Thriving Beyond Belief with Cheryl Scruggs

Join me today as I chat with the beautiful lady Lindsey Maestas who gives us a lifeline to THRIVING! Hi! I'm Lindsey Maestas! But I might love you a little bit more if you call me Linds.  I am a podcaster, entrepreneur, writer and speaker, but mostly just a multi-passionate girl who loves Jesus, loves people and loves allll the food. Sometimes I have so much passion that it feels like I might explode – but I promise I won't. I'm in this for you and for the long haul! If you know me, you know that I'm absolutely obsessed with my husband (Jesse) and two "baby" boys (Sutton and Saxon) and of course, our sweet puppies, Milo and Biscuit. I never would have thought that a day spent on my couch – writing wildly personal details about my messy past of dating and my own journey through postpartum anxiety – would lead to 3 million yearly blog readers, over 400,000 podcast downloads and a community of tens of thousands of women that I get to virtually share all the secrets & all the real life with. God is good and life is cool. I'm a firm believer that relationships change everything. Your marriage doesn't have to feel impossible. Your motherhood doesn't have to feel like a train-wreck. The "good life" definitely does not have to be behind you. And healthy, fun, adult friendships don't have to feel impossible. I have one goal through this ministry: to talk about the things that nobody likes to talk about in order to remind you that you are more than your mess. We only have one life – and you don't want to just 'get by', do you? That isn't living. You have been created for a specific purpose. It's just not satisfying to be told that 'we are enough' and to go on our way. Sometimes we just aren't enough; sometimes life is hard. I know I rarely feel as if I'm enough. But God wants us to see Him more clearly in order to live life more abundantly. If you are looking to find that 'more to life', you came to the right place. Every single day, I share God's truth and my heart to help you flourish in your marriage, your faith and your motherhood in a way you never have before. This is what makes me thrive. So – truly – thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me! Related Links: WEBSITE: Lindsey Maestas  

Join me today as I chat with the beautiful lady and best-selling author Chelsea Smith who gives us a lifeline to 'I Do' Today: A 52-Week Guide to the Marriage You've Been Waiting For Do you dream of having one of "those" marriages--a marriage full of connection, trust, and laughter? A marriage that gets better year by year? Whether you've been married a few months or a few decades, the challenges of marriage--like finances, kids, grief, sex, and even everyday annoyances--might make that dream feel far away. But it doesn't have to feel that way. After twenty-five years of marriage, Chelsea Smith knows that the best way for a marriage to thrive is by taking it one day, one decision, one conversation at a time. In "I Do" Today, she gets you and your spouse talking and growing together in life-changing ways. Each week, you'll explore a new topic through: Short readings with real-life stories that offer validation, hope, and motivation Reflection prompts and conversation starters that go deep without being daunting Activity ideas to bring you closer together (and have fun along the way!) Simple, easy-to-follow steps for strengthening your emotional and physical connection "I Do" Today helps you and your spouse actively choose each other again and again as together, day by day, you create the marriage you've always wanted. Related Links: WEBSITE: Chelsea Smith

Join me today as I chat with and best-selling author JR Briggs who gives us a lifeline to The Art of Asking Better Questions! What he teaches us: There are few things in life he's more passionate about than asking great questions—and that is teaching others to ask better questions. J.R.'s Wisdom: 1. The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask God, yourself, and others. 2. There's not a single area of your life—not one—where improving the quality of the questions you ask won't improve the quality of your life and the lives of those around you. 3. We don't have a shortage of information; we have a shortage of wisdom, curiosity, and wonder. What's needed is the kindling of a desire for and ability to ask the right questions at the right time in the right situation for the right reason. 4. If we want information, Google it. But if what we're after is wisdom and connection, we need questions. 5. Jesus was a brilliant question-asker. In the Gospels, Jesus asked over 300 questions. He was asked over 180 questions—and yet he only directly answered five of them. There's much to be learned about what, when, where, and how he asked questions. Here's what we explore in the interview: 1.) Why questions are so important (but why we don't ask them very much) 2.) How questions impact our faith 3.) Leadership and the art of asking better questions 4.) Ridiculously practical ways to ask better questions. Related Links: WEBSITE: J.R. Briggs

Join me today as I chat with Toxic Relationship Recovery Specialist and best-selling author Kris Reece who gives us a lifeline out of the confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion that come from loving someone who constantly twists the truth, withholds affection, or makes you feel like you're the problem. LISTEN ON ITUNES Related Links: WEBSITE: Krisreece.com  

