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I'm Choosing Gratitude Nov 20, 2023

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

A Slow Fade Nov 13, 2023

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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

House Rules: Intro and Safety Nov 06, 2023

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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.
emersonk78@me.com
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

"Opened Her Eyes" Oct 30, 2023

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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?

A Team Sport Oct 23, 2023

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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?

"Who Am I?" Oct 16, 2023

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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

Your "No" Line (Pt. 2) Oct 09, 2023

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Where do you draw the line when it comes to sinful behavior? Is it your goal to do everything everyone else gets to do so long as you don't take that last step? Sometimes we strive for this in a very weird form of American Christianity. We want almost all of what our culture has to offer, with just a few things off limits. Sometimes this is how we raise our kids - to get all the fun stuff, the good stuff, the acceptable stuff that everyone else gets, but go to church on Sunday and don't sleep around. I think we can do better. I think we must do better. Maybe we need to talk about "No" Lines when it comes to morality and holiness.
Here is the content of the card that was handed out recently at the Lindale church. Note that it specifically speaks to challenges our teens are facing: dancing, parties and entertainment. But the passage provided and the five questions should have a broader sense of application. In order to be pure and to live like Christ would have me live, how far before the final step should I be drawing the line?
Shall We Dance/Party/View?
"The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make NO provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" Romans 13:12-14.
1) Will this promote or encourage drinking, unholy behavior, or compromising circumstances?
2) Will this open the door to, or make more accessible, sexual sin, fornication or adultery?
3) Will this place immodesty, indecent movements, or questionable contact right in front of me?
4) Will this become an unnecessary situation where I may send a confusing message about living in Christ?
5) Will this be something I feel safe about, but that I openly admit would be dangerous for others?

Your "No" Line (Pt. 1) Oct 02, 2023

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We live in a "yes" world. There is so much to do, and as mostly middle class Americans, we are in a position to say yes to so many things. And for the most part, we seem to try to. After all, we don't want to miss out! No, I don't mean sinful things. But sometimes it feels like we are trying to indulge in and experience pretty much everything else.
I wonder if a first century Christian could even fathom a life like that. I doubt most of them would be interested in it at all. They were very clear on their identity and it showed. Are you? Am I?
Next week we will look at dangerous spiritual decisions, and what has to happen for you to say no to them. But in some ways today's topic is harder. It is about more normal, daily decisions: how you use your time or money. What you pursue as a passion and what you have to ignore in order to get that done. Do you say "no"? And what I the filter system, the identity system, you use to get to a point to decline something that seems great? Let's get uncomfortable and explore!
- Does your life seem overly full of "good" things that distract from "great" things?
- Do you, like me, struggle to say no to opportunities?
- Do you have the FOMO problem in a world where there is so much to do?
- By what metric do you say NO to things? I mean things that are not even morally wrong?
- Does your identity as a Christian have a heavy influence on what you choose to do with your time, money and life?

Wildly Important Goals Sep 25, 2023

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The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals
Excel Still More Journal
Okay, my new friend Rich Howe, from Richmond TX, has turned me on to a great new book. It is designed for business and company leaders, but it includes timeless principles. I see application for the individual, the family, the church, and business.
All that is required of you going in is an Excel Still More mentality. You just have to desire to see better. And you have to be open to a better way of getting there. The proven wisdom of these four principles is repeated all over. But will it's next success story be yours?
- What is a wildly important goal and how do you focus on it?
- What are lead measures and how do I confidently identify them?
- How do you construct and keep a compelling scoreboard along the way?
- How can a cadence of accountability keep you moving straight to your goal?
- What is one area of your life where you will implement these strategies today?

Resolving Christian Conflict Sep 18, 2023

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Read this!
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Okay, let's talk about how powerfully this can shape your day and life.
Then... Read this!
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
This came before our reading. What if Phil. 4:4-9 is the method by which conflict should be resolved among fellow believers? Have you ever seen it in that light? Let's do that together.
Sometime that still means confrontation and even time apart. But are we doing that for the right reasons? Is that about Christ and the Mission, or ourselves. The thing is - when it's about Christ and the Gospel, that will draw us back together! Let's get on mission!

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