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Are you so focused on productivity, personal growth, and optimizing every area of your life that you’ve forgotten how to enjoy it? As Christian women, entrepreneurs, and high-achievers, we often pride ourselves on being the ones who figure things out. We anticipate needs, make the best decisions, solve problems, and find ways to do more with less. But what happens when that drive for efficiency starts costing us our peace? In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, Tatum explores the hidden cost of over-optimizing your life and why being productive, intentional, and ambitious doesn't mean every moment needs to be managed or improved. Through personal stories about motherhood, marriage, entrepreneurship, and law school, she shares how the pressure to do everything right can keep us in survival mode instead of allowing us to savor the lives God has blessed us with. You'll learn how to discern when optimization serves you and when it becomes a hindrance to your peace, relationships, rest, and ability to be present. Because true efficiency isn't about doing the most in the least amount of time. It's about the quality of what you're doing, including how you care for your inner life. If you've been struggling to turn your brain off, feeling overwhelmed by everyday decisions, or treating every area of your life like another opportunity for self-improvement, this episode is your reminder that you can be ambitious without being in a constant state of optimization. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: Why constantly optimizing your life can leave you surviving instead of savoring it.How perfectionism and the pressure to be a good parent can rob you of the joy of motherhood.Why high-achieving women can find simple decisions mentally exhausting.How to distinguish between decisions that require careful consideration and those that don't deserve your mental energy.How to use automation and AI to simplify repetitive tasks without turning your entire life into a productivity project.Why choosing the less efficient option can create room for joy, connection, and unexpected opportunities from God.How transition time between work, business, school, and family can help you rest and reset.Why being present sometimes means listening without problem-solving or trying to improve the experience.How reading fiction, painting by numbers, puzzles, and other hobbies can help you enjoy leisure without needing a measurable result.5 PRACTICAL WAYS TO STOP OVER-OPTIMIZING YOUR LIFE Decide which decisions don't need optimization. Save your mental energy for the decisions that genuinely matter. If an option meets your needs, give yourself permission to choose it and move on.Practice choosing the less efficient option. Once a day, choose enjoyment over efficiency. Let your coffee be something you savor, allow a conversation to unfold, or accept that something can take longer than necessary and still be worthwhile.Create transition time. Give yourself space between roles and responsibilities. Write down unfinished tasks, identify when you'll return to them, and intentionally transition into your next part of the day.Practice being present without improving the experience. Listen without immediately offering solutions. Allow other people to do things differently. Prioritize connection over control.Make room for leisure that produces no measurable result. Read fiction, paint, work on a puzzle, or explore a hobby simply because you enjoy it. Not everything you do needs to improve you, grow your business, or produce something tangible.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Before I Let Go by Kennedy RyanThis Could Be Us by Kennedy RyanCan't Get Enough by Kennedy RyanPaint-by-numbers as a restorative, hands-on hobbyAI and ChatGPT for simplifying weekly meal planning and grocery listsYOUR HOMEWORK This week, pay attention to what you're trying to optimize throughout your day. Ask yourself: Does this decision actually require this much thought, or am I making it more complicated than it needs to be? Then choose one thing each day where you prioritize enjoyment over efficiency. Practice creating transition time, being present with the people around you, and making room for leisure without an agenda. You don't have to become less ambitious, less intentional, or less effective. You simply have to protect the parts of your life that don't need to be optimized. LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, AND CONNECT If this episode encouraged you to rethink your relationship with productivity, share it with another high-achieving woman who needs permission to slow down and enjoy her life. Subscribe to Blessed + Bossed Up for faith-based entrepreneurship, Christian business advice, and practical encouragement to build a business and life God's way. Remember: You can be driven and intentional while still making room for rest, joy, and the beauty of the life God has given you. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if you know the Bible, understand theology, pray, and genuinely love God, but still feel distant from Him? In this episode of Blessed and Bossed Up, Tatum continues her conversation with Dr. Sharla about the high-achieving Christian woman who may know a lot about God intellectually but struggles with vulnerability, prayer, and trusting God relationally. As part of the Search Bar Sessions, they unpack: Why knowing Bible theology doesn't always make you feel close to GodHow perfectionism and self-correction can interfere with vulnerabilityHow to quiet an overactive mind during prayerWhy your relationship with God can look different in different seasonsHow to integrate faith into your everyday lifeHow social media and what you consume can affect your spiritual lifeHow to move from intellectual faith to experiential faithHow to trust God when you don't know the outcomeThe ABI framework for trust: Ability, Benevolence, and Integrity If you've ever wondered, "Why do I know so much about God but still feel far from Him?", this conversation will challenge you to move beyond simply knowing about God and toward experiencing, trusting, and being vulnerable with Him. In this episode: Christian faith, trusting God, relationship with God, prayer, Bible study, spiritual growth, Christian women, high-achieving women, vulnerability with God, and overcoming overthinking. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when the same qualities that helped you become successful start shaping the way you approach your relationship with God? In this episode of Blessed and Bossed Up, Tatum sits down with Dr. Sharla Walker for a deeply candid conversation about high-achieving Christian women, intellectualism, perfectionism, spiritual growth, and learning to live from a place of salvation rather than survival. This conversation is especially for the woman who loves God, reads her Bible, serves in church, leads well, and knows the language of faith, but may still be wondering: Why do I know so much about God but still struggle to let His truth transform the way I live? Tatum and Sharla explore what it means to move beyond simply knowing Scripture and into genuine spiritual transformation. They discuss why intellectually gifted and high-achieving women may need a different level of discipleship, how to steward your intellect without allowing it to become self-sufficiency, and why being smart is not the problem. The question is whether your intellect is surrendered to God. They also unpack the difference between healing and recovery. Understanding where your perfectionism, people-pleasing, hypervigilance, or intellectualization came from is important, but what happens after you understand it? How do you learn to function, build relationships, experience joy, and live fully again? This episode also challenges the pressure Christian women often feel to organize their lives around individual roles and desires, whether that's becoming a wife, preparing for motherhood, building a business, or achieving a particular level of success. Instead, Tatum and Sharla discuss the importance of becoming whole, remaining curious, exercising restraint, and allowing God to determine where your gifts belong in each season. In This EpisodeWhy high-achieving Christian women can become highly skilled at the behaviors of faith without experiencing deep transformationThe difference between knowing Scripture and allowing Scripture to transform your lifeWhy gifted and intellectually inclined Christians may need a different level of discipleshipHow Daniel demonstrates that intellect, wisdom, and faith can coexistHow to surrender your intellect to God without diminishing your intelligenceWhy church preferences can sometimes become a barrier to spiritual growthHow to remain teachable when a sermon or teaching feels too basicThe difference between church culture and biblical standardsChristian perfectionism and the difference between excellence and perfectionHow people-pleasing and perfectionism can develop as survival mechanismsWhat it means to stop living in survival mode after experiencing salvationThe difference between healing and recoveryWhy understanding your trauma is not the same as learning how to live after itHow boundaries can become barriers when we don't learn vulnerability and discretionWhy Christian women don't need to define entire seasons of life by marriage or motherhoodThe danger of attaching the weight of our desires to individual decisionsWhy restraint is an important discipline for high achieversLearning the difference between what you can do and what God is actually calling you to doHow to recognize when overwhelm may be an invitation to pause and recalibrateThe difference between participating with God and intellectualizing your way around difficult experiencesWhy sensitivity and vulnerability are part of experiencing the fullness of life with GodHow to use your gifts for God's glory without allowing your gifts to become your identityA Question to ConsiderAre you using the same strategies that helped you survive to navigate a life God has already rescued you to live? You don't have to become less intelligent, less ambitious, less excellent, or less gifted. The invitation may be to learn how to surrender those gifts, receive God's boundaries, exercise restraint, and allow Him to determine where your greatness belongs. This is Part 1 of the conversation with Dr. Sharla Walker. Part 2 continues the conversation through questions that high-achieving Christian women are actively asking and searching for answers to. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Search Bar Session, Tatum answers three questions about building a business and life with God at the center: How should you pray over your business? Learn why specific, Spirit-led prayer is more powerful than simply asking God for the outcome you want.How do you build authority online without chasing vanity metrics? Tatum breaks down how to identify your strongest communication style, understand how your audience engages, and strategically choose the platforms that actually matter.How do you maintain quiet time with God when life is full? Discover why quiet time is more than a physical location and how cultivating an internal posture of submission and sensitivity can keep you connected to God throughout a busy day.This episode is a reminder that building with God isn't about doing more. It's about being sensitive enough to hear Him, strategic enough to act on what He's saying, and surrendered enough to let His will shape the outcome. