Band-Aids And Religion 5/31/2016

Good Morning,

I hope this day finds you rested and at peace with all. My day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee. I am a little sore from the many chores we tackled over the weekend. But this too shall pass.

There is a bandage brand named "Band -Aid". They are a small adhesive bandage with a gauze pad in the middle. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. This is the brand that is kept in our bathroom closet and we use them all the time. They are great for small cuts, scrapes, blisters, small wounds and small burns. I have been wearing this brand since I was a little boy. They should be in every first aid kit, tackle box, vehicle and medicine chest.

What you wouldn't use them for is for severe bleeding, a heart attack, third degree burns, a stroke, or a nervous breakdown. Although I am very fond of these healing tools they would be undersized for any of those occasions and actually inappropriate for some. It would be like responding to a major building fire with a squirt gun or a bottle of water.

Too many people when faced with super sized challenges in life turn to religion to solve their problems. They try it because of emotions or peer pressure. Challenges like marriage, family deaths, divorce, loss of jobs, caught in a crime, or serious illness cause people to seek help. They seek answers found in what they call religion. They go to church, they try reading the Bible and they try prayer. When it does not feel right or go as expected, they become impatient and try a new form of religion (service). They figure if they try to be good and do good things they will be entitled to a blessing of happiness.

This my friends would be like taking a Band-Aid to thoracic surgery or to a limb amputation. You see they jumped into religion by bypassing the most important step. They never started a relationship with Jesus Christ, inviting Him to be their Lord and Savior. They want the blessing without turning their lives over to Jesus. In many instances they return to the sins which caused them the most grief. They have no assurance of heaven through Jesus and in death they are miserable and can see no hope.  In all seriousness their religion has been there own selves. They wanted  happiness instead of love, peace and contentment found in Jesus Christ. Instead of being free from sin and unshackled from guilt, they are burdened by the world and all it has to offer, because they tried religion and not Jesus. They are confused between religion and relationship.

Jesus said.

Matthew 16:24-26English Standard Version (ESV)

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Friends tell them the truth, Religion without Jesus is just religion. With Jesus it is more, It is an invitation to a lasting relationship of love, salvation and obedience.

Have a great day.

Marty

A Day To Remember 5/30/16

Good Morning,

I can hear a train coming in the distance, it's horn sounding at crossings. The sound is familiar, but for some reason today it sounds lonely. My cup of Door County Dublins Delight Coffee is at my side as well as our faithful dog Gibbs. Sometimes I think he is my second shadow.

John 15:13King James Version (KJV)
¹³ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

 

Today in the United States we are remembering our men and women who have fought for our freedom and gave the supreme sacrifice of losing their life on the battle field. Around the world soldiers have fought for freedom against those who would have them and us oppressed. It is very important to remember today. It is not a day to kick off the summer. It is not just a day off of work. It is a day to remember their sacrifice and if possible comfort their families. It is a day to be quiet in the cemeteries and allow those who grieve, to do so in peace and privately. It is a day to be thankful for those men and women who gave it their all and are still doing so today.

This day and every day should also serve as a reminder of the One who died on Calvary that we might live free for eternity. Jesus paid the price that we might have victory over sin and death.

John 3:16King James Version (KJV)
¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It would be nice if we did not have to observe a day when men and women were killed in battle for us. But that would be a dream and one I would not want to wake up from. So say a little prayer for peace and understanding. At the end of our chat I have attached a poem written in 1915. That one sound lonely too.

God bless,

Marty

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Inspiration for “In Flanders Fields”

Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, 1st Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. ⁽¹⁾

During the early days of the Second Battle of Ypres a young Canadian artillery officer, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed on 2^nd May, 1915 in the gun positions near Ypres. An exploding German artillery shell landed near him. He was serving in the same Canadian artillery unit as a friend of his, the Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae.
As the brigade doctor, John McCrae was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis because the chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.

 

How Do You Measure? 5/29/2016

Good Morning,

It is a little damp at the picnic table this morning. Heavy rains came last night and watered the Earth for us. Although cool in temperature out here, the sunrise I watched this morning from the arena of our own yard was worth braving the dampness  and the cool breeze. My mug of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee just adds more to this setting of peace and tranquility

In my brief case I carry a 12 inch stick ruler. I have had that ruler with me for close to thirty years. It's good for a measuring small items to draw things to scale. On one side it has a metal edge that stays straight. I very often use it to make a quick sketch for project planning.

My ruler has other purposes also. When I look at it the ruler reminds me of the "golden rule".

Matthew 7:12New Living Translation (NLT)

The Golden Rule

¹² “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

 

The second purpose, is that it reminds me not to judge others. We often judge others and we forget that as we judge, we shall also be judged. We are quick to jump to conclusions, and slow to jump to prayer.

