Muskego Beach Dandilion Park 9/30/2015

Good Morning,

Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is brewing, my bowl of Cheerios is full and I am looking forward to this day. I hope it ends with you and me being a blessing to someone today.

Not far from where I grew up is the town of Muskego Wisconsin. One of the attractions on Muskego Beach was Dandilion Park. It was Muskego's version of the "Boardwalk". We used to have family outings there with my Aunt Betty and her family. I recall our grand parents being there at least once. Those are fond memories of mine. I would love to have one of those days back, so I could do it again.

 

One of the main attractions was the Cyclone. The Cyclone was a wooden rollercoaster that was known to be able to thrill people, help folks lose their lunch, and I am sure it provided some wet pants now and then. The lines were long and it was one of the more expensive rides. Up, up, up you would go to the top of the first hill, your heart pounding away with anticipation. Your butt cheeks were kept tight and you stopped breathing as you proceeded down the awesome first drop. Bladder in check you started back up the next hill and then rapidly down again wishing you hadn't just eaten that foot long hot dog. At the end of the day you would hear kids say "how many times did you ride the Cyclone"?

 

I was usually good for one and Done! But I always went back on our next trip out to the park and did it again. I still like rollercoasters and enjoy one or two per year.

 

Life is at times a rollercoaster ride. It has ups and downs. But like the rollercoaster, what went down eventually goes back up. When I would be on the lowest section of the ride I was always looking up toward the next rise. It was in the lowest part of the ride, at very high speeds that it seemed like the coaster would come off of the tracks. To me that was the scariest part. We need to look up in life. When life let's us down, beats us down, and eats us alive, we need to look up. While we are down in the low valley we can recall the high times, just like the rollercoaster when it seemed if we reached out a little further we could touch the sun. When life has us down we need to look up and reach for the Son.

 

 1 Peter 5:6-7New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

 

Life is a ride and it will always be that way. The rollercoaster always had a line of people waiting to get on even though it was scary. Life will be up and down, but while we are down we can always look up and then the down isn't so scary.

 

God bless,

Marty



I Like It Well Done 9/29/15

Good Morning,

A big cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee awaits me in a couple minutes. The aroma is calling me to the kitchen.

Matthew 25:20-21New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁰ “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ ²¹ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

When it comes to steaks some people like them cooked rare or medium well. I am a guy who likes it cooked all the way. Finished to perfection, well done , but not too overdone with the juices sealed inside works for me every time. When I receive a steak that I ordered in a restaurant and it is done just they way I wanted and expected it to be, I always compliment the wait staff and ask them to thank the cook.

God also sets expectations for us when He call us to service. He desires that we give Him our best. There is nothing more that He would like to do than to say "Well Done"! In everything we do just like great restaurants, we need to be concerned with the quality, as well as how we present the service.

So don't be rare or medium, get it done right, all the way. Whatever He asks, do it right or not at all.

God bless,
Marty

Ken Vincent. World War Two Veteran Goes To Church 9/28/15

Good Morning,

I can smell the Door County Cherry Crème Coffee brewing in the kitchen. What a way to wake up! I believe when God created the coffee bean He was thinking of me.

Psalm 84:10New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Yesterday I experienced the privilege of giving a ride to an older buddy of mine so he could get to church. Ken Vincent a veteran of World War Two, former school teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, rode with me to church. Ken now lives in an assisted living facility, and between us church members and his family Ken receives a ride so he can attend church. He is 93 now and it is hard for me to picture this kind old gentleman, as one of the tough guys who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. As we ride together Ken teaches me things that he learned during the war and tells me of his experiences. He talks about his wife who passed on earlier in life and how much he misses her. Ken tells me about how much he loved teaching and how hard it became toward the end of his career, when teachers started having less authority. Ken keeps red pepper flakes with him so he can spice up the food where he lives. " The hotter the better" says Ken.  I said I couldn't imagine Ken just by looking at him, that he survived the Battle of The Bulge. But as you get to know him you can see he is one tough guy. He fought in the war, came home and married his childhood sweetheart, fathered some great kids, taught in public schools, buried his wife and still gets to church! That is one tough guy. He could be one of those who say "I have done enough, let the church come to me." Not Ken, he has his priorities straight. Yesterday he thanked me for the ride. I should have thanked him instead. He inspired me all the way to and from church.  I was glad to be there! I think we can all learn from this veteran!

God bless,
Marty

She Destroys Me In Those Blue Jeans. 9/27/2015

Good Morning,

The old cup is filled with Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee. Our dog Gibbs is curled up next to my feet. Life is good. I will be heading to work soon and glad to be here.

 Genesis 2:22-24King James Version (KJV)

²² And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
²³ And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
²⁴ Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Today a thousand years ago, I married Laurene (Rene). I married a gal who loves Hallmark Movies, loves to cry when they get sappy, has compassion for others, loves dogs and babies. She laughs at commercials that show kids doing the craziest things. She doesn't mind hot dogs, burgers and fries. Yet she appreciates a fine meal. Christmas is a big deal to her and she makes it good for all of us. She is married to a hunting maniac and does not complain. Rene can eat custard while smiling, pick out ties that match a shirt, drive a tractor, and then dress up to die for. She still rocks a pair of blue jeans and boots. She knows how to make me shut up, and just how to drive me crazy. She loves the Lord, listens to my sermons weekly and doesn't complain. Rene packs me up for mission trips and leaves love notes in my socks and underwear. Rene climbs all the stairs to the top of old light houses and loves to shop for antiques.
To think that God made all that from just a rib. Of course I am declaring my love for my wife, and bragging on her a little. But what I really want to say is "Way To Go God"!

Have a great day. Glad to be here! How about you?

Marty

Something Was Missing 9/26/2015

Good Morning,

It looks to be a little dreary out there today. I am not seeing the sun shining yet. The fog might burn off later. I will admit my mind seems to be in tune with the weather. My mug was just filled with Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee. Now the words can flow!

