Into The Frying Pan 11/30/2016

Good Morning,

How do I describe this Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee except to say, delicious? I look forward to hearing a message from one of my favorite preachers while driving to work.

I have made many breakfasts  during my life and more times than not I have used a frying pan to achieve breakfast bliss. I always have to pour or place the items into the frying pan. None of the breakfast vittles ever jumps into the pan for me. Once the heat is turned on they are cooked. But if you think about it, the items prior to cooking are usually not edible. They need to be heated and cooked so that they are useful to the body. For instance, eating raw bacon could be hazardous to your health. They need to stay in the pan until done.

Isaiah 48:10                                                        
"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction

Trials in life are never any fun. I will be the first to admit it. But it is in the heat of the trials that we find out what we are made of and how we can be made stronger. God knows the trials we go through and truth be told some of them are allowed to happen so we will turn to God for help. Some of our trials are created by our own actions and we suffer the trials of consequences. But yet we can learn from our mistakes. We endure trials and we grow closer to God. But as bacon needs to cook long enough to be edible, so the trials last until God says they are over. Some trials never seem to end. Could it be that we haven't learned anything yet? Or is God really just calling us closer to Him?

Heat is used to refine metals. Trials are life's heat refining us into usable people for the Kingdom of God and to be better people to others. We are God's workmanship and He continues working on us until complete.

Philippians 1:6New International Version (NIV)
⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Are you going through trials now? Is God wanting to be closer to you? Is God trying to teach you something? Are you in sin and being corrected? Whatever the case, trust in God to bring you through it. In the end you will be better because of it.

Marty

Up Goes The Christmas Tree 11/29/2016

Good Morning,

I am wide awake today and ready to get to the kitchen and pour some Door County Harvest Blend Coffee into a large mug. The cold rain is not going to have an impact on me today.

Last night I started putting up our Christmas tree. It is probably the biggest project of the season each year. Rene likes it up before we hold our annual Christmas Caroling outing which is this coming Saturday. I enjoy setting it up and stringing the lights. Rene loves adding the ornaments. But by far we both enjoy the tree and the lights more and more as we get older.

As I look outside all the trees in our yard have shed their leaves. But it is the fir trees that seem to shine better in the winter. They still show signs of life. As I look at the Christmas tree I am reminded of Jesus. As many of us make trees and gifts the center of our own Christmas practice, we would do well to remember that they are ultimately symbols of the One who gave himself to unite heaven and earth, and who brings all barren things to flower. Jesus came from heaven to bring eternal life to those who are spiritually dead. When I see the fir tree I see His mission. When the lights are turned on I see Him as the light of my life and a light to the world.

When I look at our tree I see how Jesus has blessed us with each other. Rene and I decided a long time ago that no matter what, we would always do our best to celebrate Christmas.

Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

So go ahead and start to enjoy Christmas. It's never too soon.

Marty

Gibberish. 11/28/16

Good Morning,

Door County Black Velvet Coffee is steaming and swirling into my mug. The simple joys of a good cup of coffee!

I have never been able to decipher the language of toddlers.  Many parents can listen to the gibberish of their children and then know exactly what they were saying. This talent as never made this body it's home. I can look right at the little code talkers and not have a clue as to what they are saying. It does drive me nuts.

It is the same way with adults. Many adults are long on promises and short on results. It's the same way for me. I listen to people and their promises. But when they are handing me a lie, they are  usually lying again. When we say one thing and do another it is a lie and  cannot be called any other thing.

I have become aware of people who habitually lie use circumstances as easy excuses for perpetuating more lies. Sooner or later their lives become such an entangled web of deceit that they, and everyone else become aware of their life being one big mistruth. Listening to them is like listening to a babbling toddler. Lot's of words are coming out of their mouth but you can't tell what the real story is. Very soon they are written off as not being trustworthy.

For them one simple truth has either never been taught or it has been forgotten.

Proverbs 12:22   
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

It is a fortunate thing that this too can be fixed. It is just a change of heart that needs to take place and then go on in truth. The world  can be forgiving and usually is. It's their own hearts that tear them up on the inside. They soon believe Satan and his teachings. They believe there is no hope, when there really is.

If you know someone like this. Listen at least one more time and then tell them they need a life change and that change is a relationship with Jesus Christ. You have just told them the truth.

Marty

Surrounded By Love 11-26-2016

Good Morning,

In a little while I will pour some Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and begin to face the day.

Today we will bury my father. Dad passed away earlier this month. Due to circumstances out of our control we had to wait for the graveside service and burial.  This day was inevitable and I knew it would be hard.  I believe God knows me better than I know myself.

