J. Mark McVey

2013-01-01T05:10:00.001-08:00

Good morning everyone and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a good new years celebration. Have you made your new years resolution? I'm going to sit down with the family today and we are going to make our resolutions together. This way we each have another person to help us out with our goal. I guess you could call it some one to help us be accountable. I find that this practice helps me through the times when I feel week or unable to motivate myself. I suggest you give it a try.

God Bless and have a great day!

Mark

Media updates

2011-01-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a good start to the new year! I am having lots of changes and additions made to my new website. Everything is moving along nicely. The changes are helping to get me more organized. Sort of getting everything in one spot. I have not had much time yet, however, to blog. So thanks for your patience.

This is the last blog that I will do from this site. This blogger site will delete in 3 months, so, please update your settings now. Every blog, from this point forward, will be coming from my website.

Below are the ways you can connect with me. You can click these links, save them to your favorites, or, go to my site and click on the icons at the bottom of the page.

NEW BLOG: http://www.jmarkmcvey.com/blog/

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/jmarkmcvey

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jmarkmcvey

NEW WEBSITE: http://www.jmarkmcvey.com

Thanks for following my thoughts and rants, and career posts. I look forward to seeing you on the flip side.

God Bless You!

Mark

Happy New Year to All! I have just one simple thought for the new year...

2010-12-31T10:47:00.000-08:00

When I think about what is important in all of my relationships old and new and how I might make all of those relationships stronger this year. The word that pops into my mind is truth. A simple value that each of us welcome. Lets demand it of ourselves, our friends and neighbors and especially our representatives in Washington this year. Let's be truth seekers!

God bless you and Happy New Year!

Mark

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My family and I had a great Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

2010-12-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

I remember saying I would tell you about the recent concert trips and so I'll continue with my trip to Garner NC. Garner is a small town out side of Raleigh, NC. A lovely community full of kind forward thinking people. Why do I say that? Well, while other areas seems to be cutting back on funding for the arts Garner is carving out a niche for themselves as an arts presenter. This year Garner is starting a concert series where artists can come and share their experiences and talents. I was the opening act for their 2010-2011 season.

We had a blast! I normally take my MD with me where ever I perform. However, on this trip I decided to take the suggestion of my good friend, Tim Stevens, and use a wonderful accompanist right there in the town of Garner, Mr. McCrae Hardy. I had previously had the pleasure to work with McCrae when he was the musical director for the NC Theatre. Though we had never worked together in this capacity the show was a huge success! I would recommend this venue and this accompanist to any performer.

Talk to you soon!

God Bless you!

Mark

Some concerts are just special... as a performer, you intend for all of your performances to be special...some just stand out...

2010-12-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

The past two weekends are such performances. The weekend of 12/3,4,5 started off with and for some our favorite people. Friday 12/3 was the annual fundraiser for our favorite charity, The Irish and American Physically Challenged Youth Team, where Christy and I performed with legendary Irish song writer/entertainer Phil Coulter and his wife Geraldine Brannigan and Ron and Barbara Sharpe and their lovely daughter Sam.

The evening is always very special because the people in the room are special. They are there for one reason. That reason is to show their love and care for the children supported by the charity. If God has put it on your heart this year to give some of your extra blessings to charitable organizations, this is the charity for you. The money given goes 100% to direct care for the kids. You can donate at: http://www.pcirishteam.org/. What a great evening!

God Bless you!

Mark

Hey everyone...I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. I find that the more I am in the Christmas spirit the better I feel...

2010-12-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

After all what is "the Christmas spirit" all about. It's about giving isn't it? It's about Love. Most of all, for me, it is about the birth of Christ. But, getting back to the spirit of Christmas, perhaps we might think about expanding the Christmas spirit to the rest of the year. What if we all make a conscious choice to do more giving during the rest of the year instead of just at the special times. Just a thought.

I have had some wonderful concert experiences this month. Over the next few days I will share those experiences with you and let you know what on the horizon.. Be well!

God Bless You.

