Achuckallen

Instigating Better

Reviews

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

by

June 11, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment.
Thanks Again!

A Really Great Restaurant Experience: Restaurant 2 – 4 – 6 in Decatur, GA

Jenny and I ate here before visiting the Van Gogh Experience. The food was terrific, and the service was even better. We shared a spinach salad with a vinaigrette dressing and parmesan – so good! We then enjoyed Chicken Marsala for 2. It was amazing. We were far too full for dessert but brought enough home for another full meal!

A Most Intriguing Audible Book: The Return of the Prodigal Son

This is so good. Henri Nouwen writes with such a fresh passion regarding Rembrandt’s Prodigal Son. I have found myself replaying thought after thought as Nouwen unpacks unique perspectives about this parable that Jesus shared.

A Wonderful Movie Starring Dennis Quaid: Blue Miracle

Based on a true story, this movie is light-hearted, encouraging, clean, and fun. I found myself tearing up a bit as the story was beautifully portrayed. A washed-up fisherman has to pair up with a man that runs a bankrupt orphanage to fish in one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments.

My New Favorite Store and Mexican Food: Guadalajara Supermercado in Norcross, GA

No website, excellent service. Fresh fruits and veggies. But the big find is the taqueria in the back of the store. Best tacos I’ve ever eaten!
5505 Buford Highway in Norcross, GA

A Wonderful Quote from
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“True love is inexhaustible. The more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS
for June 4, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

A Fun, Fast-Paced Novel from David Baldacci: The Target

The world’s greatest assassins are on a high-risk mission for the President–but a powerful mastermind wants them dead in this #1 New York Times bestselling thriller. It’s a bit spicy, but what a cool storyline. If you are looking for a poolside, Summer read…this is it!

A New and Engaging Podcast with Dr. Brent Brown: “Unlocking Us”

Join researcher and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown as she unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted. I am a huge Brene Brown fan and she doesn’t disappoint!

A Brief, But Awesome Read from Scott Sauls: The Skeleton of Our Faith (In Praise of Doctrine)

You know that Scott Sauls is one of my favorite authors, and this brief read (6 minutes) proves why. Here is a short quote from Scoot; “You can’t love God with your hands and feet and heart until you have also come to love him with your head.”

My Latest Favorite Pocket Knife: Gerber Gear Armbar Drive Multitool with Screwdriver Pocket Knife 2.50 In Blade.

This is an awesome pocketknife/multi tool. Light enough for everyday carry, and strong enough to do some serious work!

A Wonderful Quote from Lew Smedes

“Gratitude dances through the open windows of our hearts. We cannot force it. We cannot create it. And we can certainly close our windows to keep it out. But we can also keep them open and be ready for the joy when it comes.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

by

SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS
for May 28, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings,
and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

My New Go-To Refreshment of Choice: LaCroix Key Lime Sparkling Water

I’m late to the LaCroix party, but oh my! This Key Lime flavor is too stinking good!

A Reminder of My Favorite APP: SoulSpace

I am hooked on this super simple Christian Meditation App. It’s beautifully recorded and produced. The premium upgrade has so many great prayerful meditations that are topically recorded for almost any Follower of Christ.

A Book I Listened to on Audible: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

It is weird. It is crude. It is fascinating. It is definitely weird! But deep within the story of Matthew McConaughey is a series of cool life lessons. This audiobook, narrated by the author is entertaining, once you get past the weirdness.

A New Gadget I am Digging: International Pocket Briefcase from Levenger

It’s a notepad. It’s a to-do list. It’s a wallet. It’s a little bit of everything. I am enjoying the 3×5 cards that fit in it for notes on the go and short notes to mail. If you are looking to revitalize your analog lists and notes, this is for you!

A Wonderful Quote from Henri Nouwen

“Prayer and action can never be seen as contradictory or mutually exclusive. Prayer without action grows into powerless pietism, and action without prayer degenerates into questionable manipulation.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for April 23, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment.
Thanks Again!

A Brief, but Awesome 40-Day Devotional: The Chosen; 40-Days with Jesus

It’s short, poignant, challenging and well prepared. This brief 40-day devotional from The Chosen is designed for folks that are in a hurry, but want to have a brief time of spiritual growth and grounding in their lives. But it’s not watered down. The book itself can easily be placed in a bag or pocket, and the devotion can be done in 4 minutes, easily. I think you’ll dig it…really!

