Excel Still More

Okay, the photo for the episode was found after the episode was recorded. It just made me smile so I added it. We can often be a little more like Pinocchio than we should. But worst of all is when the person we are lying to is ourselves. This can be the hardest habit to break. This episode looks at 5 Passages and a Story from the New Testament about how to identify Self-Deception and how to overcome it. I will provide those below for your own personal study and followup:I Corinthians 3:18-19 - Overestimation of my own Wisdom - Always Be Learning!Galatians 6:3 - Over Confident in Spiritual Position - Always Be Humble!James 1:22 - Being a Hearer Only - Do What's Right!James 1:26 - Not Bridling the Tongue - Monitor Your Words!I John 1:8 - Say We Have No Sin - Admit Your Mistakes!Guess who faltered in most of these areas in a short period of time? PETER. He was a good man and went on to be a penitent man, a man of faith, and mighty for the Lord. But in a single day he let all these elements of Self Deception lead him to sin. Later Christ found him, redeemed him, and put him to work. He can do the same for us. But we also must learn to be humble, careful students. 

What is the most important key to a healthy relationship? Specifically, between a man and a woman who profess that they love one another? You might say, "faith." Which is hard to argue with. I address that early in the episode. But even faith, if it cannot be shared well, honestly, and fully, will always be lacking. That's the thing about communication. Getting good at that makes anything and everything possible. And yet, if two people cannot talk, hear, share, or understand, what good is a common belief, even if it is belief in Christ and His will. As noted in the episode, being a Christian is the single best thing you can do for your life and the best contribution you can make to a healthy marriage. That means you possess the right kind of thinking and desires and humility and all kinds of good things. But what if you don't know how to give them to another? What if you don't know how to receive them from another? Communication. Is. Key.- What is communication and how do verbal and non verbal elements affect it?- Can I say the right words the wrong way?- How does my face, eyes, and body factor into communication?- How does communication change in your marriage when someone is wrong?- Why is the best test of communication seen in times of testing and disagreement?Sponsor:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Hey, "IT'S ME SEASON." Okay, actually it is not. But I did see that printed on a sweat shirt recently. What are your thoughts on that? It really struck me as an honest, but also very sad proclamation. Our culture is shifting so quickly and fully to individualistic thinking. It doesn't make me angry to see and hear this. It just makes me sad.God has such a deeper and richer plan for your life. There is an incredibly amount of value, purpose, and JOY in seeing your identity as a product of Christ, and for Christ, and to be involved with others, to contribute to the benefit of WE over ME.I also offer a little clarity from the "GO BE YOU" episode a few weeks back. Most didn't need it, but I'll seek to connect it to today's idea. God's plan is so good. And it's not spelled YOJ. Reverse and enjoy!Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

I chose the image:  Paradoxes: Hard and Good - Not because it is true, but because of how often we see it as true. There can be this construct that opposes hard and seeks good, and even measures good, in terms of ease. It is very difficult to search my life history and see much correlation between Easy and Good. It is practically impossible to find that in Scripture. God is working for God in people's lives all throughout time. And I mean really, really good things. But in practically all of them, it was hard. People had to make tough choices and live through difficulties to get to good. Are you up for that?Personally, I am Hard Averse. I'm always looking for the easy way and praying for a peaceful, chill, stress free life. But 1) that is not always possible. And 2) it is not always good for me. This year I'm learning that Hard is Hard. Okay, I knew that. But also that Hard is Good. There are great and needful results that demand a struggle to accomplish. I invite you to think about that in your own life today. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

We are saved by faith. the Bible is clear about that. We are saved by our belief. The Gospel of John tells us that - Jesus tells us that - over and over. But we know there has to be something more to it. I mean, the demons believe and shutter. And faith without works is dead. So what is this saving faith? What does it look like and how does it work?Saving faith may not be easy, but it also isn't complicated. In fact, the truth of it and what it feels and looks like may be as simple as a bit of visualization. Today we seek to prove one simple idea: "Saving Faith is living like you see it, like you see Him, like you are there with Him, even before you are." Let's explore the truth of that first, and then how we can go about seeing the end from the beginning, walking by faith, not by sight.In the judgment, everyone will be a believer. Everyone will be willing to give up all they have to be with God. But there will be no faith. None will be possible because we will be seeing Him face to face. Live now as if you were standing right in front of him, and your life will take on an intensity and strength that could change everything. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