Matthew 7:2English Standard Version (ESV)
² For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

The third purpose found in my ruler is the metal straight edge. It is tried and true and always delivers a straight line. It reminds me to keep my life straight and always walk with God.

Proverbs 4:26New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁶ Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path

 

The last purpose of this implement of work is to remind me of who my Ruler is. And who is the Ruler of all.

 

Second Chronicles 20:6 “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”

This old ruler has become like my pocket knife. It has been with me a ling time. While many whip out sketches quickly on a computer, this old guy whips out a pencil and a straight edge. I can perform the duties on a computer but when it doesn't matter, I break out my pencil and my ruler. They see and old guy working with aged implements. I see more!

God bless,

Marty

Music Until Dawn 5/28/2016

Good Morning,

This day finds me a little tired. For some unknown reason I haven't been sleeping very well. I am really enjoying a big cup of Door County Caramel Pecan Scones Coffee as a write to you. I wish you were here to share this carafe with me.  The thought of us doing that makes me smile. Some of you that read this I haven't met. It would be nice to meet. For others it would be a great reunion. Each day no matter who you are, you are part of my heart and life. God bless you.

It is so quiet and peaceful here today. There is a  heavy breeze and a little drizzle in the air. I decided to stay indoors and write from my desk. In the den where my desk is located I am surrounded by books, pictures, animals that visited the taxidermist, plaques and my guns. It's like my own personal museum. On top of one book case sits a small stereo system. This morning I have the radio portion tuned into my favorite Gospel station. This station, VCY America is a conservative broadcasting company.

VCY has this one program that I love to listen to. When I am up early sitting in the den, or on my way to a duck hunt I turn to that station and listen to "Music Till Dawn". The music is all classic Gospel hymns and tend to be soft and sweet. I do this seven days a week at home or in my truck.  The music always exalts God and is soothing to my heart, soul, and mind.

God created us to be instruments with the ability to sing and make music. Music is an important part of worship and praise to God, so it only seems fitting that bible verses about music can be found throughout scripture.

 

Job 35:10         

"But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,

Psalm 33:2          Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

Judges 5:3                  "Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers! I--to the LORD, I will sing, I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel.

Psalm 98:4

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.
 

I recommend combining soft music that exalts Jesus with your study time. It's good for the heart.

Have a great day. May your heart sing a new melody!

Marty

When Life Doesn't Make Sense 5/27/2016

Good Morning,

What could be better than Friday in my headlights and a three day weekend ahead? Mix in a cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and it's a winner.

Sometimes we struggle to understand the events of our lives. When life is difficult, how can we make sense of what doesn’t seem to make sense? I have attached several Bible verses to help when life just doesn't make sense.

When life doesn’t make sense, we go to the One who knows all and sees all.
When we don’t understand, we trust in the One who understands. The Only One who understands. He is our light in the storm.

God is God, nothing changed.
Psalm 46:10, ESV Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

God Knows. God Understands.
It may not make sense to us, but it makes sense to God. There are some things that we just don’t have the capacity to fully understand right now.

Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

John 11:35, KJV Jesus wept.
#3 God loves you very deeply – His love for us is profound, incomprehensible, unfathomable and everlasting

Jeremiah 31:3, NIV …I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

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

God has not forgotten you – Don’t give up on God
We may feel heart broken. We may remember and cry. We may feel sad and alone, and our grief might threaten to overwhelm us. We may even be tempted to think God has forgotten us. But nothing could be a bigger lie.  God has not forgotten about you! God loves you and cares so very much about you! Don’t give up.

Psalm 42:3-11 “Day and night I cry, and tears are my only food… My heart breaks when I remember the past… Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God… my heart is breaking, and so I turn my thoughts to him. He has sent waves of sorrow over my soul; chaos roars at me like a flood… May the LORD show his constant love during the day, so that I may have a song at night, a prayer to the God of my life. To God, my defender, I say, “Why have you forgotten me?… Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.” (Good News Translation)

Isaiah 49:15-16a, NLT …Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
God is our strength. He is strong when we are weak.

Deuteronomy 33:27a, NLT The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.

Psalm 9:9, NIV The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Reach out to God for Comfort, Hope,  and Reassurance. He will not leave us alone

Psalm 94:19 NLT When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 147:3, NIV He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

John 14:18 KJV I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

God Cares! God is here to help us
1 Peter 5:7, NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

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

Isaiah 41:13, ESV For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
 
Trusting God even when it doesn't make sense.
Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV 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.
It might not make sense now, but it will.

John 13:7, NIV Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.


I hope that today finds you not needing this at all. But if you do, hang in there.

God bless,

Marty

A Birthday Gift For Me 5/26/2016

Good Morning,

 That cup of Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee will be brewed any second now and it will be my companion on my ride to work. To work and beyond! Chicken on the grill tonight after a day earning a living sounds pretty good to me.

