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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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 2X

Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 Does
Everybody Always

Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 Place
2) All People Deserve Respect
3) We Tell the Truth
4) We Speak with Love
5) No Gossip Allowed
6) We Take Responsibility
7) We Deal with our Problems
8) We Lead by Serving
9) We Control Ourselves
10) Angry Doesn't Equal Right


Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

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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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

Send us a text

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 Frog
Level 3 Gratitude
Building Your Ladders


Sponsors: 
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

Send us a text

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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.

Send us a text

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 Group
Website:  www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com    Phone:  205-326-7364

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Fairway Independent Mortgage
Website: www.tylercainatfairway.com    Phone:  813-380-8487

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.