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Marcus: Year 26

markutz — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:35:45 +0000

Hi all

What a great weekend this was! I turned 26 yesterday – but the fun started on Friday.

Chris Morshead told me earlier in the week to keep my Friday night open, so I did. He said we were going on “an adventure,” and was very low-down about it all. Came to his house at 3:30pm, and we made our way down to southern california. We drove for about 3 1/2 hours, and found ourselves at Dodger Stadium! That was my first time at Dodger Stadium, and it was my first time going to an MLB game in about 10 years. Dodgers lost that night, but I had a great time. I was so humbled by Chris’s kindness….the best part of the trip was hanging out and spending time with the most thoughtful friend I know.

The next day was my actual birthday, and it started with teaching Lemoore High’s Marching Band from 9am-5pm. Now….before your chastize me for doing such a thing on my birthday, it was actually a pretty good rehearsal. We accomplished what we wanted to, and this show is really coming to life. Still lots to do, but the kids seem to be doing well.

After the rehearsal was over, I headed over to the Ecker’s place for my birthday dinner w/their family. It was AMAZING! Crab legs, sirloin steak on a bed of mashed potatoes, topped with grilled asparagus, and accompanied by some homemade bruschetta. BEST BIRTHDAY DINNER EVER! It was so good….and it was so good to hang out with such wonderful people…John and Amy are like parents to me!

And then there was today. Children’s Ministry at South Valley Community Church seemed to have God’s provision throughout it! A couple of glitches here and there, but it was a great time overall! Some of the staff and the kids surprised me with a cake, they sang happy birthday to me, and I blew out candles for the first time in about 9 years! The kids were so sweet – they gave me hugs, and some even made cards! After the services were over, our church held Next Step classes, so that meant childcare….for 19 kids (ages 1-11)…..for 3.5 hours. CRAZY! But it turned out okay. After all was said and done, I headed out….and I got to hang out w/my “niece”:

This was such an amazing weekend. I can’t tell you how blessed I’ve felt the last few days. Thank YOU for the phone calls, texts, messages, and all of the love you’ve shown. God uses you to sustain me and express His love for me…and that means so, so much!

Thanks for taking the time to read…take care!

-Marcus

Back from vacation.

markutz — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:40:09 +0000

On Wednesday I left for Ventura, CA for a little R & R. For those of you who know me well, I don’t just go on vacation :S Even though I’ve had vacation time in the past, I usually find myself working on something instead of relaxing! So I decided I needed to make a spontaneous visit somewhere. Why Ventura? I’ve passed by there before, but have never stayed – so I just went with that

This was a unique vacation in the fact that I went by myself. Just me and my thoughts. It gave me some time to have some Marcus time – and it was really nice, actually! Check out these pictures:

Arriving in Ventura:

My first stop was lunch at this Cajun Cafe – had some seafood gumbo! Other than burning my tongue, it was good stuff

View from my room

Dinner at Sushi Marina. Pretty good – although, I’ll have to say that Wassabi (in Fresno) is still my favorite so far! The albacore sushi with the fried garlic chips on top of one of the rolls was creative and delicious!

Watched Transformers 2 on opening night. Theater was packed like crazy! Optimus Prime = GANGSTA!

I saw this boat at the Harbor with the name “Aurora”…..

…..and the boat reminded me of this amazing little girl (Aurora Elizabeth Morshead!)

Started reading Francis Chan’s “Crazy Love.” First chapter was about worshiping God through His creation….the beach backdrop gave me a great opportunity to do just that!

Seafood & Chips at Eric Ericson’s. Calamari, shrimp, fish, and fries. Oh yes

I took a drive up to Goleta. This is Francisco Torres….it’s where I got my drum major training I’ve taught here as well….

Got a text from Michael Baltazar telling me that MJ had a heart attack. Came back to my room, turned on the tv, and they had pronounced him dead. I was glued to the news for about 3 hours, just shocked at his passing. No matter the social issues with him, you can’t deny the incredible contribution he made to the music industry!

Cafe Fiore was my favorite place to eat on the entire trip. Parmesan/Spinach stuffed chicken on a bed of gorgonzola & pancheta risotto. MMMMM!!!!

Checked out a jazz combo downtown. Talented keyboard player, and amazing tenor sax player….although he wasn’t super nice when I talked with him a bit. I had my alto in my car too….psh

Lunch at Le Petit Cafe – Crab cake, potato au gratin, summer salad, and THE BEST CROISSANT I HAVE EVER HAD….no joke.

While on vacation alone, these are a few thoughts:

-Sometimes you just need to take some time an recuperate. Doesn’t mean you have to leave to some other city, but it’s so nice to just have some time to collect some thoughts.

-God’s creation is so beautiful! I have always had this fascination with large bodies of water (i.e. oceans!), and it is so amazing to me to experience the vastness of the ocean’s water. How much more vast is God’s love for His people?!

