We're Rich!!

Yesterday, for one brief shining moment, my wife & I were thousandaires (I love making up words). We made the decision a few months back that it was time to stop being a slave to money. So, we put the house on the market and through caution to the wind. We had nothing to lose & everything to gain. As of yesterday at 4:00, we sold the house, bought another less expensive one, and this morning paid off $18,000.00 of debt. For the first time in almost 11 years, we are out of debt! I can't really explain the emotions. All I know is that through obedience to God, I AM FREE!!!!! If you are feeling the same bondage that we were feeling, join us & check out Financial Peace University. YOU TOO CAN BE FREE!!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of you who in one way or another helped us get to this day!

Will you make a difference?

Check out this video. It's pretty inspiring.



Not to mention it's put out by apple...the superior computer by far. If anyone wants to contribute to the "purchase Mark a new apple powerbook fund", please see, well...me.

On a serious note...your thoughts on the video?

Original Sin

I'm seeing a pattern here. My rear doesn't hit this chair until around 9:00 every night. Oh well, this is a great way to end my day. So, I got a few comments on the previous entry about "Edmond". The consensus seems to be that this is obviously a flick about pride & that original of all sins...selfishness. I'm reminded of the story in Ecclesiastes chapter 2.

1-3 I said to myself, "Let's go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!"

But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane!

My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? With the help of a bottle of wine and all the wisdom

I could muster, I tried my level best to penetrate the absurdity of life. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do during the years we spend on this earth. I Never Said No to Myself

4-8 Oh, I did great things: built houses, planted vineyards, designed gardens and parks and planted a variety of fruit trees in them, made pools of water to irrigate the groves of trees. I bought slaves, male and female, who had children, giving me even more slaves; then I acquired large herds and flocks, larger than any before me in Jerusalem. I piled up silver and gold, loot from kings and kingdoms. I gathered a chorus of singers to entertain me with song, and—most exquisite of all pleasures—voluptuous maidens for my bed.

9-10 Oh, how I prospered! I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust.

What's more, I kept a clear head through it all. Everything I wanted I took—I never said no to myself.

I gave in to every impulse, held back nothing. I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task—

my reward to myself for a hard day's work! I Hate Life.

11 Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work.

But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind.

There was nothing to any of it. Nothing. (The Message)

So, as you can see, the story of Edmond has been around for a while. What about that quote from the trailer? Wow, I'm really wrestling with this one. Are we bold enough to question His power? On the other hand, I do believe that "all things are possible" through God, and it would be nice if everyone were a bit nicer to each other. Isn't it great to chew on stuff like this! THANK YOU LORD for your word that brings us back to the answers...THE TRUTH!

Here's another one. Towards the end of the trailer, Edmond poses the question:

"Do you think there's a hell? Do you think we're there?"

To me the answer is obvious (I'm not assuming that it is to everyone), but let's get to the root of the emotions here.

Backatcha.

Edmond

As I often like to do, I spent some time today checking out new trailers for up-coming flicks. I ran across one such film that really disturbed me. It's called Edmond & it stars William, H. Macy. Please be fore-warned if you decide to watch the trailer. As I stated earlier it did disturb me, but I think it merits talking about.

The story line is essentially this; "a dark comedy about the existential search for the self" Though there's much more to the story than just that, that's pretty much it in a nutshell. Macy's character Edmond is on a journey, albeit a very dark one, to discover who he really is. Bored with his predictable, safe life, he ventures out into the crazy unpredictable life of the city streets. "The strangely liberating act of leaving his wife tilts Edmond into a free-fall that he mistakes for freedom".

Please understand that this is not a review (the film is not even out yet, therefore I have not seen it), nor is it a plug. Viewing the trailer was enough for me to know that this is a story as old as Adam & Eve. We're never satisfied with our lives as they are. We always want more, don't we! Edmond's desire for that new and exciting life sends him spiraling into a cyclone of self indulgence that leaves him disillusioned about the world around him and his place in it.

One of the lines from the trailer states:

"If nothing is impossible to God, then let Him cause a new day in a perfect land, where people are kind to each other".

With that quote, I'll leave you to your thoughts. Please post your comments. There's so much to chew on here. Let's see where tomorrow takes us.

Community?

I was reading my friend Shaun's blog the other day (shlog.com), when I came across this interesting notion:

"no website should ever be made again that isn't a conversation. Comments. Message boards. Questions for visitors. File trading. Linking. Interacting with each other on-line seems to be what we want. Better, it seems to benefit us all more than reading a digital pamphlet posing as an on-line presence. Boring."

I love that idea! You know, the one where we're all here to lean on, as well as, lift up each other. Our culture has gotten more and more about pixels than about people. So, if you're gonna read blogs, websites, yada yada yada...put your two cents in! Join the blogosphere & get your God given brain out there. As I heard the other day, if you're going to dive into this techno-culture "put down the flippin vidja game" & do something!

