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I've got valuable information and resources to share. Explore away! And check back often.

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Do you prefer comfort or discomfort?? Now that might seem like a “dumb” question, but I earnestly ask! I find myself in a constant battle, not unlike trying to achieve the “ideal” work/life balance so many seek as well, but I will save that “rant” for another post/day. I digress, in much of my life I prefer to be comfortable and honestly used to feel bad saying it. I much prefer a comfortable bed over sleeping on the ground. I prefer air conditioning (especially this week! Be safe out there!) over being hot or only using air movement. I prefer a leather upholstered seat in my car over riding my bike to work and everywhere. I do not think I am alone in these. But…I also know that getting comfortable will stifle any chance of growth! Our church sent us a reminder this week that “We do Hard Things!” God does NOT call us to an easy life, nor promises an easier life. In fact, following the Jesus of the Bible will make your life harder in many aspects, but also more fulfilling. Because at the end of the day, I think many of us love that feeling of accomplishing something difficult through hard work! Then we can rest and see the progress made. This is why I spent my entire weekend studying and focused on working through subject areas for an upcoming exam I am taking. This was NOT easy, I would have loved to be doing many other things over studying and trying to retain the information shared. This exam I am studying for encompasses a lot of information, but in the end, it is already making me better and more competent! This exam is not just a weekend commitment to pass, but I have been studying continuously since January 2024. The end is near, and I cannot wait to have the feeling that comes with accomplishing something very difficult and challenging like this! So, I ask you, what do you prefer comfort or discomfort? What makes you come alive and feel great about yourself? What areas of life have challenged you and seen the growth as a result? Share below

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Do you prefer comfort or discomfort?? Now that might seem like a “dumb” question, but I earnestly ask! I find myself in a constant battle, not unlike trying to achieve the “ideal” work/life balance so many seek as well, but I will save that “rant” for another post/day. I digress, in much of my life I prefer to be comfortable and honestly used to feel bad saying it. I much prefer a comfortable bed over sleeping on the ground. I prefer air conditioning (especially this week! Be safe out there!) over being hot or only using air movement. I prefer a leather upholstered seat in my car over riding my bike to work and everywhere. I do not think I am alone in these. But…I also know that getting comfortable will stifle any chance of growth! Our church sent us a reminder this week that “We do Hard Things!” God does NOT call us to an easy life, nor promises an easier life. In fact, following the Jesus of the Bible will make your life harder in many aspects, but also more fulfilling. Because at the end of the day, I think many of us love that feeling of accomplishing something difficult through hard work! Then we can rest and see the progress made. This is why I spent my entire weekend studying and focused on working through subject areas for an upcoming exam I am taking. This was NOT easy, I would have loved to be doing many other things over studying and trying to retain the information shared. This exam I am studying for encompasses a lot of information, but in the end, it is already making me better and more competent! This exam is not just a weekend commitment to pass, but I have been studying continuously since January 2024. The end is near, and I cannot wait to have the feeling that comes with accomplishing something very difficult and challenging like this! So, I ask you, what do you prefer comfort or discomfort? What makes you come alive and feel great about yourself? What areas of life have challenged you and seen the growth as a result? Share below

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If earlier in my life you would have told me, I would not only live with a cat (or cats!), but allow them to crawl on me, I would have said you were NUTS!! But the picture does not lie! I can say I have had some misconceptions about cats earlier in life and it wasn't until I spent more time around them, did I realize how great they can be as a pet. Now we all know there is a large debate on whether cats or dogs are better, and I will not be trying to convince anyone to pick a side! I will just say as someone who was around dogs much more in life, cats are different but can be equally wonderful. I think anyone coming home to an empty house (which I did for many years) can be tough and maybe was a reason so often why I looked for activity and reasons to leave the house?! There is something heart-warming when you come home and your pet is there to greet you and looks forward to you feeding them, playing with them, petting them and just being around you. This got me thinking...are their other ideas that I have not had the proper framing to enjoy, but given the chance would enjoy? What if I never had met Lindsey and gotten to see how cats can be rather than how they are portrayed at times? Are there other ways the media/Hollywood portray or stereotype people, occupations (such as those that sell insurance or even financial advisors!) that are not completely accurate?? What would it take to try something new around someone with more experience that you trust? So yes, I enjoy our cats, and if you did not know and have read this far, their names are Ziggy and Freddy. Freddy is the one laying on me and Ziggy is the one curled up in the grey bed. If you want to come meet some lovely cats who will love on you, stop over and we can make an introduction!

