Frozen Marsh 11/30/15

Good Morning,

The old mug is filled with Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and my heart is filled with peace. My mug will be emptied quickly and refilled before I head to work. Coffee up!

I hunted in the frozen marsh pictured above yesterday. What others might see is a frozen swamp, broken cattails, some decoys floating in a little water. It is kind of a dreary picture, except to me. While sitting there I recalled and pictured in my mind the birds we harvested in the area, the sunsets and sunrises I saw. I then pictured the people who shared those times with me and the time spent with our dog Gibbs. I remembered praying there with my friends and family. But as I looked closer I saw the hand of God. Not a smelly, frozen swamp, but God at work freezing the area and giving it a winter's rest.

Job 37:10       

"From the breath of God ice is made, And the expanse of the waters is frozen.

For a little while timed seemed to stop as if it were frozen also. I packed up, shot gun in hand, my sled sling over my shoulder and my dog at my side. As we walked I knew that we weren't alone.
I was at peace and I thanked God for the memories of this last duck season.

Have a great day!

Marty

Our Father 11/29/2015

Good Morning,

It was a cold one this morning out in the marsh. We broke a lot of ice to set decoys. That probably means nothing to those who do not hunt ducks. But for me it is always a signal that the season is ending. It has been a good season with much to reflect on. I came home and made another pot of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee and lit a fire in the hearth to warm up. I am contemplating on going back out later this afternoon.

Luke 11:1-4

 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

² So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
³ Give us day by day our daily bread.
⁴ And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.”^[

Today I want to focus in on the first two words of the "Lord's Prayer". This is a template for prayer that Jesus gave us to use when we pray. But as I have studied and thought about the start of the prayer, two things come to mind that set the tone for effective prayer and prayer of power. I watch people pray and many times I wonder why their prayer life seems to be void of victory and peace? I see turmoil in their lives absent of peace which comes from Spirit led prayer.

The first word "Our" is indicative of including Jesus in as pray, acknowledging our adoption into the family of God. We really can't say our if we are living selfishly and not putting others first. You need to fill in the blanks for yourself here. We all have a selfish nature and each of us must reconcile that with God before prayer.

I cannot say "Our" if I’m living only for myself.I cannot say "Father" if I don’t try to act like His child

The second word "Father" needs little explanation except to add this Scripture. God has high standards for us to strive to. I am afraid we all fall short here. We forget to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness before we layout our laundry list of prayers. Our prayer becomes ineffective.

1 Peter 1:16

¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

 

So today spruce up your prayer life with acknowledging that we fail and then go on to cry out before the Lord. After that prayer you will find that God pointed out some areas for you to work on. I know that for sure. He gave me a list of things to work on in my own life.

God bless,

Marty

Life In Four Wheel Drive 11/28/15

Good Morning,

I was up early taking our grandson to the airport for his return to Florida. The house seems pretty empty now with him gone and Rene at work. My trusty mug of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain blend coffee is next to me and my dog is sitting on my feet. I will be breaking out the Christmas flavors next week. My friend Ray asked me when I would be doing that. LOL have to be patient Ray!

A couple of times in this past week while hunting I had to slip the old Ford into four wheel drive to get us through the mud and snow. We just needed that little extra punch.

I recently went out shopping with Dominick at midnight and stayed up most of the next day. Some one called me affectionately a "glutton for punishment".  I thought about that and laughed. The person who said that was my Aunt Betty. She worked hard all of her life, keeps up her own home and she is well beyond the age of 29. She worked tirelessly during Christmas, Easter and Birthdays to make the perfect holidays for our families. She does not realize that she lived her life in "four wheel drive" and her family as well as her nieces and nephews emulate what she taught us. We sure all enjoyed those times. Four wheel drive for life is doing things for others out of love. Love compels you to pull through. God honors those actions of love.  Sometimes when things get a little busier than usual and it seems like you can't go forward you have to dig within and throw your life into four wheel drive. To do so, one needs to accept that the work needs a push and that we cannot do it alone. We need to take a short break, rest, pray and take an assist form God to be able to stay in the race and finish hard. Someone is counting on you.

Isaiah 40:28-31New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

 

Punishment? Not really, just living life in four wheel drive and loving every minute of it.

 

Are you stuck? Hit the switch and do what you do out of love for others. God gives you the push you need.

 

Love

 

Marty

Holding On To Anger 11/27/15

Good Morning,

My Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee started late today, but my day started way too early. Our grandson and I were out before 5AM hunting bargains at the after Thanksgiving sales. I am beat, but we succeeded in saving some dollars and found some Christmas gifts.

