A Book I’m Reading: Respectable Sins

From Amazon:

What Ever Happened to Sin? Jerry Bridges helps us confront the sins we tolerate.

The Christian journey is a life of practiced godliness, but too often we overlook or minimize sins that, while corrosive and destructive to ourselves and those around us, are overshadowed by more flashy, headline-grabbing sins.

A Show I’m Watching: Inside Bill’s Brain

This is a really interesting show. This three-part documentary tells Bill Gates’ life story, in-depth and unfiltered, as he pursues unique solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems. It is fascinating to get inside Bill’s head!

A Resturant I’m Enjoying: Central City Tavern in Sugar Hill

Central City Tavern is one of the new restaurants in downtown Sugar Hill and its food is great!  The menu has everything from healthy (giant) salads to Chilli Dogs and fried Oreos! Yesterday I had the CCT Old Fashioned with fries. This is one of the best restaurant burgers I’ve had. Swing by and give it a try!

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

A true believer is at peace with God and at war with sin.

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

A Book I’m Reading: You Can’t Know It All

From Amazon:

Today’s organizations are packed full of experts in every area from marketing to risk to sales to IT. Many of these people are also leaders, heading teams or large departments. They are followed because they know more than the rest of their group. They are followed because of their credibility as experts.

The toughest transition in business comes when expert leaders are asked to move beyond their expertise and lead a less homogenous group. Suddenly, experts face a new set of problems. They struggle to gain basic competence in dozens of areas without having to become the expert in every aspect. In Wanda Wallace’s experience, this move—from expert leader to a broader kind of authority—requires a new mindset about how to lead.

Wallace explains what few people understand—how to add value as a leader when you’re dealing with an ever growing set of responsibilities over which you have little detailed knowledge. The work you do and the way you interact with people must also change. Managing now requires a light touch and a different approach to delegation. Above all, managing is about recognizing that while you may not do all the work of your team, you must enable the team to do the work. In this world, trust becomes essential.

In You Can’t Know It All, Wallace presents the coaching model she has developed to address the challenges of this transition. She offers strategies for individuals to navigate their new roles and learn to combine their expertise with their leadership responsibilities. She gives essential advice on the fundamental change in mind-set that this requires.

This invaluable handbook offers novice and experienced managers alike insights into their own careers, explains why their star performers may suddenly be floundering, and provides essential tools for guiding development.

A Resource I’m Excited About: Power Routines

Pastor Chuck has developed a great resource in Power Routines. Each edition is A 30 day guided tour in the habits of gratitude, scripture reading, journaling, and prayer. This tool will help you build a powerful routine that can change the trajectory of your life. In just 20 minutes each day, you can build a new way to live in Heaven-sent peace, power, and wisdom.

A Resturant I’m Enjoying: Crossroads in Flowery Branch

Crossroads is a local favorite. Their menu has a little bit of everything. Laura loves ordering their shrimp salsa as a meal. I like their lemon pepper chicken with sweet potato waffle fries and green beans. If you’re in the area, I’d encourage you to give Crossroads a try.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

Some men see things as they are and say, “Why?” I dream of things that never were, and say, “Why not?” — George Bernard Shaw

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

A Book I’m Reading – Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller

From Amazon:

“The Bible tells us that the human heart is an “idol-factory,” taking good things and making them into idols that drive us. In Counterfeit Gods, Keller applies his trademark approach to show us how a proper understanding of the Bible reveals the unvarnished truth about societal ideals and our own hearts. This powerful message will cement Keller’s reputation as a critical thinker and pastor, and comes at a crucial time-for both the faithful and the skeptical.”

My Favorite Jerky – Make’n’ Bacon Jerky

My friend, David Shaffer, makes incredible candied bacon jerky! He makes them in small batches from all-natural bacon. My current favorite flavor is Brown Sugar Mustard. Want to order some of this goodness? Drop them an email here.

An Album I’m Listening To – Atlas: Enneagram by Sleeping at Last

Sleeping at Last can be heard on many popular TV shows and movies. Ryan O’Neal, the voice behind the music, recently released an album written from the perspective of each Enneagram number. It’s beautiful music with powerful lyrics.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

We tend to have full days but hollow lives.

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

A Book I’m reading: Beyond Blood

In late October, CARE for AIDS founders Duncan Kimani, Cornel Onyango, and Justin T. Miller will release Beyond Blood, the story of the relationships behind the creation of CARE for AIDS. These are incredible men of God and I’m honored to call them friends. 

Sugar Hill Church has partnered with CARE for AIDS for a number of years. Our partnership allows has helped hundreds of clients and their families live beyond HIV/AIDS. We are privileged to link up with Pastor Samuel and the Nyalenda Baptist Church in Kisumu City, Kenya.

To celebrate the book release, the three will be traveling to a limited number of U.S. cities to discuss the book as well as what CARE for AIDS has become in the intervening years.

On the evening of October 11th, join the authors at Trinity Anglican Church to celebrate the release of the book and gain new insights as to how the book, as well as CARE for AIDS, came about.

Each ticket comes with a pre-release copy of Beyond Blood as well as a chance to meet and interact with the authors. All proceeds from the evening will benefit CARE for AIDS‘ mission to empower HIV+ individuals in East Africa to live a Life Beyond AIDS.

Important Links:

Preorder the book here.
Join the launch team here.
Get tickets to the Atlanta book launch celebration here.

Another Book I’m Reading: Questions are the Answer

When I first became a “leader” by title, I thought leadership required having all the answers. I’ve learned that infusing leadership with questions is a powerful way to grow personally and develop my team. 

Spending just four minutes intensley generating questions gives most leaders a way to reframe their challendges.” — Hal Gregersen

An App I’m Using: SleepWatch

Study after study shows that getting adequate sleep is essential for a healthy life. Restful sleep is essential for focus and success. SleepWatch is an app on my phone and watch that tracks my sleep. It tells me how long it took me to fall asleep, how restful my sleep was, and how close I am to reaching my goal amount of sleep. The app uses the data to make intelligent recommendations on how to get the most out of my sleep. It really is fascinating.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

Direction, not intention, determines destination.” — Andy Stanley

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