Cheryl Scruggs
An all new, solo episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, with Cheryl Scruggs!
Abby Turner
enMay 19, 2021
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About this Episode
Welcome back everyone! Today on the Thriving Beyond Belief podcast is our guest, Abby Turner!
Before the pandemic led to social gatherings being literally outlawed, the deck was already stacked against the everyday hostess who wanted to practice the discipline of hospitality in her home. A five-course meal? A beautifully curated tablescape? A hand-engraved invitation? A less-than-sparkling-clean home? Real or imagined, lofty prerequisites for entertaining have scared many away from inviting others into their homes and enjoying the unique, divine connection that happens only when people sit down around the table and enjoy a meal together.
Abby Turner, the food blogger and writer behind A Table Top Affair, has made it her mission to help women toss aside the pressures of a Pinterest-perfect dinner party in exchange for meaningful and simple gatherings that feature easy and delicious dishes, allowing hostesses to shift their focus from the food and party preparations to communing with the people who are present.
In her first cookbook, The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers (DaySpring, April 13, 2021), Turner equips women with the tools to live life as God intended around the table: simple, delicious recipes for life’s big and small occasions, a practical guide to no-fuss hosting, and devotions and encouragement for the hearts that will gather and be nourished around the table.
“The table is important,” writes Turner. “God, in His infinite wisdom, designed the table to be a safe place where the human soul receives healing from past events, forgiveness from past actions, and a deep-seated love that only comes from the presence of God.”
As a young professional, Abby found herself working long hours and living alone, with little time for community or friendships. Following her mother’s advice, she invited friends into her home and hosted her first dinner party at the age of 24. After four years of learning her way around the kitchen while cooking for her friends, she launched her blog, Pinterest and Instagram pages to encourage people who were stuck in a rut, didn’t know how to meet others, and were starving for community. Drawn to the table, Abby hopes that her recipes will inspire others to build their tribe and experience the presence of God, one meal at a time.
About the Author:
Abby Turner is a young professional who is single and loving life as a food blogger, speaker, and writer. Born into a large family, she grew up in Central Arkansas, where she learned the importance of community and Biblical hospitality at a young age. After completing undergraduate degrees at Ouachita Baptist University and obtaining her Master's from Baylor, Abby lived in 6 states in 5 years, learning that community is essential to a healthy relationship with Christ. Over the last few years, Abby has spoken at college/universities, churches, companies and has been featured on regional TV shows and podcasts. Abby's passion is to encourage women to stop wasting time waiting for the perfect family, house, or table and to start opening their homes, cooking for friends and building community. You can learn more about Abby and enjoy even more recipes by visiting her website at atabletopaffair.com.
Related Links:
- WEBSITE: atabletopaffair.com
- FACEBOOK: @atabletopaffair
- INSTAGRAM: @atabletopaffair
- PINTEREST: A Table Top Affair
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