Mark's Remarks

Faith . . . Family . . . Stuff

Is my blog dying?

		Friday, 09 October 09 - 11:37 AM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

It's been exactly one month from the last time I posted something on my blog.  I was reminded of that by a friend this week.  Is my blog dying?  It seems that Facebook and Twitter are trying to kill my blog.  Why would they be trying to kill my blog?

Facebook:  I must admit that I like Facebook.  There have been times that I have been annoyed by it, but it is a really good tool to get information to a select group of people.  It's also a great way to stalk your friends (see my post on that here).  It seems that when I have something to say or pictures to share I find myself looking to facebook first.  I realize that everyone connected to my life is not on Facebook so that's one of the reasons I haven't buried this blog by now. 

Twitter:  I have a Twitter account, but I don't use it.  Why?  The main reason is probably because I don't have a blackberry or iPhone.  It's hard to "follow" people on my little LG VX 8350.  If I don't use Twitter then why would Twitter be trying to kill my blog?  Precisely because Twitter is conditioning people to keep their message within a 140 character length.  If I were Twittering this post it would end at "is my blog dyi" in the first paragraph.  Sure, it's good to keep messages short and sweet, but sometimes there is a need to say more.  

So for now I'm going to keep this blog going and try to update it much more often than once a month! 

Defending the Cause of the Orphan

		Monday, 27 July 09 - 07:37 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

Warner Bros. new horror movie Orphan proclaims that "it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own" (biological children).  Orphans have changed my life . . . in so many amazing ways, I don't know where to start!

Let me start with one about little Mariah (pictured to the right).  Many of you know her story, but I'll catch those who don't know up-to-date.  Mariah came to live with us in September 2007.  Before that time God had placed adoption on our hearts, but I was scared to death.  I was scared of so many things, but the main thing was could I love an adopted child like I love my four biological children.  That fear remained with me even up to the moment that this precious baby was placed into my arms in the lobby of the Crown Plaza Hotel in Guatemala City.  All of those fears were releaved as I held her for the first time.  I knew God had chosen her for our family, just as he had chosen us to be the parents of our biological children.

Over the past (almost) two years we've had many hurdles to overcome (you can read about some of the hurdles under the adoption and cochlear implants archives of this blog).  Every week she tries my patience, and so do my biological children!  Is it hard for me to love her like my biological children?  The answer is a resounding NO!  Sometimes I think I love her more.  I know that's not possible, but I wouldn't trade her for the world.

My question to anyone reading this post is, "Do you know an orphan personally?  Before July 2006 I would have had to answer that question, "No, I don't know an orphan and I don't want to know one."  My thoughts were, "If I know an orphan, then I have to do something."  I was right and having orphans in my live has without a doubt been one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. 

I couldn't imagine my life without loving orphans and having them share their love with me!  I can't imagine life without friends like Marlon (pictured above).  We sent papers to Honduras today to get him to the U.S. on a medical visa to get his hearing tested.  He doesn't have a language, but someone taught him the sign for "I love you".  I can see him now signing "I love you".  

Those are just a few of the reasons why I get angry every time I see a trailer for the Orphan movie.  But instead of writing a rant about the movie I accepted the Tom Davis' challenge and defend the cause of the orphan and write this positive protest post. 

If you know an orphan and have a blog or facebook and you too want to make a "positive protest" you can find our more here. 

The Tooth Fairy and the Failing Economy

		Saturday, 07 February 09 - 09:59 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

 

I thought I was going to fall down the stairs I laughed so hard.  As we went up for be the other night we discovered a note Daniel had left for us.  He had lost a tooth and we told him he wasn't going to get anything because he'd been talking trash about the tooth fairy.   I couldn't resist writing a reply. 

Why would he ask for $4?  Well, last week David lost a tooth and the tooth fairy left him $2.  He was a little disappointed the next morning and I asked him what was wrong.  He said, "I thought that was a $4 tooth!"  I'm not sure even in a good economy that there are $4 teeth.  Who knows, maybe with the Obama "stimulus package" even the tooth fairy will see better days?

I must confess I was a little disappointed in the spelling mistakes, but I was reminded the next day that even high school students make spelling mistakes.  I saw yet another facebook status update using the word "tomarrow."

I'm so excited . . .

		Monday, 03 November 08 - 10:09 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

Life . . . filled with good and bad.  I've had both today, but I had to say before I hit the sack tonight . . . I'm so excited . . .

I paid $1.89 per gallon for gas tonight! 

