Prayer In The Schools 5/31/2018

Good Morning,

The day has begun a little early and I am a little rushed today. I will drink my cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee on the run today.

More and more school shootings are getting to be way too common and the senseless slaughter of kids must stop. Many people want to control guns and I can understand their desire to try it. But that won't stop the carnage. Evil will find another way. It could be knives, clubs or gasoline bombs. Will we ban gasoline? Will baseball bats be destroyed?

 Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version (NIV)

¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

When these atrocities occur I hear of children who were praying during the day from hell. I hear of parents who gather to pray as they wait for their children to be reunited with them. When I hear of these incidents, I too fall to my knees in prayer.
We have taken prayer out of the schools. Bible clubs are being banned and those who gather to pray at the schools can be disciplined. I wonder if the those who are so against prayer would ever discipline a kid who confessed to praying out loud during an active shooter incident? Could they be that stupid? Let me answer that question. I believe someone will be that stupid some day.

Out of fear and faith these kids and teachers facing death  decide to invite God back into the school and they do so with prayer. So why don't we call on Him before we lose the battle and reinstate prayer back into the schools? Why aren't we teaching thou shall not kill? Because we would still be murdering babies for dollars and for "choice". That would make us all hypocrites. We should be ashamed of ourselves. How about loving your neighbor? I heard that idea is "Old school." Well call me old school please! Tragedy is always met with finger pointing. Some will blame guns. Some will blame organizations. But I think we all need to look inside at our own hearts and say, "no prayer in school, no Bibles in school, no brotherly love, babies still being murdered." What have we done?

Wouldn't it be nice if every day had a Spiritual start to it instead of having a shooting become a Spiritual event?

Food for thought! Join me in prayer today. We need it.

Marty

Heart Transplants And God 5/30/2018

Good Morning,
Pretty warm here in Wisconsin today. My coffee cup is filled with Door County Swedish Lingonberry Tart Coffee.
 
Just a little trip back into history. I like looking back into history.

Groote Schuur Hospital was placed centre stage in the world's spotlight when Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the first human heart transplant on the third of December 1967.
 
Heart transplants have been taking place now for 45 years. Many times over these surgeries have given new life to someone. I know some people who have benefited from transplants.
 
Ezekiel 36:26  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
 
God is also in the business of heart transplants. He takes even the hardest of hearts and transplants a new one spiritually. The heart is the spiritual center of every person. When God's Spirit becomes the center of peoples lives, Scripture says they are "born again". The new heart gets a new start. and it beats for others.
 
A loving person where there was an angry mean person before.
A sober person where there once was a drunkard.
A caring and unselfish person where there once was a self centered and selfish person.
A patient person where there once was an over anxious person, with worries upon worries
A servant where there once was a ruthless dictator and tyrant .
A devoted spouse where there once was a cheater.
 
Only the Spirit of God can perform a transplant like those listed above. No self effort can jump start a dead life. Only God's gift of His presence can jump start a heart into a permanent change.
 
In order to receive a new heart from God one must agree to the change and allow the Great Physician to do His work on the heart of stone. What do you say? How about surrendering the part of your heart that needs a change? Allow God in to heal your heart and help it to beat for Him and others.
 
God bless,

Marty

Always Preparing For The Fall 5/28/2018

Good Morning,

I was splitting firewood Saturday and my shoulder is sore.  But that hasn't stopped me from a good cup of coffee. Today's flavor is Door County Blueberry Cobbler.

One of the things I look forward to is the the different seasons we enjoy in Wisconsin. All four seasons are quite distinct and have something I can enjoy during each of them. My favorite obviously is fall. But in the spring I begin to prepare for fall. Part of what I enjoy in the fall are our apple trees. I really enjoy them three times. In the spring we enjoy the beautiful blossoms that remind me of the resurrection of Jesus. John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
The trees have been leafless and dormant through the winter and then spring back to life. We trim the trees in January and save the wood which is then used to smoke different meats, which adds an apple wood flavor, and reminds me of how God desires us to be an aroma of good that represents Jesus in the world.
2 Corinthians 2:15  For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
In the fall we enjoy a harvest of apples that reminds me that the fields of lost souls are ripe for the harvest and that some day Jesus will return and only those saved in Him will be picked.
Daniel 12:2 - And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt.

