Happy New Year to All! I have just one simple thought for the new year...

When I think about what is important in all of my relationships old and new and how I might make all of those relationships stronger this year.  The word that pops into my mind is truth.  A simple value that each of us welcome.  Lets demand it of ourselves, our friends and neighbors and especially our representatives in Washington this year.  Let's be truth seekers!

God bless you and Happy New Year!

Mark

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My family and I had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

I remember saying I would tell you about the recent concert trips and so I'll continue with my trip to Garner NC.  Garner is a small town out side of Raleigh, NC.  A lovely community full of kind forward thinking people.  Why do I say that?  Well, while other areas seems to be cutting back on funding for the arts Garner is carving out a niche for themselves as an arts presenter.  This year Garner is starting a concert series where artists can come and share their experiences and talents.  I was the opening act for their 2010-2011 season. 

We had a blast!  I normally take my MD with me where ever I perform.  However, on this trip I decided to take the suggestion of my good friend, Tim Stevens, and use a wonderful accompanist right there in the town of Garner, Mr. McCrae Hardy.  I had previously had the pleasure to work with McCrae when he was the musical director for the NC Theatre.  Though we had never worked together in this capacity the show was a huge success!  I would recommend this venue and this accompanist to any performer.

Talk to you soon!

God Bless you!

Mark

Some concerts are just special... as a performer, you intend for all of your performances to be special...some just stand out...

The past two weekends are such performances.  The weekend of 12/3,4,5 started off with and for some our favorite people.  Friday 12/3 was the annual fundraiser for our favorite charity, The Irish and American Physically Challenged Youth Team, where Christy and I performed with legendary Irish song writer/entertainer Phil Coulter and his wife Geraldine Brannigan and Ron and Barbara Sharpe and their lovely daughter Sam. 

The evening is always very special because the people in the room are special.  They are there for one reason.  That reason is to show their love and care for the children supported by the charity.  If God has put it on your heart this year to give some of your extra blessings to charitable organizations, this is the charity for you.  The money given goes 100% to direct care for the kids.  You can donate at: http://www.pcirishteam.org/.  What a  great evening!

God Bless you!

Mark

Hey everyone...I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. I find that the more I am in the Christmas spirit the better I feel...

After all what is "the Christmas spirit" all about.  It's about giving isn't it?  It's about Love.  Most of all, for me, it is about the birth of Christ.  But, getting back to the spirit of Christmas, perhaps we might think about expanding the Christmas spirit to the rest of the year.  What if we all make a conscious choice to do more giving during the rest of the year instead of just at the special times.  Just a thought.

I have had some wonderful concert experiences this month.  Over the next few days I will share those experiences with you and let you know what on the horizon.. Be well!

God Bless You.

Mark

Did everyone survive Thanksgiving? Anyone over eat? How about Black Friday? Anyone get hurt shopping?

Silly questions perhaps, but, valid when you put it into perspective with what we view as normal behavior for our society.  We as a nation are so blessed.  We walk around in utter bliss most of the time and we are so used to it we we don't even recognize it.  We tend to view things that are luxuries or earned by hard work in almost every other society as things to which we are entitled.

I think it is important from this point forward to pay more attention to and build a stronger relationship with our sovereign God.  We also need to get involved in the things in which the government is involved.  We can no longer trust that the officials we elect will always have our best interest at heart.

We had a move toward real change this past election day.  I think it was a positive reaction to the garbage that has been stuffed down our throats by the government and the media, which in my opinion are one and the same, for many years.

I don't think that we are entitled to health care.  I don't think we are entitled to home ownership.  I don't think we are entitled to handouts, or, bailouts.  We are entitled to LIFE, LIBERTY and the, "Pursuit," of HAPPINESS!  We are entitled to these things because GOD ordained it!

Further, we need to educate ourselves about the, "progressive movement,"in this country.  In my humble opinion this movement is what has gotten this country to the state in which we find ourselves.  THE RAT RACE.  Everyone needs to understand what the, "progressive movement," is and what can be done in order to stop it.  More to come on this topic.

God Bless You!

Mark

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that all of you have a blessed day. I am thankful for all of you and hope that what I write here on this blog are things that you look forward to reading.

I am thankful for my whole family especially for my beautiful wife and lovely daughters.  I am thankful that I live in a free country.  I am thankful for the men and women of our armed forces that help to keep us a free nation.  I am thankful for the gifts God has given me.  I am thankful for the endless opportunity I get to share my gifts.  I am thankful for life and love and the gift to choose to worship a sovereign God.

What are you thankful for?  Write and tell me.  And make sure you take the time to tell all of those you love how grateful you are for them.

God Bless You!

Mark

I continue to lean from my favorite daily devotional book, "My Utmost For His Highest," by Oswald Chambers...

Todays message was about protecting your disposition or state of mind.  Take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously."  (Malachi 2:16)  I've spoken about state of mind issues before.  The mind is a powerful tool.  We must take negative thought's, whether about ourselves or others, captive and find a way to get rid of them.  Why?  Well, if we allow our minds to harbor negative thoughts, in essence they are the enemy that distracts us from God.   If our focus is not on Him, "faith," is of no value.

I hope you have a Great Day!

God Bless You!

Mark

Hello everyone! Had a great time in San Diego this past weekend. The weather was incredible and the concerts were very well attended and enjoyed...

The Show with the San Diego Symphony was Marvin does Marvin.  Therefore, I was asked to come and sing some of Marvin's songs.  One might think that they would be the songs everyone knows.  Not the case.  I was there to sing as Marvin calls it, "Three Songs I love that only three people know." The show was a big hit and so was the medley.

I also got to sing one of the greatest theatre songs ever written, The Soliloquy, from Carousel.  I love to sing that song and the audience really seems to like my rendition of it as well.  I find something new in the song each time I perform it.  Which is supposed to happen, I think, however, it always thrills and surprises me.  The team of Rodgers and Hammerstein were really quite remarkable.

I have a lot of things coming up in December I hope you check out my new website and follow my schedule.  I'll be in NC then WV, then MD before I come back home to do some special Christmas worship services at my church, The Hawthorne Gospel Church.  Hope to see you somewhere!

God Bless You!

Mark

Spiritual health is something that you have to work on every day. The great thing about that is that the more you work on it the better you get at working on it...

I know, for me, it used to be hard to find the time.  I would fill my day with the things that I thought were necessary for my success.  I still try to accomplish those necessary things, however, now, the one thing that I find is most crucial for my success is my relationship with and my attention to God.

The stressful elements of my day are much easier to cope with once I have spent some time in His presence finding out where He wants my focus.  Then I can orderly outline the tasks or chores or events that must take place to fulfill the requirements put on me by my boss or my wife or my kids which in my case are all one in the same.  The more time one spends seeking His kingdom the better ones life will be.

Matthew 6:33 tells us "...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..."

God Bless You!

Mark

Wow, I hope the countries on the presidents itinerary are as smart as those who voted to change the direction in our country last week...

Not even a week has passed and our Chief executive is out on the road patting himself on the back again.  He's telling India how he can help them create jobs.  What a laugh!  He is also telling how he has been making our government more transparent.  I hurt myself rolling on the floor in a giggle fit about that statement.  Perhaps he believes what he is saying, however, nothing could be farther from the truth.  How can anyone come to those conclusions looking at the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.   Oh well!

I continue to do work on my website.  Make sure you check it out to see when I'm coming to your area.  As I make changes all suggestions are welcome.  Not that I'm going to take all of them, but, they are welcome.  Peace!

God Bless You!

Mark

Everyone! Get out and Vote! Today is the day...

...we take back control of the direction of this country.  Today is the day that we as citizens of the US start putting this country back in the hands of the people.

God Bless You and God Bless the United State of America!