Last night was a beautiful night to take in a high school football game. So that was the plan, until Rene ended up on-call at work, so that ruled her out. I decided that my weekend and upcoming week will be very busy and I wouldn't get another chance to take in a game for quite awhile so I went to the game alone.

Off I went seat cushion in hand, to watch the local team our nephew played for last year. He has since moved on to college. Once I obtained my seat and started to look around, my mind flashed back to my "glory days" of high school football. Those couple of minutes were made up of very fond memories. Sweat, grass stains, bruises, and cheerleaders were all in the past. Once I recovered from my memory induce coma and returned to real life I realized that something was missing. My wife wasn't next to me for the game and old number "47" was not going to trot out on to the field. He had grown up and moved on. It was a great game and I could still clap and cheer for the local boys. But it just wasn't the same. I wasn't into the future. I had come looking for the past. Not a good idea.

Isaiah 43:18-19
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Team, we as Christians often will live in the past. We forget to move on, resting on our laurels from other days gone by. Each day, each year is a new one. If we always try to recreate or bring to mind the past great days of old we miss the opportunity to enjoy the moment and be part of new things God is doing.

The game was great and if I did not get out of the funk of past memories, which are cherished and will always be that way, I would have really not enjoyed an 80 yard interception return for a touchdown. That was a great one!!!

We all need to do the same. Enjoy good memories of the past! But don't be so caught up in it that you don't allow the present and future to also define you. God is at work and wishes for you to come along.

Have a great day. Don't miss it.

Marty

The Fly By 9/25/2015

Good Morning,

Home once again and the old pot is brewing some Door County Maple Coffee. The aroma has just filled the house with visions of colder weather and some snow.

Last night I was spending some time outside with our dog Gibbs. Just before dark, large flocks of low flying geese were traveling just over our roof top. That was music to my ears. Those flocks were just driving my little Springer Spaniel crazy. He just couldn't understand why I wasn't shooting. To him it was a sure thing! This went on for a good 15 minutes, at least. I could just see my neighbors and their reactions if I had unloaded my shot gun on those flying steaks. Although, I will admit that I did imagine it. We have to wait for a legal field and the right time. Gibbs learned pretty quick that I was not going to shoot. He calmed down and sat patiently. He had to work through the stress and temptation. Pretty soon he was sitting there watching the geese flying by and not moving. The trial by temptation was teaching him some patience.

James 1:1-4

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.
² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Trials come our way and no one really likes a hardship. We work fast to get rid of them. But sometimes like Gibbs had to, we have to endure them longer than we think is necessary. During that time we learn how to wait and be patient. Each time this happens it becomes easier to wait. Gibbs is a better, more reliable dog with every time he has to wait and be patient.

Go ahead, enjoy the wait,

Marty

Celebrate Life 9/24/2015

Good Morning,

If I were home today my cup would be filled twice by now with some Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. I am looking forward to being home tonight. I am one tired puppy!

Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I am privileged to work for a great employer who encourages us to belong to professional organizations and also sends us off to educational conferences. I have been away for a few days attending the Wisconsin Health Engineers Association Annual State Conference (WHEA). I am a member and really wanted to attend the conference because of a couple of the speakers that would be presenting. They were great.

WHEA was also celebrating 50 years of service to healthcare and the State of Wisconsin. There was a banquet with great food, music, awards and then capped off by a fireworks display along the river. I spent the evening mingling with good friends, enjoying the music and jocularity. The fireworks were and added bonus for me.

But it did take me deep in thought for awhile. Everyone was having a nice time. The celebration was planned well and I give it an A grade. My thoughts are this. It was a 50 year anniversary, and I certainly won't be here for the next 50 year event. Every day we have small victories in our lives. Every breath we take is a gift. The smiles we give or receive are gifts. We need to celebrate each day as if there won't be a tomorrow and make it count for others and ourselves.  I ask you this, why not celebrate each day in a small way? You are worth it. When God made today, He knew you would be in it. So in a way, this day was made for you. Enjoy it as much as you can. Celebrate!

God bless,

Marty

Never Too Old To Learn 9/23/2015

Good Morning,

I was not able to have a cup of Door County Maple Coffee this morning due to travel today. But Maple would be it, if I could brew my own today.

Almost every day I learn something  from someone younger than I am. These younger people are very tech savvy now. And I am not!

In our Christian walk we come to a point when we wonder if we can learn any more about Scripture and God, or if we need to. That is exactly where we go wrong. God is so awesome and so much more than we can imagine, that we place limits on Him through our finite minds and abilities.

In the younger years, when lots of life’s biggest decisions are being made, it is easy to seek God’s guidance and assistance. But it is important to remember that He cares about every day of your life. He will carry you when you are too young to know you need it, and when you are too old to walk on your own. His sustaining love is forever.

Job 12:12 Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

Some life lessons come in an instant, and others must be learned from years of experience and growth. The older we grow, the more we learn about kindness, patience, heartbreak, love , and mercy. All of these experiences lead us to a deeper understanding of life’s seasons, and a greater wisdom of God’s presence through them all. But it never stops until God calls us home. God is always teaching us. He never sees us as too old to learn.

 

Smile. To God, you are always a kid.

 

Marty

Always On My Mind 9/22/2015

Good Morning,

I have to do some traveling today and I just looked at the weather forecast and said, "this is a great day to travel". I filled my cup and Thermos bottle with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. And I will be gone in 20 minutes.

It's not too often that my wife and I are apart and I think it is healthy to do things apart once in awhile. But not before too long into an extended trip I begin to miss her. So if possible I will send an email or call to let her know that I am thinking about her and that I miss her. Hearing her voice or receiving an email always lifts my spirits, even though I can't see her.