CIAO!

Give Up?

Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin. Ras what?? RASPUTIN. My wife is reading a series of novels by author Judith Pella. In this one specific book, White Nights, Red Morning, the story involves several historical characters in Russia from the era of the Romanov dynasty sometime around pre world-war one. As she was sharing with me about the various characters, Tsar Nicholas, Tsarina Alexandra, Rasputin & others, it struck me that Rasputin was someone that I wanted to know more about.

Rasputin (otherwise known as the Mad Monk), was a Russian Mystic with strong ties to the previously mentioned Romanov Dynasty. You will have to read more about him from the link to know his whole story. I just want to focus on what it was that struck me.

Although he was overall a very strange historical figure. It was the fact that he seemed to wrap all of his actions (some, very historically influential) in the guise of Godliness, that really led me on this journey. Let me make it perfectly clear that I am not an expert on Rasputin, nor do I care to be. I'm just a student of life that is learning from it's mistakes. So, as I began to dive in a little deeper I discovered no doubt one of the many reasons he was referred to as "mad". "Attaining divine grace through sin seems to have been one of the central secret doctrines that Rasputin preached". In a previous blog entry I spoke a bit about grace, so as a believer in the grace that comes from Jesus Christ, you can see how Rasputin's skewed version left me dumb-founded.

So, let's just say that his beliefs and teachings were correct. That would mean that we should just give in to the daily temptations that come our way. Not only that, but through this we could come closer to God. Sin...receive grace, sin...receive grace, sin some more...receive grace more. Wow, that sure is a lot easier. Wait a minute! Oh yeah, there is that lesser know, unpopular little teaching from the apostle Paul (God-inspired author).

"What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:1&2

What can we learn from this "Mad Monk"? Ask yourself these questions: what are you doing under the guise of Godliness? Is it giving glory to Him or you? Are you living a new life in Christ, or are you still living in the old pattern of sin? Rasputin was a charasmatic, strangely attractive individual that changed the course of Russian history. Unfortunately, none of that landed him a place worshiping at the throne of the God he twisted.

Whew! That's about as deep as I've gotten in a while. Once again, from the influence of my lovely wife, let me leave you with a lighter lesson on the life of Rasputin. Enjoy!

Look Away!

Another long day! Here's a little trivia for you. Who is this odd fellow? Check out wikipedia. I want to hear your comments.

-Mark

Flashback

Before hitting the sack I am reminded of a song I once sang in the musical "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". It went something like this..."It's been a long, been a long, been a long, been a long day! All while each of us collapsed, domino style, into the arms of the person behind us. While I realize this entry is not for the deep thinking individual, let's be honest, it's 10:15 and there's just not much left upstairs. So, let me leave you with a few verses; Galatians 6:9 &10. See you tomorrow!

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

Can I get an AMEN! I finally got the blog's title image to look the way my brain has seen it for days. For some reason, transferring my thoughts into html code is not that simple. Let me be completely honest, I didn't do squat! My friend Chuck did it, but I was watching very closely.

Also, for those of you that may be wondering. I'm really not as vain as my blog's name may convey. Think about it real hard. I mean the kind of thinking that makes your face all squinched up. Is squinched a word? Anyway, my initials are M.E. Now you're thinking. wow, isn't that catchy. If it were that catchy, you would have gotten it immediately. Oh Well. I like it!

Can I get another AMEN!?!?!

Amazing Grace?

Many of you may not be familiar with WORSHIPTOGETHER.COM. What started several years ago as a cutting edge Christian worship record label, has since turned a corner as one of the foremost worship resource companies. However, as many changes as they've made, WORSHIP has always remained their complete focus. To be more specific, worship for "your generation". Check out what they have to say about their next venture:


"Ever since we hosted our first ever Worship Together conference back in 1998, “worship and social justice” has been a recurring theme. Many of you will remember Mike Pilavachi's encouragements for local church worship leaders to see that the worship of God and the pursuit of justice in our world are inextricably intertwined. From Amos to Jesus, from the reformation to the civil rights movement, the corridors of the history of our faith are lined with heroes who encountered God and were challenged to their core to make a difference in our world.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Walden Media (the makers of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe) for their March 2007 release of their new movie Amazing Grace: The William Wilberforce Story. It is the epic true story of a courageous British abolitionist and his circle of friends who took on the most powerful interests of their day to defeat the slave trade. Among Wilberforce's friends was John Newton, the former slave trader and author of the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace." An inspirational story of daring faith, Amazing Grace: The William Wilberforce Story will awaken a new generation of activists who, like Wilberforce, are called by God to change the world through mercy and justice."


Is it just me, or are people starting to latch onto this grace thing?

Until next time...