Yesterday we celebrated Rene's birthday. We treated ourselves to a dish of Custard at a place called Georgie Porgies. I rate it a ten!

I was able to find just the right birthday card for her and a nice gift of earrings which I mentioned yesterday. Rene is always gracious and she thanked me several times for the evening, the card and the gift. It was my pleasure to see her smile!

What I need to do now is write a thank you note to God. We celebrated her birth but yet the day she was created God knew who she would eventually marry. On the day Rene was born God prepared for me a gift that lasts a lifetime and for us eternity. I wasn't there that day and we did not meet for a long time. But that gift was waiting for me. Rene received some earrings, I received her. Her birthday was God's gift to me.

Psalm 139:13New International Version (NIV)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

So when you look across the table at someone you love tonight, tell them this. "You know you are God's gift to me."

Love to all.

Marty

It's A Small World After All 5/25/2016

Good Morning,

Nothing like waking up to the sound of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee brewing in the kitchen. It should be done in a couple minutes. I just know there will be a stop for some frozen custard tonight.

Yesterday I had a lot on my mind, as well as today. As I was preparing to leave work and go home a friend of mine asked me what I was doing after work. Today is Rene's birthday and I wanted to pick up a little something to give to her today. My fall back plan is always to stop at a jewelry store and bring home a small bobble that says I love you. I am a creature of habit and am loyal to good service. I struggled with going yesterday and thought that I would wait a day and stop this afternoon and shop. Something drew me to go yesterday in a big way. I went to my favorite jewelry emporium and started to browse. A young lady asked if she could help me. I thanked her and said, "if I see something I like I will let you know." She stuck around and when I wanted to see a particular set of earrings she helped me most graciously. I forgot to take off my work ID badge and during my purchase her co-worker noticed where I work and made small talk about the organization I work for. Soon we found out that we both go to the same clinic, and we have a mutual friend. This co-worker asked me how I knew her friend and I replied that I knew her and her husband from church. She asked me about my church and I told her about it and what I do. I gave her the web site address for this blog. As the original lady was finishing the sale she asked me "were you talking about church?" I told her we were. In a short time she let me know that she was going through a personal rough time. I listened and promised that I would pray for her and the situation.  I knew then why God pulled me to go there yesterday. As I write this I am praying for her as I promised and will continue.

Only God knew where I was going. He knew the best time and the correct day. The directions came from heaven, God let me know that the world is very small and He connects the dots. He used my employer, my friend, Rene's birthday, our church and a co-worker to send a smile and a promise of prayer that was kept and will be kept.

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

When I read John 3:16 I see that god so loved the world. To me the world is a big place, but yesterday God "smalled" it up for me and let me know that where I am is the part of the world He wants me to be.

Life is an adventure. Are you on one? I am never bored.

God bless,

Marty

The Lord Gives and He??? 5/24/2016

Good Morning,

I embraced this morning with a wake up smile, a dog running around to get outside and chase a robin eating my grass seed and the java machine spewing out some Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. What a start to the day!

We all heard the Bible verse from the book of Job.

Job 1:20-22English Standard Version (ESV)
²⁰ Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. ²¹ And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
²² In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

In this chapter of Job we see that Job has lost everything, family, livestock, and homes. The losses incurred by Job were huge. I would like to think about this gives and takes away theme for a minute.

Have we ever looked at it this way?The Lord gives and the Lord takes away so that He can give us what is better for us?

For instance I had a friend who lost his drivers license due to being drunk behind the wheel. He was forced to ask for rides or take the bus. The circumstances caused him to ask God to show him the good in losing his drivers license. While riding the bus, my friend would look up the news on his smart phone. He was reading an account of a drunken driver who went the wrong way down the road against traffic. Part of his being able to avoid jail was that he had to attend sobriety classes. He realized that he had been sober for a year and he hadn't had to feel the guilt of killing people with his car. God took away and gave. God gave him freedom.

I remember being lonely and praying about it. I lost my job and ended up working in a hospital. I thought losing my job was the worst thing that could happen. Did I mention that I met my wife there at the hospital? We have been married for a 1000 years. Sometimes God has to take things away in order to give us better things or thoughts.

This leaves us with a choice, When what we deem as bad , or when things are taken away, do we have the faith to trust God for the outcome? I read an account of a lady who lost her child in a mass shooting. It was written that she had extreme peace. When asked about it she replied " I had her for six years. She is in heaven now and will never see the loss of her own child, or cancer, I trust that God saved her from something else. I am thankful for the six years I was given. I can't imagine the last six years without her.

