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(the new kid) Likes you-

Posted by tmark on January 23, 2023
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Imagine you are back in school- and you hear that the new kid (who you have not yet met) likes you-

Then you see them- and there is definitely an attraction…

So the question is: What do you do now- are there things you would change about yourself to impress the ‘new kid’

(would you change your appearance/habits/actions?)

-But wait- I’m getting ahead of myself-

Let’s get back to the part about the ‘new kid’ liking you…

if you believe it- then everything changes.

Enter Belief

Belief changes the whole thing- it changes the way you think about things, the way you feel about yourself and creates an entire atmosphere of possibilities that did not previously exist-

When we believe news reports they change the way we think and perceive- BUT when believe we are liked or even Loved- (sort of an intangible) the change is amazing.

Truth is.. you are Loved.

Jesus loves you (John 3:16 for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life)

Once you choose to believe this- everything changes-

Jesus did not say repent or do this and that- He said believe (in red-!)

Believe is where it all starts and its also where it stays simple-

the Gospel is simple. (not easy) God made it something we could do- believe.

Faith (your capacity to believe) should probably not be measured in quantity of percentage but instead on or off.

‘How much Faith’ vs ‘is your Faith on?’ (on/off is simpler)

Faith and Fear both rely on belief. Both can have great effects in peoples lives-So if you are wondering about ‘how much faith’ just think about ‘how much fear’ and you will realize your potential to believe- I am not trying to say that there is no need for fear- because there are things you really should be concerned about- and I do not want to say that Faith is as simple as a switch that we can turn on and off- But when you first decide to believe (when you begin to understand that in this whole wide unexplainable universe, you are somehow Loved by the creator of all life, who fully knows you and yet fully loves you) -when you begin that belief- its like a switch is thrown and all the lights come on- everything changes- everything makes more sense and there is hope and love and joy and even purpose- When you believe (even a tiny bit) you still get everything. Even if you start with ‘I believe there is something..out there’ etc. That is enough. God can work with that. And He will show you Himself. and you will know.

most people start all of their conversations with God by saying ‘well, God, it’s me…’ (truthfully most of us always say that to God when we talk to Him- even if we have know Him for decades)

God loves this about us, and He is there- and He really likes you-! (you can start with that)

Puppies

Posted by tmark on April 26, 2016
Posted in: the blog, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

2016-03-13 14.33.07

Five weeks old

I have owned one dog- (borrowed, really) Her name was Thumbalina and she was a Great Dane- all black and she did not have her ears done-so, she looked like a black lab (a big one) until she moved around, and then she was like a piano moving around (except faster)

I’ve been married for 30 years and we just had some significant birthdays so I suggested getting the puppy we have been talking about for a year- I found a breeder here on the Cape and in early March we went to pick out a puppy. (here is the link)

http://waldfriedenaussies.weebly.com/

We chose the Australian Shepherd & Labrador mix known as Aussidors

We had 4th pick of 9 puppies -but it occurred to me that we could get 2 puppies- Why not? I’ve never had a puppy and my wife never had a puppy and -they can play together and -they will keep each other company and -they will be so cute together- So we did. Two puppies.

Some people tried to warn us- but where were they when I was on my way to see these cuties? (I’m glad they weren’t with us!)

We got these 2 cute puppies and named them Quinn (short for quinquagenarian) (Quinn-qua-gin for short or Quinn-binn) and Mozzie (aka mozz,  Captian Black Leg, mozzle-nozzle, mozzel-tov, mozzie-mittens, mozzie-mayhem, pasta-mozzule, rasta-pasta-mozzule and like one more nickname each day)(as a tribute to Dave Thompson the great nick-namer)

IMG_20160416_132231

Quinn

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Mozzie

Quinn is definitely more Lab than Shepherd and acts a lot like a dog- Mozzie is more Shepherd and acts like a little Jewish mother- keeping an eye on Quinn and saying stuff like: ‘don’t put that in your mouth- don’t touch that- get back over here, you’re going to hurt yourself- etc)

Quinn has one blue eye (common among Aussies) and we heard that it is good luck because, according to Native American legend, it will ward off evil spirits- but, so-far it just seems to be warding off ‘brains’. Aussies are known as ‘really smart dogs’ so I put up a copy of the periodic table by their crate but, they don’t seem to care.