-I love food. Love love love love love love food. And it was cool to try some newer/different places!

-While it was nice to have some alone time, you can’t help but to think about those you miss at home. I praise God for the friendships that bless me so deeply….and thanks to those of you who sent a message just so say hi

NEXT vacation? Will be VACATION BIBLE ADVENTURE at the church …..and then Coldplay concert….and then camping (for the first time since I was 2) in yosemite!
Thanks for taking the time to read y’all!

Lunch with a friend.

markutz — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:59:53 +0000

So I just got back from having lunch with my very good friend, Chris Morshead. Hit up some Quiznos, ate a sandwich that really wasn’t very healthy, and just hung out with one of the best friends a guy could ever ask for. I’m back here at the church office now , and I really just can’t thank God enough for blessing me with such incredible friendships.

I love moments such as these. I definitely enjoy hanging out and having meals with groups of people, but there’s something about just a one on one interaction with a friend that just makes me happy. I love hearing about what’s going on in the lives of people, how they’re doing….and I even like to share the same things with others.

So….I guess my question to you is….do you have people you meet with regularly to chat with? What types of things do you talk about?

holla.

SVCC Children’s Baptism – May 31, 2009

markutz — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:03:28 +0000

Hey hey everyone! It’s been a while…sorry

Anywho, our church had our Children’s Baptism Night, held at the Dale’s home (bigups to them for their hospitality!). Had some pizza, sodas, cookies, some YUMMY fruit (oh yes….there was watermelon), added some swimming, and some music! 6 kids were baptized tonight, and it was so awesome to see them profess to their friends, family, and part of our congregation that they love Jesus, and choose to follow him forever. What a blessing it was to witness that! Check out the pictures! =)

Uh oh…3rd day in a row!

markutz — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:29:33 +0000

My third post in 3 days. I’m quite aware that I won’t keep this consistency going for long But I got to thinking earlier: most nights, I’m home just hanging out – and I’m usually just doing a lot of thinking anyway. So why not articulate them?

I just got back from small group about an hour ago. Our church is going through Rick Warren’s “40 Days of Love” campaign, which has been very cool. I’m really diggin’ the people that are in our small group. VERY diverse group of people – and it is so amazing to see how far our group has come along in getting to know each other as we grow in our love for Christ and those around us (HELLO run-on sentence). I love our group….it’s good times =)

Anywho, lots going on in Marcus’ life – but I’ll wait until another time to blog away on those details. It’s life-altering…

…seriously

What’d you say about my mama?!

markutz — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:38:10 +0000

So today is Mother’s Day – props to all of the moms out there!

[FYI - Props (prps) n - Urban slang meaning respect. ]

I just got back from lunch with my mom. She’s got work today, so I hung out with her for a bit before she had to get ready. I’m really glad to have my mother; she’s a real soldier. Yes, she can be a little too “motherly”….but that’s what moms are for, right? I have a lot of respect for her and for the things she’s had to overcome in her life. She was born in the Philippines in extremely humbling surroundings. As the oldest of 7 kids, she had always been the one responsible for working and taking care of my grandparents, and my aunts/uncles. Even now, she sends money home to the Philippines to pay for my cousins’ educational persuits.

She’s dealt with a lot of heartache in her life as well. People have done some hurtful things to her, but she’s still moving along. And I praise God for giving me a real-life example of someone who is selfless, even beyond her own struggles.

Salamat sa iyo, Mom! Mahal Kita! (Thank you, Mom! I love you!)

What’s good y’all?

markutz — Sun, 10 May 2009 06:10:34 +0000

Ok. So I’m taking up blogging again. I used to write a bit on myspace back in the day, but haven’t done that in a long time…in fact, I don’t even know why I still have the myspace. I’ve been converted into facebookicism. =)

I suppose I’ll do the obligatory “About Me” rant:

I love Jesus – He’s amazing!
I live in Lemoore, where I was raised. I teach Elementary Band/Middle School Band & Choir. It’s an adventure every day.
I’m the Children’s Ministry Intern at my church, South Valley Community Church. I love working with these kids, and with our volunteers! I love our church, and it’s so wonderful to see how God is moving there!
I’m also a part of our church’s praise team. I used to play saxophone quite a bit in it, but now, I do more singing….either way, I be gettin’ my praise on!
Currently, I’ve been into American Idol. I hope Kris Allen wins!
I like love food. Yep.
Right now I’m watching Step Up w the Streets. I enjoy movies like these – poor acting, but incredible dancing/choreography *pose*
My friendships mean a great deal to me…I love making new friends too.
One of my biggest dreams in life, is to have a family of my own.
I’m waiting for SNL to come on =)

Anywho, there’s the first post! I hope you all have a great night…..and don’t forget to holla at yo mama tomorrow! =)

-M