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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 fun date night, a solid dinner spot and a great new study Bible that I am enjoying.

A Chuck’s 4forFRIDAY 02-22-2019

A Really Great Novel: The Tatttooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

I read this book in four nights and loved it. It’s got some World War II history, a little espionage and a love story all in one book. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of love and survival. It will have you captured before you finish chapter one!

A Really Fun Date Night: Bury the Hatchett

Okay, I know you are all wondering about this one. But really, this is so stinking fun! You make a reservation, show up a few minutes early to sign a waiver and listen to the rules. You are then put into teams and from about 15 feet you truly throw an axe at a target painted on a wall of 2×10’s. I promise you’ll have so much fun. Guy or gal can win at this!

A Really Good Dinner Spot: Branch and Barrel at Avalon

We ate here on Valentine’s Night and loved it. It’s a small place, so you might want to make reservations on Open Table. The steak was great. The grouper was awesome and the atmosphere was cozy. What more could you want?

A New Study Bible I am Loving: The Filament Bible

This is the best of both print and digital worlds. The hard copy New Living Translation is what I preach from most often. I love the single column type style because it has so much room for notes. Add to that, the app which works on iPad or iPhone. You simply download the free app, point your camera at the page number and a host of bible study tools appear on your device. It’s awesome!

A Quote from Andrew Murray

“Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”

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

Two Lessons Learned Already in 2019 by AChuckAllen

It’s not even February and I’ve already had two big AHA’s in 2019.

There seem to be seasons in our life that we are more pliable and more teachable than other seasons. I’m in one of those these seasons. And I am so glad. In these times, I am constantly growing and being stretched we’ll beyond my comfort level.

Between my personal coach and the coaching received through the Business Accelerator group of the Michael Hyatt Company, I’ve learned a ton. I’ve learned a great deal about me, and I’ve learned TWO THINGS about how to have the best year ever!

I trust that they might help you as well.

1. Whatever you are “selling”, you better be the first buyer. We are all offering something to this world. We offer products, services, solutions, provisions, love, understanding, and plenty more. I find myself in the role of offering TRANSFORMATION! My purpose and my role is to encourage folks with a better way and a better life. If I’m to succeed, I better be the first adopter of the transformative power found in trusting, resting, and walking with the Divine.
2. This world is dying from a lack of clarity and purpose. I’ve come to know that clarity isn’t found in the consumption of more information or knowledge. Clarity is best discovered in the quietude of daily meditation. And purpose is not passed on to us from a sage on a stage or a chat with a therapist. Our purpose is right in front of us as we seek quietude and solitude with a listening soul for the Creator. That’s one of the many reasons that I’ve launched WeekdayMeditation.com A simple guided meditation designed for daily peace and direction.

The moment that any of us cease to have a willing desire to learn is the moment that we surrender our right to lead.

Let me make it easy for you. LISTEN each weekday for an encouragement from WeekdayPodcast.com and ENGAGE with the Divine each weekday at WeekdayMeditation.com

–AChuck

Of Walls and Shutdowns

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I’m neither for or against a wall. I do not presume to understand the issues around the wall. As a matter of fact, like all great challenges, the further you away you are from the problem, the simpler the solution seems. And the closer you are to the issue, the more complicated the solution seems to become.

I also do not understand why it is so simple to shut down thousands of employees and families from a month of wages while bickering over the promises of a wall.

Jenny was volunteering at a local co-op the other day when an IRS employee, which had recently moved her family to the area came in for assistance. She literally moved and had yet to be paid, while three alleged adults argued over campaign promises and party lines. I’m sure there is more to it, but really? Can we not find, in this great land of ours, civil servants that are not overwhelmed with the notion of self importance and reelection?

Maybe I cannot see past the foolishness of petty bickering, finger pointing and party sabotage that is now a normal course of action in our nation’s capital. And then, I look into the mirror and wonder what one person can do.

The answer isn’t complicated. I can bring my request for wisdom, clarity and sensibility to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. I can plead with the next generation of leaders to set aside their personal desire for fame and fortune and seek the greater good of mankind. The greater effort of caring for the poor, marginalized and hungry that seem to continue swelling in numbers as we fight over who has learned or not learned a lesson.

Mr. President, I believe you were elected to shake up a status quo government, not to pitch fits, post tweets or spar with the Speaker of the House. And Speaker Pelosi, this non stop and childish argument needs to stop. And Mr. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, could you please just hush?

It is well past time to grow up and lead. The greatest leader of all time once said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” It’s impossible to serve others, especially those in need, while clinging to selfish attitudes.

