Episode 4: We're Still Here

In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, Tatum kicks off the next book club series: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. https://amzn.to/4c9jPAKThis national bestseller, with over one million copies sold, presents a compelling spiritual and emotional case against hurry and challenges the culture of busyness that defines modern life.For ambitious women balancing business, motherhood, marriage, leadership, and personal growth, this conversation is both timely and necessary.Although originally planning to wait until after midterms, Tatum began rereading this book sooner because she recognized subtle...

In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, we’re having a sober, faith-centered conversation about artificial intelligence—what it is, how it already shows up in daily life, and how Christian entrepreneurs should engage with it wisely.What AI Is (and why you’re already using it)AI is software trained on data to predict, recommend, recognize, or generate without being told every step. It’s embedded in:Google search suggestionsAutocorrect and text predictionYouTube/Netflix/Spotify recommendationsBanking fraud alertsEmail spam filters and inbox sortingFace ID, photo tagging, voice-to-textAI isn’t just ChatGPT—and it’s her...

In the previous episode, we were supposed to wrap up The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley. After waking up at 3 a.m. to record a full 57-minute episode, the final 17 minutes didn’t save. Rather than end abruptly, this episode finishes the discussion properly.We conclude our book club conversation by examining two final spiritual markers of the Spirit-filled life:The Word of GodWisdomWe also prepare for our next book club selection: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. We will begin in about two weeks after midterms, so go ahead and grab your copy now.Marker #3: The Word of GodCharles Stanley outlines three key reading principles that help believers live a Spirit-filled life.1. Look for Principles, Not Just PromisesMany believers are promise-centered, always searching for what God will do for them. But principles are more powerful for decision-making.A principle works like an equation:If you do A, expect B.If you ignore A, expect C.When you consistently study the Word, those principles become ingrained. You won’t need to pause life to search for answers. The Holy Spirit will bring truth to your mind in real time.For Christian entrepreneurs especially, this is critical. You must be able to:Make decisions quicklyMaintain spiritual accuracyMove without paralysisThat kind of discernment only comes when the Word is already in you.2. Read with Context — Remain NeutralOne of the most important themes of this episode is neutrality.Do not approach Scripture trying to get something out of it. Approach it to know Him.In an age of algorithms constantly feeding us what we already want to see, neutrality is difficult. But it is essential. Otherwise, we risk:Confusing digital marketing for confirmationConfusing algorithms for the Holy SpiritReading our desires into the text instead of receiving what it actually saysWhen you read neutrally, you allow the Word to confront you instead of you manipulating it to support what you already want.Neutrality produces peace, clarity, sensitivity, and maturity.If you approach Scripture asking, “How can I get God to work for me?” you will miss it.When you approach asking, “How can I be closer to Him?” everything changes.3. Look for General PromisesThere are promises given to all believers for all time, including:Jesus’ promise not to leave us as orphans (John 14:18)Grace and mercy when we approach God (Hebrews 4:16)Strength for the weary (Isaiah 40:31)While God still speaks, He has already spoken extensively through Scripture. Personal revelation should always be filtered through biblical truth.Approaching the Word strictly from a mystical or subjective lens is dangerous. Spiritual maturity requires emotional maturity, restraint, and accountability.Marker #4: WisdomThe final spiritual marker of a Spirit-filled life is wisdom.The defining question: What is the wise thing for me to do?Wisdom exposes hidden motives. It shines light on greed, selfishness, pride, and lust.Wisdom goes beyond right and wrong.Something may not be sinful — but it may still not be wise.The Holy Spirit does not merely pull us away from sin. He keeps us far from the edge.Walking in WisdomExamples discussed in this episode include:Disengaging instead of escalating when triggeredAvoiding environments that may not be sinful but are not wiseListening to internal promptings before temptation escalatesLeaving a social setting when wisdom says it is time to goThe Spirit-filled life is not about seeing how close you can get to the line without