The Good Shepherd 1/31/2016

Good Morning,

I don't have my usual cup of  Door County Coffee with me today. But I am looking forward to a big one around noon.  I am not sure what flavor I will treat myself to.

John 10:24 I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me.

What a beautiful thought for today. To know that Jesus is watching over us all. To know that our Shepherd laid down His life for us and would do it again if needed. Shepherds fight to the death for their sheep.
They know each one and the sheep only listen to one voice.
This is the relationship we have with Jesus. A relationship that is not confusing at all. We just need to slow down and when we pray listen for that one voice that loves us. That's why it is important to have a personal quiet time and place. The world is busy and loud. We owe it to ourselves to hear from our Good Shepherd.
So my friends find a place and time to sit with Our Shepherd.  It will be the best part of your day.

God bless

Marty

Call Out To Me? 1/30/2016

Good Morning.
I hope your coffee tastes as good as my Door County Cherry Creme tastes.

How many people expect that when they call out to God that he will answer?  I know I do.
Jeremiah 33:3 Call out to me and I will answer you.

God desires to answer us but do we give him time to answer?  Do we turn away if we don't like the answer? 

If we take our time to listen we can grow closer to God by knowing His voice.
But this takes time and discipline on our part to wait, pray and read Scripture on a defined regular basis. This is the hardest thing to do. Self discipline needs to take place and time with God needs to be a good habit that can't be broken.

So start a habit. A good one. More tomorrow.

Marty

Love Lifted Me 1/29/2016

Good Morning,

Friday arrived right on time and it handed me a cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee to help me with my rise and shine process. I am going to say this twice. Have a great day!

Romans 8:38New International Version (NIV)

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

 

Last night while driving home from an hour of pain and torture known as a physical workout at the gym I tuned the radio to my favorite Gospel Music Station. They were playing some real oldies. It did my heart good to hear one of my favorites.

 

Love Lifted Me by James Rowe was playing.

1. I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
   Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
   But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
   From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
   
   • Refrain:
     Love lifted me!
     Love lifted me!
     When nothing else could help,
     Love lifted me!
2. All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
   In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
   Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
   Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.

This old song reminded me of days long ago when I saw no reason to hope and thought life would never ever turn around. Now life is always filled with road blocks, but it seems as if now I have someone to help me pile up the blocks and make a ladder to get over and through the obstacles. Now I have experienced some floods, and one sinking boat. I have experienced the feeling that life was going to sink me personally. But I am convinced that nothing, not one obstacle can separate me from God's love. As I once looked up from a sinking boat to see a helicopter coming with a bright light, during life's troubles I look up and call out.  God's love lifts!

Have a great day!

Marty

Making Decisions 1/28/2016

Good Morning,

Up and on my feet long before the alarm clock or the dog decided to wake me up. My Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee hugged me with a sweet sip first thing. I easily have time for another cup before work, but I think I will pass and fill the travel mug instead.

It is hard enough to make decisions that impact your own life, but when you have to make decisions that impact the lives of others it is even worse. With every life we receive responsibilities whether we want them or not. Some responsibilities are inherited and we cannot hide from the duty. At times we all have to make choices, and the choices we make even though the best decisions for all are not received with applause from those involved. This leads to conflict and loss of sleep. Ask God for advice.

Proverbs 3:5-6   
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths

Every decision we make should be bathed in prayer. Praying about your decisions will keep you closely connected to the Lord. Through prayer you can maintain a close relationship with God without which you would not be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in the decision you need to make.

Philippians 4:6-7   
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Ask others to pray for you and with you. Seek counsel with someone you trust before launching into a decision. Times like this are tough, let others hold you up. Don't be afraid to share.

God bless all of you as decisions arise.

Marty

Did Someone Order Lunch? 1/27/2016

Good Morning,

Did you see that moon last night? How awesome was that? God is so good to paint a night time portrait for us to see before bed. Then I get to wake up to a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee. Blessings on top of blessings, this is nice.