Friends the sun is coming up and it's time to get ready for work. Oh, by the way the sun will come up again tomorrow. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Marty

Encouragement Dear Friends 5/23/2016

Good Morning,

I have completed my weekend and as was expected Old Monday showed up. So I greet the day and salute the past weekend with a cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. I will head to work soon with my mug in my hand and a prayer on my heart.

Although my weekend was awesome and I accomplished much, it also had it's moments of troubles. I received several prayer requests for people in poor health, marriage turmoil, issues with unbridled teenagers, and a few other things. I consider it a blessing to be called upon to pray.

Isaiah 41:10New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ 

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

To all those who are reading this and found it hard to put two feet on the floor and go on with life, today I offer this encouragement.

1. Know you are loved.
2. Allow others to pray for you and with you. Pray without ceasing.
3. Do not let pride or fear stop you from letting others befriend you.
4. God is right next to you.
5. Pick up your Bible and let God speak words of comfort to you.
6. The sun will rise tomorrow.

You can and will make it through with the help of God.

Love you.

Marty

Sweet Peach Tea And The Fruit Of My Labors

Good Morning,

I wish you were here with me today. I have Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee to share. We would be munching on delicious apple slices covered with pure maple peanut butter and passing the bowl of Mandarin oranges around. I can hear the doves cooing from the apple tree and an occasional goose flies over honking away just to drive the dog crazy. Once again life is good from the picnic table.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8New International Version (NIV)
⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 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.

This time of year finds us all in or yards fixing them up from the damage of winter. It seems as if I just get it finished and then it's time to put the yard away for a long winter's nap. I am one who loves the fall and my wife is a summer gal. My goal is to have this place done so she can enjoy it before the leaves fall.

Galatians 6:7New International Version (NIV)
⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Yesterday I started the first of many flower beds that Rene loves to see. She would be the first to admit it. Whatever plants are planted, what she completes in two hours, I have done in 30 minutes. I believe she doddles just to see me get frustrated with her productivity and take over. LOL

What makes me smile is when she comes home from work and surveys the yard and she sees freshly mown green grass and a few more flowers set in their place, is that big grin and the hug I receive. Out on one of the flower beds this morning sits a pot of sweet peach sun tea waiting for the sun to come up and brew the mixture. Later tonight I will hear ice cubes being dropped into a glass and that familiar voice calling from the kitchen. "want some of that sweet tea Babe"? I will drink some of the fruits of my labor  from this same picnic table. In this house, what goes around comes around.

Make someone else smile today. Just because you can.

Marty

Ducks, Hardware and Church 5/21/2016

Good Morning,

It's been sometime now since the lap top made it's way to the patio. The fancy table and chairs have not been put out for the summer yet. My cup of Door County Cherry Coffee, the dog and me are enjoying the morning from the 25 year old picnic table. The table was made by my friend John who has gone on to heaven. Like everything he built, he made them to last. Time at the patio with my robin chasing Springer Spaniel, sunshine and coffee. What a great day! Chores later!!!!

I was talking with a friend this week who is now pretty much confined to home. The things he did while younger are memories now. Age has taken it's toll and mobility is long gone. He now waits for visits from friends and does activities that do not require leaving the senior center.

Ecclesiastes 12New Century Version (NCV)

The Problems of Old Age

12 Remember your Creator
    while you are young,
before the days of trouble come
    and the years when you say,
    “I find no pleasure in them.”
² When you get old,
    the light from the sun, moon, and stars will grow dark;
    the rain clouds will never seem to go away.
³ At that time your arms will shake
    and your legs will become weak.
Your teeth will fall out so you cannot chew,
    and your eyes will not see clearly.
⁴ Your ears will be deaf to the noise in the streets,
    and you will barely hear the millstone grinding grain.
You’ll wake up when a bird starts singing,
    but you will barely hear singing.
⁵ You will fear high places
    and will be afraid to go for a walk.
Your hair will become white like the flowers on an almond tree.
    You will limp along like a grasshopper when you walk.
    Your appetite will be gone.
Then you will go to your everlasting home,
    and people will go to your funeral.

⁶ Soon your life will snap like a silver chain
    or break like a golden bowl.
You will be like a broken pitcher at a spring,
    or a broken wheel at a well.
⁷ You will turn back into the dust of the earth again,
    but your spirit will return to God who gave it

I thought about getting older and I made a short list of the things that I hope age does not rob me of. I know there will be many changes in life, there always are. I will miss taking Rene on her quest for antiques with stops at the custard shops.  I dread the day when we can't have them anymore. I will miss my numerous wanderings in the hardware stores on Saturdays in search of this or that for my little projects. I will certainly miss the duck hunting with my dogs, my friends and my family. My nephew better have an ADA compliant boat by then. He will have a line of guys that he will need to take out at least once per year. I picture myself wrapped in a camo blanket, sleeping through the morning and peeing my Depends when they wake me up by shooting.  But I sure would want to be there.

