You Might Be Wondering...

In case you're wondering, I didn't buy an iPhone yesterday.

That doesn't mean I don't want one. It's just the $500-600 and the 2 year contract with a carrier I can't use. But I have had fun watching all the hype. My favorite part yesterday were the people that got to the stores around 8pm and just walked up to the counter and bought an iPhone, with no waiting. Had to make all those people who spent hours and hours in line feel a little mad.

All the Apple stores in Florida are still showing iPhones available for purchase. We have two in our area: Coconut Point Mall and Waterside Shops in Naples. You can also pick one up at any official AT&T store. Let me know if you get one.

By the way, did you hear that Steve Jobs bought every Apple employee an iPhone? Pretty cool.

Random Thoughts:

• Today is the last day of our vacation. It has been an awesome time of relaxation and tons of quality time with Macy. We even got a few things done the last couple of days.
• I got five runs in this week - best 3 mile time this week was 25:00.
• It sure has been hot lately. Worked out in the yard and was useless the rest of the day.
• I'm looking forward to teaching Sunday morning.
  
• Don't forget to check out the latest Mark & Miller Show podcast.
• I can't wait to get back and engage in what I love doing, serving in the local church.

Anniversary Brunch

Yesterday, June 27, 2007, Macy and I celebrated 20 years of marriage.

Instead of having a fancy anniversary dinner, we chose to have an elegant anniversary brunch. During that brunch we reflected on a question someone had asked us the day before: "What are the highlights of your 20 years of marriage?" Great question. And it got us thinking. We had fun reminiscing about some awesome experiences and relationships God has blessed us with over the past 20 years.

God truly has blessed our marriage in so many ways. Not only do Macy and I have this incredible relationship, but we have been blessed by so many other people along the way. We committed our lives together to follow Christ wherever He leads and we have been blessed every step of the way.

Macy, it has been an awesome 20 years, and you have blessed me in so many ways. It's great being married to your best friend. You bring me joy, laughter, and tons of love. I can't wait to see what the next 20 years bring!

Don't Worry About Us

We're okay...in case you were worrying about us after watching the local news this evening. Several of the local TV stations had reporters on the site here in Naples where we're spending our getaway celebration. We actually had a 10 acre fire located on the property here. Smoke filled the area and is still pretty thick, but management had a letter slipped under our door when we returned from dinner this evening assuring us the fire was contained and posed no threat to the hotel.

Don't worry about us...we're good!

Doing Little...Accomplishing A Lot

I'm accomplishing a lot by doing very little. That's right. That's the goal of a vacation. Here's all we've accomplished since the last post.

• Wonderful dinner at PF Changs. My new Chang favorite (thanks Miller) is Shrimp and Candied Walnuts. Wow!!! I've had it twice now and it's the real deal.
• A late night, romantic dessert and coffee in the lobby of our hotel. Very nice ambience and incredible desserts. Coffee was served from our own french press. Another nice touch.
• Have completed about 8 Sudoku puzzles now.
• Got a great run in early this morning.
  
• Discovered that I can't read a book and listen to a podcast at the same time. In a moment of trying to kill two birds with one stone, I got this great idea. Now Dr Powell could probably handle the multi-tasking required for this, but not me. Oh well.
• Another awesome lunch poolside.
• Another almost 4 hours by the pool.
• Tons of quality time with Macy!
• And the day is still early!

If only life were like this every day. Getting lots done by doing so very little - ah, a great anniversary getaway!

FYI: All pictures included in the posts this week are from where we're staying.

Sudoku & Podcasts

While away this week I want to catch up on some reading and other things I never seem to have time for. I'm hoping to finish up the book The Big Idea by Dave Ferguson and start, and hopefully finish, Small is the New Big by Seth Godin. Macy also gave me the Jumbo Book of Sudoku right after we got here. I love doing Sudoku puzzles and can spend a lot of time working those (already have done 4). I also have several podcast to catch up on listening. One of my favorite tech podcast is Buzz Out Loud produced by CNET. I listened to an episode poolside this afternoon (actually fell asleep listening to it).

