Achuckallen

Instigating Better

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GUTS

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I feel like the kind of people that display guts get destroyed in our 21st-century world. I’m not sure that I possess guts anymore. I stop and wonder if what I am saying will hurt my career, wound the church, scare the donors, or cause a firestorm of controversy on social media.

How pathetic is that? I’ll bet you wonder about that at times, as well. But dang it, that’s enough! We can be gracious and gutsy at the same time. We don’t have to be reckless to be courageous. We do not have to whimper into a truthful statement or sneak into a bold, brave decision.

This great land that we live in was founded and grounded on the backs of gutsy men and women of every color, faith, and background. We know this melting pot of humanity is in no way ready for wimpy, gutless leadership. These United States are in desperate need of women and men to step into courageous leadership, now! Gutsy leadership costs you something, though. It might cost you some “friends.” It will definitely cost you some “followers.” And fame, well kiss it good-bye. Courageous leadership in our world will be met by a great host of anger, opposition, and heaps of criticism.

But, should we remain afraid of everyone and everything, let’s roll over and call it a great 244 years. I get it. If Mr. Potato Head has been canceled, surely you can be as well. If the social media clowns that troll for someone to bash behind their keyboards can destroy some of the most powerful people on the planet, what hope do you have? That all depends on what kind of guts you want to display.

It’s been said that “leadership equals influence.” I know that is a correct term, but it is also an incomplete statement. Based on that definition, Adolf Hitler was a great leader. But we know that he was a madman, with murder and wickedness awash in his cold, dead heart.

We need the kind of gutsy leaders that will step away from the typical model of power, platform, and prestige. We are crying out for someone to speak with a voice of truth, reason, and wisdom. The world isn’t clamoring for leadership. They are dying for godly leadership! The kind of leadership that has heaven-sent wisdom and God-honoring decisions. We require leaders that know that their past isn’t perfect but that they are fueled by the power of God’s Spirit and directed by His Word – DAILY.

I’m not suggesting that we could somehow find a perfect leader, but could we find a leader that has been forgiven so that they can forgive? How about a leader that is imperfect and admits their need for wise counsel? Try this one on – How about a leader with enough humility to know how to work with people to get something done? I know. Now I’m getting crazy with it.

But folks, we cannot allow the established foolishness that seems so rampant in our society to rule the day! Somehow, in elected offices across our municipalities, counties, states, and federal offices, women and men must discover the courage to get in the arena of leading this nation…at every level.

Dan Gable once said, “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” America must stop the endless pursuit of gold long enough to get her guts back. We need to recruit leaders to run for office that will serve either party but serve with conviction, not protection. We must run on principle, not a party. We must run and run some more. It’s time to stop criticizing those that are running and get in the race!

I am not sure that I’ve got that kind of guts today, but I’m trying to find them. I know they are there, somewhere.
I need to discover them, sharpen them, challenge them, and trust the God of all creation to strengthen them. But at some point, we ALL have to get in the game of leading this land into the greatness she can experience. You can no longer wait for someone else; you’ve got to make a choice. It’s fourth-down and goal. It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, and the bases loaded. It’s the last of ninety minutes on the pitch. It’s past time for women and men, filled with a passion for God and Country, to RUN!

How about you? Are you tired of watching the news and thinking, “why doesn’t somebody do something?” I am. Let’s get in the arena and lead. But let’s lead with a God-given grace, fueled by Guts! I think Bear Bryant was right when he said, “There is a lot of blood, sweat, and guts between dreams and success.” This American Dream is more than a house and an income.

We live in an age with more knowledge than ever before. And yet, we make ridiculous decisions. Why sit back and critique, whine and complain? It takes knowledge to know something. It takes guts to do what you know! Let’s find our guts and get it done.

More to come…

–Chuck

4forFRIDAY 05.07.2021

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for May 7, 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 Movie on Amazon Prime Video: The Courier

I really enjoyed this film starring Benjamin Cumberbatch. This average salesman becomes an active spy in the ’60s. This Cold War film is really so much fun. It is also based on a true story.
Grab some popcorn and enjoy!

A Really Solid Book: The Bullet Journal Method

I am constantly on the hunt for a better way to be more productive and manage my time. I was so engaged with this book and the pdf files that help introduce the Bullett Journal System are incredibly helpful!

A Great Movie on Amazon Prime: A Call to Spy

Another “based on a true story” film from World War II. I was amazed that I was not aware of the spies that were equipped to do some amazing tradecraft inside OCCUPIED FRANCE. The women in the true story are pretty incredible, including the story of a spy with
one leg and a wooden prosthesis.