Erin Kerry is an integrative health coach and functional nutritionist. She is the host of the top-ranked podcast Sparking Wholeness and the owner of the coaching company Sparking Wholeness. As a survivor of mental illness, Erin knows firsthand how suffering from a chronic illness can infiltrate every area of life.   Related Links: WEBSITE: ErinBKerry.com

Solo episode with Cheryl Scruggs re being in or walking through a Wilderness period! Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

It's 2014 and Amy Daughters is a forty-six-year old stay-at-home mom living in Dayton, Ohio. She returns to her hometown of Houston over the Thanksgiving holiday to discuss her parents' estate—and finds herself hurled back in time. Suddenly, it's 1978, and she is forced to spend thirty-six hours in her childhood home with her nuclear family, including her ten-year old self. Over the next day and a half she reconsiders every feeling she's ever had, discusses current events with dead people, gets overserved at a party with her parents' friends, and is treated to lunch at the Bonanza Sirloin Pit. Besides noticing that everyone is smoking cigarettes, she's still jealous of her sister, and there is a serious lack of tampons in the house, Amy also begins to appreciate that memories are malleable, wholly dependent on who is doing the remembering. In viewing her parents as peers and her siblings as detached children, she redefines her difficult relationships with her family members and, ultimately, realizes that her life story matters and is profoundly significant—not so much to everyone else, perhaps, but certainly to her. Amy's guide said her trip back in time wouldn't change anything in the future, but by the time her thirty-six hours are up, she's convinced that she'll never be the same again. where I came from  It all started when Dick and Sue Weinland hooked up at an apartment complex in Houston, Texas. Four years later, after things had gotten quite cozy, I was born just a few short miles from the Eighth Wonder of the World, a.k.a. – the Astrodome. I blossomed into womanhood north of H-Town, in Spring, Texas, where I attended Klein Oak High School. From there, it was on to the Princeton of the Texas Panhandle – THE Texas Tech University – and just five glorious years later, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.  That's when it became time for me to not only enter the world of business (I was in the purchasing arena for a decade) but to do my own hooking up and child creating. The plot twist that brings us to the rest of the story was my husband's job moving us to England for three years. Finding myself temporarily without employment, I did the next obvious thing and became a writer. 

On today's episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl is joined by the incredibly inspiring Leslie Means — a wife, mama of three, former TV anchor, storyteller, and the founder of Her View From Home, a vibrant online community where women from all walks of life share their hearts and real-life stories. Leslie opens up about her journey from Nebraska farm girl and broadcast journalist to becoming a champion for women's voices across the country. What began as a simple dream with a few friends in 2012 has since grown into a nationwide movement of encouragement, faith, and authenticity. In this conversation, we talk about calling, creativity, motherhood, and the courage it takes to tell your story. Leslie shares the highs and lows of building a platform rooted in truth and vulnerability, and how God continues to guide her every step of the way. Whether you're in a season of transition or seeking deeper purpose, this episode is for you.

Meet Cally! Unveil the hidden potential within and discover your true identity at the lunch table of life with The Wallflower That Bloomed by Cally Logan. Cally invites readers to break free from the labels society places upon us—shy, quiet, awkward, different—and encourages us to embrace our unique qualities through the lens of biblical faith. With a focus on God's guidance and love, this empowering book challenges us to shed the stigma associated with being an outsider and confidently bloom where we are planted. Through introspection, self-discovery, and an unwavering trust in God, The Wallflower That Bloomed inspires us to embrace our true selves and shine brightly as we are meant to be seen.

Solo episode with Cheryl Scruggs! Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

Carol McLeod is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, and the vibrant voice behind The Significant Women Podcast. With 18 books to her name—including the upcoming Overflowing and the prison ministry–inspiring Meanwhile—Carol's work blends biblical depth with real-life application. She's the founder of Carol McLeod Ministries and was the first Women's Chaplain at Oral Roberts University, where she was named 2021 Alumna of the Year. Her devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app have reached nearly 4 million downloads globally. Married for over 44 years, Carol and her husband Craig—who directs Global Partners—share five children on earth, five in heaven, and ten beloved grandchildren. Carol is passionate about helping women find hope through Scripture, and she brings warmth, wit, and deep faith to everything she does. Whether writing, teaching, or podcasting, she lives to encourage others with the joy and truth of God's Word. Related Links: WEBSITE: CarolMcLeodMinistries.com

Dr. Chapman is the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA) and is a recognized expert in sports performance and mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation in athletes. Dr. Chapman leads Sound Mind Ministries and is the host of the Sound Mind Show on Youtube. Related Links: WEBSITE: DrKevinChapman.com

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, host Cheryl Scruggs engages in a profound chat about paying attention in life! Are you paying attention?