My nephew and his buddies like to ice fish. I am more of a warm weather fisherman but what we both have in common is that we like a good fish fry. I especially like a shore lunch of fried fish with a side of potatoes and some pork and beans. Nothing like eating what you caught for lunch.

When I am out fishing I can't help but be thankful for a day of relaxation and fun. My mind often wanders to one of my favorite passages in the Bible.

John 6:1-14

6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), ² and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. ³ Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. ⁴ The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

⁵ When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
⁷ Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
⁸ Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ⁹ “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). ¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
¹² When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” ¹³ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
¹⁴ After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

Jesus used the lunch of a boy to feed 5000 men. He could have done anything to produce lunch for this large crowd, like pizza from heaven or a pheasants flying in to be grilled. But Jesus used the meager lunch of a young boy and multiplied it thousands of times over and produced a meal for the crowd. What I always found amazing was this. The boy gave up His lunch because the Savior could use it. He had to give up what was probably packed by his mother, with instructions to eat it all. That was probably all he had in the world that day.

What would you give up to help feed someone or clothe them today? Do you drive by the guy that has a sign which says "Will Work For Food"?  How many warm coats do you need?  I think we can learn a lot from that kid. Jesus will call on you to give something up for others. It could be your time, money or talents. Are you willing to "give it up"?

Food for thought.

Marty

Encouraging Words From God. Day Two, Worries?? 1/26/2016

Good Morning,

The old skies dumped a little snow and ice on us last night. Not too bad and nothing to really worry about. My cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha coffee is steaming away begging to be consumed.

If someone says that they never worry about anything I would be highly doubtful of their ability to tell the truth. "Worry" although the word consists of only five letters, it can have an impact of immense proportions. Last night I spoke with a dear relative of mine who asked for prayer for her family member who is having surgery today. From her voice I could tell she was worried about the outcome of the surgery. This is a natural emotion that is caused in this case by extreme love for the person going through surgery. Than there are the worries that besiege people like losing a job, driving in the dark, old age, fear of having to speak in public. All of these are natural reactions to fears that are housed within us.

We often worry about things that we have no control over. Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions:

It is easier said than done to not worry about circumstances or the unknown. When I start to put on my worry hat I know I need more prayer time and again more time in God's Word. God addresses worry on many pages of the Bible. I have attached a few verses that I thought might help to calm a worried mind. Not my words, but words found in the Bible right form God, sent to your heart.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Psalm 23:4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Have a great day. Give those worries over to God.

Marty

Encouraging Words From God Day 1 1/25/2016

Good Morning,
May your coffee be hot and your mind cleared as you start the week. My Door County Candy Cane Coffee is going to dress this morning with a little gusto.

It seems wherever I turn these days I do not have to look very far to find someone who is discouraged and feeling down for various reasons. I get that way too and for those who aren't in that boat of troubles it is your time to encourage and lift up others.
   

Hebrews 12:12

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble

When I feel like I am sinking, I spend more time in God's Word. He is the only one who can truly take absolutely nothing and make something from it. So for the next couple of days we will share together from God's Word verses of encouragement and hope. Everyone needs encouragement from time to time.

So when you feel alone and are afraid;

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

 

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

 

When it feels like no one loves you;

 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 8:37-39 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved ...

Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I know this will help if you read and ask God for comfort. More tomorrow.

 

God Bless,

 

Marty

 

Lessons From Little League Baseball 1/24/2016

Good Morning,

I just woke up from a dream that I would gladly have gone back to for a few more minutes. Nothing like dreaming about the duck blind, the dog, and a few mallards setting into the decoys. But my Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee was calling from the kitchen and the dog was bouncing around, greeting me with enthusiasm to be fed. Maybe a nap later with the same dream??? One can hope.

Not only did I play Little League Baseball, but I also coached for several years. One of the hardest things to teach a young kid was to stay in the batters box. There is a tendency to "over avoid" a baseball that is thrown your way and  will probably hurt when it lands on your body. It is especially difficult to get a kid to stay in that box if they have experienced a "bean ball". You tell them to step up, hang in there, keep their eye on the ball and wow wouldn't you know it your pitcher has one slip and that poor kid has to hit the dirt before his brains get scrambled. It's real tough then to get them back in the box with confidence.

