Monday Mentions

Monday Mentions 8.26.19

A Book I’m reading: The Daniel Dilemma

I recently spent some time around Pastor Chris Hodges and his church. It is obvious that God is doing a great work thru his church. Pastor Chris has written several books and this one really speaks to the culture we live in today.

From Amazon:

We have real hope we’re called to share. But how we share it makes a difference.

Christians today face a dilemma: in a world that seems to reject everything we believe, how do we walk closely with God without caving to pressure or alienating those we hope to reach?

In this eye-opening new book, Chris Hodges provides a solution by examining the life of the prophet Daniel, who persevered in a corrupt culture that closely resembles our own—and emerged as an influential force in God’s redemptive plan. Full of scripture and seasoned with Hodges’ candid personal insights, The Daniel Dilemma shows us that we can hold firmly to biblical beliefs without becoming obnoxious, insulting, or mad. We can stand strong while loving others well. Because standing for truth isn’t about winning the argument; it’s about winning hearts. And when we learn the secret of connecting before correcting, we discover that we can respond to today’s hard questions without compromising grace or truth.

With fresh insights and practical ideas, Hodges encourages Christians struggling with our cultural reality to hold God’s standards high and his grace deep—just as Jesus did, and just as his followers today are called to do.

An App I’m Trying: Banktivity

Having a personal budget is really important. I just started using Banktivity to get a better handle on our personal finances. Banktivity connects all of your accounts in one place so you can make better smarter financial decisions. So far, I really like how it works. No app is perfect, so find one that works well for you.

A Local Business I Like: Team Ryan Automotive

I have seen a lot of people post positive comments about Team Ryan Automotive on Facebook. We recently started using them to service our vehicles. They do a great job and have a customer-friendly approach. They are a locally owned and operated shop.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

You’ve got to be careful if you don’t know where you going, ’cause you might not get there. — Yogi Berra

What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

Monday Mentions 8.19.19

A Book I’m reading: The Next Right Thing

The title of this book is the same sort-of straightforward advice I often give people: just do the next right thing. Too many decisions paralyze us. Emily P. Freeman’s book offers a simple approach to decision making that can bring peace, clarity, and a nudge in the right direction.

A Restaurant We Love: Scott’s Downtown

Scott’s Downtown is a casual fine dining restaurant located near the square in downtown Gainesville, GA. The atmosphere is great and the food is delicious. If you decide to check it out, be sure to try the Chipotle Candied Bacon appetizer and ask for Shawn to be your server.

An App Reminder: VidAngel TV & Movie Filter

I wrote about this a few months ago but wanted to remind you about it. Laura and I love finding good shows to watch on Netflix. Some shows seem to include unnecessary junk. That’s where VidAngel comes in handy. With VidAngel, you no longer have to accept the unacceptable in movies and TV. VidAngel provides a way to skip or mute things you don’t want to see or hear in movies and TV shows.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. — John F. Kennedy

What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

Monday Mentions 8.12.19

A Book I’m reading: Grit – The Power of Passion and Perseverance

This book is about grit: the elusive virtue that allows people to do what they love, find a purpose in life and stick with it long enough for them to truly flourish.

The book’s aim is to help you discover your grit and use it to follow your calling in life — and to hang in there, even when the going gets tough.

A Conference I’m attending: The Focused Leader

The Focused Leader conference is a one-day event that teaches a proven framework for fast goal-driven business growth. Michael Hyatt leads this event. Michael advocates for what he calls the Double Win: You can win at work and succeed at life. His tools and coaching have really helped me and our church.

There is a live stream option that you can watch yourself or even participate with a team of co-workers.

A Trip I am Co-Leading: 11-Day Biblical Tour of the Holy Lands

Learn the Word of God right where it happened—with Bible in hand. After seeing the significant places of the Old and New Testaments, you will never read your Bible the same way again!

This trip will take place April 14 thru April 24, 2020, and will be one that you will never forget!

Drop your information in this form to receive a trip brochure and more details.

A Keto-friendly Snack: ChocoRite Crispy Caramel

I recently tried these snacks and they are delicious! If you like caramel, this is worth a try!