Let's face it kids, we believe in God by faith. He can be seen through His creation, His work through the church, and through his work in others. Better yet He tells us that we are always on His mind. The following verse has had me to the point of tears many times. Just to think that God has me on His mind,

Isaiah 49:15-16

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,
    that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
    yet I will not forget you.
¹⁶ Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

God has you on His mind. Send Him a message telling Him you love Him too,

Have a great day,

Marty

 

Strong Marriages Today? 9/21/2015

Good Morning,

I can hear the coffee perking away in the kitchen. I chose some Door County Caramel Apple to wake me up this morning.

I would like to talk about marriage this morning. I have it on my mind today. Does marriage really have to be different today than it was years ago? Does it have to be different than what God intended it to be? No. But it is a choice. Unfortunately the world is making the wrong choices.

Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33, New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

²⁸ So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 

³³ Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

We are living in a time where humanity has forgotten God's plan for marriage. The world has redefined it's meaning because the world has lost it's way. The world has decided to ignore and blatantly defy God's word. The break up of homes is just common place and people don't even bat an eye when a family goes under.

We can still have strong marriages, but we must go back to the basics and want marriages defined clearly by God's word. We must want to practice God's principles for marriage.

Let us all commit to working on our marriages in the light of God's word.

God bless,

Marty

Razor Sharp! And A Badge Of Shame. 9/20/2015

Good Morning,

Watching the sun come up is always a treat for me. As I sit in the den and watch it rise, my thoughts go to a certain lake and how nice it would be if I were setting my duck decoys and seeing this. A couple more weeks to go! I know for sure that my thermos would be filled with what I am drinking right now. A hot serving of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee would definitely be in that boat.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.r 7 And the peace of God,s which transcends all understanding,t will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday I my small project was to lay carpeting in the bed of my new to me truck. I purchased some carpet, some glue, some tape and a new razor knife. I took plenty of time laying it out with the precision of a neurosurgeon. I double checked the measurements, cleaned the back of the truck so the glue would stick. All was in order. Our dog Gibbs was sitting next to the truck keenly watching this project unfold. Neighbors went by, for their daily walk asking me what I was doing and I explained the need for some cushion in the back of the truck for when my old knees had to go in there.  What could have gone wrong with this scenario? I looked at the clock and knew I wanted to get this done by the end of my day and get to church for our Saturday evening service. Then it would be off to dinner with Rene and a nice evening at a great steak house.

So I began to slowly cut the carpeting right down  the lines that I drew on to the carpet. This was drawn so well that any architect would have been proud. My new double edged carpet knife was slicing through the carpeting like it was butter. Now Gibbs decided to come closer and watch this production masterpiece. I scolded him and told him to back off a little. I do not need a retriever with a cut in his foot just before hunting season. So far OSHA would have been proud. Each time I needed to reposition the carpet I closed the sharp carpet knife so I would not get hurt. Each time I made a cut I would count all of my fingers and devise a way to cut so ten fingers would be there when I finished.

But that clock would not slow down for me. In repositioning the carpet for the last cut I took a short cut. Cut is not a word I like today. I left the knife uncovered. As I positioned the carpeting on a cutting board, (I was on my knees in the driveway) I supported myself with my left hand. You might have guessed it. I supported myself with my thumb right on the back side of a double edged implement of doom and destruction. The blood began to flow. The dog deserted me for the house as I grabbed a rag and covered the wound. It is not a large wound but it did go to the bone. I did admire my straight cut though! Rene proceeded to get the first aid kit and then we struggled with the thoughts of going for a doctor to stich it up or do the home remedy route. Thoughts of trying to sew it myself went through my Rambo type mind, but not for long. We eventually stopped the bleeding and after one trip to Walgreens at the Corner of Happy and Healthy we had a bandage that any first year medical student would have been proud of.  That happy and healthy statement still seems odd. I wasn't happy and I wasn't healthy. I was disappointed that I would not finish the project on my schedule. I then looked at my 35 year old garage clock and realized that it was time to change the battery. My clock was way off and had me an hour ahead,. It must have been keeping the time of yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was able to finish my project, go to church and explain my stupidity to my friends as they asked, "what did you do to your thumb?"

It is sore this morning and will be for a few more days. But not as sore as my conscience. The project was laid out well, quality parts and tools were used, but the fool behind the design and the knife forgot the most important part. I did not pray before starting this adventure of doom! Nothing should be done without prayer. Our driveway looks like a crime scene and every time I look at my thumb or bump it, my bandage of shame reminds me of my foolishness.

So I will be fine, the dog is not stressed, but once again I learned a lesson the hard way!

Don't do as I do, do what I say! Pray in all things.

Marty

I Want To Go With You 9/19/2015

Good Morning,

This fine day started with a prayer for a few people struggling with illness today. These three are on my mind a lot. Then my cup was filled with hot Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and now it is steaming next to me as I write.

Ruth 1:16-17New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶ But Ruth said:

“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
¹⁷ Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me.”

 

 

 

Rene and I have a wedding anniversary coming up next week. So I guess I will be a little nostalgic today as I think about our last 1000  years together. Ruth 1:16:17 was the Scripture we chose to be read at our wedding. I read many Bible verses throughout my days, but I often find myself going back to this set. Rene has a way of reminding me of these verses without even knowing she is doing so. We have a good life together with many blessings bestowed on us. I would say that we are content. We really don't go on lavish vacations, will never climb a mountain, sky diving is out of the question, and a trip to see the Titanic is really only a dream. But we do have hardware stores and I have projects to do from time to time. We do attend and serve in our church and look forward to visiting the family. We watch football games together, workout at the gym, plant gardens and enjoy dining out as the budget permits. One more trip to the hardware store and peanut butter and jelly better be on the menu somewhere.

