with Community Marriage Builders, where they honed their skills in conducting both intimate and large-scale workshops. With certifications in eight diverse Psycho-educational programs, the Elliotts specialize in fostering relational triumphs.
Their portfolio includes the creation and instruction of various marriage enrichment programs, and they are passionate advocates for discussing all facets of relationships.
Chuck brings a unique perspective as a pastor at Bethel Church in Evansville, Indiana, enriching lives with spiritual insights. Meanwhile, Ashley's expertise as a counselor at Auxilium Psychological Services is complemented by her academic prowess. She notably led the Psychology and Addictions Counseling Program at Oakland City University for over a decade. There, she developed an impressive array of Psychology courses, engaged in groundbreaking research, and even formulated a unique Communication Theory. This theory, a joint effort with Chuck, has been showcased across numerous universities and business platforms nationwide.
Outside their professional lives, Chuck, Ashley, and their three sons cherish the outdoors with activities like hiking and mountain biking. And let's not forget those rare but memorable family dance parties that add rhythm to their lives!
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: ChuckandAshley.com
- INSTAGRAM: @chuckandashleyelliott
- FACEBOOK: /chuckandashley
- YOUTUBE: Chuck and Ashley
Cheryl Scruggs: Are You Struggling with FEAR? (Solo Episode)
Are you thriving beyond your wildest dreams? Want to do this together? Listen in to this episode and challenge yourself to THRIVE!
In this episode we deal straight up with FEAR!
LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
- AUTOGRAPHED COPY: Order here
Cheryl Scruggs: Are You THRIVING? (Solo Episode)
Are you thriving beyond your wildest dreams? Want to do this together? Listen in to this episode and challenge yourself to THRIVE!
- WEBSITE: Jeff & Cheryl Scruggs
- INSTAGRAM: @CherylScruggs
- AMAZON: Book: Thriving Beyond Belief
- AUTOGRAPHED COPY: order here
Kia Stephens
Kia Stephens is a wife (of 19 years) and a mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood. Most days are spent driving her teen and tween around like an overworked and underpaid taxi driver.
A few years ago, however, she acted on her desire to become a writer and created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the father. Five years later she is a contributor for iBelieve and Proverbs 31 Ministries and the host of the Hope For Women With Father Wounds Podcast. Her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, Beloved Women, and Incourage.
GUEST LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Kia Stephens
Sarah Molitor: Well Said
Words matter. Our words matter. And Well Said* explains why they do, how to make the most of them and why doing this can change our lives. Most importantly, Sarah’s practical tips intertwined with personal life stories are grounded in Biblical truth and convey God’s love for each person. Choosing to use our words to speak life allows the Lord to work in ways we never imagined or could dream for ourselves. It’s not easy and it’s not instant but it will be life-challenging and life-changing.
GUEST LINKS:
- WEBSITE: Sarah Molitor
- BOOK: Well SAID