Achuckallen

Instigating Better

4ForFriday

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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4forFRIDAY is a weekly collection of recommended books, albums, podcasts, gadgets, sermons, resources or reviews. Thanks for subscribing and thanks for sharing.

Here is this week’s recommended reads, listens, learnings and reviews. Please let me know what your thoughts are and what you agree or disagree with. I love hearing from you guys.

A Really Good Read: I DECLARE WAR; 4 Keys to Winning the Battle Within Yourself by Levi Lusko

In I Declare War, Levi Lusko candidly shares about his personal struggles and challenges with managing himself. He identifies four tools that we all have at our disposal – thoughts, words, behaviors and power. Lusko will guide you thru the way to utilize these God-given tools to overcome the battle with managing you!

A GREAT LISTEN/WATCH: Lauren Daigle – “Tremble”

This gal can sing, y’all. After seeing her live and listening to her for 3-4 years, I think she’s the real deal. Crossover, Ellen Show, Jimmy Fallen, Carnegy Hall. This kid is special. Enjoy, and you are welcome!

A RESOURCE CLOSE TO MY HEART: The Weekday Meditation

I discovered the power of meditation several years ago, but couldn’t find a simple Christ-filled meditation that allowed for a time of simple, powerful, guided prayer and quietude. That’s why I created the WeekdayMeditation.com. In 7-8 minutes you can hear an encouraging word, walk thru a guide prayer and gratitude time and a brief, but poignant time of quietude to hear from the Divine. Please subscribe via iTunes or listen daily on the Sugar Hill Church APP. You can also find it at weekdaymeditation.com

A REALLY GOOD MOVIE: The Upside Starring Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman and Brian Cranston

Okay, it’s a bit crude and yes, the use of weed is used in some funny ways that might freak you out, but don’t let that keep you from finding the redeeming qualities in this “based on a true story” film. It’s been one of my favorite films in a long time!

And a solid quote from Mark Batterson:

“The most important law of ecology is this: L ≥ C. For an organism to survive, the rate of learning must be equal to or greater than the rate of change happening around them. With the rate of change escalating, we must learn faster, learn better, and learn more.”

If you can’t make it to Sugar Hill Church on Sunday:

Have a great weekend! –AChuck

4forFRIDAY Aug 11 ’17

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Each Friday I offer up at least 4 recommended reads, listens, learnings, gadgets or reviews. These are not necessarily faith-based or church-related, but have encouraged me in some way. I trust that they might do the same for you!

Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY August 11, 2017

  1. A Good Read: The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The Bully Pulpit follows three intricately linked strands of American history: the life of president Theodore Roosevelt, the emergence of a class of progressive investigative journalists, and the life of William Howard Taft and his complicated relationship with Roosevelt.
  2. A Great Service: Hello Fresh. The recipes are delicious and easy to follow. What I especially love about them is the fact they make me try ingredients and techniques I might not try otherwise- My favorite so far? Orange chicken with rice and snap peas. 
  3. A Really Good Podcast from Carey Nieuwhof with Eugene Peterson Eugene Peterson is a living legend. Carey talks to Eugene about the origin of the Message and the life rhythms he and his wife Jan adopted that helped produce the legacy millions have appreciated. Plus, Carey follows his conversation with Eugene with a round table discussion with best selling authors Mark Batterson and Adam Weber to discuss Eugene’s impact on their life and leadership.
  4. A Reminder of an Earlier 4forFRIDAY Resource: HE READS TRUTH & SHE READS TRUTH. These sites and tools are awesome. The reading programs are free online and affordable on your mobile device. I’m finishing ROMANS right now. I think you will love the readings, commentaries and interactive questions. 

And an anonymous quote that I am pondering: “The only way that the Divine can show us He is in control is to allow us to experience circumstances that we cannot control”

Thank you for joining me for this week’s 4forFRIDAY! Please feel free to share these recommendations through your social media pages. Also, please let me know what your thoughts are on these recommendations. 

See you Sunday at SUGARHILLChurch for one of our Worship Gatherings at 9:30, 11:00 or Streaming Live on Facebook or Live.SugarHill.Church

4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

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Each week I like to share with you four resources that have challenged, sharpened or encouraged me. These recommendations aren’t necessarily church related or even spiritually focused. They aren’t doctrinal statements. They are just a few recommended reads, listens, learnings, or restaurants.

This week’s 4forFRIDAY is a 2 x 4 
First: Four Leadership Books that Reshaped How I Live (other than the Bible, duh)

  1. Lincoln On Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times:
    LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP was the first book to examine the diverse leadership abilities that have made Abraham Lincoln an inspiration to everyone from businessmen to Barack Obama. And in today’s complex world, these lessons are more relevant than ever. You’ll discover why you should:
    * Seize the initiative and never relinquish it
    * Wage only one war at a time
    * Encourage risk-taking while providing job security
    * Avoid issuing orders — instead request, imply, or make suggestions

  2. The Heart of an Executive: Lessons on leadership from the life of King David
    David’s story is that of a career executive, and in it Richard D. Phillips sees reflected the trials and triumphs that mark our own lives in today’s business world. Like any other executive, David’s career came in recognizable stages: preparation, rise, achievement, and finally, the passing of the torch.