Speaking of the pool, it was beautiful today outside, especially in a lounge chair under an umbrella poolside. Macy and I spent 4 hours today at the pool. Even enjoyed lunch poolside. Now we're cleaning up, getting ready for an early dinner. Looks like PF Changs will be our dinner destination.

Gotta go and finish another Sudoku before dinner.

Superfoods

I know I said it yesterday, but I can't wait to hit the road for our anniversary celebration. The morning has started off good so far. Got up early, had my quiet time, and then ran 3 miles. Saturdays I push myself a little running and I had a pretty decent time (25:15) considering I have been struggling with bad allergies now for almost 2 weeks. Now I am enjoying a bowl of blackberries and strawberries , both superfoods (I learned this last night while hanging out at Borders with Macy). By the way, hanging out at Borders makes for a great inexpensive date night.

Enough typing, I got to go get packed.

But first, as promised a couple of weeks ago, here's the video of Men's Synchronized Swimming routine by our very own Steven and Andy from VBS:

Getting Ready to Celebrate!

Tomorrow morning Macy and I leave for a few days of celebration. That's what I'm calling it - a celebration. We're getting away to celebrate 20 years of incredible marriage. The cool thing about our getaway celebration is it does not matter where we go. What matters is we're together. I can honestly say that the destination on any trip with Macy is secondary. It's all about being with her!

I am especially looking forward to this getaway for several reasons:

• 20 years of marriage is a pretty cool milestone. I was talking with a couple this past week who have been married 61 years. I told them my 20 years was not very much compared to their 61. She said "20 is a very good start." I agree.
• I personally need some down time away. Read my post from 6/20. This is true for all of us. We run hard and we need some extended times of rest. I'm thankful where I work and serve believes this also.
  
• Right now I can't wait wait to spend the next 6 days with just Macy! I know I am so blessed, but it so cool having your very best friend in the whole wide world as your wife. I love being with her. I could keep on writing, but I think I'll save that for another post.

FYI: The picture above is from where we'll be spending our celebration.

Overwhelmed

overwhelm (ō'vər-hwělm', -wělm'): to affect deeply in mind or emotion

This morning I was reading in my Bible in 2 Corinthians and I came across this passage:

we were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength —so that we even despaired of life. (2 Cor 1:8b)

Do you know who said that? It was Paul. Wow! It made me feel better immediately to think that Paul, the spiritual giant, felt overwhelmed at times. Then I begin to consider the intensity of his feelings based on his statement "even despaired of life." Paul was struggling.

We probably can relate to Paul's struggle at one time or another in our lives. I know I have felt overwhelmed lately in my life. So what do you do? If you want to see how Paul dealt with his sense of overwhelmingness (not sure that's a word) you have to read the next few verses. It's pretty cool and it gave me boost as I started my day. There is hope and it's in Jesus.

If you're feeling overwhelmed today, take some time and read verses 8-10.

A Great Cup of Coffee

I received on Father's Day a bag of Peet's Coffee. And not just any bag of Peet's Coffee (which in my opinion is the best coffee in the world) but a bag of India Peaberry coffee. That's right, Peaberry. Now, I admit, it doesn't sound like the most flavorful coffee, but don't let the name fool you. I had my first cup this morning and it was incredible.

A couple of weeks earlier I had a awesome friend that thought about me when they were over in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip and they brought me back some authentic coffee from the DR. Again, another excellent cup of coffee. Very different tasting, and yet very, very good.

So what's the point of this little coffee review. I'm not sure. Other than I really enjoy good coffee and I don't mind trying new types of coffee. Unfortunately, I'm probably not that open when it comes to people. Think about it, each person I encounter today is going to be a little different. Some are stronger than others, some more bold, some more rich, some a little robust, well you get the picture. If you're like me, you tend to spend your time with those that are most like you. But just as I enjoy variety in my coffee drinks, I should enjoy the variety in the people around me more.

This week's assignment: get to know someone better over a cup of coffee.

So what makes for a cup of really good coffee? That depends on who you ask. What do you think?

Sunday PM Reflections

I still have my allergy crud, but I'm feeling a little better. You know, it's been a really great day.

