Grand Parents Love to Love 8/31/2015

Good Morning,

I can't imagine starting this day without a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Tomorrow will start the fall as far as I am concerned and the fall flavors will appease my pallet and decorate this page. Look out fall here I come.

My love for the fall started a long time ago when I was just ten years old. At that time I started playing organized football and was also allowed to go along on hunting outings with my grandfather, my dad, aunts, uncles and cousins. Nothing like some grouse, pan fried and slow roasted in gravy with a pile of mashed potatoes on the side.

Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

All four of my grandparents were still alive back then. The annual trek for deer hunting happened later in the fall and that time spent with my relatives is priceless to me. Many of those from so long ago have gone on now to be with the Lord.
What I remember is the love that my grandmothers handed out. One would hold Thanksgiving dinner very late in the day so the deer hunters could hunt all day. Her patience was endless, because we always came in later than we said we would. My other grandmother would plan a big Italian dinner later that week and you could not escape the hugs, sloppy kisses, and pinched cheeks. Her meatballs were to die for. What I wouldn't do for just one meatball and some sore cheeks.

I came to the conclusion that grandparents just love to love. I see grandparents assisting their kids by helping to raise the grand kids these days because of economical issues or for other reasons. In the time of their later seasons in life, they sacrifice unconditionally to help. I have a few friends who are doing so right now. That is love in the purest form. Your blessings are in heaven.
The sad part of this is that we have a shortage. I don't think that there are always enough grandparents to go around. I see way too many older folks sitting on their backsides not willing to get involved in the lives of their own grandchildren, nor especially someone else's kids. And then I hear that they are lonely. This kind of thinking belongs in the dung heap. You know kids that could use some attention. Go to their football game. The walk from the car to the bleachers is good exercise. Go to a musical concert at the grade school for another. Love to love, even if they aren't yours. It expands your heart's capacity to love. That's what old folks do. It has a benefit too. When you get to the point that you just can't do it anymore, you won't be lonely. They make sure to remember you in return. You reap what you sow. Keeping in touch with your own grandchildren or some others that you unofficially adopted keeps you young.

So dear friends, don't waste your later years on yourselves. Make a kids day, love them, pinch their cheeks and smother them with meatballs. You will be better for it.

Can't wait to see the grandson again! Miss you Dom.

Marty

Lydia And The Big Dogs 8/30/2015

Good Morning,

A dreary misty morning is helping to fill the rivers and lakes near my home. It is much needed and I am not complaining at all. Goose season starts this week and we need some water to float these two boats of mine. The coffee pot greeted me this morning with a cup of Door County Cherry Crème. Life is pretty good.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)  Take Heed to Your Ministry
¹² Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Last night was one of those "you had to be there to believe it nights". We held our monthly prayer service, which is a group of people who just spend  time sharing prayer requests and then praying for them. It is usually a very Spirit filled night. I look forward to the last Saturday of the month to come and prayer night is always a highlight of my month.

Let me put it this way. I love to duck hunt and everyone knows it. Most duck hunters have a dog who retrieves their downed fowl. The number one and most popular dog for this type of hunting is Labradors. I do not own one but have hunted over many fine Labs. I have always owned English Springer Spaniels who are more known for their upland game prowess, not for charging through swamps and swimming across lakes. They on average can be 60-70 pounds lighter than some Labs and are definitely shorter in stature. I always tell my little guy Gibbs that when we go out with my Lab owning buddies that he has to put his "Big Boy Pants" on because he is barking with the big dogs today. Gibbs holds his own and has brought back his share of ducks and geese. He has to work a little harder than they do but he does just fine. Besides that, he always fits in my blind, to lay next to me for warmth. He doesn't need his own camouflage dog condo.

Well last night our prayer group was bigger than normal so we broke into two groups. I headed off to a corner of the church with a few men and then I looked down and saw Lydia. She is the seven year old daughter of one of our pastors. She left the other group where her two teenage siblings and dad had decided to stay. She was the only female in our group and definitely the only child. She pulled right up on to a chair in the circle we created. I welcomed her and said I guess you came to "bark with the big dogs tonight". She smiled and then we started. We asked her for the first request and let Lydia go in the "ladies first" way we do things. She requested prayer for a very ill nine year old. Well the  guys started to pray and it was at that moment, I knew the Holy Spirit just let loose, and the meeting was going to be Spirit charged. We were in for a ride. As the prayer for the nine year old and gone full circle Lydia began to pray. Her prayer was eloquent, right from the heart and definitely not what we were expecting. For some reason we usually all bow our heads during prayer and I even close my eyes while praying. As the night continued and  the prayer time grew sweeter by the minute I opened my eyes to see the reactions to the other guys when Lydia would pray. I saw some tears in their eyes, total amazement in their expressions and also great joy. God used this little lady to bless us and humble us at the same time. I can speak for the rest of the guys and say that we don't know what happened in the other group, but we know for sure the Holy Spirit was in our midst.

Matthew 19:13-14 (NKJV)Jesus Blesses Little Children
¹³ Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Friends do not count out the little ones. I can tell you of many seven year olds that would have fallen asleep or disrupted the prayer meeting. I know of many parents who don't come to prayer service because we don't offer child care. But if a child comes to pray, do not count them out and look down on them. You might be teaching them, or you might be there to be taught. Really, aren't we all just children to God?

Have a great day!

Marty

I Dreamed I Was There In Hillbilly Heaven 8/29/2015

Good Morning,

Just sitting at my desk this morning in the peace and quiet, listening to the much needed rain fall lightly on the roof. Today will be a busy one again. Much to do and not enough time to do it. So I will enjoy this short time of respite with my cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18    
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

I don't place a lot of stock in dreams. But some dreams are just nice to have. You know, those dreams that you just want to last a little longer? Last night was one of those nights.

