God's People Do Good Works. 10/31/2016

Good Morning,

Monday came in as expected but I will bet many of us did not roll out the welcome mat. I just filled my cup with Door County Harvest Blend Coffee and now it is time to write.

Nehemiah 2:17-18New International Version (NIV)
¹⁷ Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” ¹⁸ I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

We see in this passage that Nehemiah knew that the walls of Jerusalem needed to be rebuilt. The task was monumental to say the least. But the call came from God and Nehemiah shared the word. The people of God responded and began to rebuild the walls.

The church where I worship and serve is a lot like that. We needed a worship center and it was laid on our hearts to build one. Collectively the funds were raised ( No Loans). Once there was enough money to start we pitched in and together we built a large auditorium while not failing to perform ministry duties. I am proud of what God built through all those volunteers.

Friends, pay attention within your churches. There are needs there that you can meet. You either have the skills and ability or you are able to help and pay to get it done. But are you waiting for someone else to do it. Someone else does not exist. If God has shown you the work, it is intended for you to help.

If the Bible were written today, what would it say about all of us? Are we wall builders and hard workers for God?

The answer to that question lies in our hearts. What did yours say?

Marty

If You're Happy, Show It 10/29/2016

Good Morning,

Where's my Door County Caramel Apple Coffee? Well it is in the shooters bag that I am taking out for a little duck and goose hunt. Probably will regret it later. I am still fighting off this small bout of pneumonia. But the hunt goes on.

I am happy to get out in the field today. It has been a long week and I feel truly blessed to be able to at least try and get out there.

Proverbs 15:30New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health.

How many of us are happy today? If you are and you have been blessed with happiness from above smile and let God know you are thankful. Let others know Who blessed you.  There is way too much to frown about these days. Let's take even the small blessings and celebrate them.

Smile God deserves it and you will feel better.

1. Neurotransmitters called endorphins are released when you smile.

These are triggered by the movements of the muscles in your face, which is interpreted by your brain, which in turn releases these chemicals. Endorphins are responsible for making us feel happy, and they also help lower stress levels. Faking a smile or laugh works as well as the real thing—the brain doesn’t differentiate between real or fake as it interprets the positioning of the facial muscles in the same way. This is known as the facial feedback hypothesis. The more we stimulate our brain to release this chemical the more often we feel happier and relaxed.

   

2. Endorphins make us feel happier and less stressed.

They also act as the body’s natural pain killers. For sufferers of chronic pain, laughing and smiling can be very effective in pain management, as can laughing off the pain when you bump an elbow or fall over.

3. While the release of endorphins is increased, the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.

Cortisol is more active when we feel stressed or anxious and contributes to the unpleasant feelings we experience, and by lowering it we can reduce these negative feelings.

Who would have thought that praising God and smiling about it would have a physical impact on our bodies?

Smile Friends. God is good!

Marty

Built From The Ground Up 10/28/2016

Good Morning,


Door County Autumn Spice Coffee is the flavor of the day. Let's spread some sunshine and happiness today.

 

I was recalling the when we built our home 1000 years ago. After the land purchase was competed and we decided on what our home was to look like we checked or available dollars and selected a contractor to build the home.

The first event that took place in the building project was to excavate a hole in the ground for the foundation and basement. I remember driving out to the construction site and when I saw that hole it looked like the Grand Canyon to me. I never thought that hole in the ground would amount to anything. The builder came over to talk to me whole I was gawking into the hole and recommended that we spend some more money to add extra gravel to better ensure a strong foundation. We did as he asked and it really did not add much to the cost. I am glad we did. The house although needing some remodeling has not had any issues with the foundation. It seems to be still standing firm after 1000 years.


But there is more to a house becoming a home. Each home needs a solid foundation. The Builder of the home has the Master Plan.


Psalm 127New King James Version (NKJV)

127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

So if the family is to stand. God needs to be the builder of the family. He is the great foundation.

Have a great one!

Marty

When The Load Is Too Big To Carry 10/27/2016

Good Morning,

I woke up to the almost painted kitchen. One more day and that project is complete. I am celebrating with a big cup of Door County Caramel Pecan Scones Coffee.

 

Hey ever feel like all the potatoes piled into your life basket are piled just a little too high? We all need to remember that we have Someone who cares for us. We just need to humble ourselves and ask for Jesus to help carry us through the tater fields of life.

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

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you

Why go it alone and let the weight of cares take you down. A tough task is always a little easier with a friend at your side helping you along. I know it has been said that we all need to hoe our own rows. But from time to time the field of life seems to be planted on an hill and we are trying to plow our way up. 