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, host Cheryl Scruggs engages in a profound conversation with author Richard Parrish about his latest book, The Gift of Conflict: The Art of Biblical Reconciliation. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Conflict: Richard delves into the nature of conflict and its role in personal and spiritual growth. Biblical Reconciliation: Insights into the biblical approach to resolving disputes and restoring relationships. Personal Experiences: Richard shares personal stories that highlight the transformative power of embracing conflict. Practical Guidance: Steps and advice for individuals seeking to navigate conflicts in their own lives.

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Hannah Keeley Hey there! I'm Hannah ... a mom of seven, a wife of one, and a lover of Jesus. I believe there is God-given greatness in everyone. And I have an insatiable desire to help them discover this and let the world see who they really are. Oh, and I'm crazy about helping moms. "Because I know what it's like." After a few kids, I found myself out of shape, overwhelmed, deep in debt, and surrounded by clutter. I knew something had to change when I found myself sobbing uncontrollably in the laundry pile (at least it was clean laundry). "When I realized no one was going to come in and rescue me, I decided to rescue myself." With God's Word and bull-headed determination, I was able to create a better life for myself. In fact, better than I ever imagined. Now I help moms everywhere do the same. Related Links: WEBSITE: Hannah Keeley

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Laura L. Smith! How many to-dos, responsibilities, relationships...are you  juggling? I don't want this frantic feeling of trying to keep it all together but fearing that at any moment it will all come tumbling down. Do you?It's urgent for us to slow down. For our bodies and our souls. We can do this. We need to for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Jesus promises us the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. But if we're scrolling or speeding so quickly through our lives, it's hard to notice any of that richness or fullness, let alone make room for it or tap into it. When we're running full speed ahead, we don't feel like we can muster any patience or self-control, and we struggle to recall when we last felt anything resembling peace. We're zooming around so fast we don't have time to accept lovely invitations from God to connect with Him through prayer, reading our Bibles, being present, and celebrating the good stuff.But I want to. Do you? Are you ready to try? Dive into the pages of The Urgency of Slowing Down and go on a journey with Laura L. Smith of unpacking what's in our lives, why it's there, what we don't need, what we can let go of, and what we can add in... so we can step into the unforced rhythms of grace Jesus invites us into. Related Links: WEBSITE: Laura L. Smith

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Chelsea Damon, author, blogger, and creator of Living the Sweet Wife, to share her wisdom on cultivating intentional, joyful, and Christ-centered relationships. Chelsea discusses the challenges couples face in building strong marriages, how forgiveness transforms relationships, and the power of living with purpose and grace. This inspiring conversation will leave you with actionable steps to strengthen your faith and relationships. Whether you're newly married, navigating family life, or seeking encouragement, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone. Related Links: WEBSITE: ChelseaDamon.com

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Ashcraft, author of Mission-Ready Marriage, to explore the unique challenges and rewards of military family life. Ashley shares insights and practical advice on building a resilient marriage and family despite the demands of constant moves, deployments, and career sacrifices. We discuss: How to balance love and resentment when sacrifices feel overwhelming Strategies for pursuing career aspirations while constantly relocating Parenting effectively when going it alone How to navigate questions like "Did I marry the right person?" Approaching combat trauma with compassion and support Helping extended family understand the military lifestyle Establishing financial health in your marriage Maintaining intimacy despite long periods of separation Planning for the transition out of military life Whether you're part of a military family or simply looking for inspiration to strengthen your relationship, Ashley's wisdom will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged. Tune in for this heartfelt and empowering conversation! Related Links: WEBSITE: AshleyAshcraft.com

In our third episode, we push the conversation further by exploring how communities evolve over time and what it takes to sustain meaningful connections. Building on the themes of the first two episodes, we focus on navigating challenges like conflict, changing dynamics, and maintaining trust as groups grow and shift. We'll discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of leadership in fostering resilience, and practical tools for ensuring both individuals and the collective continue to thrive. Whether you're a leader in your community or simply looking to strengthen your bonds, this episode will leave you with valuable strategies to sustain and enrich your connections.