I also believe in miracles. Last night while sleeping I was very restless.  I struggled, tossing and turning.  While I was in and out of sleep I was awakened and as clear as a bell my thoughts tuned into a whisper in my head.

This is what I heard.  "Do not be afraid.  Be strong and of good courage. I go before you. I will uphold you with my hand."  This verse is found in Isaiah 41:10 God spoke and I went to sleep surrounded by His love.

I received many text messages of encouragement from dear friends who promised to pray for me. I believe that their prayers were answered.

Friends, always pray for others. God hears and He speaks.

Love to all.

Marty

All The Help We Neded And More 11/25/2016

Good Morning,

My mug was just filled with Door County Maple Coffee and it smells so good. I wonder if there is a maple aftershave?

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.

Yesterday we had relatives over for a Thanksgiving dinner. The preparation was not too difficult at all. When we served the food it went flawless. The clean up and other chores went very well. Rene and I both remarked how nicely it went.

Here is what we noticed. Our grandson just started doing things to help. He did not have to ask or be told what needed to be done. He just did what needed to be done at the moment. At the end of dinner he thanked us for the dinner.

I guess all that good stuff has to be attributed to good training  by his parents. Of course I am bragging on him a little. But what I did not mention is this. Rene's brother who is sixty years old did the same thing to help.  It just shows good child rearing once again.

We need to teach our children good social responsibility skills. These two were a big help for sure. Shouldn't all kids, men, and women, be the same way?

Parents, sometimes the road to raising kids is a long one. But don't give up. It will pay off eventually.

God Bless,

Marty

A Kettle Of Memories 11/24/2016

Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk of many memories taking time to reflect and enjoy a cup of Door County Harvest Blend Coffee. I have set the perfect scene for me.

Our furry family Springer Spaniel Gibbs is under the desk with his head on my feet. I threw some wood into the fireplace and I can feel the warmth rising to the den. I can hear the cedar kindling still crackle now and then. Later this morning we will make a trip to the airport to pick up our grandson. My heart is warmed by the fire of God within and so with all that being said, I can write.

This old kettle pictured above was handed down to me many years ago. In our basement pantry there is a twin to this one. This one belonged to my grandmother. Both will be used today. The one above is filled with pasta sauce and is slowly simmering for our dinner later today.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving and as I reflect and look at the old kettle I have chosen to be thankful for all the hands that touched me and impacted my life. Too bad that most of them are gone on now and they really never knew how much they impacted me. As I write, my heart is pouring out memories in my mind. I can't take you there to see them, but you can relive your own kettle of memories.

Psalm 139:13New International Version (NIV)

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

The first one to thank is God, He knew me first and still impacts me daily, loves me and will continue for eternity. Great grandparents started the process of teaching my grandparents many of the traditions I still do today, from pasta to hunting. My grandparents taught me many things from wood cutting to fishing. How to make pasta sauce and go to church. Hard work will pay off. Paying your bills is important. My parents taught me more than I can remember this morning. Right now they would be telling me that shedding a tear is ok, but now it's time to suck it up and get going. Aunts and uncles both had an impact on me. I especially think of one today that helped me get through high school algebra. One uncle gave me my first whiskey. It was supposed to be a secret but when I stumbled into the house I am sure my mother knew that I was a little drunk at fourteen. My wife took over the process of raising me and still is waiting for me to grow up. One older cousin took time to teach me how to play football. I think I made him proud. Nieces and nephews  and siblings still have an impact on me. I fondly remember selling hot dogs with my sister on the side of the road. My one nephew taught me how to look for my tools! Of course there were pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, co-workers and friends. I lost a friend a few years ago when He went to heaven. He taught me to smile even when things really weren't terrific.  In 1978 a small bundle wrapped in pink changed my way of life and is still blessing me. I had to learn how to bra shop one day with her. That's a memory I laugh about. Then there are the grandkids One  grandson who has touched my heart is a manly man, but has a sensitive side. He takes good care of his parents and enjoys family outings. He taught me to slow down. He can take his mother bra shopping now. Ha!

So many people had an impact on me. But today when I look at that kettle and carry on a tradition, I see their faces in my mind. The pasta sauce is seasoned just right but there might be a couple of tears in it, that added some salt. But I sit here and say I am blessed to be here, and I am blessed to have been there.  God is good all the time.



Marty

We Need A Little Christmas 11/23/2016

Good Morning,

The sound of my Door County Highlander Grog Coffee dripping into the pot woke me up a little early today.