I want to carefully invite you to a place of thinking through past fears today. I know some can be far too deep or hurtful for us to venture into. But if you are like me, you've got stories of just really scary, sorrowful, unforgettable events that you recall often. How do you feel when you recall them? Is the objective to block the feelings or get your mind off of it as quickly as possible?What if you assigned gratitude to it? What if you connected lessons learned or necessary changes initiated, stemming from that event. If you can connect value, and especially spiritual value, when your mind goes back to it, you can make use of it. This doesn't mean the pain or hopeless feeling won't return when those memories relapse. But it might mean you welcome them more often than flee from them. To help illustrate this I'd like to talk about a loss in my life last year. But also, I want to tell you about the 5 scariest minutes in my family's life. It occurred 6 years ago and none of us will ever forget it. But we may be able to stop fearing it and use it for our good!Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Welcome to the 4th ever ESM interview. I did one with Hal Elrod several years ago. At Christmas last year I shared one with Kenny Embry. A few weeks ago we brought on Jacob Hudgins. And now... my good friend and fellow podcaster, Benjamin Lee.Ben's drive and faith and laugh just draw people to him. He's an incredible motivator. His openness and honestly about his own journey, struggles, and successes are incredibly motivating. Today we talk about what it means to live intentionally. Along the way, I got to ask him about some really cool concepts he has featured in his life, like Start, Stop, Continue! I hope you enjoy this as much has we did.I want to link you to some great resources. Firstly, here is Ben's personal homepage with access to his blogs and podcast and other resources.   Also, a book he recommended:  10X is Better than 2XSponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

My kiddo, Luke, preached a sermon the other day that featured this opening quote:“Nor does a pure-minded man fall suddenly into crime by stress of any mere external force; the criminal thought had long been secretly fostered in the heart, and the hour of opportunity revealed its gathered power.” James Allen (As A Man Thinketh)When you replace the word "Crime" with "Sin" and "Criminal" with "Sinful" it really hits home. We each and all make quick, unintended mistakes. But for the most part we bounce back quickly. However, the deeper, more rooted and difficult sin in our lives is not spontaneous nor blamable on external forces. It is the result of power gathered inside of us. This is good news. Understanding the "how" behind behavior gives us the tools to make healthy changes. Luke did a really good job, in my only slightly biased options. Here is a Youtube Link.Let's explore how that works so we can cut Satan off at the root. Also, and more importantly perhaps, let's channel the gathered power of the mind and develop amazing and holy habits or life! From Mind to Heart to Action!Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Welcome to my personal favorite Bob Goff story. And that's saying something. His life has been incredibly interestingly lived. I linked to his books last week. Today I'll add a link to an episode from 2022 that featured his work in Uganda: Be Secretly Incredible.Part of being incredible is loving people. Not just from a distance through prayer. Not just when you agree with them. Not just when they do what you want them to do. But because of who they are - people made by God and in His likeness. And because of who you are: a child of God living out the love of Jesus.This can mean resisting the urge to coach and redirect everyone. When sin or danger is involved, sure. But most of the time when people have ideas for their life that doesn't fit your vision for their life... it's not sin. It's just not your way. Be with them. Go with them. Support and help them through. That's what Love Does. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

God built each of us to align our mind and body. He gave us this beautiful things called a conscience to process His will, and factors of life, to create a consistency between heart and deeds.  When we link those up, we are our authentic selves. Your authentic self may not be right, but it's honest. You may grow and change, but you'll be a person of integrity. However, if you have a gap between what you believe and what you do... If you strike a wax person pose in front of people and fail to be who you really are... things begin to fall apart. There cannot be peace in you if there is a gap between your beliefs and your conduct. Let's stop posing. Let's sync up our lives. We must be careful, mindful of others, and studious - we want to encourage others and we certainly want to honor God. But once that work is done:  Go Be You. Bob Goff rocks. I feel compelled to share some links for his books. He contributes to living the heart of Christ in our relationships - in all relationships. I don't have knowledge of all of his ideas on things. But I love his idea on love. Love DoesEverybody AlwaysSponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

