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
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 20, 2010
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
God Bless you!
Mark
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
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
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
Monday, September 13, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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
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