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4forFRIDAY with AChuckAllen

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This Week’s 4forFRIDAY March 13, 2020

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAY offers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings and Reviews, simply for your enjoyment. Thanks Again! If you don’t already subscribe to my Weekday Meditation Podcast, I encourage you to check it out HERE.

A Movie We Should All Watch: Troop Zero

Jenny and I cried through the last thirty minutes of this Amazon Original Film. It’s rare to find a film with such a powerful story of redemption and goodness. It’s a bit salty, but it’s so good.

A Great Read: Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know

From the author of Blink, David and Goliath and Why, this is a great read. Filled with story after story of social injustice and what it stems from, this is a must read, especially if you have kids in college.

An Oprah Interview with Malcolm Gladwell

Love her or hate her, she’s the best interviewer ever. This listen is so good. Read the book above and listen to this interview.

Another Awesome Amazon Original Film: The Aeronauts

We loved this film. Based on a true story. This unlikely twosome combine science and fearless hot air balloon flight in the 1860’s. In short – this is a fun, fast paced film!

My Spiritual Journals, Power Routines are now available at the Sugar Hill Church Store and Amazon. Instigating the habits of Gratitude, Scripture Reading, Journaling and Guided Prayer is a powerful way to CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE! Pick up your copies of POWER ROUTINES at Sugar Hill Church or Amazon. The Brand New Volume 5 will be out next week!

A Quote from Ronald Reagan

“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help”

The Weekday Podcast and the Weekday Meditation

The Podcast is a 5 minute/day, 5 day/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures. The Meditation is about 7 minutes/day, 5/day/week and is designed to give you a combined and guided prayer/meditation experience.

Both of these resources are available on the Sugar Hill Church APP or WeekdayPodcast.com & WeekdayMeditation.com

Go in Peace, AChuck

Troop Zero

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TROOP ZERO by AChuckAllen

Jenny and I watched an Amazon Original the other night and I thought it was a must watch for America, especially during this political season of open name calling and deep-state poop that every aisle is slinging. It’s an odd movie with one of the most powerful message that I’ve seen in a long time.

Hear me on this, the language can be a bit salty and the characters are not what many folks would hold up as a model, but I fell in love with the misfit kids and adults of this fictional, tiny town in rural Georgia.

I learned three things from this simple movie.

1. I Greatly Dislike Mean People. I’m serious. I know that mean people seem to occupy our airwaves of audio and video content, but I want to call for a cease-fire on the hate talk and cruel spirited talk that is considered a norm today. Stop it! Nothing can suck the life-giving oxygen out of a room more than hate talk and mean spirited attitudes.

Proverbs 15:1-2
[1] A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. [2] The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. …

2. Unique is Awesome. I mean it. This group of misfit kids were being raised by misfit adults that had totally given up on their future. I’m now sixty years old and I’ve got dreams of what I want to conquer and create, like never before. These are the things that wake me up every morning. Somewhere along the way, we must continue to give kids an opportunity to celebrate their weirdness. I am an odd bird. I think counter culturally and I am drawn to folks that think counter culturally. America was birthed on the unique concept that all people have great value. Friends, we must stop telling people, with our words and attitudes that they are somehow less valued than we are. If you claim to be a Follower of Jesus, walk, talk and live with a graciousness that comes from being a Child of the King!

“The only humility that is really ours is not that which we try to show before God in prayer, but that which we carry with us in our daily conduct.” Andrew Murray

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― C.S. Lewis

3. True, Unscripted Authenticity is Powerful. I watched this fictional little girl, known as a bed wetter be belittled and picked apart. The back story was that her mother had passed away and her daddy was ill equipped, in his own grief to be a healthy daddy. I understood that more than most folks. But still, this little girl and her band of equally authentic friends took that emotional trigger of anxiety and in it, discovered authentic community and joy. If only our messed up, self-centered, mean-spirited adult world could simply discover joy in who we are and in all that God made us to be!

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
James 4:6

As I wrap this up, I realize that this movie would never take America by storm or win any accolades on a red carpet. It’s not a “Christian film,” or filled with stars. It’s just a movie that moved me to write about these three life lessons.

Please don’t read between these lines and make the assumption that I have arrived in these three areas, but God knows that I desire to do so. May we become a people that want to make America great by the people of God becoming more like He asks and calls us to be.

Go in Peace,
AChuck

4forFRIDAY with AChuckAllen

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This Week’s 4forFRIDAY March 6, 2020

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAY offers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings and Reviews, simply for your enjoyment. Thanks Again! If you don’t already subscribe to my Weekday Meditation Podcast, I encourage you to check it out HERE.