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Should Christian business owners use AI? Is personal branding self-centered? And how do you sell high-ticket offers without feeling manipulative? In this episode of Blessed and Bossed Up, Tatum answers the questions Christian entrepreneurs are actively searching for online—from using AI and automation with discernment to building a personal brand, charging premium prices, and closing sales with integrity. Tatum breaks down how to: Use AI and automation without abandoning discernmentBuild a personal brand without making your life the productPosition yourself as a thought leaderJustify premium pricing with real value and resultsValidate your offers before selling them at full priceCreate a sales process that feels genuine—not manipulativeUse technology to increase efficiency while keeping the human connectionThis episode kicks off Search Bar Sessions, a new series where Tatum answers the questions her audience—and the internet—are actively searching for answers to at the intersection of faith, business, technology, and entrepreneurship. If you're a Christian entrepreneur trying to grow your business while keeping God at the center, this conversation is for you. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Part 2What do we do when we’re waiting on God and don’t know whether His answer will be yes or no? In Part 2 of this conversation, we explore what it looks like to keep hoping and trusting God while we wait. Tatum shares the story of Hannah, the danger of deferred hope, and the importance of remembering God’s track record in our lives. She also shares a special testimony about leading her six-year-old son to Christ and how his simple understanding of the gospel reminded her of what it means to keep our faith focused on who God is—not just what He can do. In this episode:Why we shouldn’t stop hoping to protect ourselves from disappointmentWhat Hannah teaches us about praying with faithHow to keep track of God’s answered prayersFinding contentment in the things God didn’t give usShifting from “What if God says no?” to “What if God says yes?”Why our hope ultimately has to rest in who God isScripture: 1 Samuel 1, Proverbs 13:12, Matthew 26:39, Romans 5:1–11 This week’s challenge:Make two lists: Desires God has fulfilledDesires God didn’t fulfill that ultimately worked out for your goodUse both lists to strengthen your faith, contentment, and hope while you wait. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What do you do when you have a deep desire, you know God is fully able to give it to you, but you also understand that He may say no? In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Tatum creates space for an honest conversation about faith, hope, and the desires of our hearts. How do you continue believing for healing, marriage, children, business success, restoration, or any other desire when God never explicitly promised that specific outcome? This episode is a reminder that mature faith does not mean pretending you do not care about the outcome. It means bringing your real desires, fears, questions, and hopes to God while trusting Him enough to surrender to His will. Through examples from Scripture—including the Hebrew boys, Moses, David, Paul, and Jesus—Tatum explores what it means to believe that God is able, and still trust Him if the answer is no. If you have ever found yourself wondering where your faith should land when you know the outcome is uncertain, this conversation is for you. Be encouraged: you do not have to deny what you deeply desire in order to have faith. You can ask boldly, hope fully, pray honestly, and still say, “Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done.” This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Blessed + Bossed Up, Tatum reflects on her first year of law school and shares what God has taught her about navigating a non-traditional path. From balancing marriage, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and legal education to overcoming imposter syndrome and comparison, she offers honest encouragement for anyone whose journey doesn't fit the expected timeline. Whether you're returning to school, changing careers, starting over, waiting on God's promises, or stepping into unfamiliar territory, this conversation is a reminder that God often works through unconventional paths to accomplish extraordinary purpose. In this episode, Tatum discusses: What it means to live a non-traditional lifeLessons learned from her first year of law schoolOvercoming imposter syndrome and comparisonHow previous life experiences become unexpected advantagesBiblical examples of God using unconventional people and timelinesPractical encouragement for embracing God's timing and purposeKey Scriptures Isaiah 53Romans 8:282 Corinthians 12:9Hebrews 11If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that God's plan is never limited by a traditional timeline. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tatum reminds you to prioritize the 7 guardrails discussed in the last episode to protect your relationship with God as you build for His glory. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tatum opens up about a season where the demands of ministry, business, and family started to make her relationship with God feel transactional instead of relational. Drawing on personal testimony, research on dual-role relationships and boundary theory, and Scripture (Revelation 2:2–5, Matthew 7:21–23), she unpacks why this shift happens to those called to "do business God's way" — and shares seven practical guardrails to protect intimacy with God while still walking in purpose. Key TopicsWhy partnering with God in work can slowly turn relational closeness into a transactional exchangeLessons from organizational psychology: role conflict, dual-role relationships, and boundary theoryA real-life example of healthy boundaries in a business partnership (Anchored Media Studios)Revelation 2:2–5 — the warning to the church in Ephesus about losing "first love"Matthew 7:21–23 — good works without true relationship7 Guardrails to Protect Your Closeness with GodQuiet time, no work allowed — protected time with God that isn't about outputGet involved in in-person community — find an accountability partnerServe in ministry outside your professional skill setPractice the SabbathFast regularly — without asking for anythingWorship without asking for anything (try 30 minutes a day)Keep a "God ideas" journal — capture downloads without acting on them immediatelyScripture ReferencedRevelation 2:2–5Matthew 7:21–23 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tatum is currently under the weather and wanted to send you this reminder to disrupt well. -- Welcome back to another installment of our Bible on Business series! In today’s episode, we dive into the powerful message that Kingdom Entrepreneurs are Disruptors. Through the example of Apostle Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-32), we explore how true kingdom businesses inevitably challenge cultural and economic norms, much like Paul’s ministry did against idolatry and occultic practices in Ephesus. Episode Highlights: The Disruptive Impact of Kingdom BusinessesPaul’s ministry in Ephesus created an economic and spiritual ripple effect, revealing the clash between kingdom values and societal idols like greed, idolatry, and exploitation. As kingdom entrepreneurs, we must be prepared to face similar resistance when operating with integrity and purpose.The Inevitable “Riot”Just as Paul’s ministry sparked a riot, modern kingdom businesses often challenge norms that are deeply embedded in the business world. From hustle culture to manipulative marketing, today’s entrepreneurs are called to disrupt these standards, knowing that resistance is part of the journey.Building Businesses with Integrity and ImpactTatum shares practical tips for maintaining purity in business, including transparent pricing, prioritizing purpose over profit, and incorporating charity. By staying rooted in prayer, relying on community support, and being intentional about leaving a legacy that glorifies God rather than self, entrepreneurs can build resilient, kingdom-focused businesses.Key Takeaways for Disruptive Kingdom Entrepreneurship: Transparent Pricing and Practices – Build trust by being open about materials, sources, and policies that prioritize integrity.Prioritize Purpose Over Profit – Support charitable causes or community initiatives, demonstrating that the kingdom purpose is greater than the bottom line.Root Yourself in Prayer and Community – Prayer and community are essential for navigating the challenges of disrupting worldly systems.Ensure a Legacy of Faith, Not Fame – Aim to leave a Christ-centered legacy by putting Christ at the center of all business activities.Scripture Reference: Acts 19:23-32 – Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and the disruptive impact it had on a society steeped in idolatry.Tatum encourages listeners to embrace the reality that as kingdom entrepreneurs, they’re called to disrupt the status quo. With wisdom from Paul’s journey and practical tips, this episode empowers listeners to courageously confront opposition, build ethically, and leave a lasting impact that glorifies God. Don't Forget: If this podcast has blessed you, leave us a 5-star review and share with friends, family, or colleagues who might be encouraged by these insights. Your support helps us spread the message and empower more entrepreneurs to make God the CEO of their businesses. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wrapping up the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry book club, Tatum shifts into a candid, personal conversation about the difference between genuine trust in God and avoidance dressed up as spirituality. Drawing from psychology, Scripture, and her own experience praying through her grandmother's stage-four cancer diagnosis, she unpacks how Christians — especially high-achieving entrepreneurs — often mistake "rushing to joy" for faith when it's really a defense mechanism keeping them from real intimacy with God. What's CoveredA book club update: The group has finished The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and is moving toward a business-focused pick next, with Great CEOs Are Lazy under consideration as a way to explore building a business from sustainability rather than hustle culture.The spiritualizing of avoidance: Why avoidance is one of the most socially acceptable defense mechanisms in Christian culture, often hiding behind phrases like "God's got me" or "I'm not sad, the joy of the Lord is my strength."A personal story: How Tatum navigated her grandmother's 90-day cancer prognosis, the shift in her prayers from demanding a specific outcome to surrendering the outcome entirely, and what that taught her about the difference between avoidance and trust.The psychology of avoidance: A look at "experiential avoidance" — the attempt to escape or numb uncomfortable emotions — and the research linking it