An Amazing Personal Bible Study: What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?
An Interactive Bible Study (Volume 1)

I blew through this study, just I did the series, THE CHOSEN. Watch THE CHOSEN, and then walk your way through the character studies and the big question – What is it to be CHOSEN?
I promise you that you’ll love this study!

My Favorite Go-To Grill: BLUETOP RESTAURANT & BAR

This joint Is so quaint and hipster, I almost didn’t stick with it. But it’s so stinking good. I’ve been there at least ten times and I’ve never been disappointed. My favorite thing? The Sloppy Joe.
Best Dessert? Funnel Cake Fries!

An Amazing Quote from N.T. Wright

“Our whole culture is so fixated on dying and going to heaven when the
whole Scripture is about heaven coming down to earth.”

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 ACHUCK Allen

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for April 30, 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 Favorite Email Newsletter – By Far! 1-2-3 by James Clear

I receive a weekly newsletter from James Clear and quote him often. His 1-2-3 weekly newsletter is fabulous. The link above will take you to his subscription page. It’s free and priceless! Enjoy.

A Really Good Film on Amazon Prime: Special Forces

Jenny and I really enjoyed this riveting film. It’s a french film about French Special Forces recovering a journalist captured and kidnapped by Taliban leaders. If you don’t mind a little blood and guts, you’ll love this film, no kidding! When you finally get to the end, you might find yourself exhausted, as we were.

A Really Good Business Book: Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow’s Consumers

This was a great read! Technology and culture are changing at such a rapid rate that we must adapt and market well. As Chief Marketing Officer of Mastercard—one of the world’s most recognizable and decorated brands—Raja Rajamannar shares the forward-thinking ways all businesses must rethink their entire marketing landscape to remain relevant and be successful.

A GREAT Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Snack: The GFB Gluten Free Protein Bites, Coconut + Cashew

For those looking for a great, filling snack that isn’t packed with bad junk, this is for you! Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher. GFB Bites are made with primarily organic ingredients, a good source of fiber, and are fat-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, wheat-free, lactose-free, trans-fat-free, and cholesterol-free. Fortunately, they are not flavor-free. They are delicious!

A Ancient Chilean Saying that We All Should Learn:

“Criticizing a musician is easy, but it is more difficult when you have a guitar in your hand.” —Chilean Saying.

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

That’s Ridiculous!

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Let’s get this out of the way early: I love America. I know America isn’t perfect. I know we have a flawed past. I know we have significant issues, but I’m pretty sick of hearing about how terrible we are.

If you are a poor white kid, America is a pretty good place to grow up. If your an affluent Latino kid, America is a pretty great place to grow up. If you are a middle-class black kid, America is a pretty good place to grow up. If you are an Asian kid, America is a fantastic place to grow up.

I am in no way trying to make a case that every person has the same opportunity to succeed. Naturally, we can do more. Yes, we can do better. But we are doing better. We are and have come so far from where we once were. Let us not throw our unique sense of American grit and determination out with the fight to get even better.

WAIT! STOP! Before you throw my white privilege back at me, give me a chance. I know first-hand that we aren’t perfect. I get that we still have challenges with racism. I understand that the wealth gap is significant and can be disturbing. I know we have crime in our streets and corruption in our capital buildings. But we are still the most incredible opportunity to bring hope, freedom, and prosperity to this messed up world.

Like most of you, I wasn’t raised in wealth. I have no silver-spooned heritage. I went to work at thirteen and haven’t stopped since then. Working for what you get and what you can give away is a powerful accomplishment. It will cause your skin to thicken and your heart to soften at every turn. And that, my friend, is as American as it can get.

It’s ridiculous to stay in the binary thought of this age. An example of binary thinking is choosing a fiscally conservative platform and giving away a socially compassionate heart. Or be required to select an overly progressive platform and surrender fiscal wisdom to attain it. That’s ridiculous. Why not have a voice of reason that can stand firm on budgetary conservatism and have the heart to serve people in need? I am convinced that the majority of Americans would choose that lane. But someone has to stay calm enough, strong enough, and sound enough to make that case. Now is the time to stop the foolishness of binary, party-first platforms and put wisdom and reason at the forefront.

It’s ridiculous to cancel what we can learn from. No matter how badly we would like to change history, it can not be done. You cannot change the good, and you cannot change the bad. You can, however, learn from both. A reasoned response is let’s do better. Let’s learn from our mistakes, and let’s rise above them. Let us be an American people that do not stay in the sorrow of our past. We did not stay in taxation to England. We did not stay in the poverty of the Great Depression. We did not stay in the legalization and sin of slavery. And given reasoned, gathered wisdom, we will not remain divided. Our future is being determined as we learn from our past and our past year. Once again…we are far from perfect, but where would this world be without all of the good that the United States of America has done? Where on earth will we be if we do not stay the course, learn from our past, and better our kid’s future? One thing is crystal clear to me. To continue electing men and women that cannot see forward but languish in the spats of party politics, well, is just ridiculous!