Mark

Don't forget to vote!

Morning everyone,

I hope the weekend was a good one.  Did everyone get enough Halloween candy?  There didn't seem to be as many trick or treaters out this year.  It was a bit chilly here in NJ.  We made a big pot-o-chili and served it with hot dogs and cider for the families in our neighborhood.  Thanks to all who came and contributed to the festivities.

Today I just want to remind everyone to make sure you get out and vote tomorrow.  I'll probably remind you again in the morning.  I was talking with my neighbors last night and the one thing that seems to be on every ones mind is the direction of the country.  In the short run the only way any of us can make a difference in the direction is to vote and encourage our friends to vote.  Looking at the bigger picture we must educate ourselves on the processes of the government.  When you know the steps that need to be taken to attempt to fix what you perceive as the problems you can move forward in confidence.

I, for one, think that the problem is the government itself!  The size of it.  The direction of it.  And most of all, those holding the positions of power in it!  They are only thinking of themselves!  They are not listening to the people who put them there.  In my humble opinion the only way to change the course of this nation is to get rid of the whole lot of em'!  Get rid of anyone who has served more than 2 terms.  

I know this will take several election cycles, however, I feel this is necessary in order to get back to the fundamentals of the constitution the way our founders intended.  I also know that people don't like to talk about politics.  Folks, that is at least part of the problem!  How can we get and stay involved (which is necessary in order to make change) if we would rather not talk about it.  We must talk about it!

Enough from the soup box.  Get out and vote.  Pray for our leaders moving forward and talk to your friends about how you, "individually," can help in the process.  I love this country!  Let's not loose it!

God Bless You!

Mark

I am honored that you have chosen to follow me and, or, keep in touch with me. Thanks for your loyalty and your friendship...

Hey everyone,

I was on my facebook account yesterday and I am so happy to see so many good friends old and new.   I hope that a lot of you have been following this blog.  Some of you have known me for 40 years.  Some for 20 years and some for 2 years.  Some of you I have not even met.  I am honored that you have chosen to follow me and, or, keep in touch with me.  Thanks for your loyalty and your friendship.

I rarely talk about, or, point my readers to anyone or anything specific, especially when it comes to politics, or, how to live your life.  Those things are personal choices.  However, I think that I am going to start.  The world could use some good sound advise every now and then.  Not that I feel I alone am the man for that job, however, I feel that what I choose to read and those I choose to listen to are a darn site better than those attempting to ruin the greatest county and system the world has ever know.

I make it a point everyday to watch a specific TV program.  No it's not THE VIEW.  The show is on the FOX NEWS NETWORK at 5 PM in the NY area.  The show is THE GLENN BECK Show.  I have been watching him for about 10 months.  I started watching because I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about.  You have to understand that within the liberal NY area which I live, the town of Ridgewood, NJ, is one of the more conservative towns overall.

Many of you who have known me for more than 20 years probably find it hard to believe that I would consider myself a conservative.  Those who know me less than 15 years would find it hard to believe I was anything other than conservative.  I want you to know, I know, that's confusing.  So for those who have not spent any time around me lately I have changed.  I have grown up.  I have children.  I am a conservative.  There I said it!

God Bless You All!

Mark

Hello everyone,

I wanted to start off the day with a joke about how I understand what Michelle Obama meant when she said she was, " finally, for the first time proud to be an American."  But, honestly, I did not know what she was talking about.  However, if she was saying that she didn't like what this country has turned into, I must agree.  I don't like what this country has turned into either.

I don't like a place where only the opinion of a totally corrupt government and the ungodly of society counts and the opinion of the godly people count for nothing.  I don't like a place where the mainstream media leans so far "left" that they cannot keep the government in check like they are supposed to do.  I don't like a place where TV talk show hosts can lash out and call people names because they are so stupid themselves that they cannot have an open debate about the direction of the country.

It's absolutely sickening that the moral backbone of the Godly majority of this society is being deteriorated by the views of the Godless minority.  If it wasn't clear in the past that this country is going to hell in a hand basket it surely is clear now!  The question is, what are we going to do about it!

Stand up people!  It's past time to take action people!  Pray for our leaders!  Pray that they will hear the still small voice of God as He calls.  Pray that the will of God and the godly will be done!  Pray that the power of Almighty God will be unleashed on the ungodly and they will see His light and do His will!  Pray that the citizens of this country will vote for the godly person of character.  Pray that the godly principled individual will be elected and will govern based on the will of God and the Godly people of this great nation.

Unfortunately, prayer is only the beginning.  We must take action, "in faith," on that prayer and get out and do all we can do to make these prayers come to fruition.  Everyone must spread the word of Gods great love for his people.

God Bless You!

Mark

I'm tired of...

I am getting so tired of all the political coverage by the media.  It is coming from every angle and for the most part seems very negative as usual.  The finger pointing and blame game is one thing that will not change until we decide, as a people, not to pay any attention.  The left, in my opinion, is the worst culprit though the right has not been much better.  There in lies the problem in my opinion.  Neither parties members are worth our spending time and energy on.  We need to clean house!

The only way we can get this country back on track is by getting rid of the incumbents in the House and the Senate.  It is our fault for not paying enough attention to the process for such a long lime, however, we can not wait any longer to fix this problem of government corruption.  We the people must stand up and take responsibility for our mistakes and strive to elect individual who are bound by the Constitution and willing to put the needs of the people above their individual needs.

There are only 7 days left to rally your friends and neighbors.  We must make every effort to get God respecting individuals out to vote.  It is vital that we vote responsibly and at least bring the two bodies of the legislative branch of our government back into a conservative majority.

God Bl;ess You!

Mark

Hey everyone,

I hope you had a great weekend!  The end of this past week was as beautiful as last week was ugly.  This week, the weather man says, will be like Indian summer.  His mouth to Gods ears!  That's great for me because I planted grass seed.  The trees were in, "full on," color change this this weekend too.  On the way to church we saw a tree that was such a bright red/orange it looked like it was on fire!

I've said it before, but, there is a lot to be said for the change of seasons.  Changes brings new ideas.  Of course we all have worked hard to get our kids in to the school mode and hopefully they are all doing well.  But, we must not forget that fall can represent a change for adults as well.  As the kids settle into their studies we can also renew our desire to learn more about ourselves and what makes us tick.

I have taken up a study of the new testament book of Hebrews.  If you are new to bible study this might not be a place to start, however, I am finding it very interesting to learn more about how the new Christians of that time were dealing with the persecution of the church.

We modern humans, for whatever reason, need to feel like we are moving forward or progressing.  All too often we get caught up in the material things of this world.  The bigger home the better car the easier lifestyle.  I think we miss the point in our progression.  I think that sometimes we need to delve deeper inside to progress in our understanding of what God intended as opposed to what we want.  It is a difficult balance.

One of my mentors Kurt Mortensen said "we are subjected to over a million marketing messages a day."  No small wonder we can't hear what God wants us to hear.  The only way I can make it work is to make sure I spend time reading Gods word.  This, along with praying and listening for Gods answers, helps me to know that I am on the right track.  It makes the change of the season a joy!

God Bless You!

Mark

Me again!

I hope everyone reading is well!  I had a very busy week last week that went through the weekend.  Christy and I along with Laurie Gayle Stephenson sang a concert to benefit the Christian Health Care Center and The Eastern Christian School on Thursday.  As you may recall Thursday was the day of the rain storm.  The performance was in a tent.  Need I say more?  Still, I believe, a good time was had by all. 

Friday I did something out of the ordinary.  I sang at a wedding.  I stopped singing at weddings some time ago though because they conflicted with other work.  I forgot how much fun they are and how much joy is expressed in such a short period of time.  I might be giving thought to working a few into my schedule again.

