Achuckallen

Instigating Better

4ForFriday

4forFRIDAY withACHUCKAllen

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I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for subscribing to me 4forFRIDAY BLOG. This week’s 4forFRIDAY includes a great read, a great slice of pizza, a really good film, and a Amazon Original Series that I am enjoying.

A Chuck’s 4forFRIDAY 03-08-2019

A Really Great Read: Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II’s Greatest Rescue Mission

On January 28, 1945, 121 hand-selected U.S. troops slipped behind enemy lines in the Philippines. Their mission: March thirty rugged miles to rescue 513 POWs languishing in a brutal camp, among them the last survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March. A recent prison massacre by Japanese soldiers elsewhere in the Philippines made the stakes impossibly high and left little time to plan the complex operation. This was a really solid read.

A Really Great Slice of Pizza: Crazy Dough’s in Sugar Hill

It’s different. It’s fresh. It’s so stinking good! My favorite so far is the Smokehouse Slice or the Pimento Slice! I love this place and bet that you will too!

A Really Good Amazon Original Series: The Widow

A woman’s search to uncover the mystery of the disappearance of her husband leads her to the Congo, where she’s forced to seek the truth about what happened to the man she loved. This eight part series was captivating and binge-worthy.

A Really Good Film from Netflix: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

This “based on a true story” film will inspire you and encourage you. It’s one of those movies with the power of redemption and perseverance woven through the storyline. A young African boy in Malawi helps his village by building a wind turbine after reading about them in a library book. Be sure to let your older kids watch this with you.

A Quote from Richard Rohr:

“Until we learn to love others as ourselves, it’s difficult to blame broken people who desperately try to affirm themselves when no one else will.”

The Weekday Podcast and the Weekday Meditation

The Podcast is a 5 minute/day, 5 days/week Bible devotion that is a great word of encouragement.

The Meditation is about 7 minutes/day, 5/days/week and is designed to give you a combined and guided prayer and meditation experience.

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

Peace, AChuck

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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4forFRIDAY is a weekly collection of recommended books, albums, podcasts, gadgets, sermons, resources or reviews. Thanks for subscribing and thanks for sharing.

Here is this week’s recommended reads, listens, learnings and reviews. Please let me know what your thoughts are and what you agree or disagree with. I love hearing from you guys.

A Really Good Read: I DECLARE WAR; 4 Keys to Winning the Battle Within Yourself by Levi Lusko

In I Declare War, Levi Lusko candidly shares about his personal struggles and challenges with managing himself. He identifies four tools that we all have at our disposal – thoughts, words, behaviors and power. Lusko will guide you thru the way to utilize these God-given tools to overcome the battle with managing you!

A GREAT LISTEN/WATCH: Lauren Daigle – “Tremble”

This gal can sing, y’all. After seeing her live and listening to her for 3-4 years, I think she’s the real deal. Crossover, Ellen Show, Jimmy Fallen, Carnegy Hall. This kid is special. Enjoy, and you are welcome!

A RESOURCE CLOSE TO MY HEART: The Weekday Meditation

I discovered the power of meditation several years ago, but couldn’t find a simple Christ-filled meditation that allowed for a time of simple, powerful, guided prayer and quietude. That’s why I created the WeekdayMeditation.com. In 7-8 minutes you can hear an encouraging word, walk thru a guide prayer and gratitude time and a brief, but poignant time of quietude to hear from the Divine. Please subscribe via iTunes or listen daily on the Sugar Hill Church APP. You can also find it at weekdaymeditation.com

A REALLY GOOD MOVIE: The Upside Starring Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman and Brian Cranston

Okay, it’s a bit crude and yes, the use of weed is used in some funny ways that might freak you out, but don’t let that keep you from finding the redeeming qualities in this “based on a true story” film. It’s been one of my favorite films in a long time!

And a solid quote from Mark Batterson:

“The most important law of ecology is this: L ≥ C. For an organism to survive, the rate of learning must be equal to or greater than the rate of change happening around them. With the rate of change escalating, we must learn faster, learn better, and learn more.”