Yesterday Rene started transforming the house into a Christmas wonder land once more. She said that November had to move on and it was time for Christmas. Last night a good friend of ours suggested through song that we needed a little Christmas right now. I believe that both of them are correct.

I was praying for a dear brother in Christ yesterday. He was having a major shoulder surgery and I was petitioning God to help him make it through with as few issues as possible. I was so happy to hear his voice later on the phone. It sounded strong and assured. He was calling me about praying for another person. He was strapped to an ice machine, hooked to a pain pump and was worried about others. For him that is normal. For me, his normal was what I needed to hear.

For me, a Christmas present came early. My prayers were answered. I needed a little Christmas right now.

Galatians 4:4-5New International Version (NIV)

⁴ But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

God brought some peace to my heart. With Jesus as my Savior I can go directly to the Father in prayer. I looked at the Nativity set Rene had put out last night. I paused and said "Thank you Jesus for coming to save us, I can call home whenever I need to". 

Merry Christmas

Marty

The Desk That Love Bought 11/22/2016

Good Morning,

Later today I will have a cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee. By then I will be really looking forward to it as I always do.

A few years ago Rene let me know that the desk I was using was a pile of junk and it was time for it to find a new home in the city dump. We started the journey to find the desk that would fit my needs. Of course it had to be an antique. One day while looking through an antique shop in Door County I saw Rene with the check book and she was purchasing the desk pictured above. Right now the desk has two drawers that weren't complete when we moved the desk to the den. I needed to refinish it and repair the drawers. I asked he why we just didn't buy a new one. She replied once you finish it and move in with your memories and trophies surrounding you it will be your favorite place in the house.

She was right. I now have books and photos on the shelves, dead ducks hanging above, and dog trophies to my left. I run to the desk to share my thoughts and study. In times of stress or fear I find myself retreating to the desk.

When I look at the desk and the chair I see the thoughts of the woman I love, She knows me too well. I am content here and often spend my prayer time at the desk. I look at the pictures of past mission trips and I see a warrior for God. But like many warriors from time to time I get beat up and wounded in the battle of life and ministry. The desk is just a place to go. But when I get there this warrior admits he is just a child and needs his helmet straightened, shield restored and his sword sharpened.

This child runs to his Father and looks up to find the help and assurance he needs. I let my time at the desk take me home for some tender loving care.

Psalm 121New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going    both now and forevermore.

I find the promises of God within my Bible and I recharge and get back into the battle again. I need to look up and receive a Spiritual smile.

Everyone needs a place to run to. Everyone has a time when they need to look up for a smile.

Find yours. My wife bought mine for me. She looks up now and then while I am working or praying at the desk and she smiles. She bought the desk out of love and knew her warrior was just a child after all.

Marty

The Key To Your Heart 11/21/2016

Good Morning,

The old Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee is filling the house with an aroma worth waking up to.

I like to putter and putsz around. I don't have a lot of talent but Rene has an eye for different things and with her ideas and directions I can usually finish her projects. It might take forever, but eventually they get done.

In the little project above I repurposed a vintage piece of wood and added an antique door knob. Notice there isn't any real working lock. A key is useless.

The wood is hard and a key is not going anywhere. Friends, there are a lot of people who have hardened their hearts and do not let love enter. The key to their heart has nothing to unlock. Bitterness or hurt closed the entry and now their hearts are so hard that they forgot what love feels like. They have hearts so hard that like my project above the key is not allowed in.

Jesus desires to open hearts with the love of a Shepherd who sacrificed His own body, blood and life to show just how much He loves us. Once we accept His love and forgiveness of our sins we are open to the healing of our hearts and he asks us to love others as He loves us. We are to love with an open mind, open heart, unconditionally as Jesus loves us.

John 13:34-35New International Version (NIV)
³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus holds the key to your heart and He wants to open it today. Won't you let Him come in? Learn to love again.

Marty

Be There Like A Robe Hanger 11/20/2016

Good Morning,

My Thermos is filled with Door County Candy Cane Coffee and I think I am going to need it to stay warm.

Yesterday while sitting in my den watching the snow fall I was encouraged to think about turning sixty years old in a couple months. It has been a tough month on me and our family. The unexpected loss of a loved one, some crazy health issues and of just life in general has been a struggle.

While stepping out of the shower last night I noticed a robe hanger that I made from old wood trim and old discarded shower parts. It is mounted on the wall right where you can grab a robe or a towel. It is mounted securely and never moves. I am in and out of that bathroom occasionally but shower in that one infrequently. But no matter what, every time I need it that hanger it is there.