Dogs view the family as a pack and blend in and find their place etc- in our ‘pack’ each puppy thinks that the pack has all the family members and ‘a dog’ (they both think the other one is the dog)

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Camouflage Training

Sharing your Life with a Dog-

God arranged Dog’s lifespans so that we could have many dogs in our one life. Although your dog is in your life for a short time, relatively speaking, your dogs whole life is spent with you. (whoa, mind=blown)

God actually made animals first- (think about that) -He probably used to hang out with the animals and play with all of them. Rabbi Kushner interprets Gen 1:26 in context with the animals, God makes the animals and then says- lets make a new thingy- part teeth, hair,  eyeballs etc, like you animals and part ME- Spirit. Kind of a special ‘hybrid’- flesh and spirit in one thingy- let’s call it :”Man”. Then he let Man name the animals (like letting your kids name their pets- kinda cute actually)

So- we are now sharing our lives with a couple of cute, ‘wild’ animals. We brought them to a puppy orientation class- and they slept thru it (on our laps) We are committed to training up these wonderful little doggies and we have stacks of books and advice flowing in upon us-

9 weeks
-and growing

‘therapy dogs’ -oh, ya- these puppies are ‘therapy’. They started right away by putting us on an early morning ‘face-the-day-while-its-still-dark’ schedule to break us of any comfort and old habits- then they love us to death and make us laugh out loud.

God is using them to enhance my life and I am grateful. (everybody in the Bible had animals) #prettycool

PS; I feel like my Mom, up in Heaven, is happy for me- (she would probably even want to hold them-! (and all my cousins and aunts and uncles laughed!) I know my Dads happy-

God’s Biography

Posted by tmark on February 24, 2015
Posted in: the blog. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments

Buy Art Tsunami Hazard Zone

February, we are all freezing. Great time to stay cozy and think about God – because only God can get you through February.

Here are some thoughts on the 10 Commandments….

You are probably picturing: Roman Numerals and all caps… THOU SHALL NOT..etc But, wait…

what if they were God’s Bio- …..a way that He could explain Himself to His people-

1: I am God- I made everything and I also make all the rules- all other rules will refer back to this.. “simply because I am God, that’s why” and that is the way it is.

2: No idols or graven images*… God doesn’t need some kind of symbol or marketable entity to represent Him- God is a Spirit that can change people on the inside- like the wind..” you don’t see the wind, you see the effects of it”. And… you can’t make God into something that He is not- like if you say “I don’t think God would…or I think God is more like… or if I was God I wouldn’t…” etc. You are trying to change who God is- and He is not changing- “I am who I am”, without apology- (see rule #1)…

3: Don’t take God’s name in vain- it’s not just the swearing thing… it’s when people go on TV and say stuff like “send me your money and God will bless you-” (God doesn’t want your money! He wants your heart) Taking God’s name in vain means: Don’t misrepresent Him- Don’t go around saying you are a christian and then do things that everyone knows a christian would not do- God does not do background checks on people who want to follow Him (in fact- He erases your background so you can follow Him!) So anyone can become a believer- BUT- there is real responsibility- Now that you are a Christian- you have to act accordingly. God is willing to help you- simply Ask- for help. (you would be surprised how many people become christians and then never talk to God again….) (whats up with that?) maybe they should check out #4…

4: the sabbath… take a day off…God knows that life is tough- and we are constantly running around- it’s crazy- and you just need time to think and breathe- So let’s get together- like every six days – and we can be together- just us. -lets talk about stuff, about you, about Me- Our plans… you know, -stuff. You can probably imagine how upset Jesus was when he saw first-hand what the sabbath had turned into- He probably said…”this day was supposed to be about US- like a date- do you think I am some kind of nut who gets upset about whether you used stairs or an elevator or carried something outside of your home, when you have missed the big picture- it is supposed to be a time we just spent together… so, push aside all the other stuff and let’s get together- we do need to talk. (just you and God)

There are 6 more- but these first ones are about God and you (us). They asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment and He said- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strenght- and then love your neighbor as yourself” perhaps, greatest “commandment” is misleading- because being commanded to love someone is like when your Mom says..”kiss aunt So-and-so”… and you HAVE to -yuck. that’s not love. So maybe it should be translated… best thing someone could do… anyway it would fix a lot of stuff.

