Using The Spare Pump 9/17/2026

 Good Morning,

My day began with the need to change out one of the basement sump pumps and as soon as I am finished writing I will pray again and begin the project.

Our sump crock has a spare pump in it and one of them is broken. So we are running on the spare pump. We always keep another new one on the shelf for moments like these. You could say that we have a "back up to the back up.". Once I am finished with the installation of the new pump I will be headed to the supply warehouse and I will pick up another one to rest on the shelf for times like these. 

Proverbs 22;3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself , but the simple go on and suffer for it. 

I am supposed to be away in Georgia visiting our daughter. My wife was staying home. This would have occured while I was not home. The back up plan of having two pumps in the crock would have sufficed until I got home. Rene could have called a nephew or two or several friends who can change out a sump pump. All the supplies to do so are in the room where the crock and pumps are housed.  I would have called on family or friends to help her out. Although the plan worked as designed, having only one pump operational would have driven her to worry. There are heavy rains in the forecast for today and tonight. 

Here is my point. God kept me home instead of taking the visit South. Once a plumber always a plumber. We had a plan and it was prayed over and it worked. I will make up that vacation trip as soon as I can. And the old pump will be scrapped, a new one set in place on the shelf . God cares about us being dry, and safe. He watched over us and used one bad situation for good. I was home because my brother was very ill and recovering from a major surgery. That was the bad news that worked for our good. 

Think about it. Do you have plans for emergencies in your home,and life?

Have a great day!

Marty

What's For Dinner? 9/16/2026

 Good Morning.

My mug is now half full with Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee and it is time for me to write. 

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

Jesus was explaining to His disciples after they offered Him some food to eat that His true food was doing the will of God and finishing His work here on Earth . In doing that Jesus was finding a deep spiritual fulfillment  and sustenance in serving others rather than eating physical food.

We put a lot of time into planning our next meal, cooking it to perfection and then savoring the flavor of our efforts. When was the last time you skipped a meal or just ate something light, because you want to complete a task that God gave you such as making a meal for  someone else? Is God's will bigger that your own stomach?

Food for thought? What part of the Word of God are you dining on today? What act of service might be on your plate for tomorrow?

Have a great day!

Marty

Tested The New Roof For Sure 9/15/2026

 Good Morning,

My desk and it's wooded chair are way too comfortable this morning My mug is full of Door County Irish Creme Coffee and it is time to write. 

                                                            Photo Credit Allen- Bradley Clock Tower Tour.

Last week we completed the last of the home improvement projects for the year. It was a happy day when the last shingle was in place on the new roof. Last night the roof was tested with a super heavy rain. I am happy to say that the house is dry this morning and warm. 

The roofing company was organized, on time, and someone I would hire again. Being on time impresses me and is a good way to earn my respect. It is the first step in starting any professional and personal relationship. When a date is made and set in stone the owners of the meeting show dignity and respect to each other by holding each other's time as valuable.

Hebrews 10:24 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. 

1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV But all things should be done decently and in order. 

James 4:17 ESV So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin. 

To me agreeing to a time and then greeting the other person with a handshake is the beginning of a contract. Leaving the the meeting with another handshake is acceptance of the work or sealing the deal for another day. 

We hand out resumes and forty page contracts for work that could be spelled out with 1 page. When I was in a position to hire and the candidate was late, I would still read their resume but being late without calling with a good excuse did not lead to being hired  most of the time.

So when looking for a contractor to hire, see if at your first meeting they are on time. They offer a handshake. They can look you in the eye and then thank you for your time. 

So let your yes be yes and your no be no. Your punctuality leaves a lasting impression. 

God bless,

Marty

Send Me 9/13/2026

 Good Morning, 

Hey that cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is tasting mighty fine this morning.

I am rested and ready to face the day. I have been extremely busy with personal things, family, and ministry. I plan on taking a rest very soon and making up for some lost time. 

Many years ago after I found Christ as my Lord and Savior and while reading through the Bible for the first time I found that  many verses were exhilarating and spoke volumes of truth. 

One particular night I was reading from the book of Isaiah and it changed my way of life instantly. 

Isaiah 6:8 NIV Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send ?And who will go for us?" "And I said here I am send me."

Since then I have been busier than busy for  45 years with my personal life and my different ministries and callings. I will always answer the call, but I feel the Lord might stop calling as much. Maybe I will hear "well done good and faithful servant". I make no promises but I know the winds of change are blowing. Let's see where they lead or do not lead. I gave my life to God in 1981 and He took me in when I was at the end of my rope. I always say that He still leads me as I grow white in the face. 

Thank you Lord. I have become all things to all people. 

Love to all. Answer the call!

Marty

Grilling The Corn Serving Together 9/13/2026

 Good Morning,

I  started this day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. 

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV A man who has friends must himself be friendly. 

Later this morning I will be joining with some of the men and women from our church to roast corn, and grill burgers and hot dogs for  our annual church picnic. We have ben grilling the corn for about ten years now and the only complaint has been about the salt. "The salt is too salty". We take complaints seriously but if one puts less salt on their buttered corn it might taste less salty. Just a thought.

My short message for this morning is this. If you are a church going type of person and you want to be involved at your church, seek out someone and ask to join in on what they are doing and join in to honor and serve. There are sooooo many ways to serve at a church and make friends that it is impossible not to find a way that fits you. 

I really don't like to eat roasted corn, but I like to see the smiles on the faces of the folks that do. You are as lonely and unplugged as you choose to be. 

Have a great day!! And pass a napkin please!!

Marty

Praising God For His Faithfulness 9/12/2026

 Good Morning,

I am watching the level in my Coffee cup go down and I might need to brew another pot of Door County Maple Coffee. Let's write.

Yesterday morning had me at a hospital with my younger brother. He had a heart attack and was in need of open heart surgery later yesterday. I am here to say that all went very well and he is on the road to better health. 

I was in prayer for most of yesterday and now want to say that God came though for us and to Him be all of the glory and honor. It was a long day!

Psalm 118:5-7 I called on the Lord in distress;

The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

6.The lord is on my side, I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

7.The Lord is for me among those who help me.

The care provided by the hospital staff was world class great. Than you all for the prayers and concern.  

God Bless, 

Marty

A Positive Attitude Goes With Everything 9/10/2026

 Good Morning, 

A hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee is in front of me and it is time to write. 

I am not one for having a lot of clothing that matches and I don't get "dressed up" much anymore. Blue jeans and a shirt or sweater are usually the wardrobe of the day. I can dress up for a funeral or a wedding when needed. 

Every shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater is capable of matching up with some blue jeans. 

I was reading a book of quotes the other day and in it I found one from Dolly Parton. She has been quoted many times and this one stood out for me.

A positive attitude 

and a sense of humor 

go together like 

biscuits and gravy. 

Dolly Parton

When you can laugh or smile during tough times and present a positive attitude at the same time you are richly blessed. To me there is nothing like a plate of biscuits and gravy for breakfast. The combination makes the morning or evening dinner a dance on your palette. 

Having a positive attitude in today's world is a blessing. But taking on the world with a positive attitude combined with a sense of humor is a strong combination that should always be together. 

When going through the rough waters of life and taking them on with a can do, will do positive attitude and being able to see some humor within tough situations tells me one thing. You have partnered your heart with God and are walking through life with Jesus.

Your merry heart is a blessing to those around you and shows strength despite the circumstances. 

Psalm 103:2-4 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, 3.who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. 4. Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. 

Be positive today and don't forget a smile, or laugh along the way. Share your heart and attitude with others. 

God bless, 

Marty