If Looks Could??? 4/2/2025

 Good Morning,

I am really enjoying a hot cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee this morning. It is time for me to write. 

Proverbs 21:4 ESV Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. 

Yesterday I had the privilege of  working at one of the election poll sites in our town. A statewide election was held yesterday and the turnout of voters was amazing. People took their right to vote yesterday seriously, and showed up to make their voices heard. It made me proud to be an American.

During this long day as I served in a few different roles on the team I made some observations. In general and it isn't anything new, people do not like standing in lines. Our team worked very hard and swiftly to keep the waiting to ten minutes or under. I would have to say we were successful in doing so. But even a five minute wait showed up on some faces with frowns and at time some crossed eyes. The other observation was the reaction to a question that those who are setting the stage for others to be able to vote was almost humorous, yet got under my skin a little. Now being a civil servant does not allow for me to voice what I was thinking and express myself except with a smile and politeness. Anyone who really knows me can tell you that putting up with nonsense is just not my style. Those complaining eyes and quiet comments really had me saying in my mind "Suck It Up Buttercup" . My friends would be proud of me for smiling during the process and thanking people for coming to vote.

Here is the complaint. During the process of voting the voter is asked to produce a photo identification. Then the poll worker asks them to recite their full name as listed on the card and their address. This is a step to eliminate any voter fraud and has been part of the process for a long time now. So when the poll workers are holding your identification card, you are reciting what is on it. The worker is also checking to see if the picture on the card matches your face. This really irritates some folks up to actually making a verbal comment. "Just read it. It is in front of you" was the comment I heard just a  time or two , but in general the worst was a rolling of the eyes and a huff from their lungs. Most people were polite, patient, knew the process and came prepared. Many expressed thanks toward the poll workers. 

My point for the day is this.  Mom always said "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." That won't work when you have questions to answer. But when things are not exactly to your liking, what do your eyes say? You can leave an impression by breathing loudly and just rolling your eyes. In that moment, you without saying a word can let your true feelings be known and they give you away. You, just without saying anything can insult someone's abilities, intent, and goals. 

Do your eyes give you away.? How many fiery darts will you throw today with your haughty eyes? 

Food for thought.

Marty

Opening Day 4/1/2025

 Good Morning,

I am working the election polls today and although I agreed to do it, my heart isn't all that fired up over it. I will definitely need a Thermos bottle of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee to help with the long day. 

Colossians 3;14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Yesterday was opening day for our local Major League Baseball team. The weather was cold. Yet a lot of people attended and made a full day of it, tailgating and taking in the baseball game. 

There was a time when, if I could get my hands on opening day tickets and get off from work, my wife and I would celebrate a new season with the best of them. There is something about the grills, and a festive atmosphere that makes you want to attend. 

What is my point for today? Well, nothing too serious. My wife and I will take in a couple of baseball games this year and I am sure we will talk about past games and friends we were with as well as some snowy weather for the opener. We will relive some memories on a warmer night and wish we were younger while sitting on some aged chairs. But here is the point for sure. Men, make sure to date your wife now and then and thank them for all the outings they went on with you over the years. Wear the hat she purchased for you that is faded with age and cook those sausages just the way she likes them.  Take a jacket for when the weather cools off and she needs your coat. You know how she never needs a jacket until she needs one. So men, "Batter Up."

Marty

Changing Your Tune 3/31/2025

 Good Morning,

I just finished pouring myself a hot cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and It is time to write.

Psalm 144:9 I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten stringed lyre, I will make music to you.

Life can be a drag at times and we all have experienced the downside of it. We certainly know how to sing the blues during times of lacking, hurting, or anger. Yet when the circumstances change we forget to sing a new tune  of thanksgiving and praise. It's not that we aren't happy when things are going well, but we have come to expect things to be peachy and sweet all of the time. Our expectations have led us to not be appreciative of the good or great days. Then when things change, and they always do, we are wiped out by life and the misfortunes that come along. We then sing a tune of woe, hurt, blame, or anger which we sing loud and clear. 

We fail to see God's hand in the bad times and never begin to think that God sees what we see and desires to be our Tune and carry us through the struggles. The struggles don't disappear, but the load is shared and carried by God when we run to the One who can put a song back in a heart that has it's guitar stings knotted up. Nothing will satisfy us when we are a one man band. Friends, family and coworkers won't do it. Only the Leader Of The Band can help us retune our life and get on the right key.

Food for thought. Are you stuck on the tune of woe? Can you see that you are needed by others? Is there someone you need to forgive despite them being hard to forgive?

God bless,

Marty

Sleeping In A Hammock 3/30/2025

 Good Morning,

My hot cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee is tasting mighty fine this morning. It is time to write. 

Romans 10:15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!

Last night during our Saturday evening church service we had the privilege of praying over a short term mission team headed out to Brazil later this week. Each team member was introduced and then some of us men prayed over them. They will be headed out to follow God and serve in ministry performing tasks as needed. I know most of the group members fairly well and I am impressed with the team God has assembled. 

