Mark Merrill

 

ABOUT

I’ve got a confession to make right up front. I’m struggling on this journey through this thing we call life.  I’ve never felt completely at home anywhere…any home that I’ve been in, any office I’ve met in or any church I’ve worshipped in.  I kind of feel like I don’t belong.  Like I’m a foreigner from another country, a citizen of another land.  Why?  Well, maybe it’s because I am. I’m not meant to be here forever.  I’m just here for a relatively very short time. I’ll be going to my eternal home soon.  Is that today?  Maybe. Is it next year? Perhaps. 30 or 40 years from now? The probabilities increase.  But like you, I want whatever time I have on this earth to matter.  I want it to matter for God, for my wife of 21 years, Susan, and for my five children—Megan, 20, Emily 18, Hannah, 18, Mark, Jr. 15 and Grant, 14. I want whatever influence I have to last for generations, and hopefully forever.

Let me share something personal with you…truth is of utmost importance to me…has been ever since I can remember. I have a great passion to seek truth and speak truth into people’s lives.  You might say I’m a truth warrior!  There are too many lies in this world that are hurting a lot of people.  So in this blog, I will focus on truth about relationships, parenting, fatherhood and marriage. I’ll also do my very best to provide you with practical ideas on how to implement those truths in your daily living.

Having said that, you need to know that I’ve failed and made plenty of mistakes as a husband, father, son and friend.  But I’m always willing to learn.  And I hope to learn from you as well as you share your comments and thoughts with me.  So will you go, and grow, on this journey with me? I sure hope so.  I think it’s going to be a really amazing adventure.

 

MY BIO

I’m so grateful for my wife, Susan, and our five children, ages 16-22. I’ve learned how to be a better husband and dad because of them.

I’ve also probably learned more and benefitted more than anyone else from Family First, a national non-profit organization.  Since its founding, I’ve been honored to be a part of Family First as it fortifies families with truth through our All Pro Dad and iMOM programs. Hosting our nationally syndicated daily radio program, Family Minute with Mark Merrill, is an important part of what I do as well.

I’ve had the opportunity to appear on NBC’s Today Show, numerous ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC network affiliates and national radio programs. Some of my comments and writings have appeared in publications like USA Today, the Washington Times, and Sports Illustrated. Blogging at MarkMerrill.com on marriage, parenting and relationships is something that I spend time on as well.

Authoring the newly released book, All Pro Dad—Seven Essentials to Be a Hero to Your Kids, was quite challenging and yet rewarding. I’ll always be striving to be an All Pro Dad myself and I’m passionate about making family a top priority in my life and in the lives of others. In doing so, I enjoy speaking at conferences and events hosted by major companies and organizations, NFL teams, as well as special engagements for dignitaries.

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  • Toyvoyce

    Wow! How wonderfully refreshing …..I'd love to jump in the car and go on your journey with you!!! Blessings,
    chris

  • Jay Hohfeler

    Not feeling at home anywhere is an important message to simply admit. It's the common malady that we don't talk about much–but sense much of the time. Talk some more about it.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Will do…thanks Jayseph!

  • Monica

    This the most awesome information I have found in a long time. My husband and I will be married 8 years in November. We have four kids ages: Ihilani 7, Jeidyn 5, Teilor 4, and my son Ronson 2. My parents would have been married 39 years but my mom passed away 6 years ago in August. I do not want to make the same mistakes that they did. My husband comes from a very messed up family. So we are trying to make changes to the mistakes they made. These websites: allprodad & imom are unbelieveable, I have learned some many new things…………Thank you so much, Monica Abilay

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Hi Monica, I'm so pleased to hear that you think our information is “awesome.” I want to make sure I address topics in my blog that will be meaningful you and your husband of 8 years. Are there any topics you'd like me to tackle?

  • Mcchitambo

    this is so refreshing, it sure is food for the soul and spirit, we are indeed here for a short while the best we can do is to make the most of it , in a Godly manner. Thanx mark you are a great inspirer.

