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[PRESS RELEASE] “Inside the ICE House” Joins C-Suite Radio™ on May 12

“Inside the ICE House” Joins C-Suite Radio™ on May 12

Acclaimed Podcast Expands Reach Through Partnership with C-SUITE NETWORK™

 

New York, NY, Monday, May 12, 2025C-SUITE NETWORK™, the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders is proud to announce that the Inside the ICE House podcast will officially join C-Suite Radio™, the leading business podcast network, beginning May 12, 2025.

Produced by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Inside the ICE House takes listeners beyond the iconic façade of the NYSE and into the minds of entrepreneurs, industry pioneers, and global changemakers. Recorded in the historic NYSE Library, the podcast explores powerful business insights and leadership stories that are shaping the world economy.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Inside the ICE House to C-Suite Radio,” said Jeffrey Hayzlett, chairman of the C-SUITE NETWORK™. “This podcast exemplifies the kind of high-caliber, thought-provoking content we seek to amplify by featuring exclusive conversations with some of the most influential voices in business and finance. It’s a perfect fit for our executive community.”

With new episodes currently airing on Spotify, Inside the ICE House brings unparalleled access to the people and ideas redefining the global marketplace. The addition of the podcast to C-Suite Radio™ will expand its visibility among top-tier business audiences and further its mission to educate, inform, and inspire.

“We were pleased to announce the partnership with C-SUITE NETWORK™ and C-Suite Radio™ at our NYSE Partnership Day in February. Now the release of our first episode on C-Suite Radio extends our reach and distribution to a new audience,” said Joe Benarroch, head of content, media partnerships and distributions, New York Stock Exchange.

Listen to current episodes here: Inside the ICE House on Spotify

Welcome to the network, Inside the ICE House!

For more information about C-Suite Radio: https://c-suitenetwork.com/radio/shows/

Categories
Advice Uncategorized Wealth

Guidance Based on Education & Collaboration: How Richard C. Peck Consulting and The Philanthropy Guy Empower Nonprofits

Nonprofits are an integral part of society, uniting like-minded individuals to make a positive impact. Statistics attest to these organizations’ importance, with 60% of American households giving to causes. Individual contributions account for 64% of donations ($319.04 billion in 2023) while corporate donations amass more than $21 billion, showcasing that there are people who want to help.

But there are two sides to the nonprofit coin; with 1.4% more nonprofits emerging in the US each year leading to more than 1.8 million organizations in the US is heartwarming, the same institutions that are praised for their nobility and dedication grapple with endless financial challenges. For instance, for every 1,000 fundraising emails, nonprofits only raise an average of $90. The implications of these trends are many-faceted, starting with a staggering 68% of organizations planning to cut programs and services in the next one-to-two years. Long-term, consequences are more severe, with 30% of the successful nonprofits (50% of all founded organizations) being forced to close down within a decade.

For Richard “Rick” C. Peck, also known as “The Philanthropy Guy,” the challenges nonprofits are facing are a result of a fragmented industry devoid of outcome-driven collaborative solutions. Drawing from his almost 30 years of experience in philanthropy and financial services, Rick founded Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC and The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, marking his pursuit of redefining the ecosystem’s dynamics and encouraging professionals to come together and enrich nonprofits’ strategies with tailored services.

In the consulting landscape, Rick works with nonprofits trying to raise funds by elevating their existing programs. As The Philanthropy Guy, he focuses on comprehensive education, providing nonprofits, donors, and professional advisors with high-tech tools and fresh ideas to fuel their success. For example, Rick hosts the Money to Give Podcast which broadcasts in over 10 countries, where he educates listeners on how nonprofits can most effectively showcase their mission and vision and raise as much money as possible; how donors and potential donors can make the greatest impact possible in the world; and how professional advisors, including philanthropic advisors, can offer the most up-to-date information and services to their clients. Both Richard C. Peck Consulting and The Philanthropy Guy strive to redefine the industry with cutting-edge solutions, from high-tech tools to fresh ideas, that address nonprofits’ needs in the 21st century.

His efforts have been fueled by witnessing first-hand the struggles nonprofits encounter. “Often, organizations will hire a consultant to help them curate a strategy. But then the contract ends, leaving a nascent institution with high-level advice and no further guidance,” adds Rick. “The plan is just the beginning; what really matters is how you execute it. I realized that to ensure promising strategies aren’t collecting dust on the shelf, nonprofits need support every step of the way.”

On a mission to provide clients with a truly all-encompassing suite of services, Rick created the Independent Philanthropy Advisory Referral (IPAR) Group, a cohort of independent specialists, from grant writers, graphic designers, and database specialists to copywriters and marketers, all of whom serve nonprofits through a collaborative approach. Defying conventional consultancy, IPAR empowers nonprofits to curate their own team of professionals without the need to hire an entire company.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind IPAR, Rick shares: “The philosophy is simple—I know what I’m good at and I know where I need the expertise of others. I’m very transparent about that and never pretend to be someone I’m not. While I’m confident in my fundraising skills, I know that nonprofits would benefit more from another grant writer or another researcher. The nonprofits may not know what they need to know, and it’s our job to fill these knowledge gaps.”