  3. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda
    Next to their Experiencing God classic, Spiritual Leadership is one of Henry and Richard Blackaby’s most highly regarded and best-selling books to date, encouraging business and church leaders alike to follow God’s biblical design for success. In fact, the Barna Group reports that pastors list it among today’s most influential writings on the topic of how God develops, guides, and empowers spiritual leaders.

  4. A Tale of Three Kings: This best-selling tale is based on the biblical figures of David, Saul, and Absalom. For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope. Christian leaders and directors of religious movements throughout the world have recommended this simple, powerful, and beautiful story to their members and staff. You will want to join the thousands who have been profoundly touched by this incomparable story.

Second: Four of My Favorite TED Talks

  1. Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability 
  2. Shawn AchorThe Happy Secret to Better Work 
  3. Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen
  4. Tony Robbins says that an “invisible force” is what motivates us to act.

And a quote I’m pondering from the Ronald Reagan: “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”

See you Sunday at Sugar Hill Church!  Worship Gatherings at 9:30 & 11:00 Sunday Mornings – Streaming Live at Live.SugarHill.Church & Facebook

Thanks for Joining Me Today,
AChuck

4forFRIDAY 

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Each week I enjoy sharing at least four reads, listens, learnings or gadgets that I’ve enjoyed. I hope you will as well. 

Here’s this week’s 4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen June 9, 2017

FOUR BOOKS EVERY FOLLOWER OF JESUS SHOULD READ:

1. The Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards:  

I first read this book more than 25 years ago and reread it often. It’s a short, but powerful book. “What do you do when someone throws a spear at you?” Light, clarity, and comfort for the brokenhearted. To the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling tale based on the biblical figures of David, Saul, and Absalom offers comfort, healing, and hope. 

2. Mere Christianity by CS Lewis: 

In the classic Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, the most important writer of the 20th century, explores the common ground upon which all of those of Christian faith stand together.

3. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud: 

When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life. Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not.

4. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel: 

Is there credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God? Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates from schools like Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis who are recognized authorities in their own fields. Strobel challenges them with questions like, How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event?

And a Bonus

5. Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow by RC Sproul 

How do I pray? How do I study the Bible? How do I worship? How do I serve? How do I become a good steward? These are the questions every Christian should be asking. The answers are what every Christian needs to know. In Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow, acclaimed theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul guides his readers through the basic training of Christianity and reveals the five How do I pray? How do I study the Bible? How do I worship? How do I serve? How do I become a good steward? These are the questions every Christian should be asking. The answers are what every Christian needs to know. In Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow, acclaimed theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul guides his readers through the basic training of Christianity and reveals the five most vital fundamentals of the Christian faith: Prayer, Worship, Service, Study, and Stewardship.

Have a Great Summer!

4forFRIDAY with AChuck

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4forFRIDAY with ACHUCKAllen

Each Friday, I attend to share at least four READS, LISTENS, LEARNINGS, GADGETS or REVIEWS. These are not designed to be doctoral dissertations or theological statements. They are recommendations that I’ve enjoyed, and hope you will as well!

Here is this week’s 4forFRIDAY:

A New Album I’m enjoying, from Miranda Lambert: The Weight of these Wings. I’m not really a country music fan, but this a really great listen. I’ll listen to it in my headphones as I walk Kirby in the morning. I’ll also listen as I’m getting ready in the mornings. I think you’ll enjoy this album from the 8-time CMA Vocalist of the Year. 

A Fresh Taste at Hot Rocks Grill: I was a bit skeptical until my food arrived. I enjoyed the best burger I’d had in years. A lamb burger with fresh veggies. They have fresh, delicious food and the kabobs with fresh sides looked amazing. I can’t wait to go back. 

A new Collagen/Protein Powder from Dr. Axe: Support Healthy Tendons, Ligaments and Muscles; Healthy Digestion and Healthy Glowing Skin. Supports a healthy gut,  Supports mobility and flexibility, Supports healthy muscles Supports healthy bones and joints†. Supports healthy, vibrant skin Supports a healthy weight while keeping hunger in check. Supports a healthy brain. I take it in my morning coffee. Give it a shot!

A Really Good Listen/Learning, from Olympian Simone Biles at Willow Creek Church:  Olympic champion Simone Biles visits Willow Creek to share her story, and Executive Pastor Heather Larson brings the message “Inspire Everyone, Always.”

Bonus Recommendation: A great set of cordless tools for handy house projects from Ryobi. I have the saw, drill, nailer and flashlight. These are tough Enough for serious projects and light enough to grab and go. There’s plenty of other tools in this series. I can’t wait to get the reciprocal saw. 

A Quote that I am Pondering. From Jackson Kiddard: “Instead of making up excuses for why something is impossible, it’s far better to come up with reasons why it could be possible. One reason why is more powerful than all the reasons why not.”

Have a great Friday! Plan to join me at SUGARHILLChurch for Holy Week. Our Holy Week schedule can be found at SugarHillEaster.com

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