For just the third time in ESM history - it's an interview! It is my pleasure to have Jacob Hudgins on the program today to walk us through the House Rules that he has implemented in his home and has written about for the benefit of others.This will be our fifth and final episode in the House Rules series. And I was thinking this week: who better two pull it all together and wrap it up than the author of the book! Jacob does so great here with key insights and some honest reflections on his own life and family. I hope you enjoy our hour together today.If you'd like to order his book, it can be found here:  House Rules For Reminder's Sake. Here are the 10 House Rules:1) Home is a Safe Place2) All People Deserve Respect3) We Tell the Truth4) We Speak with Love5) No Gossip Allowed6) We Take Responsibility 7) We Deal with our Problems8) We Lead by Serving9) We Control Ourselves10) Angry Doesn't Equal RightSponsors: Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

I have made 3 major financial decisions in my life that stand above the rest. One was awful. One was safe. And the last was exciting. To me, these represent the kind of choices that go far beyond portfolios, and certainly have more value than money. Let me walk you through those choices, spanning 25 years of my life. Maybe they will help you with some financial decisions in the new year. I think that would be great. But it is not the purpose. Maybe it will look like a humble brag on my part and you won't like that. I can only state my intentions to help and hope for the best. But most hopefully, I pray this illustration, along with a fresh peek into the Garden of Eden, and the choices there, will help you categorize that options in front of you today. There are so many things that can draw your attention: some you need to say NO to. Some you need to keep going and make automatic. But a few... oh these Apples are the best of all. These deserve you to go all in on them and give them ongoing attention. Let's identify those things and get very excited what is coming. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Today, launch day, is "the most depressing day of the year." That being the case, I feel like a wellness check is needed: so how are you doing? Are you weathering January okay? If you are, I want you to see how much you've overcome to feel that way! And if not, there are real reasons for that which affect a lot of people. You are not alone.But we can make a plan, a great plan. We can do such a few specific things and create results this year that have alluded us in years past. Are you up for that? We first have to look at all of the junk that tries to make us blue. Then we can talk about how to use that, work through it, and find a different kind of blue:  calm and chill!Here are the links to three past episodes noted in the episode:Eat That FrogLevel 3 GratitudeBuilding Your LaddersSponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Our cover image today is a 10 year old boy deciding whether or not to make his bed. He clearly doesn't want to. And yet, it is his responsibility. What factor will be determine what he does next? Sometimes doing the right thing is hard. And when it comes down to just the action... we may not want to do it at all. But there are a couple of really important reasons he should make that bed. These are the same reasons we should do what is right when it is our responsibility to do so.Continuing with that, sometimes we are responsible to fix problems with other people. Some of the same reasons for that apply whether it's an adversary or an unmade bed. I've really enjoyed the House Rules that the two this week really hit home. I hope you find the topics helpful. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Say it with me: Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex! Or aMCC for short. Today we take a little look into the brain, to find a very special part that controls the willpower of the rest. If we can learn how it works, and how to make it stronger, well, there isn't any part of your growth in life that won't be affected and helped!But we have to build on the WHY of personal discipline we started with last week. God expects us to take inventory and responsibility for, every part of the life He has given each of us: body, mind, heart and soul. I am motivated to be a Four Square Christian!But HOW do we do it? For me, it's more than just a list of what will help. We can easily make those lists. I want to know HOW I actually fight through the desire to quit. Where does endurance come from and how to I build it? That is what today's content is about.Here is a much deeper podcast and YouTube on the subject today:  Huberman Lab Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I pray 2024 is a wonderful adventure in growth and change and increased faith and joy in Christ!Welcome to season 6 of the ESM podcast. It's been an amazing journey thus far and I am looking forward to this season. Today's content - the challenge to balance out four elements of your life: Physical, Mental, Social, Religious - is key to unlocking a better you and a better year. A better you, because this requires discipline from the inside out, not just in one category at a time. And a better year, because with higher energy, creativity, personality and spirituality... the sky is the limit on what God can do!Here is a link to the wonderful book featured in today's episode. I think you'll really enjoy. Get ready for a challenge. Not just the content, but he dares you to read it through the first time in one sitting!  I Dare YouReally cool hardback copy! I Dare YouSide Note: It's the New Year. If you'd like to start with more reading, study and prayer, try out our Excel Still More 3 Month Journal. Available at our Podcast Website.May God bless you. And please reach out any time if I can be of any help to you:  emersonk78@me.com.Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I pray 2024 is a wonderful adventure in growth and change and increased faith and joy in Christ!Welcome to season 6 of the ESM podcast. It's been an amazing journey thus far and I am looking forward to this season. Today's content - the challenge to balance out four elements of your life: Physical, Mental, Social, Religious - is key to unlocking a better you and a better year. A better you, because this requires discipline from the inside out, not just in one category at a time. And a better year, because with higher energy, creativity, personality and spirituality... the sky is the limit on what God can do!Here is a link to the wonderful book featured in today's episode. I think you'll really enjoy. Get ready for a challenge. Not just the content, but he dares you to read it through the first time in one sitting!  I Dare YouReally cool hardback copy! I Dare YouSide Note: It's the New Year. If you'd like to start with more reading, study and prayer, try out our Excel Still More 3 Month Journal. Available at our Podcast Website.May God bless you. And please reach out any time if I can be of any help to you:  emersonk78@me.com.Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Merry Christmas! Launch day for this week's episode is December 25th. I pray safety and joy for you and your loved ones. May the Father, Son and Spirit be with you all. About a month ago, Kenny Embry and I had a discussion about stress management. It became an hour long dive into our personal lives and things that have really made a big difference for us. As soon as we were done recording, I started looking for a place to launch this for you. It's certainly less polished and much more raw and personal that the usual weekly episode, but I hope you will approach it with love and patience. Two words you will hear a lot in the first half that can make a massive difference: Sequencing and Spacing. Each day is a mini lifetime, where you have to make decisions on what matters most, what comes first, and what gets left off the to-do list. We talk a lot about how to do that in this episode. I hope you find it helpful.Note: Season 6 starts next week! New Year's Day! I'm excited to share some things that will  set the stage for 2024. Here's a hint if you want to get ahead: Read Luke 2:52. Jesus became what God needed Him to be by developing in four areas, not just one. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