What do you say? Swallow the pride and run for help. Call on Jesus because He cares for you.

Marty

Now What Do We Do? 10/26/2018

Good Morning,

Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is decorating the inside of my mug, and pleasing my palette as I write. Let's get started.

Have you ever been put into a situation that seemed impossible to solve and you even started wondering as to how you ever got yourself into this mess anyway? I know that I can say, "I've been there". Time after time one fine predicament after another I have found myself in some pretty impossible situations.

The picture above shows former members of our youth group working on a team building obstacle course. They are all stranded on a platform. The goal is to get as many kids off of the platform and on to the tire swing as they can in ten minutes. Any kid that touches the ground is disqualified. The task is quite difficult. Have you ever been stuck on the platform of life wondering what to do next?
Sure you have. Everyone of those kids had an idea on how to do it. Not many of the ideas were alike. It's the same way for us. When in a jam, we will have many people tell us how to handle it. They all sound like good ideas but we are still fighting uncertainty.

Well, we could always pray and seek an answer for the directions we need. God is always faithful to provide wisdom and guidance.

Jeremiah 33:3New International Version (NIV)

³ ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

 

 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.

We can go to the Almighty God through prayer and He will answer and show you the direction through the dilemma or life choice. We just have to trust Him. Why fall in or stay stranded when the answer is just a prayer away?

Marty

Hang Your Hat And Stay Awhile 10/25/2016

Good Morning,

My mug of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee awaits me in the kitchen. Rene let me know before she walked out to the garage that she had poured one for me. How nice is that?

Within the inner sanctum of my lofted den is an old antique hat rack. The rack is guessed to be around one hundred years old. It is in great shape. Hanging on it are some hats that are "memory hats". Each hat is a memory of an event or in honor of a friend. The orange one on top is filled with holes and blood stains from the one hunting accident when I was accidentally shot. That's one to remember. The hats remind me of a theme we chose for or home two years before it was built.

When we built our home many years ago we always said that we wanted it to be a place where a person who needed a break could get a hot meal and a bed. Our thought was "hang your hat and stay awhile". God has answered that prayer from time to time. We were discussing the visitors who every now and then stayed with us for awhile. Our prayer was to be a blessing to others. But as Rene and I discussed those times and hopefully some more, we admitted that the company that crossed our door blessed us more than we could ever bless them. One little urchin who stayed with us now and then actually called us "spoiled" because we had individual soup crocks that we still use for serving soup and stews. That kid really made us want to treat her special and made us count our blessings that we did not have to eat from recycled sour cream containers. It is a gift to ask a guest what they would like for breakfast or dinner and make it for them. The washer never broke when washing clothes for others. We never ran out of firewood when someone needed to curl up by the fireplace. God always has provided free firewood.

God blessed this house with an oven and it turned out some home made candy for a couple depressed kids one night. Our griddle has made many a pancake for some late night guests who just need a place to hang out on a cold night. One year when I was laid up with a cold and a repaired knee, one of those kids stopped by to help us put up the Christmas tree. Those people will never know that when they hung their hat in the house, they also hung their hearts their forever.

Ecclesiastes 11:1New King James Version (NKJV)

11 Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.

So after seeking to bless others, who was really blessed? We were. How about making yourself a blessing to others today?

Marty

Shake Hands Like a Man 10/24/2016

Good Morning,

The kitchen has the sound of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee dripping into the pot. It's time to finish this and get ready for work.

I was telling my friends about one of my neighbors who assisted in a food drive sponsored by young boys and men. They were expecting to receive a small bag of groceries for the local food pantries, but when they showed up at my neighbors house he opened his garage and much to their surprise there were about 12 cases of food. They were all filled with can goods. The boys and their leader worked together and carried the cases to the van they were hauling the groceries to.

When they were finished my neighbor lined them all up, looked them all in the eye and shook each boy's hand and thanked them for what they were doing in the community. He didn't treat them like little boys. He gave them a man's handshake and looked them right in the eye. That impressed me to no end. On that day these 7 and 8 year olds were treated like men. Now we do need to remember to let little boys be boys, but from early on we should teach them the fine points of manhood. Not long ago a group of teens male and female walked by me and someone smelled like a sweet lilac bush. I asked them who was wearing the nice perfume, thinking I would purchase a bottle for Rene. Much to my surprise a young man answered.  "I am. It's cologne not after shave and it has lilac and lavender in it". Wow it did not leave me with the impression of what a man should wear but to each their own. I said thank you and offered him a hand shake. What I received was a limp hand and a slight squeeze of my fingers. Wow when did we stop teaching the firm hand shake and a square look into the eyes?

