Don't Shrink Your Spouse Or Partner . 10/26/2026

 Good Morning,

I thought I would make a point right after I have a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee and some prayer time. 

Hebrews 3:13 ESV But exhort one another every day. As long as it is called today.

There are certain clothes that do not belong in the dryer so as to avoid shrinking. Most shrinking incidents are just accidents that if more caution was taken there wouldn't be an incident at all.

Very often in relationships, especially marriages, one of the partners is the alpha person and the other is quiet, not always heard or in some instances not seen much. This often happens when the dominant personality forgets that there are two in a relationship. The terms my, mine, me, and I are applied when referencing our home, our cars, our kids, our our grandchildren, our church, our vacations. 

It is not always meant to be said that way. But it is a habit that does not shine with inclusiveness. After not sharing your life experiences as ours, and we long enough we tend to dominate the attention. 

Just a reminder if you are a "we" work at including your spouse in all the credits of your life movie as ours. You are here to build each other up. 

Food for thought!

Marty

What You Wake Up To 10/25/2026

 Good Morning,

The day begam with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee. It is time to write. 

My wife Rene calls my morning routine not a routine but a ritual. I call it a good habit.

I believe my morning ritual, routine, or habit begins the night before. I always set the coffee maker to start brewing when my alarm goes off. My cup sits atop the coffee maker and is warmed up when the coffee is ready. I then place the filled cup into the microwave and heat it up for another 19 seconds. By this time our two dogs have been outside and are hungry and that are the first to eat. Happy dogs, happy life. 

I dry a lot of fruit, vegetables and some meat. If possible I do that in the fall and throughout the winter. I woke up to Maple coffee and apples drying in the house. The food dehydrator emits enough heat to have the kitchen warm and then the apple aroma this morning found it's way to my nostrils. 

But before one foot hits the floor, my first prayer of the day is said. It is always started with thanks for another day, for my family, and friends. Later when I hit the desk to write this blog, I go through my prayer list of individuals, world events, and praise. 

My point for the day is this. Your morning can be set to give you peace and a routine that makes you content. My  morning begins the night before. Breakfast is planned according to my activities for the day. It depends on how much time I have before walking out the door.

This morning will have some French Toast a little later with my wife and my most loving critic.

The most important part of y morning is my prayer time. I do my Bible reading at night before going to bed. 

I forgot to mention. My morning consists of kind and prayerful thoughts about all those who will read this. 

I wonder what tomorrow will bring? 

Blessings and love to all of you.

Marty

God Had A Surprise Planned 10/24/2026

 Good Morning,

I am goose hunting this morning and my insulated bottle is filled with Door County Irish Creme Coffee and here's hoping for the hunt to be safe and productive.

Roman 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love Him, who have been called to His purpose.

I want to talk about yesterday. I have been putting some time in as a poll worker in my city for an upcoming election. The early voting has begun and we have been quite busy. 

I have been praying daily for an old friend who I have known for a long time but haven't seen for just as long. Facebook allowed for our paths to meet up. 

Today we were pretty busy and when I looked up from what I was doing, this lady was in front of me. She was smiling and grinning and said "Marty it's me:::::. "We were both in shock to meet up in a public area during an election. We hugged and as tough as I think I am, my eyes sprung a leak or two. She has been on my mind for a few days and I have been praying for her since we chatted on instant messenger.

God knew that this meeting was needed and He showed that He is constantly working behind the scenes for His children. But yesterday, He showed us what He was thinking and He in my mind provided a small miracle.  

I am looking forward to see what He will do for my friend. It doesn't sound like much, but today in the town hall heaven moved a little.

Have a great day!!!

Marty

Enjoying A Mild Night 10/23?2026

 Good Morning. 

I am enjoying a very hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and I will be taking some with me today as a have some work to do. Nothing like some hot coffee when you are taking a break. 

Philippians 1:3-4 NIV I thank my God every time I remember you. 4. In all of my prayers for all of you. I always pray with joy. 