The Last Supper

In my line of work, things are pretty fluid. You've got to be flexible, while maintaining some sort of organized chaos. People come and go as God moves them in and out of different phases of their lives. Tonight we had dinner with three such people that God has brought into this ministry. Mario, Jorge & Karla. Not only are they all incredible musicians, but I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to partner with over these last few years. Their journey brought them here for college 4 years ago. Now, God has a new adventure for them. Without getting to sacrilegious, I felt a bit like Jesus with His disciples at the last supper. Even though I strive to be more like Jesus every day, I realize I'm not Him. However, I feel like I've somewhat discipled these three comrades. It saddens me to see them go, but I believe that God has great new things for each of them. So, carry on my friends. I can't wait to see what's next!

Pulling My Hair Out!

Holy Blogosphere this is time consuming! I spent a few hours today making a few changes. Let me know what you think. I'm really enjoying creating this space. It's much like decorating a room, except it's a lot more mind-warping. This html code stuff takes some time to learn. Let me rephrase that, it takes a lot of time! My patience is being tried. That's okay, I definately could use more patience. I may not have any hair left when I'm done, but I'll be one satisfied bald guy. Ciao!

Of course it is.

I went shopping with the family today. We're moving soon and apparently needed to stock up on a few things. So, we were in target searching for the perfect princess decor when I ran across this "oh so cute" tiara lamp. Etched on the front of the lamp was the perfectly princess-like phrase..."It's All About Me". I was struck silent. Well, at least long enough to grab my camera phone & take a quick snapshot. Later on this evening I attempted to send the pic to the blog. As you can see, I have not quite figured it out yet.

Anyway, I got on Target's website and found this darling matching rug. I can't decide if the whole thing makes me want to puke or laugh. I think I'll go with laugh. It's much more fun. I don't fancy myself naive, but I still can't believe that the marketers of this world are targeting even the youngest of shoppers with this most original of sins...selfishness. On the other hand, it's really quite brilliant. I mean, how many of us have been on a claustrophobic plane, or quiet restaurant, when the cutest kid there starts the bloodcurdling chant of "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME"! Not in so many words, but you get the idea.

As I stated earlier, this whole thing started festering in my brain as we were searching for princess decor. This got me to thinking about the ironic truth in the midst of the lie. Romans 8:16&17 states: "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs of God & co-heirs with Christ...". WOW! That means that if we have His spirit within us, we indeed are princes & princesses. It's now up to us to be a living "lamp" to the world that SCREAMS it's not about us, but ALL ABOUT HIM!

By the way, no TARGET shoppers were injured in the making of this blog entry. Shop it up, just learn something in the process.

-Mark

Hello Moto!

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine out in California. His name is Erik Vandagriff. I met him a few years back when he came through Clarksvegas as a helicopter pilot for the forestry service. I have never been the same since! Anyway, he is one of the founders of the Family Legacy Institute in Foresthill California. You can't believe the incredible stuff that God is doing through this ministry! He has really used them to reach the people of their community in very unique ways. Check out their website on my links. As exciting as things are going right now, they have just been hit with a huge stumbling block. To make a long story short, they're being evicted by the owner of the building and will soon have to relocate. The community is apparently in an uproar over this. All I know, is that God is much bigger than an eviction notice. So, what can you do? First of all, pray that God will allow this ministry to continue reaching the people in their community. Secondly, if you can help financially, you can make a donation on their website. That's it for now.

Steppin' Out

In a couple of weeks my boss and friend of 4 years is following a new calling on his life. Yes, it is boss & then friend. I know my place! In all seriousness, he's been a great man to team with over these last few years. He has actually been the pastor for 15 years. Last year he took a trip to South Africa not expecting his heart to get ripped out. Needless to say, the orphan children in Africa now have his heart. He will be leaving in July to take a second trip, and begin the journey to start his new foundation to help the millions of orphaned aids babies. I'll be posting more info as I get it. Until then, check out these sites:

unaids
DATA
One

Will you step out?

There's got to be more to me!

God has truly blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. To really understand me you have to know about my other three quarters. Lisa, Samantha & Emily. As another good friend once stated, I have a she-pack. Even my dog is a lady. That may be stretching it, to call my dog a lady, but you get the idea.

A good friend once said to me...

Are you thinking of blogging? And that was just yesterday. Apparently I am! Wow, this is all really new to me. Well, I guess it's not all new. I have always loved writing. It was only a few years ago when I seriously thought about being a staff writer for some magazines that I had contacts to. No worries though. I have since discovered exactly what God has for me...WORSHIP. To be more specific, leading worship. I have always been a lover of music. Once I met my Savior Jesus Christ, it seemed only natural to combine the two. My passion is leading people to the throneroom of my King. Let me be very clear that worship is not just music. I'm hoping that this blog will open our eyes to the many different facets of what worship truly is. Who knows what might come up. So, I guess the answer to my friend would be yes, I am thinking of blogging.