When we hit the jack pot on some of the gifts at one mall, we had a lot of packages to carry. Some of them were kind of heavy and we had a long way to walk with them. We also had to walk in extreme rain once we made it outside making it even more difficult. I could not wait to get those packages out myhands and into the truck. It felt good to unload the boxes and bags and let the truck do the work.

The mall is about five miles from our home. It would have made no sense whatsoever to carry all those packages and walk home. The burden needed to released. The packages would have been ruined and I would have pneumonia as well as some very sore arms. That's what the truck is for.

Anger is like that my friends. Things happen to us, people happen to us or we make mistakes and anger is our first response.
Then somewhere along the way we decide to hang on to the anger so long that it causes harm to us. We are bitter. Who likes bitter people? We can't get along with others. We lash out in anger, which is a sin. We take on the job of 17 people as judge and jury over others, so we end up exhausting ourselves. We can become unapproachable. God clearly warns us about anger and also shows us a way to keep from carrying a bushel of it with us in our daily lives.

Psalm 37: 1-8

 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm

 

When we truly delight ourselves in the Lord, and give our anger over to Him, and wait patiently, He brings it to pass without harm.

 

Lighten your load today.

 

Marty

Spending The Day Watching Movies 11/24/2015

Good Morning,

Wednesday has shown up right on time. Spending my day chasing game birds with our Grandson Dominick. I need to coffee up with some Door County Cranberry Crème. Then it's off to the chase.

Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones

Psalm 4:7
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound

I started a short vacation today and after hunting some geese this morning Dominick and I headed off to the theater for the cheap Tuesday movies. Grandma had to work and joined us later for an early evening movie. It felt good to be off from work ,and tied to a home repair or something like that. It had that feel of skipping our of school without any guilt whatsoever. Like Senior skip day, you weren't supposed to skip out but it was ok if you were a senior. I never looked back and had a great time eating junk and munching on popcorn. We were choked up by the first movie and both tough guys said "Grandma would be crying if she saw this" LOL. We laughed out loud and all three of us enjoyed a comedy. I am not sure what that day cost us. But whatever it was, it was worth it, because the time spent relaxing, laughing and enjoying some family time was PRICELESS.

There is no amount of money that would cause me to give away the laughter we shared. It was good medicine for our souls.

Laugh today, laugh tomorrow, call it your daily dose of heart medicine.

God bless,

Marty

Green Bean Casserole 11/24/2015

Good Morning,

My thermos is filled with Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee and we are headed out to hunt some ducks today.

Thanksgiving is approaching quickly. I needed to do some grocery shopping for our dinner on Thursday. Rene thought it would be nice to serve the traditional green bean casserole with the rest of the Thanksgiving traditional things like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.  So when I went to the store to pick up the French Fried Onions there wasn't much left on the shelf to choose from. As a matter of fact they were out. I thought about making the dish and just not having the onions on top or just mixing in raw onions and letting them cook with the soup and bean mixture. But then it would be close, but not the real dish. I shopped some more and two stops later  I found what I needed and we are set. As close as it would be without all the perfect ingredients, it would still be an imitation and just would not suffice.

For some people church attendance is what they feel makes them a Christian. Others trust in doing good things to earn their salvation from sin. Others trust in rituals to save them. But there is no substitute for the real ingredient "Jesus" and a relationship by faith in Him for salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9New Living Translation (NLT)
⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Romans 5:6-8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶ For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

It's time for someone reading this today to have a heart check up. Are you living a real faith or an imitation?

Food for thought!

Marty

How Dedicated Are You?

Good Morning,

My cup is steaming hot and full of Door County Maple Coffee. Monday is here and I am off of work tomorrow. On Tuesday the grandson and I have a little hunting planned, then a nap, and then off to the movies to take in the cheap Tuesday deal!

Yesterday Dominick and I did a little duck hunting on The Fox River in Wisconsin. The ducks seemed to be able to avoid us. After looking over our decoy spread I saw an adjustment that had to be made. Now we only had an hour left to hunt but I knew I had laid them out wrong and that there was a better way. So I left our blind and waded out to make a change. What the picture does not show you is that on the way out to our spot I stumbled on a rock in the river and ended up with some river water in my waders and some wet sleeves on my jacket. The temperature was 21 degrees Fahrenheit.