An App and Reminder of The Chosen

This series is so entertaining, and so encouraging. I absolutely love the characters and the quality. In the app, you can view every episode from seasons one and two. It also has products that I am enjoying (see above). I urge you to watch this show and any of the outtakes on YouTube.

A Solid Business Read: The Culture Quotient by Gregory Besner

I really enjoyed this book. It was challenging, but super practical. If you are a entrepreneur, CEO, or a business leader, read this book. Amazon says: “Based on never-before-shared insights from more than 1,000 organizations and millions of employees, this insightful book reveals the ten essential culture qualities that can help any organization prepare for, and thrive in a constantly changing future.”

A Great Low-Carb, Keto Friendly Breakfast or Snack: Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Bites

If you are looking for a delicious way to eat low-carb, keto friendly snacks, or even a breakfast option, these are filling and delicious! I love the turkey sausage, but the regular sausage is great as well. Just pop them in the microwave for about 65 seconds and boom! You’ve low-carb deliciousness!

A Quote from Author St. Francis of Assisi :

“It was easy to love God in all that was beautiful.
The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me
to embrace God in all things..”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY 03.19.21

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for March 19, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

A Great New Album from Hillsong: At Easter

This is an extended play, 5 song album that will help prepare your heart for Easter. I think you’ll love it!

A Podcast You Should Listen To – Today! Dr. Brent Brown with Maria Shriver.

A great interviewer hosts a great thinker. I’m convinced that Brene Brown is quite brilliant and her thoughts are helpful and thought-provoking for anyone.

“Everybody wants to be brave, but no one wants to be vulnerable…Courage doesn’t exist without vulnerability.”
-Brene Brown

An Intriguing Film from Netflix: The WASP Network

I really enjoyed this movie from Netflix. Based on a true story, the Cuban spies are tasked to infiltrate an anti-Castro organization in the States. It’s a complicated story. I wouldn’t try to watch and multi-task during this film.

A Solid Business Book: The Long-Distance Teammate by Wayne Turmel and Kevin Eikenberry

Even before the coronavirus hit, remote work was growing at nearly 30 percent per year, and now it’s just a fact of life. There are many millions of people who once worked at a central location every day who now find themselves facing an entirely new way of working. If you are part of this normal, this is a great read.

A Quote from Rabbi Naomi Levy

“I called to God from my narrowness,

and God answered from a vast expanse.

I called to God from my constriction,

and God answered me with wide open spaces.

I called to God in my need,

and God answered me with grace.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the
Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

by

SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for March 5, 2021

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 4forFRIDAYoffers recommended Reads, Listens, Learnings, and Reviews, for your enjoyment. Thanks Again!

A Really Good and Brief Read: Five More Minutes

One of my go-to authors, Terry Hershey, offers a fresh and insightful mindset to our daily grind and need to find peace, perspective, and patience in the journey.

A Really Good Movie on Netflix: Operation Finale

In 1960, the search for the Designer of the Master Plan” that would murder millions of innocent Jewish people, Adolf Eichman kicks into full speed. This is a really good film.

A Great Snack from Amazon or Costco: Sonoma Creamery Cheese Crisps – Pepper Jack Savory Cheese Cracker

If you like a little kick to your snacks, this is for you. Sonoma Creamery Pepper Jack Cheese Crisps are lightly baked Crunchy Real Cheese™ Snacks. Based on their famous Sonoma Hot Pepper Jack recipe, they bake in 10-month Aged Parmesan and a sprinkling of certified Gluten-Free organic ancient grains for a crunchy, craveable bite.

A Must-Read for Zoom Effectiveness: Why Leading a Remote Team Requires Radical Candor

In our now normal Zoom world, it’s important to equip yourself with the best tools to maximize your zoom experience. Whether you run a company, lead a team, or just by yourself navigating the challenges of working with others at a moment of uncertainty and social distance, it’s obvious why it’s important to care personally about your colleagues now more than ever.

A Quote from Rabbi Abraham Heschel

“I would say an individual dies when he (she) ceases to be surprised. What keeps me alive–spiritually, emotionally, intellectually–is my ability to be surprised. I say, I take nothing for granted. I am surprised every morning that I see the sun shine again.”

The Weekday Podcast is a 5 minutes/day, 5 days/week Cup of Encouragement, straight from the Scriptures.
New episodes are available Monday – Friday on the
Sugar Hill Church APP or at WeekdayPodcast.com

Go in Peace, Chuck