1)      My wife Jeanne is another year older.

(The old gray mare she ain’t what she used to be…OK I’ll stop, we all know she is as beautiful as ever) Hey! you know I do edit this!

2)      It’s been a year since the “The Wonder” CD release party. 

It’s hard to believe. Wow did that year go by quickly. But it was not uneventful.

Some things changed:

• Jeanne’s mom went home to be with Lord
• Our small group lost some folks and gained new ones
• Jeanne officially started a new photography business.  Check out her website.  http://www.weshootthegroom.com
• The Mark Green Music website was rolled out
• Jeanne and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with renewed vows and a celebration (Boy she’s getting old) Alright enough of the Old stuff.
• I finished a City to the Shore bike ride and survived to talk about it

• It has been cool to see the positive response to the CD (There is nothing like driving into a parking lot and hearing the CD playing in someone’s car.)
• People have purchased the CD from as far away as Alaska
• Along the way Jeanne and I have played multiple new places, met lots of new people & made lots of new friends.
• We have re-formed another version of Mark Green & friends and played several concerts as a band supporting the album.

Some things are the same:

• We are still doing the same kazoo song that I have done for over 20 years (Pray for us)
• We have to remind ourselves to slow down, take long walks and take life in
• I have to remind myself that its not about me
• I have to remember that love and sacrifice cannot be separated
• Continue to be inspired by others who are more committed to their convictions then me

 What’s Next:

• Jeanne & I are partnering with Jim Leary author of “The Marriage & Family Defense Manual” for a couple seminars over the next couple months in the Pittsburgh area and hoping to do many more at other places in the future.
• Jeanne & I are playing at a World Venture Conference in Colorado in January.
• I am continuing to write new music that I am very excited about and revisit some songs that I have not done in a while.
• Planning a video in 2009 for the song “Who do you say I am?”
• Planning a radio interview/song sampling in 2009

Perhaps most importantly, to continue to seek creative, relevant ways to tell the age old story of the good news of the gospel through music and images. To live not only life but  live life to the fullest.

Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments that take our breath away.

-          Anonymous

Peace & Love: Mark

This week my family and I are on vacation at the beach. My kids and their friends love it here. (If it weren’t for the water and the sand Jeanne says she would love it too.) And because my kids are older they don’t need mom and dad tagging along, they go off on their own leaving old mom and dad to themselves.

So this week I have slept late, taken long walks, began re-reading psalms and spent time in prayer. I also had meaningful conversations. Not only with family that I have been close with for many years but much to my surprise, people that I met in the time I have been here. (Coincidence, I think not)

Combined, these things have helped me to get perspective and comfort right where I am. As I go back to the normal day to day I will do it refreshed reminded that it’s not about me but Him and his timing.

So are you feeling like that hamster? Do you wish things were different about your life?

Maybe what worked for me will work for you. Give it a try.

Arrange some down time, at least slow down, read the Word, spend time with valued family and friends, seek His face and find rest. You may find that you are where you need to be.

Instead it was me that was inspired. Over 3 days I met people who want to make a difference in this world and in eternity.

I met a comedian who tells clean jokes and sends free DVD’s to the troops abroad (and he’s funny!)

I met a young couple with a little girl who want to leave the comforts of the US and serve less fortunate children in South America.

I met people who want to bridge the gap and improve racial relations within the church.

I met people who share the gospel with boldness and love in countries where it is not welcomed.

I met people with the conviction of telling an age old story with relevance without compromising the integrity of the message itself and this is just to name a few.

Over and over again I met people with stories of hope and dreams of inspiring others. Not perfect people, but people giving their all for what they believe. Very inspiring.

There are a lot of preachers & even best selling authors today that are talking about people getting rich, getting comfortable and being safe.  But I wonder: 

Have we made Christianity too easy?
 Are we really experiencing the same Jesus that began a revolution?

The biblical Jesus speaks about love, sacrifice, denying yourself, serving others and the adventure of experiencing Him. This seems like quite a contrast because it is.  

The author states that you cannot separate love and sacrifice.  I have thought about this for awhile and decided I agree. 

So if God is love then we should not be looking for the easy, comfortable life but how to take up our crosses and follow Him.

I was convicted by what I read.  I realized how self centered I have become and how I too often choose the easy way and want to quit when things get tough. 

Perhaps we have become too religious.   Is there a contrast between the religion of Christianity and the revolution that Jesus began two thousand years ago?  Is it possible to truly meet the creator of the universe and remain casual about your faith to the point of desiring money, comfort and security in this world?

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Can you relate?

I would love to hear your comments