What I will miss most is going to church and being able to minister with others and see weekly the miracles that go on in the lives of others. I look forward to seeing my church family every week and sometimes more than that. This last 18 months, one of our dearest friends has been unable to get to church because of health issues. She tries to get there but  her health does not permit it yet. It will return again soon! When she is there we see a big smile on her face. It's not because of the speaker, we all know I am a putz. If I had to make a living as a speaker I would starve to death. But the smile she displays is because she is in the house of the Lord to worship corporately with friends and family.

I drive an old buddy to church once a month. We take turns picking him up and it is a highlight for him. He wants to be in God's house with God's people. Let's all remember that and make room for the elderly in the car.  But be forewarned, don't be the one who sits in the nursing home wishing they had done more while they were younger. Don't miss church now, make the most of getting there and giving of yourself. Each day brings us closer to not being able to hop in the car and go.

Have a great day. Enjoy some time outside.

Love you!

Marty

Real Men Have Hay Fever Attacks 5/20/2016

Good Morning,

We are jumping for joy today. I was able to finish the plumbing for the kitchen remodel despite some difficulties. The first time in a month that the kitchen sink worked so I could fill the coffee pot without going to the laundry tubs. So this cup of Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee is not only tasting good, it is part of a celebration. Kitchen project 50% complete. On to the electrical!

1 Thessalonians 5:18King James Version (KJV)
¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Last evening when I came home from work Rene met me in the driveway with our dog Gibbs. It is always funny to watch them interact with each other. They both think they are in charge of the other.
I stepped out of the truck and she told me that there was a fruit basket that had been delivered for me. I asked who it was from and she said she did not read the card. She did not want to ruin the surprise. I think she peeked, because she was to anxious for me to read the card.

It was from a dear group of people who felt they needed to thank me for doing my job. What they don't know is that because of them I look forward to going to work. It is a beautiful basket full of fruit and other goodies. I was looking at it and I had short attack of hay fever. It hit my eyes and soon after my nose was running. I needed to get outside away from the basket. Rene followed me out. "Hay fever Hon? she asked. I nodded yes. She said "I know".

You see friends, despite the theory that people have these days that it's ok to for a man to shed a tear I believe that real men do not cry. They do however occasionally have a hay fever attack that could be mistaken for real tears. Rene understands real men and just leaves them alone until they feel better.

As I was munching on a piece of fruit later and planning my coffee for the day, I looked up toward heaven and acknowledged each of them with prayer and thanked the Good Lord for giving me a great bunch of people to work with.

Take time to be thankful for those God has put in your path of life. I know one of them is leaving us soon and I just might have a hay fever attack that day. What they don't know is that a few years ago I prayed to be on an A team, they were an answer to prayer. I wanted to be of off of the road I in  place that would be a work home. I didn't expect to be blessed with a work family. God is good.
Have a wonderful day. Say thanks to those God has given you to be with today.

Marty

The Savory Smell Of Summer 5/19/2016

Good Morning,

Let's start this day with a kind thought on our minds and sweet words on our lips. The old cup is filled with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. My shoes were filled with a dog bone that Gibbs dropped inside. I will remember to put those shoes away tonight for sure.

Oh man! Yesterday sure was beautiful in these parts. I could tell from the warmth of the sun on my head and the need for sun glasses. The third hint that it was a beautiful day was the aroma in the air. When I arrived home and stepped out of the truck the sweet aroma of grilled foods was billowing through the air, waking up my sense of smell. The wake up call to my nose caused a wake up call to my stomach which really never sleeps anyway. The smell of barbecued beef was overwhelming my ability to focus on reading the mail. My nose kept taking me to the vault in my mind loaded with recipes and what I would cook for dinner. I decided to start smoking some pork for today.

Rene and I have a goal for the summer which includes opening our home to a few back yard barbecues with friends and family. Summer is short in our area of the world and one has to make the best of it. I assessed the yard and no doubt it still needs some work. We have to finish the remodeling of the kitchen. It will all get done. But despite the work not being finished we are going to take time to enjoy these warm sunny days before they are gone. There will only be one summer of 2016. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.


Proverbs 17:22New King James Version (NKJV)

²² A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Take some time to enjoy the sunshine and pass on your merry heart to others. To know you is to love you.

God bless,

Marty

Smiling Back At You 5/18/2016

Good Morning,

My cup contains Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee this morning. It has been a long night and the day will drag on a little. But it's good to be alive and well.