And finally, as I finish this rant, it is ridiculous to not passionately strive to move forward and rebuild out of this pandemic. I have felt the fear of COVID-19. I have seen its deadly wake. I’ve counseled too many families that have suffered and lost most if not all of the business that they sacrificed to build. I’ve seen families struggle with aging parents and struggling children. But friends, to lay low and not aggressively push to allow some sane sense of normalcy to return is criminally ridiculous. Get your vaccinations. Take every precaution you need to take. But get moving forward! We have endured far worse plaques in our storied history, and we will survive this one!

Friends, there is much ridiculousness in our world, but dog-gone-it, this is America. It’s not perfect; it’s not always easy. It’s certainly not always equal. But where else, on this globe, can freedom, hope, and peace rain down from sea to shining sea? Where else can the world strive to emulate freedom? Where else can parents dream of raising their children with greater opportunity? Where else can hard work, kindness, and risk be rewarded, like the USofA? That’s right…nowhere else on the planet.

I will not stop striving to make our country better any more than you will. But let’s stop apologizing for being American, and start learning our lessons, together. We are far better together. We are more robust, kinder, sacrificial, and wiser together. Together, let’s serve each other, love each other, pull for each other, and celebrate the better days that are ahead of us together. By God’s grace, we are America. Let’s live like it and leave all this ridiculousness behind us. All of our diversity is what makes us better. Celebrate that, not what is simply ridiculous.

Peace, Chuck

The Church and Mental Health

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by AChuckAllen 04.20.2021

Like many of my readers, I grew up in an era with zero tolerance for mental illness. We threw terms around that were harmful, hurtful, and disrespectful. We didn’t do that out of some weird bias or odd bigotry, but out of pure ignorance. Today, we all have a better understanding of the significance of our mental and emotional health. But have we stepped into the arena and determined to be a part of the solution instead of saying the usual “somebody ought to do something” line? As for me, I have experienced the oddities of the pandemic, just like you have.

Now is the time to step onto the floor of the arena and determine to
make a difference, and it just might start with you!

First, let’s accept the fact that we all have some sort of anxiety, restlessness, or stress in our life. I haven’t met anyone in the past year that has been able to say that they are stress or worry-free, at least honestly. The power of our brains is astonishing. Our brains are constantly attempting to course-correct our lives, but with enough stressors and insecurities, it can send all of the wrong signals to our bodies.

Did you know that when your brain’s pre-frontal cortex exposes your amygdala, that amygdala kicks into high gear with fear that sends stress hormones coursing through your body? That starts a reaction that creates digestive challenges, rapid heart rates, muscular tingles, and inflammation. None of that sounds good. But here is the good news. You can do something about it! My friend, Julie Homrich, LPC, has been coaching me on the brain and how mental health and spiritual health go hand in hand. She is a really bright human, and I’m continually grateful for our friendship and what she is teaching me. When I came to grips with the fact that we could literally accomplish what Paul wrote in the Bible book of Romans, when he said that we “Should not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we might know the perfect will of God,” I got so captivated that I began an in-depth study to help me understand the correlation with a passage of scripture written some 2,000 years ago and the modern brain.

Romans 12:2 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

In short, I came to this conclusion: We Need Help!

To keep from remaining in fear, anxiety, and an over-stressed state of mind, we need to know how to be transformed through the renewing of our mind. Maybe you are like me. Maybe you don’t have a severe mental illness, but you are stressed out, maxed out, and occasionally anxiety-riddled. If so, even mildly so, here is a three-step approach that has been scientifically proven to assist you.

1. STOP AND SUSPEND THE PRESENT NARRATIVE. Science has proven that it can take as long as 20 minutes to metabolize the stress hormones sent to our bodies from that fear-mongering amygdala. Stop and suspend your assumptions on the motives, actions, and predetermined conclusions of the present narrative that has your stressors on high alert. Stopping long enough to evaluate before acting is an essential part of coping well and retaining healthy relationships. Stop and allow your mind to ask three questions. 1) What if I didn’t understand the narrative as it was intended? 2) What if the person sharing or group sharing the narrative is in a difficult season or just a terrible day? And 3) What if I am stressed because I am part of the narrative’s problem, and my brain is firing our guilt signals. Suspend the answer and/or action long enough for the stress hormones to clear from your body.

2. ENGAGE IN DOING GOOD. Multiple studies, including a study from Stanford University, have proven that when we take action to help or serve someone else, we are fueling our brain and our soul with dopamine that instantaneously improves our mental and emotional health. If you lead a business, the new economy screams at you that “doing good is good for business.” The new understanding of our brain screams at us doing good is good for us! I know it doesn’t seem like something beneficial to mental health, but both God and science assure us that it is indeed perfect for us!

