A Stone In The Pond 2/28/2017

Good Morning,

If the alarm clock hadn't gone off with a resounding Country Western Tune I would have missed my cup of Door County Black Velvet Coffee. Just a few more minutes of rest would have been nice today.

Every now and then I still like to throw stones into a pond just to see the splash and ripples they make. But once the splash is reduced to some very fine ripples the stone has probably reached the bottom of the pond never to be seen again. Do the same on the ocean and the rock might find it's way back to the shore with the big waves that roll in with a storm. But in a small pond we can be pretty certain that the rock is gone permanently into the deep.

Some people have hearts like a pond. They can take feelings they had for someone and bury them in the rock filled bottom of their hearts. Something happened between the two people and the emotions and feelings they once had have been tossed aside like a stone into a pond, never to be seen or heard from again. In may cases it wasn't a huge deal that caused a rift, which in turn caused a "write off."

When we write off people and toss them into the rock pit of our hearts, eventually like cholesterol which can choke off a beating heart, the ability to just walk away hardens our hearts and before long we find that our heart never really beats like it did before for people. A heart that beats for others beats best. In order to have a healthy loving heart we need to follow this one Scripture before we write off people and move on. If we do, we probably won't be so quick to perform the "write off".

Colossians 3:13New International Version (NIV)
¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Friends, forgiveness does not always make sense, but God knows what is best for us. A hardened heart finds little joy in life. Do unto others my friends. It's the golden rule.

God bless,

Marty

The Church That Built Me 2/27/2017

Good Morning,

The weekend left me and Monday fell through my window to wake me up. I just filled my mug with Door County Amaretto Coffee and now I need to match a tie to a shirt.

Yesterday, I attended a church service at the first church I joined in my Christian journey. God blessed the church with a new building, which is much larger and more up to date. They celebrated their last service in the old building. I was invited to attend. Many memories flooded my mind while sitting there. It was great to see some old friends and remember those who have moved away or now reside in heaven.

I recalled joining the church. I was so rough around the edges that most people thought the roof would cave in because I walked in. I remember being baptized there through immersion and all the Bible studies I attended. I recalled all the personalized  mentoring and support I received. I began to recall some of the youth that I taught while there. The fond memory of my two friends who served with me in youth group,  but both went home to Jesus in the last few years caused a tear or two to run down my cheek.

I remembered the first time they called on me to pray. And then later allowing me to hold a men's prayer meeting once a month. Eventually I grew in my walk and it led me to two other churches. I served and grew at the  second church and now I am attending the third church in my journey home. I am serving there and growing. But it was the first church and the discipleship I received that instilled service and growth desires within me. For that I am forever grateful. This was the church that took me in and built me up. They taught me and readied me for my journey through this Christian life.

Philippians 1:1-6New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons^[a]:

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.

Is your church mentoring others? Are you mentoring someone or being mentored? Are you growing in your walk? If the answer is no to the questions above you need to ask another question. That question is "why not"? In most instances you will find that it is the person who does not desire to grow and serve. If it is the church that isn't doing a good job of discipleship, then fix it or move on. Always try to fix it first.

God bless,
Marty

Soup's On Again 2/26/27

Good Morning,

I wish we could all get together for a cup of Door County Almond Coffee, some scrambled eggs and bacon with a side plate of toast. We could all pray, give thanks and read a Bible passage. I have never met some of you who are reading this and it sure would be nice to get to know one another.

People have commented that my writing style is "different". The reason I write, all started with our church financial officer a few years ago. She had a vision for our church to have a daily devotional published on our web site. As an experiment she asked me to try it first. Very soon there after we noticed that people were starting to enjoy it and that my ramblings are read in many countries. I petitioned God as to what to do. Continue or drop? He responded with this. God must have a great sense of humor.

Ephesians 2:10New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I found out very long ago that you never win an argument with God. I am not a writer by trade as you can tell. So I gave in and started to write to all of you. I never know who is reading the daily post unless someone comments.  My style comes from the heart. I open my day, and home to you. My experiences, travels and thoughts are shared here in my daily heart spill. Sometimes my dreams for life are placed on the screen or my petitions for prayer are resounded and published. I write as God leads. So I truly do wish that we could meet some day. Maybe that day will take place in heaven. What a day that will be!