  • Mark Atchison

    Great stuff Mark- Love the inspiring info from you & Tony.
    Will definitely be incorporating your philosophies into my personal life & make sure my orange grove is flourishing.
    Is there any way to get more involved

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Thanks Mcchitambo…if you are enjoying the blog, please share it with your friends!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Mark, I appreciate your encouragement. Please share my blog with your friends. There are a number of ways to get involved. Are you part of an All Pro Dad's Day monthly breakfast?

  • Michael Moss

    Mark,

    I just want to say just how much I enjoy and believe in what you are doing. Being a father to my precious 9 year old daughter is so very special to me. I have been involved in All Pro Dad for about four years now and started a chapter at two schools. I feel that being a great father to my daughter, raising her the right way, is my mission in life. Your work inspires and provides wonderful tips to so many parents. Thanks again for promoting healthy parenting and families!!! You truly make a difference. Michael in Largo, FL

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Sounds good! Thanks Mark.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Hey Michael, that's awesome that you are involved in an All Pro Dad's Day at your daughter's school! Please let us know how we can continue to serve you.

  • Russ Muller

    I am a first time reader on your blog – as result of wanting to hear what John Wayne (of my generation) had to say (clued un from Family Radio). Thanks for serving in this way. Russ

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Russ, you are so welcome! Thanks for joining us.

  • Melanie Robbins

    I am looking at Family First for the first time. I was introduced to it through IMom which Dr.Scott Turansky referenced. I so appreciate what you are doing through this ministry!!! I have a website/blog entitled Passionate Purposeful Parenting and share similar passions! I so agree that there is only one source of Truth — I am a craver of wisdom and believe that we as believers can learn from and inspire each other and encourage each other in the truth! Thank you for ministering to and blessing others through your life and your ministry! Sincerely, Melanie Robbns

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    You are so welcome, Melanie! Wisdom is supreme!

  • http://www.purposeful-parenting.com Melanie Robbins

    Yes, wisdom is! :) Would you please also thank your wife and your family for me as well. Being in ministry is a big commitment and can mean sacrifices as well. It is such a blessing to have godly role models who live their lives for Him and share their gifts and wisdom in order to minister to others! Thank you!

  • Moriah

    Hey Mark, I’m a friend of Doug and Pam’s in CO. Pam told me to subscribe to your blogs when she was cleaning my teeth. How thankful I am for her suggestion – and it’s a God-thing I even remembered it! The insights on both your blog and imom are practical and inspirational – some of the best stuff ever! The ‘tips’ are easy to impliment and I’ve been able to share some of the things I’ve learned with others. I know my sister’s life has been blessed as well. Thank you for your commitment to Christ and to encouraging others to remain strong in their journey as well! Moriah

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Moriah, it is our pleasure to serve you! Doug and Pam are wonderful people and it’s a joy to have Doug on our team. Please continue to share this blog with family and friends.

  • Nobiora1

    Well Done Mark. You and your family are really Blessed by God almighty for the good work you are doing. All the Best – Nkechi

  • Seth

    Mark,
    This is an amazing ministry for families! I’ve been subscribing to Family First and AllPro Dads for about 3 months now. Good stuff! I recommend it to family, friends and coworkers often. I love seeing all the billboards you guys have up to advertise. Glad that your influence is growing! Are you familiar with life coaching?

  • Terri Miller

    Hello, I see you have a event comeing to Indianapolis in November. I would love to help out anyway I could, I’m just not sure who to contact, can you let me know? Thank You.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Seth, I’m grateful for your kind words! Please continue to tell your friends!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Nobiora, we are blessed!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Terri, that would be great! Please just call our team at 813-222-8300.

  • Alan

    Keep it up Mark…..you are making a difference!
    Alan from Milford, Michigan

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Thanks for your encouragement, Alan!

  • Donc219

    New to your Blog. I feel I found a good friend!!
    Don

  • Vanessavictor

    Is this the same Mark Merrill of Sarasota who has a brother Bill, who once practiced law in Chicago? If so, you crossed my mind. Nice to see the work you’re engaged in.
    Best~ Vanessa Victor.

  • Vanessavictor

    Is this the same Mark Merrill who has a brother Bill, who used to practice law in Chicago?
    If so, nice to see what you’re engaged in. Best~ vanessa

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Glad to have you aboard, Don!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Glad to have you aboard, Don!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Sure is! Thanks Vanessa.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Sure is! Thanks Vanessa.