Mark

Did everyone survive Thanksgiving? Anyone over eat? How about Black Friday? Anyone get hurt shopping?

2010-11-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Silly questions perhaps, but, valid when you put it into perspective with what we view as normal behavior for our society. We as a nation are so blessed. We walk around in utter bliss most of the time and we are so used to it we we don't even recognize it. We tend to view things that are luxuries or earned by hard work in almost every other society as things to which we are entitled.

I think it is important from this point forward to pay more attention to and build a stronger relationship with our sovereign God. We also need to get involved in the things in which the government is involved. We can no longer trust that the officials we elect will always have our best interest at heart.

We had a move toward real change this past election day. I think it was a positive reaction to the garbage that has been stuffed down our throats by the government and the media, which in my opinion are one and the same, for many years.

I don't think that we are entitled to health care. I don't think we are entitled to home ownership. I don't think we are entitled to handouts, or, bailouts. We are entitled to LIFE, LIBERTY and the, "Pursuit," of HAPPINESS! We are entitled to these things because GOD ordained it!

Further, we need to educate ourselves about the, "progressive movement,"in this country. In my humble opinion this movement is what has gotten this country to the state in which we find ourselves. THE RAT RACE. Everyone needs to understand what the, "progressive movement," is and what can be done in order to stop it. More to come on this topic.

God Bless You!

Mark

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that all of you have a blessed day. I am thankful for all of you and hope that what I write here on this blog are things that you look forward to reading.

2010-11-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my whole family especially for my beautiful wife and lovely daughters. I am thankful that I live in a free country. I am thankful for the men and women of our armed forces that help to keep us a free nation. I am thankful for the gifts God has given me. I am thankful for the endless opportunity I get to share my gifts. I am thankful for life and love and the gift to choose to worship a sovereign God.

What are you thankful for? Write and tell me. And make sure you take the time to tell all of those you love how grateful you are for them.

God Bless You!

Mark

I continue to lean from my favorite daily devotional book, "My Utmost For His Highest," by Oswald Chambers...

2010-11-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

Todays message was about protecting your disposition or state of mind. Take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously." (Malachi 2:16) I've spoken about state of mind issues before. The mind is a powerful tool. We must take negative thought's, whether about ourselves or others, captive and find a way to get rid of them. Why? Well, if we allow our minds to harbor negative thoughts, in essence they are the enemy that distracts us from God. If our focus is not on Him, "faith," is of no value.

I hope you have a Great Day!

God Bless You!

Mark

Hello everyone! Had a great time in San Diego this past weekend. The weather was incredible and the concerts were very well attended and enjoyed...

2010-11-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Show with the San Diego Symphony was Marvin does Marvin. Therefore, I was asked to come and sing some of Marvin's songs. One might think that they would be the songs everyone knows. Not the case. I was there to sing as Marvin calls it, "Three Songs I love that only three people know." The show was a big hit and so was the medley.

I also got to sing one of the greatest theatre songs ever written, The Soliloquy, from Carousel. I love to sing that song and the audience really seems to like my rendition of it as well. I find something new in the song each time I perform it. Which is supposed to happen, I think, however, it always thrills and surprises me. The team of Rodgers and Hammerstein were really quite remarkable.

I have a lot of things coming up in December I hope you check out my new website and follow my schedule. I'll be in NC then WV, then MD before I come back home to do some special Christmas worship services at my church, The Hawthorne Gospel Church. Hope to see you somewhere!

God Bless You!

Mark

Spiritual health is something that you have to work on every day. The great thing about that is that the more you work on it the better you get at working on it...

2010-11-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

I know, for me, it used to be hard to find the time. I would fill my day with the things that I thought were necessary for my success. I still try to accomplish those necessary things, however, now, the one thing that I find is most crucial for my success is my relationship with and my attention to God.

The stressful elements of my day are much easier to cope with once I have spent some time in His presence finding out where He wants my focus. Then I can orderly outline the tasks or chores or events that must take place to fulfill the requirements put on me by my boss or my wife or my kids which in my case are all one in the same. The more time one spends seeking His kingdom the better ones life will be.

