AChuckAllen

Thanks for joining me for this week’s 4forFRIDAY recommendations of reads, listens, learnings and reviews. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY, November 16, 2018

ENJOY!

A Solid Listen for the History Buff: Killing the SS by Bill O’Reilly (Audiobook)

It’s painful and fascinating at the same time. O’reilly reads his own book on the audio version and I found it so interesting how the Nazi SS were hunted in a post WWII world.

A Really Good Movie from Amazon Prime:

We really enjoyed this film from Netflix and think that you will as well. Grab a bag of popcorn, light the fire and watch. After being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.

A Great Read: Atomic Habits by James Clear

I loved this book. I listened to it on Scribd first, and then read it on Kindle. If you need a breakthrough in most anything in your life, check this book out and write all over it.

A Gadget I’m Enjoying: SOG SlimJim XL Folding Knife

I love this new addition to my collection of pocket knives. It’s super thin but is super strong. SOG ASSISTED TECH (S.A.T.) + LOCKBACK: SOG’s thinnest spring assisted pocket knife; a SlimJim tactical pocket knife and folding utility knife opens one-handed, and Lockback secures the blade

And a quote that I am pondering from one of my favorite authors, James Clear: “Becoming the type of person you want to become — someone who lives by a stronger standard, someone who believes in themselves, someone who can be counted on by the people that matter to them — is about the daily process you follow and not the ultimate product you achieve.”

Are you receiving my Weekday Podcasts? It’s a 5-minute encouragement chat with Scripture and unique insights. You can subscribe and listen HERE. weekdaypodcast.com

I’ll be preaching at Sugar Hill Church this Sunday and you might want to join in. Our Worship Gatherings are live at 9:30am and 11:00am, You can also stream our Gatherings at Live.SugarHill.Church or on Facebook.com/SugarHillChurch

Live in Peace this Weekend,

AChuck

Unless you’ve been disconnected from any news source at all, you’ve probably seen the big deal with Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson and his irreverent, childish, vulgar insult of war veteran, Navy Seal, and recently elected Representative, Dan Crenshaw.

If you missed it, Pete Davidson mocks an American hero regarding the loss of his right eye. Are you kidding me? Really? On a funny show, with gifted writers and gifted comedians, Davidson uses a Navy Seal as a target for his ridiculous satire?

But here’s the good news. Representative-Elect Crenshaw didn’t say a thing. He didn’t go on a rant. He didn’t ask for a boycott. He didn’t go full throttle Rambo on the comedian in the pink sweatshirt. He went to work, did his job and recognized foolishness for what it is. A waste of oxygen and time.

Here was Crenshaw’s quote from the Washington Post: “The past couple of weeks have been unusual for me, to say the least. After a year of hard campaigning for Congress in Texas and gradually entering the public sphere, I was hit by a sudden, blinding spotlight. But I have no complaints — it wasn’t as bad as some other challenges I’ve faced, like a sudden, blinding IED explosion. (See what I did there? “Saturday Night Live” has created a comedic monster.)”

He continued with the following quote. This one really grabbed my attention. “Was I really outraged by SNL? Really offended? Or did I just think the comment about losing my eye was offensive? There is a difference, after all. I have been literally shot at before, and I wasn’t outraged. Why start now?

So I didn’t demand an apology and I didn’t call for anyone to be fired. That doesn’t mean the “war . . . or whatever” line was acceptable, but I didn’t have to fan the flames of outrage, either. When SNL reached out with an apology and an offer to be on the show, I wasn’t fully sold on the idea. It was going to be Veterans Day weekend, after all, and I had events with veterans planned. I asked if another weekend might work. No, they said, precisely because it was Veterans Day, it would be the right time to send the right message. They assured me that we could use the opportunity to send a message of unity, forgiveness and appreciation for veterans. And to make fun of Pete Davidson, of course.”

To SNL’s credit, the writers, comedy stars and entire crew offered, through Pete Davidson a heartfelt apology. And I thought a truly well presented apology. They even had Crenshaw as a guest on the show and allowed him to honor the American Warriors that deserve every possible appreciation we can offer. He was even given the opportunity to poke a little fun at Pete Davidson.

I absolutely hate that Davidson said what he said and how he said it. But I really love that Dan Crenshaw felt no need to whine and fire back. He actually thought that there were more important things in this world than an offensive statement made by a late night comedian.

And I loved that SNL actually apologized and made a much bigger deal about the apology than Crenshaw made about the offense.

Let’s prove that we can have thick enough skin to not bleed out over every inappropriate statement or offense. And let’s have the courage to apologize when we have wronged or wounded someone.