5: Honor your Mother and Father- this is an amazing statement- it could have kept the human race in good shape because everyone would have kept themselves in line- so as not to give the family a bad name- Even from a secular social veiwpoint- it is an amazing revelation as to how to keep a society together.

6: Thou shall do no murder- (literal translation) Murder is different from killing- murder involves your heart and Jesus said “if you hate someone- it is the same as murder…”

7: No adultery- Again it is a heart issue- Jesus said “if you lust…. you have already commited adultery in your heart” And this also goes for ALL such lust-in-your-heart issues. (God is not going to let you slide on some technicallity)(you are busted!) Our hearts are desperately wicked.. So give it over to Jesus- surrender. (as often as you have to- God is not going to feel as though you are bothering Him!)

8: Thou shall not steal- anything, at any time- no exceptions. This one gets us all. I mean….’anything’? ! (man- we need help) People will always say “I never robbed a bank…” But that’s not what it says. It says stealing. Size or dollar amount do not matter. So, go and sin no more… and God will give you favor.

9: No lying. Another one that gets everybody. and we all know where liars go…. Washington.

10: No coveting. Basically, just be happy with what you have and stop wanting what everyone else has- stop listening to the voices that are trying to make you discontent with your life- Jesus loves you. (you- the bum) So trust in Jesus- seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you… and then you will realize you probably did not need them in the first place, simply because having God is better.

6,7,8,9 & 10 all good stuff that kinda should go without having to be said- common sense stuff -breaking any of these will just screw up your life as well as everyone else- so- Have some common sense. Take responsibility for yourself and behave.

(*these comments come from a guy who makes sculpture! -believe me , I know my graven images! and mine are kosher… just don’t worship them)

*this is a re-post but you might have missed it earlier…

(parenthetically)

Posted by tmark on April 16, 2014
Posted in: the blog, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 7 Comments

parenthetically (speaking) (ok, writing…. or reading?)check1

parenthesis- (I love them)

I even speak with them (we all probably do) (admit it)

why? (well, its like obvious subtext or like listening in on a conversation) (while reading) the subtext thing is like when you put your hand up the side of your mouth (like this) and then talk out of the side of our mouth (ok- that is a totally made up definition) maybe its more like letting you in on what is really going on (are you getting this?)(no pressure, and no test will be given later)

but it is one of the fun ways to add expression to what is being said (or written- like that little underline)(the word ‘but’) -don’t pretend like you did not see it. (go back and check) the underline part adds emphasis(and the parenthesis add.. well, more words?)(they add something- maybe its a comment on how that part did not come out right)

parenthesis is like talking with you hands while you type (seriously) (ok, not seriously)

Italics are used differently- (and we know why- )(sarcasm) its sarcasm-(not the ‘we know why’ part) Sarcasm. if I was being sarcastic I would have said “and we know why…”  or ‘and we know why-‘ (is that clear?) like if I say ‘really intelligent people’ the intelligent part is the sarcastic part (right?) and the part with the parenthesis is just for clarification (hello?)