3. START YOUR DAY WITH PRAYER MEDITATION. I know I just lost half of you, but this is the one thing I would plead with you to do. It’s so simple, and it’s been proven to strengthen our mental and emotional health for centuries. Somehow, in the American culture, we determined we didn’t need that weird meditation stuff. But prayerful meditation isn’t some weird journey with incense and mantras. It is simply quietude, plus solitude, plus mindfulness = peace. I start each day with one question. What am I grateful for, and write it down. I then enjoy about 6 minutes of prayerful meditation through a great, free app, “SOULSPACE.” It is so simple. I listen and pray in a quiet space, and it gets me centered on God’s design for my day and gives me an attitude of gratitude, confidence, and peace. Once again, like serving others, meditation has been scientifically proven to strengthen our brains to transform us into healthy people. How great is that? I am living proof that six minutes each day can radically transform your mind, heart, and soul for good. If you knew me twenty years ago, or more, you might be thinking, “who is this, and what happened to Chuck?” The answer? I’m here, and I’m in the best mental, emotional and spiritual health of my life!

Here is the key. These are simple solutions to a complex challenge. But these three simple steps have proven to make me a far better husband, father, grandfather, pastor, leader, and follower of Jesus. America is a mess, people. We might start with our own mental, emotional, and spiritual health before grumbling more about everyone else’s part of the problem.

I’m also committed to the firm belief that the church desperately needs to tackle mental and emotional health. It is one of the great American crises of the day. We, the church, have the opportunity to stop lobbing bible verse hand grenades at people in crises and offer real, tangible, God-honoring solutions. I’m in no way suggesting that scripture isn’t tangible. I am strongly stating that scripture and science are a hand in glove experience. Mental health is a practical part of Christian discipleship. As we learn to surrender our assumptions and egos to the will of God, we discover contentment. When we are contented, we can, as Paul stated, “do all things through Christ Jesus.” But surrender and contentment require a healthy state of mind and emotion.

It’s like a wheel that keeps rolling. Strive for mental and emotional health. Seek peace in that journey. Keep it sustainable, not just based on feelings. Surrender our lives and discover contented gratitude and boom! There it is, PEACE! That sounds exactly like what Jesus would invest in should He have chosen this generation to walk on the face of the planet. Oh, wait! That’s exactly what He did, as He walked across Israel some two-thousand years ago. Jesus cares about our mental and emotional health – Be more like Jesus!

Go in Peace,
Chuck

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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SELECTED READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, AND REVIEWS for April 16, 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!

The Most Impactful Production of the Life of Jesus that I’ve Ever Seen!

I tend to be hyper-critical of television and movie productions that attempt to portray the Gospel Study of Jesus Christ. But this show, this production, The Chosen, is so good, I have wept through many of the episodes, not because of sadness, but joy. Seeing Jesus portrayed as fun, joy-filled, and walking in lockstep with God the Father is captivating! When Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, I was overcome with joy. When Nicodemus cannot “pull the trigger” and follow Jesus, I was so moved. I URGE YOU to watch this, support this and download the app RIGHT NOW! If you are wondering if this portrayal is appropriate for children, the answer is a resounding, YES!

A Really Great Read from a Really Great Person: Speaking for Myself: Faith, Freedom,
and the Fight of Our Lives

I haven’t finished this book yet, but it is so entertaining and encouraging. You don’t have to be on the red side of the aisle to appreciate this book, but it certainly leans that way. I really am praying and pulling for this bright young woman to succeed in her gubernatorial race in Arkansas. This frank, revealing, and engaging memoir will offer a truly unique perspective on the most important issues and events of the era, and unprecedented access to both public and behind-the-scenes conversations within the Trump White House.

An APP for Every Follower of Jesus: SoulSpace

One of the best apps I have ever downloaded. This prayerful, meditative app is awesome. I use it each morning to keep me grounded in scripture and centered on God’s desire for my life. In 5-6 minutes, you will be guided through the easy, prayerful process of meditation. Don’t delay – get this app today!

A Quirky Netflix Series We Enjoyed: “Shtisel”

This odd, almost soap opera-like following of Hasidic Jews in Jerusalem is educational, funny, and entertaining. I think you would enjoy it if you don’t mind subtitles.

A Quote from Author James Clear:

“Italy is known for tomatoes. Thailand for chilies. Germany for sauerkraut. But tomatoes originated in Peru. Thailand imported chilies from Central America. Sauerkraut started in China. Everything is a remix—
and the world is better for it. Share what you know. Learn from others.” 

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