Worship@McGregor
Church today was awesome. Two great messages. Worship was super (awesome set tonight Gerald). Introduced Shawn and Mary Bergen to our church (newest staff pastor). Got to teach an awesome passage in Deuteronomy to my class this morning. Just another great day at McGregor. Thank you God.

Father's Day
I talked with my Dad on the phone this afternoon. It was so good to spend some time with him. I am so grateful for my Dad and the influence he has had on my life over the years. I respect and love my dad very much. I have watched my Dad over the year's faithfully serve God in several churches. Thank you Dad for your faithfulness to the Lord and your love for me. I hope you have had a great Father's Day.

Putt-Putt Golf

It was a big mistake, thinking I could run a fast 3 miles this morning with all this crud going on in my sinuses and chest. I realized this truth about half way through my run. Oh well, live and learn.

After I partially recovered from the running disaster, I helped Macy get ready for her luncheon. The staff wives were coming over for lunch this morning and Macy was hard at work making sure everything was just right.

After helping Macy get ready and still recovering from the run, I took off to pick up Reese for our putt-putt date. After a delicious Chick-fil-a lunch we headed on over to Castle Golf - Reese's favorite putt-putt course. We had a great time in the 125 degree heat. I think I perspired more playing putt-putt than I did running this morning. By the way, Reese picks and chooses which holes she will play and which ones she will not. Needless to say, we finished pretty quickly, which considering the heat, was not a bad thing. Even with the heat and my sinus crud, we had a blast.

I arrived home just as the last person was leaving the lunch. I really wanted to help Macy clean up, but after taking a shower I felt like a truck had just run over me. So, I did what only I could do - take a nap. I feel much better now.

Now I need to spend a few more minutes finishing up my lessons for in the morning - it's going to be good. And I think I have finally recovered from the run. Yeah!

Bergens Arrive!

The Bergens arrive in Fort Myers tomorrow. That's Shawn and Mary Bergen and their three children. Shawn is our newest pastor on staff (actually he hasn't even started yet). His position will be Evangelism and Married Adults. I am soooo excited about Shawn and Mary coming and being a part of the team here at McGregor.

When I first met Shawn he was just starting a church in Okeechobee, Florida. That was over three years ago. The church is Everglades Baptist Church, and Shawn and Mary poured their lives into the birthing and growing of that church plant. And now God is moving them to McGregor to be a part of our team. Dr Powell will be presenting them to our church family this coming Sunday morning in all three AM services.

Other Friday late night thoughts...

• The allergies are hitting me hard and I've got a bad cough. Yuck.
  
• I'm looking forward to running tomorrow and having a good time (I was able to get all four of my runs in this week even while traveling). I'm going to run the cough right out of my system or pass out.
  
• I'm taking Reese to play putt-putt tomorrow while Macy has the staff wives over for lunch. It's been a long time since I've played putt-putt - hope I don't get beat by a 5 year old!
  
• Camryn Taylor called me while I was in San Antonio to tell me she had asked Jesus in her life! You don't get better calls than that! Way to go Ellery and Cathy (dad and mom)!
• With the help of Pastor Russell, I now have a program called gSyncit that will sync my Outlook Calendar with my Google Calendar. Genius! (This might not seem like much to some, but for me and Russell, this is big!)
• Google Reader is the way to go when it comes to reading lots of blogs, and now you can use it off line!
• Time to go take some cough medicine and pray that I can sleep through the night.

Coming Home

Macy and I are getting ready to hop on a plane and head home to Ft Myers. We've had a lot of fun in San Antonio. And if you're looking for a romantic place to getaway with your spouse, the Riverwalk area in San Antonio is a great place to consider. But you know, I'm ready to get home to Fort Myers and to my own bed in my own house. It's good to be going home.

Being at the Convention in San Antonio reminded me of just how blessed I really am. I get to serve Jesus in the most awesome church in the country. I get to serve Jesus with other men and women who I love serving with and love hanging out with. I also get to see God doing incredible things in people's lives on a daily basis. I could go on of how blessed I am being a part of McGregor, but I got to catch a plane in a little while. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be a part of an awesome community of faith called McGregor. It's great to call McGregor my home.