Proverbs 22:6New King James Version (NKJV)

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

I am challenging all you guys out there to treat a boy or two to a sincere handshake. They can't act like men if we don't teach them. Bend down and reach out to a little guy and shake his hand. tell him you are glad he is here. We owe it to them to lead them to an active faith most of all. But who doesn't remember their first handshake? I know I do. It felt like a vice grip on my hand but it was so much better than a pat on the head! It made me want to try shaving and after I butchered my face I splashed some after shave on and that however did bring tears to my little boy eyes.  The shaving could wait. But I had someone that I respected shake my hand.

Have a great day!

Marty

When Time Runs Out On The Apology 10/23/2016

Good Morning,

I am running later today due to this nagging cold bug that seems to be taking me on like a prize fighter. It can't knock me out but it has me on the ropes. The cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee sitting next to me is helping to unscramble my brains.

Earlier this morning while letting our dog Gibbs out I noticed some frost on the ground. I snapped this picture to show what is left of Rene's flower garden. The garden that was pictured on my blogs this spring and summer was once lush, green and full of color. It fed bees, butterflies and hummingbirds for a few months. Now it is ready to be cut, some will be dried and taken in. There is still a few hardy plants that are surviving but both of us know that the next frost is going to end the season. You can see in the photo that the flowers are starting to show brown leaves. Rene sure enjoyed her garden this year and soon it will be on to planning the next year's color palette of posies.
Lord willing, there will be another garden. But it won't be the same one as this year. This garden will hopefully have some of the perennials come back. But all of the annuals will be gone forever. The time to enjoy them is coming to an end.

My point for the day is the word apology. It is never too late to try and apologize for any wrong doing on your part. But waiting to apologize just runs the risk on the timing going sour. Before long the other party might have grown bitter and the frost of anger might have destroyed all life of reconciliation between the two parties. There is the chance that an apology could be accepted but the relationship is not the same. Like the garden. Some of the same flowers might return, but the originals are gone and it is never the same.

When I was a teen I liked to push my body to the limits and see if I could jump across ditches, small creeks or from ledge to ledge. It was a gamble and a few times after falling short I did some minor damage to my body.  I bare the scars of the short landings and I am reminded of the gambles I took that placed them there.

Do you really want to gamble on scarred relationships by waiting to apologize? Sometimes we think the apology is "understood to be there" because it just should be. "They know I didn't mean it" should never be a gamble you take. Here is what the Bible has to say.        

Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Notice that before we go to God with anything we should go and try to make things right with the offended party. Not all apologies are accepted but the main thing is that you sincerely attempted to ask for forgiveness. Not "hey I am sorry", but "I ask that you would please forgive me."

So before the garden of apology time freezes over make the move to get right. You will feel better about the situation and God expects that you go and apologize.

Have a great day.

Marty

Setting The Table 10/22/2016

Good Morning,

Hey I am headed out to hunt and it's cold out there today. I filled my Thermos Bottle with steaming hot Door County Maple Coffee. For me the maple coffee just screams let's hunt and be cold!

Last night Rene and I decided to make "Brinner". This is the term used for eating breakfast food for dinner. We feasted on pumpkin spice pancakes and fired pork sausages. We set the dinner table with some of our finer dishes and the two of us prayed, then we ate. Homemade maple syrup was at my side with some Wisconsin butter on top of my pancakes.

Rene remarked that this was a real joy to be able to use the good plates but it was a shame that we did not light a candle or two. For me, I am all about the food and the plates were added just for her. now candle lit dinners well for me that's for the movies. Yet I bent and went and got matches and lit the candles. "Brinner" took longer than normal to eat. It seems that once we had the table set we took more time to eat and talk. Rene was informed earlier about the passing of a friend and that had her down. "Brinner" candles, and just talking at the table seemed to make things better.

I learned something. A table that is set for eating is less likely to allow interruptions to enter the dining time. The television was off. The radio was playing some light music. But instead of eating on the run like we do 60% of the time we dedicated a hour to eating, talking and praying. I have decided that being in a rush and too busy is an enemy to families.

Psalm 23:5New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

When we set that table we did not really intend to have an encounter with peace, quiet and some time with God. I sat back and realized that it was God that had really set a table of joy for us. He kicked butt on being too busy.

So slow down, take time to dine, shake it up and eat breakfast for dinner.