My aunt had a small place on a lake in upper Michigan. As a matter of fact I had two aunts that had places on that lake and my dad still lives across the lake from those two spots. Yearly my mom's family would gather grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins in-laws and outlaws and camp out there. They named the spot Hillbilly Heaven. I believe the sign is still there. There would be swimming, fish fries, bonfires, an occasional adult beverage, well maybe more than an occasional one, and singing around the fire. Many, now have gone on to be with the Lord. I didn't attend those reunions too often, but I made it a couple of times. It seems as if work would always be in the way or I just did not make the effort to get there. Young and foolish were two traits that would often set my priorities.

But last night I dreamt  of one of the first ones that was held and  one where I was able to take part. In my dream I could see all of their faces, one by one. I could smell the smoke from the fire. There was more people than what were usually there. Some folks would just come to visit Hillbilly Heaven for a few hours and then go home. But, they made the annual trek there to see friends and loved ones, even if it was for just a few hours. In my dream I could hear them singing Patsy Cline's song "I fall to pieces" and "The Tennessee Waltz".  As I write this morning, a couple of hay fever induced tears roll down my cheeks. ( Real men don't cry. They have hay fever.)  In my dream, sitting on a flat bench was a guy in a red flannel shirt wearing a baseball cap. You guessed correct. That guy was me. I missed too many of those reunions. But there's one that I won't miss. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

Some glad morning I'll fly away and what a great reunion that will be.


Have a blessed day. Love to you all.

Marty

Planting Beans 8/28/2015

Good Morning,

Friday arrived as planned, right after Thursday. My coffee this morning is Door County Apple Cobbler. And I need a cup for sure.

Have you ever planted beans? The first thing you do is to purchase "bean seeds". Then you plant them, water them, and keep them in the sunshine. Then after some time has passed you will see a small plant coming up. What do you think you will find on the end of the bean plant in a few days?

The bean will be started there. Of course only a bean will come from that plant. It's called the law of the harvest. Plant a bean, get a bean.

Galatians 6:7-9King James Version (KJV)
⁷ Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
⁹ And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This works with our lives also. Crabby in, crabby out. So what are you sowing? Seeds of joy or seeds of destruction. Again, you drive your own bus. Change the garden of your life.

God bless,
Marty

Look Beyond The Target 8/27/2015

Good Afternoon,

I apologize for not writing sooner today. Hospital duty called at midnight last night and I did not have time to write to all of you this morning,  My coffee was "hospital brand" this morning. "No comment".

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

When people are taught about gun safety while hunting, they are reminded to always look beyond the intended target for anything that could be hurt or damaged on the other side. There could be something beyond the target that you do not immediately see. This could be fatal.

Words work the same way. Our mouth goes into gear and then something that wasn't intended comes out and has a terrible impact on an unseen bystander or innocent party. The immediate impact might not be too bad, but the long term damage can last for years.

We need to think before we speak, especially when angry. The collateral damage from not thinking ahead can be devastating.

Let the Holy Spirit help you control your tongue. The life saved, might be yours.

God bless,

Marty

When I Quit Hoping 8/26/2015

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee sits at my right side, steaming away. The dog is at my feet waiting for me to move. Work is just an hour or so away.

I was conversing with an acquaintance yesterday about the wild fires in the State of Washington. I said to him "I hope it rains out there and puts those fires out". This person is quite the analytical type and he gave me every scientific reason why it won't rain and the winds will continue to blow the fires wildly through the landscape. He told me that only foolish people place any value on hope.

I explained that many people are praying and hoping for the fires to be drenched. He shook his head and chuckled, saying "you hope in what you can't see or prove".

At that moment he had me believing in evolution instead of creationism. I figured he had to be the perfect example of swamp goo that turned into a you. I decided to defend my faith. I asked him if science was ever wrong? He agreed that science and engineering have both made mistakes. I continued "have they cured every cancer, or eliminated death entirely? How many times have you heard that they have cured cancer? Does the sun come up now because swamp goo told it to?" He began to quiet up a little.

Job 9:7
Who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars;

Genesis 1:14

And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years

I went on to say this. I will quit hoping and praying when the sun doesn't rise, when the tides stop moving, when babies don't cry, when the moon is sold for cheese, when small girls stop dreaming of weddings, when pizza doesn't appeal to a single person, and when I see people breathing only after planning each breath.

Hope, I have hope. He left shaking his head and I left with a tear in my eye for the man who had no hope.  I have hope because I see God's promise of daylight every morning.

Have a day filled with hope. Don't forget to pray.

Marty

Fish Fry and The Guys 8/25/2015

Good Morning,

I choose this day to be content. I believe that being content is a form of praise to the Lord. So this morning I am content and happy with my cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. My smile comes from deep within my heart today.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Our nephew Nick called last night and thought that it might be a good idea to fry up all the fish he and his friends caught this summer as we say goodbye to his younger brother Matthew. The younger one is headed off to college and we won't see him as often.

I ran this by Rene, knowing that she was going to agree that we should host this little get together. But asking and talking about things has kept us married this long and I thought it would still be a good idea to see if we could manage to pull this off and also smell up the house with fried fish. Her thumb went up in approval in about 6 seconds.

Later I noticed that she seemed down and out. We had just returned from a funeral and I thought it might be that she was thinking about the funeral. So I asked her what had her down.

To my surprise she said it was the fish fry coming this Friday. I said to her that we could bow out of it if it was too much work. Rene replied "it isn't that at all. The family is changing again and I wonder what changes are next? The boys have grown up and have adult lives. We won't be going to football games or just having them pop in for some food. I don't like the changes."

Well there wasn't much I could say. Those two have provided more laughs and good times than we can count. It is great to see them grow up and turn out good. This just came on the heals of our grandson visiting and going home, and our daughter coming home for a long weekend and returning to Florida.

The world does not stand still for anyone and life moves on. But we need to always make the most of each encounter. I guess Rene has always done that. So it is understandable that she misses those fun times. She was always the last to bed and would stay up cleaning long after everyone went to sleep or to their homes. I guess that I did not know how she took the cleanup time to relive and laugh about our experiences of that particular night.

