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Latest Episodes:

"It's Me Season" Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

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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 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.

Hard is Good Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

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

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 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.

Simple Saving Faith Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

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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 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.

Five Scariest Minutes Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

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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.

I Can Do with Benjamin Lee Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

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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.

Your Gathered Power Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

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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.

I'm With You Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

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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.

Go Be You! Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

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

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.

Jacob Hudgins Interview: House Rules Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

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

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.

Pick Your Apple Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

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

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.

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