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If earlier in my life you would have told me, I would not only live with a cat (or cats!), but allow them to crawl on me, I would have said you were NUTS!! But the picture does not lie! I can say I have had some misconceptions about cats earlier in life and it wasn't until I spent more time around them, did I realize how great they can be as a pet. Now we all know there is a large debate on whether cats or dogs are better, and I will not be trying to convince anyone to pick a side! I will just say as someone who was around dogs much more in life, cats are different but can be equally wonderful. I think anyone coming home to an empty house (which I did for many years) can be tough and maybe was a reason so often why I looked for activity and reasons to leave the house?! There is something heart-warming when you come home and your pet is there to greet you and looks forward to you feeding them, playing with them, petting them and just being around you. This got me thinking...are their other ideas that I have not had the proper framing to enjoy, but given the chance would enjoy? What if I never had met Lindsey and gotten to see how cats can be rather than how they are portrayed at times? Are there other ways the media/Hollywood portray or stereotype people, occupations (such as those that sell insurance or even financial advisors!) that are not completely accurate?? What would it take to try something new around someone with more experience that you trust? So yes, I enjoy our cats, and if you did not know and have read this far, their names are Ziggy and Freddy. Freddy is the one laying on me and Ziggy is the one curled up in the grey bed. If you want to come meet some lovely cats who will love on you, stop over and we can make an introduction!

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Take me out to the ball game.... You know the words and if you are old enough, like me, you probably remember Harry Carey singing it on WGN or at Wrigley Field! To me NOTHING says summer is here, like going to a baseball game and enjoying a hotdog! Until a few years ago, I never lived in an MLB team's city, so going to a game was a destination and not just a way to spend an evening if there was no plans and great weather! I am glad to have an opportunity now to do just that! To make it even better, I love that the city I am in hosts my hometown Brewers often as well, so I can see my team come here without having to go to Milwaukee to watch them play! What are some of your favorite memories? What says "summer is here" to you and your family? Comment below! PS I did not get any peanuts or Cracker Jack's at the game. ;)

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Take me out to the ball game.... You know the words and if you are old enough, like me, you probably remember Harry Carey singing it on WGN or at Wrigley Field! To me NOTHING says summer is here, like going to a baseball game and enjoying a hotdog! Until a few years ago, I never lived in an MLB team's city, so going to a game was a destination and not just a way to spend an evening if there was no plans and great weather! I am glad to have an opportunity now to do just that! To make it even better, I love that the city I am in hosts my hometown Brewers often as well, so I can see my team come here without having to go to Milwaukee to watch them play! What are some of your favorite memories? What says "summer is here" to you and your family? Comment below! PS I did not get any peanuts or Cracker Jack's at the game. ;)

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Have you taken "The Plunge" yet?? Have you ever done a cold plunge as a post-recovery option? Do you like cold showers??? Our gym a few months ago added cold plunge tubs as an option for those wanting the benefits from this as a recovery tool after a workout. I try to get in 2-3 times a week! Eek I know! At the end of this, I will share some tips for those wanting to try or scared to get in one, so stay tuned... What this reminded me of is how God is a god who encourages us to rest/recover! Too often in the "American ethos" we see the "hustle" celebrated, lauding those that work nearly 24/7/365. But that is not good for us and for sure is not helpful long-term. Through life, I have discovered seasons are a part of life for all of us. Many times, we are required to put in extra effort and energy, but we need those other seasons to recover and grow from. I ignored stretching (sometimes still do) and recovery as a younger person when working out, but now see that is just as important as the actual effort put in. My muscles need rest and recovery in order to function at their peak! The other thought I have with doing a cold plunge, is just THAT, you have to just go ALL-IN! Take the plunge, you can NOT just dip your toes in or slowly try to allow your body to acclimate, because you will not get the full effects or potentially even go "all-in". In life, things can appear possible for others but seem unattainable for us!? Why is that?? I often "talk myself up" that if others can, so can I! Next time you are presented with an opportunity that aligns with your values and goals, I challenge you to "take the plunge"! You may find it incredibly rewarding, difficult, but you will now have personal experience to know for sure, rather than wondering and second-guessing. Here are some tips and I gave you one already... 1. Go in and quickly, do not think about it, touch the water with your hands or try to slowly lower yourself in. Take the plunge! 2. Concentrate on your breathing. Deep breathes in through your nose and out through your mouth will help your body regulate itself and get over the initial shock to the system. 3. Set a timer and stick to it! The first time I tried it, I set a timer for 1 minute and committed to that time, now I am up to anywhere from 3-5 minutes depending on the day and how my body is feeling. 4. Find a person to do it with you. Accountability is huge along with the moral support and ability for the other person to help "coach" you on breathing, the timer and other aspects to get you over this hurdle. 5. Try it, you just might like it! Any other tips for those that have tried?? Anyone take a "plunge" in another area of life and found it rewarding? Please share below!

