Excel Still More

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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 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.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

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

Welcome 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 Love
Rule #5 - No Gossip Allowed

This adds on to the three so far:
Rule #1 - Home is a Safe Place
Rule #2 - All People Deserve Respect
Rule #3 - We Tell the Truth

Love 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.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

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

First things first, here is a link to Mannish Zomorodi's Ted Talk
(note - at least one curse word in the presentation)
Also, she wrote a book by the same title:  Bored and Brilliant

What do you think about when you hear the word BORED? Is that a bad thing? For some of us, it feels like a distant memory, something that had to be abandoned in adulthood. Something... bad. 

But if I asked about BRILLIANT, I suspect you'd have a better disposition. We've been watching Harry Potter movies as a family, so we've heard this word a lot. (British folks use it to describe pretty much anything awesome). But I think most of us would like to be more brilliant, imaginative, astute and... awesome. 

Today we will explore the connection between the two. We will see that down time, thinking time, and especially --- non cell phone time --- is the missing ingredient for lots of folks. Something as simple as a long shower, or a short walk can do wonders. This is part of working smarter, not harder. And I hope you find benefit for your everyday life.

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.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

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

Welcome to PART 2 of 6 in our House Rules Series.
Here is a link to Jacob's Book, which I highly recommend you read.

In part one we talked about why the home is so important and Rule #1: Home is a Safe Place. Today we get into the Mutual Respect that must exist in the home as well as the crucial value of Trust and Telling the Truth.

As you'll hear early in the episode, you should think of the home as a very important place to apply these principles. However, it is just one application. This is really about you - the kind of person you are - and who others become when they are around you.

Do people around you feel respected, no matter their status, role or even behavior? 
Or is respect something they must earn with power or choices?
Are you the kind of person others feel drawn to because of how you treat people?

Do you tell the truth? 
And do you understand why it is probable the single most important thing to get right?
And do you create an environment around yourself where others would feel open to tell you what is true?


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.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

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


Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I hope things go well for you with family and friends. I pray your people, and people who will become your people, are gathered with you around a table this week, and often. 

I wanted to dig in on House Rules (pt2 of 6) and I do toss in some ideas on the front end. But it feels like gratitude is the most needful thing in this moment. If you want your house to live by certain rules, then the proper attitudes must be flourishing beyond them. We will look at how we start every day with hope and joy and set the tone. 

- What is gratitude and how would you rate your ability to have it in the mornings?

- What is your strategy to theme every day of your life with thankfulness to God?

- How should YOUR TEAM be a source of joy to you and how should you treat them?

- How should YOUR TABLE be a place of blessings for you and many, many others?

- How should TIME, that previous thing you happen to have right now, be valued?


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.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

We want things fast and want them to happen on a big time scale. We want total transformation, massive amazing change, and big payouts. All of that is in reach, but the work involved to get there is rarely as instant, sizable or flashy. It turns out, being wise small is the way to big things. Something you do every day for a year will begin to completely change your life. These are awesomely powerful ideas for change. But the devil knows about them as well. He doesn't want you making a slow and steady build. Though he knows it will work. Instead he wants to work those same truths against you in A SLOW FADE.

This idea came from a Casting Crowns song, and I've included the lyrics below. It also came from the heart of a wonderful person, my wife Sommer. She's had these ideas on her heart for some time and she encouraged me to share them with you. She's my partner in all of this and it is my pleasure to let her help. 

As we go through, pick out both BIG and LITTLE things. Pick out big problems you want out of your life. Then think of little steps that take you closer to them and little steps that will lead you away. Pick out big blessing you want in your life, then identify little steps that distance you from them, and then little, consistent daily choices that can get you there before you know it. 

We want to think small today to understand how to get to something big. Because life altering trouble is a slow fade, not a quick, single act. And the same is true for greatness. It's all in how you choose to employ the principle.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you
That are sure to follow

It's a slow fade
When you give yourself away
It's a slow fade
When black and white have turned to grey
And thoughts invade, choices made

A price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

It's a slow fade
It's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise
The end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises
Lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade
When you give yourself away
It's a slow fade
When black and white have turned to grey
And thoughts invade, choices made

A price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

And it's a slow fade
When you give yourself away
It's a slow fade
When black and white have turned to grey
And thoughts invade, choices made

A price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day (slow fade)
Daddies never crumble in a day (slow fade)
Families never crumble in a day

Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: John Mark Hall

Slow Fade lyrics © My Refuge Music, Be Essential Songs

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

I really hope you enjoy this series! Please let me know what you think. Feel free to share your own ideas, or just express how valuable you think this series might be. Your feedback will determine how quickly we get all 6 fit in!

Please remember - application will be focused on the home, but not limited to it. At it's core, these are 10 life rules for you, for me, for each of us. Carrying these qualities into relationships is whole lot easier than trying to find them once the dynamics are established. Either way, let's live these 10 great rules. 