Saturday took me to St Louis, MO.  That evening Marvin Hamlisch and I performed on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO., a lovely new theatre, The Bezemes Family Theatre, in the Scheidegger Center For The Performing Arts.  http://www.lindenwood.edu/center/familyTheater.asp  We had a blast and I met some of the nicest people.  Anne Runolffson was with us that evening.  It's always nice to see and work with Anne.

Sunday morning around 4 AM I awakened to fly to Chicago and then on to San Francisco.  It was a rainy and dank day.  The kind that's good for resting and reading a good book.  That evening Marvin and I along with Maria Friedman re-opened the Venetian Room in the Fairmont Hotel to a sold out crowd and a standing ovation.  The Show was presented and produced by the Bay Area Cabaret.  http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco/Articles/ReferenceMaterial/BayAreaCabaret.htm  The show ended around 9 PM and I was on a red-eye home by 10:30 PM.

I missed my wife and kids while I was gone, but then, that has been the constant drawback to being a performer.  I pray and accept all prayers that my schedule will always be filled with wonderful work like this and I pray the same for all of you.  I endeavor to strive to represent myself and my Lord in all that I do.  Drop me a note and say hi every once and a while.  All the best!

God Bless You!

Mark

Election Day is getting close.

We only have about three weeks before we get to vote again!  Hurray!  I'm not excited or anything.  I just want all who get the opportunity to make a difference take advantage of that opportunity!  Make sure you are properly vetting the candidates!  Be certain that you read and understand their platforms!  Don't just go blindly vote for change like so many people did in 2008.  Look where that got us!

We are all responsible for the representatives we elect.  We must elect people who know the constitution!  We must elect strong people who, "know," who they are!  People who will not be swayed by the special interest groups and the lobby's!  We must take responsibility to get this country back on the right track!

Remember God has all the answers!  Pray for our leaders!  Pray for the candidates!  Pray for guidance!

God bless you!

Mark

Hello Everyone!

Today I want to continue on the same basic subject as the last blog on Wednesday.  I was talking about prayer and how it helps me to keep focused through the day so I don't feel as though I am always in catch-up mode.  I think it is worth saying that though God is always with us and we like to think that He control's our thoughts, that is not the case.  Remember we have to deal with the element of free will.

Each of us has two voices in our heads and we need to learn to control those voices.  One is a positive or inspirational voice. The other is a negative or critical voice.   Often I find that, depending on how much catching up I have to do, I let that critical voice slip in and say, "you'll never get this done, you'll never catch up."  This is the time we must immediately turn down the volume of the critical and turn up the volume of the inspirational that says, "You can do it, one step at a time, prioritise, Gods in control." 

I find that it is easier for me to control the voices if I have taken time to spend with God.  We were put here to praise and worship and enjoy Him.  He wants to spend time with us each day.  He wants to be the, "Go To," guy in our lives!  As I get used to meeting with Him on a regular basis, I find that it is easier to run things past him throughout the day. 

The little voice stuff is very helpful to me.  It would probably be helpful to you as well.  I'll talk more about that another time.  If you want to hear more things like this let me know.  I pick a lot of stuff up from one of my mentors Robert Allen. 

God Bless You!

Mark

Catching up...

Hello everyone.  I hope you are all well and enjoying the turn of the season.  Here in the northeast it is going to change whether we want it to or not, so, might as well embrace it!  There is always a lot to deal with when the seasons changes.  I often find myself trying to catch up.  It is even worse when I go out of town for several days.  When I return there is so much on my plate I have struggles getting organized.

I find that I live in a constant stage of "catching up" these days.  It affects every area of my life.  For instance I don't feel comfortable sitting down to blog if I have other "more important" things to do.  To some degree this needs to change.  Because I love to write about things that mean something to me.  And I know I have a lot to share.  Hopefully, some of the things I share are motivating others to take a good look at the world around them and figure out ways that they can make a change.

The one thing that is constant for me these days is the time I spend in prayer.  At some point in my day, usually in the morning, after the kids Bible lesson and after they go to school I spend time with my creator.  Finding time to spend with God helps me to get and stay in the, "right," frame of mind.  From that point it is easier for me to see what is important.  Spending time with God puts my priorities in place.  It was not always this way.  I didn't always find the time.  However, now, spending time with God, is the best change I ever made!  It is also the most important time I spend every day!  It helps me stay caught up.

God Bless You!

See ya soon,

Mark

Thanks!

Just wanted to drop a quick note to everyone to say thanks for your prayers today!  I felt your energy!  The audition went exceptionally well in my opinion.  I did find out that the audition was for future replacements instead of immediate.  So, the chances that I will hear anything in the near future are remote.  However, the Phantom company now knows that I am ready when they need me.

Off to a concert in Lexington Kentucky this weekend.  Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks again.  I feel the Love!

God Bless you!

Mark

Hello everyone....

Hope you are all having a great day!  Today I'd like to speak about praying and asking for prayer.  I did a concert last weekend, which went great by the way, and asked for prayer for a particular audition I have coming up tomorrow, Thursday 9/30, around 4 PM.  I had to stop and think about what I wanted people to pray.   Do I want to have a folks pray for me to get the job?  Or, that I have a great audition.  Or, what?

These days and times I think that prayer is very important.  Off the top of my head I can't think of when prayer wasn't important, but now, with so many illnesses, the economy in a rut, crooked politicians and radical special interest groups, "we the people", seem to be getting attacked from every angle.

I think the statement, "be careful what you pray for," is important as well!  As we all know some prayers are best left unanswered.  I always ask others to pray for Gods will in any given situation.  And that's what I decided to ask regarding the audition.  That way we can be sure that what we are praying for is in line with what God is doing in a persons life.

When I'm praying I always make sure to praise God for His love and mercy and especially His Grace.  He is worthy of our praise!  In fact I don't know anyone more worthy!

God Bless You!

Mark

P.S.  My audition is for the Phantom Of The Opera.

Concerned...

The more I listen to the radio, read the news paper, or, watch TV the more concerned I am about the state of this country.  I have never thought of myself as a strict right wing conservative, however, I hold a great deal of conservative views.  When I was younger I didn't always do the right thing.  I know that everyone of you out there are scratching your heads wondering.  Half of you are saying, "tell me something I don't know".  And the other half, like my mom, are saying, "really"?  One thing is for sure you are all saying, "where is he going with this"?

Our country has lost it's way.  It has always been taken for granted that the more conservative of us have been the voice of reason.  Most of us conservatives get our values from the Bible!  This country was founded on those Judeo Christian principles.  Our founders were escaping the tyranny that was being forced on them from an oppressive ruling class.  Hello!  What do you think is going on now?

Our "government of, for and by the people", has slowly, but, progressively been molded into a "governing class of people," called politicians.  They live in their own little bubble and their sole interest is power.  They spend more than half their time trying to get themselves re-elected!

The recent laws that have been jammed down our throats should be enough proof for anyone to determine that we have to make meaningful changes to our political system NOW!  Comments by our current speaker of the house like, "We have to pass the bill to know what 's in the bill in my opinion are grounds for impeachment!  Are you kidding me!  Our liberal congress passed that bill without even reading it!!  For crying out loud!  Wake up, people!  We are only now finding out what is in that piece of drek!

My point is this.  We have not been doing the right thing!  We have not been getting involved in the process to weed out those who have radical views of society.  The current administration is listening to only those who support that radical view.  We cannot rely on the media of this country to tell us the truth.  The mainstream media are part of the problem not the solution.  We as a country need to make sure we get back to the principles that made this country great!  We need to vet and vote in representatives that are guided by the wisdom of God.  Get involved!

God Bless You!