I said this past month has kind of dumped on me and it is true. But as I reflect on it, at every turn God has not left my side. Just like the robe hanger that doesn't move. He is there to help. In all truth He has sent assistant robe hangers to be there too. My wife has been there for each step and will need to be strong as we go. My daughter, aunt, siblings, grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins, pastors, friends and coworkers have been at each turn, like the robe hanger that says here I am, hang here for awhile I can help.

I set a goal this week to be there for others for as long as the Lord gives me days on this Earth. I never knew that just the little things like pulling you on the side and asking you how you are doing and listening would mean so much. So that is my goal now and as I turn sixty to be there and be counted on.

Galatians 6:7-10New International Version (NIV)
⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers

How about you? Can you be a robe hanger for others? Will you let God use you?

Have a blessed day!

Marty

Hungry For Grilled Pheasant 11/19/2016

Good Morning,

The wind is howling and the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee will soon be poured into a mug and enjoyed by this tired fella.

Last night I braved the wind and started our grill and cooked up some pheasant breasts. Rene and I both had a small baked potato and some lemon spinach. I knew what we would be eating for dinner all day long. As I ate a salad of cucumbers, dried tomatoes, mushrooms and jalapeno peppers for lunch, my mind wandered ahead to dinner. That pheasant was what I really wanted. When I arrived home I moved the grill out of the garage, warmed it up and started to cook the marinated pheasant.

Inside the potatoes were baking and the spinach and dried lemon were both simmering together on the stove. I was hungry for a great dinner.

While eating our dinner I started to think about how excited I was to dine on what I would call the best this world has to offer. Then I remembered what Jesus said,

Matthew 4:4New International Version (NIV)
⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

His words rang in my ears and I knew then what dessert would be. A friend of ours read verses from the Bible to me last night as God laid them on his heart. So before bed I had a snack of God's Word. I read those verses again. Wouldn't it be nice if we all hungered for time in God's Word as much as we hungered for other things?

I think we could all use a diet change. What do you say?

Marty

The Weather Is Changing 11/18/2016

Good Morning,

Wow! I just filled my insulated bottle with Door County Maple Coffee and I made it just a little hotter before pouring. The weather is changing today and our first colder blast is here. We might see some snow flakes today or tomorrow morning.

I feel blessed to live where we do. Some people bark about the cold weather in the fall and winter, I for one enjoy it. I have written before that my favorite clothes are winter clothing. I enjoy warm Kromer hats and warm gloves. I like crawling into a cold car, letting it warm up and pouring a little coffee to make the experience a little easier. Coffee always tastes better when it is colder outside. We are blessed to have four distinct seasons here. I enjoy seeing all four arrive, and then fade away.

God planted me where I am and I really have no desire to leave. As the world turns I see God in every season. Our apple trees have lost their leaves and are now resting until the spring brings new buds and flowers.  I love watching the cycles of life.

Genesis 8:22English Standard Version (ESV)
²² While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease

So today Dear Friends stop for a moment and see what God has changed around you in the last month. Don't take it for granted. When you see the leaves fall it is just a sign that God is alive and well and He turned the seasons. Enjoy it for now, it will change as promised.

Love to all.

Marty

Prayer For The Deer Hunters 11/17/2016

Good Morning,

My Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee will have to wait until later. I am in a rush today and just have time to write. The caffeine will have to be on hold!

On Friday in Wisconsin the highways were jammed with thousands of hunters traveling to their spot in the woods in pursuit of the elusive whitetail deer. The deer hunting season started on Saturday. I used to deer hunt, but have found that my passion for dogs, ducks and water outweighs my taste for venison.

Philippians 4:6-8New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I enjoyed many deer hunts with friends and family. I think it was the shenanigans after a day in the woods, or falling asleep on my parents living room floor, feeling toasty warm that I enjoyed the most. A lot of high powered weaponry will be out there this week. My hope is that this will be a safe hunting season with no gun deaths, automobile accidents or anyone falling out of their tree stands.

But one has to do more than just hope for their safety. One needs to pray. I also challenge the hunters. You have a lot of quiet time out there. What better time could you find to spend some hours in prayer while you sit? Pray for the other hunters, your families, your enemies, and yourself.

Here is my prayer for you.

May the Lord God make you an honorable hunter who respects fellow hunters, the animals, and all creation;

May He keep safe you and all who share the field or the forest;

May He make all hunters proud of their kill, generous with their meat, and thankful in all circumstances.