Within only nine months, a group of seven Independent Philanthropy Advisors grew to a division of 35 professionals, with more specialists joining IPAR soon, according to Rick. This method’s benefits are three-fold, empowering advisors, nonprofits, and the industry as a whole. For nonprofits, this à la carte approach offers a robust, cutting-edge system that understands their ever-evolving needs. On the other hand, independent experts are able to maintain their autonomy while being part of a ground-breaking movement, simultaneously enriching the nonprofit sphere with all-encompassing services that fuse the diverse expertise of all members.

Just like many advisors, Rick introduces attainable, digestible solutions for nonprofits to enhance their strategies. For instance, ignited by the upcoming “most giving time of the year” – December, especially around New Year’s Eve – he developed a Ten Things to Consider As You Prepare for Year-End Fundraising presentation. While these tips, from creating a feel-good essence and sending segmented emails to publicly expressing gratitude, are an effective way to magnify fundraising plans and attract donors, they are only a part of a larger conversation, a narrative that the IPAR group addresses with its comprehensive, long-term, all-year-round approach.

The cohort is presently expanding into other niches, including advice for donors and their families as well as facilitating professional advisors to make referrals, promising to provide all parties of the nonprofit arena with the necessary support to thrive. “It’s important to us that we’re not only helping nonprofits receive money but that we are connecting the dots by working with donors so that they know how to make the most impact, and, are also helping professional advisors so that they know how to and where to make referrals,” expands Rick.

Enriching this blueprint are Rick’s other ventures, like the upcoming GiveTrust app designed to match donors and nonprofits, as well as projects in partnership with Daylight Advisors. For example, the Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA), a certificate that offers the skills and connections to confidently support the needs and expectations of families, organizations, and communities, has officially launched, with over 75 learners already enrolled and another 75 due to start next spring. The American College of Financial Services’ Donor-Advised Fund Certificate launches in April 2025, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive training program to learn everything one needs to know about donor-advised funds (DAFs).

“Nonprofits are the pillar of society, sparking unity, selflessness, and a genuine desire to help others. But while their missions are remarkable and promise a true impact in the future, many of these organizations struggle with strategic plans, marketing, and attracting donors,” shares Rick. “There is help available, but individual services address only a part of the issue. IPAR provides nonprofits with what they truly need – a community always available to help and passionate about driving their success together, one collaboration at a time.”

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Advice Uncategorized Wealth

Giving Choices That Go Beyond Trends: Richard C. Peck on Donor Predictions for 2025 & Making the Biggest Impact

Giving Choices That Go Beyond Trends: Richard C. Peck on Donor Predictions for 2025 & Making the Biggest Impact

Richard C. Peck suggests a new approach for 2025, one centered on compatible matches and supporting causes that matter to the giver.

By Jon Stojan
Published Apr 14, 2025

Charitable giving has witnessed paramount transformations over the years. What hasn’t changed, however, is the field’s purpose: to leverage altruism for the betterment of humanity. With philanthropy’s impact becoming more evident, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the total amount of donations in 2023 exceeded $550 billion in the United States, up over $50 billion from the previous year. Of that, a significant 67% can be attributed to individuals, including high-net-worth families, who are consistently seeking savvy and convenient ways to improve the world while enhancing their financial situations. To give these individuals the confidence to donate strategically, Richard (Rick) C. Peck, known as The Philanthropy Guy, muses 2024 donor trends while offering a unique outlook for 2025.

When it comes to the most popular sectors, religion (32%) continues to top the charts, followed by education (16%), human services (12%), grantmaking foundations (11%), and health (9%). The largest increase was witnessed in environmental and animal organizations, with the 7.2% surge demonstrating society’s rising climate change awareness.

The year’s largest donations offer an insight into the 2025 landscape, with Michael Bloomberg and Ruth Gottesman donating $1 billion each to Johns Hopkins University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, respectively. With $716.4 million donated to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Warren Buffett’s donation further solidifies the trend of supporting education and research institutions.

When selecting nonprofits, 84% of donors prioritized local organizations in their communities, expressing interest in bettering the environment that surrounds them. Conversely, most contributors supported two to three causes annually, choosing organizations that aligned with their most pressing concerns. While observing trends can be invaluable for knowing which sectors and nonprofits will benefit the “public good” the most, Rick encourages donors to ask: What do these trends really mean, and is there only one definition of the public good?

As he explains, while donating to underserved communities and starving children in developing countries will undeniably make an impact, that might not be the best route for a donor focused on local infrastructure development or financial literacy. These decisions are also shaped by real-time global developments, pushing some causes into the spotlight. For instance, with the rising wealth of women (with $30 trillion expected to be transferred over the next decade) and the growing interest Gen Z has in philanthropy, the next few years may see an influx of donations allocated to gender equity, human rights, and environmental causes.

