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Have you ever said, or heard it said of someone from another country, “If they are going to live here, they should learn to speak English?”

Every time that I travel abroad, I’m reminded of how silly that statement sounds.

I’ve been in Spain since last Thursday and I’m amazed at how many people speak fluent English. I’m equally amazed at the number of people that attend English classes. It’s apparently a big thing here.

I find this fascinating. That somehow, in our American way, we didn’t see the great value in learning multiple languages. I’ve realized that the value of being multilingual is huge.

If I could go back in time, one gift that I would have loved to have given my daughters would have been more international travel and the passion to learn additional languages.

At 59 years of age, I’m committed to learning enough Spanish to communicate in Norcross and Valencia with a bit more than getting by.

I’m also reminded of how big this world is. In planting the Benicàssim Church, the one language that is universal is that God Loves You and He has an amazing plan for you to succeed wildly. Whether in Sugar Hill, Georgia or Benicàssim, Spain every person has the need for hope, peace, contentment and joy. They all have a God-shaped hole in their hearts that only He can fill.

This small church start has so many obstacles to face. Far more than a church plant in the suburbs of Atlanta. But their heart and passion are over the top. They cannot wait to see their heartbeat for growth come to reality.

Whatever language you speak, would you offer that voice to the Divine and ask Him to place His hand upon the work and church in Benicàssim? These dear folks will need our help, our hearts and our earnest prayers to see a healthy church grow into fruition.

Ve en Paz, AChuck

There are so many things yet to be learned. There are so many experiences yet to realize. There are so many dreams still unfulfilled that I cannot stop now! In my fifth decade of life I’ve learned more lessons that I ever thought possible. I’ve distilled the lengthy list down to five for the sake of this article. I may publish a few more, but here is a stab at five lessons learned in my 50’s!

1. 1. 1. Whatever you think you know with certainty, be willing to challenge that certainty. There are so many things that a limited mind never attempts to learn, unlearn or relearn. Of all this things that I have been certain about, only one has remained constant, and even that has radically changed by degree. I am certain of God’s enduring love for me in spite of the many times I have doubted Him. Everything else has cause me to pause and reflect on fresh and often brand new understandings.
         

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      2. About the time that you think you are getting too old to experience something new, that is precisely when you should learn and experience it. You haven’t survived all that you experienced to this point to play it safe! Go ahead and live…You’ve earned it. And, by the way, if there are folks your age that are laughing at you, well, that’s because they haven’t the courage to join you!
         

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      3. Peace is the single greatest commodity in the universe. Peace is greater than money, fame, power or praise. Peace in every facet of life is life at it’s greatest. I’ve spent many years longing and striving to accomplish something and yet the one thing that I promised God that I would never do has brought me to the most frustratingly peace-filled work of my life. Don’t seek after fake-peace, when the Prince of Peace wants to drop truckloads of it onto your life.
         

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      4. Whatever the Divine has plopped down in your soul may very well be there waiting for you to have the courage to release it into this world. It might be a book, a song, a dream, a business, a ministry, who knows. But this I know, If He placed it there, it’s rarely there just for you!
         

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      5. Don’t let your frustrations with the ridiculous things in this world rob you of all the wonderful things that exist. I spent way too many years angry with the assumed stupidity in the universe to only realize that I was the one that saw it and assumed it – and then threw my anger and angst at it. I would get worked up into a frenzy over the silliest of things, only to realize that I had been about to have a heart attack by choice. Anyway you look at that, it’s truly idiotic. I admit, it’s been me and my challenge all along.
         

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         The beauty of my 59 years of life is that I’ve never been more fully alive or more hungry to learn. I cannot wait to share what I’ve learned in my 60’s.

GO in PEACE, AChuck

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for subscribing to me 4forFRIDAY BLOG.

AChuck’s 4forFRIDAY June 7, 2019

A Really Good Article from James Clear: 5 Common Mistakes That Cause New Habits to Fail

Depending on where you get your numbers, somewhere between 81 percent and 92 percent of New Year’s Resolutions fail. Translation: At least 8 times out of 10, you are more likely to fall back into your old habits and patterns than you are to stick with a new behavior. Behavior change is hard. No doubt about it. Why is that? What are the biggest reasons new habits fail to stick? And what can we do to make positive changes easier? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but after two years of researching and writing about the science of behavior change, let me share the most practical insights I’ve learned so far.

A Really Good Movie: Run the Race from Executive Producer, Tim Tebow

All-star athlete Zach Truett finds glory on the high school football field — working to earn a college scholarship and a ticket out of town. When a devastating knee injury forces Zach to the sidelines, his brother laces up his cleats to compete in track and field. Despite the setback, there seems to be one silver lining for Zach — he soon develops a budding relationship with a young nurse who works at the hospital. It’s not going to be nominated for any awards, but the story is captivating and redeeming. If you like a good comeback story, you’ll enjoy this film.

A Great Album from Elevation Worship: Paradoxology

This is a great album. It’s not as awesome as Hillsong United “People” but it’s so good. Especially the song “Echo.”

A Simple Plug for My New Tool, POWER ROUTINES.

I have experienced the power of the Living God as I have intentionally insertyed Gratitude, Scripture, Journaling and Prayer into my morning routine. Having no other resource that incorporated these disciplines, I created it myself. Your copy is waiting on you at Sugar Hill Church this Sunday. $10/ea and $2 for $15.

A Healthy & Delicious Smoothie from Daily Harvest

From the ground up, these folks partner with farmers who don’t settle for anything less than the sweetest, heartiest, most nourishing fruits and vegetables. They then freeze everything within hours of harvest to lock in the nourishing goodness of peak season ripeness. Their in-house chefs and nutritionists craft recipes that are both delicious and bring a little something extra to the table. All delivered to your door and ready to enjoy in minutes. I love these simple solutions!

A Quote from Robert F. Kennedy

“What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.”

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

Go in Peace, AChuck

I love to share good reads, learnings, listens and reviews with friends and followers. So, thanks for subscribing to me 4forFRIDAY BLOG.

AChuck’s 4forFRIDAY May 31, 2019

A Really Good Read: The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod

Even after the incredible success of his book The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod realized that he still had more to share with the world. What he had discovered was a timeless but overlooked formula for success. The world’s top achievers have used it for centuries. He used it to thrive against seemingly insurmountable odds, from overcoming life-threatening health challenges to near financial collapse. That formula is The Miracle Equation.

A Really Good Burger: Bocado Burger at Avalon

Y’all know that I’m a sucker for a great burger and I found another one. Bocado Burger at Avalon in Alpharetta is solid. Grab the BLT Burger and hand cut fries and it will bless your situation!

A Really Fun Summertime Movie: Aladdin from Disney

This remake starring Will Smith is fun and every age will have fun. Grab a bucket of popcorn and a box of milk duds, settle in and enjoy!

A Simple Plug for My New Tool, POWER ROUTINES.

I have experienced the power of the Living God as I have intentionally insertyed Gratitude, Scripture, Journaling and Prayer into my morning routine. Having no other resource that incorporated these disciplines, I created it myself. Your copy is waiting on you at Sugar Hill Church this Sunday. $10/ea and $2 for $15.

A Really Healthy Seven-Day Bible Reading Plan: Soul Rest

This free resource from You Version is a solid, seven-day reading plan that will really give you a cup of encouragement over the next week!

A Quote from Tony Dungy

“The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. VISION will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve excellence. Only VISION allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. VISION has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our VISION is what we become in life. ”

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

Go in Peace, AChuck