Mark

Service

I think one of the most misunderstood concepts in the US and maybe the world today is service.  Too many people want to be waited on hand and foot.  The society in which we currently exist is still seemingly stuck in the "me" mode.  Yet there are many books and I recall at least one of my mentors saying the way to get what you want is to help others get what they want.  The most widely published book ever, "The Bible," says we are to be about the business of washing peoples feet.  I think we all need to wash some feet if we expect to expedite the process of getting what we want.

God Bless you!

Mark

Sharing...

Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege to share my, "testimony."  It was a very freeing exercise that I can't wait to do again.  As you may, or, may not know, I regularly do concerts and share stories about my career.  I also try to weave in current events and personal life experiences.  The "testimony" takes the experience of sharing to a whole new level.  If any of you get the chance I suggest you take it.  In fact I would look for the opportunity.

We all have areas of our lives that we keep hidden.  There are a variety of reasons for this behavior.  We are embarrassed, we don't think it's important, or, we feel some things are no one else's business.  All valid reasons in the short run.  However, in the long run those "things" that we keep hidden nag at our conscience and sub-conscience.  Eventually, if we let them, they can cause emotional damage to ourselves and others and our relationship with God.

Honesty is always the best policy with ourselves and with everyone else.  Especially with our God who knows it all anyway!  Why try to hide it?  Now, I'm not saying that we should all run out and turn on the fire hose of our deepest darkest secrets.  Please, control yourselves!  But, I think you will find it freeing to find a good friend, who will listen, as you express the things that come up once in a while.  That friend might need to share as well.

God Bless You!

Mark

Help Me Help you...

Perhaps the title should be "How Do We Help Ourselves."  I've spoken on and off about my desire to be more involved in the political atmosphere of our nation.  Not directly as a candidate, but, as an individual who has the duty to pay attention to what the government is doing with the money they take from me each day.  I want to speak about the necessity for each of us to get better educated and informed about the political process.

My wife Christy and I have had the opportunity to be invited to a number of different parties and political gatherings in Washington, DC over the years and we find it rather amusing.  Most of these people we find to be very nice to us.  However, none, or, very few know or take time to get to know us.  Most are preoccupied with their own agenda.  I understand.  They are very busy and important people.   

They come to the capital city under the auspice of helping the world and making a difference and I really believe that they believe they are doing what is right.  The problem is they live in their own little world.  A, "bubble," really, totally and utterly detached from the real world. This is a big problem! 

I am very good at recognising this problem.  I have spent a good deal of time sitting down in one city or another while performing different theatre productions.  It's called Fantasy Land.  You're given an expense account, so, your salary goes into the bank.  Which creates a fantasy land of sorts.  You don't have an endless amout mind you, but, You're not spending your own money.  Get the picture?

The forefathers of this great nation left us with a document, "The Constitution," that for the first 130 years or so was very successful at what it was intended to do.  Which is, to provide a system for us to use to govern ourselves.  We had tremendous and explosive growth.  Sometime in the early 1900's this wonderful document started to be amended in ways that the forefathers of our nation never intended. 

Through unnecessary legislation we were introduced to two elements that our forefathers knew would be the beginning of the end of our nation as a republic.  First is the, "professional politician," and second is the "special interest group, " or, lobby's, which represent the corporations. They knew that too much power in the wrong hands was not good.  And just look at our country today.   Look at the fall out we are experiencing from not being involved.

I believe that we as a nation are on the wrong road.  I believe, for much too long a time, we have allowed ourselves to be governed by politicians who have their own interests, or, that of their party and not our interests at heart.  How much longer do you think we can exist as a nation letting politicians, minority groups and Corporations determine our future.  I, unfortunately, don't feel we have very long. 

I urge you to get involved and educate yourselves on the political process.  Know who is running in your district.  Take time to find out about their platform and what they stand for.  Support and vote for people that have your Christian values!

God Bless You!

Mark

Be thankful!

Happy New Year to all of my Jewish readers! 

I woke up praising God this morning, receiting the 23 Psalm, generally feeling good about what the day held in store.  My children are thankful for the extra day off from school due to the Jewish New Year?  I'm thankful for my good health, my beautiful wife, my incredible kids, my family and friends and the many gifts that God has seen fit to give me.  I am most thankful though for the awesome honor it is to be able to praise and worship and be in relationship with the God of all creation!

I had a conversation with my wife this morning where she reminded me that when ever I need to change my mood all I need do is go to my knees and thank God for all of the wonderful things He has given me.  It's just that simple!  Now, that doesn't mean that what put me in a bad mood has gone away. It does however put me in the correct "frame of mind" to deal with the issue.  Which  is almost always the problem.

I think this is a great lesson for perhaps everyone everyday.  We need to be thankful no matter the situation.  These days, with everything we have to manage, it's easy to find ourselves in a less than positive mood.  I suggest that we take a moment to be thankful for where we are and what we have accomplished to get here.  Then, from this place of thankfullness we can ask for God's blessings on our future goals and desires.

God Bless You!

Best!

Mark

First day of school....

First day of school here in Ridgewood, NJ.  Hope everyone had a great Labor Day end of summer celebration!  We were in NC over the weekend visiting our friends the Gilfillans who moved away over the summer.  For the past several years had all walked to school together on the first day.  The neighborhood kids all walked to school again this year, but, we all missed the Gilfillans.

It is always nice to start the school year off.  The kids are all excited to see their friends and meet their teachers for the first time.  This year was no exception.  All the parents are glad to be getting their free time back that disappears during summer break.  There is a real renewing and refocusing of energy going on in everyone.

Renewing the mind is a great thing.  I find myself needing to renew my mind quite often these days.  I also find that the more often I renew the easier it is to focus on the tasks of the day.  In these very busy times I try to spend some time each day on renewing my spirit and focusing on the things that are most important.  I encourage everyone to give it a try and let me know if it helps.

Talk to you soon!

Mark

Always learning...

I was listening to one of my mentors speaking about how to have unshakable confidence the other day and felt I must share this information.  The subject was interesting and very pertinent to my own life as I step out on stage, once in a while, feeling unsure of material or unsure of the best way to present the material that I know will be a blessing to others.  I also felt I knew most of what he was saying and that the information might be repetitive for me, but, decided I would listen and see if I could pick up a pointer or two.  I'm glad I did, for, the class was very enlightening.

The class really became about how to teach others to have unshakable confidence.  I am going to attempt to explain how it works, so, you can teach it to others.  Einstein said that if you can't make a 6 year old understand what you are explaining you don't understand it yourself.  I'm not even going to attempt that exercise, but, since most of my readers are older than 6, I think I can do this.  So, here goes.

Just to let you know, this is going to take several blog posts.  Confidence is something we all need to survive in this dog eat dog world.  It involves the ego.  We all know we need a strong sense of self the issue is how much is too much and what is our "source" of self.  If we know that God created us in His image the rest falls into place very easily.  However, if God is not our "source," it's a bit more difficult.  

There are two kinds of confidence one is called "skill" confidence and the other is called "instant" confidence.  Skill confidence comes from spending endless hours (somewhere around 10K) perfecting a skill until we could be considered and expert on the chosen subject.  Instant confidence and how to create it  will be discussed next time.  Have a great day!

God Bless you!

Mark  

Joy!

I think I could take my lesson each day from a book that was written many years ago by a man named Oswald Chambers.  His book, "My Utmost For His Highest,"is a guide book as to how each of us can honor God.  Each time I read it, I learn something!  A feeling, by the way, that never gets old.

Today's lesson was on joy.  As Mr. Chambers put it, "joy is not to be confused with happiness, the joy of Jesus refers to the total and absolute self-sacrifice and surrender to the will of His Father."  "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." Hebrews 12:2

Joy is a gift from God!  My joy seems to come in several ways these days.  The first is from watching my children grow and learn.  Another is from using the gifts that God has given me to bring joy to others through my singing and acting abilities.  I am also getting great joy from sharing my life experiences here with you.  The real trick, however, is not to let life's circumstances choke out the joy.