Thinking Alike 10/21/2016

Good Morning,

Wow!! It's Friday and I am truly happy about that. It's a little cooler outside and my cup of steamy Door County Cherry Crème Coffee will come in handy when I crank up the Old Ford Truck.

When my friends and I were on our way to our hunting hole in North Dakota we stopped overnight in Fargo. There were eight of us men and it was kind of funny how all of us could not agree where we should eat dinner. Fargo has many options. Maybe for indecisive men they have too many.

Philippians 2:1-2New King James Version

2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Any how, in small groups we went in different directions. Now for eating dinner this was no big deal and everyone came back happy. But this doesn't work in families, marriages, churches and work. If everyone goes there own way and does not even consider the ideas of others you soon have massive chaos. God desires us to be like minded in Christ Jesus. This starts with a love relationship for each individual with God. It is easier to see each other's views when we love each other as Jesus loves us. Jesus demonstrated His sacrificial love by dying on the cross for our sins.

Rene and don't always agree on things. But when we disagree on anything and I reaches a stalemate between us. We agree to pray and ask God to show us if we are right, wrong, being selfish. Seeking the One who loves us and allowing Him to show us our own hearts leads us to agreement. Behavior outside of our love for Christ brings disunity to families, churches, friends and work groups.

This needs to be at home, churches, and in friendships. In the secular world where this would be downplayed, it is the responsibility of every Christian to treat others as Christ loves us. Set the example.

Go ahead and try it. It works!

Marty

 

Another Mountain To Climb 10/20/2016

Good Morning,

I have a cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee next to me and some Cheerios in a bowl for breakfast.

I was reading about a mountain climber who when finished with climbing a peak starts planning for the next mountain he wants to climb. For him reaching the peak and pushing his body beyond reasonable limits is a thrill and gives him a great sense of accomplishment. But in all seriousness he chooses to make the climb. It is not forced upon him.

Philippians 2:14-16New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain

Today I want to praise some unsung mountain climbers who did not choose their mountains but were given them to climb. These heroes are those people who face serious illnesses and just when it seems that they might be getting better, receive a set back and they have to start over and keep climbing. These heroes would prefer not to have to climb but they take the challenge and do it without complaints or whining. They seek prayer but not sympathy. In the illness they still work to meet the needs of others. They encourage while needing encouragement. They rejoice with every victorious step, despite how small the steps are.

We have three ladies in our church that seem to fit this hero's cape right now. They climb and they climb hard. We probably all know someone like this. Let them know that they inspire you. Pray for them and try to think about them when life sends you a hill to climb. Are you whining about going to work. I bet they wish they could! Are you moaning about a little pain. I bet they have more. Have you made a mountain out of an ant hill? Count your blessings if you are not receiving chemo, living on morphine, and radiation treatments aren't on your daily to do list.

Give them a hug and show you care. We all have a hero like this somewhere.

Marty

When The Shoe Is Wrong 10/19/2016

Good Morning,

My mug was just filled with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and my heart is filled with heavy thoughts today. These thoughts will not weigh me down but will push me to pray and seek answers. Coffee and prayer is a winning combination.

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Speaking of winning combinations I wanted to increase my speed of walk while pheasant hunting. Now I did not want to go a lot faster but I was sure my idea would work. I would wear one hunting boot and one tennis shoe to hunt. I would be sure footed on one leg which I thought would do me just fine and then wear one tennis shoe to help increase the speed of my walk.

I should have known that I was not on the "right track" when the people at the gas station looked at me as if I were odd. How rude is that? Right now you are all thinking that I finally lost my mind.

But in all honesty I did try on one boot and one tennis shoe not to increase my speed but just to see how odd it felt. The sole height was really off and made walking almost comical. The grass was wet outside and the boot withstood the water but the tennis shoe was soaked. I actually walked slower and my knees were sore from the mismatch. You are now thinking that this boy is one French Fry short of a Happy Meal.

But here is my point. Shoes were made in pairs. When worn as a pair they are comfortable and can be very useful. Two shoes working together carry the load evenly, support the whole body, and are not irritating.  Look at the picture above. They are two boots that I wear while pheasant hunting. They are a right and a left boot. So there are some differences. Notice there aren't two rights or two lefts. That would be as clumsy as a bear dancing in a swamp. The differences compliment each other. But when a boot and a tennis shoe are combined into a pair the differences are too much to overcome.

So friends where am I going? Well I want to talk about dating. As a pair of boots has differences they also are somewhat alike and have a goal in common. Together they bring out the best in one another not the worst. They walk in unison and allow the owner to control the walk. Two left footed boots actually force someone to walk in an odd manor and not always in a completely straight direction. The owner has not control.