When you plant flowers and my wife plants a lot of them you start from a seed. The seed is planted and watered. The seed begins to grow and soon blooms into the flower it was intended to be. She loves that process and describes it as one off the small miracles she sees every year. Rene says that when she sees her garden full of color it makes her smile. When the wind moves the flowers a little, to her it is like God smiling back at her. He gave her the seeds, the soil, the water and the sun. She trusted  Him to provide the miracle of growth.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all of the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

Have a great day,

Marty

Putting The Snow Blowers Away 5/17/16

Good Morning,

Going with Door County Cherry Creme Coffee in my mug this morning. Still fighting off a cold.  So the Cherry Creme is comfort java. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself nicely.

Last weekend I ran both snow blowers with gas preservatives in the fuel tank. I ran the equipment until the fuel tanks were empty.  I changed the oil and put my snow storm battle implements away until next winter.

Sunday our neighbor came over to ask if I could help them do the same for their snow blower. It seems that theirs would not start.

Last night armed with a new spark plug, new gas line and some tools, we fixed the snow muncher in about 30 minutes.

We have removed snow for each other last winter as we have in past winters. This is how neighbors should work together. Wouldn't it be nice if neighboring countries could work together for a common good around the world?

It's a lofty wish, but one worth working for. So how do we find that? Jesus is the answer. He saves souls, heals broken hearts, empowers forgiveness,  restores relationships and shows us the greatest example of love.

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on Earth and those under the Earth,  
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,  to the glory of God the Father. 

Now that will be a sight!

Marty.

Look Beyond The Beauty, See The Heart 5/16/2016

Good Morning,

It's time to rise and shine and get started with the week. The day has begun with prayer and some Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. The last two days have been very busy to say the least. I went to bed tired last night!

I have posted a picture I took from beneath one of our flowering crab trees yesterday. My view was spectacular, no doubt. But my view of what was beyond was blocked by the beauty that smothered what I could see up and outward. You could say I was blinded by the beauty of the blossoms. I could barely see the sun and the clouds let alone the birds nest that nestled on the other side of the tree near the top.

1 Samuel 16:7English Standard Version (ESV)
⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I am afraid that we often are blinded by beauty, flashy smiles or outgoing personalities when we choose our friends, or business associates. We should be looking beyond what we see and measure the heart of a man or woman. I once was a member of a church where a young man asked the music director if he could sing a solo in church. The boy was born with Downs Syndrome. I listened for a response from the music director. Sadly he replied that the calendar was filled and that he would get back to this kid. I knew that was a lie and that he was hoping that the boy would forget. He did not see the heart of this boy that loved Jesus so much He wanted to sing. What he based his decision on was the possibility that the song would be off key and poorly performed. It wasn't too long before God moved this director to a new job where his ego could be boosted larger than it already was.  Needles to say his new job did not last long and the best he could do later was to hold several low paying jobs just to pay his bills. He was more concerned with the performance than the heart of the boy.

Don't be blinded by strength and beauty. Check for a heart beat. This director had one of the best tenor voices I have ever heard. He was awesome to listen to. But I soon lost my appetite for his ego. Last I heard, he isn't even singing anymore.

God bless,

Marty

Don't Poke The Bear 5/15/2016

Good Morning,

I must apologize for getting this out so late today. I am coming down with a cold and was wiped out. So sleep seemed to be the best option for my health. My mug is filled with Door County Caramel Pecan Scones Coffee today. This flavor is really smooth and soothing to a sore throat.

Have you ever wondered why simple disagreements between two people turn into major battles? People who know each other very well know just what to say to get right to the heart of the other person in a bad way. They know the history of each other and have hidden deep within their hearts that flaming arrow they can call upon to hurt and remind the other person of their time of failure or a flaw in their life. This is usually met with an immediate response of equal devastation or even escalated a bit. This is like poking a bear and expecting it to want to cuddle with you. Utter disaster awaits that theory in your life.

Proverbs 18:21New International Version (NIV)

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

I have some young friends who will be getting married this summer and the one thing I want to talk to them about is how to disagree without disaster. The one thing they must understand is the power of the tongue. The tongue, combined with a memory that does not have an erase button or a delete box is a dangerous way to maintain relationships.

 Newton's third law of physics states, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. The size of the forces on the first object equals the size of the force on the second object.

In our Scripture verse for today we see that the tongue has the power of life and death. In either way the tongue can be unleashed for good or mayhem. That requires a choice by the owner of the tongue. In a time of disagreement we all have that little voice (Holy Spirit) that says "don't go there, don't poke that bear". But in our own wisdom we decide it's a good idea to cause hurt, pain or sorrow and then wonder why we receive the barrage that comes back to us. We all know when we went where we shouldn't have during a disagreement. These reserve attack zingers are left best disarmed and put away.

Proverbs 12:18New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

But a couple who are wise in the Lord have both learned to control their tongue which produces the opposite reactions and good fruit.

Yes my friends learn there will always be disagreements but learn to disagree with grace, forgiveness and self control as the mediator of the disagreement.  Don't  poke the bear.