Have a great day!

Mark


"The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing." Oswald Chambers

What a day!

Last Friday I loaded my family in the car and drove to Washington, DC.  I have a brother who lives in the area and last week I called to say hello and see what he was doing on Saturday 8/28/10.  He said he was thinking about going to the Restoring Honor Rally as his son Eugene was a Glen Beck Fan.  I said, "well, that's what I am calling about, I am going to bring my family down to that rally".  Ya see, I'm a Glen Beck Fan as well!  I attended the historic rally on Saturday 8/28/10.  It was magical!

It was a beautiful day!  The sun shone bright with not a cloud in the sky.  I'm guessing, but, I would say there were 500K people there.  Everyone was there for one reason.  We all wanted to show support for the principles expressed in our constitution, "Firm reliance on Divine Providence."  We must all know what we believe in and stand firm for that belief.  We were all given our rights by God!  We must all stand up for our rights!

God Bless you!

Mark

Good, helpful and loving communication...

Talking about family communication today.  My wife and kids were away last week.  They had a nice visit with the Grand mama and Zayde.  I was unable to go.  So, the only way to get the play by play was from the daily phone conversations.  That way I could feel like I was there. 

Daily communication among family members, when you are together, is just as important and probably even more so due to the hectic schedules we all keep.  Mom's, dad's and kids tend to run off to their respective events and often don't have/take time to explain until each are running out the door.  It's only then, that you find that the individual schedules don't gibe, or, have changed ever so slightly making it necessary for someones schedule to adjust and make it all work.  Then of course depending on the importance of the events scheduled someone has to deal with the adjustment and absorb the feelings connected with the changes. 

Here is where constant communication with God is crucial.  We need to be able to go directly to that place where we ask Gods help in dealing with the possible feelings connected with the changes.  A constant connection to and a good relationship with God allows us to remain calm and focused on the necessary steps to achieve and maintain good, helpful and loving communication. As a Christian our walk must be a moment by moment connection with Christ until it becomes our nature.

God Bless You!

Mark

I'm tired of...

I'm tired of _________.  One could almost fill in the blank with anything.  Each of us could have a slightly different choice depending on our mood each day.  The object then becomes how long am I going to let whatever is bothering me, at this moment, effect my mood?  The answer, of course, is as little time as possible.  One of my mentors Kurt Mortensen says that "mind set" is the key to almost everything.  That is true in this instance as well.  We need to be in control of what we are thinking at all times.  Otherwise we tend to waste time thinking about things that we can't do anything about.  So, we need to take our thoughts captive and learn to change our thoughts very quickly.

In Matthew 11:28, says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  In other words we as Christians are not supposed to let ourselves be burdened.  We are to let go and let Christ take on our burdens so that we can walk in his light and be in constant contact with Him.

I do not think, however, that this means that we should ignore what is going on around us.  For instance, if someone, or, some group is trying to take away our rights as children of God we need to stand against that force.  In light of what is happening in our country these days we need to go to Christ in prayer and ask how we can best alleviate the attacks on our nations freedoms.  This current administration is taking our country in the wrong direction.  We must stand up as a people and peacefully obstruct and turn around the course of this nation before it is too late.

What are our options?  Well, it is our responsibility to get involved in the political process.  We need to vote!  We need to research and get behind people that have our values and the best interest of our nation and ALL it's people and put them in places of power to make the changes necessary to get back on track.  We need to turn to GOD and pray that He will guide our leaders in the way that He knows is best for this nation.

I've been listening to one voice of reason in this arena of late.  The voice is that of Glen Beck.  I urge you to, at least, take a listen and see for yourselves.  We don't have much time left to make a difference.  We need to present a united front in the November election to take back the control of our nation.  In my opinion, and I've said this before, we need to clean house!  All across this nation we need to elect representative who will do the will of the people.  Not the will of the special interest groups!

God Bless You All!

Mark

Progress

I had a great time last night with a new friend and amateur promoter Joe Silva.  Joe, being led by God to use his gifts as a communicator, has taken it upon himself to help me get my gifts as a singer out in front of more people in the sacred realm of entertainment.  It all started when I was asked by Joe to come and do a concert of Broadway & Inspirational songs at his church.  Knowing this type of concert is not going to provide a steady source of income for anyone involved at this point we went out to meet a like minded musician, Tim Mercaldo, in Staten Island, NY.

We had a wonderful evening of fellowship. We met at Tim's Church, Gateway Cathedral, a 24 acre campus on the southern tip of the island.  A great facility, the vibrant and growing organization that Tim's father started some 50 years ago has a true heart for the Lord.  We ended up at the Mercaldo home where we ate a bite and sang and entertained each other for a couple of hours.  The time was memorable to say the least!

All this to say, on Saturday September 25th, I will be giving a concert at 8 PM at the Cornerstone Chapel on Rt 23 in Pompton Plains, NJ.  I will be accompanied by Reverend Tim Mercaldo.  I hope to see you there!

God Bless you!

Mark

Missing others....

Missing those closest to you always causes the heart to feel a bit sad.  At least it does for me.  Most of the time, when I go away, my family is not with me.  And when I return home I get the happy greeting, feeling the love and comfort, I need after being gone.  This trip was different.  I returned to an empty house.

I like my alone time, but, I am a person who also needs attention from those I love.   I think we humans need alone time to clear our minds and get in touch with our feelings set our goals, so we are better prepared to do our jobs and tend to the needs of our family.  However, for me, the most important element of that alone time is the the relationship with my creator!  I personally try to tend to this relationship every day.

I know that when I am away from my family I am sad.  I also know that spending time in prayer with my creator is the only way I can rid myself of the sadness.  All of a sudden I am not alone!  He is with me and I am safe in the warmth of His embrace.

We need to strengthen our relationships with our creator.  He is there waiting for us to open up a dialog with Him.  Give it a try.  It might make a difference in the way you feel and the way you see the world around you.  Oh, and you don't have to have been away to give this a try.  You can you can spend time with God anytime you need.  

God Bless You!

Mark

Hey everyone!

I have had such a busy week!  Yeah, it's been a week since my last post.  I have a lot to tell you over the next few days, but, for now I will just say that, Though I went to church yesterday, Sunday, was my Saturday and today, Monday, is my Sunday.  I don't generally do much on Sundays except spend time with family and friends.  Thankfully this day is much the same.

I had a fabulous time in Huntington, TN on Saturday.  I was the headline entertainment for a Gala event for the Dixie Carter PAC.  What a great facility!  The acoustics are very special and the staff are a true joy to work with.  Huntington  and the Dixie supporters are the epitome of southern hospitality!  I will return every time I'm asked!

God Bless!

Mark

What a joy...

What a joy to watch children grow!  They are like little sponges.  They absorb more than anyone can imagine.  I think we as adults sometimes think to much about what children will be able to comprehend and therefore stifle the growth of children based on what we have read or more importantly what we have experienced.  I believe it is important to teach by example as well as by instruction.  However, in order to teach by example, we ourselves need to know what behaviors are best suited to achieve the outcomes we desire for ourselves and for our children. 

As this blogging of mine progresses I will touch on several behaviors that have been successful for me and my family.   I will try to give good advise as to how one might achieve similar outcomes as I, or, others that have mastered things that I have not mastered. 

I want to mention another JOY!  What a joy to serve my King!  Jesus Christ.  Most of you know I am a Christian.  I don't say this to put anyone off, or, to boast of my belief.  I respect each and every individuals rights to choose what they believe.  I say this because I am proud of who's I am.  Most people in the world believe that there is a God.  So, let's work from there.  God is good every day!  This is a statement of fact!  We have a choice every day to accept that fact, or, not.  I choose to accept that fact! 

