Adding Some Extra Flavor 1/27/2026

 Good Morning,

I find myself unable to sleep so I thought "why fight it"?  In my part of the world it is 1:00AM and I am not quite ready to drink my Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. I think it will have to wait until later in the morning. 

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it will eat it's fruit. 

Yesterday I made a stop at a butcher market in search of a cut of meat that would be used to make Swiss Steak like my mother used to cook for us. While in this great little market I found a marinade for pork that I haven't seen on any shelves in a long time. I considered my quest for meat a success and was very happy to find a source for this marinade. 

I soak the pork for a day in the mixture and then place it in the smoker the next day. In my mind the finished product is worth the work and the wait.

The marinade just adds a little extra pzaz to the meat. It made me think about daily living and how some days are just a repeat of yesterday and really not much to even mention. But as the marinade adds to the flavor of the pork, we have the opportunity each day to add some flavor to our own day and to the day of others.  Extending a greeting of friendship, or kindness makes a day sweeter. A compliment or a smile can change a grumpy attitude into a tender heart. 

Friends, it is your choice as to how much flavor you add to your day and the day of others. Don't be the spice that is lost in the back of the cupboard. Be the spice that is used often and is appreciated. Tenderize the day for yourself and others.

God bless,

Marty

Down To Two Teams 1/26/2026

 Good Morning,

I started this day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee and it is time to write. 

Matthew 5:9 NKJV Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. 

Romans 14:19 NKJV Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 

Photo Credit. Taste Of Home

Yesterday in America the last two games of the National Football League decided which two teams would participate in the Super Bowl. I was able to take some time and view both games. They were entertaining and pretty good games. I wish the Seattle Seahawks and The New England Patriots both good luck and may the best team win. 

I am sure that all the hype and advertising for the game has already started. My plan is to avoid as much of that stuff as possible. Game day, will find me watching the game, and commercials, and cooking something on the grill. I don't have a particular team that I am pulling for. I just have always liked football as a sport. 

Unfortunately at this time in the world, several countries are at the tipping point and a large stage like the Super Bowl becomes attractive to radicals who seek to make a point with violence. 

My goal for the hour of pregame hype is to have a serious prayer time for some world peace and safety.  I truly believe an hour in prayer can have more impact on the world than some cute commercial telling me what potato chip to buy. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Enough To Make Anyone Angry 1/25/2026

 Good Morning,

My hot cup of Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee is working just fine this morning and it is time to write. 

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. 7. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Last night at our Saturday Evening Church Service, I always give about ten minutes to let the people from the congregation speak and tell everyone what God did in their lives in the past week. It is a great way to praise the Lord and show that God is on His throne and is alive and well in church. 

I always enjoy hearing what God is doing and it also keeps us aware of who just might need prayer. 

Last night one of the stories was one that was hard to listen to, because it could have been worse. Two very nice people who attend faithfully every Saturday night told us how someone in a stolen car was fleeing the police and during this the crook slammed into their car. I am here to say that they survived without any major physical injuries. They also stated that the car can be repaired and that their insurance should be sufficient to cover the repairs. They praised God for protecting them from a situation that could have been worse. 

My first reaction was to be thankful that we weren't planning a funeral or hospital visits. My second reaction was some anger directed toward the criminal. .

Automobile crime and deadly crashes seem to occur almost every night. Yet I don't see anyone wanting to ban automobiles. Yes, this blog is a little politically pointed this morning. Until people condemn crime in such a way as to make the punishment worse than the crime, people will continue to steal cars, drive recklessly, hurt others physically, and cause extensive damage. Or worse yet, take a life that robs a family in the worst way. 

I am surprised however as to how many churches are stuffed to capacity for praise and worship, but do not attend prayer vigils or prayer meetings. How many families sit down daily together to pray and teach their children to pray. Yes, I am sure plenty families say a prayer for God to bless the dinners, but is there 15 minutes or more dedicated to family prayer? 

It is a shame to say that the term "defensive driving" has taken on new importance. In your prayer time, start to go globally with your prayer thoughts. Pray for safer streets. The social excuses for crime are just that. Excusing people for the crimes committed is a weak argument for not observing right and wrong. No one  can say that the criminal did not know better. 

Pray my friends. Pray!

Marty

A Thought On Piety 1/24/2026

 Good Morning, 

A hot cup of Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee is prying my eyelids open and it is time to write.