When dating someone the Owner of all relationships is God. With God at the head, the relationship starts out better. Our personalities do not have to be identical but they should support one another and always walk in a direction that leads both parties to God. Each person must bring out the best in the other. A good indication that you are walking with the wrong shoe is irritation. When the other person is bringing out the worst in you it's probably the wrong fit. Time for a new shoe. Dating is a good time to figure this out before you end up in marriage and are miserable.

So take time while dating. Make sure God is the common ground and that each of you leads the other to a deeper relationship with Him. When it is completely wrong and being with the other person brings out the worst in you. Call it quits, no harm no foul and find the match that God has for you. A good sign that the couple is the right fit is the fruit a relationship produces. Galatians 5:22-24 is a perfect test to see how fruitful the relationship is. Ok, Time to put my shoes on and go to work.

God bless,

Marty

I Don't Want You To! 10/18/2016

Good Morning,

Tuesday and I will be welcoming a new employee to the team today. So to celebrate I made some Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee to start my day.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Last month I was listening to two newlyweds discussing life. We were out to eat with them and after we finished eating and we were on our way home I made the remark to Rene that I did not give too much hope to their marriage lasting very long. Her reply wasn't a surprise. She explained that while we were eating she too was listening to them and instead of rushing through her meal so we could leave she began to pray for them. After fifteen minutes of listening to each of them trying to boss the other one around I was late for the door. It was like two boxing bears.

No matter what either one said about the their future, like purchasing a bicycle the other would say "I don't want you to. They are too dangerous".  Or "I think I will go shopping at the mall Friday after work". "I don't think that is a good idea. Malls are a hangout for kids". It seemed to me that they were not acting like a husband and wife but more like parents to each other.

Husbands and wives need to be able to express their ideas and opinions. If the idea is truly dangerous and unreasonable then it should be discussed. If there is a strong objection, it should be made in private, not in front of others producing shame for their partner.

I tried changing  the subject and mentioned a couple of Bible studies that Rene and I completed when we were first married. That was good until the husband said that he really liked the Living Bible Version. We heard how the King James Bible was what she preferred. I think they just liked to disagree.

I wondered what two twenty somethings were doing hanging out with us two antiques. Now I knew. Their contemporaries had to be tired of the small senseless disagreements. Their constant inability to build each other up in front of others was driving friends away.

We might not always agree with our spouses but we should never argue or correct them in front of other people. We should use words of affirmation and words that build up the other partner. What we say about our spouses in the company of others leaves a lasting impression on those who have heard it. They don't really know the whole person. They just know the person you correct or run down.

Think about it. How does your speech portray your partner?

Have a great day!

Marty

Pheasant Soup For What Ails You. 10/7/2016

Good Morning,

I hear the pot brewing the Door County Caramel Apple Coffee in the kitchen.

I still have a cold that is kicking my butt. I took a good shot at the cure with some pheasant and dumpling soup yesterday. The soup set the illness back a little and with a warm stomach I slept very well. I am convinced that rest and a proper diet with plenty of fluids combined with prayer and I will be back to normal soon.

I am a firm believer in hot soup with plenty of garlic to battle a cold. More than that that I believe in prayer. I have prayed for myself and I know that there are others praying for me.

Exodus 23:25New International Version (NIV)
²⁵ Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

It is the prayer that I covet the most.  During my down time I have had time to reflect, read and learn. In between I have been sleeping, trying to renew my strength. So when you are down and do not quite need a doctor, do the course of action that God lays out. When thirsty drink. Eat hot soup and when you are tired, sleep. God built our bodies to know what they need. Water, food and rest.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Marty

Seeking Comfort Today. 10/16/2016

Good Morning,

I will be drinking some Door County Caramel Apple Coffee shortly and munching on an English Muffin.

Today I find myself battling with a severe head and chest cold. My hunting partner from North Dakota is doing the same. It seems as if the hunting trip as bad as it was will last now to add injury and insult to a bad vacation. This trip is the kind that keeps on giving.

So today I sit with no energy nor do I desire to do anything. I have decided that this day was made for comfort. I cooked some pheasant yesterday and intended to make half of it into Minestrone Soup today. Instead the pheasant is this very minute simmering in a pot. It will eventually be Pheasant and Dumpling Soup. For me that is comfort food at it's best. I am using our stock pot that we call the friendship pot. It's an old antique that we make soup in to give to friends when they are down. Today it will be used to comfort me.