That is one reason why I did not let my little leaguers pitch batting practice. I wanted to save their arms for the games and I wanted to have someone with control place the pitches where I wanted them for each batter to practice on. We would start out with slower pitches while building up confidence in the timid hitter. We would use encouraging words and day by day speed up the pitch a little more. Once the confidence was achieved to a point where you could see it, we would throw one in at them a little high and tight. They would react in one of two ways with confidence. They would dodge the pitch if needed and step back in or if possible they would take that inside pitch and knock it into the outfield with pride.

We use the words "step up" all too often in life, especially in relationships when we want someone to grow out of their personal issues. Or when we want someone to step up to the next level of maturity, either personal or spiritual. I see this all the time in families and life in general. The same people who are using the words "step up" to challenge someone into growth are the worst pitchers in the world. They are the ones throwing the verbal "bean balls" of discouragement. We learned very quickly that you could not shame a kid into confidence. My assistant coaches would put a helmet on, lay on the ground in the batters box, putting themselves in harms way and hold a kids feet in place. They not only had to worry about a wayward pitch but also a baseball bat swinging around. Probably antique coaching styles for these days, but the point is this. They were in the box with that kid, battling with them, not against them. The whole time encouraging them  "you can do it, good job, here we go".

What kind of support are you to those around you who need to step up into something? Are you positive, supportive, an encourager or are you just a fan in the cheap seats that throws verbal assaults because you bought a ticket to the game of life? I find that these people have high expectations of others while their personal batting average in life is very low. They build up themselves by tearing others down. This is wrong. Scripture is very clear on this.

1 Thessalonians 5:11English Standard Version (ESV)
¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

So let's all step up and encourage instead of throwing the bean balls of discouragement.

God bless your day.

Marty

God Said What? 1/23/2016

Good Morning,

Do you know what happens every Friday? We start looking forward to Saturday. Well Saturday arrived and as I sip my Door County Jamaican Mountain Blue Blend Coffee I am laying out my chores and plans for the day. The sun is just starting to come up.

Genesis 1:3New International Version (NIV)

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in the book of Genesis. I really like reading about how God created the world. To think that when God was working out how to populate the world He was thinking about men and what they would need. I like to believe that even back then God knew who I would need and had her in mind.

Watching the sun come up and seeing the light that God spoke into existence makes me smile. But then He knew that it wasn't good for man to be alone. He then created the woman. That small act put in line for me many women that shaped my life. Great grandmothers, grandmothers, mother, aunts, sister, daughter and grand daughters have all impacted my life. And not last, not least, He made my wife. So every morning when I see the sunrise it is just a reminder of the many miracles of the opposite gender that God has sent my way to mold me and shape me.

Genesis 2:18New International Version (NIV)
¹⁸ The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Men, if that lump that was laying there snoring this morning and wearing those flannel pajamas is awake, take another look. She is a "God made" miracle just for you.

Have a great day!

Marty

Sweet Apple Pie 1/22/2016

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to all! The day has begun with our dog Gibbs deciding that jumping on me when the alarm clock went off would be a good idea. I cooked up some large soup bones last night and I think he knows that one is coming his way this morning. Dogs just amaze me sometimes.  My Door County Cherry Crème Coffee is steaming next to me while I write. Let's get this day started!

Last night I had a little extra time, so I defrosted some apples that we put up last fall and constructed an apple pie that was baling and filling the house with a sweet aroma.

Some people pay clinics large sums of money to experience "aroma therapy". Come on over to our house when the pie is baking. The aroma is free. I won't charge for a slice of pie and the coffee never runs out.

For me the baking apples was aroma therapy. In the aroma I was reminded of the spring blossoms which are always a favorite part of my year. I recalled how beautiful they look each spring and how I look forward to apple harvest with friends. I recalled eating apple cider donuts with my nephew while in the duck blind.  I remembered planting the oldest tree in our yard with one of our dogs over twenty years ago. I could picture many of the kids that climbed the trees during harvest time and at our picnics. Then I recalled Who gives us the apples and besides eating them how much more God has wrapped into those apple trees.