Matthew 6:33 tells us "...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness..."

God Bless You!

Mark

Wow, I hope the countries on the presidents itinerary are as smart as those who voted to change the direction in our country last week...

2010-11-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Not even a week has passed and our Chief executive is out on the road patting himself on the back again. He's telling India how he can help them create jobs. What a laugh! He is also telling how he has been making our government more transparent. I hurt myself rolling on the floor in a giggle fit about that statement. Perhaps he believes what he is saying, however, nothing could be farther from the truth. How can anyone come to those conclusions looking at the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Oh well!

I continue to do work on my website. Make sure you check it out to see when I'm coming to your area. As I make changes all suggestions are welcome. Not that I'm going to take all of them, but, they are welcome. Peace!

God Bless You!

Mark

Everyone! Get out and Vote! Today is the day...

2010-11-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

...we take back control of the direction of this country. Today is the day that we as citizens of the US start putting this country back in the hands of the people.

God Bless You and God Bless the United State of America!

Mark

Don't forget to vote!

2010-11-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Morning everyone,

I hope the weekend was a good one. Did everyone get enough Halloween candy? There didn't seem to be as many trick or treaters out this year. It was a bit chilly here in NJ. We made a big pot-o-chili and served it with hot dogs and cider for the families in our neighborhood. Thanks to all who came and contributed to the festivities.

Today I just want to remind everyone to make sure you get out and vote tomorrow. I'll probably remind you again in the morning. I was talking with my neighbors last night and the one thing that seems to be on every ones mind is the direction of the country. In the short run the only way any of us can make a difference in the direction is to vote and encourage our friends to vote. Looking at the bigger picture we must educate ourselves on the processes of the government. When you know the steps that need to be taken to attempt to fix what you perceive as the problems you can move forward in confidence.

I, for one, think that the problem is the government itself! The size of it. The direction of it. And most of all, those holding the positions of power in it! They are only thinking of themselves! They are not listening to the people who put them there. In my humble opinion the only way to change the course of this nation is to get rid of the whole lot of em'! Get rid of anyone who has served more than 2 terms.

I know this will take several election cycles, however, I feel this is necessary in order to get back to the fundamentals of the constitution the way our founders intended. I also know that people don't like to talk about politics. Folks, that is at least part of the problem! How can we get and stay involved (which is necessary in order to make change) if we would rather not talk about it. We must talk about it!

Enough from the soup box. Get out and vote. Pray for our leaders moving forward and talk to your friends about how you, "individually," can help in the process. I love this country! Let's not loose it!

God Bless You!

Mark

I am honored that you have chosen to follow me and, or, keep in touch with me. Thanks for your loyalty and your friendship...

2010-10-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I was on my facebook account yesterday and I am so happy to see so many good friends old and new. I hope that a lot of you have been following this blog. Some of you have known me for 40 years. Some for 20 years and some for 2 years. Some of you I have not even met. I am honored that you have chosen to follow me and, or, keep in touch with me. Thanks for your loyalty and your friendship.

I rarely talk about, or, point my readers to anyone or anything specific, especially when it comes to politics, or, how to live your life. Those things are personal choices. However, I think that I am going to start. The world could use some good sound advise every now and then. Not that I feel I alone am the man for that job, however, I feel that what I choose to read and those I choose to listen to are a darn site better than those attempting to ruin the greatest county and system the world has ever know.

I make it a point everyday to watch a specific TV program. No it's not THE VIEW. The show is on the FOX NEWS NETWORK at 5 PM in the NY area. The show is THE GLENN BECK Show. I have been watching him for about 10 months. I started watching because I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about. You have to understand that within the liberal NY area which I live, the town of Ridgewood, NJ, is one of the more conservative towns overall.

Many of you who have known me for more than 20 years probably find it hard to believe that I would consider myself a conservative. Those who know me less than 15 years would find it hard to believe I was anything other than conservative. I want you to know, I know, that's confusing. So for those who have not spent any time around me lately I have changed. I have grown up. I have children. I am a conservative. There I said it!