This morning I want to challenge all of you to use whatever talents God has given you to show kindness to someone today. I have expressed to many that when God handed out talents I must have been napping and missed the sign in. However I do like to cook. Cooking for me is not a talent but a way to blow off stress and eat well. Everything I make is from a recipe given to me or from a cook book. I cannot dream up my own gourmet delights. As long as I can read and follow instructions I can turn out a pretty good meal. So yesterday the soup kettle went on the stove. Rene delivered the potato soup that was needed to a family member and then I started a batch of "Real Man Vegetable Beef Soup". Most of that will be given to friends that are down with a major head colds.

I am a simple man and God uses even the simple to bless others and expects us to do so. We are not here on Earth just to wait it out until we are called to Heaven. We are not to live life like it is one big bus or train terminal where we are waiting and waiting, doing nothing. We are here to use our talents to glorify God and bless others. Blessing others comes in many forms and can be performed at church, work, abroad or home. God has given all of us different talents as gifts. We all have at least one or more.

Are you being lazy or self centered with your talents? Use them for others and know that God has called you to do so. Get on His page and experience the blessing of using those talents before time and age might restrict your ability to do so. Try it, you'll like it.

Have a great day.

Marty

A Walk With God. I love You More 2/25/2017

Good Morning,

My morning started very early today. I filled a travel bottle with Door County Crème Coffee and went for a long walk. The sun still isn't up.

It is snowing lightly this morning. It started to snow last night and it left us a white surprise. In my part of the world it wasn't too much snow, just enough to turn things white again, and remind us that winter isn't really over. Sleep was treating my like the plague last night and I finally gave in to just getting out of bed, dressing in warm layers, taking my travel bottle full of coffee and going for a long walk with our dog Gibbs.

Gibbs didn't care that it was four thirty in the morning. He just wanted to run in the fresh air, chase a couple of rabbits and sniff a few trees. The air was brisk and the coffee was hot. My head lamp lit the way.  I started to pray and ask God a few questions. I petitioned the Holy Spirit to lead my prayer time and to show me what or who to pray for. I had envisioned this walk lasting fifteen minutes at the most. An hour later, out of coffee, a little cold, but with a full spiritual gas tank I returned to the old Ford truck and drove home. During that prayer time I was led to pray for many others, our country, our world and at the end for myself. On my way home I felt content, a little tired and in need of some hot oatmeal to warm me up. Prayer time wasn't over though. Once I was in the driveway I was reminded to be thankful and spent a few minutes to express my gratitude and love for God. I looked up and our house was lit with the outside lights , I knew the coffee was still on , and I could see the smoke rising from the chimney. I felt warm and comforted, because I saw how I was blessed with having a home, a sleeping wife inside, 60 years on this Earth  and a dog sitting next to me. I teared up a little and said to myself and God, sometimes this life has been tough, but You saw me through. I know not what the future on Earth holds for me, but I know You hold the future. God spoke back by recalling Scripture to me.

John 10:9-16New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

I won't go through the rest of my life without a Shepherd to guide me. And one day I will be guided home to heaven.  In simple terms, I told God I loved Him. His reply was "I love you more". Do you need a walk with God? I did.

Have a great day,

Marty

Prayer For The Sick 2/24/2017

Good Morning,

This day might bring rain and it might bring snow. It will be what it will be. So time to drink a cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and pray for a couple of my friends laid low with illnesses.

I have several friends who are laid up with surgical recoveries, some are needing surgery, several are fighting with cancer and some are fighting off the flu. I actually have one friend suffering from shingles.

The Bible does give us clear direction on what to do for those who are ill and need prayer. It all starts with their faith and their desire to be prayed over.

The Prayer of Faith James 5:13-20

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

But how do you explain when a person is prayed for and does not recover? The answer is simple. Every believer is always healed but not always in our time nor in the way we desire. When a believer in Jesus Christ who has been saved by His atonement for our sins dies, they go straight to heaven where there is no sickness. They no longer suffer and are cured. Not the way we desired, but it is how God determined they would be healed and when.

Also the Bible says that we can expect Earthly death.

Psalm 39:4-5

⁴ “Show me, Lord, my life’s end
    and the number of my days;
    let me know how fleeting my life is.
⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
    the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
    even those who seem secure.

God knows the number of our days. He chooses to heal all of His children in His way and His time.

We re still to pray, call on the elders and have faith. Miracles still happen. And at times God uses physicians to help in our healing.

How are you today? Need prayer?

Marty

Castor Oil And The Bible 2/23/2017

Good Morning,

How about that smell coming from the kitchen. I do believe it is a pot of Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffles Coffee. A big thanks to two people today. Brian and Lori, thanks for the coffee and the well wishes.