As I cut into the pie and slapped a little ice cream on it, I could not help but knowing we had been blessed. Funny just how much a baking apple can say.

Psalm 31:19New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ How abundant are the good things
    that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
    on those who take refuge in you

 

Enjoy your day. Count your blessings.

 

Marty

If I Only Knew Then, What I Know Now! 1/21/2016

Good Morning,

I hope this day is everything you hope it will be and more. I pray that your day is filled with spiritual growth and increased wisdom. The aroma of the Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee coming from the kitchen is taking me on a memory journey to apple picking last fall.

The year was 1975 and that is me with one of my old Fords. The picture is faded much like my memory. I wish I still had that car and especially that hair. 18 years old and boy I knew everything about everything. I was sure of myself and full of myself. My goal was to graduate, get a great job, get married and have 2.3 kids. I was going to set the world on fire. Later the world would beat me up, and swallow me for awhile.

Have you ever said, if I only knew then, what I know now. Well I would have went to study agriculture, married later, quit playing football after high school and saved my knees for my later life. I would have saved more money. I would have bought computer stock. I would have sought a relationship with Christ, and learned to pray. I would have sought wisdom from above. I did not know, what I didn't know. Wisdom, if only I had prayed and asked for wisdom.  Not Earthly wisdom, no, but Godly wisdom prayed for and received from God above as I needed it. The relationship with Christ was way overdue when I started that journey. My path, directed by me was leading to misery. I was running my life on my own wisdom, which we know was a thimble full of brains.

Proverbs 3:5-6New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

 

Like the scarecrow in the Wizard Of Oz movie, "If I only had a brain" back then and sought God for wisdom and instruction. What messes could I have avoided?

 

So dear friends, ask God for wisdom today. He will deliver as much as you need

 

James 1:5New International Version (NIV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Have a great day!

Marty

 



Come To Me, I Will Help 1/20/2016

Good Morning,

I heard the Door County White Christmas Coffee splashing into the pot and I knew that morning was calling me out of a very comfortable bed. So here I am with my mug to my right and the dog sitting on my feet. This is a great way to start any morning.

Matthew 11:28New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

I am watching some guys go through a rough time right now and my heart goes out to them. I can identify with their struggles and I can say that I tried their remedies for the hurt and anger long before they did. I went through some very rough times many years ago and I am sure that there will be more to come some day. I tried killing the pain of hurt and loneliness with beer and whiskey. I tried ridding myself of anger with bar brawls. I tried self help classes with good intentioned people. I tried hiding from the world. I even considered giving up totally, considering this world to be unfair and not worth living in.

But one night in 1981 I read Matthew 11:28 and took Jesus at His word of invitation that beckoned  me to come to Him. It did not say that I needed a Bible, money, or that I had to be perfect. He asked me to come just as I was. I did run to Him and I have never looked back. I am not what I should be even yet. I am not what I will be some day. But thank Jesus I am not what I was in 1981. He brought me into the Family of God, forgiven of my sins by His grace. He paid my way, on the cross, suffered and died on my behalf, then rose from the dead to prove He is God and defeat the sting of death for all who are saved in Him. I have never regretted this choice.

I still encounter trials and tribulations, but I know Who will carry me through. Not my relatives, not my friends, not some guru, but God Himself wants me to depend on Him to carry me.

This peace that surpasses all understanding comes by choice. The choice is Jesus Christ. So if you know someone with a struggle, all the advice in the world won't help as much as Jesus will. Only He can calm the storms of life. Only He can raise the dead. Only He can understand true abandonment and pain. Lead them to Jesus and let Him patch their broken wings so they can once again soar.

Show someone who is hurting that you care. Tell them all about the One who really wants to comfort them.