Be happy and give God thanks daily because He created you for a purpose. Laugh, have fun, smile, and remember to enjoy. Learn to cherish the small things. Count your blessings daily
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were big things.

Looking forward to that fish fry and my wife's happy smile.

God bless,
Marty

Be Not Afriad 8/24/2015

Good Morning,

Can I be so bold as to start this day with a big "you are loved"? Everyone needs to hear that from time to time. My cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee has been drained once already.

Yesterday a good friend of mine went on to be with the Lord. I have known her and her family for a long time. I visited them on Saturday at the hospital and we all knew it wouldn't be long. We all were well aware of her faith in Jesus Christ was strong and we rested in the fact that it would be Jesus ushering her into heaven soon. My friend was wheel chair bound for many years and had been staying in an assisted living center/nursing home for quite some time now. Her husband visited her daily. They are a perfect example of two unselfish people married for life.

As we plan her eulogy, she had requested a song "Be not afraid". On Saturday when I visited, although she was on life support, she seemed to be at peace. There wasn't a sign of fear in her or her husband. He knew where she was going and that she would be with our Lord soon. Although there was grieving, I did not see any fear. The Holy Spirit had given peace, and the promise of Jesus Christ was sufficient for these two. I stood in awe.

Deuteronomy 31:8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸ And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

My prayer for all of us is that when our time comes we will all embrace our leaving with peace from above, just like my two friends.

God bless,

Marty 

Experiencing God 8/23/2015

Good Morning,

It must have rained a little last night. The cars show the evidence of some precipitation. We will take even a little bit to help this dry parched land. I pray for rain to drench the fires out West. They need it so badly.
My cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee tastes too goo to be true this morning.

Amos 3:7King James Version (KJV)
⁷ Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

About every three to four years I embark on a study adventure. Now friends I study quite a bit. And I cannot express enough the importance of continually, and faithfully reading God's Word. But many years ago, thanks to a mentor I began the task of going through a work book called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. It is that time again for me. I will be studying through the book again. Any study book should lead you to study and read the Bible and this one does.

I am quoting from Blackaby " When God get's ready to do something, He reveals to a person or His people what He is going to do. God accomplishes His work through His people. This is the way God works with you. The Bible is designed to help you understand the ways of God . Then God starts to act in your life, you will recognize that it is God."

Unfortunately many people do not open God's word enough, and have no expectations to hear from Him, then they miss out on what He is doing. They cannot tell when God is speaking and many others believe He is speaking and go off on tangents, not of God because they have not learned to check directions against Scripture. This is evident from their facial expressions and comments they make.

I don't often make recommendations within my blog. But today is an exception. Get involved in a work book study that leads you to the Bible and how to understand it. And it will lead you to a deeper relationship with God. That is why I highly recommend Experiencing God by Blackaby.

Christians need to rejuvenate their lives and once again follow the Father and what He is doing so they can join in. Once you experience Him in a deeper way and you know it is God, you will want more.

Have a great day. When does your study begin?

Marty

Grass In The Headlights. 8/22/2015

Good Morning,

Just had a hot cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha with our daughter and both of us are on the road to different duties today.

Matthew 6:33New King James Version (NKJV)
³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Our area of the world has been in a short drought these past few weeks with high temperatures besides. Most of everyone's grass went dormant for awhile. So yard work was at a minimum. Our weekend is packed with things that need to be done and yard work was not on the agenda. Rain blessed our area this last week and everything sprung back to life. The grass seemed to be yelling "I'm growing again". So Rene and I carved out time last night to mow and trim the lawn. First I heard "Hon the tractor won't start". A quick diagnosis sent me to Batteries Plus for a tractor battery. The lines were long and my trip totaled an hour. God continued to spin the world and dusk set in. The tractor started and Rene began to mow. I went to the trimmer and it started immediately and my chore began. 20 seconds into my work the bottom of the trimmer where the cutting cord is wrapped went flying across the lawn. I found all the parts reassembled that "machine from you know where" and proceeded to finish the trimming. We had every outside light on to illuminate the yard, Rene had the tractor headlights on and I prayed for God to slow the world down for 15 minutes. He did not seem to answer that request. This morning as I look at the lawn it looks like two drunks completed the yard work.

The lesson is this. Who cares? I will fix it tomorrow. It will take a short time. The yard will live through it's hack job. What is more important is that God has set some other things on our plates and they need to be a priority. God will make time for the grass.

Have a great weekend. Let God set your schedule.

Marty

Always On His Mind 8/21/2015

Good Morning,

Friday has come in like a rescue helicopter for me. We are so happy to see our daughter despite her being here because of the loss of a dear loved one. I brewed some Door County Highlander Grog Coffee for her and I today. She has business to tend to and I have to go to work.  I hope to spend some time with her tonight.

Psalm 8New King James Version (NKJV)

8 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

² Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

³ When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
⁴ What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
⁵ For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
⁷ All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
⁸ The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

⁹ O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

 

“God is mindful of man” this means God is thinking about you. You are always on His Mind.
God has a mind of his own which has not been influenced by the people who don’t like you, God’s thoughts about you are not influenced by how you think about yourself, nor has God’s thinking concerning you been prejudiced by how you may have messed up before you came to Christ or how you may have blown it this week?
When David considered the wonders of God’s creation he was amazed that God was mindful of men women and children. David was astounded God cared so much about men, women and children.
The simple reason God thinks so much about you is because he loves you and because He loves you so much he is making a fantastic job of making you the best person you can possibly be.
So as you go through today, remember God has you on His mind. Always does and always will.

Love you all,

Marty

Cool Breezes And Reflections 8/20/2015

Good Morning,

The last 48 hours have been packed with intensity and God at work in hearts and lives. My coffee this morning is a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler.