The more broken our world, the more relevant our faith. When you and I find positive ways to make a practical difference in the lives we influence, we sow the seed of hope and peace, while planting trees we may never sit under.

But then, I’m pretty far from the challenge. Aren’t you glad I’m not in charge?

Pray for our country and our leaders today!

–AChuck

Thanks for joining me for this week’s 4forFRIDAY recommendations of reads, listens, learnings and reviews. Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY, November 16, 2018

ENJOY!

A Solid Listen for the History Buff: Killing the SS by Bill O’Reilly (Audiobook)

It’s painful and fascinating at the same time. O’reilly reads his own book on the audio version and I found it so interesting how the Nazi SS were hunted in a post WWII world.

A Really Good Movie from Amazon Prime:

We really enjoyed this film from Netflix and think that you will as well. Grab a bag of popcorn, light the fire and watch. After being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce is forced into exile by the English and leads a band of outlaws to help him reclaim the throne.

A Great Read: Atomic Habits by James Clear

I loved this book. I listened to it on Scribd first, and then read it on Kindle. If you need a breakthrough in most anything in your life, check this book out and write all over it.

A Gadget I’m Enjoying: SOG SlimJim XL Folding Knife

I love this new addition to my collection of pocket knives. It’s super thin but is super strong. SOG ASSISTED TECH (S.A.T.) + LOCKBACK: SOG’s thinnest spring assisted pocket knife; a SlimJim tactical pocket knife and folding utility knife opens one-handed, and Lockback secures the blade

And a quote that I am pondering from one of my favorite authors, James Clear: “Becoming the type of person you want to become — someone who lives by a stronger standard, someone who believes in themselves, someone who can be counted on by the people that matter to them — is about the daily process you follow and not the ultimate product you achieve.”

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

Unless you’ve been disconnected from any news source at all, you’ve probably seen the big deal with Saturday Night Live’s Pete Davidson and his irreverent, childish, vulgar insult of war veteran, Navy Seal, and recently elected Representative, Dan Crenshaw.

If you missed it, Pete Davidson mocks an American hero regarding the loss of his right eye. Are you kidding me? Really? On a funny show, with gifted writers and gifted comedians, Davidson uses a Navy Seal as a target for his ridiculous satire?

But here’s the good news. Representative-Elect Crenshaw didn’t say a thing. He didn’t go on a rant. He didn’t ask for a boycott. He didn’t go full throttle Rambo on the comedian in the pink sweatshirt. He went to work, did his job and recognized foolishness for what it is. A waste of oxygen and time.

Here was Crenshaw’s quote from the Washington Post: “The past couple of weeks have been unusual for me, to say the least. After a year of hard campaigning for Congress in Texas and gradually entering the public sphere, I was hit by a sudden, blinding spotlight. But I have no complaints — it wasn’t as bad as some other challenges I’ve faced, like a sudden, blinding IED explosion. (See what I did there? “Saturday Night Live” has created a comedic monster.)”

He continued with the following quote. This one really grabbed my attention. “Was I really outraged by SNL? Really offended? Or did I just think the comment about losing my eye was offensive? There is a difference, after all. I have been literally shot at before, and I wasn’t outraged. Why start now?

So I didn’t demand an apology and I didn’t call for anyone to be fired. That doesn’t mean the “war . . . or whatever” line was acceptable, but I didn’t have to fan the flames of outrage, either. When SNL reached out with an apology and an offer to be on the show, I wasn’t fully sold on the idea. It was going to be Veterans Day weekend, after all, and I had events with veterans planned. I asked if another weekend might work. No, they said, precisely because it was Veterans Day, it would be the right time to send the right message. They assured me that we could use the opportunity to send a message of unity, forgiveness and appreciation for veterans. And to make fun of Pete Davidson, of course.”

To SNL’s credit, the writers, comedy stars and entire crew offered, through Pete Davidson a heartfelt apology. And I thought a truly well presented apology. They even had Crenshaw as a guest on the show and allowed him to honor the American Warriors that deserve every possible appreciation we can offer. He was even given the opportunity to poke a little fun at Pete Davidson.

I absolutely hate that Davidson said what he said and how he said it. But I really love that Dan Crenshaw felt no need to whine and fire back. He actually thought that there were more important things in this world than an offensive statement made by a late night comedian.

And I loved that SNL actually apologized and made a much bigger deal about the apology than Crenshaw made about the offense.

Let’s prove that we can have thick enough skin to not bleed out over every inappropriate statement or offense. And let’s have the courage to apologize when we have wronged or wounded someone.

We must somehow choose a higher road if we are to experience a greater peace.

–AChuck