Yes, it was in SC, but it's only 5 miles from my house.  I can't believe I was so excited to see gas below $2.00 per gallon.  I guess I can understand it when it was almost $4.00 per gallon a couple weeks ago.

I've been a terrible blogger

		Tuesday, 30 September 08 - 11:03 AM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

I must confess two things . . . one, i've been a terrible blogger lately and two, I do read my blog comments.  This week I received a comment from Mallory (age 8), one of Madison's friends.  She said, "I come on everyday and still nothing new."  So, this post is just for Mallory.  Here's something new and it includes a picture of you!

35 years old and still running!

		Monday, 22 September 08 - 09:48 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

"They just don't make things like they used to!"  If you're over 30 years old I'm sure you've said that before.  Now, it seems like everything is disposable.  That's partly true because it costs more to fix something than to buy a new one. 

Anyway, Daniel got a motorcycle for his birthday.  We'll it's been in the family for over 35 years.  It just needed a little tune-up and it's running like day one.  Below are a couple pictures of me, Daniel and the 35 year old Honda XL 70.   BTW, he was a pro at riding it.  He hasn't fallen yet!

 

Yes, that's me . . . 35 years ago!  For those of you who know my family.  That's Paw Paw Bobby in the mustard color shirt (the shirt is proof that clothing styles come back around).  That's Nanny in the background with her hands on her hips with my sister Julie beside her.  Also, my sister Carla is close to the motorcycle with the long dark hair. 

PS.  I hope those stripped pants don't come back in style!

Blog silence

		Wednesday, 03 September 08 - 09:32 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

I received an email from a friend who was concerned about my blog silence for the past week.  It is unusual for me to go a week without a post.  I've thought about writing something, but I've been busy with other things . . . mainly weddings.  I've have three weddings that I have shot that need to be edited and I helped Amy with a Jewish/Cuban wedding in Asheville this past weekend.  It was a good opportunity for me to practice my Spanish. 

I'm still alive, but I guess I've had the blogging blues for the past week.  Ok, that was for both of you who read my blog.  Below is something for those who just happen to stumble upon this blog.  Hope you enjoy . . .

Blake and Bekah's wedding - shot @ FBC Weaverville 08.09.08

For those who've got some time to kill and like looking at someone else's pictures you can view all 646 photos from their wedding here!

It's 3:00 a.m. and he's sending a text message

		Saturday, 23 August 08 - 08:38 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

It's 3:00 a.m. and I don't think Obama is ready to lead, but he does have a sense of humor.  I'm not an Obama fan, but I am a fan of a good joke.  I'm sure his campaign staff had a great laugh at 3:00 a.m. this morning as they sent out their text messages to the millions who had signed up for it. 

Hillary (and Biden) had questioned his readiness to lead, but I laughed out loud when I heard the text message announcing Joe Biden from Delaware as his running mate was delivered at 3:00 a.m.  I wonder how Hillary felt when she got the text message at 3:00 a.m.?

A Happy Day in Tegucigalpa!

		Sunday, 06 July 08 - 07:13 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

It was a happy day in Tegucigalpa yesterday (07/06), especially at the Toncontin airport.  News broke on Friday night that President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya was going to sign the papers to reopen the airport. He did, in fact, sign the orders and Toncontin airport will reopen for class C and D airliners.  For us laymen, that means it will reopen for the big airplanes.  For those of us who host mission teams in and around Tegucigalpa, it means adios to the 5 hour bus rides to and from San Pedro Sula.

When will it reopen?  Who knows?  I talked with one manager from American Airlines yesterday and he said it could be 10 - 14 days before the big planes return.  I'm still praying for less time.  I would like to think they will be flying in and out by the end of this week.  Keep praying and we'll see what happens.

It could be worse!

		Saturday, 31 May 08 - 03:27 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

Daniel, my 9 year old son, informed me a couple weeks ago that he was voting for Obama.  "Why are you voting for Obama?" I asked.  Because he's going to take down the gas prices!  I guess he heard that on Fox News (if I have the remote - it's likely on Fox News).

Why would a 9 year old be concerned about gas prices?  I guess it's because he hears his Mom, Dad and everyone else gripping about high gas prices.  How high can they go?

Well, just like most things, it could be worse.  Yes, you could live in Croatia.  What?  Yes, i got an email from a missionary/pastor in Croatia yesterday and he said that in Croatia gas prices are $8.13 per gallon!  Wow, we're not even halfway there. 