 

Getting back to the hardware stores. I try to plan my projects out so that I have a minimum amount of trips to the local emporium of confusion. But as with every project I usually make at least two trips. Our grandson would disagree and claim that it is four to five trips. He believes that I just like going to the hardware/builders supply. He might be right.

 

When I am planning my main run I will stop what I am doing and make a list in my mind. That could be why I need more than one trip! My mind is a waste dump of human internet spam and gets cluttered with too many thoughts at one time. One day I will clean the hard drive of my mind and get organized. Now where was I going with this thought? Oh! As I am getting ready to leave I will announce that I am leaving on a journey of confusion and hope and start looking for the check book. Yes we still write checks. Rene brings it to me because it was where it always is and I just can't get that straight after a 1000 years. I then ask, "do you want to come along"?  She finds my wandering through the supply chain humorous with my tickertape mind clicking away and I really believe she is there to help keep the expenses in check. But she also knows that there will be a stop on the way home for a scoop of custard.  She told me a long time ago, "I just want to go with you. I just like stopping what I am doing to talk and spend time doing what you like." She tried hunting with me and well, that just isn't for her.

 

Just knowing that she will go along on the most trivial of duties and spend time with me reminds me of the verses above. 

 

So here's my lesson to be taught to families. Just invite, the spouse, the kids, the grand kids, parents, brothers, sisters grandparents nieces or nephews to be part of what you do. Don't leave them sitting alone. You are you, and wonderfully made. Share your life with others. Rene always invites me along to antique shop and I go to see her pour through old stuff and wait for that smile that tells me she is ready for some custard. I want to go with her.

 

Especially pay attention to this with your spouses. They married you, not the expensive and lavish trips. They married you because they want to spend time with you. Make every day count.

 

God bless,

Marty

 

 

 

Lasagna A Gift 9/18/2015

Good Morning,

I woke up and said to myself "lets go". I don't know who I was talking to, but the dog moved pretty quick. The old mug is filled with Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee and my bowl has Cheerios decorated with pieces of banana. Note to self, figure out who you are talking to when no one is around.

Last night Rene and I came home at the same time. That very seldom happens. It was my first nice surprise for the evening. As I was retrieving the mail from the curbside box, I heard a voice say hi. There was a neighbor of ours with a big aluminum pan in her hands. She said "this is for you guys. It is a fresh lasagna. We really enjoy you as neighbors. But most of all we love watching you with your dog and all the practicing you do for duck hunting. That little dog of yours just cracks us up. We can tell that you both are attached to him. He is our nightly dose of entertainment."  That was my second surprise.

Now we really have never done much with these folks except to chit chat and say Merry Christmas. I had no idea that we were considered entertainment. Occasionally I will remove their snow for them after a storm, but never knew they watched us so closely. I accepted their gift and we warmed it up. It was delicious to say the least.

Here is the point. You never know who is watching you or why. Our behavior as Christians should be such that when others watch us it can be viewed as praiseworthy. I thought about it. That's what they see when I am in the yard. What if they saw the temper tantrums in the garage when the snow blower won't start? But God sees it. Would He send me a lasagna for my behavior? Probably not.

Proverbs 15:3New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

We need to remember that there is always a set of eyes on us and not all of our antics are considered pleasing or entertainment.

Makes you think twice!

God bless,

Marty

In The Cross Hairs 9/17/2015

Good Morning,

I hope this day finds you at peace with yourself today. I started this day with a kind thought for myself and a cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee.

3 John 1:2 ESV    
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

You might say that having a kind thought for myself would be selfish. No, not really. I said a prayer for myself asking God to bless my day, protect me, and thanked Him for another day. I later prayed for others as I usually do.

1 Peter 5:8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

You see we all must admit that we have an enemy that would love to see us defeated in all that we do.
He has us in his sights and wants to pull the trigger on temptation, calamity, and hurt. We would never go to war without a plan and a weapon. So why start a day without praying for yourself as well as others? Jesus gave us a perfect example of praying for others, acknowledging God and praying for ourselves.

Matthew 6:9-13King James Version (KJV)
⁹ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
¹⁰ Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us this day our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Always start your day with prayer. But don't forget to be kind to yourself and pray for you! All in all you are important too!

God bless,

Marty

Men's Bible Study 9/16/2015

Good Morning Dear Friends,

A little warmer weather is headed this way. I have no complaints, but my heart goes out to those fighting raging forest fires and contending with flash floods. My prayers are with you all. I pray for the rain to stop and travel where it is now needed. It seems a bit bold to talk about a cup of coffee this morning when many have more than that on their minds.

Last night we kicked off the start of our Men's Ministry Weekly Bible Study. We really got into the word and enjoyed the challenge. Attendance was higher than normal. We had a few things to eat like we usually do for light snack. We had many prayer requests and spent time praying.

I thought about our study and was pleased with the participation. I gave the prayer time an A grade and who doesn't like a few snacks?  But it made me think. Where are the other guys who do not belong to a Bible study? I am afraid that they have adopted snacking as their solution to Spiritual growth and have lost their hunger for feasting with God.
So many Christians today snack their way through the day on "junk-food" activities and then find they have no time to "feast" with God. We complain about our "busyness" and tiredness, but that is typically a spiritual problem more than a problem of schedule. We desire everything except God. We take God in small doses throughout the day and week and somehow hope that on Sunday we can "catch up" on our time with the Lord.
Let’s look at the Scriptures which speak of developing this hunger and thirst for God:
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6).
"…whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14).
"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and ho believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35).
"On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him’" (John 7:37-38).
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:1-2).
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1).
"The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17).
It is obvious that the image of hungering and thirsting after God is a scriptural concept. From the prophets of the Old Testament to Jesus and on through to the book of Revelation, the people of God are depicted as those who have developed a desire for God. Could it be that the missing element in the Church today is that desire for God Himself? And we have convinced ourselves that "feelings" are a substitute for a desire for God and His righteousness? Whatever it is, I pray that the drive through window of self indulgent feelings would close. It is unhealthy Spiritual dining.