(heads up- this next part is unrelated, but I(the author) chose to include it (for your enjoyment))(just more parenthetical stuff- within other parenthesis)

My son came up with a great name for a heavy metal band that has that ‘cookie monster’ style singer who screams all the time….(wait for it…) CAPS LOCK (actually- caps lock would be the name- but in lower case- like it is on your keyboard)

we all should understand that writing in all caps looks angry. (like you are yelling) (right?) but bold is totally different still. (I had some reason for writing this part but I forgot it.) Bold is not angry and I don’t think it means ‘with gritted teeth’ (but it could-) maybe bold italics means gritted teeth? (?) (lets try it…) I wish I could remember… (nope) Well, maybe not. (shouldn’t that last part be in parenthesis?) <that part was- (this is not going to be about symbols)(ok, ok… sheesh) (IS THAT CLEAR?) Bold italics (or should that be italicese, or italicene?) just seems to look more sensitive. (opinion)(if you were writing this you could put in your own parenthetical thought)(feel free you use this blank space)( ___________________ )

Air quotes: (like air guitar)

air quotes

(ok, air quotes have nothing to do with talking in parentheses)(and they have nothing to do with writing either- but maybe my overuse of the hyphen- is something that needs addressing- –nah!)

Air quotes was only included because I drew this picture (and it came out good)(opinion?)

(this was just an idea I had- and it needed an outlet- hope you liked it)(its all made up-)(there was no real point-)(ok?)

 

One year later… Gratitude!

Posted by tmark on July 23, 2013
Posted in: the blog. Tagged: , , . 2 Comments

well, believe it or not, one year ago today- I was in an accident at work and broke my back.

m

that’s titanium, son.

and yet- today I seem fine and you would never know (unless you were a TSA person looking for some concealed…. stuff)

and I do have a huge scar (eleven inches) but at the beach I wear a T-shirt (not because I am afraid of skin cancer or even afraid  showing off my farmers tan… lets just say, I still look good in a T-shirt, even on the beach!)

I recently re-re-re read “When bad things happen to good people” (by Rabbi Kushner) and this time I noticed that he commented on the title…”‘When”- not “Why do”…bad things happen etc. He says it is the “when” that we can learn to cope with and find help with… but the “Why” is something completely different- and it can really become the source of problems-

We have all heard stories of things happening- and even if we try to imagine what it must be like, we never really expect it to happen to us. Imagine my surprise as I was in the ambulance, speeding to the hospital…. wow, I’m in an ambulance! and they came to get me!

more on that later..

I did keep a journal during the first few months home from the  hospital and it’s great to look back at the healing process and progress- I have entries about writing thank you cards to everyone who sent stuff- and there are entries about who visited (lots and lots of visitors!)(and that is just so wonderful and I am so thankful to all of you who came!) and there are entries about pain and stupid pain medicine and fun entries like.. “my wife has realized that I am essentially a toddler….” and “nice ten minute walk and nap”

but one of the best is a quote from a physical therapist who I met at the hospital and had walked me around the sixth floor while I was there- she told me “it won’t  always be like this, you will get better, you will recover”. It was like cold water dope slap when she said it and I really needed to hear it. It can be pretty grim when one lap around the wing is too much and it’s wiping you out and you want to get out of the hospital- but it’s like this reality check of how seriously messed up you are.

it won’t always be like this, you will get better, you will recover. (I wrote it down on page 2 of the journal)(and then I referred to it often… see Pg. 2) I did not have theme music playing throughout the recovery like in a movie- it actually seemed to take forever. I know this is the microwave generation and we want everything quickly- and as I look back, I am amazed at how far I have come, at how cool modern medicine is and how great our God is- and how much He loves to answer prayers. I have said before that I did not have a lot (or any) big miracle stuff- but I have come to understand that the real miracle was that I was not paralyzed. It does not take much to damage your spinal cord, and what had happened to me was catastrophic. Thank you Jesus for watching over me.

When I called my workers compensation guy and told him I wanted to go back to work- he was shocked. They had figured I would have been out for at least one year, and I called him at 8 months.

Lessons Learned:

It is easier to be the one who is hurt than the spouse of the one who is hurt. Spouses have it pretty bad. They go to the doctor with you- hear all the bad stuff- then watch you ignore advice, disobey orders and generally do all the things you are not supposed to- and then have to hear you complain about how you are not getting better!

I am sorry and I hope you are too! we all do it. (just wait until you are older- you are just going to get worse. -you should change your evil ways now)

those little dots are staples..

those little dots are staples..