God Bless You All!

Mark

2010-10-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I wanted to start off the day with a joke about how I understand what Michelle Obama meant when she said she was, " finally, for the first time proud to be an American." But, honestly, I did not know what she was talking about. However, if she was saying that she didn't like what this country has turned into, I must agree. I don't like what this country has turned into either.

I don't like a place where only the opinion of a totally corrupt government and the ungodly of society counts and the opinion of the godly people count for nothing. I don't like a place where the mainstream media leans so far "left" that they cannot keep the government in check like they are supposed to do. I don't like a place where TV talk show hosts can lash out and call people names because they are so stupid themselves that they cannot have an open debate about the direction of the country.

It's absolutely sickening that the moral backbone of the Godly majority of this society is being deteriorated by the views of the Godless minority. If it wasn't clear in the past that this country is going to hell in a hand basket it surely is clear now! The question is, what are we going to do about it!

Stand up people! It's past time to take action people! Pray for our leaders! Pray that they will hear the still small voice of God as He calls. Pray that the will of God and the godly will be done! Pray that the power of Almighty God will be unleashed on the ungodly and they will see His light and do His will! Pray that the citizens of this country will vote for the godly person of character. Pray that the godly principled individual will be elected and will govern based on the will of God and the Godly people of this great nation.

Unfortunately, prayer is only the beginning. We must take action, "in faith," on that prayer and get out and do all we can do to make these prayers come to fruition. Everyone must spread the word of Gods great love for his people.

God Bless You!

Mark

I'm tired of...

2010-10-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am getting so tired of all the political coverage by the media. It is coming from every angle and for the most part seems very negative as usual. The finger pointing and blame game is one thing that will not change until we decide, as a people, not to pay any attention. The left, in my opinion, is the worst culprit though the right has not been much better. There in lies the problem in my opinion. Neither parties members are worth our spending time and energy on. We need to clean house!

The only way we can get this country back on track is by getting rid of the incumbents in the House and the Senate. It is our fault for not paying enough attention to the process for such a long lime, however, we can not wait any longer to fix this problem of government corruption. We the people must stand up and take responsibility for our mistakes and strive to elect individual who are bound by the Constitution and willing to put the needs of the people above their individual needs.

There are only 7 days left to rally your friends and neighbors. We must make every effort to get God respecting individuals out to vote. It is vital that we vote responsibly and at least bring the two bodies of the legislative branch of our government back into a conservative majority.

God Bl;ess You!

Mark

2010-10-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I hope you had a great weekend! The end of this past week was as beautiful as last week was ugly. This week, the weather man says, will be like Indian summer. His mouth to Gods ears! That's great for me because I planted grass seed. The trees were in, "full on," color change this this weekend too. On the way to church we saw a tree that was such a bright red/orange it looked like it was on fire!

I've said it before, but, there is a lot to be said for the change of seasons. Changes brings new ideas. Of course we all have worked hard to get our kids in to the school mode and hopefully they are all doing well. But, we must not forget that fall can represent a change for adults as well. As the kids settle into their studies we can also renew our desire to learn more about ourselves and what makes us tick.

I have taken up a study of the new testament book of Hebrews. If you are new to bible study this might not be a place to start, however, I am finding it very interesting to learn more about how the new Christians of that time were dealing with the persecution of the church.

We modern humans, for whatever reason, need to feel like we are moving forward or progressing. All too often we get caught up in the material things of this world. The bigger home the better car the easier lifestyle. I think we miss the point in our progression. I think that sometimes we need to delve deeper inside to progress in our understanding of what God intended as opposed to what we want. It is a difficult balance.

One of my mentors Kurt Mortensen said "we are subjected to over a million marketing messages a day." No small wonder we can't hear what God wants us to hear. The only way I can make it work is to make sure I spend time reading Gods word. This, along with praying and listening for Gods answers, helps me to know that I am on the right track. It makes the change of the season a joy!

God Bless You!

Mark

Me again!