May God bless you: Marty

Hey while you are out there scare some ducks my way and most of all be safe, and enjoy!

Marty

Planning Thanksgiving Dinner. 11/16/2016

Good Morning,

Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is swirling in my cup and a breakfast of bananas and dried cherries is got "winner" written all over it.

This year we are hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for some family members and us. I gave our grandson Dominick a choice, "traditional turkey dinner" or full blown "Italian feast"?  He chose the Italian feast. I plan on making meatballs, Italian sausage, rigatoni, and homemade pasta sauce. There will be olive garnishes, bruschetta, and a hot vegetable ( to be determined. I am debating whether or not to serve soup. I really enjoy planning these large meals. I have a special dessert planned and I am sure it will be a hit.

Now much more important than the meal is the fact that some of us can gather to be grateful and enjoy each other's company. It's not the food that is most important but the time spent visiting, conversing, and hopefully laughing. A family meal can be music to a soul and good for what ails you. I thought about this in depth. God gave us food to eat. He made everything that will be on the table. He gifted us with family. It is only natural to gather and enjoy both at a table.

"Tables are one of the most important places of human connection. We’re often most fully alive to life when sharing a meal around a table. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, to find that throughout the Bible God has a way of showing up at tables. In fact, it’s worth noting that at the center of the spiritual lives of God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments, we find a table: the table of Passover and the table of Communion. New Testament scholar N. T. Wright captured something of this sentiment when he wrote, “When Jesus himself wanted to explain to his disciples what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory, he gave them a meal.” I’m convinced that one of the most important spiritual disciplines for us to recover in the kind of world in which we live is the discipline of table fellowship. In the fast-paced, tech-saturated, attention-deficit-disordered culture in which we find ourselves, Christians need to recover the art of a slow meal around a table with people we care about. “Table fellowship” doesn’t often make the list of the classical spiritual disciplines. But in the midst of a world that increasingly seems to have lost its way with regard to matters of both food and the soul, Christian spirituality has something important to say about the way that sharing tables nourishes us both physically and spiritually. We need a recovery of the spiritual significance of what we eat, where we eat, and with whom we eat". Barry D Jones.

In a day when we rush too much the table time has in many ways become almost extinct. Matthew 18:20For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

God Bless,

Marty

Super Moon A Portrait From God 11/15/2016

Good Morning,

I am hoping to that my Door County Raspberry Butter Crunch Coffee will be done dripping into the pot very soon. It is very tempting to replace the pot with my mug and fill it sooner. But last time I did that I had a huge mess. I better wait.

Over the last few nights we have been treated to a "Super Moon". This type of display is not expected to be seen again for many, many, many years. I borrowed this photo from my friend Sheila Semrou. She takes a lot of pictures along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. This is one of my favorites. Water, waterfowl, and moonlight, all add up to a masterpiece painted by the Master.

I would imagine that many of you who are reading this have witnessed this moon over the last few nights. Our God is an awesome God. He alone hung the moon, made the geese and filled the lakes. He combined all of this and in any instant of a second you viewed a whole different scene than the one my friend took a picture of. You were somewhere else at the time Shelia took the photo. But yet God knew where you were standing or sitting, He painted a masterpiece in the ceiling of His chapel just for you. Mine was also different. I did not see the masterpiece until morning. Yet Our God who does not sleep, continued to paint for me to see it's beauty in the morning sky. The morning is my favorite time of day. God knows that.

There is so much that God does for us each and every day. But for Him to show us his handiwork, and no two views were the same is so awesome I could scream. You see only you were standing or sitting in that exact spot. Each view around the world was at a different angle. Yet it was amazing to all of us. To say "what a beautiful moon" is a true injustice. Only God can paint a canvas that has the same subject, yet make it different for the whole world.

Psalm 8:3-5New International Version (NIV)

³ When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

⁵ You have made them a little lower than the angels
    and crowned them with glory and honor.

Walking away from this should make you feel loved and important. God sent you a picture from heaven. Just for you.

Have a great day!

Marty

An Extra Set Of Eyes And Ears 11/14/2016

Good Morning,

I will be filling my cup with Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee in a minute or two. It seems as if the pot is taking a little longer to brew up my mug of therapy.