We have been in the middle of some very hot weather for this part of the country. Last night a cold front went through and the temperatures went down quickly. I saw people wearing jackets. I had a clove spiced ham in the oven when I decide to study. I went upstairs to my den and the baking ham smelled so nice but the house was getting a little warm. I opened up several windows and a cool breeze came through each one. The air was fresh and the breeze felt so nice. I took time to reflect on what God was doing these last couple of days and also what a nice spring and summer He has given Rene and me.      

  Amos 4:13                 

For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind And declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness And treads on the high places of the earth, The LORD God of hosts is His name.

The breeze took me back to the fresh lilacs that are a memory now. The apple blossoms are now apples. The lavender is drying now and will be used to freshen up rooms this winter. I thought about the tiki torches and long talks with our grandson while we drank Kool Aide. Many, many thoughts and memories went through my mind. I was refreshed.

Soon we will head into the fall and I am looking forward to that. Duck season, football, Thanksgiving and pheasants will be on there way. But I had to stop for a moment and be thankful for what we experienced and how we experienced God in the highs and the lows.

Friends we all need to do that from time to time. Let the breeze rub your face, dry your tears, cool you off and then remember Who made the breeze and knew who would be sitting right where you are.
It causes you to feel like even in this big, big world you matter. You matter to God!

Have a great day,

Marty

When All You Can Do Is Love 8/19/2015

Good Morning,

May your day have some sunshine and peace and your cup filled with blessings. I am blessed today to have a big cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee sitting right next to me.

I received a call yesterday from one of my loved ones who was in a bad way. I am not mentioning names to keep some privacy in place. My loved one had just lost a family member to death. Everything that could go wrong at the moment did. Cell phone reception decided to quit. Once it came back three other people were calling me. All I wanted to do was to reach out and hug the hurt away. But then a distance of over one thousand miles would not allow that. I could tell that my dear one hurt beyond what I thought she could bear. We prayed and closed the conversation.

I am a "fixer". If something is broke I am a get it done type guy. This needed fixing and I could not help. This frustrated me. My loved one hurt and I did not have the answers. I called again last night and decided the best thing to do was to just listen and love.  It dawned on me that except for a few things I might be able to do and help with later this week, the best thing to do is to love and be there any way I can.

When in doubt, love. Not in the noun sense of the word but as a verb! You will find that in order for there to be a noun you must put forth love as a verb in action.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

God bless,
Marty

Chocolate Syrup and Electricity 8/18/2015

Good Morning,

The old cup is filled with Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee and I look forward to a little Bible time before work while sipping some. I woke up extra early to get some quiet time in.

Not too long ago we had a little get together in our home and as part of the dinner we had an ice cream buffet with all kinds of toppings for dessert. Some how, some way, chocolate syrup was splashed on to an electrical outlet in the kitchen. Rene noticed the splash and later wiped off the exterior. What she did not see was that the chocolate syrup actually had invaded the interior of the outlet. Sunday I was needing to use the outlet to plug in a small appliance. When the male plug was inserted into the outlet I heard a sizzle, saw some chocolate smoke which smelled sweet, but still was smoky. The circuit breaker defaulted "shortly" .

Isaiah 5:20   
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Later that night I changed the outlet and saw that it actually had started to burn before the circuit breaker defaulted.

Some things should never mix. Chocolate syrup and electricity are two good examples. Two other things that should never mix are doing good, through sin. We need to be careful to rely on God, and do what we can without resorting to evil in order to try and accomplish good.
For example, there might be someone who needs money and you want to help. Should you go and steal money Robin Hood style to help them? No! Stealing is a sin. Friends we need to make sure that in no way do we ever try to accomplish anything for God, or the good of others by mixing in sin to do so. Our morals should not be compromised in order to advance God's work or in helping others which really is doing God's work.  This would be contrary to God's nature which is love, honesty and righteousness. This easily creeps in just like the syrup hid within the outlet. For instance your child's school needs pens and you provide 200 of them that were taken from work without permission. "Oh they have thousands of freebies, who will miss 200?"  It is still theft and violates God's commandment to not steal.

I could give hundreds of examples all in different situations. Christians and churches are not above the law and are especially bound by God's word to operate with integrity at all times if God is to bless their work.

A little food for thought??

Have a great day.

Marty

Mudding The Layout Blinds 8/17/2015

Good Morning,

Monday arrived and now we must use it to the best of our abilities even though we wish it was Friday again. My thermos is filled with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee this morning. My lunch is a spicy salad to keep me going until I come home to some goose enchiladas tonight.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of performing the task of "mudding the layout blinds" with my nephew Nick and his girlfriend. Layout blinds are small enclosures that a duck and goose hunter uses to hide from approaching ducks and geese. Once the game is in range the hunter can pop up from the blind and have a pretty good chance of bagging a bird or two.

 

 



The blinds come all shiny from the factory and even though fake grass, brush or corn husks are added to the blind the shiny surface sticks out in a field and causes the birds to be very wary. The fabric needs to be painted with mud and dried so it is a little darker and blends in with a newly cut corn field. Then it snows or rains and much of the mud is washed away. So this project needs to be done annually. The chore when done with others is always easier and maybe even a little fun. We spend a lot of time getting ready for our hunting season. This year we got an early start and won't be doing this chore in the dark or cold. There have been years when I have procrastinated and I was not ready. I knew the season was coming but I was not prepared.

 

Each of us has only so many days on this Earth. We don't know exactly when our last day will be. But it will be in "your lifetime" for sure. Are you ready to go on that last day? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Have you asked to be forgiven of your sins and accepted His free gift of eternal life? Ask Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior. Be ready to go. Procrastination could lead to eternal life in Hell.  Who in their right mind would want that?

 

 Romans 10:13New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Revelation 3:20New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Why wait? Make today the best day of your life. Invite Jesus into your heart today!

God bless,

Marty





When The Night Is Long 8/16/2015

Good Morning,

I am lifting up a cup of Door County Jamaican Mountain Blue Coffee as I write this morning. The weather is supposed to be very hot today. It makes me look forward to the cool days of fall that will be upon us soon.

