Achuckallen

Instigating Better

Book Reviews

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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4forFRIDAY September 30, 2022

ONE
A BOOK THAT I TRULY LOVED: What Do You Really, Really Want?: Discovering What Matters Most And Taking Action To Achieve Your Important Goals 
FIND IT HERE

In this unique narrative of life-changing conversations, Kevin Stebbings offers an authentic framework for overcoming the distractions of life to rediscover what you really, really want. He draws on the proven ideas and practices from the world of coaching to create a highly original and insightful book that will teach you how to discover your purpose, pursue your dreams, and achieve your goals.

–Amazon

TWO
A GADGET THAT I LOVE: Intoval Wireless Charging Station, 3 in 1 Charger
FIND IT HERE

I love this 3 in 1 charger for my phone watch and airpods. Simple, elegant and affordable.

–Chuck

THREE
A UNIQUE DAILY READ: Daily Creative: Find Your Inspiration to Spark Creative Energy and Fight Burnout
FIND IT HERE

Even if you don’t think of yourself as creative, you’d probably be surprised by how many creative tools you use daily. You solve problems, design, write, invent, or in other words―create. But the pressure we feel to create value with our minds continually can cause tremendous stress and eventually neutralize our ability to be effective in our long-term roles. The Daily Creative is a daily reader for busy professionals, creative and otherwise, designed to help you gain focus for your day and advance toward your goals.

–AMAZON

FOUR
A GREAT MEAL AT A FUN RESTAURANT: Mika French Sushi
FIND IT HERE

I admit that I am new to the sushi thing, but loved my dinner at Mika French Sushi earlier this week. I especially enjoyed their Mika Roll with eel sauce and the coconut shrimp. This little gem is in Sugar Hill and is clean, friendly and so, so good.

-Chuck

GO IN PEACE, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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4forFRIDAY September 23, 2022

ONE
A SPOTIFY PLAYLIST THAT I USE WHEN WORKING: Totally Stress Free
FIND IT HERE

I like a little music while I’m working and this has been my go-to playlist lately. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

–Chuck

TWO
A POWERFUL QUOTE FROM SHAWN BLANC:

When you make something that matters, it will be polarizing. There will be some people who don’t like it. But there will be others who love it. It’s not easy to make something and put it out there. But when you do, look around: are there people you find awesome, and are they happy to be around your work …. then you are on the right track. You’re serving the right people doing something worthwhile.

–Shawn Blanc

THREE
A BOOK THAT HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH AS I LEAD OTHERS: THE COACH MODEL by Keith Webb
FIND IT HERE

The COACH Model® is a radically different approach to leading people. Rather than provide answers, leaders ask questions to draw out what God has already put into others. ICF Professional Certified Coach and speaker Keith Webb teaches Christian leaders how to create powerful conversations to assist others to solve their own problems, reach goals, and develop their own leadership skills in the process. 

–Amazon

FOUR
A GREAT ARTICLE FROM LEADERSHIP AND MAIN: Clarity Above the Fog
FIND IT HERE

There is always clarity above the fog. In the world of meteorology, fog is a collection of dense water particles that accumulates near the ground. The word fog can also be associated with a state of mind, one that leads to confusion and disorientation. Either way you look at it, fog makes it difficult to see and think clearly.

-J. Albright

GO IN PEACE, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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4forFRIDAY | August 19, 2022

ONE
THIS IS A REALLY HELPFUL LIST FOR THOSE OF US THAT PROCRASTINATE

1. Set a short timer

2. Ask someone to help you

3. Get a focus buddy for accountability

4. Only do one thing at a time

5. Time block your tasks

6. Go on a short walk and think about what you’ll do when you get back

7. Ask someone else to do it (delegate)

8. Answer “why” 3 times

9. Don’t be perfect; focus on being good enough

10.Leave your phone in a different room

–Shaun Blanc

TWO
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith
FIND IT HERE 

What would it be like to journey back to the first century and sit at the feet of Rabbi Jesus as one of his Jewish disciples? How would your understanding of the gospel have been shaped by the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the Jewish culture in which you lived?

–Amazon

THREE
An Incredible Prayer of Blessing

The Blessing Of The Morning Light
The blessing of the morning light to you, may it find you even in your invisible appearances, may you be seen to have risen from some other place you know and have known in the darkness and that that carries all you need.