Psalm 37:4English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

When you delight in the Lord, He becomes the desire of your heart!

 

Something to chew on?

 

Marty

Maple Syrup And Bacon 9/15/2015

Good Morning,

Up and at it this fine day. Once again my coffee pot delivered a tasty way to start the morning. A cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice greeted me this AM. Is it possible for a coffee mug to smile? I think mine did.

Psalm 119:103New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰³ How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

 

Last Sunday Rene and I purchased two bottles of pure maple syrup and some heavily smoked bacon. Our plan is to roast our annual Thanksgiving Turkey with these two forms of spice. The bacon will wrap the turkey and the syrup will be poured over the bacon and turkey. This combination makes a mouth watering, juicy, sweet turkey. Although November is still two months away, I can smell and taste this work of art in my mind. We knew exactly where we wanted to purchase our syrup and the bacon came from a specialty store. We go out of our way to cook a turkey that is worth remembering.

 

I wonder if many of us feel that way about God's Word the Bible? God speaks to us through His word. Do our mouths water at the thought? Do we crave a midnight snack from a passage or two? Do we share it and show it off as we would our turkey fresh from the oven? Do you get compliments on the word you share with others? Do you even share or are you a hoarder?

 

So many goodies inside the Bible and none of them are bad for you if you over eat. Put on your bib and dine!

 

God bless,

 

Marty

 

 

First Frost 9/14/15

Good Morning,

I apologize for not writing in two days. I took some rest and relaxation time and visited my Dad in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My mug is filled with Door County Caramel Apple Coffee. I drove past an apple orchard yesterday that is pretty close to home. I saw the sign that indicated  they are once again making apple cider donuts. This could be a great week.

Job 37:10King James Version (KJV)
¹⁰ By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

I was pretty far North in my travels this weekend but I was blessed to encounter my first sight of frost for the year. There is just something about seeing the meadows, woods and swamps painted by the breath of God with frost. I took a long walk Saturday morning taking it all in and enjoying the peace and quiet. I could see my breath and my fleece jacket felt good. My dog flushed a couple of grouse, but we weren't hunting, just walking in the cool morning. I was the first one to walk the frosted trail to the lake, so I thought. But then I realized that God had been there before me and painted that beautiful scene.

 

It wasn't a hard frost or very extensive, but it was the first one of my year. Much was prayed about, advice was sought, thanks was given and I left there better for having seen the beauty of a sunrise and the miracle of another changing season.

Have a great day!

Marty

Decoy Poles And Love 9/11/2015

Good Morning,

Friday arrived in a hurry this week. I can't believe how fast it went. Now on to the weekend and whatever we are blessed to encounter. My mug is laced with contentment and filled with Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. One sip and I smiled, looked up, and said Amen!

Last night I came home from a meeting and proceeded to listen to Rene as she gave an account of her day. I like hearing about her adventures and what her day turned out to be. Then she looked at me and said "I had a little oops today". I said "your a little too young to start wearing Depends, lay off of the pork and beans". My humor was met with a stern look and a comment. "If only you were on television. Then I could turn you off." I decided to get serious and listen intently. "You know your decoy pole that you were planning on taking duck hunting? (This is used to retrieve decoys without a boat in deeper water than your waders can handle.) Well it probably won't  going with you. I kind of used it to pick apples and when I got it stuck, I pulled kind of hard and it actually broke. I am so sorry. Can you get a new one before your trip? I feel really bad."

Just by looking at her I knew she felt lousy. I will admit that I am fond of the pole and it has a lot of memories. But it can, and will be replaced. I might even be able to fix it. I said to Rene, "It's only a pole and I am sure I can get another." She then replied, "I know, but it was a Christmas gift many years ago. (Who would remember that?) I have seen you use it, talk about it, and repaint it every year."

I knew I had to refocus this discussion. I thanked her for the pole as a gift and said that I have enjoyed using it. But here's what is important. "You were picking those apples for my dad. You originally cared enough about me to buy me a gift that I wanted. You have the apples packed, the lawn mowed and the other apples that need to be thrown out all cleaned up.
Tomorrow will be the anniversary of a tragic attack on the  United States by terrorists. Many people will be mourning the loss of their loved ones in a day known as 9/11. On the scale of world events for that day on 9/11 and the world events of today, all I need to know is that you love me and you are here. The decoy retrieving pole is so unimportant compared to knowing other people hurt, you cared enough to do the chores I should have done, that you shouldn't be worried about it at all." She smiled and it was understood that we needed to stay focused on what is important. Remembering to hurt with others and bring cheer as needed is more important than possessions.

1 John 3:17-18   
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Have a quiet day and thank someone for what they did for you. Pray for those grieving today. Appreciate whatever peace you can find. Tell someone you love them.

God bless,
Marty

Old Things Become New 9/10/2015

Good Morning,

I am looking forward to a cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee in a little bit. Right now I need to keep moving and get out of the door to have some minor knee procedures taken care of. Then it's back to work. I have to get the knees working better before duck season.

The picture above is an antique piece of wooden trim that will eventually become a hanger for a bath robe. The piece was layered with many coats of old paint that had to be stripped and sanded before I can start actually returning this piece to usefulness. It is a long way from done and will need some more wood filler and plenty of sanding before we get to the paint. But once it is patched and all smooth I can begin the process of adding hardware and paint. Eventually a crystal door knob will extend out, offering a place for a robe.

The knob and the wood alone really aren't much at all. But put them together and clean them up and you have a beautiful piece that is useful. So far this has taken a knife, wood putty, heat and plenty of sand paper.

