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!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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 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
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
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
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
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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
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
Monday, May 17, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
"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.
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.
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