I swear that there are times when our home reminds me of a museum or an antique shop instead of a home. But we love it and it's how we roll here.  Now and then Rene will purchase an antique bottle with the contents still in it. Here is one of her "prizes". My Dad used to talk about getting a spoonful of castor oil for whatever ailed him. So I decided to look up this old bottle of remedies and see just what it could be used for. One of the lists I came up with provided a little humor for me.

10 Castor Oil Uses

• Improves Immune Function.
• Boosts Circulation.
• Fights Skin Infections and Wounds.
• Helps Balance Hormones and Improve Libido.
• Induces Labor.
• Heals Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin.
• Reduces Toenail or Fingernail Fungus, Moles and Cysts.
• Relieves Constipation

So, many years ago this oil was considered to be the cure all for everything including inducing labor. I hear that many people still use Castor Oil. But every other commercial on television today seems to be for the latest wonder drug made for what ails you. They are usually followed up with two lawyers trying to make a profit from the use of those same drugs and their side effects on the human body.

The cure for your spirit has never changed. God has been and always will be the cure for your spirit.

Isaiah 46:9-10New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Remember the former things, those of long ago;
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.
¹⁰ I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’

God invites us to leave our woes with Him

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

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

So what ails you spiritually? How about this "GOSPILL"?  Down in your spirit? Run to the Great Physician and let Him medicate your heart! He is 100% on target with His treatments for a worried, hurting, anxious, or bitter heart.

Love to all,

Marty

Should Have Been Weaned A Long Time Ago 2/22/2017

Good Morning,

May your day be blessed from above and your heart be at peace today. I hope any troubles for all of you are small ones. I just filled my mug with Door County Maple Coffee and I have a hot biscuit with rhubarb jam on a plate. Let's write.

The picture above is of an old baby high chair that sits in the corner of our kitchen. There are usually a few more decorations on it, but today I want to focus on the old glass baby feeding bottle sitting on the tray. The bottle is empty and I believe Rene is going to fill it with some white stuff to simulate milk. But in reality, this bottle will never be used for milk again. It is for show, not for go.

Both Rene and I were weaned off of the baby bottle as children a thousand years ago. Yet we both drink a glass of milk each day. It is part of our morning breakfast or dinner. It is not the whole dinner as would be required by newborn babies. I don't know much about me as a baby, but I would assume that before too long into life I wanted my share of the meatballs and rigatoni. I can't imagine a full day of  only milk doing this body any good right now. I need grains, fruit and protein, along with a helping of lasagna now and then. Soon after being weaned from the bottle I used a child's cup and sooner than later I was using a glass like an adult. I am sure it was the same for all of you. Just think how silly I would look drinking from a baby bottle now, refusing to grow up and having no desire to do so.

As a child is weaned off of milk and begins to desire real food with some meat, so should a Christian desire to grow in knowledge of God's Word. We should desire to know more about God, our eternal future, and His guidelines for every day.  I teach a men's Bible study and we are working together in a class that is truly what I would call "Deep Theology"  learning about life after death. It has taken us months to be 75% complete. It has been great fun to watch and listen as we all grow in knowledge and application. These guys have all been hungry for the real meat found in God's Word.

We only grow in our relationship with God as we learn about Him and His ways. As we know more and experience Him more we desire more and more of Him. When this happens you are weaned. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2

1 Corinthians 3:2New International Version (NIV)

² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

To me this would be one of the saddest things that could be said about any Christian. This implies that despite being fed with milk, the Christian has not grown to desire the meat of the Word. This is sad, very sad.

If this is you, enroll in a Bible study, or buy a Bible study, either of theology or applications, but get beyond milk and dine on the meat of God's Word.  You are missing out on a treasure just waiting to be mined.  Don't let this pass you by.

Think about it please. It's time to grow up!

Marty

When The Reality Of Sin Sets In 2/21/2017

Good Morning,

How about some Door County Cherry Crème Coffee to start the day with a fresh corn muffin? To me it sounds like a great way to launch the morning.

Sin has a way of looking good to us and we often fall for it's aura and attraction. What starts as euphoria ends up in hard cold reality when the consequences are revealed.

Genesis 3:1-13 New International Version (NIV)

The Fall

3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

² The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, ³ but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
⁴ “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. ⁵ “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
⁶ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”
¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

Eve was enticed to eat the fruit that was forbidden. What she saw at the moment was pleasing to the eye. Adam fell because he wanted some too. It wasn't very long before they both were scrambling for clothes and hiding from God. Reality set in.

