Like It Or Not. We Need A Ladder 8/27/2026

 Good Morning,

I just started to drink my cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

1 Peter 5:6 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under, God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 

Yesterday I started moving things around in our garage to accommodate the installation of a new garage door next week. Several items have graduated to the "We Don't Need This Anymore List" and either have found a new home or are headed to the town dump. 

In our garage we have three ladders an each one serves a purpose. We actually use all three, so they get to keep thier happy home. I am not very tall and find that 4-5 inches more on my stature would make life a lot easier. But I am what I am. 

Where am I going with this? Every now and then one of our ladders comes into play when I need a lift up to help me with whatever I am doing. I can't get up into the rafters of our garage to obtain some hunting equipment without the use of a ladder. I can stretch and jump all that I want, but nothing goes up into the rafters or comes down without the help of a ladder. 

As I age, the need for a little assistance now and then for things I used to be able to do without help gets to be more and more every year. Emotionally what never bothered me before, but now gets to me is more every year as well. 

On those particular days when my mood is pensive or withdrawn I find I use my Bible more and more to give me a spiritual lift. I guess I need a spiritual ladder to keep me headed in the right direction and not become a lump of uselessness to others.

I believe we all can use a spiritual lift at times and should never stay low and forlorn when a lift is there at our fingertips. Friends use the spiritual ladder God gave us to assist us on those days when we seem to be low enough to play handball with a curb.

Food for thought!

God bless, Marty

Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor On The Bed Post Overnight? 8/26/2026

 Good Morning,

Door County Irish Cream Coffee is steaming next to me in one of my favorite mugs  and it is time to write. 

Hebrews 13:16 ESV Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  

In 1959 the novelty song Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor On The Bedpost Over Night? was released to the public. And for a short time it was high on the charts. 

Yesterday I heard the song on the radio while working in the garage. It made me smile and chuckle. Why you ask? Well there was a time when a stick of chewing gum was a real treat for me. Or better yet a big wad of Bazooka Bubble Gum was a downright delicacy. I actually recall getting two days out of one stick of gum. Or breaking it in half to share with my sister. The custom of placing the gum on the bed post came to an end when I woke up with gum in my hair. 

But just the thought of sharing a stick of gum with that three your old nuisance makes me smile and say. "Ah the good old days!"

What's my point for today? We all have done what some folks would say is crazy. Or you have worked some crazy just to make it in this world. But whatever the reason for being wise or frugal, it made you stronger and it taught you to share with others. 

Have a great day and share a piece of gum with someone. Comment if you have a story to tell about being frugal or sharing. 

God bless,

Marty

Don't Trust The Garage Door Pray Instead. 8/25/2026

 Good Morning,

Door County Irish Cream Coffee swirled in my cup a few hours ago. I am overdue to write. 

Forgive me please for this being written and published so late today. We are experiencing some issues with our home and they required my attention earlier this morning.  

Proverbs 12:15 ESV The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

We had to make a decision as to what to do with needing a new garage door and it took some time and prayer to decide what we are going to do. Our garage door has come off of the tracks twice since Saturday. Yesterday it was repaired and the repairs lasted about a half an hour. We were able to get the door down ourselves with a lot of pulling and pushing. The garage is secure and the wait time for a new garage door is until next week Wednesday. A little inconvenience for seven days and after prayer we decided to go that route. It will give us time to clean out items that can be tossed and that will make the installation easier. 

We have two other doors in the garage to gain access to the house. We just have to use a key instead of an auto opener.

In the process of the battle with the garage door, no one was injured. Nothing landed on our car or truck. So all in all we look at this as a testing of our patience and protection at the same time. The mishap did not take place while we were out of town and a house/dog sitter left wondering what to do.  Nor did we have to come home early from a trip.

The door company was willing to send a tech back out to get the door operational again yesterday. After praying, the common sense thing was to replace the door which was going to be done next March anyway. I have peace in the decision.

Food for thought. If time allows, to pray before a decision is made, take that time. I bounced the idea over to my wife and she concurred that the plan was a good one. Next if time allows get an opinion from someone you trust. (My wife Rene)

So I am sorry for being so late in the day with this. But, better late than never.

God bless,

Marty

Baby Dedications And Your Part 8/24/2026

 Good Morning,

My Coffee today is hot and I am ready to write. My flavor for today is Door County Irish Cream. 

Proverbs 22:6 KJV Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Yesterday my wife Rene and I attended the Sunday service at our church. Yesterday our church held a baby dedication Sunday. It was especially nice to see these young folks stand before the church committing their child to the Lord, with lots of friends and relatives in attendance to show their support.

I found myself praying this morning for the little ones and their parents as well as the church body.It is a blessing and a chore for the parents, grandparents other relatives and friends to make sure that these little ones are  prayed for and good examples of a Christian life are displayed. 

What the little ones should see and witness in those who stood with them yesterday are a non wavering belief in God. Lives that emulate the life and message of Christ are most important. 

You might have attended a church service somewhere yesterday and maybe there was a baby dedication that took place. Did you accept the challenge to do your part, big or small to be there in prayer, service and support for a child?

You have accepted a life long role. 

Food for thought,

An Unexpected Visit 8/23/2026

 Good Morning,

I just poured some Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee into my cup, and it is time to write. 

Romans 15:7 therefore welcome on another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 

Earlier last week our niece sent us a message saying that she and her husband would be in town for a wedding. She thought it would be nice to get together for lunch. It did not take but a minute to confirm the idea with my wife Rene and the date was set in motion. 

Yesterday we met at a local restaurant to eat lunch and chat. The wedding they were going to wasn't until later in the day. We suggested they come back to our home to change clothes and visit. For me, the afternoon visit went too fast and before I knew it the time had come to say farewell. 

This visit was an unexpected gift and both of us appreciated the time spent here. It was a nice surprise and could only have been a gift  from God. 

Sometimes the most simple gift, like a visit means a lot. My point for the day is this. Always have an open door and be ready to enjoy what God places on your porch. 

Marty

Time To Change The Radio Station 8/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I awoke to the aroma of a pot of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee brewing in the kitchen. I have a hot mug in my hand and it is time to write. 

I am seeing once a again a world that has become selfish, unwilling to share with others, just because they consider what they are doing as more important than what someone else is doing. 

Selfish people very often reflect the attitude of a radio station that is no good for anyone. They look at life just like the radio station from hell. 

WIIIFM What's In It For Me? We look at opportunities to serve others as "Resume Builders" This will look good when I apply for a new job. We visit elderly relatives and consider it a chore, helping to look good with our siblings. 

Maybe we donate money to a cause just to have a tax write off. We look at what we do for others and subconsciously say. "This is good. Now they owe me one!" You volunteer hoping to be recognized and use your work time to be able to brag on how you helped someone.

When your tasks have nothing they can do for you, you in turn find an excuse not to help. 

Food for thought! Change Your Radio Station

Marty

Waiting Patiently For The Seasons To Change. 8/21/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Maple Coffee is kicking the cob webs out of my head this morning. And it is time to write. 

Psalm74:17 NIV It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;You made both summer and winter. 

Yesterday I was gifted a large tree that was cut down months ago and now just needs to be cut into usable firewood. I have  pretty good amount of wood ready to be split into 17 inch pieces for this winter. I just purchased a hydraulic log splitter for the task. It was ordered and paid for but won't be here for another few weeks.  I normally split all our firewood by hand, but those days are gone now. My right shoulder really barks when it is overused and abused anymore. Once the splitter is here I will have two days of splitting and stacking to do. Once September rolls around and makes it's entrance, I will be ready for winter. 

I am waiting patiently for the temperatures to drop a little at a time until that first fire is needed. 

My point for the day is this. One thing you can count on is a change of seasons. God has built within the world it's own calendar. I especially love where we live because the change of seasons are totally noticeable. My attire changes and my food menu changes as well. Chili and stews become a weekly routine and my bald head goes from wearing a baseball cap to a wool hat. 

One thing man has probably tried to control and can't is God's calendar. The change of seasons is God's way to show us He's in charge and He and only He can bring the seasons to open and close.

There is an awesome display of His power and majesty in every change in the seasons. we just have to wait patiently for the Artist to paint our view on a new canvas.

Food for thought.

Marty