Drawing from his more than 30 years of experience as an independent philanthropy advisor working with nonprofits, donors, potential donors, and professional advisors, Rick recognizes the factors that make donors question which path to take – ultimately, often resulting in following trends. “Trust and reputation are key in philanthropy. Everyone wants to see the underdogs succeed, yet very few take the leap of faith and support them financially,” he reflects. “Consequently, the big players continue to dominate and thrive while grassroots institutions fight to stay afloat and fulfill their equally important objectives.”

To combat this “herd mentality” from a psychological standpoint, Rick believes that donors must determine what matters to them and direct their money into these areas. On the other hand, he recognizes that smaller organizations may lack the necessary support due to a lack of experience or poor marketing strategies. Bridging these gaps on both ends, Rick designed GiveTrust, a platform connecting nonprofits and donors based on a shared vision and aligning values.

“Some organizations aren’t representing themselves as effectively as large nonprofits are, which lowers donors’ confidence in them. GiveTrust provides that guidance for institutions while giving them more exposure and opening donors’ eyes to the vast sea of possibilities they don’t want to miss out on,” stresses Rick. “As a contributor, you want to know what’s the best horse to bet on, and GiveTrust lets you know what to expect from every nonprofit, especially the ones without sophisticated and catchy branding.”

GiveTrust also alleviates the pain points of generational wealth families, helping them navigate donations by identifying common ground and offering communication guidance. With research showing that regular family meetings remain the most effective wealth transfer planning strategy, with an 81% success rate, GiveTrust lends itself as a tool that sparks shared responsibility while honoring individual preferences. Among a kaleidoscope of other questions, Rick believes that identifying who you are as a family (what values drive you, where you want to see your impact, etc.), what the right gift vehicle is for your giving, and how you create grants is what gets the money moving in the right direction.

As the last component of The Philanthropy Guy’s winning recipe, he encourages donors to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations not only with their families but also with their advisors. To raise awareness on the most crucial topics, Rick recently spoke at an event on January 28th, 2025.

“Communication is how you make it all work: advisors will get more money under management, donors and families will be more satisfied, and nonprofits will get the support they need to sustain operations,” shares Rick with an optimistic message for 2025. “While trends dictate donor behavior for a reason, the most important thing to remember is that you can choose to finance what you believe will benefit the public good, make your own market impact, and fulfill your unique vision of philanthropy.”

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Best Practices Personal Development Uncategorized

Finding Your True Calling Through the Work You’re Performing

Finding Your True Calling Through the Work You’re Performing 

Avoid Burnout. Maintain Integrity. Demonstrate Your Faith.

We often imagine our “true calling” as a far-off destination—a place of perfect alignment between our gifts, passions, and a grand, God-ordained mission. It’s the dream job, the breakthrough opportunity, the role that finally makes everything click. But what if that vision, as compelling as it may be, causes us to miss what God is doing right now?

What if your true calling isn’t “out there” waiting to be discovered but is being formed—right where you are?

Calling Is Not a Career Change

The modern narrative surrounding calling tends to resemble a spiritualized career ladder. We speak of “leveling up,” “stepping into purpose,” or “finally arriving.” Yet the Kingdom of God rarely operates through promotions as the world defines them. God’s economy runs on faithfulness, not titles.

Scripture doesn’t command us to chase an idealized version of our future selves. It invites us to die daily, to serve faithfully, and to walk humbly with our God. That means your role today—yes, the one that feels too small, too exhausting, or too invisible—might be the very furnace where your true calling is forged.

The job you show up to right now, the clients you serve, the tasks you perform, even the parts that feel beneath your potential—this is holy ground. Every small act can be soaked in the presence of God. If you let it.

Burnout Isn’t Just About Overwork—It’s About Disconnect

Burnout often begins not with too much to do, but with too little why behind it. We become drained when our actions no longer feel tethered to a deeper purpose. Integrity begins to fray when we forget who we’re truly working for.

But when we choose to treat the work we do today as a divine appointment—something entrusted to us, not just demanded from us—our motivation shifts. The long hours, the mundane routines, the conflict resolution, the spreadsheets, the customer complaints—none of it is wasted when it’s done as an offering.

Burnout gives way to burning with purpose when we remember that Jesus is present not just in the sanctuary but in every spreadsheet, shovel, sketchpad, and staff meeting.

Your Integrity Is a Greater Witness Than Your Talent

Sometimes, in the pursuit of calling, people compromise their values to reach what they believe is their “destiny.” But a calling that costs you your character isn’t from God. It’s a counterfeit.

True calling always walks hand-in-hand with integrity. The way you conduct yourself in your current assignment speaks volumes about the depth of your faith. Are you honest when no one’s watching? Do you treat coworkers with respect when they least deserve it? Do you forgive even when it costs you influence?

Each of these questions pulls your calling from the clouds and plants it in your everyday behavior.

The world needs fewer impressive resumes and more transparent hearts. Your integrity at work may be the only gospel someone ever reads.

