Not Really A Guest Anymore. 8/3/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug is still steaming after being filled with Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee and it is time to write. 

This morning I have three English Springer Spaniels nudging me for attention, our two Gibbs and Leo. In addition we are watching our nephew's dog Waylon while he is working in another country for awhile. 

1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV But if anyone does not provide for his own, especially  those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

We do this now and then whenever we can help out. In the beginning when Waylon was just a pup he was very skittish around our two dogs and would often sit away from all of us. He would get homesick within a few hours. Waylon would stare out of the patio door window or the front door window. I believe he was looking for our nephew to come and pick him up. 

Well things have changed now and Waylon figured out that he is part of our family and what goes for our two dogs applies to him also. He has his own bed here and lines up for chow with Leo and Gibbs. He understands that Gibbs is ancient and both younger dogs treat him with dignity and respect. They watch out for him and Waylon accepts that duty like they were brothers. 

He knows he can count on Old Uncle Marty and Aunty Rene to keep the dish full and hand out treats like any uncle and aunt should. He finds this old dude on the floor for some affection and play time and the Springer wrestling begins. 

My point for the day is this. Those who come into your home for a visit or extended stay should feel like they are family and welcome at any time. They should be able to count on being loved and cared for. Do the neighborhood kids know that in an emergency your home should be considered a shelter? Do your neighbors know that they are important and are family members also? 

Food for thought.! We will leave the light on.

God bless, Marty

Vacation Bible School And The Will Of God 8/2/2026

 Good Morning, There is a hot mug of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee next to me on this rainy Sunday morning and it is time to write. 

This week our church will be hosting Vacation Bible School and the last I heard there was over 80 children signed up to attend. I am proud to say that our church has a strong children's ministry. Many volunteers are giving their time to the cause. 

There will be Bible lessons taught and games played. The fruit of the  event might not be seen in the children for a few years. But who knows how even one child can be impacted for Jesus and avoid mayhem later in life. 

The volunteers might not ever see the fruit of their labors. But yet they have answered the call to serve the Lord. I pray for good weather, great attendance and hearts to be touched. 

John 4:34 NKJV Jesus said to them. "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work."

My point for today is this. Give of your time at your church. Volunteer to help in endeavors like Vacation Bible School. You just never know who it will impact.

God Bless,

Marty

A Steady Guide 8/1/2026

 Good Morning,

My ug was just filled with Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and now it is time to write. 

I am listening to a much needed rain hit our roof and the sound is soothing to the soul. 

Psalm 23:3 He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

One thing you can count on in life is that God will never lead you astray. When we submit to His leadership, He is there to help us navigate our days here on Earth. He lights the way with His word. His leadership keeps us from the pitfalls of life. 

A lot of our personal disasters are products of us making the wrong choices. We trust in ourselves and the advice of others before we go to God and ask for guidance. 

God is gracious and even after not consulting Him He will guide us through the consequences of our choices. He does not always eliminate the consequences. We learn a lesson or two from the consequences. And sometimes the consequences of a bad choice hurt deeply But a good guide is a teacher as well as a guide. 

My grandfather was very good at teaching me the "Whys and the Why Nots of life. He took the simple days of life and used the choices needed to be made as teaching moments. There are still things that he taught me that I observe to this day. 

So the point for the day is this. What is God warning you about? Are you listening? Will you follow the Guide or follow your own thoughts? 

Have a great day! God bless,

Marty

Waiting And Watching For the Day To Be Unlocked7/31/2026

 God Morning,

I started this day with a hot mug of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and prayer. It is time to write. 

There are some rare times in my life when I look at the day over my first cup of  coffee, open my calendar to see what I have planned and there is nothing that needs to be done. Not very often can I just sit back, have another cup of coffee and then pick out something that I can do that is positive or restful. 

On those rare occasions I look over the top of my coffee mug after prayer and just wait for the day to unlock and unfold.. 

Psalm 5:3 In the morning,OLord. You will hear my voice: In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. 

After some prayer time I start out by feeding the birds that inhabit our front yard and then I wait to see what God  has in store for me. I say in my prayers, "Lord this is your day. I will praise You and see what You have planned for me today. Show me what to do."

It's too bad that we can't have more of these days of waiting and watching.  Have a great Friday and may God bless and direct your day!

Marty

Here's To You. 7/30/2026

 Good Morning,

Another cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and I will be headed off to work at the voting polls in our city. It is time to write.

Ephesians 2:10. ESV For we are His workmanship. created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We celebrate many things, weddings, births, promotions, graduations, athletic accomplishments, and the list could get bigger. 

But today I want to remind you to celebrate you. You make the world a better place just by being you. I know there are those who might not feel all that special because of past failures. But every day is new and you have the opportunity to turn a failed life around. God is the God of second chances. 

Lamentations 3:21-23ESV But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. 22.The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; 23. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

So take some time to celebrate you. God knows who you are and He is always there to get behind a soul and turn failure into triumph. He gave you unlimited potential. Use it!

Have a great day. God Bless.

Marty

It Is Okay To Protect Yourself 7/29/2026

 Good Morning,

It is going to be a long day so I will be bringing an insulated bottle with me for later, filled with Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. It is time to write. 

Psalm 7:12 He has bent His bow and made it ready. 

I believe in self defense. I believe you have the right to protect yourself and your family. That goes without saying. I respect the police and would not want their jobs. When given a command by an authority calls for you to obey and cooperate, then do so.  

I don't drive around looking for a cause to support by blocking traffic. You have a right to demonstrate and others have the right to travel down the road. You don't have the right to touch my vehicle or throw something at it. 

So there is a time and a place for everything. This is a time to be smart, obey the law and don't force nice people to protect themselves. 

Pray for this world. It's running a little backwards right now. 

Marty

When You Wake Up The Morning 7/28/2026

 Good Morning, 

My mug is filled with Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee and it is going down just fine. It is time to write. 

When you think about it, your day doesn't really start off until you release it from resting/ You actually wake up your whole day when you start to move about and kick off your routine. 

Waterfowl hunting season is just around the corner. I have enjoyed this sport for at least 40 years now. One of the things I enjoy most about waterfowling is to be the only one out there and watching the sun come up on the water. 

God has the sun rise and I have the job of starting my hunt. You could say "I wake up my morning". 

Psalm 57:8 I will awaken the dawn.

I have the responsibility of setting my frame of mind and heart as to how I will greet the day. Will I be thankful? Will I be prayerful? Will I be kind? Will I be approachable? Will I be a blessing to others? Will I fear? Or will I be brave? Will I be ready to embrace the day with gusto?

Friends, turn up the lighting. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and wake up your day!

God bless,

Marty