An Amazing Song from Natalie Grant: My Weapon

A dear friend shared this song with me several days ago and I cannot stop listening to it’s powerful lyrics. I think you’ll love this power packed song from Natalie Grant.

God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Book of Proverbs

Keller is one of my favorite authors and his devotions from the Proverbs are priceless.

An Interesting Read from Daniel Pink: When

A challenging read that sifts through a lot of data to determine why we make the decisions we do and more importantly, when we make the decisions that we do. It’s great if you want to improve your efficiency.

A Really Good Series on Netflix: The UnaBomber

It starts slow, but is pretty captivating. This true story paints the timeline of the Unabomber from start to trial. You’ll be fascinated.

My Spiritual Journals, Power Routines are now available at the Sugar Hill Church Store and Amazon. Instigating the habits of Gratitude, Scripture Reading, Journaling and Guided Prayer is a powerful way to CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE! Pick up your copies of POWER ROUTINES at Sugar Hill Church or Amazon. The Brand New Volume 5 will be out next week!

A Quote from Tim Keller

“We can’t all live selfish lives and expect the social fabric to remain intact. Fools, however, do all these things and therefore sow and reap discord and destruction.”

The Weekday Podcast and the Weekday Meditation

The Podcast is a 5 minute/day, 5 day/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures. The Meditation is about 7 minutes/day, 5/day/week and is designed to give you a combined and guided prayer/meditation experience.

Both of these resources are available on the Sugar Hill Church APP or WeekdayPodcast.com & WeekdayMeditation.com

Go in Peace, 

AChuck

4forFRIDAY with AChuckAllen

by

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY February 28, 2020

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for joining me on my 4forFRIDAY BLOG. Each week, the 4forFRIDAY offers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings and Reviews, simply for your enjoyment. Thanks Again! If you don’t already subscribe to my Weekday Meditation Podcast, I encourage you to check it out HERE.

A NEW ALBUM THAT I AM ENJOYING FROM MATTHEW WEST: Brand New

It’s fresh and energizing. I am listening to this on m,y drive into the office each morning. I think you’ll enjoy this praise-filled collection of songs from Matthew West

A Short but Really Great Listen: How Exercise Slows Aging with Judy Foreman

In this episode of the Lifehack Show, Judy Foreman chats about the major impact exercise has on aging, both physically and mentally.

Judy is a nationally syndicated health columnist who has won more than 50 journalism awards. She received a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was a Fellow in Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School. Judy is also author of A Nation in Pain: Healing our Biggest Health Problem and The Global Pain Crisis: What Everyone Needs to Know.

A New Film was Good not Great: The Call of the Wild

Being a dog person, I loved the film. But I had much higher expectations for a Harrison Ford film. It was entertaining and much of the videography is beautiful. Some of the AI was a bit wonky, but again, I’m a dog person, so I liked the story line from this old novel.

A SURPRISINGLY GOOD RESTAURANT: LOCAL ON MAIN

Pastor Bobby McGraw and I met here for a quick bite and to meet over a few planning projects. It’s worth visiting this little hole in the wall in Duluth for the Bang-Bang Shrimp appetizer. I think you’ll enjoy it!

My Spiritual Journals, Power Routines are now available at the Sugar Hill Church Store and Amazon. Instigating the habits of Gratitude, Scripture Reading, Journaling and Guided Prayer is a powerful way to CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF YOUR LIFE! Pick up your copies of POWER ROUTINES at Sugar Hill Church or Amazon. The Brand New Volume 5 will be out next week!

A Quote from the great Zig Ziglar

“Don’t be-come a wandering generality. Be a meaningful specific.”

The Weekday Podcast and the Weekday Meditation

The Podcast is a 5 minute/day, 5 day/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures. The Meditation is about 7 minutes/day, 5/day/week and is designed to give you a combined and guided prayer/meditation experience.

Both of these resources are available on the Sugar Hill Church APP or WeekdayPodcast.com & WeekdayMeditation.com

Go in Peace, 

AChuck

KeyBoard Warriors

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My Pop used to have a good word for folks with a poor mouth. He’d say, “If you haven’t got anything good to say, it’s your fault.” Pop was a wise man, with a guarded tongue.

I’ve noticed how critical and calloused the world has become, haven’t you? It’s as though we have the willpower of a cockroach when it comes to the critique of others. I remember the first time that I heard the terms, “armchair quarterback and backseat driver.” The implication of those phrases are that it is pretty stinking easy to sit in the cheap seats and critique the players on the field. It’s even easier to try and make the right calls from a distance. But hey, we live in a world where keyboards are the weapon of choice.