It's good to be coming home!

Promised Photos

Here they are...the pics from Sunday night when I took one for the team, and for missions. I took it like a man, and actually even enjoyed it a little. Click here for the all the photos of Miss Dawn enjoying herself just a little too much at my expense!

The Convention is going good. Our group from McGregor is enjoying our time together and especially the incredible food in San Antonio. I had one of the best steaks I've ever had tonight at restaurant located on the Riverwalk. Cool thing about this restaurant - it's the place where David Miller proposed to Tamar. Just thought you might want to know.

Speaking of David, we're getting ready to go record our weekly podcast. Not only will it be our first remote podcast, but we've also invited our wives to be on the show. Should be interesting!

Gotta run.

Remember the Alamo...

Macy and I spent yesterday traveling to San Antonio for the Southern Baptist Convention. The trip went well and we were able to enjoy an awesome Mexican dinner at Casa Rio on the Riverwalk shortly after we arrived (I love good Mexican food). We met with the others from our group later at the convention. Today is going to be a long day at the convention! If you're interested, you can watch live streaming over the internet.

This past Sunday night we closed out an awesome VBS at McGregor. We baptized some 20 people, mostly children who had ask Christ into their lives during VBS, during the service. And if you have not heard by now, I received a pie to the face! And let me say, Miss Dawn can put a pie in your face, if you know what I'm saying. Hopefully I will have a picture of this soon. Awesome night...Awesome VBS.

Sports Freaks Photos

All 5 nights of Sports Freaks photos are now available for viewing. Just click here and enjoy! Scroll to the bottom to see Friday's photos.

Freakiest of Fans

I'm somewhat relieved that VBS is finally over. It's been a long week! But it has also been an awesome week! I am a fan of doing stuff that impacts people for eternity, and VBS does that on several levels at McGregor. Sunday night should be awesome - we're hoping to baptize 20 children! On a lighter note - I'll be receiving a pie to the face during the service since the girls won over the boys by giving more money toward our VBS mission project. Where are those goggles?

Our final night of Sports Freaks was incredible. We had the "Ultimate Freaky Fan" as our guest (played by Jeremy Emory). He rocked the house. Freaky Fan helped us end the week on a very high note. Photos to come soon.

Thanks to all our Sports Freaks special guest this week. You guys were awesome!

Running Update: This morning I ran in my third 5K. I did not meet my time goal, but it was not a bad day. My goal was to average 8 min miles. I ran the first two miles under 8 minutes and then I must have just run out of gas because my third mile was 8:39.
Total 3 mile time - 24:34. 5K time - 25:20.

On a sad note: We took Michael, our 11 year nephew, to the airport today to send him home to his mom and dad. We miss him already. Michael - you're awesome!!!

Synchronized Swimming + 2 Men = Sick Funny

Sports Freaks hit an all time high, or low, tonight. Our guests were 2 dudes wanting to make Men's Synchronized Swimming an official Olympic sport. (Our two guests were played by Andy Roggish and Steven Anderson.) It was fall off your chair funny. Thank you Steven and Andy for being willing to do this - all for the cause of VBS and funny.

My only regret right now is I cannot access the pictures to post. But be patient, it will be worth the wait. They should be up by tomorrow night. I also am hearing rumors that the video will be posted up on YouTube. I'll let you know the moment I know something.

Another great night overall for VBS. We are still have children making decision for Christ, kids are bringing their friends, and from the youngest to the oldest, everyone is having a blast.

To our Preschool and Children's Ministry Staff - you guys are AWESOME!!!

UPDATE: Photos are in, click here to see Thursday's pics.

Blown Away

I just finished walking around the McGregor campus and I am blown away by the commitment of our VBS volunteers. To see them pouring their lives into these kids is incredible. The sacrifices they are making to tell children about Jesus and to show His love is what serving God is all about. I salute the hundreds of men and women and students who are making this year's VBS AWESOME! You're awesome!!!