Marty

Don't Leave Me Behind. 5/14/2016

Good Morning,

Saturday is here. Just love those Saturdays! Today began with a big cup of Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee from the Door County Coffee Company. Sleep is over rated on Saturday. Have to get going. Lots to do.

Our Springer Spaniel Gibbs watches our every move. If it appears that we are leaving to go outside or somewhere else he eagerly waits to hear  "Gibbs let's go". He doesn't hesitate and his tail wags as he waits for the door to open.

Then there are the mornings when I we have to leave for work and Gibbs cannot go along. As we leave, I can see him sitting, looking out of a side window on our front door. His sad eyes are obviously saying "don't leave me behind". He sleeps by that window and watches for us to return. When he anticipates our return and I am pulling into the driveway his face is glued to the window.

When we leave him behind and  I see those sad eyes it does bother me. Now we are talking about our family pet. Some day there might be friends and family we leave behind because we never told them about the love of Jesus and His plan of salvation for a lost world.  Jesus is coming back and those who have not received Him as Lord and Savior will be left behind..

John 14:1-4  Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God believe also in Me. 
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. 
And if I go to prepare a place for you,  I will come again and receive you to Myself;  that where I am you may be also. 

One of the happiest days of our lives could also be a sad day. Can you imagine others looking at you as you go to heaven for eternity and they cannot,because you didn't help them find Jesus and His love?

Watch your dog now. It is a perfect example of how it might look on that final day.

Marty

Friday The Thirteenth 5/13/16

Good Morning,

I am not at home this morning to make a pot of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. Soon I will be at work and ready to face the day and put the weekend on my agenda.

There are a lot of superstitions regarding Friday the 13th. And that is exactly what they are, superstitious nonsense. God has made each day and for anyone to believe that He would make one just for bad luck is ridiculous.

When we even just joke around about the stigma of the famous day recognized by the foolish, we play into false beliefs about God's creation.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.

God gave us this day as a gift. Let's do something good with it.

God bless,

Marty.

Not A Fan Of Jesus? 5/12/2016

Good Morning,

How can it be morning already? Where did the night go? I filled my cup with hope, and Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. My day has begun a little earlier and will run into the evening. I should come home to new countertops for the kitchen. The lilacs are starting to bloom and the apple trees are adorned with blossoms. It sure looks nice.

Don't panic because of the title. I haven't gone to the dark side. Let me explain my statement. I don't want to be called a fan of Jesus Christ. To be a sports fan I have to sit in a seat and cheer on the team from the sidelines. As a fan, as many do, they show their displeasure with the team when they are not performing the play that we think is best. They show their displeasure by booing and yelling at the team or the coaches. As a fan I am not involved in the plays on the field. The coaches really do not want to let me play.

I prefer to be called a follower of Jesus. I follow the Leader. He let's me get involved in His work. He leads me in ways that are best. His team does not lose. I am important to Him and Jesus is the One who cheers me on to do my best. I am part of the greatest team ever assembled. His feats will never be broken or erased. Not a fan, but a follower, that's me.

Matthew 4:19New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁹ Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

God Bless,

Marty

Why Not Jesus ? 5/11/16

Good Morning,

Waking up today for me was greeted with enthusiasm. I feel good and I went to bed last night knowing the Door County Chocolate Meltdown Coffee would be ready at 4:30AM.  Let's get this day going.

For the last few days I have been conducting a very unofficial poll. I have been watching the news, listening to conversations, and making notes on the content of the conversations and the news broadcasts.

I have heard about grandchildren, pets, automobiles, aches, pains, baseball scores, football drafts, politics, where to shop, where to boycott,  shootings, gun control, what bathrooms to use or not use. These were the most talked about subjects.

Not outside of church and our home did I hear anyone discuss Jesus Christ and their relationship with Him.

I heard someone talk on and on about their children but not about being saved by Grace through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

I think we Christians like to say "put Christ back into Christmas". I think we need to put Him back into every day!

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,  Christ died for us.

Now that is worth talking about.

God bless,

Marty

Political Correctness 5/10/2016

Good Morning,

Maybe my Door County Cherry Creme Coffee will wake me up and get me going today.  I think going to bed a little earlier would help.

Yesterday I spoke about the subject of good manners. Some of the feedback I received was not too positive.  I was surprised to hear that some prefer not to have doors held open for them.  Nor do some expect their children to say thank you to strangers.

I take those comments and listen. But when it comes to acts of politeness and kindness I will always error on the side of both.

When being kind or respectful I have never felt bad for doing either one. Avoiding being kind and polite is wrong. Not being kind or polite means we are either being mean or complacent.

James 4:17 Therefore to those who know to do right and do not do it, to them it is a sin.

