Mark Conner Quotes

Anyone for “second fiddle?”


FiddleLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990) became a world famous orchestra conductor. He was described by the New York Times as "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history." His fame derived from his long tenure as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, from his conducting of concerts with most of the world's leading orchestras, and from his music for numerous shows, including West Side Story. 

Bernstein was once asked what is the most difficult instrument to play.  

He replied, "Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm or second French horn or second flute, now that's a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony."

[From Improving Your Serve by Charles Swindoll, p.34]

Mark Conner Personal Development, Web/Tech

Some Helpful Productivity Tools

WLLife is busy (or 'full', as I prefer to say nowadays). There are lots of people to see, places to go, and things to do – more than we seem to have time for. In many ways, there is enough to do to fill multiple life times. But we only have one … so we must make choices between one thing and another. We have to determine priorities, discerning at times between what is urgent and what is really important. 

I have always enjoyed thinking about life management and how best we can live fruitful yet enjoyable lives that please God. Check out the posts on this BLOG about Personal Development and you'll be able to access some of the ideas and concepts that have been a help to me. 

David Allen's book Getting Things Done is an excellent guide to managing the many details of our lives. One of the keys to productivity is to have a good system to store all of your projects and tasks, along with the material related to them. Here are a few technological tools I have found helpful:

1. Evernote. This is an outstanding free program, that works on all computer operating system platforms. It enables you to set up 'notebooks' where you can store items such as ideas, photos, files, web pages links, audio recording and pretty much anything you imagine. I have a notebook for all the areas or roles of my life, with sub-folders for various categories. Everything is stored in the cloud and can be accessed from all of your devices.

2. Wunderlist. This is an excellent free task management system that also resides in the cloud, and can therefore be accessed from all of your devices (computer and mobile phone), with changes made on one device able to be synchronised across other devices. I try to get tasks or ideas out of my head as soon as possible so I have them stored in a place where I can remember and/or find them when I need to.

3. Dropbox. This is another great free program that enables you to store any kind of documents in the cloud. They can then be accessed from any device, as long as you have internet access. Of course, files can also be worked on or edited while offline. I keep my Journal, Bible devotional notes and other documents I am regularly accessing in my Dropbox folder. Sign up for free!

These powerful software tools, in addition to Outlook for email, my Contacts and my Calendars, help me keep my life relatively organised so I am in the right place at the right time and have the work and preparation required of me done on time. 

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." [Moses - Ps.90:12. NIV]

 "Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (redeeming the time – KJV], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." [The Apostle Paul – Eph.5:15-17]


Mark Conner Bible

The Discipline of the Long Distance Race

RaceHave a slow read through these amazing insights from the author of the book of Hebrews (I've made bold the phrases that jumped out to me):

"Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running– and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God– he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

In this all – out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through – all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

So don't sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing – but by then it was too late, tears or no tears." [Hebrews 12:1-17 MB]

I trust that you are encouraged by these words today.

Mark Conner Theology

Understand and Rest in God’s Providence (Pt.2)

Let’s look at a well known statement by the apostle Paul that gives us a providential perspective on our lives.

Rom 8:28. We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. NAS

No matter what is happening in your life – good, bad, or ugly – God’s purpose is working in you. When you have a problem that you don’t understand the purpose it’s very difficult to handle. You know the most difficult kinds of questions of life are, “Why is this happening to me?” On the other hand, when you see a purpose behind your problem it gives you enormous hope. It also gives you enormous power to endure it. God says, I am working in your life and I have a purpose no matter what’s happening. God is doing good things in my life even when the situation is bad, even when I don’t feel it, even when it doesn’t make sense, even when I have no understanding.

Notice that it doesn’t say, “All things work out the way I want them to.” We would like that and we’d like to interpret it that way but that’s not what it says. It also doesn't say, “All things have a happy ending on earth.” Not all things have a happy ending here on earth. Reality teaches us that not every patient gets well, not every couple that gets married lives happily ever after, not every business makes heaps of money, and not every problem is resolved. 

What does it say?

First it says, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good.” Those two words “We know” are very powerful. We don't wish, imagine, earnestly desire, or engage in an exercise of positive thinking. There is some we know … It's a certainty. We are confident of whatever comes after this.

“… God causes …” There is a grand master designer of the universe. There is a plan that is in action and history is His story. There is no such thing as fate. There is no such thing as chance. There is no such thing as luck – good luck or bad luck. There is a master designer. We may make mistakes for sure … but God never makes mistakes.