If you can’t make it to Sugar Hill Church on Sunday:

Have a great weekend! –AChuck

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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4forFRIDAY

It’s been a long time, But I’m back and better than ever. For many weeks, I provided you with practical suggestions for READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS and REVIEWS. Today is the first 4forFRIDAY that I’ve published in several weeks, but thanks for welcoming me back.

Here are this week’s 4forFRIDAY suggestions for FRIDAY January 25, 2019:

A REALLY GOOD MOVIE: On the Basis of Sex

The story of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a good film. Regardless of which side of the aisle that you sit on, this was a great story. It’s been argued in several media outlets that this story has large gaps of fabricated indulgences with the truth, but I didn’t view it as a political biopic, I saw it as a great story. If you can set your political pitchforks down long enough to enjoy the story, you’ll dig this film.

A REALLY GOOD BOOK: Rebel Talent by Francesca Gino

Rebels have a bad reputation. We think of them as troublemakers, outcasts, contrarians: those colleagues, friends, and family members who complicate seemingly straightforward decisions, create chaos, and disagree when everyone else is in agreement. But in truth, rebels are also those among us who change the world for the better with their unconventional outlooks. Francesca Gino, a behavioral scientist and professor at Harvard Business School, has spent more than a decade studying rebels at organizations around the world, from high-end boutiques in Italy’s fashion capital, to the world’s best restaurant, to a thriving fast-food chain, to an award-winning computer animation studio. In her work, she has identified leaders and employees who personify “rebel talent,” and whose examples we can all learn to embrace.

A REALLY GOOD SHOW: PolDark


A friend suggested that we watch the Masterpiece Theatre creation of this series about a returning British soldier following the Revolutionary War to Cornwall. I’d never thought of what England must’ve been like following their loss to the upstart Americans before. This story has all the drama of what you would expect from Masterpiece and PBS, but it also has enough action to keep me captivated. I thin k you’ll like it!

A REALLY GREAT SPOT for COFFEE or a QUICK BITE! Rushing Trading Company

I love this new spot in the brand new Downtown Sugar Hill District! Coffee was great and the atmosphere was very hip. I enjoyed the soup and the quiche and my friends sandwiches were awesome! You’ll love this place, really!

And a Quote from one of the world’s greatest athletes:
“I decided I can’t pay a person to rewind time, so I may as well get over it.” 
-Serena Williams

Have you connected with my Weekday Meditations? Five days a week and eight minutes a day you can find peace and direction for your busy life. WeekdayMeditation.com

Peace, AChuck

4forFRIDAY with AChuckAllen

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4forFRIDAY October 4, 2018

Most Friday’s I enjoyed sharing at least four recommended reads, listens, learnings or reviews. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY! Enjoy

A Great Listen from Audible: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences by Carey Nieuwhof

I loved this book! Carey Nieuwhof wants to help you avoid and overcome life’s seven hardest and most crippling challenges: cynicism, compromise, disconnectedness, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. These are challenges that few of us expect but that we all experience at some point. If you have yet to confront these obstacles, Carey provides clear tools and guidelines for anticipation and avoidance. On the other hand, if you already feel stuck in a painful experience or are wrestling with one of these challenges, he provides the steps you need to find a way out and a way forward into a more powerful and vibrant future.

A Great Read if You Lead Anything! TIMELESS by Brian Dodd

I am a huge Brian Dodd fan and this is his best work. The word Apex brings to mind terms like pinnacle, summit, peak, and greatest. Apex Leaders are those individuals who have reached the top of their profession. They are recognized for excellence in their area of discipline and have achieved many of its highest awards. Apex Leaders are the absolute best at what they do. But what makes Apex Leaders so unique? Why do they stand out? How do they prepare? How do they think? Did God only tap a few select people on the shoulder and ordain them for greatness, or can you become an exponentially better leader, perhaps even an Apex Leader, by following their example? In Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders, you will learn the answer is, YES!