I love hunting with a trained dog. They are a joy to watch and their goal is to please the master by doing what they have been taught. For them, it is pure fun to hunt, flush and retrieve. I rely on our dog Gibbs to be an extra set of eyes for spotting birds. He has very keen eyesight and when I see him turn his head while sitting in the boat or blind, it is ninety nine percent of the time to watch a bird go by. He can usually hear a goose honking in the distance before I do and can zero in on the direction a duck quack came from. He then looks in that direction with a steadfast stare. He can't pull the trigger on a gun but he sure does offer up good advice. While hunting upland game I have to thoroughly trust him and his nose to lead me to a squawking pheasant. I have learned to trust him and his instincts one hundred percent.

During our lives we all need advice from time to time. There are many times while hunting with Gibbs that he wants to go one way and I want to go another way. His way usually leads to a bird. When he doesn't have the scent or sound of a bird in his brain he goes with me happily and trusts that I might put us in a good spot to be successful. The trust is mutual.

We all need trusty friends that will offer up Godly advice from time to time. In some instances when we are overwhelmed, we just need to trust their advice and follow them. These folks should also be able to disagree with us and show us the right way despite what we want. They will tell us what we don't want to hear. Good counsel also watches out for us, spotting things that we might overlook. They are a second set of eyes and ears.

Proverbs 13:10New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ Pride leads to conflict;
    those who take advice are wise.

Each of us should have at least one person like this, if not more. This person will always lead you to choices backed up by Scripture. God places people like this in our lives. They are gifts to us. It would be a shame to receive a gift and never use it.

If you find that you do not have the ear or eyes of someone else, ask this question? When given good Godly advice, do I follow it? Many people grow weary of giving great advice and then watching others go the wrong way and continually make mistakes. Having a lack of people wanting to be involved in your life, might just be on you.

Food for thought!

Marty

Don't Move When You Can't See. 11/13/16

Good Morning,

I am out with my insulated bottle of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee, our dog, good friends, family and a whole pile of decoys.

I am writing to you from inside of my truck. Although yesterday was colder, today's wind whipping through us. We have plenty of time before we can hunt, so why not stay warm?

Yesterday morning I took this picture from inside my truck. What you see is a windshield that is totally frosted over. Unless I scraped off the frost or let it melt from the truck heater, I could not see where to drive.  Driving without a clear line of sight would be dangerous and irresponsible. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

When we need direction for life. We should seek out God through prayer and His word. We should rely on Him to give us direction. Moving ahead without Him is like driving a vehicle with a frosted windshield.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

So friends don't be in a rush to make decisions on life. Wait and seek out God. You might avoid a crash!

Marty

Corn Cups And Sunday Breakfasts 11/12/16

Good Morning,

My insulated bottle is filled with Door County Autumn Harvest Coffee and there are a couple granola bars in my hunting pack. Off I go with Gibbs and hope for bagging a duck or two. I expect to hunting alone today. That might be a good thing for me. I need an easy hunt and I also need to unscramble my mind.

When Rene isn't working on a weekend I always make a bigger breakfast for the two of us on Sunday morning. We have a small collection of what we call "corn dishes" in our pie safe. We usually use them for those Sunday breakfasts. Rene loves French Toast or pancakes. We fill my cup with coffee and hers with milk. We seem to enjoy eating the breakfasts off of these plates.

One thing though, these dishes never see the dishwasher. They are always hand washed, hand dried, and put away safely as soon as possible. They were hard to come by and are treated with tender loving care.

I would like to take this time to remind us that kids are like dishes. They break easily and weren't meant for abuse. They need to be washed, dried and tucked into bed. They need to know that they are hard to come by and are a cherished gift. Kids are fragile and it doesn't take much to leave an emotional scratch. It doesn't take much to ruin a mind. We are to teach them to love, honor and respect. We are to set the example for them  Kids imitate what they see. I have attached what I believe is the Biblical job description for parents.

Deuteronomy 6:1-9New International Version (NIV)

Love the Lord Your God

6 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

The Bible gives us the outline to teach our kids. We need make sure that they see the outline living in us. When we practice the Biblical principals of love and teach the kids those principals we are loving as parents should. The Bible tenerdizes our hearts and we in turn are the loving, supportive parents we should be. We treat our children accordingly with love, tendernes and grace.

So go ahead treat the kids to a loving parent today. Read your Bible.

Marty

We Can Overcome Differences 11/11/2016

Good Morning,

Break out the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and let's get this Friday underway. I am looking forward to seeing some time spent with Rene this weekend.