[email protected]

And here is a link to Jacob Hudgins book: House Rules

Also, here are the 10 Rules, laid out as they will be in episodes:

Introduction 
Rule #1 - Home is a Safe Place

Rule #2 - All People Deserve Respect
Rule #3 - We Tell the Truth

Rule #4 - We Speak in Love
Rule #5 - No Gossip Allowed

Rule #6 - We Take Responsibility
Rule #7 - We Deal with our Problems

Rule #8 - We Lead by Serving
Rule #9 - We Control Ourselves

Rule #10 - Angry Doesn't Equal Right
Conclusion

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

I am so stoked to share this with you today. Bible connection are on my favorite things list. Special thanks to Michelle Stevens for sending me a short clip from Myron Golden. I checked out a bunch of his stuff and found two Genesis stories that connect in an interesting way. Both of them relate in this way: count your blessings and don't miss them in pursuit of what you don't have, in search of what you lack. 

Satan works hard and well in the powerful gaps of life. He draws our attention to what is missing and makes them into much more than what they really are. He did so with Adam and Eve. They walked past amazing fruit trees to get to the one they were told was bad for them. Why in the world did they do that and how are we sometimes like them?

In the case of Hagar and Ishmael, their situation was the exact opposite. They were in a wilderness, not a garden. And yet, the same problem popped up. She missed what God was doing because of the overwhelming weight of what she didn't have. Her story may connect to you in a personal way. If so, I hope God opening her eyes becomes your story as well.

- When is the last time you counted your many blessings, naming them one by one?

- Why do you think we are so fixated, so often, on what we do not have?

- Is the focus on what we lack healthy? Won't we just move on to something else we lack?

- What do we learn about resources and abundance from the garden of Eden?

- What do we learn about resources and abundance from Hagar in the wilderness?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Okay, I'm calling this my favorite thing I've learned in 2023. This simple outlook on relationships and three step, easily repeatable process... I love it. And I re-recorded this episode a week later just to share my testimonials!

I gave a quick early shout out to Jacob Hudgins for his book House Rules.
I highly recommend it. So I've added the link here.

Speaking of books. We still have ESM 3 Month Journals available for those who would like to venture into the world of daily reading, note taking, planning and prayer. You can purchase those at the Excel Still More Website.

One more link! Today's episode is based on a TEDx talk by Patrick Lencioni. It is excellent and I recommend you give it a watch if you'd like more information on being an ideal team player. 

Okay, as for content. Life is absolutely and longingly A TEAM SPORT. Recognizing that, we then need to access what sort of team players we are. This simple approach will apply to every societal team construct you have, including your family!

- Do you consider yourself to be a part of teams?

- Can you name a few of those teams you are in?

- What does that mean for your part in that construct?

- Are you willing to memorize THREE words that can change your life?

- Why is 2 out of 3 just not going to be good enough in the long run?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

The question of the episode is you asking yourself: "Who Am I?" - I encourage you to spend a little time on that this week. Find an answer that sits in the center of everything else about you and drives it all. 

Below I have included the lyrics for "To Not Worship You" by Mercy Me.  As you listen to them today or explore below, please note the progression. It starts with self doubt and confusion and fear. Then God is introduced as the power and the answer. In the middle of the song there are questions that show some self doubt, but at least attention is turned to God. And the chorus radiates God's glory once again. And then at the end, I find my song, hope and strength, in who He is! It looks like this:

Me without God
God
Me because of God
God
me with God
God

I like that layout. Everything finds its next step with God. 

Song Lyrics:

I'm losing sight of all that matters
Blinded by questions I can't answer
I'm paralyzed by what I don't know
That holds me hostage and won't let go

Breathe out, breathe in
Raise my hands and remember

You're the one, You're the one
Who makes mountains move
Stars will not shine
Unless You tell them to, tell them to
Conquered the grave
To make all things new
So, who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Remind me who I am because of You
Tell me I'm not the man I once knew
'Cause I still feel so undeserving
What could You see in someone like me?

Breathe out, breathe in
Raise my hands and surrender

You're the one, You're the one
Who makes mountains move
Stars will not shine
Unless You tell them to, tell them to
Conquered the grave
To make all things new
So, who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Holy, holy, You are God Almighty
Who was and is and will always be
Holy, holy, You are God Almighty
You are my song, You are my hope, my strength
Holy, holy, You are God Almighty
Who was and is and will always be
Holy, holy, You are God Almighty
You are my song, You are my hope, my strength
Let everything that breathes sing

You're the one, You're the one
Who makes mountains move
Stars will not shine
Unless You tell them to, tell them to
Conquered the grave
To make all things new
So who am I, who am I

To not worship the one
Who makes mountains move
Stars will not shine
Unless You tell them to, tell them to, oh
Conquered the grave
To make all things new
So, who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Who am I, who am I
To not worship You
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Who am I, who am I
To not worship You

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Tedd Tjornhom / Brown Bannister / Bart Millard / Robby Shaffer / Nathan Cochran / Mike Scheuchzer / Barry Graul / Jordan Mohilowski

To Not Worship You lyrics © So Essential Tunes, Be Essential Songs