God bless,

Marty

Heaven Is In Your Eyes 1/19/2016

Good Morning,

I missed writing for a couple days due to a family emergency in Michigan. Like many things that happen, another couple adjustments will need to be made by the family. God was good to carry us through this one, and He will be there to help us navigate and survive the newest one. So my day has begun with the smell of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee coming from the kitchen. That alone is a treat on any morning.

Have you ever listened to a person, who when they speak about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or heaven, their eyes open wide and they seem to sparkle? They can't control their enthusiasm and it just spills out all over.

That's because they really understand this,

1. They are loved immensely and Jesus proved it by dying on the cross for their sins.
2. They have no fears despite what is seen. God is always with them.
3. They are not selfish and want to share the Good News Of God's love through Jesus.
4. They are excited because they are looking ahead to their eternal time in heaven.

Heaven is in their eyes! They know where they are going and who is there.

Hebrews 13:14New Living Translation (NLT)
¹⁴ For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.


John 14:2King James Version (KJV)
² In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you

When you look into their eyes and see their excitement, you see heaven. How enthused are you? Can people tell where you are headed?

Have a great day!

Marty

Marty

Long Trip Of Love 1/17/2016

Good Morning,

I woke up to the alarm clock singing a little more loudly than normal. We must have increased the volume by accident. I thought I was in a train station when that thing went off. What a start to this day. This Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee is just what I needed.

Exodus 20:12       

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

 

Later this morning I will be on the road for a trip to Upper Michigan. It wasn't a planned trip but one that is needed. You see, once you are born into a family you are always your parent's child. For the first part of your life you had them take care of you. Then you become independent and need them less, but they still worry about you and care for you whenever they can. Then comes the day when they and you become older and they need you.

 

My Dad called late last night which is odd for him to do. Being that late. it told me something was amiss. He called to inform us that his dog had passed away very unexpectedly. Our mother passed on several years ago and his faithful pup has been at his side though thick and thin. I could tell he was emotionally shaken as we all would be too. I grieve with him. He needs help in properly taking care of her remains. So with a heavy heart I will head up there and to bring her back with me and take care of her properly.

 

I can't heal his broken heart but I can honor him by showing respect today, love him by making the trip, and doing what needs to be done and it's our turn to worry about him. I can never repay all he has ever done for me, but if the roles were reversed and they have been many times, he was right there.

 

So if you are reading this and your parents are still with you. Consider it a blessing to be able to help them when they need it. Call them, visit them and you will be better for it.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

 

 

Gunned Down In Her Prime 1/16/2016

Good Morning,

Our weather warmed up for a couple of days and now it is headed back to the deep freeze. I really don't mind it getting colder. The fireplace is glowing right now. The dog is right next to me. Rene is still sleeping and my mug is filled with hot Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee. It is my imagination for sure, but it seems that when the temperature is super cold, the mornings are quieter.

We are usually and always will be some of the last people to take down our Christmas decorations. It takes days to get them all set out and days to pack them away. When our marriage began I came into it not owning any Christmas decorations except for one hand made wreath. Rene was more "Christmas established" than me.

 
Last week we packed that wreath away. Rene knew what I was thinking as I said "too soon". The wreath was given to me by a friend many years ago. We did youth work together,  for quite awhile. God called her to foreign missions and she left for an area that is still contentious with strife and terrorism.
I remember her asking me how I was going to celebrate Christmas the first year we knew each other. Personal times in my life were very tough that year and my reply was that I was not in the mood for much Christmas. She handed me a wrapped gift which turned out to be a wreath she had made from scraps of cloth. I actually hung it up that year and it has always been a bright spot for me when I display it for the holidays. Both Rene and I would love to keep the Christmas decorations up all year. But we choose to conform to social standards and they come down, but later than most.

Last week the process began and the wreath was put away for another year, wrapped in a protective cover. We have many Christmas treasures now, with memories of family, teens we worked with, dogs and trips we have taken. The wreath is one I cherish.