A good way to not be on Reality TV in heaven is to remember this. You really do know right from wrong. With the wrong choice there is always a consequence or forty. Choose the right thing to do 100% of the time and you avoid the reality of sin.

Look how quick Adam turned on Eve and played the blame game. Who's job was it to continue to instruct Eve? Eve was honest when she said she was deceived, but she did not ask to be forgiven. She just wanted to blame Satan.

The truth about sin is this. The flash and flare will soon turn into a spiritual rash and a stare. Once what you were excited to do, now turns your stomach. But you could have chosen differently. Right and wrong. You have a fifty fifty chance of getting it right. Not really. Wrong is always wrong. Right is always right. Be correct 100% of the time. Choose right over wrong.

God bless,

Marty

Complaints We All Have Them, But Should We? 2/20/2017

Good Morning,

Wow! Where did the weekend go? It was gone like piece of bacon that was given to the dog. So to get this Monday kicked stated I am brewing some Door County Black Velvet Coffee.

I think much of the human race has taken to complaining about life a lot more than we used to. The other day I was grocery shopping and could not help but hear a young boy say to his mother, " Not chicken again, I am tired of chicken." I will bet that if you gave that same chicken dinner to the orphans I know in Haiti and feed it to them for seven days straight, they would never complain. They would be happy to have a full belly. Try complaining that your house is too small to someone living in a refugee camp. Try telling someone how bad your job is when they don't have a job.

We gripe and complain about things while others are battling cancer from a hospital bed.  When we voice our complaints, especially those who have enough to get along. We are telling God that what He has for us today isn't good enough. We don't trust Him to use adversity to make us stronger.

Philippians 2:14English Standard Version (ESV)
¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Let's try to go one day without complaining about anything. Who will join me today? No complaining!

God bless,

Marty

72 Years Of Marriage. Now That's An Accomplishment! 2/19/2017

Good Morning,

Today starts another decade for me. My family and friends gathered last night to celebrate the first sixty years. I was blessed to have them surround me with a roast and a toast . I am truly grateful to all who were there. This morning my coffee is Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and it is plenty hot.

Mark 10:9New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Yesterday, we had the pleasure while out for a quick lunch to see another family gathered to celebrate 72 years of marriage. This elderly couple was what we could only assume,  surrounded by their loved ones which, seemed to have been their children, grandchildren, some great grandchildren and maybe a few friends. From where we were sitting in the restaurant we could hear a small toast given to them from someone. That's how we knew it was for their 72nd anniversary. It was a pretty large group and somehow we were just blessed enough to be able to sit near this party. From where I sat I could see this couple holding hands under the table. They both answered one question. "What was the secret to living together 72 years?  The answer was simple but yet profound. "It was our faith in God. We knew that He joined us together."

I did some quick math and knew that they were married in 1944. The world was at war then. They have seen other wars together since then. They have seen presidents come and go. Television came about during their marriage. There have been recessions. I assumed that somewhere along the way they both had a cold or possible illnesses. It looked as if they raised a family and from what I saw they were loved by old and young. They made it through all of the ups and downs in life and they were still holding hands and had the biggest smiles in the room.

A million questions filled my pea brain, but it wasn't my place to ask any of them. We were momentary observers. We witnessed a snapshot of two lives that impacted a lot of people. Their words on marriage still were impacting people, including us.  I felt like we had purchased two tickets to a random sporting event where something extraordinary happened and then knew it was going to be priceless. I almost felt like I was on holy ground.

We left and the two of us talked about how that old couple knew why they stayed together and stayed strong. Fulfilling their promise before God and acknowledging it helped them last 72 years, through all they must have encountered was a tribute to them and God who joined them together.

Enough said. How about it? Shouldn't we all just look at our spouses today and say "Thank God that He joined us together"? Then maybe those tired eyes of all of us will see each other like those two did 72 years ago and still do?

Have a great day!

Marty

It's Just Plain Wrong. You Don't Beat Your Wife And Kids 2/18/17

Good Morning,

I am enjoying the start of this day outside on the patio, Door County Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti Coffee at my side and an apple sliced and covered with peanut butter. Our weather is extremely warm for this time of year and I am waiting for the sun to come up while I write. I wish I was sitting on the edge of a river with my dog and looking over some duck decoys.

Last night I was called at home by the wife of friend. She asked me if I would go with them to visit their daughter. The daughter and her husband  have been having some issues in their marriage and my friend thought that maybe we could talk with them and pray, sending them on the right track.