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Have you taken "The Plunge" yet?? Have you ever done a cold plunge as a post-recovery option? Do you like cold showers??? Our gym a few months ago added cold plunge tubs as an option for those wanting the benefits from this as a recovery tool after a workout. I try to get in 2-3 times a week! Eek I know! At the end of this, I will share some tips for those wanting to try or scared to get in one, so stay tuned... What this reminded me of is how God is a god who encourages us to rest/recover! Too often in the "American ethos" we see the "hustle" celebrated, lauding those that work nearly 24/7/365. But that is not good for us and for sure is not helpful long-term. Through life, I have discovered seasons are a part of life for all of us. Many times, we are required to put in extra effort and energy, but we need those other seasons to recover and grow from. I ignored stretching (sometimes still do) and recovery as a younger person when working out, but now see that is just as important as the actual effort put in. My muscles need rest and recovery in order to function at their peak! The other thought I have with doing a cold plunge, is just THAT, you have to just go ALL-IN! Take the plunge, you can NOT just dip your toes in or slowly try to allow your body to acclimate, because you will not get the full effects or potentially even go "all-in". In life, things can appear possible for others but seem unattainable for us!? Why is that?? I often "talk myself up" that if others can, so can I! Next time you are presented with an opportunity that aligns with your values and goals, I challenge you to "take the plunge"! You may find it incredibly rewarding, difficult, but you will now have personal experience to know for sure, rather than wondering and second-guessing. Here are some tips and I gave you one already... 1. Go in and quickly, do not think about it, touch the water with your hands or try to slowly lower yourself in. Take the plunge! 2. Concentrate on your breathing. Deep breathes in through your nose and out through your mouth will help your body regulate itself and get over the initial shock to the system. 3. Set a timer and stick to it! The first time I tried it, I set a timer for 1 minute and committed to that time, now I am up to anywhere from 3-5 minutes depending on the day and how my body is feeling. 4. Find a person to do it with you. Accountability is huge along with the moral support and ability for the other person to help "coach" you on breathing, the timer and other aspects to get you over this hurdle. 5. Try it, you just might like it! Any other tips for those that have tried?? Anyone take a "plunge" in another area of life and found it rewarding? Please share below!

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Thank you to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Let’s honor their sacrifice today and every day.

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Thank you to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Let’s honor their sacrifice today and every day.

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Live Generously! It is not just a saying or slogan for us; it is a lifestyle we encourage! It is more blessed to give than receive! Have you heard that or even experienced it?? I know for me, I am one that truly feels blessed and constantly thank God for all He has blessed me with, but I also know that the blessings come with a responsibility, to be a blessing! I am glad to be a part of a church, community, family and company that encourages all of us to find tangible ways to give back! For me personally and many of our clients it is not just with our monies, but with our Time, Talents and Treasures! This past Saturday, my wife and I joined many others to give our time and strength to improve places in our cities, along with supporting organizations doing great work that could use a hand or an army of hands! Truly, many hands do make light work! I would encourage everyone to find ways to tangibly give back. If you are looking for a place that would love to find a spot for you to serve, please check out CityLink! They are doing some great work locally and the future is getting even brighter for them and their clientele. In what ways do you live generously? How do you represent the "hands and feet" of Jesus to our neighbors? What does it look like to be a blessing for your community? Please share pics and ideas below!