They are leaving the comforts of home for ten days and will be sorely missed by their families. I knew ahead of last night that their sleeping accommodations included resting nightly in a hammock. I have been on a lot of short term mission trips and have always had the the luxury of sleeping on a flat surface. I have slept on roofs, on concrete, on air mattresses, and even once on a round bed. But never in a hammock. 

I will specifically be praying for their rest and comfort as they rest. I have heard that a hammock can be fairly comfortable but I have no intention on finding that out first hand. 

If you have a spare moment in your prayer time please remember all of those who for the Love of Jesus leave their homes and families behind to minister to others around the world. I never once regretted the time spent doing so. 

But here is a thought. When you leave your home and go about your normal day aren't you really on a mission trip? Shouldn't you be ministering and interacting with others as you go about your normal activities? Remember to treat others as if you might not ever see them again and leave them with an impression of God that is kind and considerate. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Letting Go Of The Past 3/29/2025

 Good Morning,

I am ready to drink a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee and it is time to write.

This morning I will be serving in our church  by helping the Men's Ministry serve a light breakfast and lunch to those who are attending a Conceal Carry Class at our church. It is the first step in making a decision to carry a fire arm. Our church is a supporter of the Second Amendment and we wish for everyone who wants to carry a gun to do it legally. 

Lately I have been dwelling on the past too much. So I will get right to the point. "What God has in store for you is never in the past" Dwelling on the past and letting the past control you leaves no room for moving forward. 

CS Lewis says, "Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars.  You have to let go at some point in order to move forward."

Proverbs 4:25-27 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. 

Looking back will distract you from seeing what is ahead of you. Press on my friends and know that you are loved.

Marty

All Storms End Eventually 3/28/2025

 Good Morning,

In front of me is a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Cream Coffee and it is tasting pretty good this morning.

About an hour ago I was awakened by some thunder and lightning and then some heavy rain came down making for a noisy morning. Both of our dogs were content to be very close to me during the ruckus. I laughed a little and turned on the weather broadcast which showed the storms on radar. You could see the beginning of the storm and the end. 

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26.The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. 

In our lives we encounter storms of the heart, soul, and mind. These are moments in time when our life is turned upside down and inside out. This could be a failed marriage, the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a disaster to our homes. I have encountered most of the above. And during those seasons of storms in my life I thought those storms would never end. They eventually did and the aftermath was still there but day by day the ravaging hurt, fear, and doubt subsided. The storm passed and the scars were still there but I was stronger day by day to make it through to the next storm. Friends, storms of nature eventually end, as well as the storms of the heart and soul. You will never forget them, but they will end. 

Today, if the storms are heavy on your heart, know that I have prayed for all who read this and asked God to bless you. I will never know how He will go about blessing those who read this, but He will. And remember going through a storm is always better when you go through it with God. Don't forget to ask Him to lead you through, the turbulent time, 

Marty

Time Well Spent 3/27/2025

 Good Morning,

My  cup was just filled with Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and it is time to write.

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmuring or complaining.

Yesterday I was able to spend some time with our neighbor Mike on an outing for a few hours. Mike lives next door to us in a residence for assisted living and also attends the same church as we do. 

On to yesterday. Mike suffered a stroke a few years back and needs help with daily living. He needs a cane and has to walk slowly. He is prone to falling and we try to avoid that at all costs. 

I picked Mike up and as always he was ready to go. He is always prompt and walks out to my truck with his cane in hand. I had invited him to tag along as I performed some tasks that would take me to a few different places. Mike pretty much never turns down an invitation for an outing. "I like to get out of there and just go anywhere." Mike's speech was also impacted by the stroke so our conversations are brief but I am getting better at understanding what he is saying. 

Mike was all smiles as we went to Cabelas. The store afforded lots of things of interest to Mike and me as well. We walked around the inside for about an hour. I made a couple of purchases and we moved on to a country cheese store and I picked up some cheese and gave Mike a sample to eat later and we were off to purchase lunch. We picked up a take home lunch from Jersey Mike's Sub Shop. Mike liked the fact that yesterday was the day that Jersey Mike was donating the proceeds of all purchases to charity. We discussed other options for lunch earlier but Mike made the choice to help out others. 

As you read this and wonder where I am going with it, I really only have one simple point. It is not to pat myself on the back for taking my handicapped neighbor with me for a nice drive on a sunny day. That's not it at all. What you don't see in this blog is one time where Mike complained about anything. Mike is pretty crippled up and if anyone had a right to complain and moan he does. But he smiles and is just happy to be out of his room and on the road. He listens to the Country Western music in my truck and now and then he comments on a song that triggers a memory for him. He is the one friend I have who never complains. When I invite him to go with me on the most mundane of outings, his reply is "You don't have to ask me twice. What time do we leave?" Mike is very quick to thank me for taking him along. I probably enjoy the time spent with Mike more than he does. 

We all should take the view of life that Mike has. One where we just enjoy being out and going somewhere with a friend. No Complaints. 

Have a complaint free day!

Marty