to anxiety, depression, and other forms of psychological distress.Avoidance in entrepreneurship: How uncertainty, a core ingredient of faith, gets treated as a threat — leading business owners to quietly override God's specific instructions with their own "safer," more marketable plans.Root causes of avoidance: Fear, shame, the desire for control, and unprocessed pain, and how each shows up in decision-making, dating, finances, and launching a business.Signs you're avoiding rather than trusting: Refusing to face the worst-case scenario, and praying only for a fix rather than for comfort and wisdom.A practical reframe: The question Tatum returns to again and again — both for herself and for others — "Do you have to do anything?"Key TakeawaysAvoidance offers temporary relief but blocks growth, resilience, and closeness with God; trust requires sitting with the discomfort instead of rushing past it.Faith is not the absence of uncertainty — uncertainty is built into the definition of faith itself.Facing a worst-case scenario isn't inviting it to happen; it's being honest about what's driving your emotions so you can bring it to God fully.Disappointment and trust can coexist. Being able to feel disappointed while still saying "not my will, but yours" is a marker of spiritual maturity, not a lack of faith.Avoidance often looks like wisdom, planning, and having it all together — which is exactly why it goes unchecked in high achievers. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode wraps up the book club discussion of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with the remaining ten practices for slowing down, plus a personal, unscripted reflection on trusting God through uncertainty. The episode opens with a raw moment about navigating law school as a non-traditional student, including a candid conversation with God about wanting to see the bigger picture before feeling secure in obedience. The takeaway: God often withholds the full plan on purpose, not to withhold comfort, but to keep us dependent on Him rather than on our own self-sufficiency. From there, the conversation returns to the list of 20 practices for slowing down, picking up at number 11 and continuing through number 20. Topics include setting boundaries around email and social media, the debate over cutting out television entirely, the case for single-tasking over multitasking, taking a regular day of silence and solitude, journaling, mindfulness and meditation through a Christian lens, taking real vacations, and the value of slowing down around food, whether that means cooking at home or being intentional while eating out. The episode closes out the book club pick with a reflection on the book's epilogue and an open question about what to read next. Key Highlights A personal reflection on asking God for the "big picture" and what He said in responseWhy God sometimes keeps the full plan hidden, even when you are being obedientPractices 11 through 20 for slowing down, including thoughts on which ones felt useful and which felt overly rigidA respectful disagreement with the author's stance on cutting out TV entirelyWhy single-tasking, not multitasking, is the one non-negotiable on the listThe value of a monthly day of silence and solitude, and a smaller, more realistic version of itMindfulness and meditation reframed through scripture rather than secular practiceClosing thoughts on the book's epilogue and an open call for the next book club pick Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode wraps up the discussion on simplicity and moves into the fourth and final practice of unhurried living: slowing. Before diving in, the episode opens with a personal reflection on what it looked like to actually live this out — a season of downsizing a business, laying off a team, and trusting God's call to slow down even when it made no practical sense. From there, the conversation shifts to contentment — specifically the way Paul uses "I can do all things through Christ" in Philippians, not as a battle cry for achievement, but as a testimony about being at peace in any circumstance. Contentment is framed not as the absence of ambition, but as the ability to hold desire without striving — checking with God before chasing the next opportunity rather than figuring it out on your own. The episode then moves into the author's 20 practical tips for slowing down, covering the first ten. The list centers heavily on driving habits and phone use — driving the speed limit, arriving early without your phone, and intentionally creating a "dumb phone" experience by removing notifications, social media, and email. Several tips are reflected on personally, including changes made to phone settings after reading the chapter. Key Highlights What it actually looked like to obey God's call to slow down in the middle of a business crisisThe difference between toxic ambition and healthy drive — and how healing changes what you are chasing and whyContentment as restraint, not passivity — wanting more while still being at peace with where you areReading Ecclesiastes as a practical starting point for anyone who wants to pray for contentmentThe first 10 of 20 practical tips for slowing down, with honest reactions to eachA personal phone audit — which notifications stayed, which were deleted, and why Products Available — Moving Sale!Tatum is moving and has a limited number of physical resources available for just $5 each (+ shipping — total order stays under $10). Once they're gone, they're gone! Available now: GOD is My CEO: A Prayer Journal for Entrepreneurs (Limited Edition — gold spiral binding, hardcover, full-color, tabbed) 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/hlsLhd-AVdkPodcast Planner (Physical planner with everything Tatum has learned from 9+ years of podcasting and helping 150+ people launch) 👉🏾 https://youtu.be/bfpY3zdG9aAShe Is Uncompromising (The book — includes access to a bonus masterclass) 👉🏾 https://www.blessedandbossedup.com/shop Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com * Check out BreezeMeds and use my code BLESSED for a great deal: https://www.breezemeds.com * Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com * Check out NetSuite and use my code netsuite.ai/blessed for a great deal: https://www.netsuite.