From Our Home To Yours, Merry Christmas 12/25/2024

 Good Morning, 

My old hands are embracing my hot cup of Door County Christmas Coffee like a drowning man hanging on to the side of a life boat. The heat from the cup feels very nice today. 

I was talking with an old friend last night after our Christmas Eve church service as two old guys will do. We were both remarking as to how much more pleasant many of the advertising commercials are this Christmas season. They seem to be more entertaining in a wholesome way. There were a few commercials that I looked forward to seeing. There was one commercial featuring Franklin Graham and he delivered a message of how important a relationship with Jesus is. He cut right to the heart of every soul and sealed the message with an invitation to follow Jesus. 

We can hope and pray for world peace and that is a noble thing to do. My friends, any peace that might take place needs to start with each and every person, seeking peace within our own hearts and souls. My prayer for those reading my blog today is to heed the call of Christmas and let a relationship with the Savior Jesus light the fire in your heart for peace, hope and love today. 

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light". 

Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord  shall be saved." 

Someone. somewhere is hurting today and their world seems dark and hopeless. Fill your heart with the love of the One who died for you. Heed His invitation of rest for your soul. 

Merry Christmas and may God Bless you and yours. . 

Marty

 

Music And Hurt All Night Long 12/24/2024

Good Morning,

My cup was just filled with some Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee and I am tired.

Christmas Eve arrived right on time and I have a busy day in facing me. When I think about some of the Christmas Eve celebrations I have participated I recall a gift I received on year from my parents. It was small transistor radio. I can't recall the brand but is had a single ear plug so you could listen privately and not disturb anyone else. I listened to that radio all night long. The stations I listened to was WOKY and WLS. One was a local station and the other boomed load and proud from Chicago. 

Finally I could listen to my own music and not be subject to what my parents listened to. I felt like I was at the top of the world. The radio received it's power from a nine volt battery which actually lasted a long time. My gift also included a couple of spare batteries. 

The program from one of the stations was taking call in requests and song dedications. That's when it hit me really hard and right on the nose that not everyone was having a Merry Christmas. Many of the song dedications were from lonely mothers, wives or girl friends sending a message of love to their loved ones stationed in Vietnam. The war was raging on and many young men and women were away from the families. 

I tried to sleep that night as this eleven year old boy listened to the music and the message of hurt found that night. It just kept me awake for a long time. The music was lost in the messages of love sent over the airwaves. I wondered if anyone who the song requests and dedications sere sent out for ever heard the messages being broadcasted that night. 

It was many years later when I finally took the time to pray for our military personnel who are away from home, some in danger's grip. It has become my an annual tradition to pray for our service men and women, every Christmas Eve. Take some time today or tonight and pray for those who are serving and away from home. Pray for their families. 

Merry Christmas 

Marty

I mentioned yesterday that I was sent a Christmas Waltz to listen to recorded by a dear friend of mine Richard Rys.  I am very fond of his work with his concertina. He has allowed me to post his beautiful and peaceful work. It has me wishing I was more technically skilled with posting attachments! I am very fond of his work with his concertina. 

https://mega.nz/file/w6w1yTYA#22mgSiDDeLkLsiPqRjh3QNo4Ri8jJ_27BHWWwvlBzoM

The Gift Of Music 12/23/2024

 Good Morning,

I am awake and moving this morning. I am enjoying a hot cup of  Door County Jingle Bell Java Coffee and it is time to write. 

Psalm 101:1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. 

I spent yesterday afternoon hunting some pheasants with our youngest dog Leo. It was a productive day and will be remembered today because I am sore from the walking in ten inches of snow and slipping now and then on some ice. The price of growing older!

I opened my email account earlier this morning and much to my surprise I received an email from a dear friend with an attachment. I was expecting a correspondence from him. But I received the email and there was a link to a recording. My friend is a master musician and plays the concertina. I opened the attachment and have already played it twice this morning. It is a beautiful rendition of the "Christmas Waltz". My friend brightened my day with his talent. 

With all the ugliness going on in the world it did my soul good to hear a tune played from the heart. I am glad that I opened the link this morning. I did not receive permission to share the recording and just maybe I will be granted the go ahead. If I do, I will share it in my blog. 

The point for the day is this. Musicians, make someone's day by sharing your gift. Music from the heart heals the souls of others. Play on!

God bless, 

Marty

Get Going. Thoughts For The Sunday Before Christmas 12/22/2024

 Good Morning, 

There is a hot cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java in front of me and it is tempting me to have a second cup of the brew.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government, shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called , Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Just three more days until Christmas. The time in December has just gone by so fast ,it is amazing. It seems like just yesterday, we were in desperate pursuit of a new Christmas tree. The planning for a Christmas brunch was completed many weeks ago and all that needs to be done is for the supplies that were ordered to be picked up and cooked. Come Wednesday morning I will be up early. Well before dawn cooking and drinking plenty of coffee. By 10 am I will be in more of a festive mood as a few guests will be arriving and hopefully I won't burn the French toast. 