It did not take long to get cold. I changed gloves and continued with the hunt. Now, I am not bragging about being stupid enough to sit in wet clothes just to shoot a duck. Duck hunters have to be crazy to endure nasty weather and the perils of walking in water. I am a dedicated duck hunter. I am sure many people are dedicated to different hobbies. So call me crazy! By the way just after the change Dom got a shot at a duck!

But what if??? We put a little more dedication into our family, our marriage, our job, our relationship with Jesus? What would we be willing to do to see our family through a crisis, our marriage through growing pains, our job when it gets tough, or to get just an extra hour of prayer? When the going gets tough do we think of quitting? Do we rearrange our priorities to meet the needs?

God expects us to give our best in all that we do.

Colossians 3:23New Living Translation (NLT)
²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

We should wonder what one extra hour of dedication could do to change the outlook for us, for others, for the world?

God bless,

Marty

Looking Back And Going Forward 11/22/15

Good Morning.

Nice and cold this morning. Winter is here and that makes the Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee from the Door County Coffee Company taste that much better. Blessed to have my mug filled to the top.

Yesterday our grandson flew in for a visit. He is in high school now but it seems like just yesterday he was just wanting a Spider Man birthday cake and a kite. He stands about 4 inches taller than me now and is ready for a hunt with Papa and some Christmas shopping later this week with Grandma. We enjoy our visits with him and really look forward to spending days with him that will before too long come to an end when it's time for college and possibly his own family after school. But what I remember the most was the little boy who loved to see trains, play with the dog and ride the mechanical horse outside of Walmart. Then it was go-karts and sling shots. Now it's shot guns, cell phones, golf carts and girls.

So what is the point of my blog today? The point is this. Once they were babies, then toddlers, then little boys, then teens and then men. The process slows down for no one. So make the best of the time you have with them. Teach when you can, work together, and laugh before you can't. Tell them about the past and what it was like. Show them the way to God and why you love Him.

Deuteronomy 4:9   
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children

Have a great day!

Marty

Enjoying Your Work 11/21/2015

Good Morning,

My kitchen is calling me to start a big pot of chili and down a couple cups of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee.

Saturday and a day off from work. My subject will be about work this morning.
I work for a large healthcare system in Wisconsin. My work time grows shorter each year. When I started with that system 32 years ago I gave myself one year to get out of healthcare and back into a construction field.

What kept me there? Well everyone likes to eat and the pay is pretty good. I like having retirement benefits to look forward to and I have used plenty of the health benefits. I met my wife there. I do like the fact that what I do has an impact on the health of patients.

But what really has kept me in the organization are the people I have worked with then and now. Working with all those people kept me coming back year after year. My job has it's days when I could jump up and scream, but I never complain about going to work. I am greeted each day by nice people, working to help others live well. The closest group I work with are dedicated professionals that anyone would be proud to lead. I enjoy solving problems with them. The friendly banter and jocularity make some of the toughest days bearable. I thought about the fact that I don't hate going to work. In that, I am blessed. I hope it never changes until that day when I say adios and head toward another chapter in this comical novel called "Marty's Life Story", Chapter 62 Retirement.  What I pray for all of you is that you can find satisfaction in the work you do and joy in the people you meet.

The easiest way to do that is to remember Who gave you the blessing of a job. You aren't where you are for yourself. You are there for others. You possible have a family to feed, an owner who employs you, customers (patients for us) who need you, your earned income stimulates business for others and God expects you to represent Him where you are. It's not all about you. Once we realize this, we become content with our vocation.

Ecclesiastes 5:19New Living Translation (NLT)
¹⁹ And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.

Enjoy your day off Friends,

Marty

Common Sense. Be Prepared. 11/20/15

Good Morning,

Friday is here and it is coming in like a lion this weekend. It looks like the first snow storm of the season is set to hit here. That just kind of gets my motor going. I like the snow. My mug is filled with a new flavor to me. Door County Cranberry Crème is spewing forth some pretty delightful aroma from that mug. The taste is just as good as it smells.

Last night as we watched the weather forecast for Friday night I knew then and there that my "after supper" chore was going to be to start both snow blowers and make sure they were filled with gas. You see I learned the hard way when I was much younger not to wait for the snowstorm to finish dumping it's white gift on us to then try and start the machines.  After shoveling and obtaining a sore back and shoulders I vowed to be ready ahead of time. I also learned to properly store the machines in the spring, which made it much easier to start them a day or two before the first blast of winter.

God has gifted us with the ability to think and learn. He has also given us the gift of common sense. So for me to make the mistake again of not being prepared for winter and then hurting my back would be foolish. Thus, I would be a fool.