I was surprised that this young couple let us in. It had been a long time since I was at their wedding. We came unannounced and it did feel awkward at first. Their kids were in bed and it did not take long to feel the tension in the room. I came right out and told them why we had come. I asked how we could help them and the room was silent. The young wife looked into the distance and tears began to flow. Her mom handed her some tissues and she started to dry her eyes. That's when some of her makeup was wiped away and I could see the black and blue around her eye. I asked the  young man how she received the bruise and he came forth with the answer " we were arguing and it got rough. I guess I slapped her a little". I was expecting her dad to fly off of the chair and place this guy in a choke hold. He showed great restraint. However, I was a little tired and my blood was boiling. I asked the next question. If I were to inspect those kids what would I see? His head hung low and he replied that the that they get spanked. I knew it implied more. I then asked if he would like to experience a little fear and go outside and take a beating. I was that angry. Then I heard him say "no sir". All of a sudden He was  changing that attitude. I did not beat the guy. It would have only lowered me to his level. But I could have, and I wanted to.

The fella has been removed from the home, the wife will be seeking a restraining order and I will be meeting with the young man to see if he is willing to let God resurrect his life. The wife will be going to counseling at her church. I went home, wanting to vomit all the way to our house.

There is no reason for men to beat their wives or their kids. None what so ever. The only excuse I can find is that this fella has not experienced the love and teaching of Jesus. He only sees himself as first, and does not put his family before him. He hasn't learned to love others. He hasn't learned to treat others as he would want to be treated. He sure retreated at the offer to experience the beating of a lifetime. He knew how he did not want to be treated. He knows right from wrong. My heart ached as much for him as it did for the wife and the kids. Pray dear friends that this has a happy ending some day.

Ladies, if you are in a situation like this. You must report it. You need to protect your kids and yourself. Get to a church, get away, call the police. But don't let it go on any longer. It will get worse. Men if this is your story, leave, seek help, get to a Bible believing church. Do not go home until you can trust yourself. Be held accountable. Seek a relationship with Jesus Christ and be healed from what torments you.

Colossians 3:19    Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.   

Psalm 11:5    The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.   

2 Timothy 3:1-8  But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ...   

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.   

1 Peter 3:7    Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

If you know someone who is experiencing this type of abuse. Put on you big boy or big girl pants and get them some help. Call the authorities and put a stop to it. I did not enjoy writing this today one bit. But it needs to be said.

May God give you peace today.

Marty

No Voice In The Wind 2/17/2017

Good Morning,

I am using up the last of my Door County Jingle Bell Coffee today. I am going to miss winter when it goes away. I am not a summer guy. Friday came just like I knew it would.

I find myself in a melancholy mood this morning. While writing out some bills from my desk last night, Rene walked up with a cold drink of water for me. I have had a persistent cough for three months now. Nothing serious, and I am told it will go away. She also brought a small wooden object that I made when we were first married. We have decided to declutter and purge some things. She asked me if I remembered the object. I did recall it. I had made it for my mother, I placed it on the desk and decided we could declutter something else. I wanted to keep it.

As I was sitting there I could hear the wind blow around the corner of our second story and it howled. That wind sounded as lonely as I felt. It was just one of those nights when memories became painful.

The sound of the wind reminded me of a Bible passage. 1 Kings 19:11-13King James Version (KJV)
¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
¹² And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
¹³ And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

God's voice was not in the wind, but it reminded me of what I needed and sitting there dreaming wasn't going to accomplish anything. I needed to hear from God. I opened my Bible and turned to a sweet invitation.

1 Peter 5:6-8Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

⁷ Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

⁸ Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [ in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

 

After I read for awhile and prayed it was time for bed. Friends, for some reason I started to mourn the loss of my parents last night and I needed some comfort. My sweet wife tried with a cold drink, kind words and it is much appreciated. But what I needed was some time in the God's garden. 

 

 

 

He took time to walk with me, talk with me and tell me I am His own. I walked away later extremely tired and at peace. I had to leave those feelings with Him.

 

It might bethat today is one of those hurtful days for you or someone you love. Send them to God's garden for a little talk with Him. It works.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

Real Joy 2/16/17

Good Morning,

How about that Door County Mocha Mint Coffee that just was poured into my mug?  The aroma alone was worth waking up for.