Now to comfort my Spirit I will take a dose of Scriptures I have chosen for comfort. I though I would share them with you. No one likes being sick, but there comes a time when you have to hunker down and make the best of things. Rest, fluids and Bible verses are on the menu for today.

Deuteronomy 7:15And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you.

Exodus 23:25 You shall serve the Lordyour God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalms 105:37 (KJV) He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.

Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast:‘ It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’

New Testament

Matthew 12:15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all

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

Acts 10:37-38 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; ³⁸How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Have a great day. Pray for one another,

 

Marty

Scrub Brush For Your Back 10/15/16

Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee is steaming next to me and our dog Gibbs is tired and has retreated to his bed. Rene is working at the medical center and the last of my pheasants from the year before were thawed and are slowly cooking. They will be made into two dishes. I will have a large pot of fresh Minestrone Soup done by noon and the rest will be made into Fajitas. "Fine Dining."

I love a nice hot shower. Who doesn't? I like to use a lot of soap and we usually do not use the store brand commercial soaps. Rene purchases soaps that are made and sold in small shops. I like the soaps with a mint type aroma. I like to use a long brush designed to reach over the shoulder and down my back. I have always thought that our backs although showered with water often get neglected because our arms just aren't made for backwashing.  You are probably saying right now, "too much information on this guy in the shower".  But here's the point.

Some people like to clean up their lives but only to a point. They still carry some of the sins that they like to keep. They have been convicted of the need for a Savior and they invite Jesus in to save them. That's a great start in the best direction. Next the Holy Spirit convicts them of the need to change their lives and become more like Jesus. That's when many stall out and no longer continue to grow in their walk with the Lord. There are just those couple of things that they see as harmless, but aren't. I have nothing against drinking alcohol but I do think that getting hammered, even occasionally is a sin. We all have a thing or two that we have not allowed the Holy Spirit to fully clean up. The reason we do not submit to the clean up is because we are still attracted to those sins and have convinced ourselves that "Oh it won't hurt".

This is like taking a shower and not washing your back. Your back gets rinsed off and is technically clean, but it was never scrubbed. We leave a little dirt because we are too cheap or lazy to purchase a brush. I ask you now to take some time and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to scrub away from your life. You already know, but a quick reminder can't hurt.

Psalm 139:23-24King James Version (KJV)
²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Go ahead shower yourself clean and fresh with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Have a great day!

Marty

Not The Ditch To Die In. 10/14/16

Good Morning,

Today I am writing from the kitchen table in our home. Some Door County Cherry Crème Coffee is just about done perking up a welcome home greeting for me.

Proverbs 19:20-21   
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Yesterday my hunting partner and I decided that North Dakota was not going to produce any ducks for us. I quote him. "Maybe God is trying to tell us something" My reply was. "We had a safe week, the results are the same every day and I don't see anything improving. I have faith, but I too believe we should head home early and attend the funeral of our friend. If I have to pick a ditch to die in, this isn't the one." We fought the good fight, hunted hard but there comes a time when you just have to say, "Let's go home".

We drove about 12 hours straight through and arrived home very late. It was the right choice. Within hours of starting out my partner was sniffling, sneezing and just plain miserable with either the mother of all colds or one nasty allergic reaction to something. He is now home, comfortable in his own bed. I pray he is getting better.

Life lesson from this trip was 1. Give it your best, try hard and then try again. 2. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and listen to His prompting. While hunting we prayed every day for those at home, those who needed prayer and for our safety. We arrived home safely and if you are going to be sick, there is no place like home. The second proof of our right decision was that four of the eight guys stayed one more day and texted us. "You made the right decision, another day of nothing".

I like the expression "pick the ditch you want to die in". This was not the one for me.  There are times when after prayer you have to make the decision to move on and try another day. The circumstances you are in could become worse and swallow you up. But note! This is after prayer, a decision that when bounced off of others in prayer is confirmed by others you can trust, then you move on. This is very difficult to do and moving on needs to be Biblical and cannot be an immoral move. In this instance we did not violate Scripture by going home, we worked hard, something just wasn't right and we prayed and moved on. It was a difficult decision because of pride. But on the way home we found out that we were needed as pall bearers for our dear friend. If we had stayed we would not be able to help.

So home once again. Did I tell you that I am hunting later today, but in Wisconsin? The geese are flying!

Marty

Spirits Are Down. Life Lesson 10/13/2016

Good Morning,

I hope someone in the group started the Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee. I need some for the soul purpose of waking up.