Proverbs 3:21New Living Translation (NLT)

²¹ My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,

 

On Saturday morning I will see people driving down the highway lickety split, when they should be going slower because of slippery roads. They run the risk of causing an automobile accident and injury to themselves and others when common sense tells them to go slower.

 

Use all the gifts God has given to you. It only makes sense!

 

God bless.

 

Marty

Are You Salty? 11/19/2015

Good Morning,

Warm one day, cold the next. The temperatures are up and down like a Springer Spaniel in a pheasant field. I am drinking a big cup of Door County Highlander Grog as I write. The steam is rising from the cup signaling the start of a new day.


Matthew 5:13-16New International Version (NIV)
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

What does it mean to be the "salt of the Earth One writer put it this way. "
   "You are writing a gospel,
    A chapter each day,
    By deeds that you do
    And words that you say.
    Men read what you say...or what you write,
    Whether faultless or true.
    Say, what is the gospel
    According to you?"

How do others see Jesus in you? This is looking at salt as a seasoning or preservative, which is exactly the way most people see it used. We need to keep our "spiritual flavor" in Christ whole, that we might be the light to others.

Now where I live salt is also used to melt ice and snow. It is very effective for that purpose. One byproduct of salted safe roads each spring are deteriorated pavements. The salt does eat up concrete and cars. But we spread the salt, knowing the cost. If we did not spread salt on the sidewalks and highways there would be more accidents and fatalities. Some Christians do not spread themselves like salt because it might offend some. The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls sin, a sin, and the wages of sin is eternal death.  They prefer to let others go through their lives in danger of eternal life in hell like an unsalted highway in an ice storm. Their speech is not seasoned with words like heaven and hell, repentance or judgment. They won't shake the salt from the shaker. They keep it bottled because they do not want to rub someone the wrong way. Winter salt for ice just goes and does it's job. It doesn't choose to be tethered to political correctness and only eat Fords and leaves the Dodge trucks alone. It goes out and completes what it is supposed to with everything it touches.

Romans 1:16New International Version (NIV)
¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Pass the salt please.

Marty

Baby It's Cold Outside. Take Care Of Yourself. 11/18/15

Good Morning,

Let me start with this. You are important! So I pray that your morning beverage is tasty like my Door County Harvest Blend Coffee is.

Proverbs 3:24   
If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

It's that time of year again when it gets cold and damp. This is flu season which often turns into pneumonia. Colds and sore tonsils seem to thrive during this time of year. When God made us he wired us so that we would know when we were tired. It is a gift to us. God tells us when t is bed time. Like little children who argue with their parents declaring loudly that they are not tired and do not want to go to bed, we adults do the same thing with God. He tells us through our bodies that we are tired and worn out yet we stay up a little later for television, work, shopping, surfing, (the internet) instead of following his orders and obeying by going to bed and resting.

I want you to do something today. Make a list of those people who need you and that you are important to. They count on you to take care of yourself so you are around longer on this Earth.

Mark 6:31   
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Take time to eat right. Use enough time so that you do not have to rush through a meal. Share it with someone and eat slowly. You are worth it. Someone wants you around longer.

No one on their death bed ever said I wished I would have worked more or what's trending on the net

Spend time loving the people God placed in your life. But also spend enough time loving yourself by resting and feeding yourself properly.

If you need to take medicine when you come down with something, don't wait.

1 Timothy 5:23
(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)

God bless you all. Be well. Be rested. Eat your Cheerios!

Marty

Don't Be Fooled. God Is God. No One Else Is. 11/17/15

Good Morning,

What a sound to wake up to. That pot brewing my hot cups of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee. It drew me to the kitchen like I was walking on air.

Revelation 1:8New International Version (NIV)

⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

 

At the risk of being labeled politically incorrect, I write today a wake up call to you and me. There is only one God and as much as we try to ignore the fact by acknowledging all religions and their desire to worship everyone and anything under the sun, there is really only God, The Creator Of Heaven and Earth. Now we can be nice and let people alone as long as they remain peaceful, but when some attack and kill others in the name of who they believe would be a god, then it is time to set the record straight. The Bible and God can speak clearly, so that no one can doubt. No one has an excuse for being blind to the fact that God is the Alpha and Omega.

 

 

Romans 1:18-20New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

 

Don't be blinded by political correctness. God isn't. Sin is sin. Evil is evil. Pray for our enemies that they might wake up to the fact that they have been lied to and deceived. Get to your local Christian prayer meeting. Lift up the world in prayer and fasting.

 

I for one will be at our prayer meeting this month. Don't you believe the world is worth your time?