As a Christian that's only the beginning.  From there I must determine what I will do with that fact.  Will I accept it and go about my everyday life based on what society suggests is the way to get ahead.  Or, will I look to the example that is given in the bible as the perfect life and strive to pattern my self and my decisions based on what I already know to be the truth?  I choose the later.

God bless you!

Mark

The Lord works in mysterious ways

Nothing new in that statement, however, I am constantly amazed how God uses others to reach us.  I have a second home in Orlando FL that is so upside down there are foot prints on the ceiling.  I heard about this financial company the other day that was offering exactly what I needed.  So, I gave them a call.  As it turns out the program has very strict qualification regulations and is not going to work at this point, but, the gentleman I spoke to was very interested in not just my situation, but, in me. 

I find it a very rare thing indeed to find someone who is willing to ask the right questions and to go to the extra trouble to listen to the answers.  Then I found out that he had more to share then just a financial tool.  He was sharing God!  Christ, specifically, so we got along just fine.  It is refreshing to meet a salesman who is actually selling something worth while.  I will buy the word of God all day long!  Thanks Michael!

God will bless you for your gifts!

Mark

Often we don't realize....

Often we don't realize the impact we make on the lives of those around us.  I went to a funeral of a friend yesterday.  My wife Christy and I actually offered to sing at the service to express our gratitude for a nine year friendship with Mr. Dick Scott.  Dick was one of those, "glass half full," kinda guys.  I never heard him say a cross word.  As I listened to the myriad of comments about Dick it was evident that his focus was not on himself but on those around him.  Judging by the attendance, Dick's dedication to family, friends and community was exemplary.  He will be missed.

In past blogs I'm sure I've mentioned this, but, the greatest commandment is to, "Love the lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind," and the next is to "love your neighbor as yourself."(Matthew 22:37-39)  In this world of entitlement and self expression, I believe we could all take a page from the book of the life of Dick Scott.  Focus your time and energy on others, your friends, family and your community.  Make those relationships strong and meaningful.  It's by making others happy that you will find happiness!

Have a great day!

Mark





  

Thoughts

Sometimes I just wake up in a negative place.  Sometimes something happens and I find myself in a bad mood.  If I don't do something to change those feelings I end up staying in that bad mood and I waste the day away feeling sorry for myself or worse angry with the world.  Today was one of those days. 

One thing I have tried to teach my children is that God gives us a great day, everyday, that is a given, a fact!  It is up to each of us to accept that fact!  Then we do what we have to do to make sure that we have a great day the way that God intended.

Luckily, I have a mentor his name is Robert Allen. Today he read a bunch of quotes and as I listened I began to feel better.  Here is one of the concepts that I gathered from the quotes given.  When you change your present, "your now", you change your past and your future as well!  Because when you change your present thinking you change the perception of where your past has brought you.  You also change the perception of what the future looks like. 

Don't let yourself spend any time in a negative place.  Period.  It's easier said than done, but, negativity is detrimental to your soul.  It keeps you from building your relationship with your higher power, God, the creator of this universe!

God Bless You!

Mark

Technologically inept

I never thought of myself as a not being able to "understand" concepts.  In fact I pride myself on being able to do lots of things well.  If I am given the information, most times, I can pick up the idea.  However, when it comes to the "PC" computer, there are things I just don't get.  Like why, when you have the program on your computer, does a message pop up that says it can't do something because it can't find the files.  And even worse than that the computer then asks you if you want to locate the files.  Like your going to know where the computer put the files originally?  I know which buttons to push to save something, however, it is very rare that I write down the location of each file that I download from an email.  It is very frustrating and at times paralyzing when things like this happen.

The only thing I can really do is deal with the frustration.  I have to chalk it up as "one of those things" that I can't do anything about.  I have to let it go and let God find a way to focus my attention on the other things on my plate that need accomplished. 

Hopefully some day I will be able to find an answer to these perplexing matters, but, until then I''ll try to stick to the things that I can understand.

Have a great day!

Mark

Teaching/Speaking is really fun!

I had a great time on Wednesday.  I was asked to present a Master Class at a Christian Theatre Camp for ages 12-18.  Now I have done master classes before, however, most of the time I am speaking to college age students.  At first I thought it was going to be difficult.  Not because of the material, but, because of the age.  How was I going to make sure I was not speaking over the heads of the middle school age.  I loved it!

One of the questions I always get asked in the master classes for older students is how do you keep your performance fresh night after night.  Well the answer is always the same.  I focus on telling the story to the one or two twelve year olds in the audience.  If I can make them understand everyone else in the audience will understand.  That was the trick of the session.  I was actually speaking to the twelve year olds in the class.  So, I felt right at home and the campers were very interested in what I had to share with them.  It didn't hurt that I had a couple of great accompanists and all involved were into the subject matter.

Maybe I do some more of this sharing thing!

God bless!

Mark

So, I missed a day of blogging, so what?

I have to take a moment acknowledge my error and move forward.  Nobody is perfect.  Lot's of us tend to get bogged down in the perfectionism of our own personalities.  I'm like that at times.  I want everything I do to be perfect!  This is an irrational thought process that gets me in trouble.  Why?  Well, because I waste time thinking about what I did wrong, or, worse I beat myself up saying I should have done this, or, I could have done that and all the while the thing that I'm so upset about is over and done and nothing is going to change that.  Take it from me perfectionism is a time and self worth killer!  It is not good for anyone to agonize over the mistakes we make in life.  The one exception would be if we hurt someone else by our actions.   Then acknowledge the error say your sorry try to make it right and move on. 

Tomorrow I'll tell you about the master class I taught yesterday!  What a blast!

See ya soon!

Mark

Teaching

Today I am preparing to teach a master class at a Christian Theatre Camp.  The students at the camp will range in age from 12 to 18.  I've been thinking about what is the single most important lesson that every student might take away from the class.  What is the one thing that will make it worth while for them and possibly make a difference in the way they approach their individual gifts.  I think the one thing would be perseverance. 

God gives each one of us a set of gifts.  The great thing is that each of us gets our very own set of gifts.  As I've said before I think it is our task to identify these gifts and use them to their full potential.  I look forward to sharing my experiences with the students tomorrow.  I also look very forward to seeing some of the gifts that God has given these children and young adults.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Mark

It's Monday.....

Typically Monday is the day that takes me a little bit to get going.  I do feel that it is mind over matter though.  Think about it.  Anything that you dread will most likely take a while to get going. If I can get a good start to the week I tend to accomplish more during that week. 

This week we had a nice visit with my folks.  They couldn't stay away when they heard about the band shell concert. Last week our good friends and neighbors, the Gilfillans moved away.  It was very sad.  Luckily we had a lot on our plates and we have resolved ourselves to visit as soon as possible.  However, they will be missed.  Having Nana and Papa around made it a bit easier for the girls to handle the loss of their next door neighbors.

Have a great week!

Mark

It's high time..

It's high time "we the people," or at least the "silent majority," break our silence.  We are up to our ears in the muck and mire of corrupt politicians.  They are every where!  We are way past the point, as I see it, to try to fix what is wrong with our governing bodies.  We need to start all over again!  The members of the Congress and the Senate of the United States are supposed to represent the views of all the people not just the minority groups or the special interest groups, but, the "majority" as well.  It is time for real change!  We need to clean house.  The only way we are going to be able to take back control of this Great Nation, Our Great Nation, is to get them OUT!  Get rid of all the incumbents!  If you have been a member of the one of the governing bodies of state or federal government for more than 4 years you need to go!  I'm tired of the old boy networks and the bleeding heart liberals as well!  GET OUT!! 

