Achuckallen

Instigating Better

4ForFriday

4forFRIDAY (12.23.2016)

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & RESTAURANTS. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

  1. A good read about Destructive Habits: 
    7 Destructive Habits You Need to Eliminate From Your Daily Routine
    By Elle Kaplan
    The internet is chock full of daily habits that will help your routine, but what about bad habits? Because habits are so ingrained into our daily routines, we often don’t notice how harmful ones sneak in and ruin our success. Try eliminating the following habits from your life and see how your success in business and in life improve:
  2. Another good read about sleep, from James Clear: The Science of Sleep: A Brief Guide on How to Sleep Better Every Night
    If you want to learn how to sleep better, then you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know if you want to get better sleep. I’ll explain the science of sleep and how it works, discuss why many people suffer from sleep deprivation without knowing it, and offer practical tips for getting better sleep and having more energy.
  3. An interesting and thought/faith provoking podcast from Erwin Rafael McManus: The Distance that Matters Erwin is one of my favorite communicators. He pastors a beautiful church in Los Angeles and is typically a bit challenging and always faith-provoking. I think you’ll enjoy this podcast teaching from Mosaic Church
  4. A Book I’m enjoying: Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferris Tim Ferris isn’t for everybody. He can be radically sacrilegious and downright senseless. He also can be uniquely brilliant and insightful. This is a compilation of hundreds of interviews with world-class performers and the lessons we can all take from many of them. This isn’t for the casual reader. This book is designed for people that have a drivenness to succeed wildly, in every facet of life.
  5. A Bonus Health Recommendation: Puffs Plus Lotion with the Scent of Vicks.
    After battling through a case of the flu and pneumonia this week, I became close friends with these amazing tissues. I know it’s not a cool gadget, but they are awesome!!

And a quote I am pondering:
“The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”
––General James Mad Dog Mattis

Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!

Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!

Merry Christmas, Chuck

4forFRIDAY (12.09.2016)

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & RESTAURANTS. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

  1. An excellent read in 7 minutes, especially if you are battling frustration: Jon Bloom; Talk to God About Your Anxiety There’s only one solution to anxiety: the assurance everything is going to be okay. Anxiety is a species of fear. It’s the paralyzing fear of “what if.” It’s the fear that something we dread might possibly come true.
  2. Another good read in less than 10 minutes:
    10 Nasty Habits You Must Eliminate From Your Daily Routine     Make no mistake about it. Bad habits are called “bad” for a reason. They kill our productivity and creativity. They slow us down. They hold us back from achieving our goals. And they’re detrimental to our health. Of course, some bad habits are worse than others. Here are 10 of the worst things that you may be doing on a daily basis: 
  3. A really good TV show: This is Us on NBC: Sometimes life will surprise you. Starring Mandy Moore (“A Walk to Remember”), Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes,” “Gilmore Girls”) and Sterling K. Brown (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”), this refreshingly honest series follows a unique ensemble. As their paths cross and their life stories intertwine in curious ways, we find that several of them share the same birthday and so much more than anyone would expect. We don’t watch much live television, but this show is something different. Let me know what you think.

  4. A gadget I’m enjoying: Gerber Paraframe Stainless Steel Mini Knife with Fine Edge.     It’s not the best knife, or the most functional knife, but it is a great deal – On sale from Amazon for less than $7. This lightweight everyday carry pocket knife is a great steal for this price.

And a quote I am pondering:
“Why are we talking about talking? Why negotiating about negotiating? It’s very simple. If you want to get to peace, put all your preconditions on the side, sit down opposite a table, not in a studio, by the way.”--Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!

Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!

Stay Cool, Chuck

4forFRIDAY (12.02.2016)

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & RESTAURANTS. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

  1. A good read about ultra-light traveling, which has some great travel advice: 
    The Complete Guide to Ultralight, Minimalist Travel  I used to travel four or five days a week, and I am so grateful that I don’t anymore. But when I do travel, I love to go as light and minimalist as possible. Even if you are the consummate over-packer, this has some really helpful advice and links.
    This is a must read if you are already overwhelmed with the pace of the holidays.
  2. A really good listen that I’m enjoying: Chris Young, It Must be Christmas  I’m not a huge country music fan, but the song Chris does with Alan Jackson, “There’s a New Kid in Town,” is awesome. Please shoot me a note and let me know if you’re enjoying it as well!
  3. A great video: Killing Kennedy    Based on the 2012 New York Times best-seller “Killing Kennedy” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, the story chronicles the historical narrative of the pivotal events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Played by Emmy-award winning actor Rob Lowe as President Kennedy and actor William Rothhaar as Lee Harvey Oswald, the movie opens in Washington D.C. in 1959 as Kennedy prepares to announce his presidential candidacy and Oswald is facing rejection of his citizenship in in the U.S. embassy in Moscow. The plot takes viewers through the popularity of President Kennedy and details the motives behind Oswald’s actions that ultimately led to one of the most shocking crimes of the twentieth century.
  4. A gadget I’m enjoying: Nite Ize DoohicKey Key Tool Keychain Multi-Tool If you’ve been receiving my 4forFRIDAY for longer than a couple of months, you’ll know that I’m a sucker for multi-tools that take up little room and handy for everyday carry. This little gem is inexpensive and totally useful. You’ll be glad that you invested the $3.98 for this gizmo.