It has been hard hunting for our group with little or no success. The ducks are few and far between. One part of our team had a little success yesterday morning and we were all happy for them. So to be honest we are a group that is trying and rejoice even when there is just a little success.

This hunt has been a life lesson. 1. Pray without ceasing. While we were gone a friend of mine passed away and her family needs prayer.
2. Trust in the Lord. The second call from home was one from Rene and there was trouble with the remodeling of our kitchen. There was nothing I could do but pray and entrust it to God to work it out.
A later call proved me correct. It was taken care of and I guess now looks great.
3. My dad had to have a super impacted tooth removed by a surgeon while I was gone. So worrying could have happened but, it did not. I heard the extraction went well.

Whether it be a hard day at work, hunting, family trouble, health issues, heartache, depression, or a relationship that is causing stress in your life; there is always something in the Bible to look up to and lift us up when we are feeling down.
It is in God's Word that we can find encouraging verses to uplift us and give us hope when we are down. For anyone who is feeling the "weight of the world" on their shoulders, cast your care upon the One up above whose shoulders are big enough to carry the burden for you.

Philippians 4:6-7New International Version (NIV)
⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The ducks well???? I have prayed and I know that if it is God's will, we will get to shoot some. If not I need to be content. That is the struggle right now.

So for now I leave the rest of this hunt up to God and hope for a great last couple of days. We have eaten some great food though!

God Bless,

Marty

Falling In And You Can't Stop It. 10/12/2016

Good Morning,

Gibbs and I are still in North Dakota hunting ducks. The ducks are winning. But the company has been great and the food awesome. There is a pot of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee brewing add some Cheerios to the mix and we have the start of a great day. It is cold here!

Yesterday one of our companions had the misfortune to step wrong in the marsh. The marsh bottoms here are fondly referred to Zombie Mud. They can hang up the most sure footed people as well as us old clumsy guys. Our friend was introduced to some very cold stinky water and it went right into his waders. All of us could sympathize with him. I think we have all tasted the unforgiving marsh and it's cool greeting. He is dried out and will hit it hard again tomorrow. He's that kind of guy. A little marsh bath won't stop him. I know some guys though that it would stop and they would give up hunting in cold weather.

Psalm 37:24New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand

The world is full of marsh baths. Life can turn on you and you begin to think that it's too hard to overcome the issue. My friend took a nasty bath but yet stayed out in the cold to hunt with his dad. He was committed to seeing it through. No quit in him. He is out again today. We can't let life hold us back. We have to get up from a fall, brush ourselves off and get going again. My friend could not stop from falling in. But he chose not to let the fall define his day or week.

When you feel like giving up, you are missing out on what God has to offer. There are so many things that demand our attention and while it may be good to leave behind unhealthy relationships, jobs, and habits, it's also important to keep fighting for what is good and right. Fight for marriage, fight for your kids, fight for your health - don't give up! Know that you are not alone, and know that we are in the hands of God- He will provide us with strength when we need it.

Don't quit.

Marty

Slow Start To Hunting.10/11/2016

Good Morning,

Just did the rise and shine North Dakota Style. The larger coffee maker is bubbling and gurgling the Door County Country Morning Blend. Thirty nine degrees and windy. It should be a great day.

Yesterday was a poor day of hunting. We arrived to our destination, scouted some, ate lunch and then went out for a few hours for an evening hunt. We saw  a few ducks and our team bagged only one. We were all a little disappointed for sure but we ate a late dinner of chili and Italian sausages and went to bed with our plans for the morning all laid out. The dogs went into their kennels and it was snoring galore, both man and beast.

As duck hunters all know the hunt is never a sure thing. Many nuances can impact a hunt. For instance, weather plays an important part. The decoy spread and duck calling a huge impacts. Call at the wrong time and the ducks are gone. All kinds of things have the ability to make for a bad hunt.
But a good duck hunter has patience. He or she sticks it out until they get it right, which might only be once or twice in a season.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 | NIV

 

We need to be patient in life also. Patient  with people, circumstances, and with God. Only a fool rushes in when they should have waited. People will wear on our nerves. Patience teaches us to tolerate. God's timing is not ours. Waiting makes us stronger. Goodness comes from patience. I wish I could obtain patience from a spoon in the cookie jar. But, patience is learned by trial and error. No short cuts to patience. Learn that from a duck hunter.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

Ready To Hunt 10/10/2016

Good Morning,

This morning finds me in a motel and unable to brew any Door County Coffee. Tomorrow for sure will bring some Door County Country Morning Blend to my mug.

Day one of my duck hunting trip brings me to a little more travel, some scouting and then some serious hunting for a couple hours. Tuesday all the stops are off and the game is on.