You see, my friend was gunned down by terrorists while working in a hospital in a far away land that was built to help all. This happened several years ago. I always say "too soon", when I look at that wreath. Her heart was set on serving our Lord in obedience to His call. She was extremely happy doing that and had no fear. There are times when I look at the wreath and can remember all the good we did together and all the things I learned as a new Christian from her. Then there are times when I get angry about the life that was taken by people she was sent to help.

Here is my point. My friend is in heaven, and did what she was called to do. She was gunned down instantly and never was captured or tortured. I believe I should find some happiness in that.  Her personal  happiness was in serving the Lord.  I realized this week that I still struggle with her death and now it is time to get over it. Someone told me yesterday that they heard the anger in a statement I made and wondered what set me off. The questioning of why this happened had to stop. In her life she inspired many teens and adults. In her death she inspired more, including me. I settled my struggle last night and it was through God's Word. It is not my job to judge those who did it. Their punishment or no punishment is in God's hands. He will deal with them in His way. It is not my right to question God as to why He called her to that region, or why He called her home at such a young age. She may have instilled a seed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in someone over there who can make a difference. I am sure she tried.

The content of the following verses is unusually long for this blog. But I share my heart and how I was confronted last night buy God through His word. I think next Christmas might have a little more peace for me.

Job 38

38 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

² “Who is this that obscures my plans
    with words without knowledge?
³ Brace yourself like a man;
    I will question you,
    and you shall answer me.

⁴ “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
    Tell me, if you understand.
⁵ Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
    Who stretched a measuring line across it?
⁶ On what were its footings set,
    or who laid its cornerstone—
⁷ while the morning stars sang together
    and all the angels^[a] shouted for joy?

⁸ “Who shut up the sea behind doors
    when it burst forth from the womb,
⁹ when I made the clouds its garment
    and wrapped it in thick darkness,
¹⁰ when I fixed limits for it
    and set its doors and bars in place,
¹¹ when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
    here is where your proud waves halt’?

¹² “Have you ever given orders to the morning,
    or shown the dawn its place,
¹³ that it might take the earth by the edges
    and shake the wicked out of it?
¹⁴ The earth takes shape like clay under a seal;
    its features stand out like those of a garment.
¹⁵ The wicked are denied their light,
    and their upraised arm is broken.

¹⁶ “Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
    or walked in the recesses of the deep?
¹⁷ Have the gates of death been shown to you?
    Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness?
¹⁸ Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?
    Tell me, if you know all this.

¹⁹ “What is the way to the abode of light?
    And where does darkness reside?
²⁰ Can you take them to their places?
    Do you know the paths to their dwellings?
²¹ Surely you know, for you were already born!
    You have lived so many years!

²² “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow
    or seen the storehouses of the hail,
²³ which I reserve for times of trouble,
    for days of war and battle?
²⁴ What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed,
    or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth?
²⁵ Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain,
    and a path for the thunderstorm,
²⁶ to water a land where no one lives,
    an uninhabited desert,
²⁷ to satisfy a desolate wasteland
    and make it sprout with grass?
²⁸ Does the rain have a father?
    Who fathers the drops of dew?
²⁹ From whose womb comes the ice?
    Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens
³⁰ when the waters become hard as stone,
    when the surface of the deep is frozen?

³¹ “Can you bind the chains^[b] of the Pleiades?
    Can you loosen Orion’s belt?
³² Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons^[c]
    or lead out the Bear^[d] with its cubs?
³³ Do you know the laws of the heavens?
    Can you set up God’s^[e] dominion over the earth?

³⁴ “Can you raise your voice to the clouds
    and cover yourself with a flood of water?
³⁵ Do you send the lightning bolts on their way?
    Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’?
³⁶ Who gives the ibis wisdom^[f]
    or gives the rooster understanding?^[g]
37 Who has the wisdom to count the clouds?
    Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens
³⁸ when the dust becomes hard
    and the clods of earth stick together?

³⁹ “Do you hunt the prey for the lioness
    and satisfy the hunger of the lions
⁴⁰ when they crouch in their dens
    or lie in wait in a thicket?
⁴¹ Who provides food for the raven
    when its young cry out to God
    and wander about for lack of food?