Demonstrating Jesus Doesn’t Require a Platform

We are the aroma of Christ in the workplace—not through grand gestures or religious slogans, but through kindness, patience, excellence, and truth. A gentle word in a toxic meeting. A prayer whispered at your desk before a difficult call. A boundary drawn in love. These are not small things.

Jesus didn’t wait for a crowd before demonstrating the Kingdom. He showed up for the one. He noticed the overlooked. He washed feet when He could’ve demanded praise.

That same Jesus lives in you. And He is glorified when you choose compassion over competition, diligence over disillusionment, faithfulness over fame.

The Work You Do Today Is the Soil of Your Calling

You may not feel like you’re living your dream right now. That’s okay. Dreams can evolve, but character must be cultivated. Today’s responsibilities are not in your way; they are your way forward. God does not waste a season.

This moment—this ordinary, unglamorous, perhaps even frustrating moment—is packed with sacred potential.

Your true calling is not just about where you’re going. It’s about who you’re becoming on the way.

And if you can become more like Christ through the work you perform today, then you’re already walking in your calling.

 

 

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Best Practices Personal Development Uncategorized

From Ego to Soul

From Ego to Soul

 A Mindful Return to the Loving Self

“When the soul is awake, it shines—a quiet light that pierces the fog of ego and the shadows of distraction, guiding us back to what is real, and what is love.”

A haunting truth lingers behind the veil of modern life: for all our technological marvels, religious institutions, and social revolutions, we remain capable—remarkably and tragically so—of committing and enabling harm. And often, we don’t even recognize it. The institutions we build and participate in—religions, corporations, even family systems—can become theaters of quiet complicity. In this way, evil doesn’t always wear a monster’s mask; it often dresses in the robes of groupthink, justified authority, or personal gain.

This is the soul’s great crisis: not simply the existence of evil, but our mind-numbed awareness of it. And here lies the hidden power of ego, the false self we unknowingly serve.

We live for it.
We protect it.
We build our lives around it.
But the ego is not who we are.

What we believe our ego is who we are is a false concept, but a means of fitting into this world. The “soul child” we were born with gets pushed back in our being, and what we experienced as a child forged the ego that dominates our being. 

The Ego’s Dominion

The ego thrives on comparison, control, and consumption. It needs to be “right,” to be “seen,” to be “secure.” It fears vulnerability because it associates weakness with worthlessness. It seeks recognition over relationships and performance over presence.

Under the ego’s rule, we become unaware that we are serving a smaller self, a counterfeit identity—one that insulates us from discomfort but also disconnects us from love, from one another, and from God.

Even our morality becomes transactional. If it profits us, we comply; if it costs us, we rationalize. Evil often goes unnoticed—not because it is hidden, but because we’ve quietly chosen not to see. The group—the tribe, the system, the institution—validates our blindness with the comfort of belonging and the illusion of righteousness. Over time, this shared denial becomes a kind of spiritual anesthesia, dulling our discernment and numbing our capacity for truth.

We no longer sin with trembling hearts. We sin with executive confidence.
And all the while, our souls quietly starve.

A Return to the Loving Soul

Contemplation is not an escape. It is a return. A sacred rebellion against the ego’s illusion of control.

To live from the loving soul is to recover the truth of our identity in the Divine. It is to drop below our addictions to approval, our reflex to defend, and our habits of distraction. It is to be reintroduced to what is real, what is eternal, and what is truly good.

This return begins in silence—not the silence of apathy, but the silence of awareness. It is here that the ego begins to loosen its grip. In stillness, the inner scaffolding we’ve built to protect our image starts to fall away. And in that sacred collapse, the soul speaks.

This is where Christ meets us—not in the performance of religion, but in the presence of reality.

The path of true and faith-filled contemplation begins in solitude, but it does not remain there. The soul, once awakened, yearns for communion. For deep, honest fellowship. For a community that is not built on agreements to be comfortable but on shared courage to be awake. The ego begins to retreat to the background of our minds. Keeping it in check becomes easier the more we live in love. Therein lies the lifelong challenge, difficult to completely succeed.

Living the Examined Life

Mindfulness is not merely an emotional calmness or psychological technique—it is spiritual warfare against illusion. It is the disciplined act of turning inward not to indulge the self, but to encounter the truth that sets us free.

To live mindfully is to ask ourselves uncomfortable questions:

  • Who benefits from my silence?
  • What have I accepted as normal that is numbing?
  • In what ways am I still living to protect my ego instead of surrendering to love?

These are not questions the ego welcomes. But they are the questions the soul must ask if we are to heal.

Mindfulness becomes a way of living—prayerful, observant, and responsive. We begin to recognize when we are being pulled by the need to impress, dominate, or escape. And we choose instead to return—to the breath, to the moment, to the presence of God within.

Sacred Communities and Spiritual Refuge

We cannot dismantle the ego’s illusion in isolation. Sin is not merely a personal failing—it moves through families, institutions, and generations, hidden beneath layers of normalization and unspoken agreement. It survives because it is rarely questioned and often rewarded. That is why we need one another—not in crowds of performance, but in consecrated circles of presence. These are spaces where truth is spoken tenderly, silence is honored, and suffering is embraced as a teacher, not avoided as an inconvenience.

When even two or three gather in shared intention and soulful awareness, we form lighthouses of presence on the dark sea of distraction. These sacred communities remind us that we are not alone in our longing to wake up. They offer us a place to see the right and good, listen with reverence, speak with honesty, release our burdens without shame, and begin again in grace, so we are lighting the path for others.

The  Practice of Returning

To live from the soul is not a one-time decision. It is a daily reorientation—a thousand quiet returns to God, to love, to truth. It is a lifelong exodus out of egoic exile and back into the promised land of who we truly are.

This path is costly. You may lose your place in the dominant group. You may be called naive, radical, or irrelevant. But you will find your soul. And in finding your soul, you will find God.

Final Thought

The world does not need more cleverness, more noise, or more speed.
It needs more presence.
More soul.
More truth.

So let us sit. Let us breathe. Let us weep for the harm we’ve enabled.
And let us rise—not as performers of righteousness, but as contemplatives of love.

Light the way for others.

Let us live from the soul.

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[PRESS RELEASE] C-SUITE NETWORK™ and Proxy Financial Announce the Launch of C-Suite Financial

New York, NY, Tuesday, February 4, 2025C-SUITE NETWORK™, the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders and Proxy Financial are announcing a groundbreaking partnership with the launch of C-Suite Financial, a premier branded service combining C-SUITE NETWORK’s global influence and Proxy Financial’s expertise. This innovative service is designed to provide unparalleled financial solutions to businesses and professionals worldwide.

C-Suite Financial brings together the strengths of C-SUITE NETWORK’s vast reach and brand equity with Proxy Financial’s six core financial service categories, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of today’s professionals. Services include:

  • Retirement Investments and Planning
  • Tax Optimization
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Support
  • Wealth Management and Estate Planning
  • Individual and Group Healthcare Services
  • Business and Personal Insurance Advisory

 

Through this collaboration, clients gain access to cutting-edge financial expertise coupled with C-SUITE NETWORK’s trusted community, fostering new growth opportunities for businesses across all industries.

“The launch of C-Suite Financial marks an exciting milestone in our mission to connect and empower everyone within the C-Suite community and beyond,” said Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman and Founder of C-SUITE NETWORK™. “By partnering with Proxy Financial, we’re bringing unparalleled value to our business leaders and partners alike.”

 

This partnership redefines how financial services are delivered by:

  • Enhancing Connections: Leveraging the power of C-SUITE NETWORK’s trusted ecosystem to connect professionals with Proxy Financial’s industry-leading solutions
  • Empowering Growth: Offering bespoke financial strategies that drive long-term success for businesses and individuals
  • Expanding Opportunities: Opening new doors through the combined reach of C-SUITE NETWORK™ and Proxy Financial

 

“Proxy Financial is thrilled to collaborate with C-SUITE NETWORK™ on this unique initiative,” said CJ Davidson, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Proxy Financial. “Together we’re creating a platform that transforms how professionals access financial expertise and solutions.”

 

C-Suite Financial services will be available across the C-SUITE NETWORK™ platform.

 

“In this age where business moves incredibly fast, it’s critical to find partners that align with our business model and values. Proxy Financial meets that criteria and we couldn’t be more thrilled to combine forces,” said Tricia Benn, Chief Executive Officer of the C-SUITE NETWORK™. “As one of our Hero Club leaders, CJ Davidson lives by a core set of values that sets Proxy Financial apart from the crowd. It’s great to have partners that truly value creating meaningful relationships that deliver success to scale our businesses and increase our impact.”

 

For more information, visit: https://pages.c-suitenetwork.com/c-suite-financial or contact us directly to explore tailored solutions.

 

# # #

 

 

About C-SUITE NETWORK™

C-SUITE NETWORK™ is the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders, with a

focus on providing growth, development, and networking opportunities for business executives with titles of vice president and above. The C-SUITE NETWORK’s mission is to provide a peer community, networking events, relevant content, and services to support c-level executives and other entrepreneurs achieve professional success.

 

C-SUITE NETWORK™ offers invitation-only events as well as custom-tailored content through all its entities: C-SUITE TV™, C-SUITE RADIO™, C-SUITE BOOK CLUB™, and C-SUITE NETWORK ADVISORS™. Learn more at https://c-suitenetwork.com/ or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

 

 

About Proxy Financial

Proxy Financial is a dynamic financial services firm dedicated to helping clients see the world differently, uncover new opportunities, and achieve transformative results. Comprising skilled agents and advisors, Proxy operates as a non-captive agency and fiduciary, offering unbiased advice and access to a wide range of financial products tailored to client needs. Its innovative business model unites professionals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to thrive while prioritizing client success. Proxy’s expertise spans wealth management, insurance, private investments, and financial planning, empowering clients with personalized solutions that bridge the gap between what is and what can be. For more information: https://www.proxyfinancial.com/

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Health and Wellness Personal Development Uncategorized

Deep Thoughts on Kin-Dom

Deep Thoughts on Kin-Dom

The term “kin-dom” is a reimagined concept often used in theological, social justice, and community-building contexts to reframe the traditional idea of “kingdom.” By replacing “king” with “kin,” it emphasizes a relational and inclusive vision of community that prioritizes interconnectedness, equality, and shared humanity over hierarchical and monarchical structures. Let’s explore its meaning in depth, analyzing its etymology, implications, and applications.