 

God bless,

 

Marty

Autumn Love 11/16/2015

Good Morning,

Monday came and it brings us closer to a visit from our grandson. So It's time to coffee up with some Door County Maple. Then after prayer, it's off to work and back home to Rene.

Autumn
The third season of the year, when crops and fruits are gathered and leaves fall, in the northern hemisphere from September to November.

Last Saturday I had the privilege of marrying to wonderful people who found love for each other later in the Autumn of their lives. I believe if you asked both of them if they thought this was going to happen two years ago they answer would be "no". But God directed their paths to cross and friendship led to courting and marriage. It was a wonderful day for them and for all of us who were there to witness the bliss.

My point is this. It's never to late for love. Love will always be available and it will always last. It is a gift and is to be cherished. Don't ever give up on love. Open yourself to the idea. There is a blessing for you every time you love. It might not be marriage but it will be a cleansing of the heart. A heart beats best when it beats with love.


1 Corinthians 13:7-13New International Version (NIV)
⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Smile, God loves you.

Marty

Sunday Morning Sunrise 11/15/2015

Good Morning,

The sun came up on me while in a marsh today. My Thermos bottle was filled with Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee. My dog was next to me and my nephew on the other side. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Psalm 139:7-12New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

 

We shot a few ducks. Gibbs performed well and added to his retrieve numbers. My nephew has turned out to be a duck hunter that you want next to you with his gun.

 

But as the sun rose and we both remarked how neat it looked bouncing off of trees in the distance,
I was once again reminded that the marsh we were in was created long ago and God knew that all three of us would be there. I was reminded that He was right next to us, watching over us and gave us the time to enjoy what He gave us
We were not alone in the marsh.

No never alone are we.

God bless,

Marty

Terrorism Brought To France 11/14/15

Good Morning,

I write to you this morning with a heavy heart. My Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is hot but lacks the ability to soothe my soul.

My heart is numb as I recall the television news breaking into the local programs to announce the terrorist attacks in Paris last night. My heart and prayers are with the people of France this day and will be for a long time.

I personally want to go on record as saying this. " I condemn the terrorist attacks. Criminals who perform these acts of violence at unarmed people are cowards, and are in need of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Only God can change their hearts and minds. They represent everything that the Ruler of Darkness Satan stands for."

The six things God hates are seen in every terrorist.

Proverbs 6:16-19King James Version (KJV)
¹⁶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸ An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
¹⁹ A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

I am asking that we all continue to pray for the victims and their families. I will also pray for our enemies. I will pray that they repent and that God saves them. But as for now the things they are doing are hated by God. I will leave the judgment up to Him.

Matthew 5:44King James Version (KJV)
⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Keep God close in your heart.

Marty

Writing The Vows 11/13/15

Good Morning,

The coffee maker is sing a familiar tune that rings out load and clear. Friday is here and it needs to be saluted with a cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee. Salute I will!

Genesis 2:24English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

I have been working for a few weeks on a wedding service program for two dear friends who have asked me to officiate their wedding Saturday night. Within the ceremony I am attempting to challenge them and encourage them on this new chapter in their lives. So much could be written and said, and I have completed a full draft of the typical wedding ceremony verbiage. BUT!!!

In all honesty what really needs to be said to anyone getting married is one word. JESUS.

The name above all names needs no introduction, He is the epitome of love, sacrifice and endurance.

Now if I did that and then said I now pronounce you husband and wife I would be shot. But not by the two friends getting married. They both understand that what is needed in a single life is Jesus.The need is the same for two people getting married. The marriage needs Jesus at the center.

So if I were to give them any advice or you any advice on marriage I really should just stand there and say JESUS.

Have a great weekend!

Marty

A Kettle Full Of Love 11/12/15

Good Morning.

Always excited to see what a storm brought to our yard the morning after. It was quite the storm for November. We had wind, rain, thunder and lightning in November? Go figure. So I think I will warm up the old body with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and leave for work.

Our grandson will be coming for a visit soon and while speaking with him on the phone the other night I asked if he had anything special on his mind for a dinner menu during our time together. He mentioned that it would be nice to make a big pot of the "good chili". I have to agree that there is nothing better after a cold day duck hunting than a hot bowl of chili. And since we are planning to hunt, chili it will be.

The kettle above belonged to my grandmother, and was handed down to us by my mother. Many, many, pots of spaghetti sauce, soups and chili has simmered in this old pot. I can still see ravioli coming to the top of the water as it started to boil.