We must somehow choose a higher road if we are to experience a greater peace.

–AChuck

When you choose to be a lifelong learner, you seem to find lessons everywhere you turn. The 50’s have been a decade of learning and unlearning for me. I’ve seen unbelievable highs and I’ve experienced gut-wrenching lows. In every state of emotion, health, capacity or place, I have learned more in my years as a fifty-something than any other decade of my life.

Here are the 5 lessons that I have had to unlearn:

1. You are not “just made that way.” Every person can change and should change. I spent most of my life as a pompous jerk. I pray I am unlearning those ways.
2. You are not bulletproof. I abused my body as a boy and as a young man. Be sure that your lack of concern about your health will always come back and kick you in the tail.
3. You are not the equivalent of of GPA, SAT, or ACT. I’m grateful to have had a good education, but I have had to learn what matters most is personal and independent study. School is essential, but learning is supreme.
4. All the people you thought you needed to please? Well, as it turns out, they were as insecure as you were. Move on, move up, and move forward.
5. The things that your parents did…you know, the things that you swore that you would never do? Well, I did and you did. As it turns out, they were struggling to raise you, just like you are struggling to raise your kids and grandkids.

Here are the 5 lessons that I have learned:

1. It’s okay to grow old. It’s okay to have grey hair, droopy eyelids, less stability, poor eyesight and all of the other ailments that’s come with age. It’s not okay to ignore them.
2. Be nice. The rewards of attempting to be nice are so worth it. For some of you, this seems foolish. For people like me, let’s just say that being nice is a learned skill.
3. Keep moving: Older is not stagnant, just slower. Keep moving and you’ll find all kinds of benefits. Most of the physical and many of them spiritual or emotional.
4. Self select peace over power or popularity. I remember the day, the time and the event that caused me to STOP worrying about all of the power moves that I wanted to make in my life and exchanged them for an insatiable appetite for personal peace. I’ve come to know that peace is life’s greatest commodity. Chase after it!Choose grace. It is far too easy to live with a condescending spirit that can always point a bony finger of guilt at anybody about anything. I think that we have proven what results from that. Grace is something that cannot be offered without having received it. And you never receive it until you need it. But the minute you choose to live a grace-filled life, you will never regret it. Grace has built within me four things that I never imagined I could possess: FORGIVENESS – ENCOURAGEMENT – WISDOM – HOPE.
   Not that I have attained them all or at times, in part, but I am most certainly on the plus side. By the way, if you are looking for a little peace or a little strength in the middle of this chaotic world, start with GRACE.

Go ahead and grow old graciously. It ain’t that bad! As a matter of fact, my 50’s have been pretty kind to me.

–AChuck

I hear a similar sentiment from families, individuals and kids. I hear it from old folks, young folks, green folks and purple folks. What is it that I hear? I hear people say this, “I go to church, but we keep looking for a really good church.”

Being the pastor of a fairly good sized local church, I’ve had folks come and go, like most churches. But I really have tried to determine the “kind of church” that I would be looking for if I were on the hunt to find a really good church. Here is that list:

I’d like a church that is online so I could take a “test drive” before attending a service.

I’d like a church where it is easy to park and even easier to get in the front door.

I’d like a church that is friendly, but not pushy.

I’d like a church that has really great music.

I’d like a church that lets me know what to expect once in the room.

I’d like a church that is energetic, but not cray-cray.

I’d like a church where the preaching is from the Bible and not boring. I’d also like that sermon to not feel like I’m being screamed at.

I’d like a church that is so God-honoring that I sensed the presence of Christ and His unconditional love for me.

I’d like a church that cares enough for its community that they actually minister greatly Monday through Saturday.

I’d like a church that has great kids and youth ministries. I’m talking about the kind of ministries that genuinely help me parent and grandparent.

I’d like a church that is trustworthy. The kind of church not plagued with scandal, political rhetoric, or bully leadership.

I’d like a church that is committed to helping me know God, personally.

You’d think that would be easy to find. But we all know that it is a real treasure when we find a “really good church.”

What might you add to this list?

–AChuck

Sorry for the lapse of my 4forFRIDAY recommendations of reads, listens, learnings and reviews. I’ve been overwhelmed with another project and anxious to share it with you right after the holidays. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY, November 9, 2018

ENJOY!

A Great Read: Standing Strong: How to Storm-Proof Your Life by Charles Stanley

I absolutely love this book. I haven’t read a Charles Stanley book in 25 years, so this was both a fresh read and a timely read as well. I think you will enjoy, Standing Strong: How to Storm-Proof Your Life with God’s Timeless Truths. If you’re life feels a bit out of control, this is for you!