crossing it. It is about walking wisely and staying far from the brink.The Three-Dimensional Wisdom QuestionWhen making decisions, ask:What is the wise thing to do in light of my past experience?What is the wise thing to do in light of my present situation?What is the wise thing to do in light of my future hopes and calling?The Holy Spirit takes into account your history, your vulnerabilities, and your destiny. When He prompts you, it is for protection.Ignoring wisdom can have lasting consequences.Final ChargeIf you are not reading your Bible daily, start now.Buy a translation you understand. Read a little every day.Through daily reading, you give the Holy Spirit access to your mind and heart — access necessary for transformation.Next Book Club PickThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark ComerWe will begin in approximately two weeks. Grab your copy and begin reading so you are ready when we start.Additional Bible Study Resources Recommended by Charles Stanley30 Days to Understanding the Bible – Max AndersHow to Read the Bible for All Its Worth – Gordon D. Fee & Douglas StewartHow to Study the Bible – James BragaHow to Understand Your Bible – T. Norton SterrickTalk Through the Bible – Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth BoaLiving by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible – Howard Hendricks & William HendricksOur Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Marley Spoon: https://marleyspoon.com/offer/BLESSED* Check out NerdWallet: https://nerdwallet.com/blessed* Check out Trust & Will and use my code trustandwill.com /BLESSED for a great deal: https://trustandwill.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/blessed-bossed-up7264/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Blessed + Bossed Up Book Club, we continue wrapping up The Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley by exploring one of the most important markers of living in step with the Holy Spirit: the Word of God.If you want to know what the Holy Spirit is saying, you must know what He has already said. The Bible is not just a collection of stories—it is the Holy Spirit’s thoughts on paper. It is objective, timeless truth that anchors us when our emotions, desires, and circumstances try to pull us in different directions.In this episode, I share why Scripture is the most reliable way to discern God’s will, the difference between subjective and objective study, and how to approach the Word in a way that produces spiritual maturity. I also share personal reflections on discipleship, parenting, and how God uses everyday moments to redirect us back to His truth.We also announce our next Blessed + Bossed Up Book Club pick: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer—a powerful follow-up that will help us establish a pace of life that keeps us aligned with the Spirit.Key TakeawaysThe Bible is the Holy Spirit’s most objective tool for revealing God’s willScripture is not just stories—it is a living, relevant, and authoritative guide for our livesMany believers rely too heavily on subjective feelings instead of objective truthSpiritual maturity requires balancing personal application with disciplined, objective studyPrinciples in Scripture provide timeless guidance for decision-makingEliminating hurry is essential to maintaining sensitivity to the Holy SpiritDiscipleship begins at home and in everyday conversationsScripture References2 Peter 1:20–21 — Scripture inspired by the Holy SpiritGalatians 6:7 — You reap what you sowProverbs 13:20 — The influence of your associationsProverbs 12:1 — Correction produces wisdomProverbs 12:19 — Truth endures2 Corinthians 9:6 — Generosity produces increasePhilippians 4:19 — God provides for His peopleBook Club Announcement: Our Next ReadOur next Blessed + Bossed Up Book Club selection is:The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerThis book addresses one of the greatest threats to our spiritual sensitivity: hurry. It will help us establish rhythms that allow us to remain emotionally healthy, spiritually alive, and aligned with God’s pace.Get your copy and read along with us. https://a.co/d/0cBAB6G0Resources MentionedThe Spirit-Filled Life by Charles Stanley: https://a.co/d/0cBAB6G0The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/0cBAB6G0Our Sponsors:* Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com* Check out Bobbie: https://www.hibobbie.com* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com* Check out Marley Spoon: https://marleyspoon.com/offer/BLESSED* Check out NerdWallet: https://nerdwallet.com/blessed* Check out Trust & Will and use my code trustandwill.com /BLESSED for a great deal: https://trustandwill.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/blessed-bossed-up7264/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy