Looking Forward And Not Looking Back 10/19/2026

 Good Morning. 

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee and it is really tasting very good this morning.

2 Corinthians 4:18 ESV as we look to not to the things that are seen but to things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but things that are unseen are eternal. 

Bacon Wrapped Turkey covered in maple syrup.

As humans we spend a lot of time reminiscing the past. We look at photos of people, places and things that had an impact on us so much that we capture the photo so we can look back at it and recall the person, place or event that is special to us. This is a nice way to appreciate the moment or the person. 

Unfortunately in some instances the memory vault holds painful memories, hurts and sorrows. I am like every other person in having a spot in the memory vault that is a place I don't like to go, yet it is still a part of my life. I really don't have a cure for the memories that hurt. We won't really be able to blot them out completely and maybe we shouldn't. It's sometimes good to remember where you came from in life. 

The one recommendation I do have and I follow is to look forward at the next good event and enjoy the planning of it. Then take part in it. Afterwards take the good memory and catalogue it in your memory vault. Add a photo or two or fifty to your collection. But remember the planning can be sometimes just as nice as the event itself. 

We have been included in the plans for a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. I have taken this event to prayer so as to protect the day from not happening. 

Look ahead my friends. Don't let the past anchor you in mud. Don't dwell too long on those who have gone on but live for the living. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Some Things Can't Wait 10/18/2026

 Good Morning,

I woke up this morning to our two dogs wanting to be fed and then let outside. After I finish writing I will make a pot of Door County Maple Coffee. It is time to write. 

Matthew 6:33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

This world moves so fast these days and I am just as busy as if I were working full time, even though I am retired. If I could take things as they come it would be extremely difficult to keep up with the pace of things needing to be done. Unfortunately, even at my age I have to sit down now and then to prioritize what needs to be next and what can wait. 

Somethings can't wait and even those items of urgency need to take a number and wait. For instance automobile maintenance is important but quite often it can wait a few days or in some instances a little longer. But when the engine light comes on or the brakes feel spongy, it is more of an immediate thing and shouldn't wait. 

I can't give you a list of priorities, that would be up to you to do. But a life that just takes what is next and does not prioritize will be hectic to say the least. 

For me, my list has a top three that do not change. And actually it helps me to stay focused  for the rest of my to do list.

#1 Is God and He needs to stay number one at all times.

#2 My family is next and as long as God is number one they are more secure. 

#3 Is me. I need to stay healthy spiritually, emotionally and physically to the best of my abilities. 

Everything else can still be prioritized and should be. It makes life less hectic and confusing. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

I Thought I Was Right 10/17/2026

 Good Morning, 

I am moving slow today and the Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee is waking me up a little. 

Have you ever thought that something was true and you were willing to die in that ditch thinking you were right? But then someone proved to you that you were wrong. Do you humbly proceed to admit you were wrong ? Or do you stick to your thoughts out of stubborness and let people see that you are hard to work with. They see that you are unwilling to admit you were wrong and any further exchanges already have you labeled as  "No Team Player."

As Christians we are held to the belief that we are to admit our wrongs in order to keep the house of the Lord clean and moving in the right direction. .

Proverbs 16:8 I have set the Lord constantly before me. For he is at my right hand. I shall not be shaken. 

It is assured when we argue a point wrongly all further actions by us will always be scrutinized more than usual. Thus fighting for a cause that has been proved wrong lowers the standards of further discussions. 

Food for thought. Be proper, honest and in prayer. Avoid arguments when you have to make a guess. Admit when you are wrong. Make things right before the sun goes down.

Marty

Capture The Elusive Dreams 10/16/2026

 Good Morning,

It is time to write. My mug is filled with Door County Irish Creme Coffee and it is tasting mighty fine. 

I day dream what I would say is a very small portion of each day for me. I hear a song or read something and then my mind wanders off chasing that dream the song or words stirred up. 

I learned a long long time ago that it is far more productive to ignore dreams than chasing after dreams that are most times created in my own mind. If I look at the dreams with the glasses of reality I usually don't pursue them.

It's ok to dream and desire things that are wholesome for us and attainable. An ice skater chases the dream of winning a medal in the Olympics. With a lot of hard work that dream is attainable. But if that skater is 70 years old and crippled up from life, in reality that medal won't be coming home with the aged olympian. 

Ecclesiastes 5:7 ESV For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity. But God is the one you must fear. 

Your dreams are yours and can be a source of confusion or of comfort. It's the importance you place on the dreams and my advice is to accept reality and fix what you can fix, accept what is real, and if you set a dream as important, work extra hard to achieve the goal. 

Before you go down chasing dreams, stop and ask God if this is what He wants for you.

Food for thought.

Marty

Taking In The View 10/15/2026

 Good Morning,

My morning is slow to develop today so my cup of  Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is working hard to make that happen

Yesterday my wife Rene and I made a day trip to Door County . This wasn't our usual fall trip of three days but any day relaxing and taking in some fresh air is better than none at all. Both dogs went for the road trip as well

As we traveled and shopped to pick up a few things from the area we were in awe of the trees and their fall display of color. On the back roads there was hardly any traffic, so we took our time munching on apples and commenting on the colors

My wife remarked how she wished we could stay for at least two days. Due to commitments and appointments we could only do a long day trip. I replied "1 day is better than none."

We both agreed and set our sights on the colors surrounding us

We were in an area that God knew we would be and the display He put on was  tremendous.

I felt short changed when we had to head for home but that soon dissipated and turned to gratefulness. Rene, remarked that while traveling down that old road, we were in the presence of God. I agreed and then shared this Scripture with her

Psalm 84:10 NIV Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper  in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked

We came home tired but fulfilled. We spent the day together and our stomachs were full of some Door County specialties. God put on a display of His majesty and power for sure.

One day is better than none

Marty

 

Let's Help Those Kids Out 10/14/2026

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee and it is time to write. 

I was reminiscing about my teen years. I just attended the funeral visitation for one of my childhood friends last Saturday. She was the younger sister to one one of my buddies. There were four of us back in the day who hung around together. We played a lot of sports and worked on our old cars which kept us pretty busy. We were always doing something together.

Romans 15:7 ESV Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 

Occasionally we would meet some girls now and then take them to a movie, Big Boys after the movie.And if we could get some wine "Boones Farm"was always a very good year! We might have imbibed a little. The flirting would begin long before we even picked them up for a date. One of my dates worked at the neighborhood pharmacy and emporium of soft drinks and gum. Do you have any idea how much gum I purchased, jut to get a smile? 

I won't rant about the need for chaperoned activities. Kids now days are surrounded by security, cell phones ("the ultimate kid tracker") . 

But plan some family outings and if possible allow them to bring a friend. Even if that friend is of the opposite gender. Set the rules but invite them along.   Kids aren't fussy and just about everyone of them eats pizza. But wouldn't want them along with you then having them on their cell phone with all the friends they left behind? 

I recall our daughter signing up to man crisis hotlines . There were five of these kids.  The shift started at 11:PM and ended at 4:AM. They needed an adult chaperone and of course a ride home. We stopped at an all night greasy spoon for eggs and toast at the end of the shift. If I could or had to, I would spend those sleepless hours all over again. 

As teens think, at their age, their friends are most important. Let them see that you love them and their friends are important to you as well. You will be the winner.

Food for thought!

Marty

Popsicles For A Hot Day 10/13/2026

 Good Morning,

The Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is still brewing, but I am ready to write. I will enjoy theI'm coffee later.

Revelation 3:15-16 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish that you were cold or hot. 16. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot I will vomit you out of my mouth.

 

                                                    Photo Credit Face Book

It was a little warmer outside than normal for this time of year yesterday. It's wasn't terrible, but a cold drink sounded like a good idea to quench my bout with the heat. As I went to the freezer for some ice cubes, I recalled that we had a box of Popsicles in there and they have been there all summer. It was time to unleash the cold treat. It did the trick so I ate two. 

My point for the day is this. We need to quench ourselves as to not overheat while working outside. Fortunately for me, I was home and the freezer made the cool down easy to do. 

On the other side of the spectrum some things are better warm than cold. All too often we put our faith in a position that it is cold , not hot. Our spiritual temperature if not maintained through prayer, study, and service to God cools down and we find ourselves useless to God and others.

Our laziness puts out the fire of faith that once was on fire for the Lord like a candle on a windy night. Ignoring our faith causes us to have hearts that are cold toward God and others.

Food for thought??

Marty