My point for today is pretty simple. The feasts are great, gift giving is nice, but it is more important just to get together with loved ones. I am sure I will forget something or the potatoes will be seasoned wrong, but that's not the most important thing. We are here one more year to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which includes counting our blessings. Nothing is guaranteed for next year. Somewhere, someone is suffering in a hospital. Someone is planning a funeral. Someone is all alone and miserable. Someone has to work and cannot be with family. Someone is contemplating suicide. Just be happy that it isn't you. 

So my advice is this, eat a chocolate if you have one. If you have a whole box, share it with someone. Thank God for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Count your blessings out loud and sing a Christmas tune. But start today and rev up your heart to celebrate another year and Christmas. If you are lonely, consider serving in a shelter for the homeless. If you aren't lonely but want to have a feel good moment serve a neighbor or two. Bring them a plate and a cup of cheer. It's almost over with. Get going and find Christmas in your heart. 

Marty

Humble Gets To Eat 12/21/2024

 Good Morning,

In front of me I have a very hot cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog and it is just what was needed for this cold December morning.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

For about two years now my wife Rene and I have been feeding the birds that call our front yard their home. We are not bird experts at all. We just enjoy seeing what visits the feeder each day. To be honest we only know what a few of them are. Their patterns however are predictable. When there is going to be a weather change like rain, or snow, or colder temperatures the birds are more aggressive with the feeder. The smaller birds rustle up their food and much of it falls to the ground where the larger birds eat from what is spilled. It is amazing to see the larger birds being fed by the actions of the tiny little birds. 

What's the lesson for today? Well here we go. The larger birds learned to be polite and seem to appreciate an assistance from the wee ones. They never hassle the little workers and glean from their work.  

So as we go through life, let's not get pumped up because of our status or importance. Let's make sure that we appreciate all the work done on our behalf and say thank you to all who make this world of ours a better place. Each person is important to God and should be important to us. Learn to be humble and you just might see the work that goes into sustaining your life. Appreciate others!

Have a great day!

Marty

The First Measurable Snowfall Makes You Think12/20/2024

 Good Morning,

I just visited our meat smoker with a hot cup of Door County Christmas Coffee in my hand. The pork shoulder is done and will be served and some shared with our neighbor. Last night we also received our first measurable snowfall for this winter season. So after I haul in the meat, I will dress up warmly and start moving the snow around clearing our driveway. It was not a major snow storm. But a good practice is to move the first snowfall back far enough to make room for the next ones. Once it is frozen it becomes hard to move. One never knows how much snow will be delivered in a season. I am one of those "just in case guys".

           

Proverbs 1:1-5     The proverbs of  Solomon son of David. king of Israel. 2.For gaining wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight. 3. For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right, just, and fair. 4.For giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. 5. Let the wise listen, and add to their learning and let  the discerning get guidance.                                                                                                          

So I suppose a snowfall makes you think and if you can recall some storm memories in your lifetime, you probably were taught a lesson or two. Experiences come and go, but what good is an experience if you don't learn a lesson from it? I am sure we could come up with a 100 page book on lessons learned from storms, outages, flooding, fires. heat waves and sub zero weather. Now if you think there is a lesson you have learned and it is of value, at least pass it on to family members. Tell them about when the light clicked  on in your brain. 

I learned a long time ago, starting the snow blower ahead of the storm pays huge dividends in saving your back. I am sure my neighbors think I am crazy when I start our snow blower in early September and then once a month until we start using it on a regular basis.  In the spring I drain the gas and change the oil. We are then ready for September once more. 

So my friends, if God has shown you a lesson, be willing to share it with others.  Have a great day!!

Marty 

The Master Builder 12/19/2024

 Good Morning,

The old cup is filled with extra hot Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee and it is time to write.

Hebrews 3:4  For every house is built by someone, but God is the Builder of everything. 

Last night I took a moment to observe what was going on in our home. My wife Rene was busy sewing something for her mother. I was busy preparing a meal for someone to eat tonight. The Christmas tree was shining bright and our two dogs Leo and Gibbs were resting after some great exercise. It was quiet in the house and very peaceful.

We started building our house in 1993 and before anything was started, Rene and I stood on the land and prayed and asked God to use this home and land for good things. I remember that prayer like it was yesterday. We knew that although we paid the mortgage we also knew Who found us great employment. We knew that the freezer was full by the blessings of God and the coffee was hot because of God as well. The doors worked to keep out the cold, yet welcomed people to stay here for as long as they needed. God was the author of our open doors. Eventually the grass grew and it was the padding for some robust volleyball games. Hundreds of biscuits were made here. (That will be explained in another blog.)

What I am trying to point out this morning, is that you might sweep the floors in your house, fix the plumbing, and mow the lawn. But it is God who builds and maintains the hearts within the home. God should be the author of all of the home's policies and procedures. Remember, each stick of lumber that went into the building of the house started with a tree, that was planted by God and nourished until it was harvested. 

So the main shingle within the home, doesn't always need to be written, but needs to be known to all. The light is on, the coffee will be fresh and the door is always open to everyone.  The Master Builder, issues the occupancy permit.

Have a great day!

Marty