Hello, my dear friends. It seems that lately, I open with the phrase “it’s been awhile”. I have realized, though, that, that is not a bad thing. I have been doing something, that, I thought I might not ever get to do again. Living a healthy, active, wonderful life. I have several things to tell you, kind of like we are just chatting over the backyard fence.  So, freshen your cup of coffee, say a quick prayer of thanks to our wonderful God, and let’s catch up.

    Why, the prayer? you ask? If. I am not mistaken, you are reading this, which would indicate, that you woke up this morning. People don’t realize, just how big of a gift, that is. I, do… Sherrell, does. Bob, does. Jen, does. Deep down, I know you do. Am I special? I don’t know.  But, I will say, that, with all that has happened, YOU are. I have done so much soul searching, trying to find my way. I have thought, prayed, pondered, and pontificated. I do not have all of the answers. But, today, it hit me in a profound way.

     I listened to my own “chalk talk”. My daughter Jordan plays in a Christ centered basketball league, called Upward basketball. Every week, during halftime of each game, someone shares a testimony. It lasts three to five minutes. Today, I had the honor, of sharing a small part of my story. I shared, how, faith has gotten me to this point in my life. As I was talking, I looked at every face, looking back at me. That is when it hit me. I might have had the honor, of introducing one of those children, or their parents, or even their grandparents, to Jesus!  I referred to Psalm 34:4. (Please, look it up. this can wait…) As I read the word, I felt him stirring inside me. I teared up, with emotion, not, to the point of crying, but when your voice thickens, and your vision blurs. I know he used me today, and I am just so humbled.

    Can you feel it? Spring is getting closer. Okay, to those of you in Minnesota, I apologize. I realize, many of you read that statement, and began scratching your heads, looking at each other, and saying.. “It’s already July?” Okay, that was a rotten thing to do. Spring, in MN is a very unique season. My first spring, up there, was unforgettable. I heard a high pitched hum, and thought, “the angels are announcing the new season”. That is when one of the Mayo nurses slapped me on the back of the head, and said, “ya dummy! that humming is the migration of the Minnesota state bird.” Ever the curious minded, person, I asked, “and what, pray tell, is the name of the Minnesota state bird?” (I had to ask.. bad call) “Well, DUH! ya goofy gus, you, it is the mosquito!” (Insert groaning here, an indicator of a bad joke) That is why the phlebotomists at Mayo wear maroon scrubs. So us patients can distinguish them from the skeeters!

    Guys, I can honestly say, I am happy. I have the best “job” in the world. I get to have my morning coffee, at a 30-plus acre “oasis”, with a herd of 28 deer, dozens of squirrels, a few pain-in-the-butt racoons, and an awesome dog. My most stressful moment, each day, is trying to decide which boots to wear. I have about 5 pairs, left over from working jobs in years past. Mary thinks I have a “footwear fetish”, but I firmly believe, that having the proper footwear, for whatever the task is important. I have an office, to work from, tools, to accomplish my objectives, and Don and Jim, who are teaching me what it means to serve with a joyous spirit. I am blessed.

     Healthwise? I am doing well. I have a cough, right now, a remnant from a head cold, which is driving me nuts, but overall, I am well. Do you realize, that I got a new heart, August 1, and I am playing volleyball now? I am still amazed, when i think back, just a few short months ago, that I am still here, let alone, living a relatively normal life.

     Well, folks, I am gonna go lie next to my lovely wife, and drift off to blissful sleep. Thank you, for your faithfulness. By reading this, you are helping with my therapy. Rebuilding the body is much easier than mental rehab. Knowing that we all are praying for each other, in whatever way we go about it, is comforting. God bless, and I love you all.

                                                                                                                 Mark.

     Hey all, how ya been? I have been running around like… well, let’s be honest. I am almost 40, running is not one of my strong suits. That is how you can tell that the bicycle was invented by a more “mature” adult. At this age, we appreciate any exercise that can be done while sitting on our bottoms.

    I have been on Facebook lately, reconnecting with some of my high school classmates. Wow, talk about bringing back memories. Many of them have kids who are at the age we were when we knew each other. Where has time gone? As my more recent acquaintances will tell you “older” ones, I am not one to dwell on the past. I have no regrets. That is not to say, that, I didn’t make my share of stupid choices. But, here is the kicker… A little over 5 years ago, I gave my heart Jesus. That is the only choice that will ever really matter, in the end.  He cleaned me up, filled me with grace, and prepared me for the hell my body was about to endure.

    Today is a new day. I have a new heart, a new life, and a new outlook on who I am. I am still that same kid who used my gaseous emissions to cover for my insecurities. The late 80’s were a very awkward time for me. I suppose they were for all of us. I am one of the lucky ones, who grew up, but didn’t grow old. I love to laugh. I am always on the lookout for a way to make others laugh. The bottom line, is, I like me. I can now see my imperfection as an asset, not a liability.

    So, what is it, that causes one to wake up at 0200 and the mind to start reeling? I have a bunch of things going on at once, and I love it. But, why am I not asleep? When I woke up, the first thing I heard, was my heart. The second thing I heard, was my dog, Mattie, snoring. All is as it should be. All my girls are snoozing peacefully, even the cat, Tiger is sleeping on Mary’s backside. So what woke me up? Much like a computer, we sometimes need a reboot. I suppose, we all have those moments. I am just happy to be alive. Not in a mortal, or morbid sense, but, the simple feeling of being right here, right now.