Our guest on Sports Freak tonight was Bobby "the Broom" Heely, three time Olympic Gold Medalist in Ice Curling. "the Broom" was played by our very own senior pastor, Richard Powell. By the way, I love serving with a senior pastor who loves to have fun with the kids and who has a passion for reaching and teaching children. We had a lot of fun with "the Broom" and we all learned a little something about Ice Curling. Not exactly what you would expect at VBS.

It was another great night. We had more decisions for Christ (I didn't hear a number) and I know we had lots of kid learning more and more about Jesus! It's been a good night and I can't wait until tomorrow.

Stay tuned...


Click here for more Sports Freaks Show photos.

You're Awesome!

"You're awesome!" is quickly becoming the VBS phrase for 2007. Blame it on Miller - it all started with him. But the kids love it. And if the kids love it, we'll keep on using it.

Last night on Sports Freaks our guest was Tiger Woods. That's right, Tiger Woods. And I had a ton of kids asking me afterward if that was the real Tiger Woods. Playing the part of Tiger was Gerald Malloy - dude...you're awesome!

I have some photos of Monday and Tuesday night's Sports Freaks Show uploaded if you want to see what all the madness is all about (just click here).

Tuesday was another great night - tons of kids, all learning about God in a fun and awesome environment. Thank you God for allowing me to be a part of a church that prioritizes children in this way. Last night we had 14 children ask Christ into their life!!!! God, You're awesome!

Commercial: Don't forget to check out the Mark and Miller Show podcast this week. It will be available for consumption this evening.

Go Cowboys!

I love football and I love the Dallas Cowboys. So how much fun is VBS when we theme it around sports and our favorite teams? Opening night at McGregor VBS was awesome! I'm not sure how many kiddos we had, but the buzz was this was our biggest ever first night. And I tend to agree.

Sports Freak: Early Edition (Mark & Miller's very own late night sports TV show that is part of VBS Children's Assembly) got off to a good start last. Our first guest was Wade Phillips (the new head coach for the Cowboys). If you actually thought for a moment we had Wade Phillips here, we didn't. Coach Phillips was played by our very own Wade Harmon. Wade did a great job and the best part is when he whacked Miller up side the head. The kids loved it. Dude, you're awesome!

I'll keep you posted...

Sports Freaks & VBS

As I was walking around our campus this morning, looking at all the cool sport theme stuff everywhere, including a picture of me as a football player, I was reminded once again that this week is going to be a really cool time. VBS at McGregor is not just another activity, it's a humongous opportunity for us to make an impact. I think it is so cool we make it a priority.

VBS is a big deal around McGregor. Why? I'll tell you why...

• Children are valued around here
• We care about children's spiritual growth and development
  
• Reaching families is also a high value
• And we love to have fun at church!

So, get ready for an awesome week of sharing the love of God with hundreds and hundred of children.

If you're wondering what I'll be doing during VBS, here's a sneak peek: Miller and myself will be hosting our very own sports show called "Sports Freaks: Early Edition." It's gonna be fun, just like the whole week.

FYI: Macy and Michael are playing Monopoly again - thank goodness this time without me!

Monopoly, Running, VBS and Other...

Macy and I have really enjoyed having our nephew Michael with us. We completed week one of a two week stay yesterday. Even though Friday's big water park plans got rained out, we have still managed to have a lot of fun. Monopoly is Michael's favorite game and Uncle Mark and Aunt Macy played it with him until late into the night Friday night (Uncle Mark dominated) and Saturday afternoon/evening (Michael dominated). I forgot how much fun Monopoly is!

Saturday we ate lunch at a brand new restaurant called Hurricane Grill and Wings located in the Gulf Coast Town Center. I'd give it about 3 out 5 on the food. They do have a huge selection of different types of sauces and rubs for their wings. I still like Smokey Bones wings the best.

I was able to get a good run in Saturday morning in the wind and very humid conditions. Posted a 25:05/3 mile! I'm getting ready for my next 5K this coming Saturday. My goal is to run 24:00/3 mile time in the race, putting me under 25 for the 5K. That means I still have a minute to slash off, but the race atmosphere should help me with that. I still can't believe I'm actually running and enjoying it. And I feel tons better!

I'm also praying and looking forward to this coming week - it's VBS Week at McGregor! I'll keep you posted on how it goes this week.