I did not sleep well last night. I may have obtained two hours as I struggled with my thoughts. Last night at church we were given the news that one child within the congregation was diagnosed with third stage lymphoma. This news struck me and others hard but not as hard as it is for her siblings and parents. You see this young girl has already been through a heart transplant. He family is strong and I believe her will to fight will be as strong as theirs if not stronger. She is at the best hospital Wisconsin has to offer for children. A top notch facility with world class doctors and nurses will be taking care of her. I left church a little angry last night though. It did not seem like a big deal at the time. Why this eight year old?

Our God is an awesome God and I have seen Him perform miracles in many areas of life including healing the sick. So why couldn't I sleep? I had prayed for her and the family along with prayers for others and myself. I came to one conclusion. God loves me and wanted to tell me something last night. And He did. That will stay between God and me. I might share it at a later date.

Galatians 3:5 ESV    
Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith.

Here is the point, I heard what I needed to hear, but I fought it with all my might because I did not want to give in and not sleep. Friends I was so tempted to reach for the Tylenol PM out of anger last night that I ended up tossing the bottle out. As I am writing I am not tired and I will make it through today just fine. I opened God's word at 1 AM and there it was. It was not a short conversation either. It just ended an hour ago. But it was well worth it. God had things to say and so did I.  It was more like a wrestling match than a conversation and of course God won.

So go ahead and when the night becomes long, spend it with God. I can say it was worth it and you will be better for it.

God bless,

Marty

Even The Small Storms Matter 8/15/2015

Good Morning,

Today my cup runs over with Hot Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. I had one great night watching a storm with our grandson after dining with him and some good buddies at a Men's Steak Feed. Nice night.

Matthew 14:22-33Living Bible (TLB)
²² Immediately after this, Jesus told his disciples to get into their boat and cross to the other side of the lake while he stayed to get the people started home.
^23-24 Then afterwards he went up into the hills to pray. Night fell, and out on the lake the disciples were in trouble. For the wind had risen and they were fighting heavy seas.
²⁵ About four o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water! ²⁶ They screamed in terror, for they thought he was a ghost.
²⁷ But Jesus immediately spoke to them, reassuring them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said.
²⁸ Then Peter called to him: “Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.”
²⁹ “All right,” the Lord said, “come along!”
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
³¹ Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. “O man of little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ³² And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
³³ The others sat there, awestruck. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed

We have had a wonderful three weeks visiting with our grandson Dominick. He has added more laughter and company to our usually very quiet home than we have had in a long time. But today I have the heart heavy task of taking him to the airport so he can return to our daughter and the rest of the family in Florida. Now this is not a major crisis in our life, but it has to be done. School is starting next week and he has responsibilities besides the family he left in Tampa. So my heart is heavy. This is a small storm, for me. But I must go through it and it can't be changed. Like Peter I have to get out of the boat and walk toward Jesus while in the storm. In a day or so our hearts will heal and we will be looking forward to seeing him at hunting season and the whole family in December. We miss them all. 

Even though today's storm for me is smaller in nature than some I have been through I can and did cry out to the Lord and ask Him to carry me through with strength and a great attitude. These goodbyes get harder with age and as tough as Dominick is, few  words would need to be said before both of our eyes well up with moisture. (Real Men Don't Cry) . The Lord will be with us both and help us through. As our daughter and family wait for his plane to arrive they too will be praying for his safe return and God will carry them through 1300 miles away from here until he steps off of the plane. I will pray for their small storm also. If it is important to you and even the though it is a small storm, it is good to cry out and have Jesus walk over to you. He is out there waiting for a yell. No storm is too big or too small for Him. They all matter if they belong to you. He loves you so.

Have a great day!

Marty

The State Fair 8/14/2015

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to everyone. This day started with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and some Tylenol.

I had the pleasure of meeting my grandson and Rene at the Wisconsin State Fair yesterday after work. After eating a cream puff and some fried cheese curds we headed to the midway for some carnival rides. Up until then it was a perfect day. We purchased some tickets  and proceeded to stand in line for one crazy ride. In my younger days, a thousand years ago I could ride these things with the best of them. Eventually we got on to the ride. It was fast, went in circles, up and down and all around. Needless to say, my cream puff tried to reform itself within my mouth several times. I was spun, shook up and tossed about. Now I am sore.

Ecclesiastes 9:11   

 

I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.
No matter what I want or how hard I try, age seems to creep up closer each day. So I decided to accept it and will have to acknowledge it. You see, I can't stop it. But I can still enjoy things but in a little more moderation.

So don't go overboard this weekend with activities. Slow down and spend time with the Lord. You never get too old or tired for that.

Marty

Sorting Pictures 8/13/15

Good Morning,

Just a little tired today, so the Door County Cherry Crème Coffee tastes even better. I am looking forward to the Wisconsin State Fair today. Cheese and Italian Sausage will be on my menu.

Last night our grandson Dominick and I sorted out photos that I finally had printed. I am not very good at  remembering to print photos. I store them in my phone or on the camera way too long. A few of my hunting adventures are now in print.

Memories with friends and family are important to me. I look back in the picture bank of my mind on days that are going tough and I recall sweet days of the past and who I spent them with.

When I do the trip down memory lane I can't help but think about how I have been blessed in life. It is easy to whine about bad days. But when you weigh out the bad against the good, the good always wins out. Who really takes pictures of bad days? Then I remember Who has blessed my days and it makes me smile.

Psalm 27:4King James Version (KJV)
⁴ One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

I see the blessings of the Lord on the good days of my life and I also see the lessons He taught me on the rough days.  One day there will be no more lessons to learn and only great days to be had. So we all will press onward!

Love to all,

Marty

Compassion From The Gut 8/12/2015

Good Morning Friends,

This morning I filled my cup with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and said a prayer before this gets sent to you.  I want to start today's writing with "Have a nice day!"

Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

The Hebrew and Greek words translated “compassion” in the Bible mean “to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity.


John 5New King James Version (NKJV)
A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. ³ In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴ For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.  ⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

⁷ The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.