Etymology and Origin

  1. Root of “Kin”: Derived from the Old English cynn, meaning “family” or “race,” the word “kin” is deeply tied to ideas of familial relationships, shared ancestry, and belonging. It connotes closeness, mutuality, and an inherent bond that unites individuals.
  2. “Dom” as Domain: The suffix “dom” traditionally refers to a realm, state, or condition. When coupled with “kin,” it suggests a realm where relationships are central—where the state of being connected as the term family defines the social and spiritual structure.

Theological Implications

The term “kin-dom” has gained traction within Christian and interfaith dialogues, particularly as an alternative to “kingdom” when discussing the reign or rule of God. This shift has profound theological implications:

  1. Decentering Hierarchy: The traditional “kingdom of God” evokes images of monarchy, power, and subservience. While these terms have biblical roots, they may feel exclusionary or alienating in contemporary contexts. “Kin-dom” removes the emphasis on hierarchical power and instead focuses on relationships built on love, equality, and mutual care.
  2. Inclusion and Justice: By highlighting “kin,” this concept aligns with Jesus’ teachings on radical inclusion and care for the marginalized. It envisions a spiritual and societal order where all are treated as kin—brothers, sisters, and siblings under God—eliminating divisions based on race, class, gender, or status.
  3. Communal Salvation: In the kin-dom, salvation is not seen as an individual endeavor but a collective experience. It reflects the interconnected nature of humanity, where the flourishing of one is tied to the well-being of all, resonating with biblical calls to love one’s neighbor and care for “the least of these.”

Philosophical and Social Perspectives

  1. Relational Ontology: Philosophically, “kin-dom” resonates with relational ontology, which posits that relationships are the fundamental building blocks of existence. Instead of seeing individuals as isolated entities, it underscores the web of connections that define identity and purpose.
  2. Eco-Theology: The term also finds relevance in discussions of ecological justice. By expanding the idea of kinship to include the Earth and all living beings, “kin-dom” advocates for a holistic approach to stewardship, recognizing that humanity is part of a larger, interdependent creation.
  3. Equity and Solidarity: Socially, “kin-dom” envisions a realm of radical equity. It dismantles systems of oppression and replaces them with structures that prioritize mutual support, shared resources, and communal upliftment. This is particularly resonant in movements for social justice, where the focus is on creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Practical Applications

  1. Faith Communities: Many progressive faith communities adopt “kin-dom” to create inclusive liturgies, sermons, and practices that reflect their commitment to justice and relational theology. It redefines the church not as a rigid institution but as a family bound by shared values.
  2. Social Justice Movements: Activists often use “kin-dom” to frame their vision for society—a world where solidarity triumphs over division, and the well-being of the vulnerable is prioritized.
  3. Personal Spirituality: On an individual level, the kin-dom calls people to embody kinship in daily life—building bridges, extending compassion, and recognizing the divine image in every person.

Symbolic Power of the Term

The beauty of “kin-dom” lies in its subversive simplicity. It challenges deeply ingrained power dynamics, offering a vision of hope and transformation. By reimagining God’s reign as a kinship-based domain, it calls for:

  • Relational Love: A shift from command-and-control dynamics to relationships rooted in love and reciprocity.
  • Shared Responsibility: Recognizing that every individual plays a role in building the kin-dom, whether through acts of justice, kindness, or advocacy.
  • Hopeful Vision: A future where peace, equity, and belonging are not abstract ideals but lived realities.

The Essence of Kin-dom

At its core, “kin-dom” represents a radical re-envisioning of community. It transcends traditional notions of power and authority, focusing instead on the sacred bonds that unite all creation. It challenges us to see others not as strangers or subjects but as kin—worthy of love, dignity, and justice. By embracing the kin-dom, we participate in the transformative work of building a world that reflects the relational and inclusive heart of God.

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Uncategorized

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Home for the Holidays

Imagine, if you can, a man in uniform standing on the porch of a house in a snow-covered city, with flakes swirling overhead in multiple directions. His coat, hardly warm enough, was covered with the white stuff.

Imagine that soldier turning the knob on that creaky old front door, the one that groans like it remembers every winter I left it behind. The rush of cinnamon, pine, and apple pie hit me first—a scent that wasn’t just familiar, but sacred. Home. My boots thudded against the worn wooden floor, and before I could drop my bags, Suez, rather Juge as she is known by all,  appeared, flour smudged on her cheek, waving a lopsided gingerbread man at me.

“You’re late,” she teased, her smile wide enough to make me forget the years we’d been apart.