Seriously, many social ways of showing respect have disappeared like saying sir or mam. If being politically correct means I have to not show respect or kindness, then call me politically incorrect.

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Marty

Please And Thank You. Gone But Not Forgotten 5/9/2016

Good Morning,

Home from our vacation and headed to work this morning. I am glad to be drinking some Door County Cinnamon Biscotti Coffee to help me keep the vacation memories alive.

Today my ramblings will be short and probably not too sweet at all. Over the last few days I have been in a position to hold open doors as people entered or exited some establishments we visited. Rene always says thank you when I get the door for her. I can't say that about for around 60% of the others.

Last night we were dining out and our waitress asked if she could fill my water glass for the third time. I answered yes please and thanked her. She checked on us several times during our meal. However not far from us I watched a table that was somewhat louder and they would catch the eye of the waitress ans just point to their coffee cups or their empty bottles. She would hustle for another refill of their beverages, but not one thank you did I hear.

I am not the tallest guy around but I can be extended with a chair. While down by the pool yesterday a mom and two children were enjoying some early morning splash time. Both kids had helium balloons with them. I assumed that balloons were sent to mom for mothers day and as all good moms would do she gave each child one to play with. The balloons were tied to a table leg for safe keeping. As with any helium filled balloon and any kid, one balloon ended up released to the ceiling by accident, causing an outburst of tears from the oldest child. Fortunately the ceiling where the balloon escaped to was not very high. It was however out of reach for this little dude and I would need a chair extension to get it. Mom had her hands full with a two year old who needed to be attended near the water. I asked this ( assumed to be around five year old) if he would like for me to retrieve his balloon. He replied "yes". I erected my balloon lift and retrieved the balloon, tied it lightly to his wrist and walked toward my towel so I could leave.

Mom now commented finally and said "come on kids we have to leave soon". No thank you came my way. I did not need a thank you, nor did I retrieve the balloon wanting a thank you. I kept waiting for the mom to remind the child to say please and thank you. I walked away assuming she had never been to first grade in school where they taught manners.

Good manners seem to have gone by the wayside these days. And we wonder where all the troubles come from. We need to get back to basics.

Manners were God's idea first. He gave us the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12: Do to others what you would have them do to you. Jesus set the perfect example for us when He washed the disciples' feet in John 3:3-5. He was Christ the King, but He humbled himself to serve others.
In Deuteronomy 32:46-47, we are commanded to teach our children the do's and don'ts of proper conduct. The first and best way to do that is by being good role models. Our children will imitate us whether our actions are good or bad. As parents we should model good behavior by doing kind things for others. Social skills learned at home can produce fruits of the Spirit '…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22) Interpersonal skills such as listening, opening doors, saying please, thank you, you're welcome, and sharing with others reveal the good manners in our heart.
Rules of etiquette are in our head. Our manners are in our heart.

Have a great day please!

Marty

Thank You Moms 5/8/2016

Good Morning,

My day begins with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee, and a trip into town for some pancakes with Rene. We are in Door County Wisconsin and we are staying out in the country. This week we have made our own breakfasts in order to allow for a little more rest. But today we will head home after breakfast. Time to mow the lawn and get ready to complete another phase of the kitchen remodel.

Of course today my thoughts turn to my mother and many others. I dearly miss her.
I want to take a this time to acknowledge all the ladies who have influenced me throughout the years. Their motherly attributes have shown me great hospitality and kindness many times. Their thoughts, love  and prayers are appreciated more than words can express. Although they were not my mother, they mothered on me, those around me and plenty of others and many continue to do so. Some of these ladies are younger than I am, but they have offered the warmth of their homes, a meal, a visit, laughter, mittens, slippers, correction, advice, they help my family members, bake cookies, and more. I could make a list of the many women who filled this role, but then my feeble mind would forget someone and I would feel terrible. They know who they are, for they have done more than the things listed above. They have warmed my heart and the love of God has shown through them. I would send them all flowers today, but some would have to be sent to heaven and what I could buy cannot compare to the gardens they see.

Proverbs 31:12-31New Living Translation (NLT)

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.

¹³ She finds wool and flax
    and busily spins it.
¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
    bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
    with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
    a hard worker.
¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
    her lamp burns late into the night.

¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
    her fingers twisting fiber.
²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
    and opens her arms to the needy.
²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
    for everyone has warm^[a] clothes.

²² She makes her own bedspreads.
    She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,
    where he sits with the other civic leaders.
²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
    and sashes to sell to the merchants.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
    and she laughs without fear of the future.
²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
    and she gives instructions with kindness.
²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
    and suffers nothing from laziness.

²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
    Her husband praises her:
²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
    but you surpass them all!”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
    Let her deeds publicly declare her praise

Happy Mother's Day, God Bless.

Marty