2010-10-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone reading is well! I had a very busy week last week that went through the weekend. Christy and I along with Laurie Gayle Stephenson sang a concert to benefit the Christian Health Care Center and The Eastern Christian School on Thursday. As you may recall Thursday was the day of the rain storm. The performance was in a tent. Need I say more? Still, I believe, a good time was had by all.

Friday I did something out of the ordinary. I sang at a wedding. I stopped singing at weddings some time ago though because they conflicted with other work. I forgot how much fun they are and how much joy is expressed in such a short period of time. I might be giving thought to working a few into my schedule again.

Saturday took me to St Louis, MO. That evening Marvin Hamlisch and I performed on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO., a lovely new theatre, The Bezemes Family Theatre, in the Scheidegger Center For The Performing Arts. http://www.lindenwood.edu/center/familyTheater.asp We had a blast and I met some of the nicest people. Anne Runolffson was with us that evening. It's always nice to see and work with Anne.

Sunday morning around 4 AM I awakened to fly to Chicago and then on to San Francisco. It was a rainy and dank day. The kind that's good for resting and reading a good book. That evening Marvin and I along with Maria Friedman re-opened the Venetian Room in the Fairmont Hotel to a sold out crowd and a standing ovation. The Show was presented and produced by the Bay Area Cabaret. http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco/Articles/ReferenceMaterial/BayAreaCabaret.htm The show ended around 9 PM and I was on a red-eye home by 10:30 PM.

I missed my wife and kids while I was gone, but then, that has been the constant drawback to being a performer. I pray and accept all prayers that my schedule will always be filled with wonderful work like this and I pray the same for all of you. I endeavor to strive to represent myself and my Lord in all that I do. Drop me a note and say hi every once and a while. All the best!

God Bless You!

Mark

Election Day is getting close.

2010-10-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

We only have about three weeks before we get to vote again! Hurray! I'm not excited or anything. I just want all who get the opportunity to make a difference take advantage of that opportunity! Make sure you are properly vetting the candidates! Be certain that you read and understand their platforms! Don't just go blindly vote for change like so many people did in 2008. Look where that got us!

We are all responsible for the representatives we elect. We must elect people who know the constitution! We must elect strong people who, "know," who they are! People who will not be swayed by the special interest groups and the lobby's! We must take responsibility to get this country back on the right track!

Remember God has all the answers! Pray for our leaders! Pray for the candidates! Pray for guidance!

God bless you!

Mark

Hello Everyone!

2010-10-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today I want to continue on the same basic subject as the last blog on Wednesday. I was talking about prayer and how it helps me to keep focused through the day so I don't feel as though I am always in catch-up mode. I think it is worth saying that though God is always with us and we like to think that He control's our thoughts, that is not the case. Remember we have to deal with the element of free will.

Each of us has two voices in our heads and we need to learn to control those voices. One is a positive or inspirational voice. The other is a negative or critical voice. Often I find that, depending on how much catching up I have to do, I let that critical voice slip in and say, "you'll never get this done, you'll never catch up." This is the time we must immediately turn down the volume of the critical and turn up the volume of the inspirational that says, "You can do it, one step at a time, prioritise, Gods in control."

I find that it is easier for me to control the voices if I have taken time to spend with God. We were put here to praise and worship and enjoy Him. He wants to spend time with us each day. He wants to be the, "Go To," guy in our lives! As I get used to meeting with Him on a regular basis, I find that it is easier to run things past him throughout the day.

The little voice stuff is very helpful to me. It would probably be helpful to you as well. I'll talk more about that another time. If you want to hear more things like this let me know. I pick a lot of stuff up from one of my mentors Robert Allen.

God Bless You!

Mark

Catching up...

2010-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I hope you are all well and enjoying the turn of the season. Here in the northeast it is going to change whether we want it to or not, so, might as well embrace it! There is always a lot to deal with when the seasons changes. I often find myself trying to catch up. It is even worse when I go out of town for several days. When I return there is so much on my plate I have struggles getting organized.