Last evening found me outside in the spotlight of a bright moon doing some dog training with our two English Springer Spaniels, Gibbs and Leo. It was a good night to be outside and the boys got a good workout. Leo is still in his prime and Gibbs is very old and deaf. Last night he was running with purpose, chasing the bumpers I threw for him. I was recalling some of the nights spent in our yard training both of them when they were young puppies. 

We live close to a set of train tracks and many a night while training I can hear a train sounding the crossing horn as it approached the road crossing just East of us. I especially like to hear the sound of th horn in the dead of winter as it starts blowing 3/4 of a mile South of us. 

For some reason the horn seems peaceful on a cold winter's night. On the cold cold nights it reminds me to be thankful for a warm, populated home that is truly a gift from God. It reminds me to load my arms with more firewood for the night. It's funny how the sound of a train is peaceful to me. 

What reminds you to be thankful and pray? For me. It is a train, a backyard, and a dog at work/play. I am so grateful for that time and for the One whom I am thanking for the blessings bestowed on me. You never know. That train call to prayer might have me praying for you. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Pulling Their Own Weight 10/21/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug was just filled with Door County Irish Cream Coffee and itis time to write. For the past couple of days I have been working with a team of poll workers hired by our city to assist with a big election.

Proverbs 20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his act, by whether his conduct is poor and upright. 

I have observed a team of people who all carry their own weight and more at times. They come to work and work they do. Their parents raised some kids with epic work ethics. I would bet a few dollars that they come from a family that believed in working hard and setting an example of how to do it without complaining. 

They don't hoard knowledge and set a great example of teamwork.

Here's a question with a challenge. What work example have you set for your children and grandchildren? Are their ethics reflective of what you have taught them to do? Now remember the flip side. Are their work ethics full of sloth and inability to work without supervision?

Spiritually do they follow the gold standard of serving God and living a life worthy of being called children of God? Or are they the type that shows up late, leaves early and really can't be counted on to be used by God.  

Children are very often a product of their environment. Food for thought!

Marty

The Hand Changed.10/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I woke up to the aroma of Door County Maple Coffee brewing in the kitchen. It is time to write. 

1 Peter 4:10 ESV As each of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another , as good stewards of God's varied grace. 

Yesterday I made the statement that if someone is in need of a helping hand, that hand might be attached to your arm. I am not retracting the statement, but applying it in a different way. You might be in a position to help others. 

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. 

I believe in helping folks when they are in need of a hand. But in some instances, people become dependant on others for help and never really walk on their own. In these instances some folks need to look at end of their own arm for a helping hand. Help is not to be a substitute for hard work and determination. 

When accepting some help, always be grateful, and start developing a plan to drop being dependant on others. If at all possible  be the one who breaks the chain on dependency. 

Be sure to add prayer to your plan and share your plan to be victorious with someone who will hold you accountable for achieving success.  

There is nothing like the feeling of setting a goal and then achieving that goal on your own. 

God is your biggest cheerleader and it is His pleasure to see you succeed. 

Food for thought!

Marty

The Voting Begins 10/20/2026

 Good Morning,

My insulated bottle was just filled with Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee and in a few minutes I will be heading out to perform a small job I have taken on for the next two weeks. 

I was hired to serve as a poll worker for the city I live in for national, state and local elections. It gives me a paycheck for my time worked and allows me to serve my country, state, community and the voters. 

Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched  and one who waters will himself be watered.

The folks I have been working with over the past two years are all top notch folks with a desire to serve others. Our leader is passionate to get the voting done on time and correctly. As it should be. 

My thought for the day is this. There are a lot of small jobs that can be done in your community, neighborhood, church, and schools. In some instances they are looking fo very part time workers. 

For instance we have been advised to keep the tree leaves out of the storm sewers in our city. What does it take to sweep off the top and bag the refuse? Not much effort at all or do you wait for someone else to do it? My wife Rene and a few folks at church save aluminum cans for recycling. The money earned goes to a cause of their choice. Right now it is being given to a young couple with needs. They volunteer their time collecting, crushing and then redeeming them for cash. 

Food for thought. The helping hand some city or individual needs might be attached to your arm. 

God bless, 

Marty