What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

Monday Mentions 8.5.19

A Classic Spiritual Devotion – Morning and Evening

I recently re-introduced this old classic to my daily reading. Spurgeon is always encouraging.

From Amazon:

Charles H. Spurgeon’s uplifting messages for each day of the year will comfort and refresh you in your walk with God. Spending time with God at the start and the close of each day will bring a new joy in your life. Supplemented by key verses of Scripture, these devotional passages will help you to…

Experience God’s free favor
Abide in the presence of God
Obtain victory through Christ
Receive help through every trial
Develop a powerful prayer life
Have every need met by God
Discover God’s direction

As you reflect upon God’s Word and His principles, you will find peace about the day you are about to face or the day that has just passed. Spurgeon’s rich biblical insights, extraordinary eloquence, and clarity of logic are interwoven throughout the daily selections to enhance your fellowship with God.

A Local Bakery & Cafe – The Baking Grounds

The Baking Grounds is a fantastic bakery and cafe in Buford, GA. Laura and I recently ate lunch there after church. Laura had the Log Cabin breakfast, and I had the Flat Iron Steak with Eggs. Both of our meals were tasty. The bakery has lots of delicious sweets and homemade bread.

A Show We’re Watching – The Man in the High Castle

My friend, Chuck, recently recommended this show. Laura and I watched the first episode, and I can tell we’re going to be hooked! It is available on Amazon’s Prime Video.

“This series takes a look at what the world might look like had the outcome of World War II turned out differently. In this dystopian scenario, the Axis powers won the war, leading to the United States being divided into three parts, an area controlled by the Japanese, a Nazi-controlled section, and a buffer zone between the two. Despite the oppression, a new hope emerges when films turn up that seem to show a different world. A woman believes the films contain the key to freedom and is determined to find their mysterious guardian.”

A Keto-friendly Cereal/Snack – The Cereal School

The Cereal School allows me to enjoy a childhood-flavored snack without wrecking my eating plan. The Cereal School makes a protein-packed cereal that reminds me of Trix.

“In an act of pure magic, we’ve reinvented the sugary cereals from childhood by replacing the carbs and sugar with high-quality protein and monk fruit (a natural sweetener with zero sugar). No gluten or grains. No long ingredient list with big words. Just a sweet, delightful crunch that will transport you right back to childhood.”

What would you add to the list?

What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

Monday Mentions 7.29.19

A Local Japanese Restaurant – Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo is a hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant in Buford. Most people pass it and never stop in, but Laura and I love it! I typically order the steak hibachi plate and Laura orders shrimp hibachi. The food is always good and the portions are huge! The owners are friendly and there is usually Christian music playing the background. The best part? They put a whole bottle of Yum Yum sauce on the table! 🙂

A Book I’m Reading – The Effective Executive

Peter Drucker is known as one of the leading thinkers in the world of management. This book takes 45 years’ worth of insight and puts them into the practices and behaviors of effective executives. Anybody can learn to be effective. This book does a great job in helping you implement the right things to lead well.

A Great Summer Snack – Boiled Peanuts

I grew up eating boiled peanuts after a day on the lake at my grandparent’s house in Alabama. Boiled peanuts are raw, unroasted peanuts that are boiled for a long time. They are best when they are salty. When I was in the military, I spent a lot of time in Dothan, Al, which is known as the peanut capital of the world. If you’ve never had them, they may come across as slimy at first. But once you get used to them, it’s hard to pass them up. My favorite place to buy them is from somebody boiling them on the side of the road. If you’re in the Sugar Hill area, swing by McEver and Lights Ferry to find some of the best!

A Show My Wife is Addicted to – Live PD

Laura loves watching Live PD on the weekends. The show airs live on A&E most weekends. The show follows police officers in real-time using handheld cameras and dash cams. This show gives you a glimpse into the word of some of the country’s busiest police forces and it is strangely addictive. Give it a try and if you get sucked in, just blame my wife.

What would you add to the list?

What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

Let’s change the world together!