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Live Generously! It is not just a saying or slogan for us; it is a lifestyle we encourage! It is more blessed to give than receive! Have you heard that or even experienced it?? I know for me, I am one that truly feels blessed and constantly thank God for all He has blessed me with, but I also know that the blessings come with a responsibility, to be a blessing! I am glad to be a part of a church, community, family and company that encourages all of us to find tangible ways to give back! For me personally and many of our clients it is not just with our monies, but with our Time, Talents and Treasures! This past Saturday, my wife and I joined many others to give our time and strength to improve places in our cities, along with supporting organizations doing great work that could use a hand or an army of hands! Truly, many hands do make light work! I would encourage everyone to find ways to tangibly give back. If you are looking for a place that would love to find a spot for you to serve, please check out CityLink! They are doing some great work locally and the future is getting even brighter for them and their clientele. In what ways do you live generously? How do you represent the "hands and feet" of Jesus to our neighbors? What does it look like to be a blessing for your community? Please share pics and ideas below!

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Market uncertainty: Tariffs and economic policy drive volatility

Uncertainty around economic and trade policies is weighing on confidence for both individuals and businesses. Read more from Thrivent's Chief Investment Strategist on current volatility and other market conditions.

It can be difficult for markets to assess the impact of tariffs because they can be added or removed quickly, and there isn’t always insight into what’s coming...

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Sending love and gratitude to all the moms and mother figures who made us who we are today. Happy Mother’s Day!

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Sending love and gratitude to all the moms and mother figures who made us who we are today. Happy Mother’s Day!

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Paying for college? How to not run out of money

Learn how to spread your college savings funds evenly across your college career to avoid potential funding shortages down the road.

For years, you've worked diligently to build assets to pay for a college education. For parents who've prepared for this moment, the sacrifices you've made are...

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You and me going fishing in the dark! Not just a catchy lyric in a song, but something I got to experience a few weeks ago! I was invited to go Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys by my father-in-law and some of his friends. It was an incredible experience and rewarding/challenging at the same time. In fact, reminded me so much of my life that the best things in life are worth working/fighting for and take time to cultivate. If you have ever fished, I am sure this is unlike anything you have done before. One we did in it in the middle of the night, which meant you had to be still, quiet, and dark, making the challenge to navigate around the boat and even feel when you had a bite, that much more difficult. Then once you hook one of these monsters, you had to fight for upwards of 30 minutes or longer to get it close to the boat, while the fish literally drags you wherever it decides to go, you are not in much control at all! So many times, on this trip I caught myself reflecting on the stories of Peter and Jesus fishing at night. I couldn't help the similarities and appreciate what that must have been like for them. You would throw out a line and then wait patiently and if you felt something, reel with all your might! Such is LIFE! Sometimes we need to be in the right place, with the right tackle and then wait patiently, while God does his work. Where are the places God is asking you to fish? Are you prepared with the right equipment? How patient are you to wait for the fish to bite?

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You and me going fishing in the dark! Not just a catchy lyric in a song, but something I got to experience a few weeks ago! I was invited to go Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys by my father-in-law and some of his friends. It was an incredible experience and rewarding/challenging at the same time. In fact, reminded me so much of my life that the best things in life are worth working/fighting for and take time to cultivate. If you have ever fished, I am sure this is unlike anything you have done before. One we did in it in the middle of the night, which meant you had to be still, quiet, and dark, making the challenge to navigate around the boat and even feel when you had a bite, that much more difficult. Then once you hook one of these monsters, you had to fight for upwards of 30 minutes or longer to get it close to the boat, while the fish literally drags you wherever it decides to go, you are not in much control at all! So many times, on this trip I caught myself reflecting on the stories of Peter and Jesus fishing at night. I couldn't help the similarities and appreciate what that must have been like for them. You would throw out a line and then wait patiently and if you felt something, reel with all your might! Such is LIFE! Sometimes we need to be in the right place, with the right tackle and then wait patiently, while God does his work. Where are the places God is asking you to fish? Are you prepared with the right equipment? How patient are you to wait for the fish to bite?

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