May you see what is hidden in you as a place of hospitality and shadowed shelter, may what is hidden in you become your gift to give: may you hold that shadow to the light and the silence of that shelter to the word of the light, may you join every previous disappearance with this new appearance, this new morning, this being seen again, new and newly alive.

–from Terry Hershey’s Sabboth Moment

FOUR
A Quote We Can All Learn From

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”

–St. Augustine

GO IN PEACE, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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4forFRIDAY AChuckAllen.com July 29, 2022

ONE
A REALLY GOOD ARTICLE: WHAT DO CATHOLICS BELIEVE?
FIND IT HERE

The beliefs of different Christian denominations throughout history have caused everything from minor skirmishes involving distinctives of the faith (how often to partake in communion, etc.) to major battles over non-negotiable doctrines (the Bible is God’s Word, infallible and inspired by Him. Salvation is in Jesus alone, etc.). Though Catholics and Protestants share some parallel beliefs, there are some non-negotiables as outlined below. The relationship has softened, but life-changing differences remain.

–CROSSWALK

TWO
ANOTHER AWESOME ARTICLE FROM BRIAN DODD: 10 Things Which Can Disqualify You From Leadership Which Are Rarely Talked About
FIND IT HERE 

We are very aware of the things which often disqualify someone from leadership. This list includes sexual misconduct, financial impropriety, and abusive behavior. However, there is another list of items which can disqualify you from leadership which are rarely talked about.

–BRIAN DODD

THREE
A THIRD GREAT AND SHORT ARTICLE: How To Develop The 3 Essential Qualities In Kind Leadership
FIND IT HERE

Kindness is action-oriented and is an essential component of influencing lasting impact. Think of the qualities you have found in leaders who have had the greatest personal impact on your life. I’m sure that words like courageous, decisive, and visionary are somewhere on your list. But whenever I’ve asked that question, it’s been rare that the word “kind” hasn’t also shown up. So, what are the qualities that make up kind leadership?

–SCOTT COCHRANE

FOUR
AND, ONE LAST REALLY GOOD ARTICLE:
Four Creative Ways to Live in the Present Moment
FIND IT HERE

To put it negatively, the worst thing you can do is try to live outside of this moment. It’s actually impossible to live outside of the present moment, but it is possible to think outside of it. That means thinking about the past or future rather than focusing on your current action. Here are four creative and specific strategies you can employ to enter the present moment quickly and experience the numerous benefits that go along with it.

–STEPHEN GUISE

GO IN PEACE, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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FOUR APPS THAT I USE EVERY DAY

  1. THINGS – TASK LIST
  2. SOULSPACE – MEDITATION
  3. SPOTIFY – MUSIC AND PODCASTS
  4. STREAKS – HABIT TRACKER

THREE SONGS I CAN’T STOP LISTENING TO THIS WEEK

  1. WAGON WHEEL – OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW
  2. TOUCHDOWN JESUS – TIM McGRAW
  3. FIRM FOUNDATION – MAVERICK CITY MUSIC
  4. REST ON US – KIM WALKER SMITH

TWO RESTAURANTS I ALWAYS ENJOY

  1. DON PEDRO – BUFORD HIGHWAY
  2. THE PATIO – JOHN’S CREEK

ONE PODCAST I ALWAYS LISTEN TO

THE DENISON FORUM’S DAILY FORUM

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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FOUR BOOKS EVERYONE SHOULD READ

  1. The Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
  2. Start With Why by Simon Sinek
  3. Standing Strong by Charles Stanley
  4. Atomic Habits by James Clear

THREE QUOTES THAT MADE ME GO HMMMMM

  1. “We all have a lifetime of experiences we bring to any relationship so it’s not uncommon to need to sort through our responses to emotions, triggers and conflict.  I like to describe it as a sandpaper experience: when two pieces are first brought together, it’s pretty rough. But, if you continue to work through things and face into it, eventually you’ll smooth each other out.“
    –Julie Homrich, LPC
  2. “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” –Brene Brown
  3. “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” –James Clear

TWO ALBUMS THAT I AM TOTALLY ENJOYING

  1. Maverick City: Old Church Basement
  2. Cain: Rise Up

ONE PODCAST THAT YOU MUST LISTEN TO

  1. Dare to Lead with Brene’ Brown: Don’t miss this episode: Brene’ w/ Doug Conant on Finding and Telling Your Leadership Story

Go in Peace, Chuck