Meet Bo and Gibbs. They met on our hunting trip to North Dakota. They are very different. Notice the differences. Color, race, size, age, and experience. One is a puppy and one is going to be five years old. But they both retrieve ducks. They needed to ride together. Funny thing, Bo hopped in the truck where Gibbs usually rides. Gibbs jumped in and they rode together. Gibbs is willing to share. Bo was willing to accept a ride. They did not see differences. They shared a common desire and goal.
They both retrieve ducks and they don't mind picking one up for the other dog if needed. 

Now hear this! If two dogs who are normally territorial can get along, so can people. These two dogs have a common goal, and that is to hunt alone or with others.

I believe it is time for Americans to start pulling together and quit the bickering. We just went through an election that reminded me of a divorce with an ugly custody battle. What we forget is to practice Biblical principals.

Romans 12:10English Standard Version (ESV)
¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor

The election is over and it is time to get on with working to help others and make life better for all. Dogs can do it when they have a common goal and are trained to behave. We have all been trained to know right from wrong. We have all been trained to know what peace is. We have all been trained to refrain from doing harm. We have no excuse for not pulling up our big boy or big girl pants and getting to work on unity.

OK. Friday begin!!!!

Marty





Soup With A Nephew. Simple Is Better 11/10/2016

Good Morning,

The sound of Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee has started and soon the aroma will fill the room.

Last night we found ourselves in need of help moving some furniture to the garage to make way for a couple new items. We also had a dresser from my Dad's estate that needed to get to a relative. I called our nephew Nick and explained the situation. He said he would be over to our house right after work to help us out. I am a little under the weather from battling a kidney stone the night before. I am just not 100% yet. While speaking with Nick I asked if he would have time to sit down and eat a some hot chicken soup that I had made. He replied yes and that would be fine.

The furniture got moved and the soup was hot. The three of us sat down to one of the simplest dinners one could have. The crackers came out and conversation was had around the table. Nothing too deep was discussed and our chatting was as simple as the soup. But it was nice to take time and slurp some soup. All three of us lost ourselves for a little while and the outside world and it's issues had to stay outside. I can't tell you how nice it was. You had to be there.

Genesis 1:30English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁰ And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

I have said this before. It doesn't take much to enjoy the company of family. And for me, warm soup seems good for a cold heart that has battled the world all day and for us, all week. We prayed at dinner for each other and for God to bless our food. I know He did. We finished dinner content and we even laughed a little. The soup was simple, we kept everything light, thanked God  for our bounty and to me it was better than a five star restaurant. You see the soup was seasoned with love and God provided all the ingredients. Now that has to be a winner every time!

All I can say is this. I can write about it, you can read it, but you have to do it to experience it.

Love
Marty

Unlock The Potential 11/9/2016

Good Morning,

Home again and I am brewing some Door County Highlander Grog. A special thank you to my good brother in Christ Todd for sending me a care package. It means a lot!

Manny years ago my parents gifted Rene with an antique railroad lock that my grandfather had around his house. The lock sits on the handle to our kitchen pie safe. The lock is never used but it is in working condition and is quite sturdy. But it just sits there and is just for show not for go. It has a purpose that is not being utilized at all.

Many people have placed locks on their gifts and talents. God has given them talents and abilities and they do not use them to help others or minister in God's churches. For instance one might have been gifted with a beautiful voice but yet does not use it in church to minister to others. Such a waste.

1 Peter 4:10English Standard Version (ESV)
¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

You are special and God has given us all gifts. We should all use them to make this world a better place.

Have a great day. Unlock yourself.

Marty

The Lonesome Highway 11/8/16

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee sure would go good right now. Last day in Michigan before I go home tonight.

1Timothy 2:1 I urge you therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

I went to bed early last night and was awake by 3 AM. Sleep has been escaping me and my usual pattern of rest has been altered these last few days. The cabin I am staying in is close to a rural highway.  When I woke up, the sound of cars and trucks could occasionally be heard.

I wondered who could be going anywhere at this time. Could it be a truck driver with a delivery?  Maybe the sheriff or a nurse going to work?  It might have been someone returning ftom the local casino. I will never know who it was that was traveling the dark road. I stopped and said a pray for whoever was in the vehicles. I prayed in general for them. They will never know that they were prayed for.

Friends,  we all know people who are on a dark highway in their life. Of course we should reach out and encourage them. That is a good thing to do. But we can pray for them whenever they come to mind and intercede on their behalf. It takes no effort. It only takes a little time. Your prayer to Our Heavenly Father might be the light for their highway.

God bless,

Marty

Forgot To Turn On The Heat 11/7/2016

Good Morning,

It's early and some Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee would go good right now.  One can dream.