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.

Last night we went for dinner at a Mongolian Grill and it was awesome! While standing at the cook area waiting for my food to be stone grilled a young man started a conversation with me. He assumed I was a local from Fargo North Dakota. He explained that he was in town because of an uncle who was very ill and in grave condition at the hospital. I told him I was from Wisconsin and visiting North Dakota. It was then that God reminded me that I am at home wherever I am and when someone is in need He will call on us to do something. I shook hands with this young fella, exchanged names and asked him for his uncle's name. He gave me the name and I stopped to pray for Stan right there. This young man smiled and went back to tell the people at his table what just happened. I told him I would continue to pray for Stan.

Wherever we are, we are in contact with our real home. We can call on God from where we are and should stop what we are doing to be there for others. I call this our duty of spontaneity. It took a minute or less to make a difference.

Off to scout and hunt.

Marty

North Dakota Ducks And Us 10/9/2016

Good Morning,

I will be filling my Thermos bottle with Door County Autumn Spice Coffee soon and then jumping into the Old Ford Truck. Gibbs and I will be heading out to North Dakota for a week of duck hunting.

This is an annual trip made with good friends and great dogs. For five days I can get my fill of soggy marshes, gun powder and wet dogs. There is the chance of some cold weather. I have all my gear packed but I am sure that I forgot something. I always do. But here's the nice thing. There are seven other guys going and they are like me. They always pack extra of something. If I don't have what I need they will have it and we are all willing to share. That is how duck hunters roll. We are there to hunt ducks but we are also there for tour partners. It's a better hunt if we all pull together and look out for the best interest of the group.

1 Timothy 6:18   
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.

We should all apply this theology to daily living at home, church and work. We should never be self centered and miss the opportunity to help one another. Well this one is short but it is powerful.

Have a great day.

Marty

Forgiveness Is Not A One Way Road 10/8/2016

Good Morning,

This is a great day to be alive. Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee in my cup, sun is shining and I am packing for a duck hunting trip. Sometimes the best parts of a trip are the planning and then the memories.

Psalm 32:1-5

¹ Blessed is the one
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them
    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

³ When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin

 

Every page of the Bible has words that can inspire, teach, correct and love. This passage for me is some of the most beautiful words I have read through the years.  I for one have done my share of sinning and although I am not what I used to be by far, I, like everyone else am a sinner saved by grace. Thank God I for what we will be some day.
 

This passage reminds me of what God has done for me through Jesus Christ. A sinner washed clean and saved. Sins forgiven then and now. A life set on the right path by grace.

 

But I have to remember that as freely as I was forgiven, I must bestow forgiveness on those who wrong me from time to time. We can't receive forgiveness without immediately, if not before, asking to be forgiven , grant it to others. In other words, forgive first, then ask for yourself!

 

Matthew 6:12

 Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

 

The road of forgiveness runs two ways. It can get jammed up if both lanes are not open.

 

Have a great day.

 

Marty

Finding Your Way Home 10/7/2016

Good Morning,

Friday showed up as promised and I for one am very pleased. This cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee sitting next to me at the desk is tempting me to have two!

It doesn't take much for me to find my way to my Dad. Even though the highway to his house is unlit and very dark at night. The road sign with reflectors tells this weary traveler that I made it when I go for a visit to the North Woods of Michigan.

I usually drive up there on Friday nights and the trip is usually about five hours. The winter weather has made that trip quite interesting sometimes. It always feels good to see that sign, turn right and go down the hill to a warm house and a hot cup of coffee. Dad made sure that we can find our way in the dark and worst weather.

Our Heavenly Father has done the same thing for us. He sent Jesus to show us the way home. Like the turn to Dad's place, there is only one way. It is the direct route and leads straight home.

John 14:6New International Version (NIV)
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

I have heard about people who say they are "seeking the meaning of life" searching for something that is missing. They wander through life like orphans who cannot find a parent. When all the time Jesus is pointing them to the Father and membership in the family of God.

I see churches measuring success with attendance numbers, which is good. I see them measuring success with how many different ministries they have. These are good and are blessings. But one measure that isn't taken into consideration is the intensity that the membership shows and knows that they are members of the Family Of God. That alone leads to greater attendance and more ministries because of the excitement of knowing who they belong to.

Jesus is the way to the Father. But when we join the family and know some day that we are going home, is there the excitement of knowing that we have been adopted into the Family? Now that is exciting and stops all the listless searching.

Hey! You can't get there without accepting the Guide.

Marty