Our church leadership is comprised of pastors and elders. We meet for prayer and discussion once a month at church. We all have our individual duties and ministries that we perform at church. The team is active to say the least. Last night we had our meeting and we started to share praises on what God is doing within the church. That part of our meeting went longer than usual and to me it is always the best part of the night. We praise God together and move on to prayer requests and then some business, I found that listening to all the guys report out on what God is doing gave me a feeling of joy. It was awesome. But I know that there is more joy out there. I find great joy in gathering at church with other believers, going on short term mission trips, delivering a sermon or two, writing to all of you, and leading a Bible study. I find joy in making a cheesy garlic bread for our family.  But there is a greater joy to be had.

John 15:5,9-11New International Version (NIV)
⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. .
⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Real joy, is having the joy of the Resurrected Jesus flowing through us in an abiding relationship. It is not the same joy that the world knows, because this requires spending time with Him. His joy flows through Him and into us. He doesn't just give us joy. He becomes our joy. He becomes our desire. Joy is the precious fruit of an intimate relationship with Christ.

Would you like to experience this joy? Spend more time talking with Jesus and listening,. Increase your joy by obeying Him. Seek to work along side of Him. There is nothing at all that compares to that joy. Don't settle for good when it can be great. Resurrect your joy!

Marty

There Has To Be More To Life 2/15/2017

Good Morning,

Time to wake up my sleepy friends. Time to hit the floor and time for that first cup of Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee, eat an apple and look forward to some ham and split pea soup for dinner. I for one am ready to enjoy that blessing.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13English Standard Version (ESV)
¹² I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; ¹³ also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.

I like to live my life and enjoy what I do. There is no sin in living life and enjoying what God has for us each day. But in many instances we get so consumed with life and schedules that we forget to pet a puppy, encourage a child, squeeze our own orange juice, enjoy the stars, cry at a sunrise, console at a funeral, smell a lilac, share a blessing, compliment someone, receive a compliment, make a fire to warm us, swim with the fish, smile, laugh, pray or go to a baseball game.

We become numb, lifeless figures taking up oxygen because we choose to be this way. God's gift of enjoying a tomato from our garden and thanking him becomes the "chore of making a meal" instead of enjoying the sweet fruit of our labor and praising God for it.

There is more to life even in misery. I have had two friends go on to be with the Lord. While visiting them both before death came, they asked me who they could be praying for. They found purpose and joy in praying for others as long as they were alive. They saw the beauty in prayer. One wanted to look up football statistics and sing hymns for a couple hours. I am so glad I went to be with him. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. There is more to life than what is in front of us at the moment. We just need to open our eyes and enjoy it, even for a moment.

God Bless,

Marty

Why Use Google When You Have Teenagers? 2/14/2017

Good Morning,

Happy Valentines Day! This day started with a large cup of Door County Black Velvet Coffee and a biscuit with last summer's honey. That is a breakfast fit for a king.

A friend of mine and I were discussing how to build something the other day and he said, "let's Google it and see how to do it." I replied "I thought you had teenagers at home!" He knew exactly what I was thinking. There comes an age with every teenager when they decide that they personally know more than their parents and they actually wonder if their parents roamed the Earth with the dinosaurs. You can usually tell when they reach that age. Phrases like, it's different now, you don't understand, I know better, or my favorite, it's been a long time since you were my age! You can tell the minute  they know everything , phrases like those spew forth like projectile vomit. I was just like that myself. I remember my Dad telling me to leave the snow tires on my car for a couple more weeks, on a warm March day. Nope, not me. No way was it going to snow. It was sixty degrees out. Those wide racing tires were going on my hot rod Ford. Much to my surprise the next morning I woke up to 6 inches of snow and my car was going nowhere! You see, while I was listening to the Beach Boys at night, my Dad was listening to the local weather on the nightly news. I had to take the bus to school. Oh yes, we went to school. No snow day for six inches back then.

I also spent a few summers as kid with my grandparents. It's funny now, but greasing my new boots three times before wearing them just seemed stupid to me. I always grew out of the boots before I could wear them out. But now that my feet are fully grown and have been for many years, that custom of greasing the boots three times before wearing them and then once every other month, sure has kept my feet dry and I only purchase boots every five years. The extra care helps to extend the life of the boots. Grandpa always said "You get what you pay for. Always purchase good footwear. They will last longer and it helps your feet." Every time I grease my boots I can still hear those words.

Now, I have access to the internet and all the knowledge the world has to offer. But what I wouldn't give just to be able to ask those two guys a few more questions. How great that would that be. They didn't have a whole lot of school behind them, but they had common sense and experience. They passed on to me what they learned from their ancestors and from the school of hard knocks. I wish I had listened more to them during those years when I knew everything.