Have a great day. I am pretty tired. Last night was a long one. But well worth it.

Marty

Waking Up On The Right Side Of The Bed 1/15/2016

Good Morning,

If I could have one wish today it would be for time to stop for 15 minutes and everyone world wide, would stop what they were doing and enjoy some time with a friend. I would offer my friend a cup of my Door County White Christmas Coffee.

Psalm 118:24New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

The expression "Waking up on the right side of the bed" is often used when someone is diagnosed with being a little touchy, angry or crabby. An indication of this would be short, pointed responses, laced with a touch of anger. "They did not get up on the right side of the bed" or changed just a little, "they got up on the wrong side of the bed."

Each day we wake up from our sleep is a gift from God. The attitude we choose to exhibit throughout the morning and the rest of the day is our choice. We can choose to be a blessing to others. We can choose to be content. We can choose to find peace and happiness despite circumstances. Or, we can choose to be crabby and negative. I think I know the person we would all choose to meet. The attitude can be chosen within the first sixty seconds after waking up. We can be thankful to God for another day. Pray and ask to be a blessing to someone. It all starts in sixty seconds of prayer.

What do you do in that first sixty?  Pushups or prayer?

God Bless,

Marty

Cold Weather And Coats 1/14/2016

Good Morning,

This day is starting out with a bowl of oatmeal, a hot cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee, and a prayer for a friend who is fighting a very sore leg. Then I start the Old Ford Truck and head to work.

We have been right in the middle of a very cold weather front that has brought to us some below zero temperatures, a little snow, and bitterly cold winds.
As I was driving to work yesterday, I started counting my blessings. I was in a warm truck. There was a time in our marriage that one of our vehicles did not have heat and the winter was colder and longer than this one. We did not have the money to repair the truck at that time. So I just about froze a couple of times while driving to work. That was a time I think about very often on cold days.
Next I looked at my coat and was thankful for a very warm coat, hat and gloves.

I started to think about people who might be homeless, or not able to afford a warm coat. It was then that I heard about how the Milwaukee Police department had been collecting coats for those in need. I heard about people who were taking blankets to warm up shelters. Earlier this year Rene donated hats and mittens for those in need. The daily news is full of violence, crime and at sometimes just plain nonsense. But yesterday it seemed as if there was good news about those who were willing to help others. I arrived at work to find a bag of baby clothes that was donated and left for me to take to a crisis pregnancy center.  The baby clothes are used to assist those who need help in raising their child, who they decided to keep.

A lady from our church called me to ask how she could donate food to the needy. We had a plan figured out in no time flat! That is more of my passion. Our church has a functioning food pantry that three teen girls started many years ago. I can't help but think about those three when I place some food into the collection box. Those were three good kids.

So my last thought of gratitude was for those people who care and take action to help. It restored my faith in humanity to hear those stories.

Luke 3:11New International Version (NIV)
¹¹ John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

For me personally, I do like the winter season best! I like wearing warm clothes, hot fires in the fireplace, and spicy tea at night. I must admit though, that the stories I heard and the kindness I witnessed warmed my heart more than my coat, sweaters or wool scarf.

Have a great day with a warm heart.

Marty

Sold Out On God's Plan 1/13/2016

Good Morning,

My thoughts are with ten American Sailors held in Iran. I hope we hear that they have been released. My prayers at bed were for them and as I rose from the blankets today my prayers are with them.
My cup  is filled with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee to help these old bones warm up. Here we go.

Psalm 119:9-10New International Version (NIV)

⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.

 

How can any person stay on the right path of life? There is only one way to do it. By living according to God's Word found in the Bible. Now when I use the terms living according to God's Word, it implies that our life is constantly living that way. Psalm 119:10 states "I seek You with all my heart". This implies one that has sold out to God,  lives only for, can't do without, and desires nothing more.