Compassion is a word that has many levels to it. As I look at the verses above, I see Jesus showing compassion to multitudes of people and then one man along side of a well. Jesus was on His way to celebrate Jewish Holy Days. He had been pouring himself into healing, teaching and loving others. But yet as he saw a man sitting by a well that at times had miracles occur within the water and people would be healed. Jesus had somewhere to go. Yet He stopped to help someone. I believe Jesus showed gut wrenching compassion and affection to this man. This type of affection and compassion is the type that pulls hard on your gut and bowels until you do something about it. Would we stop our sleep to go to the hospital in the middle of the night for just an acquaintance and pray with them? Does our gut hurt when we hear about a foot on a young lady who might lose it if their isn't an operation? Do our bowels ache with compassion for the young couple who hurt because of a break up? Would we stay up late to pray for two premature twins? How about giving up a Saturday night to pray for a young lady who is chronically ill and is in the hospital as much as she is out of it. Does the pain of hearing about a mother who asks for prayer for her young daughter full of unknown lumps, and it does not sound good?

This is the type of compassion our Savior gave out. I can prove it. He died for our sins. Enough said. Would you allow your compassion to call you to action, even if it is not convenient?

Food for thought!

Marty

Light On A Hill 8/11/2015

Good Morning,

I just wanted to say thank you to all who read my blog each day. You are special to me and I want you to know that. My cup is filled with Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee. I needed a little spice today.

Matthew 5:16New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

I was shooting the breeze with my grandson Dominick last night and we were talking about Bible verses and occasionally some nonsense, when I asked him to help me pick out a bible verse for this morning, I was not surprised when he chose Mathew 5:16.   

Dominick pretty much lives out this verse with his actions and heart. I witnessed this last week while on a short term mission trip that we were both on together. He is very detail oriented, living the motto, "any job big or small, do it right or not at all." While making salads for the mission group to eat one night Dominick insisted that each plate be a work of art. He was showing us that each missionary worked hard and deserved to have a supper that was fit for one of God's servants. His belief and mine is that good work done in God's way always glorifies our Father in Heaven.

So today, If you are working or serving, you need to perform all the duties prescribed for you today in a way that honors and glorifies the Father. This work, done to honor and glorify God leads others to want what you possess within your heart.

It is important that people can see God through your actions at all times. Won't you consider using your time today to bring others to God through your actions, attitudes, and demeanor?  

God Bless,
Marty

Some Glad Morning 8/10/2015

Good Morning,

I choose this day to be content with life. I have been to the mountain top and can't wait to return. My Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee will start this day with warm gusto.

The old hymn, "I'll Fly Away" was a song I heard yesterday and can't get out of my head. I am not sure  that I really want to.  I saw God at work last week through our mission team. In the darkest of neighborhoods, God was there. As much as I love my family, my life, my job and my friends, I look forward to spending eternity with God the Father. This week made me realize just how much I long to be with Him. I am content and happy here, but after what I saw Him do this week, well heaven just seems to be calling and someday I will be there.

2 Corinthians 5:8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Oh some glad morning!

Have a great one.

Marty

Alternative To Abortion 8/9/2015

Good Morning,

I pray that this finds all of you well and blessed from above with peace and joy to face today. I am still on the mission field and it is coming to an end. I selfishly prayed for a couple more days to come my way in order to stay in the "field" a little longer. My good friend Paul is brewing up some Door County Chocolate Melt Down Coffee for all of us this morning. I am going to miss his coffee deliveries!

Our mission trip had two parts to it. One leg of our journey was to perform some light construction work at a pregnancy center called Care Net. This little "under funded" second story, no elevator clinic is a bastion of help for women who find themselves pregnant and would be considering an abortion. The clinic assists with helping the women keep their baby, or by helping them with adopting out the baby to willing parents. Our church blessed  us with the baby clothes, diapers, and everything a baby could use. We were able to donate these items to Care Net. All the minor work went very well and the supplies were brought up the stairs, sorted and put away by the team. So you would call this a success. It definitely was.

The unfortunate thing is this. Not too far from this little fort of hope is the alternative to adoption or keeping a baby. The abortion clinic is located just a few blocks away. This site gives women another choice for their unborn child.  That choice is a abortion. Now it shouldn't be a surprise to any of you who read this to find that my unwavering stand is against all abortion.

During their work days our team located two people on the street below and their job was to greet people passing by with a hello and offer them a free bottle of cold water as a kind gesture. I asked them how that went and they replied that not too many people would take a free bottle of water. They also said that not very many people were friendly. This did not surprise me.

Not far away from there the second half of our team was working on their project site and just a block away was a memorial of balloons and flowers for a little girl who was murdered earlier in the week. Not a whole lot of smiles there either. Both sites had one thing in common. Murder was a neighbor of the residents.

Here is the point. Neither area was a happy place. Murder is just not a happy or joyful experience for anyone. The difference was this. One site called it murder, tried to heal with a memorial and hoped there wouldn't be anymore. The other site calls it health care and business. I did not see one memorial for those murdered on that street in the name of pro choice. I did not expect for our team to be warmly received too often outside of the pregnancy help clinic and I was right. It is located very close to the abortion clinic.  I don't see pictures of people laughing and filled with joy when they tour the former Nazi extermination camps of World War Two either. Joy won't be found on those streets until we pray, the law changes and the carnage stops.

The Bible says of our Creator,

In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being
Job 12:10

God, the giver of life, commands us not to take the life of an innocent person:

Do not shed innocent blood.
Jeremiah 7:6
Cursed is the man who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person
Deuteronomy 27:25

Life is a gift created by God, and is not to be taken away by abortion. God is “pro-choice,” and He tells us clearly the only acceptable choice to make:

I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Deuteronomy 30:19

I hope some day that I can meet some of the babies saved by that little fortress of hope and through some of the work our team did. If I never do, that's ok too. God knows who they are and that's plenty good enough for me.

Have a prayerful day!