The Bible has a little to say about listening to the older ones in our life.

1 Peter 5:5Living Bible (TLB)
⁵ You younger men, follow the leadership of those who are older. And all of you serve each other with humble spirits, for God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud.

Oh those kids now days. They can turn on a computer and run a program at the age of three. They are amazing and I have been taught some real neat techy things from them. I know now that I do not know everything and can learn from the kids.But I see more and more of them wearing flip flops in the dead of winter. I wonder how their feet will be when they are sixty. They haven't learned to listen yet. Why should they? They know everything. LOL

Marty

Shut The Front Door And Put A Fork In It. 2/13/2017 Recipe Included Today

Good Morning,

What a great day to be alive. The Door County Apple Cobbler Coffee was poured right on time. I slept well and now I have a job to go to. Can't ask for much more. I have included one of my favorite and simple recipes at the end of the blog today.

Romans 14:19New International Version (NIV)
¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Have you ever been involved in an argument that started over something worth arguing about or not worth arguing about and now it just seems to never end? The argument turned into a verbal assault, feelings are hurt, and neither side wants to budge. One argument led to others and now life is miserable.

I know that some people when they are cooking meat want it cooked to tender perfection. I am one of those who tests the tenderness with a fork. If the fork slides in easily and I twist the fork a little to see inside the meat, I can tell that the meat is done. It works for me.

Christians should be able to close the door on an argument and be done with it and seek peace. That is what we are supposed to do.

Matthew 5:9New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.

We close the door effectively when we check our own attitude in the argument through prayer. The prayer leads us to ask for peace and seek it. Sometimes that means taking a big drink of shut up juice and holding our tongues. If an argument hasn't resolved itself through "strong reasoning" will it get fixed by carrying the argument ahead for hours, days, months and even years? Nope, not at all! In most cases the first argument gives birth to more illegitimate life crashers.

The arguments grows in size and soon forgiveness seems impossible, compromise is an ugly word and vengeance seems to be on the menu. Now it's win at all costs no matter what the collateral battle damage is. How foolish is that? Shut that door and put a fork in it.

I like to re-purpose things that might be thrown out and seen as useless. I am almost finished with this project seen below. A little polish and sealer and it will be complete. I am naming this one, "the argument fork". It will remind me to shut the door on arguments and put a fork in them,  call them done, seeking out peace in the process.

I think we all know of an argument or two that needs to end. We should be the first to seek peace with God and then the other party involved. Maybe the best thing you can do is to end the battle and pray for repairs that come in time. But aren't you tired from the battle?

Marty

Rene and I like a grilled steak now and then. Our favorite cut of meat is a bone-in rib eye about three quarters of an inch thick to one inch thick.  Two days before grilling the steaks I prepare a marinade. The marinade has a half  cup of olive oil and a teaspoon of crushed Rosemary added it to it. I shake it well and refrigerate the mixture. The day before we grill I shake the mixture again until it is well blended and then brush it on to both sides of the steak. I place the steaks in a covered glass baking dish and refrigerate until the next day. On grilling day I pepper the steaks to our taste and hit the hot grill and cook them until medium. Of course everyone has a different gauge of done for their preference. Some like their beef still mooing like a cow and others like it as hard as cardboard. Anyway you slice this recipe or however you like it done, it will taste great.

Talk Back Trembling Lips. 2/12/2017

Good Morning,


It was one long  night at work. So before I grab some sleep I will write down my thoughts and dream of a cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Coffee. Later I will be up and working on a small project that I started last week. I went to church last night and this message came to me while there.

I have heard a lot of people throughout the years tell me how they say they can't believe there is a God because of things that happened in their lives or in the lives of others. Some of them actually said that they told God to go to hell and wrote Him off.

Now, my faith and experiences with God tell me that He is real, He exists, and He is everywhere, despite the fact that I can't visibly see Him. I often wonder how those same people would react if they had a face to face conference with God. Job decided that God was unjust and Job wanted an audience with God. What Job received was not what He thought it would be.

In his suffering, Job had charged God with acting unjustly. He had pleaded for an opportunity to appear in court with Him. When God finally speaks, His comments are not what we would have expected Him to have said. God primarily speaks of the awesome acts of creation, the awesome creatures in it and His care for all that He has made. In doing so, He shows how little understanding Job has of the big picture. How could Job argue his case with God as an equal? If God is so attuned to His creation, how could He be unaware of Job's suffering? Job comes to perceive God in a way he never had before! This is the longest conversation recorded between God and man. God gives Job quite the education in chapters 38-39 in the book of Job. It is chapter forty when we see Job's first reply to the audience he requested with God.