What would you find if you used some personal time excavating the center of your heart, taking a fearless moral inventory, and finding out what drives all you do?This week we look at the power of self-awareness. It is massively valuable. But to be honest, it is much deeper and more needful that I first thought. To me self-awareness was this sense of reading the room, knowing how others see you, and understanding the impact of your conduct. Those are things that grow out of it, but self-awareness is much, more more personal and deeply emotional. The journey for me of learning about that led through Step 4 from the Alcoholic Anonymous program:  Fearless Moral Inventory. If that sounds scary, it's because, for many, it is the most scary step in the entire program. For you and me, as well as addicts, it becomes this bridge that connects faith to action. And I hope it carries you forward today. This may require weeks. It may demand a paper and pencil. It likely will lead to personal conversation and maybe some professional help. The journey is worth it. I hope you have the courage to take it. Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.

Sponsors:  Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial GroupWebsite:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent MortgageWebsite: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487Welcome to PART 3 of 6 in our House Rules Series. Here is a link to Jacob's Book, which I highly recommend you read.This week we talk about two crucial rules for life and home:Rule #4 - We Speak in LoveRule #5 - No Gossip AllowedThis adds on to the three so far:Rule #1 - Home is a Safe PlaceRule #2 - All People Deserve RespectRule #3 - We Tell the TruthLove and Gossip have a shady connection. Some people love TO gossip. Some gossip from what they think is a place of love. But the truth is... when we love, gossip will cease. We need to create as big a gap between these two things as we possibly can.It will start by speaking in love. But love is the more important word. Speech should not have to be filtered to only be loving. I should BE LOVE, at my core, and simply need to connect speech to my heart to say that which is good.And this will do in gossip for good: if I am motivated from a place of love, restoration, hope and Christ. Gossip is a funny word. It's always something the other person is doing. But I think it hits closer to home for me than I like to admit. Let's put together a working definition and find out what happens to it when love is introduced. - Why is important to develop love before focusing on speech?- What does it mean to say "God IS Love"?- If I love someone, how will that affect what I say about them?- What would happen to gossip if we genuinely cared about the person?- What are some practical steps we can take to stop gossip in its tracks?Sponsor Disclaimer:The information in this podcast contains personal opinions and may not entirely represent those of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS#2289. Fairway does not guarantee any services, information and/or advice provided by the individuals. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. LO NMLS #118156.