Please excuse my rant, but, sometimes one needs to say what's on their mind even if it is not the view of all.  So that everyone knows where they stand.  We have lost any since of moral value in this country.  The current administration has us heading for bankruptcy.  We need drastic moral change!

I don't mean to be preaching to the choir.  I am part of that choir.  I'm just as guilty as the choir.  but, we the silent majority need to come out of the shadows and let our position be know.  We can't afford to be silent any longer.

God Bless you!

Mark

Blessed

I am truly blessed!  We had a great time last night singing at the Ridgewood band shell.  There was a wonderful turn out and the weather was perfect.  The setting that God provided was nothing short of magnificent.  Everyone was in great voice and performed well, but, the kid's stole the show.  You know what they say, "never perform with kid's or animals," well they couldn't be more wrong.

I am very proud of my family and now all we have to do is make sure they understand the true meaning of humility.  The girl's know and understand where their gifts come from and with a little help from the Bible (Romans 12: 3) Christy and I will be able to keep the ego's in check.  They are both growing by leaps and bounds this summer.  It's fun to watch.  Talk with you soon!

Mark

Busy, Busy, Busy.......

Busy day today. Like no other day is...  Ha!  We are doing our annual concert at the Ridgewood Band Shell this evening.  I hope all who are in the area will come out and enjoy the music of Stephen Schwartz.  One of the first musicals I was ever involved in was GODSPELL.  When I was about 14 years old the church I attended had a group called the Celebration Cantors.  We performed this show and other Bible related musicals around our area.

We chose the program based on what's going on in all our lives these days.  Meaning we are all so busy we often forget what is really important.  God and my worship of Him is the most important element of my life.  I am also determined to instill this in the lives of my children as well.  In today's society it continues to get more difficult.  Looking back over my life the one thing that has been a constant is God's love for me.  I have not always deserved it, or, exhibited a Godly nature, however, I believe He has always loved me.  And, now that I have my priorities strait, I am so very glad He was patient and waited for me to turn to Him.

Hope to see you all this evening.

God Bless You!

Mark

Starting a New Habit

Starting a new habit is easy.  Just start doing it!  Breaking a bad habit is a whole other issue.  There is a great deal involved.  The most important element is desire.  You must want to stop the bad habit.  If you are going to stop smoking, for example, you must "want" to stop smoking.  I find it very much the same with regard to blogging.  I want to start blogging every day.  The habit I have to break is procrastinating!  I seem to let other things get in the way.  Not this time.  This time I'm going to do it!  Someone said in order to make something a habit you need to repeat that action a minimum of 21 times.  So, today I am starting the habit of blogging.  This is day one of twenty one.  Wish me luck!

God Bless!

I had a great time in Milwaukee several weeks ago.  I was the guest artist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.  Marvin Hamlisch was the conductor and the program was of a patriotic nature filled with real original Americana.  There was a barber shop quartet, a blue grass band and a really great chorus.  The show was fun to do and very well received. 

I always have a good time when I get to where I'm going, however, traveling has become a real pain.  Not only are the airlines in general not user friendly, but, now with all the extra charges for checked bags, leg room, meals, pillows and more restrictions for claiming FF miles and oh yes let's' not forget the cost I plan to drive a lot more.  Besides I hate being away from my girls. 

Three weeks or so ago I donated my services to help a new friend launch of a wonderful program/product called "Life Givers."  Keep an eye out for this project it is one of a kind and really does promote life in abundance.

The week of fourth of July we, my family and I, embarked on a working vacation.  With the economy being the way it has for some time most of our vacations over the past few years have been taken in this manner.  It really works out pretty well for us.  The travel expenses are for business and thus get written off and the destinations are based on those willing to pay for my services.  Let's face it when you love what you do it almost doesn't seem like work anyway.

We drove to WV to visit my mom and dad for a few days in Huntington.  We got some time at the YMCA pool and had a lovely visit with some great friends that we don't get to see very often.  I also got to re-establish a friendship with a girl from my Jr. high school days Ms. Penny Watkins.  Penny is now living back in Huntington with her husband and children working as the director of the Marshall Artist Series.

The next leg we travelled into OH so I could sing a patriotic concert with a wonderful small orchestra, "The Ohio Valley Symphony."  The weather was cooperative for the out door event, but, very hot!  90 degrees right up to show time.  The orchestra played very well and I had fun singing along side the mighty Ohio river.  There was a fireworks display and a carnival and a great time was had by all.  I look forward to my next trip to Point Pleasant.
 
We then continued our journey up into MI to visit Christy's father and step mother.  Christy and I enjoyed the ride through OH and MI.  It gave us some time to talk and try to figure out what God has in mind for us.  Not that we will ever really know as He likes to keep us seeking, however, it makes us think we are, in some way, in control of somethings.  Our time in MI was filled with trips to the pool and the U Club and movies not to mention great fellowship with loving parents!

I love family vacations.  The one thing I find necessary after a great family vacation is a week or so to recuperate!

God Bless You All!

Mark

I must get better at this!

I know, I've been away too long, again.  I am trying to get used to this new way of communication and am finding I need to make a more concentrated effort to turn this task of blogging into a habit.  Can anyone help on how to start good habits?  I remember back in college I had no trouble forming bad habits!  However, good habits seem to have road blocks set up ready to detour you right back to the bad habits!  What is up with that?

Any way, last Monday, I portrayed a rather angry character Homer Hadley Hickam, in the the reading of Rocket Boys. The readings went very well and from all indications will be moving on to the next step in the process. We are all very fortunate to have gotten to meet and speak with the author Homer H. Hickam Jr., a fellow WV native, and a very down to earth man with great vision and humility.  If you haven't read the book, "Rocket Boys," put it on your list. It is a must read!

I've come to the conclusion I'm a bit of a method actor at times.  Now I don't mean I go live on the street if I'm playing a homeless man, but, at times it's necessary to take on the characteristics of the person you portray.  It helps to sell the mood of a character if you can somewhat embody that mood yourself.  DUH!  One just needs to be careful not to let the work spill over into real life.  That is the rub!  This can happen on a physical, psychological, or, emotional level.  It's not good to bring the anger of a character home with you it confuses family members.  One must always have a mechanism to erase and recall the mood. 

I, however, took it a bit too far on a physical level this time.  My character is dying slowly of, Black Lung, a respiratory disease common to miners of this time.  I had to cough on a number of occasions to give the impression of the illness.  Luckily I was having allergy which made it easier to cough, unluckily the allergy turned into a cold which in turn led to a sinus infection that is still effecting my body.  The antibiotic I'm on is finally controlling the infection, however, my advise, don't get too deep into your character development.

I'm joking of course, kinda, I don't think I manifested the ailment, however, the mind is a powerful tool and you must be in control of it at all times.  So, don't continue to live in bad moods, or, heap negativity on yourself or others.  Make sure you start each day anew with positive affirmations of health and wellness and I always find it helpful to reconfirm and commit to letting God be in control.

That's all for now!

God Bless you all!

Mark

Blessed

Hello everyone,

We had a great time on Saturday at the Power House Church in Wykoff, NJ.  I believe I mentioned last week that I was going to sing at "MAN CONFERENCE III."  It was truly a blessing for me to share the gifts God has given me with a group of men striving to be the kind of men that God intends for us to be.  The speakers were a collection of men from various walks of life, but, all had on thing in common they are all on fire for Jesus Christ.  It was fabulous!  There were several hundred men attending and the event was streamed live onto the internet.  Next time I will make sure you get that information prior to the event so you can see for your own eyes what a blessed movement this is.  I'm glad I was involved. 

Much of my time these days are being spent working on myself it seems.  However, this time I am going about the task a bit differently.  I am trying hard and succeeding, I might add, in waiting for what God has to say to lead me forward in the work he feels I should be doing.  At least this way I don't feel the work being done is so self centered.