A quick search on Google reveals that gas prices are $9.66 in Paris and $11.29 in Turkey.  When is it going to stop?  How high can they go?  Can politicians fix it?  I don't think so!

American Idol - It's Deja vu all over again!

		Tuesday, 20 May 08 - 09:49 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

I know, I'm publically admitting I watch American Idol.  I have watched in since the beginning, but I'm getting a little burned out on it. 

The title of this post includes a quote from the great Yogi Berra.  It captures what I think has been going on with American Idol since Season 2.  The final features a great vocalist and a great performer.  Season Six- Jordan vs. Blake, Season Two - Reuben vs. Clay and Season 5 - Katherine vs. Taylor. 

I don't know about you, but it seems like second (or even third) place is sometimes more desirable for a better career - Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry!  Here's my prediction -David is going to win!

Ok, I'll clarify my position.  I think Little David (the great vocalist) is going to win (because of all the teenage girls and grandmothers) and that Big David (the great performer) is going to have a rock star career as a front man to a band . . . maybe even his own band. 

That's my two cents worth.  I understand that's about what my opinion is worth, but like Simon said tonight, "It's just an opinion."

 

Geography 101

		Monday, 19 May 08 - 05:48 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

I love Geography.  I don't know why, but I used up all my electives in college taking geography classes.  At one time I could name all 53 countries on the continent of Africa.  What benefit is that to life?  I haven't figured that out yet.  It was an assignment for a world geography class.  You know, it's kind of like that calculus class you took!

This past year I've been teaching US Geography to my kids.  I haven't done a great job teaching it, but Daniel and Madison know almost all 50 States.  It's been fun for me and I think it's been fun for them.

Why am I writing about geography today?  Because it happened again, what happend again?  I encountered a geographical idiot.  I would not expect the average person to know where Honduras is on a map, but I would expect that they knew Honduras was a country. 

I don't know, maybe most North Americans don't know that Honduras is a country, but it surprised me again when someone said, "Honduras?  Is that like another country or something?"  At least it wasn't like the reply one of my friends from Honduras received while visiting North America.  He told this young man he was from Honduras to which came the reply, "Honduras?  Is like near Greenland?" 

Maybe you are reading this and you don't know where Honduras is and you couldn't pick it out on a map.  If that's you and you feel like learning a bit, you can click here to get your geographical education.

Who ate eggs today?

		Wednesday, 14 May 08 - 09:12 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

Because I promised to write something light next I kept my ears open for funny things yesterday.  Here's three for you . . .

While working on some things for a mission trip meeting coming up this weekend I overhead a conversation at the school table.  Amy and the kids were reading a story and come across the phrase "colonial times".  Amy stopped and asked the question, "Do you remember what colonial times were?"  To which Daniel gave his worn out answer, "I don't know!"  You see, he's a boy in the 3rd grade and he hates school.  He just wants to play.  That's a problem.  Madison, however, is supposed to be in the second grade, but is doing 3rd grade work with Daniel.  She's a girl and she likes school (for the most part) so rather than giving up she attempted an answer.  That's where the humor comes in.  Madison's answer to the questions "What were the colonial times"  . . . "Was it when people wore a lot of cologne?"  Ok, maybe you had to be there?

The second one happened at the ball field when a little kid behind me (not one of mine) ask, "What did that 'Umphuree' say?"  Ok, maybe you had to be there for that one too?

The last one happened as we drove home from the ball game last night.  It was Amy and I in the car with David and Mackenzie.  We were driving to Amy's parents house to pick up the other kids when we drove through an area that had a smell to it.  A smell kind of like someone's sewage was running out and from the back seat we hear this exclamatory question from Mackenzie - "Who ate eggs today?"  Ok, that one was a little more funny. 

David . . . says it like it is!

		Sunday, 27 April 08 - 10:39 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

"Dad, that guy is a wimp.  He's got training

wheels on his motorcycle!"

Said by David (5 yrs. old) as we were leaving Lowes this past week as he saw a Trike (you know, a three wheeled motorcycle).  He just could not get over how wimpy it was that someone would have training wheels on a motorcycle.  It was even funnier when hearing it in his squeaky little voice.  For those of you who know David, read the quote again and imagine that squeaky little voice at about 100 decibils.  Funnier isn't it?

This one made me cry . . .

		Friday, 28 March 08 - 01:49 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

"Daddy, I love you more than anything!"