If You are On a Low-Carb Diet, This will fix Your Cravings: Taco Bell Power Bowl #13 Minus Rice.

I’ve been on a low carb – high protein plan for about three weeks and have lost a fair amount of weight on the way to getting healthier. For all of you guys that eat clean, cook all of your own food and swear that you love kale…well this isn’t for you. But if you need a little spice and a little flavor, give the POWER BOWL #13 a try minus rice.

Another Fun Novel from James Patterson: The Black Book

I’ve learned that I sleep better after reading something that is just fun or fiction. I consume a lot of books that challenge and sharpen me, but this is just a fun read. Beware! It’s a little spicy.

Another Genius Apple Product: The New iPad Pro

This is the iPad that has replaced my MacBook. Truly! I’ve passed my laptop down the organizational trail and standing strong with the brand new iPad Pro. It is lightning fast, super sharp on the screen and now includes a USB-C that allows me to use so many accessories with it, including SD cards, camera’s and plenty more. I love this little power house!

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And a quote that I am pondering from General Colin Powell: “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand..” 

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Are you receiving my Weekday Podcasts? It’s a 5-minute encouragement chat with Scripture and unique insights. You can subscribe and listen HERE. weekdaypodcast.com

I’ll be preaching at Sugar Hill Church this Sunday and you might want to join in. Our Worship Gatherings are live at 9:30am and 11:00am, You can also stream our Gatherings at Live.SugarHill.Church or on Facebook.com/SugarHillChurch

Live in Peace this Weekend,

AChuck

It’s just crazy. Seriously…It’s crazy out there.
FB Post a flag and get swallowed up in a debate about rights and Nike ads.
FB Post a note about concern over families at the southern border and you are awash in a political debate about a wall.
FB a post about how black lives matter and see how many “blue lives matter” and “all lives matter” comments you get.

My point isn’t that any of that is inherently bad, but the binary thought of if you are with me you must agree with me on everything seems so selfish and childish. It’s much like saying that you own a gun and maybe own several guns, but you aren’t a fan of the NRA. Are you then considered a 2nd amendment thief? What if you are completely disgusted by the separation of family members at our southern border? Does that make you a blue state voting liberal?

I have determined that the America that I love and the people that make her the great country she is has lost the unique heartbeat that we were once founded upon. Collective brilliance is a lost and vanished art in this new America. The concept that we might actually make one another better in our unique and God-given skills, abilities AND thoughts have been swept from the earth like a Tyrannosaurus.

Somehow we determined that if we could dehumanize other people, we could all be correct. Somehow we have become a planet of angry people that want to turn anybody that doesn’t agree with us into some subhuman form.

• If you don’t like how somebody votes, then they are deplorable.
• If you don’t like someone, scream about them on social media.
• If you are a man with money and power, you can grab women and treat them like a subhuman species.
• If you don’t truly understand why gay people believe they are gay then you must be homophobic.
• If you don’t vote across party lines then you have no moral compass.

If you watch Fox News you’d think that Satan himself is running for public office while riding a blue donkey. If you watch CNN you’d think that Satan’s brother was running for the same office on a red elephant.

Somehow it feels as though we have replaced our brain with soundbites from the news station of choice and determined to weaponize those soundbites as a tool to reduce the evil, vicious, horrible subhumans that don’t agree with us into dust.

We are better than this America!

I truly don’t care which side you are on. Truly, I do not care. But I believe the Divine can and will transform our minds into a Christ-honoring thinkers.

I believe He wants us to treat His creation – all of His creation – in the same manner in which He treats them. If we could see others with a love so deep that we might actually talk, not scream. And we might worship, not blame.

The Divine simply loves us — WITH A LOVE THAT TRANSCENDS OUR SINFUL AND SELFISH HEARTS! Not with a condition of agreement or likeability.

Couldn’t we desire a heart that refuses to treat people – that we disagree with – as though the Creator made a huge mistake when He made them?

The God Of All Creation made no mistake when He made the wonderful you. He wants you to succeed wildly. He is for you! He has a plan for you! And that plan includes loving the rest of His creation.

It requires far more faith to live among the folks that disagree with us than it ever will to scream our disagreement with those who do agree with us.

I beg you, please step off the stump of self-righteousness and ideological, binary foolery and trust that we will all get this right as we put Christ in the proper order of our life. And just for the record, your worst adversary might just be one prayer away from being your eternal neighbor! Take that up with God, not me.

Okay, I feel better now. Let’s stop this silly banter of hatred. It only leads to the sub-humanization of our fellow man.

–AChuck