1 Timothy 6:6 But Godliness with contentment is great gain.

In the Bible, piety refers to the quality of being religious or reverent, emphasizing devotion to God and obedience to His commandments. It involves both an inward attitude of reverence and an outward demonstration of righteous behavior, reflecting a sincere faith and commitment to worship and serve God. Christianty.com

When I think about piety, I myself  don't see the quality as being passive within the world. I see it as an action filled character trait. A pious person is not a weak person, but a strong personality that puts God first and moves anything that would keep them from being obedient, faithful, reverrent, and sincere. 

I have heard others say "Being a Christian seems boring." On the contrary. God is not boring. A life aligned with Him seems like and open invitation to join Him in His work.  And that sounds like an adventure of divine proportions.  Even a short trip to the store for groceries can be an adventure if you walk with your spiritual eyes wide open. 

Food for thought. Piety is not boring. 

Marty

Appreciating The Heat And Quiet 1/23/2026

 Good Morning,

The blog is late today as the author slept too long. I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and it is really time to write.

Let me explain what happened. I was up and out of bed early this morning. When our dogs came back inside after making their potty run, I sat down in a comfortable chair and decided to rest for 30 minutes. 

It is super cold outside so I added some more logs to the fire . I sat back down and the warmth of the fire reached out to my chair. Two hours later I woke up. The fire was almost out and the dogs were sound asleep in front of what was left of a robust fire. 

I guess if I had been still working instead of being retired I would have been late for work. I guess God knew that I needed to rest longer than 30 minutes. 

Psalm 127:1-2 NIV  Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain,

In vain you rise up early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat.

For He Grants Sleep To Those He Loves.

Have a great day. God Bless,

Marty

Only Take What You Need 1/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and it is time to write. 

As our country prepares for some rough weather in the next few days I find myself wondering what  type of fears people are embracing. A wintery storm which includes very low temperatures, snow and ice  is being predicted to cause some problems. 

Proverbs 3:27-28ESV Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28. Do not say to your neighbor, "Go and come again, tomorrow I will give it." 

Our country is very large and the weather on one side of it can be warm, while the other side of the country can be very cold. The problem is when the warm parts of the country also turn cold and icy. An ice storm is predicted to cause some problems in the South Eastern portion. 

People in those parts are not used to icy roads, and lack of power due to the ice knocking down power lines. The news coverage has warned of shortages in supplies which has caused some fears. I was sent a couple of pictures of what the stores look like as people rushed to fill their pantries with supplies for the next few days.

I am thinking as to why should there be everyone rushing to buy items that those who can afford to have extra already should be stocked up. It seems that they aren't prepared for a disaster. I can understand that those not too financially secure might have difficulty making it through a stretch because a full pantry is a luxury that they cannot afford. So besides not being able to be contently supplied they have to contend with shortages.

My thoughts are this. If you can afford to have extra supplies on hand for emergencies you are blessed. It is best to be able to share with those less fortunate some of your excess. Not thinking ahead causes shelves to empty quickly and and panic sets in.  A few cloth diapers and some extra baby formula are hot commodities in a disaster scenario. 

My point today is this, be prepared for disasters as much as you can. When buying one can of beans in the future, buy two and slowly build up your supply locker.  Spring is coming, so the yard sales will be popping up. Purchase an extra blanket or two from someone who is cleaning out their excess. Watch for sales on bottled water and store a case of it. 

Be disciplined to not use your survival supplies out of laziness. Keep the emergency supplies for emergencies not for the family picnic in July. 

Most of all when needing to stock up before a storm, only take what you need and no more. Your insecurities might cause a true panic for others. 

There  can be tough times ahead. Why make them tougher than needed for yourself and others?

Be safe, be prepared and think of others. 

Marty

Don't Slaughter Today 1/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I will be drinking my Dood County Pumpkin Spice Coffee later today, It is time to write.

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy  and find grace to help in time of need.

All too often we wake up with the same fears that we took to bed with us last night and we condemn the day ahead of us before it even really starts.We tend to slaughter today on the altar of anxiety. 

Some folks are going through tough times right now. It could be health issues, or financial woes, broken relationships or emotional woes. Many people do not see relief ahead or do they allow God to carry them through from yesterday to today.  God does not always send the help or relay the message ahead of time. But it often comes just in the hour we need it. God meets daily needs daily. Place your cares with Him. Only God can deliver peace of heart. 

Food for thought. Give today a chance and look up. God knows where you are. 

Marty