God continually refines our lives as He works to help us become more and more like His Son Jesus Christ. God works at refining us because He loves us. If we want to be more like Jesus we need to accept the fact that refinement often comes in the form of  chastisement or adversity. God does whatever it takes to draw us closer and more reliant on Him. Such an intimate relationship He desires with us! He cleans us up and makes us useful. But the cleaner He uses is the shed life of His Son, our atonement for our sins, our Savior. He keeps us clean through the Holy Spirit who often uses circumstances to teach and correct us.

Isaiah 48:9-11

 

"For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, And for My praise I restrain it for you, In order not to cut you off. "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.

No one enjoys being corrected, for sure. But when God corrects us, it is a sign that we are loved and He sees us as a partner in reaching a lost world. He wants to use us to work with Him.

Don't fight the refining. Let God have His perfect way. He will make something beautiful of your life!

God bless,

Marty

When I am Old And Gray 9/9/2015

Good Morning,

Just started my day with a cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee, some Scripture and prayer. Add a banana for a little breakfast and this day has started well.

Psalm 71:17-18

¹⁷ O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
¹⁸ Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come.

After reading these verses and thinking about retirement more and more I can see my next job description. Yes! I will keep on working, whether I get paid for it or not. I don't think people ever retire from serving the Lord.

After taking a second look at the verses 17 and 18 of Psalm 71 I see more of a prayer. The prayer seems to be "Lord now that I am old, give me the strength to keep serving You".

I think that should be a prayer that we all speak despite being young or old. Lord give me strength to always serve you right up to my last breath.

Something to ponder. Are you still working for the Lord or did you take an early retirement?

God bless,

Marty

Repurposing A Door Knob 9/8/2015

Good Morning,

Tuesday is the start to my work week and then it's back to the weekend. You just can't ask for more! My mug is filled with Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee. My lunch is packed with fresh tomatoes and Wisconsin cheese. I am already looking forward to lunch.

Last night I started a labor of love. I am repurposing an antique piece of wooden trim and adding an antique door knob to it. When I am done it will be a robe hanger. Our daughter was visiting not too long ago and we were showing her how her son and I worked on a few pieces together over the last couple of summers. She liked what she saw and asked if I would make her one. I of course wanted to make her one before she even asked. She is my baby girl. I will post a picture of the finished product in November. Maybe sooner!
Well last night was the night to begin. I started the process by heating the wooden trim piece with a heat gun and then scraping the old paint off. Much to my surprise there was layer upon layer of old paint on that piece. When I finally got down to the stripped wood I found several old dents and deep gouges in the wood. Working with antiques from time to time, I expected to find a few imperfections.  I had to get out the wood filler and glue. Once I started that process I had to stop and wait a few days for everything to dry. When I am finished I am hoping that the wood will look as good as new. The only thing that can really go wrong is if I get lazy and don't complete the task. I want to bring this to Kristy in December. This project will take some time and I need to keep at it.


Philippians 1:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops^[a] and deacons:
² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Like a carpenter with a project to finish, God keeps working on us until we are complete. He restores our souls through His Son Jesus Christ and then has the Holy Spirit teach us and polish us. You might not be where you want to be in your Christian walk, but you aren't where you used to be either. "Unsaved". Once you invited the Savior in, the work began. God is faithful and will see it through.
God is now repurposing you into a tool He can use for the betterment of His Kingdom. So don't quit on yourself. Like the piece of wood was in need of some heat, sanding and glue, God works out all the rough spots in us.

There are different types of wood and some are harder than others. A knot in the middle of a piece of lumber is harder to sand or cut. Some people have hard knots in their minds and hearts. Their brains stand in the way of God doing His work and they fight the Carpenter. Their Christian growth is slowed because of their own stubbornness. Then the Carpenter has to use power tools instead of sanding gently by hand. God sometimes has to correct our stubbornness and it hurts. But He is going to complete what He started in us, despite us.

Be patient. God is not done with you yet!

Marty

Howard, A Real Man 9/7/2015

Good Morning,

I am trying the next 24 hours without complaining. Yesterday went very well and I actually feel better physically. For those who are wondering what I am talking about. I used a twenty four hour challenge for us all to stop any complaining we do. I decided to extend it for another 24 when a friend of mine said he was going to try a week without complaints. 
My cup is filled with hot Door County Caramel Apple Coffee and I just finished a healthy bowl of Cream of Wheat Cereal. I am practicing for winter!

Ephesians 5:25New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

Real men love Jesus. Real men love their wives. I have many friends that fit into this category. They love Jesus and they love their wives. I am going to take a moment to tell you about my friend Howard. You see Howard just said goodbye to his dear wife Mary recently. She went on to be with Our Lord and is safe from all pain and sorrow. They were married for 57 years.

I met Howard and Mary a long time ago through their daughter. It was soon after meeting them that Mary had a stroke and started to slowly move toward more and more of a disability. For quite a few years she was confined to a wheelchair and need more and more care. Howard was always right there for her. She always looked neat and clean. We all know that it took a lot of work on Howard's part to take care of her. When it became time to seek assisted living for Mary as Howard's age and Mary's deteriorating conditions made it impossible for Howard to care for her in the way she needed he made the hard decision to move her. Unless he was ill, Howard did not miss a day of seeing her at her new residence. Mary would phone him a few times a day just to chat.  Howard made sure that Mary did not miss too many social activities such as church and other gatherings. He would pick Mary up, pack her into the van safely and bring her to be with everyone. There were many times that Howard ate cold food, after he helped Mary with hers.