I am still in Upper Michigan working on our father's estate. Yesterday was so warm that I turned off the heat in the little cabin that I am staying in. There is a lot on my mind and much to do. It was still warm when I went to sleep last night. I forgot to turn the heat back on. I woke up to cold feet and a very cold nose. Long under were left home too. Not too bright.

The debate of whether or not to get out of bed and go across a cold room to the thermostat and turn on the heat took place in my mind. I decided to wait awhile with the blanket pulled tightly over my head.  This did not help. Nature kicked in and the bathroom called.  I s hlould have turned the heat on. That wad a frigid experience.  But it did not need to be that way. I was just being lazy when I decided to pull the blankets tighter. Laziness had no reward and literally came back to bite me in the butt. No pun intended.

Laziness has no rewards. Proverbs 13:4 The heart of the sluggard desires and has nothing. But the heart of the diligent shall be made fat.

The little cabin is warming up very slowly.  My cold head is a tribute to my laziness.  I hope it doesn't add insult to injury by giving me a cold. But I own the laziness and have no one to blame but myself.

Good day and better tomorrow's.

Marty

Working Through It 11/6/2016

Good Morning,

I am a little bit off key and kinda miss my usual big cup of Door County Coffee. The view pictured is from our Dad's deck on a peaceful autumn day. I will never forget that morning.

Earlier this week we were notified that our Dad had an accident at home and had passed away. We all made it home and for the first time in a long time we were together. Things are always more difficult when you are a long way from your own home. Cousins of ours who live near Dad reached out to help and assist. Everyone from funeral directors, police, auto repair folks, bankers and real estate agents were more than patient and kind to us. At times things went better than expected and then some times were tough. We felt the care and prayers of others for us. We are truly grateful. God is good.

Today most of the family will be going home until we regroup for more clean up of the estate. I am staying a day or two longer and will be finishing some business.

My thought on these last few days is this. Each day is a little easier but not much. I do not like processes. I am a "git er done" kind of guy. I petitioned God as to why I was having trouble moving on quicker and He spoke.

Ecclesiastes 3:4. There is a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance. 

So I believe the mourning time will be a process of healing prescribed by God. I pray for strength and peace. They will come because God promised that we will dance again some day.

God bless.

Marty

Infection Prevention 11/3/2016

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a big cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee with a splash of apple cider donut dunked in the cup ever so gently. I am afraid I am bragging, but if there were awards for donut dunking I believe I would be a gold medal winner.

As many of you know I work in health care and a good portion of my time is spent with the Infection Prevention Department caregivers. They were formerly known as the "Infection Control Department".

Their job primarily consists of preventing the start of infections within hospitals and if one occurs minimizing the ability of the germ to spread. They are all about patient and caregiver safety. They run across the standard infections and then one will come along that is new or rare. I have worked with many of these bug pros and when something new is on the prowl they become tenacious.  They work to wipe it out, whether it is new or just a run of the mill old one.

Life can be full of spiritual infections also. Like a severe cold can be minor at first, if left unchecked it can turn into pneumonia and for some, be deadly. Little sins that we pick up and decide to entertain in our lives become worse over time and the consequences can be devastating. The sin can impact our families and friends, thus spreading the impact to others. Just the same way that an out of control infection does not stop at just one person, it seeks to destroy many.

Now if I suspect an issue within a hospital or want advice on how to perform construction safely within a healthcare setting I call upon our little "Puss Busters"  (Pun on "who do you call? Ghost Busters!) 

From time to time I advise all believers to get a spiritual health check up to see if anything unhealthy has crept into their lives. We can call on the Great Infection Preventionist to illuminate the bad stuff and convict us of our need to remove it and work toward a healthy spiritual walk.

Think of it like this.  We can ask God to give us a spiritual MRI.

Psalm 139:23-24New International Version (NIV)

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

 

Now many of us take medications to prevent certain illnesses or we submit to vaccinations. We can take spiritual medication "a gospill" on a daily basis to help us avoid a nasty spiritual infection.

 

 Psalm 119:105King James Version (KJV)
¹⁰⁵ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

I advise a daily double dose taken in the morning and one at night. God's Word living within us helps to fight off temptation and spiritual illness. It's like hand washing, which helps to stop the spread of communicable diseases.

Psalm 119:11New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you.

 

So my friends as one who needs to go to the doctor from time to time just to have him tell me what I already know. Too many brats do not make a healthy Marty. We too, already know what needs to go spiritually. But when in doubt call upon the Expert for a diagnosis.

 

Have a healthy day!

 

Marty