Dad followed, wearing that sweater—the lime green one with the blinking reindeer nose. He didn’t say much, just pulled me into a bear hug that said it all. “Still works,” he muttered, proudly tapping Rudolph’s blinking nose.

And then Mom—quiet, steady—stood in the doorway. She wiped her hands on her apron. Her eyes held a thousand unspoken things. “You’re here,” she whispered, and her arms around me felt like everything I didn’t know I’d been missing.

Dinner was chaos and comfort: the clink of dishes, the laughter of stories half-told through mouthfuls of turkey, and Dad sneaking extra gravy when he thought no one was watching. Juge’s cookies, predictably misshapen, still tasted heavenly. The brightly sparkling Christmas tree stood in all its timeless glory.

The ornaments were heavy with history: a glittered pinecone missing half its shine, a delicate glass angel Grandma gave us, and my crooked childhood star perched on top—still lopsided, still perfect.

As I climbed into bed that night, under the same quilt that had been on my childhood bed, I whispered a quiet “thank you” to the universe. Being home for the holidays wasn’t just about coming back to a place—it was about coming back to myself.

Imagine that—a door creaks open, and the world outside disappears. What’s left is warmth, belonging, unconditional love, and the quiet magic of home. It turns out that for the first time in a long time, I felt whole.

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Capital Operations Uncategorized

Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act: Filing Requirements and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act: Filing Requirements and Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), passed as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, aims to enhance transparency in the corporate world and curb illegal financial activities. Effective January 1, 2024, the CTA requires certain businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This article will delve into who needs to file, what needs to be filed, and the penalties for failing to meet these requirements.

What Is the Corporate Transparency Act?

The CTA was created to prevent bad actors from exploiting anonymous shell companies for illicit activities such as money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. By mandating reporting of beneficial ownership information, the CTA seeks to make corporate ownership more transparent and accountable. FinCEN, the government agency responsible for enforcing this act, will receive and maintain this information in a non-public database accessible to law enforcement and certain other entities.

Who Needs to Report Under the CTA?

The CTA requires “reporting companies” to file BOI with FinCEN. This generally includes most corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities formed or registered to do business in the United States. However, certain entities are exempt, including:

– Large operating companies with more than 20 full-time employees, over $5 million in annual revenue, and a physical office in the U.S.

– Regulated entities such as banks, insurance companies, and registered investment companies

– Nonprofits and religious organizations

Key Filing Requirements for Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)

Beneficial ownership information is essential to the CTA’s mission. This includes detailed information about individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a substantial interest in a company. The specific information required includes:

  1. Full Legal Name of each beneficial owner
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Residential Address
  4. Identification Document (such as a passport or driver’s license), along with an image of the document

Who qualifies as a beneficial owner? Generally, anyone who exercises significant control over the entity or owns at least 25% of it.

Who qualifies as a “company applicant”? The company applicant is the individual who files to create or register the reporting company.

Deadlines for Filing

For companies formed after January 1, 2024, the BOI report must be filed within 30 days of formation or registration. For existing companies created or registered before January 1, 2024, the deadline to submit BOI is January 1, 2025.

Updates and Amendments

If there is a change in beneficial ownership or other reportable information, companies must file an **updated BOI report within 30 days** of the change. This ensures that the information on file with FinCEN remains current and accurate.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The CTA imposes severe penalties for those who fail to file or provide false information. These penalties include:

  1. Civil Penalties – Companies that fail to file the required BOI information may face civil fines of up to $591 per day until the violation is rectified. This accrual of fines continues as long as the information is not provided.
  2. Criminal Penalties – Willfully failing to file, or knowingly submitting false or fraudulent information, can result in **criminal fines up to $10,000 and/or up to two years of imprisonment**.

The penalties underscore the seriousness of the CTA’s intent. FinCEN and other federal agencies will be vigilant in monitoring compliance to ensure the BOI filing requirements are met.

How Businesses Can Prepare

For companies affected by the CTA, it’s essential to begin preparing well in advance of the deadlines. Here are a few steps to help with compliance:

  1. Identify Beneficial Owners Early – Gather all necessary details for each beneficial owner, including identification documents.
  2. Implement a System for Tracking Changes – Since companies are required to update information within 30 days of any changes, a system should be in place to track ownership changes and ensure timely filings.
  3. Consider Compliance Assistance – For companies unsure of their filing requirements, consulting a compliance expert may help avoid potential fines and penalties.

Final Thoughts

The Corporate Transparency Act represents a shift toward corporate transparency in the United States. Companies must understand their filing requirements and remain compliant, as the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. By preparing now, businesses can avoid unnecessary fines, maintain good standing, and contribute to a more transparent financial ecosystem. Give our office a call at 775-384-8124 and we can help you on your way to financial freedom.