Last Saturday night a bunch of us went out to eat after church. It was the first time Howard went without Mary. You could see it in his eyes that he was missing her passionately. Yet he went form person to person smiling and chatting making sure we were all enjoying ourselves. Once again, he was taking care of others first.  We all looked at the end seat where Mary would have been sitting with her wheelchair, and none of us said a word. I knew what many of us were thinking. We missed Mary and knew it had to be hard on Howard. But here's the point. Men! Love your wives. If they go on to be with the Lord before you, make sure they know they were loved by word and deed every day. Then honor them by going on in strength from the Lord. If you go before them, make sure they know they were loved in word and deed.  It will be the one comfort you can leave then that no one can take away. I do not know what the future holds for Rene and I. But I know I want to be an example like Howard is to all of us.

God bless,
Marty

No Complaints Given Or Taken Here. Take The Challenge 9/6/2015

Good Morning,

Sunday morning is here and it is right on time. I am awake and my feet on the floor. Who could ask for more? I can hear the coffee maker brewing a hot pot of Door County Cherry Crème for me. Life is good.

Philippians 2:14New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing,

Last night in our Saturday evening church service my topic was on how to recognize that you might be a "Chronic Complainer". Scripture has a lot to say about complaining. When we complain about anything, we are really telling God what is on our mind about what He gave us or allowed to happen to us. We literally are telling Him how to run our lives and the world. This is a sin and totally against what God's Word tells us.  No Complaining. Doing all things means all things. Just living each day is doing something. Life is doing all things.

I don't believe we know just how much we all complain about everything from the weather to our kids. Just read Face Book . It is at least 75% complaints about life.

So I challenged everyone there to go 24 hours without complaining and then report back. I am twelve ours into it and I lucked out. Rene has to work so it makes it easy not to complain without someone to talk to. I wonder how everyone else is doing today with their challenge? Maybe some of them will comment on this. I know a few read my blog.

So today my friends the challenge is sent out to you. 24 hours without complaining. Do you accept the challenge?

Pass this on to friends and family. Issue the challenge. Let's see how positive we can make the next 24 hours and just how pleasant it will be.

God bless,

Marty

Dog! Get Into The Truck 9/5/2015

Good Morning,

Saturday and I couldn't be happier. I needed a break and I have three days off this weekend. What a blessing that is! My thermos was just filled with Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee. It tastes as good as it smells and it smells great.

Last night our Springer Spaniel Gibbs and I had a battle of wills. This past summer I purchased a 3/4 ton pick up truck to use for hunting. Today I am headed out for a short meeting and a little hunting. I guess I should have started training Gibbs to ride in the new vehicle earlier. Last night I set up a nice spot inside the cab of the truck for his kennel. I opened the door and told Gibbs to "kennel up". He just sat there. Now one other thing he doesn't like and never has is being picked up. I thought to myself "this might be a little too high for him to be jumping in, I will pick him up". Gibbs then proceeded to crawl under the truck and refused to come out. I am not used to any of my dogs being disobedient. What made it worse was that my wife was in the driveway laughing. I heard her mutter "great hunter and his dog" as she continued to cackle. I finally crawled under the truck to flush my dog. He ran and sat next to the Jeep which is lower and I guess his preferred ride.

I decided to try a different tactic. I sat in the truck and motioned for him to come in. He looked around and for some reason he jumped into his kennel and sat their proudly. My wife, laughing even harder now said "he wasn't going to do it unless you did too. He wanted to see you jump in". We went for a ride and all three of us ate some ice cream. When we got home I told Gibbs to wait and I helped him down. That is too long of a jump to get down without eventually hurting something. I asked him to kennel up and he went right back in. No problems!

I pondered this for some time. He had been in larger trucks before. What was the difference? The difference was this. The last large truck he rode in was also occupied by another dog named Sadie. They soon became pretty close on their ride to North Dakota. He saw her get in and knew he could do it too. He wanted to be like the big Labs. Someone had to set the example for Gibbs.

Does the Bible address the idea of leading by example?  Yes it does.

Is there any greater example in all the Bible than Jesus Christ?  Certainly not.  When Jesus was speaking to His disciples shortly before He was to die on the cross He told them “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.  Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:15-16).  What was it that Jesus had just done? He had just finished washing the disciple’s feet!  Talk about an example of being a servant.  He even washed the feet of the one who would betray Him (Judas).  The disciples should have been the ones that had done this in the first place because usually the one who was the most humble or the lowliest in the home washed the guest’s feet…typically a bond servant. Jesus showed them that even the God-Man could descend to humble Himself to be a servant in the hopes that they should do likewise.

We often tell people what the Bible says about life but we fail to get in there and live as an example of Biblical living to them.

I had to show Gibbs that the new ride was going to take us to all the places we needed to go and that it was just different. We would go together.

Are you a good example to someone? Will they follow you to better places? Would they imitate your good qualities? Would you ask them to do what you won't? Jesus didn't! He washed feet!

Have a blessed day. Someone is watching what you do!

Marty

Passive Foolishness 9/4/2015

Good Morning,

Friday at last has come to bless us with a prelude to the weekend. To start this day my coffee pot is brewing a hot batch of Door County Cherry Crème. This has the makings of a quiet day??? I hope!

Daniel 3:16-18New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. ¹⁷ If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

So, since today is Friday and I haven't really gotten on my soap box to preach lately I thought I would tackle my thoughts on passive foolishness.

In our Scripture above we see three Jewish young men in captivity being told that to bow and worship an image made for King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. These three know the One, the Only God in heaven. They have true faith in Him and take an immediate stand against worshipping a false god. They are not going to violate a commandment. They boldly declare their trust in God to save them and even go so far as to say that even if God does not save them they are going to serve Him alone. Let it be understood that they are being threatened with a certain death of being tossed into a red hot furnace. They know their Scripture and their faith. They love God and would rather die than sin.