Another Great Read: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller

I realize that this a duplicate from a couple of weeks ago, but o my stars! I cannot get enough of this rich teaching. I believe every Follower of Jesus should read this book!
This is both a classic and a beautifully written piece of art. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will join Serenity and The Creeds as a beautiful new entry into the Zondervan Gift Timeless Faith Classics line. Combining sophisticated, timeless designs with the sage wisdom of Scripture will make this line a favorite with readers interested in the classic tenants of our faith.

A New Television Show that’s Worth Watching: New Amsterdam

We have truly enjoyed this new series on NBC. I think many of you will be inspired by the oldest public hospital in America, and the unique medical drama as it follows the brilliant and charming Dr. Max Goodwin, the institution’s newest medical director, who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care.

And a quote that I am pondering from Phillip Keller: “Contentment should be the hallmark of my life, as I put my affairs in the hands of God.” 

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

4for FRIDAY with AChuck

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4forFRIDAY September 21, 2018

Most Friday’s I enjoyed sharing at least four recommended reads, listens, learnings or reviews. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY! Enjoy

A Great Read and a Great Study: Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado

I loved this book! When it comes to anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses, America is the frontrunner. Thankfully, there’s a practical prescription for dealing with these issues. Anxious for Nothing,  from New York Times bestselling author, Max Lucado, provides a roadmap for battling with and healing from anxiety. I am also teaching this study on Thursday evenings in my Small Group!

A Movie that Made me Think and Encouraged Me Greatly: Won’t You Be My Neighbor

I know many of you, like me, enjoy going to the movies. This film was really engaging and insightful. I learned so much and was stirred emotionally by the story of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The positions he took in the late sixties and early seventies is amazing. If you don’t like it, I’ll refund your money!

A Great Evening Out & About: Alladin at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and Dinner at Livingston

The show was great. That Genie was awesome! This is a great date night. I loved dinner at Livingston. My favorites included Salmon Chips, Shrimp & Grit Cakes, and the Scallops and Grits. This is a fresh twist on southern cuisine. I think you’ll enjoy it!

A Store Full of Cool Stuff: 5.11 Tactical Online or Alpharetta

This store is on the exact opposite plane with Mr. Rogers, but I could spend an hour in this store and wandering thru the online site.

And a quote that I am pondering from Fred Rogers:

“Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like “struggle.” To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”

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

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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e8e7493f-a9cf-4fbb-9086-f9298bcb6188-10390-0000114d11047096

4forFRIDAY September 14, 2018

Most Friday’s I enjoyed sharing at least four recommended reads, listens, learnings or reviews. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY! Enjoy

A Really Good Read: The God Impulse by Jack Alexander

I loved this book! For Jesus, truth and mercy went hand in hand. Where he preached he also healed. He didn’t outsource one or the other to biblical scholars or nonprofit ministries. He presented the truth of the gospel through his words and his actions, and he did it all in a hands-on, relational way. And the reaction was the same wherever he went – people were amazed. Today we seem to have lost this powerful pattern of self-giving love, focusing on truth at the expense of mercy or on mercy at the expense of truth, and often failing to build genuine, lasting relationships with the people around us.

A Pair of Jeans that any Dude Would Love: LEE Men’s Modern Series Extreme Motion Straight Fit Tapered Leg Jean

Guys, if you are looking for a pair of jeans that can do a date night or a ballgame…And be super comfortable, then these bad boys are for you!

Another Great Read: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller

This is both a classic and a beautifully written piece of art. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will join Serenity and The Creeds as a beautiful new entry into the Zondervan Gift Timeless Faith Classics line. Combining sophisticated, timeless designs with the sage wisdom of Scripture will make this line a favorite with readers interested in the classic tenants of our faith.

A Song I Cannot Stop Listening to: Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams

I have probably listened to this song 100 times since Sunday. When you are frustrated, anxious, insecure or fearful, listen to this song!

And a quote that I am pondering from Anne Lamotte:

“I do not understand the mystery of grace — only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.”

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

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