Job 40New King James Version (NKJV)

40 Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said:

² “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
He who rebukes God, let him answer it.”

Job’s Response to God

³ Then Job answered the Lord and said:

⁴ “Behold, I am vile;
What shall I answer You?
I lay my hand over my mouth.
⁵ Once I have spoken, but I will not answer;
Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.”

God’s Challenge to Job

⁶ Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:

⁷ “Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me:

⁸ “Would you indeed annul My judgment?
Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?
⁹ Have you an arm like God?
Or can you thunder with a voice like His?
¹⁰ Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor,
And array yourself with glory and beauty.
¹¹ Disperse the rage of your wrath;
Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him.
¹² Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low;
Tread down the wicked in their place.
¹³ Hide them in the dust together,
Bind their faces in hidden darkness.
¹⁴ Then I will also confess to you
That your own right hand can save you.

¹⁵ “Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you;
He eats grass like an ox.
¹⁶ See now, his strength is in his hips,
And his power is in his stomach muscles.
¹⁷ He moves his tail like a cedar;
The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit.
¹⁸ His bones are like beams of bronze,
His ribs like bars of iron.
¹⁹ He is the first of the ways of God;
Only He who made him can bring near His sword.
²⁰ Surely the mountains yield food for him,
And all the beasts of the field play there.
²¹ He lies under the lotus trees,
In a covert of reeds and marsh.
²² The lotus trees cover him with their shade;
The willows by the brook surround him.
²³ Indeed the river may rage,
Yet he is not disturbed;
He is confident, though the Jordan gushes into his mouth,
²⁴ Though he takes it in his eyes,
Or one pierces his nose with a snare.

God continues His lecture to Job in chapter 41. Once again Job replies to God in chapter 42. But his tone was quite different. This is where I picture Job wetting his pants and talking through trembling lips. I am jeering him by now, yelling "you tell Him boy". Not really. Without reading I could tell you what I perceived what would happen and it did.

Job 42:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

Job’s Repentance and Restoration

42 Then Job answered the Lord and said:

² “I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
³ You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
⁴ Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’

⁵ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
⁶ Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.”

I wonder how a lot of big talkers would respond if they were in Job's shoes? I think we all need to remember that God hears our thoughts and words. If we remember this, wouldn't we be more respectful?  Who are we to speak that way to God or about Him?

Food for thought this Sunday, if you really think missing church isn't telling God to go stuff it.

Marty

The Nightmare Of Busyness 2/11/2017

Good Morning,

My morning will bring me to the gym after a cup of Door County Black Velvet Coffee and some orange juice.

I guess I will start this blog off rather ugly today. If you ever want to experience the rape of a relationship develop habits that make you too busy to maintain and sustain that relationship. Busyness fills calendars but fractures families. Busyness destroy our priorities.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added to you.

I was speaking with a young wife and mother this week at work. While chatting she mentioned that she was exhausted. She looked wiped out. She went on to explain how her weekends and weekdays are filled with running her kids to sporting activities and how her kids are all playing two to three sports right now. She went on to say that her husband attends one sporting event while she is at another. In addition they both work and keep up a home. The kids attend school and there is homework to do. Instead of being a family that eats meals together, it's fast food wherever and whenever it fits in and usually the whole family is not there. She told me that their home looked like a hurricane hit it at best.

And then she said it. " Church is almost impossible to get to. We are lucky to get there at Christmas". I asked "how is your marriage"? The answer I heard did not surprise me. " I don't know. Sometimes, we are too busy to know. This family is experiencing relationship rape with God, and each other.

Friends, God clearly tells us in Matthew 6:33 to put first things first. He is first. Once that priority is set He can show us the rest our priorities, especially in our families and marriages. He gives us peace in being able to say no to our kids if we have to. Basics, Basics, Basics. I remember being in high school and wanting to play in three sports, work, attend school and socialize with friends. My parents stepped in and limited it to two sports, minimal work during the school year and I had better be at church no matter what. Neither sport launched me into the pros or the Olympics. I have some medals and some awards that I have to dust now. My knees need replacements. I can only imagine what shape I would be in if they hadn't intervened.

Satan doesn't need to manifest himself as a demon and blow fire and smoke on us. He just shows us how to mess up our priorities and cave in the family just by being too busy.  He slowly walks us away from God buy convincing us that someday we will get it right. But look at all that time wasted by not building our relationships with God and family.

First things first.

Marty