Marty

The Dumpster With Endless Room 8/8/2015

Good Morning,
 Day four of this mission trip and I am a little tired, but so content that I might not ever want to go back to my secular job. My friend Paul is making the Door County Coffee this morning. I guess it will be a surprise flavor.

Isaiah 45:22-23New King James Version (NKJV)

²² “Look to Me, and be saved,
All you ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
²³ I have sworn by Myself;
The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness,
And shall not return,
That to Me every knee shall bow,
Every tongue shall take an oath

 

One of the chores we performed this week was to remove all the junk from an abandoned house so it could become usable once more. The area needs a day care center and this is the start! The contents of the home had become wet when pipes burst during the winter after freezing when the furnace went out. We were able to obtain a large dumpster to discard all the stuff. When assessing the amount of stuff to be tossed and the size of the dumpster, junk out weighed the size of the receptacle. But the team started to fill the dumpster, wondering what they would do when it was filled and the house only half empty. Well, several people from the neighborhood stopped by asking if they could have some of the items being thrown away? My thought is this, I might be tossing it, but if you can use it, it's yours. So as they hauled things out of the wet home, others would pick it up and take it to use. The items would have filled that dumpster three times. The house is empty now, but the dumpster was filled once. We only paid for one dumpster. The money can be used for something else. Amazing!

 

Last night our team spent time talking about how God has met all of our needs so far this week and just how amazing He is. The dumpster that did not have a bottom was just one of the many things that God showed us so far. It might seem like a little thing to you, but God also controls how our funds are spent. He doesn't waste money on dumpsters!

 

Our little team of 19 is growing spiritually as they rely on God more. If that's what they learn on this trip, well then it was all worth it! They bowed to the Lord last night. He has put on a great show of His wisdom and might for them. He is their God and there is no other.

 

Have a blessed day, mine is!

 

Marty

The Bugs Were Gone! 8/7/2015

Good Morning,

This morning's coffee is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. I haven't had my first cup yet today. My friend Paul was up earlier than me to start the coffee, so it won't be long.

Day three of the mission trip that I am on. Yesterday was a full day of action. Our little band of hard chargers worked their butts off and yours truly is tired enough right now to prove it. But, all said and done, as hard as they worked, God carried the load. He was amazing.

Luke 10:17-20

¹⁷ Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
¹⁸ And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Each night on a mission trip we have a time to debrief and talk about the  day's events and what God did during their time out in the field.

Prior to the start on their work, my friend Steve and I surveyed an abandoned building  last week that they would be removing the contents of, and placing them into a dumpster. The day we were there, the building had an assortment  of bugs that you can only imagine. It looked like something out of a science fiction movie. We prepared the team for what we saw. Some of them have huge bug phobias. I was a little worried about how they would respond.

Last night as they reported out we heard about their day in bug land. What I heard amazed us all. There weren't any bugs! The only exterminator on that property was the Holy Spirit. Later I heard one of the guys still talking about it. "I just can't believe there weren't any bugs!

Steve winked at me and we laughed. We could believe it. Now tomorrow we I will tell you about the dumpster!

God bless. Smile you are loved!

Marty

Them Bones, Them Dry Bones.

Good Morning,

I find myself away from home in the company of God and a fine group of missionaries this morning. But I did bring along the Door County White Christmas Coffee. Just a little taste of home goes a long way.

Ezekiel 37:1-10

37 The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. ² Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. ³ And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
⁴ Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! ⁵ Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. ⁶ I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
⁷ So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. ⁸ Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
⁹ Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” ¹⁰ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

I know the mission today is to enter to areas of the city and perform manual labor in the hopes of improving each of the areas a little and at the same time build relationships with the local people. Both areas are in need of spiritual revival and both are a way down in their supply of hope. One area is all about business, and the other area has way too much poverty, and crime. I have visited both areas a few time in preparation for this short project. God has given me the dream of hope. I see dry bones that God wishes to come back to life. So our little band of missionaries, strong in hope, will head out to claim these areas for God and His desire that no one should perish for eternity. I am hopeful, actually positive that if they follow God, He will breathe life into others right in front of them. Tomorrow I will tell you about the great things He is doing. By the way He did one last night and we haven't left our home base yet. I will tell you about it tomorrow. My little group is still asleep. Pray for them please. Big Daddy will be waking them shortly!

Have a great day. I know I will.

Marty

A Candle Without Light 8/5/2015

Good Morning,

I am awake, barely and my cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee needs to kick in. It seems that overnight I have developed a summer cold. Many of my co-workers are fighting this same nemesis off also. Could use a little prayer.

Rene loves her antiques. Many are on display but rarely used. The candle holder above might have actually been used to hold lit candles by previous owners but has never seen a flame in our home. I have often remarked that we own more treasures with great potential for use, but have the most unused treasures. This candle piece, except for show is pretty much useless, unless lit, and allowed to illuminate a room. Boy, this sounds like I have declared war on her collections. Not really, just making a point. Many homes contain a few Bibles or more. But, unless opened and allowed to illuminate one's heart and mind with God's word they are no better than this candle set. Nice to see, but useless.

2 Timothy 3:16-17New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It is important for every Christian to feast on God's Word daily. We need spiritual nourishment every day just as much as we need water or food.


Matthew 4:4New King James Version (NKJV)
⁴ But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Pull out your Bible, dust it off, open it and enjoy a feast of wisdom, love and understanding like you haven't had in a long time.

God bless,
Marty

God's Fireworks Display 8/4/015

Good Morning,

I started today with a prayer in my heart and a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.
Tomorrow I launch into a short term mission trip with a group of great folks. I can't wait.

Sunday night my grandson and I did a little storm chasing together. We jumped in the truck and recorded a lightning display that God provided for us. Last evening we both discussed what power God can unleash with just a thought.