And a quote I am pondering:
“Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me. Captain, that is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”  ––Stonewall Jackson

Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!
Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!

Stay Cool, Chuck

4forFRIDAY (11.25.2016)

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & RESTAURANTS. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

  1. An excellent read, especially if you are weary and burned out: 
    Grace-Paced Living in a Burnout Culture
    Although no two burnouts are the same, as I’ve counseled increasing numbers of Christians through burnout, I’ve noticed that most of them have one thing in common:
    This is a must read if you are already overwhelmed with the pace of the holidays.
  2. A listen that I’m enjoying: Home Free; Full of Even More Cheer                           I love the mix of some classic Christmas music, Old hymns and a taste of Pentatonix melody. I think you’ll enjoy it as well. Please let me know what you think!
  3. A Great Pair of Pants: Lee Men’s Performance Series Extreme Comfort Khaki Pants I love these trousers. I’m a blue jean kinda guy, but now and then, I need something different. I’ve hated wearing khaki’s because they don’t fit and stretch like my jeans, but not anymore. If you are a little bigger, you are gonna love these pants!
  4. A Gadget I’m Using: D-Link Smart Plug, Energy Monitoring, On/Off, Works with Amazon Alexa 
    • Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
    • Turn devices on or off from your smartphone or tablet from anywhere and monitor energy use to save money on your next bill. Create on/off schedules for your devices
    • Easy setup. Designed to work with existing Wi-Fi networks (no additional hub required)
    • Use with other mydlink Home devices and the free mydlink Home app to create a smarter, more secure and more aware home. Works with any smartphone or tablet running Android 4.1 or higher or iOS 7.0 and higher
    • Electrical rating of 120V/15A/60Hz/1800W (for indoor use). IFTTT compatible – Pair with any IFTTT enabled product or app to connect your Wi-Fi Smart Plug to the world in fun and useful ways

And a quote I am pondering:
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”  –Helen Keller

Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!
Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!

Stay Cool, Chuck

4forFRIDAY 11.18.16

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & Restaurants. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

This week offers a little something different. My four favorite Christmas albums:

  1. Pentatonix: That’s Christmas to Me Favorite  Song: Silent Night. 
  2. Darius Rucker: Home for the Holidays. Favorite Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing. 
  3. Nat King Cole: The Christmas Song. Favorite Song: The First Noel. 
  4. Alan Jackson: Let it Be Christmas. Favorite Song: Let it be Christmas. 

There plenty more as my Christmas playlist has about 250 holiday classics. 

Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!
Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!
Stay Cool, Chuck

4forFRIDAY (11.11.16)

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Welcome to the this week’s 4 for Friday, a collection of recommended READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS & Restaurants. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these! Shout back with a simple email or reply via the comments following the post.

A Short and Great Read:
To Be a Lot Happier, Stop Doing as Many of These 11 Things as You Possibly Can

This isn’t a Bible lesson or a ministry minded read. But it does offer some great advice on becoming as happy as your humanity allows. Sometimes what you do can make you happier. And sometimes what you don’t do can make you happier, too. One way to be a lot happier is to adopt some new habits, some new outlooks…basically to start doing things that will make you happier. Another way to be happier is to stop doing things–especially any (or all) of this list.

A Great TED Talk Video:
How to spot a liar | Pamela Meyer

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. On any given day we’re lied to from 10 to 200 times, and the clues to detect those lie can be subtle and counter-intuitive. Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting, shows the manners and “hotspots” used by those trained to recognize deception — and she argues honesty is a value worth preserving.

A Tool I use Every Week
Levenger Circa Notebooks

People ask me every week, “what kind of Bible are you using when you preach?” The answer is that I typically use the ESV translation, but I place the appropriate Scriptures and notes into my Circa Notebook from Levenger. Switch, swap, and rearrange as you please with the Levenger Circa Notebook System. Complete with a variety of paper refills, paper punches, notebook accessories, and discs, Circa is an easy and professional way to stay organized.

A Really Great Read:
Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard

Are you tired, inside and out? Are you trying your best to measure up—yet you still feel as if you’re losing ground and missing out on the best parts of life? You are not alone. Jennie Allen understands the daily struggle so many of us face with inadequacy and insecurity and the fear that we are not enough. And she invites us into a different experience, one in which our souls overflow with contentment and joy.

Bonus Round: A timely quote that I’m pondering…

“All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.”
Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801


Thanks for jumping on board with me! I trust these are helpful for you. I created this weekly list as a result of the many folks that asked what I was reading or what I was listening to, or what resource would I recommend. Enjoy!

Remember, this is a collection of recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Gadgets…with the occasional restaurant review and YouTube suggestion. This is not a class on doctrine or theology…enjoy and share!

Stay Cool,

Chuck

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