We own many things, but some of them trigger happy memories. This kettle causes me to remember the people that stood in front of this pot stirring the contents to serve it to us because they loved to see their families well fed and happy. The pot is still used for that purpose today. I wrote not very long ago about a small pot we use to make soup and then give the soup away. This kettle is used for larger volumes and often feeds a lot of guests, especially at our annual Christmas Caroling and Soup Open House. I think the former owners would approve. They all practiced hospitality! Don't pass up the chance to share a cup of soup with anyone. Use the home or apartment God has granted you, to be hospitable to others, even strangers.

Isaiah 58:7    
            
"Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Hebrews 13:2     

 

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

 

Enjoy what you have, but use it to practice hospitality.

 

Nothing says love like a dish made especially for someone.

 

God bless,

Marty

Veterans Day And Dad

Good Morning,

This day will be filled with whatever God brings along. But to start it off without some Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee would be just plain wrong.

Today in the United States we will honor our nations veterans. One who is dear to my heart is my Dad. Dad served in the Marine Corp during the Korean War. He tells us of the days he spent in Korea and how they fought. But that wasn't his final act of service. Today he is teaching at a small school in Upper Michigan. He is talking to the young children about serving and being a veteran. When I asked him what he would be talking about this year he told me that he would be talking about the two kinds of veterans. The ones who made it home and those who didn't. His goal is to show the kids the sacrifices made on our behalf by our fighting men and women. We are very proud of him and all or veterans, past and present. They might lay their rifle to rest but they never really stop serving.

1 Corinthians 16:13New International Version (NIV)
¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong

Veterans please accept this thank you for your service. You are loved.

Marty

Family Traditions 11/10/15

Good Morning,

That first cup of Door County Maple Coffee is always a treat to wake up to. I guess that just waking up is a treat! Can't take that for granted.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Last night Rene and I were talking about the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We kind of concentrated our conversation a little more on Thanksgiving simply because it is first in line on the calendar. Both of us are Christmas kind of people. Our discussion turned to the time table for the day. Dinner at what time? Green Bay Packer football on television. Then Rene said "what time will you be done hunting?" From the time that I was old enough to walk along with my Dad, we 99% of the time hunted on Thanksgiving. I have continued that tradition. There have been a few years when I have hunted alone, but I was out there reliving fond memories. For the last few years my Nephew Nick and our Grandson Dominic have joined me on that quest.

Still pondering Thanksgiving I began to think about how blessed we have been to have a  healthy grandson and nephew who don't mind following the old man out for a cold morning's hunt. This year when we discuss what we are thankful for, I am going to be thankful for all the kids in our family. Remember as you buy a turkey this year that it is more than a meal. Tell the kids how thankful you are to have them in your life. It needs to be said face to face.

If you don't have any traditions, start some. Spend as much time as you can with the family before you can't. Thank God for every laugh and special time He gives you.

God bless,

Marty

Building Up Your Buttercup 11/9/2015

Good Morning,

The old mug is filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee today. It was a nice weekend and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Yesterday we dedicated to the men and how they need to date correctly. Today we continue with instructions for men. Ladies please share this as much as possible.  This morning we will talk about Building Up Your Buttercup.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 New International Version (NIV)
¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

One of the main jobs for men is to build up their spouses, or dates and their daughters. Every time the television comes on our ladies are reminded that they are not one of Victoria's Angels. All day long what the world beats down is our job to build back up. They need to know how you see their beauty when they can't. Our goal should be to reassure them of their importance to us. Besides complimenting them when they get dressed up have you tried saying thank you "for dressing up so nicely today"? How about thank you for the meal. How about telling your daughter just how proud of her you are and say thank you for being your kid.

If you are out in public, hold hands. That tells them and the world that you care.  Ladies let the guys do their job. Accept a compliment graciously and say thank you back. This is all so easy to do, yet we struggle. Scripture is very clear on this.

Well that is enough for now. God Bless,

Marty

Date Them Right Or Someone Else Will 11/8/2015

Good day,

This one is late, but I believe it was by God's design that it tarried a little. My coffee this morning was Door County Harvest Blend. It won't be too long before I break out the Jingle Bell Java flavor.

The next two days will be devoted to the men. But, ladies keep reading and share these two with your guy. Post them on Facebook, Google , Twitter whatever,  and let's see if we can't impact some lives.

I believe that men have lost the art of dating their wives, girlfriends, and daughters. Now don't go crazy here. I am not promoting incest but actually suggesting that men spend father and daughter time and show them how a lady should be treated.