I find that I live in a constant stage of "catching up" these days. It affects every area of my life. For instance I don't feel comfortable sitting down to blog if I have other "more important" things to do. To some degree this needs to change. Because I love to write about things that mean something to me. And I know I have a lot to share. Hopefully, some of the things I share are motivating others to take a good look at the world around them and figure out ways that they can make a change.

The one thing that is constant for me these days is the time I spend in prayer. At some point in my day, usually in the morning, after the kids Bible lesson and after they go to school I spend time with my creator. Finding time to spend with God helps me to get and stay in the, "right," frame of mind. From that point it is easier for me to see what is important. Spending time with God puts my priorities in place. It was not always this way. I didn't always find the time. However, now, spending time with God, is the best change I ever made! It is also the most important time I spend every day! It helps me stay caught up.

God Bless You!

See ya soon,

Mark

Thanks!

2010-09-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to drop a quick note to everyone to say thanks for your prayers today! I felt your energy! The audition went exceptionally well in my opinion. I did find out that the audition was for future replacements instead of immediate. So, the chances that I will hear anything in the near future are remote. However, the Phantom company now knows that I am ready when they need me.

Off to a concert in Lexington Kentucky this weekend. Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks again. I feel the Love!

God Bless you!

Mark

Hello everyone....

2010-09-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all having a great day! Today I'd like to speak about praying and asking for prayer. I did a concert last weekend, which went great by the way, and asked for prayer for a particular audition I have coming up tomorrow, Thursday 9/30, around 4 PM. I had to stop and think about what I wanted people to pray. Do I want to have a folks pray for me to get the job? Or, that I have a great audition. Or, what?

These days and times I think that prayer is very important. Off the top of my head I can't think of when prayer wasn't important, but now, with so many illnesses, the economy in a rut, crooked politicians and radical special interest groups, "we the people", seem to be getting attacked from every angle.

I think the statement, "be careful what you pray for," is important as well! As we all know some prayers are best left unanswered. I always ask others to pray for Gods will in any given situation. And that's what I decided to ask regarding the audition. That way we can be sure that what we are praying for is in line with what God is doing in a persons life.

When I'm praying I always make sure to praise God for His love and mercy and especially His Grace. He is worthy of our praise! In fact I don't know anyone more worthy!

God Bless You!

Mark

P.S. My audition is for the Phantom Of The Opera.

Concerned...

2010-09-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

The more I listen to the radio, read the news paper, or, watch TV the more concerned I am about the state of this country. I have never thought of myself as a strict right wing conservative, however, I hold a great deal of conservative views. When I was younger I didn't always do the right thing. I know that everyone of you out there are scratching your heads wondering. Half of you are saying, "tell me something I don't know". And the other half, like my mom, are saying, "really"? One thing is for sure you are all saying, "where is he going with this"?

Our country has lost it's way. It has always been taken for granted that the more conservative of us have been the voice of reason. Most of us conservatives get our values from the Bible! This country was founded on those Judeo Christian principles. Our founders were escaping the tyranny that was being forced on them from an oppressive ruling class. Hello! What do you think is going on now?

Our "government of, for and by the people", has slowly, but, progressively been molded into a "governing class of people," called politicians. They live in their own little bubble and their sole interest is power. They spend more than half their time trying to get themselves re-elected!

The recent laws that have been jammed down our throats should be enough proof for anyone to determine that we have to make meaningful changes to our political system NOW! Comments by our current speaker of the house like, "We have to pass the bill to know what 's in the bill in my opinion are grounds for impeachment! Are you kidding me! Our liberal congress passed that bill without even reading it!! For crying out loud! Wake up, people! We are only now finding out what is in that piece of drek!

My point is this. We have not been doing the right thing! We have not been getting involved in the process to weed out those who have radical views of society. The current administration is listening to only those who support that radical view. We cannot rely on the media of this country to tell us the truth. The mainstream media are part of the problem not the solution. We as a country need to make sure we get back to the principles that made this country great! We need to vet and vote in representatives that are guided by the wisdom of God. Get involved!

God Bless You!

Mark