Continue reading “Understand and Rest in God’s Providence (Pt.2)” →

Mark Conner Theology

Understand and Rest in God’s Providence (Pt.1)

One of the things that the prophet Daniel had to learn was to understand and rest in God's providence. If he was here today, he would tell you that his life did not turn out as he expected it would or
even as he planned that it would. His life was affected by dramatic circumstances and changes of events that took him totally by surprise beginning
with him being taken as a prisoner from his homeland and right through his time in Babylon.

Dan 4:25. “… until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.” NLT

In the same way, each person's journey has unexpected terrain and turns. 

We need to embrace a balanced viewed of human responsibility and divine sovereignty. As the writer to the book of Proverbs says …

Prov 16:9. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. NIV

Prov 19:21. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. NIV

We are to proactively and responsibly plan our way but as we do we are to acknowledge that it is God who directs our steps. This is not fatalism but rather trust.

How do you see the world? What is your worldview when it comes to providence and God’s sovereignty?

  • JazzDo you see everything as ‘set’ (determinism)? Are we playing in a classical orchestra where everything is
    predetermined and we really have no individual choices?
  • Is life simply a wild jam session – a free for all where nothing
    is planned and where we are totally in control and able to make life whatever we want it to be?
  • Or is life more like a jazz band, where there is an overall plan
    but with lots of improvisation within it, as we respond to the choices that we and others make?

I believe that the latter is a more biblical concept. Life involves interaction
and interplay between heaven and earth. God has a purpose and plan but within
this we have the responsibility and freedom to make choices that have
consequences.

Deut 30:19. This day I call heaven and earth as
witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and
curses. Now choose life … NIV


Continue reading “Understand and Rest in God’s Providence (Pt.1)” →

Mark Conner Contemporary Culture, Web/Tech

10 Ways Your Phone is Changing the World

IphoneIn this week’s special wireless issue titled, “THE WIRELESS ISSUE. 10 Ways Your Phone is Changing the World,” TIME explores how mobile phones have become a super-extension of ourselves, altering in fundamental ways how we approach everything from education to politics, from medicine to romance.

The issue includes an exclusive TIME Mobility Poll, conducted in cooperation with Qualcomm, that highlights the increasing significance of mobile technology in our lives. TIME‘s Nancy Gibbs writes, “It is hard to think of any tool, any instrument, any object in history with which so many developed so close a relationship so quickly as we have with our phones.” Read more here.

When it comes to people and their devices, 61% worldwide plan to replace their phone in less than two years; 84% worldwide said they couldn’t go a single day without their mobile devices in hand; 44% would leave their wallets at home in favor of their device; 50% of Americans say they sleep with their mobile next to the bed — as do more than 80% of 18-24 year olds; an 30% said that being without their mobile for even short periods leaves them feeling anxious. 

This week’s cover image features more than 200 photographs chosen from 31,429 Instagram photos submitted by TIME readers in more than 120 countries and on all seven continents. Plus, every photograph within the wireless section was originally shot on a mobile phone camera.

Exclusive TIME Mobility Poll:

  • 84% Say They Couldn’t Go a Single Day Without Their Mobile Devices in Hand
  • 20% said they check their mobile device every ten minutes
  • 43% have used texting to ask someone out on a date
  • 30% said that being without their mobile for even short periods leaves them feeling anxious
  • If forced to choose, 65% worldwide opted to take their wireless mobile device with them in the morning instead of their lunch
  • 66% of people feel that their wireless devices have made them better parents

Read more about the poll here.
See the results here.

[Source: Mac Daily News]

Mark Conner Quotes

Inspiring Story of a Rich Man and His Son …

SonYears ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they travelled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season – a season that he and his son had so looked forward to – would visit his house no longer.

On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."

As the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his not to mention his father's love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.

Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.

Continue reading “Inspiring Story of a Rich Man and His Son …” →

Mark Conner General Interest

A New Season: Spring

SunHere in Melbourne, Australia the season of Spring begins – today!

I love Spring. We start to move away from the cold, rainy and cloudy days of winter. The sun starts to become warmer. Birds are singing their little hearts out. Trees that have looked dead start to blossom with new life. Solomon described it well …

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come. [Song of Songs 2:11-12. NLT]

God created the seasons …

Genesis 8:22. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.

And God can change the seasons too.

Daniel 2:20-21. Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons …

Seasons can be symbolic of the various periods or phases of our life in which we grow (see BLOG posts on "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life"). Seasons can also be prophetic of what God is up to in our lives. Maybe you have been through a winter season recently where life has been dark and cold for a long period of time. I pray for a shift of season for you. I pray for Spring in your life – for the sun to shine brighter, for a time of singing to break out, and for new life to burst into your world!

[Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!' Robin Williams]