Back to me in the ambulance, then emergency room, then 4 days in ICU: It is still quite a surprise- this happens to other people… (not me, right?) but, then you realize what it is really like for those other people- and then you can talk to and maybe even help those other people. It helps you join the human race again. Sometimes we can get a little too isolated and not really in touch with our fellow man- we don’t really need help doing stuff and strangely.. that makes you kind of isolated.

We are much better people when we need each other (and God) it forces us to be nice! or friendly and at least sociable- Best of all, when you have been visited in the hospital- you realize how important that is- and then you start doing it! It’s very good for you and the folks you visit and you will not regret doing it. You do not have to provide answers, just visit. Sit and listen and care- it’s wonderful.

Lying in the hospital bed and thinking about all the things you won’t be able to do anymore… is not really that shocking. As people age they have to face those kind of facts all the time- no pity parties allowed.

I did change careers- no more tree work for me. I was able to convince myself that I had nothing to prove! (I still only had one accident after 25 years in the field) I now work with disabled individuals and what I have noticed is that they are unstoppable!

I still have some pain and I am still healing- and honestly I am probably doing more than I should, but it’s great to be alive, working and out helping others. and… hey, it’s only been one year! I am very grateful for the life, family and church I have and I hope my life reflects that.

My journal has a few important prayers, here is a great one to start: Jesus, I don’t want this to be another day that I don’t get closer to You.

thanks again, T Mark

the Need to be Needed

Posted by tmark on May 10, 2013
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 3 Comments

sunset10-6-03Have you ever found yourself inviting an older relative over to some family event and they ask: “should I bring anything?” and you say, ‘no, you don’t have to bring anything- just come over.’ ….

Believe it or not, this might be the wrong thing to say. Our older relatives have had amazing lives, full of sacrifice and labor and they are very skilled at a lot of things- but no one has asked them to do anything for a while. They still have the ability and would love to be asked to rise to an occasion- and then to be told how great they did- again, just like the older times they remember.

Its the Need to be Needed. We all have it.

Raising children is kind of, extremely, one-sided-love for a long time. You have the baby- you hold the baby, change the baby, kiss the baby, photograph the baby, dress the baby, hug the baby, feed the baby, teach the baby how to walk, love the baby- and wait for the baby to say your name- Mama or Dada and then- for the baby to reach for you- for a hug, or when its scared, or sad or tired. And you are glad to be the one who your baby reaches for and you will do anything for this baby.

Then the baby grows up a little an can do things by themself. And you have somehow succeeded- you were training them for this moment- but somehow, now they need you a little less. Of course, you should not think of this in this way, because your job is to make an individual who can accomplish things and be responsible.

Next thing you know, they become ungrateful, selfish teenagers who think you don’t know anything. (remember when you did it!)(we all did) -Hopefully, you got over yourself, apologized and are getting your Mom something nice for Mothers day.

God made man in His image. Some of the things we feel- God feels as well. The Need to be Needed. You need God. (for a variety of reasons- forgiveness, salvation, healing, hope etc) But we were created to be in relationship with God (Ephesians, Ch 1) (and don’t get tripped up in “pre-destination” stuff- it just means that when Jesus made the way- there was room for all who would be born in the future to accept His sacrifice)

so- God needs you. He misses you. He wants to be with you now. Not just in eternity, but in this life. He wants to hear that you still need Him. He can still do amazing stuff- so maybe we need to ask Him. Ask Him for something that only He can do- Tell Him what you need in private so that He can meet your needs and you will know it was God who did it!

God is a show off. He is God. so it’s really ok.

Next time you are talking to an older relative- ask them about how they used to do all that they did- without all the technology that we have today- Don’t let their lives of labor go by un-noticed. And- forced retirement sucks, so you can always ask if they would like to bring something to your event- then they can opt out if they want. 😉

**hot tip** Tell whoever does the cooking- something nice about what they did- sometimes its the only ‘payment’ they get and they will take great care of you, and it will give them a reason to shine- because you will have given them an audience.