  • Mary Curry

    I loved your video of your father, but I really loved you out look on life! Made me do some thinking of my own life. Thanks Mark for sharing your wisdom of life.

  • Anonymous

    Good afternoon Mark and everyone else…I would like to know more about the purpose of the All Pro Dad organization. Yes, I can see the obvious tips and pointers, etc., but what is the structure, the support system and the chapters all about? What are the goals of the organization as a whole and for the individual chapters.
    I am struggling to be a better husband and dad, I know I need to change many things about myself. Is this organization about that? Rob

  • LSH08

    I am new to the site and I enjoy reading the discussions. I have been searching for some couseling regarding ongoing marriage issues. Please point me in the right direction!

  • http://OSLifestyle.com OSLifestyle

    I’m with you Mark. It’s something I completely understand where you’re coming from. The journey begins today!!! :) I love your site and the message your sharing. Thank you! Add me @oslifestyle. Id love to chat with you soon. Be awesome…

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    You are so welcome, Mary.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Rob, yes it is about that. You can email me at
    markmerrill@familyfirst.net
    and we’ll get more info to you.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    LSH, just email me at
    markmerrill@familyfirst.net
    and we’ll get more info to you.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    OS, thanks for your encouraging words!

  • Eric

    Mark,

    Sitting here having lunch, read through your Blog entries and I can see the Good you are involved in…Thank you for your willingness to be set apart, your openness to express what I would call the “dissappointment syndrome”… only our appointments with God should give us peace and direction. Kinda seems like that is why Jesus needed to come down to earth, to see who was available and show their appointments mattered. Thank you for all your work. I am from Minnesota would love to get more involved….Married 21 years on the 21st of July to a Great wife, 3 children Lacey, 17, Jackson 16, and Lily Rose 8

  • Philip & Lisa Haverly

    As a leader of a church small group I want to tell you
    how much we (Wife and I) appreciate your comments. What we are desirous of is
    more scriptural support for your comments. We know they may exist but wanted to
    present comments and suggestions that are founded in scripture. So, we are
    hoping that you make references to scripture (chapter and verse) that can give
    authority and support to comments shared. If these resources already exist we
    would greatly appreciate you are including a link to them As we try to support
    five at risk marriages, young and old in our church body. Thanking you in
    advance, Philip and Lisa HAVERLY

  • http://www.southpointbaptist.org/psalm51.htm Jerry and Susan Sinclair

    Mark,

    Today is the first time I have found your sight (and the iMOM site) and I am glad to have ‘dropped’ in.  We are full-time missionaries to hurting families due to p0rn and other sensual sin. We do not see much light in this dark world, but I am glad to have found you.  You can find me on LINKEDin (where I saw Susan’s profile page). 

    Also, I got to preview the movie ‘Courageous’ (twice!) and I must say it is even better than ‘Fireproof’!  We can’t wait until it arrives Sept 30.  God bless…

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Jerry and Susan, thanks for your input. I trust the Lord will bless you as you continue to minister to hurting families. 

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Philip and Lisa, thanks for your feedback. I’d love to connect you with more of our resources. Email me at markmerrill@familyfirst.net. 

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Eric, thanks for your encouraging words. Congrats on 21 years of marriage and 3 great children! If you’d like to get involved with our All Pro Dad program, email allprodad@familyfirst.net. Stay strong!

  • Brad

    Mark,

    Thank your for your passion and commitment to family and standing in the gap for so many. I am a new All Pro Dads team captain and have been overwhelmed with how many dads that I have met that share your desire to invest in their children and families with all of their heart. Thank you for sharing the tools and resources to make that even more manageable for those who may think the task is too big or beyond hopeless. Continue to fight the good fight and please know that you have one more brother fighting along side of you.

  • http://www.familyfirst.net Family First School Programs

    Hi Brad. I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Kaleigh and I work with the School Programs of Family First: All Pro Dad and iMOM. I am so grateful for your desire to strengthen families in you school. Thank you so much for what you are doing for our program. We really appreciate you!

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