Guys, who cares what they say? Open doors for the ladies. Make sure to do some of the things that they like to do. If it's dancing, become a dancing machine. If it's planting flowers, put on your big boy pants and plant some petunias. If it's long walks on the beach, learn to walk. Let them order first at the restaurant. Hey guys, not every restaurant has to serve food on a plastic tray. Earn some extra money or skip a few luxuries for yourself and take that lady to a finer eating emporium. Make sure Christmas, anniversaries, and birthday are on your calendar. If they want two Christmas trees and for you to hang lights bright enough to hurt your eyes then "Git er done", without complaining. While dating them, stay off of the phone. Let them know that they are more important than a call from your buddy. Do the ultimate sacrifice, let them choose the movie. I have watched many a Hallmark movie with the Mrs. when I would rather have watched the Military Channel.  When they cry or laugh in the movie it is a signal as to what gets to them. It's a no brainer guys. Those movies are your boot camp to successfully dating them by knowing what trips that emotional trigger.

Show them some respect. Choose the right gift. They will always tell you what would be dear to them. Just listen or you might be wearing that next mop, crockpot or fishing pole you buy them.

Take those daughters out once a month, just the two of you. Open doors, listen to them talk 90 miles an hour. Roller sake if you must and make sure you survive. Let them choose the movie. Take them out for a nice dinner without trays and golden arches. Show them the respect they should receive. Because their are plenty of clowns out there willing to date your daughter and just honk on the horn for her to come running. First time with that just disconnect his horn in front of him and send her back in the house. The second time that happens disconnect that guy from your drive way.

Because here is a clue. If you don't someone else might do it for you. One last thing. When they say it's ok, it's no big deal, deep down inside it is a big deal. Satan just loves to destroy relationships and some before they even have a chance to start off correctly. Don't fall for that one. Love them for who they are. Don't try to change them into something they are not. Rene went to one Roller derby match and I know she would go again to be polite, but she really doesn't want to go.

Most of all lead. Pray before your date with them. Read the Bible together. The best leader is a servant. Just ask Jesus!

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

Tomorrow we will look at Building Up Your Buttercup!

Until then.
God Bless,

Marty

Steaks, Men, God and Heaven Moved

Good Morning,

I have been up all night managing a project at the hospital, Glad to say it went well. I really want a cup of coffee, but need to sleep now instead. But if I were to have a a cup, it would be Door County Highlander Grog,

Last night our Men's Ministry Group from Faith Bible Church held it's annual "Men's Steak Feed." Large steaks, beans, garlic bread and potatoes filled every belly there. All that was washed down by Sprecher Root Beer. I had to leave early to get over to the hospital so I wasn't there for much of it.

What I was told was that all the men and young boys had a great time and that the food was awesome. We also had a guest speaker who preached a short message. I heard that Heaven moved and some lives were changed and lives were added to the Lamb's Book of Life.

I actually expected to hear those kind of results because;

Matthew 18:20New International Version (NIV)
²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Gather in the name of Jesus and He shows up. And when He is there Heaven and Earth move.

God bless,

Marty

The Echo Of Words 11/6/2015

Good Morning,
I am hitting the road early today armed with a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee, a little prayer and some good radio preaching. Great way to start a Friday.

Just think how much trouble is caused within relationships by the tongue. Man, can a few smarting words start a blaze of an argument. Then there are those words that are meant for good but taken wrong and they can start a war. I think that it would be better if people couldn't speak.

James 3:5-6New International Version (NIV)
⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

The Bible does have the answer to tongues "of fire". It comes in one of the immutable laws of physical nature and especially human nature. It is the echo. Or you could call it the law of the harvest. You get back in return, exactly what you give.

Luke 6:38New King James Version (NKJV)
³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The law of the echo applies to relationships, especially marriage. You want a spouse who is gracious, loving, forgiving, tolerant, and supportive, start with yourself. Apply the words of Jesus and treat each other as you would like them to treat you. If you want to be judged and condemned then start it. The echo of your stupidity will return to you. If you are unwilling to listen to others, you won't be listened to. If you are negative, sour and selfish you will receive the same treatment. It is the law of the echo. If we desire understanding, broad mindedness and allotment to be ourselves, then we begin by being that way.

That old Bible of mine is just full of great advice. I think we need to keep it open and glean some fruit from the pages.

God Bless,
Marty

In The Middle Of No Where 11/5/2015

Good Morning,

I have a pot of Door County Harvest Blend Coffee brewing as I write this morning. I am finding it hard to wake up today. My brain is saying go and the body is saying whoa!