We are both a couple of pretty tough guys, but we both knew Who held the power. The winds picked up and all of a sudden a Ford F250 pick up truck didn't feel so big. God painted the sky for several hours with flashes of brilliance and power. He turned the night into day with just a flash. We both saw His awesomeness in the lightning and thunder. We saw water spouts on the harbor and watched mighty trees bend. I know God knew that we were watching and recording a video. I think He lit it up a little more just to show us Who hung the moon.

Job 36:30-33

"Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him, And He covers the depths of the sea. "For by these He judges peoples; He gives food in abundance. "He covers His hands with the lightning, And commands it to strike the mark. "Its noise declares His presence;

For a short time God amazed and entertained us. But when it was all said and done, we knew we had just witnessed one more reason to believe in God.

Have a great day.

God bless,
Marty

Family Picnic And Teenagers 8/3/2015

Good Morning,

The weekend is over already? We are in the middle of a short heat wave and I will be happy to see it end. My cup is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee today.

Yesterday my wife's family came into town for a visit and we held our annual picnic at our home. There was plenty to eat and Rene, our grandson Dominick and I worked together to make sure that the food was good, done on time, and that there was plenty.

With the three of us working together the task seemed easier. As we were going to bed Rene and I both proclaimed how blessed we were to have his help. A great time was had by all and we look forward to the next one. The lesson is this. We did not micromanage Dom. He told us what he was comfortable doing and we let him run with it. We saw that his organizational skills were top notch. He laid out a buffet line that actually made sense and worked great. At fourteen years old, many people still like to micromanage teenagers. They don't need it and often resent it. They have skills that are developed or are developing. I saw yesterday that we need to trust his decision making abilities. It went great because he was in charge.

Proverbs 22:6New King James Version (NKJV)

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

 

Have a great day! Don't micromanage the teens!

 

Marty

Enjoying Antiques 8/2/2015

Good Morning,

Today I start with a question? Will you make someone happy today? Consider doing so, and see if you can't brighten somebody's life a little. My wife set up the coffee pot for me last night so I would wake up to a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler. I went to bed early last night and did not prepare for the morning. What a nice surprise.

1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love.

One of God's greatest commandments is that we treat each other well. There are numerous Bible verses about loving one another, just as God loves each of us: Rene loves antiques and loves to go out looking for them near and far. What makes her smile the most is when I will say "hey would you like to spend a day here or there and shop for antiques"? It means more to her when I plan it and dedicate time with her doing what she loves to do. She even likes it better when I pack a small lunch and we eat in the car or at a roadside picnic table. it doesn't matter to her whether it is winter or summer. As I write this I can see her smile as she eats a ham and cheese sandwich, lightly buttered. Some day one of us will eventually miss those days.

The shelf in the picture, is in one corner of our kitchen. The shelf was made by a dear friend who passed away a few years ago. He always made us something for our home. It holds some memories of him and a few of our "antique road trips." I look at the shelf from time to time and remember him and our days together, and the days spent with Rene as she collected her treasures. All this is a boomerang effect. It comes back to me and makes me happy, and I smile. Doing nice things for others always warms your own heart. I have no explanation as to why or how, but since we are to do all things in love for others it must be God's way of joining in.

So get your happy going today and spread it around!

God bless,

Marty

Show Me The Way 8/1/2015

Good Morning Friends,

This has been a long week. Just one of those weeks that things just piled on top of other things. I still say that the enemy is trying to discourage me just before I launch out on a short term mission trip. This is his usual tactic. So more time in prayer is needed. As I write, my faithful dog is at my feet, the wife is still snoring and the grandson just got up, looked at the clock, and went back to bed. So my cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee, the dog, and you are my company this morning.

Proverbs 3:5-6
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

As a very young kid who hunted in the forests of Wisconsin and Northern Michigan with much more experienced hunters, I often found myself lost or turned around in the woods. I was often given instructions to head out into the dark and to use my compass to find my way. Most of the time while returning to the "home base" I was the last one in or had to be found because I just couldn't find my return route. GPS units were not even thought of in those days.  I would pull out my compass and use it, but most of the time it just did not seem to make sense. In my mind I always trusted my gut feeling to go in another direction. I just couldn't trust that mechanical device. I would often end up walking extra miles, through the cold, in water that I should have avoided, and then get laughed at or scolded for being late and lost.

I decided to experiment one summer in the city with my compass. I had my friends drive me blindfolded to an area that I was not familiar with. I was not allowed to look at street signs. They would tell me where to meet. We agreed that the destination would not be more than a mile away. They would give me a general direction to head. For example North for 15 minutes then West for 5 minutes. We would do this in the evening just after sundown so I did not have the help of the sun. Cell phones were not invented yet and topographical computerized views were just a pipe dream at that time.  So I would head out with fifty cents for emergency phone calls just in case the city swallowed me up along with my compass. The more I used the compass, the more I learned to trust it. Whenever I decided that it could not trust it or would rely on my own pea brain, I would end up lost and out fifty cents. The more I used the compass the more I relied on it and getting lost just seemed to be a thing of the past.

God's Word the Bible is our daily compass for living. It has all the answers and advice for each day. The problem is, we don't use it enough to trust it. We rely on our own thoughts and gut reactions. We wander on the wrong path for too long sometimes. Not trusting God's Word is literally saying to God, "I don't trust You. I would rather trust in myself". You have just made yourself into your own little god. How foolish is that? Would you rely on yourself to provide your next breath? Would you be so kind as to make the sun rise tomorrow morning? I would, but I am a little busy tomorrow and don't have time. You see we rely on God every day and never acknowledge it. But we choose not to rely on Him or trust Him to direct our lives. We all put the M in the word morons.
I try very hard to rely on God, and trust His word, the Bible at all times. It's when I don't, and I take over that me and my family are usually headed to calamity that could be avoided. Or when the world throws a few punches our way, and we need guidance as to how to handle them, and I trust myself instead of God, and His word we tend to wander within the mess for too long.

Pull out your Spiritual compass the Bible. Trust in God to speak through it to you. Use it more and you will rely on it to steer your paths.

Have a great day! God bless.

Marty