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Other Personal Development Uncategorized

Turning the Tide: The Christian Call to Love in a World Overrun by Darkness

Turning the Tide

The Christian Call to Love in a World Overrun by Darkness

We are undeniably living in tumultuous times. Every day, news of catastrophe dominates the headlines—war ravages nations, hunger gnaws at entire communities, violence leaves deep scars, and a host of other unspeakable evils have become commonplace. It feels as though darkness, fueled by Satan himself, has woven itself into the very fabric of our world. Pain and suffering persist with such force that it often seems as if hope has all but disappeared.

In the face of this seemingly overwhelming darkness, as Christians, we have an urgent responsibility to wake up, stand firm, and turn the tide—not with weapons or politics, but with the one force that can never be extinguished: love. It is only through love that we can bring healing, restore hope, and set a new course for humanity and the planet.

A World in Desperate Need of Love

The chaos surrounding us is undeniable. From widespread hunger to the horrors of war, we see humanity in crisis, and in our hearts, we feel a deep ache for the brokenness we witness. But as followers of Christ, we are called to see this suffering not as an inevitable reality but as a call to action. For in the deepest, darkest moments, God’s love is most desperately needed.

This love we’re called to isn’t passive; it’s powerful and transformative. Jesus demonstrated it in his own life—by touching the untouchable, loving the unlovable, and forgiving the unforgivable. In a world consumed by anger, fear, and hatred, He showed that love was the ultimate antidote, the one unshakable force that could defy even death. Now, it is our turn to embody that same love, to become vessels through which God’s healing power can reach a world in desperate need.

Why We Must Honor, Love, and Fear God

Our response to this broken world must be grounded in three key virtues: honoring everyone, loving our brothers and sisters in faith, and fearing God. These principles don’t just define how we interact with the world; they anchor us in God’s truth, allowing us to be resilient beacons of His love.

  1. Honor – Honoring others means respecting the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their past, their failures, or their beliefs. In a world that dehumanizes and divides, our commitment to honor serves as a testimony to God’s love. It’s a love that sees beyond flaws, beyond labels, and beyond the brokenness of the image of God within each person.
  2. Love – We are called to love not only our fellow believers but everyone we encounter. This love isn’t limited to sentimentality; it’s the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. In a world gripped by hatred, our love must be fierce and unwavering, crossing every divide and tearing down every wall.
  3. Fear of God – To fear God is to revere and obey Him with deep humility. This fear grounds us, reminding us that no power, no force, and no evil is greater than God. When we fear God above all else, we find the courage to stand against the tide, knowing that His love will sustain us, even in the darkest times.

Love as the Only Path to True Transformation

Only love can turn the tide. Love is the antidote to the world’s relentless darkness because it flows directly from the heart of God, the ultimate source of all goodness and life. This love compels us to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the prisoner, and to speak hope to the hopeless. It’s a love that restores dignity to the oppressed and forgiveness to the lost. It heals and lifts up, creating beauty where there once was despair.

Christians are uniquely positioned to embody this love, for we know its power personally. We know the forgiveness we have received, the grace that has sustained us, and the redemption that has transformed us. Now, we are called to extend that same love outward—to be hands and feet of Christ in a world that is starving for hope.

Imagine a world where Christians collectively honor, love, and revere God with unshakable resolve. Imagine communities transformed by people who choose compassion over judgment, mercy over vengeance, and service over selfishness. This is the revolution of love that our world desperately needs, and it starts with each of us making the choice to love radically.

The Practical Call: Living Out Love Each Day

So, how do we begin this journey of love? We start by living it out in our daily lives, in ways both big and small:

  • Embrace humility: Honor others by treating them with respect, kindness, and dignity. Refuse to participate in the cycles of hatred, bitterness, and division that so often characterize the world.
  • Forgive freely: Love demands forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. Forgiveness frees us, and it frees others. In forgiving, we demonstrate that God’s love is bigger than any offense.
  • Serve others: Seek out ways to serve, whether in your local church, your community, or even globally. Acts of service bring tangible expressions of God’s love to those who might never see it otherwise.
  • Speak hope: Our words carry power. Choose to speak words of encouragement, grace, and hope in every conversation. Let your words be vessels of God’s love, bringing light to those who hear them.

A New Dawn: Love as the Path Forward

As Christians, we cannot afford to be passive observers of the world’s suffering. We are called to be catalysts for change, lights in the darkness, and bearers of God’s healing love. Yes, the world is chaotic, filled with violence, hatred, and fear. But these forces will not have the final word. We serve a God who has overcome the world, and His love through us has the power to transform even the bleakest circumstances.

Imagine a generation of Christians who choose love over apathy, courage over fear, and unity over division. Imagine the ripple effect of a single act of kindness multiplied a thousand times over. It is possible, but it requires that we each choose, daily, to embody Christ’s love fully and fearlessly.

The responsibility is ours, and the time is now. Let us wake up, filled with the urgency and passion of those who know they are called. Let us honor everyone, love our brothers and sisters fiercely, and fear God, standing as bold witnesses of His love. In doing so, we can turn the tide, shining a light that no darkness can extinguish. Only love can do it, and through God’s grace, we can be the agents of that unstoppable love in our world.