I will be involved with a reading of a new musical on June 7.  The title of the piece is "Rocket Boys".  It is a musical based on the movie October Sky. Taken from a true story by Homer H. Hickam Jr., a fellow WV native, the book is about Homer Hickam a coal miners son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to get involved in rocketry much to the dismay of his father.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Take care and remember to keep God first in your life.  Don't make a decision without His divine wisdom and you will soon find you journey being blessed.

Mark

Hello Everyone!

What a day!  It is absolutely beautiful out side.  It makes me want to be out side instead of inside at the desk.  Oh well!

Today I found out that I am beginnig to have a strange reaction to regular coffee.  I have noticed it before, but, for some time now I have been drinking Cafe Latte in the morning.  Well, today I had no expresso to make my Latte.  So, I went to a local coffee shop and got a small regular coffee.  I was shaky and gittery for about 3 hours.  Some of you might be saying, "where can I get some of that," trust me it was not pleasant.   

Anyway, I am going to sing at a spiritual conference this Saturday morning at the Powerhouse Church in Wykoff, NJ.  I am really looking forward to it.  It is called, "Man Conference III."  The organizer is Legacy Minded Men, a group of men who's goal is to engage, incourage, and equip men to be the type of men GOD intended them to be.  You can get more information at http://www.manconference.com/. 

I'll report about my experience next week.  Until then emember what Paul said in his letter to the Colossians in, 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Speak with you soon!

Mark

Catching up....

Hello everyone!  Today I find myself about a week behind.  I have a lot to say, so, I won't waste time in small talk. 

As, I've said before, I feel it is part of our responsibility in this life to discover our God given talents or gifts.  I further feel it is proper that we share these gifts as often as possible.  I didn't always feel this way about the later statement.  I used to feel that since I was using my gifts as a way to support my family I needed to get paid when ever I would sing.  I still feel when someone else, a company or group, is using my gifts to help themselves make money the organization should be willing to share those profits.  However, of late, I have been getting distinct leadings to sing no matter what the situation. 

I was asked to sing at an event last week with a couple of friends Neil Berg & Rita Harvey.  At the event I met some new friends and saw some old friends as well.  The event was for Covenant House.  An organization that helps homeless kids 12-17 of various situations.  It was a remarkable evening.  I find that there are some things that are best done with no price tag attached.  I got so much JOY from being a part of that event.  If you want to know more go to : www.covenanthouse.com  You'll be glad you did!

On to other things.  There is so much going wrong in our country these days.  I think the government has failed us in almost every way imaginable.  Yet, I feel we are at least partially to blame.  Because we have the power to vote!  I think it is time for real change in our country.  I did not vote for the current administration, however, like many who did I hoped for real change.  I do not like what I see!  The only way I can see to make the changes necessary is to become more involved in what is going on in our own communities and also on a national level.  We need to re-evaluate our principles.  We need to seek out people in our communities who have a strong relationship with GOD!  Folks who want to, along with us, stand up and take responsibility to make the changes necessary to set us back on the proper path. 

I think we need new blood in the congress!  I think we need term limits!  I think we need to stop saying, "let someone else fix it"!  We need to get involved and make sure it gets fixed for the future generations of this great country!  I think we need to close our borders until we get the immigration problems fixed.  No person should be allowed entry into this country who doesn't want to learn to speak English and work for a living!

Enough of the soap box.  Go out and get involved!  Help your fellow man.  Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).  God Bless you all!

Mark
 

  

"Live in the now"

Hey gang,

It's me.  Trying to be open to what God puts on my heart.  Last week was interesting.  I went to DC on Tuesday evening and had dinner with my brother Philip.  We don't get to see each other very often and we really had a great time.  The next morning I was one of the entertainment /guests at the Congressional Club luncheon where the first lady Michelle Obama was the guest of honor.  I saw my friend Barbara Valentine from North Carolina and made some new friends Faisal Al-Juburi who was my direct contact for the event and a friend of my wife's from past work experiences, Ms. Julia Murney.  All in all the experience was fun, though it would have been nice to have had the opportunity to get a picture with the first lady for my kids scrapbook.

On Friday I took off for Atlanta, GA. where I was in concert with Marvin Hamlisch and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  I had a great time!  The audiences were very receptive and kind as was the orchestra and staff.  I look forward to my next opportunity to sing with that wonderful group of musicians.

Speaking of great musicians, I took a meeting with Wayne Haun a great musician who is currently a member of the Ernie Haas and Signature Sound gospel vocal band.  Wayne plays the piano, sings, writes and arranges for the group.  Wayne was in town and came to the Friday evening concert at the Symphony.  We had a very nice lunch and brainstormed a bit about how we might help each other spread Gods word to the masses in the near future. 

Most of you know that I am all about bringing as much joy to the world as I can.  Music, of course, is my main vehicle.  However, while in Atlanta I also got the chance to drive around the suburbs with an old friend of mine from Huntington who now lives in Atlanta and check out the neighborhoods.  As you know, the nation is still suffering from the housing bust.  I'm spending more time these days investing in real estate in various parts of the country.  Lot's of people need help and I hope to be able to help some of those suffering to find a way out of or into a home. 

That's it for now.  Remember to always be open to what God is leading you to do.  Ask for His guidance.  Listen and search the word for His advise.

I'm Back

Ever feel like you had no direction? Or even worse, feel like you were heading the wrong direction full spead and couldn't get back on the right track. Well that's what I've been experiencing for quite some time now in my career. I've been depressed. No motivation. No drive. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I should not be singing, or, anything like that. I am very fortunate to have been able to use the gifts God gave me to make a living for myself and my family. However, there came a time in my career that I stopped following my dreams and I stopped setting goals. I started depending on others to provide my inspiration. A huge mistake. In fact three huge mistakes! 1) Never stop following your dreams. 2) Never stop setting goals. 3) Never totally depend on someone else to provide your reason for living, unless that some one is GOD.

I feel like I am on the mend these days and will try to share more often. In fact you will probably get tired hearing from me. But, I hope you tune in anyway!

Make it a great day!

Mark

WV Concert and Snow, Snow and more Snow

Hi all,

How's everyone doing? It was great seeing so many familiar faces at the West Virginia Symphony concerts on Valentine's weekend. Thank you so much for joining us. Mom and Dad had to divide their time since Christy and I were appearing Friday and Saturday while my sister, Beth, was appearing in Huntington on Saturday. It was a great time to be down there as we also got to celebrate Dad's birthday.

Christy and I loved doing the concerts. The Symphony under Maestro Grant Cooper performed exceptionally well! It was our pleasure to be their guests! But, wow, what's with all the snow? We left NJ a day earlier to avoid the blizzard that was on its way north, but, ended up driving through it all the way to Charleston. Thankfully, we made it to WV and back with no trouble. However, you may or may not know that we got pounded with snow again several days after our return and again this past weekend. Oh well! I guess that's why this season is called winter. We'll make the best of it and look forward to spring.

Love to hear your feedback about the concert.

Be safe!

Happy New Year and West Virginia Concert

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope you all are well and pray that 2010 is an awesome year for us all.

Had a great gig on New Year's Eve with the Cleveland Pops (also starring Capathia Jenkins). On New Year's Day I flew home then drove up to join Christy and the girls at Camp-of-the-Woods. It was quite a busy few days!

I also wanted to remind everyone that I will be performing at the Clay Center in Charleston, WV on February 12th and 13th. I will be performing with the West Virginia Symphony and my special guest will be Christy Tarr-McVey. Would love to see you at this event!

Also, more dates have been added (and more to come) both on the Tour page on my website and on the events page on my Facebook page.

See you in WV!