I’ve been in full time ministry, public speaking and the pastorate long enough to know that the only way to not be criticized is to never do anything, say anything or write anything. I’ve also experienced enough criticism to know that there are times when it is helpful and beneficial for everyone involved.

I’m one of those folks that has never professed to being one of the extraordinarily bright people. If you’ve been reading my posts over the past few years, you already know that. I am however, someone that is making an effort to better the lives of as many people as possible through the work and ministry of Sugar Hill Church, podcasts, teaching, coaching, writing, raising funds and serving wherever possible. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a knucklehead at times. I’m self-centered, sinful and occasionally angry. And yet, the Lord continues to use the foolish, thank the Lord.

I’ve determined that although the world of social media is filled with praise for folks that have a quick wit and a sharp response, that’s not what I choose to do with my keyboard. And, like me, you have a choice of what to do with yours, as well.

I served with a fella, years ago that is really bright, witty and always on the hunt for a post or article to attack. Bless his heart, he’s never enjoyed the freeing feeling of offering up an original thought, but he can slam the door on somebody’s writing and quotes like a champ. I’ll bet that many of you know a person like that. On behalf of all the authors and creators out there, I’m so sorry you have to hear from these small minded, gutless and critical-spirited bullies that only peek out from behind their keyboards when in the friendly confines of like minded people.

Here is my recommendation for you, as you move forward with your creation. Drop these critical spirited folks from your list and block them on your social media platforms. Or you could do the more difficult thing and tolerate their often wicked critique until you are so jaded that you laugh out loud as you read their bully replies and critiques. Come on folks! We are better than that, right?

It’s easy to offer blistering critique from a thousand miles. I doubt that many of these folks would say the same things to you face to face. Keyboard Warriors are like that. Keep on creating and keep efforting to instigate better in this messed up world. Taylor Swift was right. “Haters gonna hate.”

I’m reminded of Dr. Kent Keith’s Paradoxical Commandments. Especially number ten, “Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.”

Thanks for Reading,
AChuck

Pride First then Fall

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Pride First – Then the Fall by AChuckAllen

I’m a political junkie. I enjoy the foolishness of the primary season, the debates and the politics of wooing voters with promises and intentions…regardless of the reality attached to them.

But I must admit, this political season is so wonky that I cannot seem to find firm and solid ground from which to park my passion and influence. I am a conservative in my theology, economy and fundemental beliefs regarding the United States Constitution.

Having said that, I cannot help but wonder what our Founding Fathers would think about our modern political process? From Russian intervention to hanging chads, we are a people in search of a crisis, a challenge and a controversy.

Having had three plus years of President Trump’s bravado and bluster and now with the eye buldging socialist retoric of Senator Sanders, I am left with one thought – STOP IT!

I truly believe that if there were to be one candidate that could speak with a voice of reason and speak to the masses with a firm, yet gracious presence, that candidate could carry the day.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled with our economy. I’m thrilled with the faith community being turned loosed to serve more than ever before. I love the judges that are pro-life and pro-family. I am thrilled with a renewed sense of national pride and the strength of our military. As a conservative, I love all of those things and have been enjoying them over the past few years.

But I must wonder if there is anyone left that is both electable and firm, yet gracious in their life and leadership? Maybe not. My guess is that we live in a society that will never again allow any person, of any party, race, color, faith or liniage to lead this great land without attacking every decision they have ever made, second guessing every policy that is put in place, or destroy their family for the sake of political expediancy.

Maybe the problem isn’t so much with the men and women that place themselves in the race, but rather with us? Maybe we have grown so jaded about anybody that is elevated into leadership, that we automatically charge the hill with pitchforks and flamethrowers. Maybe we enjoy the hunt of destroying another person and their life and leadership so much that we cannot stop anymore than we can stop watching a train wreck.

It’s worth considering this mythical place where we might could rally behind a leader and agree to disagree on the minors, while struggling to serve the greater good on the majors. I fear that we have long past the stage of allowing anybody to help settle what are majors and minors. So, in the meantime, we simply scream, shout, bicker, harass and utter hateful things about those that are at least brave enough to enter the arena.

The Scriptures give us a glimpse into all of our futures and the results of how we go about our politics, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) It’s been proven true in my life over six decades and will be true long after I am gone. If we could somehow muster up enough humility to recognize our desperate need for Heaven sent wisdom, we might turn the corner and discover the blessings of the Divine once again. But then, it’s easier to keep screaming at each other. Pride first, and then the fall.

“I’m Chuck Allen and I approved these wandering thoughts.”

Seriously,
AChuck

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