More and more I see passiveness invading churches and the lives of Christians. I say passivity and compromise in the name of winning people to Jesus is nothing but foolishness. For instance how long do we in the United States go on and ignore that genocide in our own country occurs daily and we call it abortion? It is an atrocity and embarrassing.
Many churches are catering to the "feel good or it doesn't work for me attitudes" instead of preaching a full blown Gospel message and calling sin a sin. They don't want to offend anyone. Just recently a court clerk has refused to issue same sex marriage licenses. Now their is a 2015 hero, taking a stand for her faith and belief in the Bible. She has overwhelming support from her town.  What would you do to help her?
I am glad to belong to a church where the sinners are loved but the message of just what sin is can be heard from the pulpit.

It was expressed to me that the members of our church are blessed to have leadership that allows and supports corporate prayer meetings. I was told that other churches do not see the value in it. If that would ever change in my church, in five minutes I will be late for the door.

My prayer today is for this nation and the world to have strength in Biblical integrity, instead of weakness and passive compromise. Let us all be like the clerk who takes a stand.

Ok that's enough.

Enjoy your Friday.

Marty

Spaghetti Squash And The Bible 9/3/2015 With A Recipe

Good Morning,

It seems as if today will be another hot one. I saw the extended forecast for next week. Yahoo, back to normal. Bring on the fall. My coffee this morning is Door County Caramel Apple. I might have to bring out the summer flavors until this weather get's colder. Argh!

One thing Rene and I like to eat is spaghetti squash, with pheasant pieces, pesto, mushrooms and dried tomatoes. It is all stir fried in light olive oil. Now if you would have told me when I was ten years old that I would be eating squash, pheasant, and mushrooms I would have replied with a resounding "YUCK". My tastes were more for normal spaghetti, no mushrooms, hot dogs, fried chicken. mashed potatoes, burgers and french fries.  My tastes had not developed beyond that at ten years old. I could not appreciate the finer things in life. Imagine if I had never gotten beyond that menu. I would be larger than I am, not invited out anywhere and my cholesterol would be off the charts. I needed to advance in my diet, for my own good.

Many people are picky eaters of God's Word and have not advanced in their understanding of the Bible. They have their favorite passages and do not wander into the rest of the Bible. They are satisfied with a limited amount of knowledge from God's Word. Most people like this, have no clue where to look in the Bible for instructions or peace. They live with only a small amount of the instructions for their lives. This is completely unhealthy. So as my mother used to say, "How do you know that it isn't for you, if you haven't tried it"?  So my advice to those who are picky Bible readers and undernourished, read your Bible from beginning to end this year. Join a Bible study. Many people have personal trainers and dieticians for their health. Let a  qualified Bible Teacher open God's Word with you. Learn with, and from a group study.

You might find that your Spiritual life becomes a lot healthier.

God bless,

Marty

Garlic Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash

Makes: 4 servings
Serving Size: 2/3 cup shrimp & 3/4 cup squash
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 2 1/2- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/3 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
• 1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp (16-20 per pound), tails left on if desired
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

 

Preparation

1. Place squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish; add 2 tablespoons water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, place squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until the squash is tender, 40 to 50 minutes.)
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, coriander, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt and cayenne; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add wine and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
3. Use a fork to scrape the squash from the shells into a medium bowl. Add cilantro, butter, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; stir to combine. Serve the shrimp over the spaghetti squash with a lemon wedge on the side.

Your First Love 9/2/2015

Good Morning,

The sun is coming up fast and it's coming up hot. My body is moving slow today, because of a good work out last night. So my cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee is more medicinal than anything else.

Revelation 2:4-7New King James Version (NKJV)
⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

A lot of people can remember their first love. For us guys it was that classmate or neighbor girl who smiled a lot and was easy to talk to. She could play shortstop when needed and looked awful cute when she dressed up for church. She was the one that made your hands sweat and you imagined playing baseball with her forever.

For the girls, it was the guy that paid attention to you by dunking you at the swimming hole, drove you crazy with his teasing, and yet had a smile that lit the lamp of your heart.

Some people actually married their first love. Most of us moved on and eventually lost touch with our crush. Many found their last love and are married to them, till death do they part.

Unfortunately like early adolescent crushes many Christians start out hot in their faith, strong in their love for God but somewhere along the way they fall out of love, the relationship grows stale and pretty soon there is only a one sided relationship. You see God never falls out of love with us. We are as exciting to Him today as we were when we first called upon the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
I think most of us would say that being the one that is still in love as the other moved on is one of the worst hurts anyone can endure. We wait for a change, for a phone call, or a letter. People tell us to give up and move on. But God never does move on. He waits patiently for us to return even though we are breaking His heart. In some relationships, those who moved on want to return but are too proud to come back, or they believe they won't be allowed to return. Not the case with God. He is ready at all times to take us back and start up right where we left off. We just need to cry out and head back.

Luke 15:6-7New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ ⁷ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Fell out of love? Why keep on hurting? Go home. Go back home to God, Who loves you most.

Marty

Goose Season Starts. God Bless.8/31/2015

Good Morning,

September has finally come and I am up to the challenge of fall. My mug is filled with Door County Maple Coffee. I salute God for all the seasons, but today I shout thank You Lord for the fall.

Early Goose season starts in Wisconsin today. Unfortunately I cannot take part today because of work duties. But I have three close friends sitting in a swamp reading this as they watch for geese to fly into their decoys. I hope for them that their hunt is blessed at the end with a full crockpot of goose breasts.

Some people ask me. "As a Christian how can you hunt? Isn't killing against your faith" This was said to me as the person who decided to question my faith was eating a hamburger at our local burger emporium. I wondered if she thought that the beef she was eating got to her plate by osmosis or if she thought "aged beef" meant that the cow died from old age?

I do hunt, but I will only hunt what I will eat. I have no problem with putting food in my freezer that I stalked and killed.

Genesis 27:3   

Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,

Genesis 9:3    Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

So I will head off to work, and pray for their safety and a nice goose for each of them.  I know they will pray before hunting and they will remember to pray for me. That's what we do besides hunt.

God bless,
Marty