 

People pay psychiatrists for counsel on behavior, parents speak to children until they are blue in the face, pastors counsel for hour and hours with wayward people, in vain. Before any of this will help, the individual must make a choice to desire righteousness, purity, honesty, and integrity. Once the choice is made the plan is simple, God's plan of living according to His Word. This is the one and only plan and can be written in any language. The Holy Spirit is the tutor to the individual. We are equipped to make it. Last of all God says for us to be courageous and not to fear for He is there with us. 

 

Joshua 1:9New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

 Sell out to the Plan! There is only one way.

 

God Bless,

 

Marty

It's Not What You See, It's How You See It. 1/12/2016

Good Morning,

It's a great day to be alive and drinking some Door County Raspberry Crunch Coffee. This day holds a lot of work ahead and then is capped off with Men's Bible Study tonight.

When I look at this picture I see the quiet of winter with trees blanketed in white. I see serenity at it's best. When others look at it they might see vegetation stalled within the hard cold grasp of winter. I see beauty, they see less than that, and would never have this picture hanging in their home. When I see quiet, others see the screaming wind of a blizzard. There are two, maybe more than two ways to look at this picture.

If both sides were to look at it the same way we would both be able to see that the snow is God's way of replenishing the streams with fresh water. Both sides should admit that the waterway is the source of life for animals, fish, birds, and plant life. If we look at this with unselfish eyes and hearts we can be content until our favorite part of this scene reappears and then not whine, it's too cold, or it's too hot now. This attitude is the act of putting others first. This attitude is actually "having the mind of Christ". Jesus showed us the ultimate in putting others first by dying on the cross for our sins. When we put others first we are imitating the life of Jesus. Putting others first let's them know that you love unconditionally. This is a great act of sacrifice and exemplifies what Christ desires in us.

1 Peter 3:8New International Version (NIV)
⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

 Philippians 2:2New International Version (NIV)

²    Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

 

Try this at home or work with family and friends. Put them first when asking, questions like, what should we do? Instead say what would you like to do? You might not like what they want to do. But just do it without keeping an account. The act of sacrifice without complaining just might become contagious and make for a home or work place that is happier.

 

Have a great day!

 

Marty

Gender Erosion 1/11/2016

Good Morning,

A full, hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog coffee awaits me when I finish the blog. No need for me to rush because the coffee just started brewing. My timer was a little off today.

It has been coming for awhile and sooner or later I was going to say something. We are living in times when gender roles are eroding. Here's my point, a man has to be a man. A boy has to be a boy. Men don't wear make up and they don't dress in a way that suggests feminine gender.

A man has to be tough and have strength of character. But a man of toughness and character also needs the element of gentleness. God stresses this in Scripture.

Galatians 5:22-23New International Version (NIV)
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Gentleness is an attitude that ought to be when facing personal opposition, exercising church discipline and when obeying God's Word.

Men need to be tough, yet open and approachable, strong yet tender, teachable and able to teach. The same way our Lord Jesus was. Tougher than nails yet compassionate enough to have children sit on His lap.

That's my thought and I am sticking to it.

God Bless,

Marty

How To Understand The Bible Part Two. 1/10/16

Good Morning.,

Yesterday was a great day guiding for pheasants and enjoying the company of some awesome hunters. I thought I would begin my day with some Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee and my Bible. Then it's on the road for day two of the great pheasant chase.

Last year I was able to capture a picture of a bald eagle in flight. I remember thinking to myself and saying what an experience it was to see the eagle that close and how cool it would be able to soar like an eagle.

What an experience that would be to be able to fly and soar. Many people are content with just plodding along in their personal walk with God. They read their Bible daily and never really experience the thrill of it, and they lack the ability to understand what they are reading. They go through life like a wart hog who we know will never fly. They run around and never really accomplish anything for God. They are content with being saved and really do not experience love, peace, joy correction or instruction when they read God's Word.

Perhaps they forget to pray before they sit down to read. The prayer would be a time to clean out any sin that could hinder your learning, and then to ask God to enlighten your reading. Ask for guidance and to be able to accept what is written and to be able to apply His will to your life.

James 1:5New International Version (NIV)
⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

PRAYER is a key to growing in the Word.

Have a great day, Read on!

Marty