Madison 9 years old (my oldest daughter)

I know this is not a profound quote, but it's my blog and it's my quote of the week!  This was uttered this past week after she crawled up in my lap.  I hope she still says the same thing when she is 29! 

The Power of Marketing

		Thursday, 27 March 08 - 09:39 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

Seth Godin has one of the most popular blogs on the internet (www.sethgodin.com).  He is a marketing guru!  He has his own action figure to prove it!

I read his blog, but that's not really what I'm thinking about today.  I'm thinking about the power of marketing and how it affects me and my kids.

I remember as a young kid myself that commercials were powerful.  I distinctly remember my younger sister (Julie) would be coloring or something on the coffee table (not really on the coffee table, but you know what I mean).  I digress . . . why is a table in front of a couch called a coffee table?  Ok, back on topic . . . she would be coloring and when a commercial came on she would immediately look up. 

I notice that almost daily with our children.  Mainly I notice it when we go in a store and they want something they saw on TV.  Or like a couple weeks ago as Daniel and I were returning with Mariah from Chapel Hill and he wanted to stop at Burger King.  He never wants to stop at Burger King!  You know, all kids have a magnet inside them that is drawn to McDonald's . . . or is it the powerful marketing of the golden arches?

Why did he want to go to Burger King?  Because he had seen some kids meal toy on TV that he wanted. He knew that because it was just him and Mariah that I might let him get the kids meal.  I did, he got the toy, played with it for a few minutes and basically gave it to David, who broke it within a day.

If you ever watch Fox News, you've seen the free credit report.com commercials.  Our kids love those commercials.  They will go around the house singing the jingles.  They've even been known to go around other people's houses singing those jingles.  No matter where they are in the house, if one of those commercials comes on they stop what they are doing or run from where they are to be in front of the TV.  If you haven't seen the commercials they do have catchy tunes -(watch on youtube).

Bottom line . . . i need to be careful of the marketing messages that are in front of my kids (and myself) each day.  I need to be a better marketer of the important things I want my kids to remember in life.  I'm not Seth Godin, but I need to be the "marketing guru" in my household. 

If you read this far you deserve a treat . . . here is a recent quote from Seth Godin's blog . . .

That's great advice for parenting, for business, for church, for life.  It's like the "if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got" thing.  The goal is more important than the methods of reaching the goal.  More on all that later . . . .

Happy Easter

		Sunday, 23 March 08 - 08:44 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

HAPPY EASTER

Jesus is Risen!  It's been a great day for us.  We had a wonderful service at church.  It was an opportunity for us to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!

We were also able to spend time with family.  It's been a long time since we shared Easter with our families.  We even had an easter egg hunt.

You guessed it, I did take a couple pictures today.  Below is one from the family shoot after church.  The other is a card I received from a missionary / pastor in Croatia.  I thought it was too cool not to share here. Enjoy!

Quick Encouragement

		Thursday, 13 March 08 - 03:16 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

"God is preparing you for what He has prepared for you."

Heard on a sermon from Perry Noble, who heard it from Ed Young Jr.  Anyway, I thought it was a great quote.

Something to think about . . .

		Sunday, 02 March 08 - 10:38 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

"China can become the world leader in this century."  This quote comes from Loren Cunningham in his new book The Book that Transforms Nations.  He claims two conditions must be met for China to become the world's number one leader.

Condition #1:  If its people continue to become followers of Jesus at the present rate, founding their lives on the Bible. 

Condition #2:  If Western nations continue to turn away from the Bible at the present rate. 

Do you see the common denominator?  The Bible!  God's Word has the power to change any nation.  Have we underestimated the power of the Bible to change entire countries?  Have we (USA) gone the way of Western Europe and our churches will become museums?  What will be the attitude toward the Bible in the USA that our children's children will inherit?

Just some things to think about . . . .

Thousands enjoy my musings? Yeah right!

		Thursday, 28 February 08 - 03:21 PM (GMT -05:00) By Mark Moore in General

I got an email from a friend this week saying that Terapad had given my blog a shout out on their community page.    Here's what they said:

Mark Moore's website 'Mark's Remarks', has been a popular site on Terapad since its inception. His musings on God, Family and everything in-between have interested thousands. He links his site to a Flickr and Facebook account as well of making use of Terapad's built in image gallery. Mark's Remarks is a good example of how you can simply customize a site to create a completely different look.

Well, it may be a bit of hyperbole, but I'll take it.  Thanks Terapad guys for the vote of confidence!

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