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we continue our discussion of John Mark Comer's book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, picking up with his chapter on simplicity and money. Episode Overview This episode covers Comer's chapter on simplicity, including his take on Jesus' teachings about money, the practice of minimalism, and 12 principles for simpler living. The episode also includes a running critique of where the author's analysis of wealth falls short. Key Discussion Points On Jesus and money Comer argues that roughly 25% of Jesus' teachings address money and possessions, and that nearly none of them are positive toward wealth accumulation. He connects three short teachings from Matthew 6 — on storing treasures in heaven, the lamp of the body, and serving two masters — to one long teaching on worry, making the case that what we worship, we worry about. The episode pushes back on this framing. Jesus' statements like "it is more blessed to give than to receive" and "you cannot serve both God and money" are not condemnations of wealth itself. They are observations about the condition of the heart. Money funds generosity, finances kingdom work, and creates the margin to serve others well. The issue is not wealth but what wealth does to a person's heart when it becomes their source of identity or security. A personal example: being a landlord to a tenant facing breast cancer and financial hardship. Having financial margin allowed for grace — accepting late or partial payments, covering the mortgage independently — in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. That is wealth functioning as a tool for kingdom living. On the author's framework Comer eventually acknowledges the tension — noting that Jesus was supported by wealthy donors, had disciples manage a budget, and shared meals with rich friends — but does not spend enough time there. The scriptures he cites actually contain the nuance he underexplores. When someone uses scripture primarily to validate a point already formed, rather than letting scripture shape the point, it is worth noticing. That pattern reveals a lot about how a person is operating, even if unintentionally. What minimalism actually is (and is not) Comer offers several clarifications: It is not a design aesthetic or a style preference. It is not poverty or living without enjoyment. It is not organizing your stuff — if you have so much that it requires organizing, labeling, and boxing, you likely have too much. Minimalism is the intentional promotion of what you value most and the removal of what distracts from it. It applies not just to possessions but to time, mental load, and the condition of the heart. Hurry is not only a physical state — it is a condition of the mind. Comer's 12 Principles for Simple Living Before buying, consider the true cost — maintenance, time, insurance, and what it will do to the pace of your life. Before buying, ask whether the purchase harms the poor or the earth. The garment industry is a direct example: in the 1960s, 95% of American clothing was made in the U.S.; today it is 2%, often produced under exploitative conditions. (Covered within principle 2 — the ethics of globalized manufacturing.) When you do buy, opt for fewer, better things. Buy it once. When you can, share. Community and the sharing economy reduce the need to own. Get into the habit of giving things away. Generosity is both practical and life-giving. Personal example: passing along baby clothes and supplies within community, and using the school's used uniform shop to outfit a child for a fraction of retail cost. Live by a budget. In a culture that glorifies frivolous spending, budgeting is a form of good stewardship. Enjoyment belongs in the budget — but so does discipline. Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Parks, libraries, coffee shops, and natural spaces are available to everyone. Cultivate a deep appreciation for creation. Cultivate a deep appreciation for simple pleasures. Recognize advertising for what it is. (Partial disagreement here: advertising is not propaganda or lying — there are laws against false advertising. The more accurate takeaway is to be intentional about not purchasing what you do not actually need.) Lead a cheerful revolt against materialism. Actively and joyfully reject the pull toward accumulation. Scripture Referenced Matthew 6 (Sermon on the Mount — storing treasures, the lamp of the body, serving two masters, and do not worry) 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Paul's command to the rich in Ephesus) Connect and Share Leave a comment on Spotify, share this episode, or send an email with your thoughts — especially your perspective on the critique of how wealth and money were framed throughout this chapter. Products Available — Moving Sale!Tatum is moving and has a limited number of physical resources available for just $5 each (+ shipping — total order stays under $10). Once they're gone, they're gone! 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