Last night I was putting some pictures away into an album and reminiscing for a little bit, reliving memories in my mind. A lot of my photos are of hunting ducks and dogs. One of my steady companions is my nephew Nick. He is always gung ho to hunt and will sit out all night to claim his hot spot. I was looking at a photo taken after a hunt but what I remembered was walking into the swamp long before daylight.

Nick had gone in much earlier and I was to bring myself, the dog and another young hunter to a spot I had never been to. It was dark, with no moonlight to assist. I did have on a headlamp but it was just not enough. I picked up a small trail and figured I was headed in the right direction. Nick knew that I was coming in and had a lot of gear. I had stopped to get my bearings when I noticed a light, a long way up ahead. Nick had lit his head lamp to give me a silent signal without making noise that would scare off most of the ducks in the area. A little further and I heard him blow on his duck call to let me know he had me in sight.  It was just enough to guide me to the right spot without any harm.

We had a great hunt and the pictures reminded me of the morning when I had to be quiet but follow the light to get to my destination. I had to stop, watch and look. The signal came. Had I not stopped for a moment I might not of seen the light. The light corrected my path by a few steps. Later I saw that I was only a few steps away from getting a cold greeting by some stagnant water if I hadn't changed my directions when I saw the light.

We need to stop from time to time and life just to listen and watch for God to provide directions for life's path.

Isaiah 30:20-21New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

 

Let God be your guide. But stop, watch and listen long enough to hear and see.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

What A Friend We Have In Jesus 11/4/2015

Good Morning,

This day started with a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee, prayer and my Bible. Add some orange juice and a banana and who could ask for more?

Last night while coming home from Bible study I was listening to some Gospel music. My mind wandered a little while listening to a song. "What A Friend We Have In Jesus". I started to think about my friends and how anytime we are in need of help, our friends always offer to help or say "call us and we will be there". They are very sincere and if I called they would help. But who really likes to bother anyone and ask for help? Our pride gets in the way and we struggle instead of taking a genuine offer. Yet Jesus desires to help us in all situations and often steps in before we ask. Did you just breathe? Did you ask for it first? No, you didn't. We have no other friend like Jesus, none whatsoever!

John 15:13New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Did you ask Him to die on the cross for your sins? No you did not. Jesus saw the need and said yes.

Below I copied the words to that old hymn for all of us to read and appreciate just what we have in Jesus.

The United Methodist Hymnal Number 526
Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918 

---

1. What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. 2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer. 3. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

Have a great day! God Bless.

Marty

It's Time To Listen. 11/3/2015

Good Morning,

What a day it will be. I have a full schedule at work and then a busy night at church. Sounds like I need that cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee to kick start this day.

Numbers 14:35New American Standard Bible (NASB)
³⁵ I, the Lord, have spoken, surely this I will do to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be destroyed, and there they will die.

Many years ago God gave to all people the Ten Commandments. They are now and have been under attack for many years. The Ten Commandments are being removed from schools, courtrooms, and most all public buildings in the United States. From time to time I see social media posts that ask "Like if you think we need God back in our country."

I have news for you. God gave us a plan for successful Godly living and in some instances such as abortion we have flagrantly defied His commandment not to murder by passing laws to make it legal in the land.

Here's the rest of the story. God never left us, we left Him. If we study the Bible closely, we find that He is a loving and forgiving God. Yet time after time God has shown that He has a breaking point and because of His love will punish His children. As our Father, God takes His job to raise His children seriously. But then again we have changed that also. Spank your child and you might be arrested or sued.

God has spoken, I think it's time we went back to the basics and listened!

Food for thought?

Marty

Orphans By Choice 11/2/2015

Good Morning,

The coffee maker is singing away and the tune is "Come and get some Door County Highlander Grog for your cup."

Matthew 12:30New American Standard Bible (NASB)
³⁰ He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

When we surrender our lives to Christ it is permanent and Christians must identify with Christ in every aspect of their lives. It becomes a way of life. People get used to seeing you at church. It's not what time you show up it's what service. You are expected to be there. But yet many people choose to orphan themselves on Sundays with a myriad of excuses as to why they miss attending church. Clearly they misunderstand the meaning of family, vows and commitment.

Hebrews 10:24-26Common English Bible (CEB)
²⁴ And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. ²⁵ Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near

I really have to ask. Why would anyone ever want to be orphaned from a family? That's exactly what we do when we don't attend church, or we attend but don't get involved, regularly.

So what's your excuse? Send it to me if it is a new one that I haven't heard.

God bless,

Marty