Some have said that I have a weird way of looking at things in nature. I must be honest about that. I can't help but see God in nature. God is the creator of all things and I truly believe that. When I look at the things I see I know God has created them for us. Looking at nature that way just seems to make it that much more special.

Enjoy an apple today. God made them for you.

Marty

Memorial Day 5/28/2018

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Marty

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

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

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

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

Inspiration for “In Flanders Fields”

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

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

Pathway To Destruction. 5/27/2018

Good Morning,

It's early on Sunday Morning and my eyes are not focused just yet. My sense of smell is just fine and I can pick up the aroma of my Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee coming from the kitchen. It has the makings of a great day ahead.

Yesterday I talked about the goal of God to lead us away from temptation and keep us on the correct path of righteousness.  I promised a sequel to yesterdays blog and I will get right down to it.

Romans 14:13-15 English Standard Version (ESV)

Do Not Cause Another to Stumble

¹³ Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. ¹⁴ I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. ¹⁵ For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.

A life path that seems harmless for some is a path that could head someone else down the identical path, but with disastrous results. For instance, there are some folks who gamble casually and can afford to do so. A few dollars lost really doesn't matter to them. For these folks gambling is a social activity. Now, for some who cannot afford to lose money when they gamble, the promise of instant money just seems to be a toss of the dice away. But that pay day doesn't come and many people lose much more money than they can afford to lose. They gamble on that big win that just seems to elude them. So if I were to be seen gambling by my friends they might justify their addiction by my actions. If I gamble and lose I am also supporting an organization that doesn't ask the gambler if the kids have milk at home. Any way you look at it, my path of gambling could cause a brother or sister to stumble.

Our life path choices may have a direct or indirect impression on the life path choices of others. We are then in direct violation of what God is trying to do in their lives. That last thing we should want to do or even try to do is to mess with the path God is leading someone to. God has very little patience in this area.

Matthew 18:6 New International Version (NIV)

Causing to Stumble

⁶ “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

So each of us should examine the path we are on and see the impact our path could have on the destination of others. Good thing to ponder on a Sunday!

Marty

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters 5/26/2018

Good Morning,

My blog is running late today due to a need for some extra sleep. The old eyes were heavy with exhaustion last night and sleep visited me like it hasn't in a long time. But now with a cup of Door County Lighthouse Blend Coffee next to me it is time to write.

 

Psalm 23:2-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the till waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

             
Remember this. " Every pathway leads to a destination". I see the world spinning out of control these days and it is no surprise that many of the calamities we witness are self induced.  That is a lot to be said in an opening statement.

In our Bible text today we see the Shepherd leading His sheep to still waters. Sheep are not the smartest animals in the world and when they smell water they will run to it with their thirst even though the water is rushing and is deep. They go right in and their wool coats absorb the water, they become heavy and the rushing water can pull them down, to a point of drowning. Their thirst lured them in and without thinking they followed a path of destruction.  The Good Shepherd leads them to pools of still water that are better for them and they can drink without harm.

This world has a lot of "rushing waters" to entice us into a path of destruction. The world has a lot to offer that once tried and then tried again ,like a fast current of water can suck us in, it lures us down a path to the wrong destination.

Here is an example of what I am talking about. Many years ago a man I knew worked with his son to build a muscle car. This car was powerful and fast. It would be a temptation for any young boy to "try her out". I for one traveled this path myself back in the day. Of course this young man gave into the temptation at least once, if he hadn't already tried it several times before. Like me, both cars ended up destroyed. My friend and I walked away from our crash. This other fella and his friend didn't and I attended the funeral. There was a safer way to "see what those cars could do".

We live in a world where lewdness abounds and then wonder why the abortion mills are thriving. We live in a world that murders babies and then wonder why people are being shot in schools and no one has any regard for life.

God offers different pathways and His do not lead us to destruction. He leads us away from what the world claims as good for us. Yet it is our duty to choose the path that leads to the destinations waiting for us. Like dumb sheep we rush down the wrong paths and then suffer the consequences of the destination.

My friends, what paths that seem harmless, are you strolling down now that will soon be a path of no return? I see gambling addictions cause people to work long hours just to lose their money. They can't afford to retire. This list of "innocent lures" with sharp hooks could be paragraphs long. I will leave you to fill in the blanks.

I know this was a bit much for a Saturday morning, but it was laid on my heart and had to be said. I plan on writing about this again tomorrow.

God bless,

Marty

Guys! Date Your Wife 5/25/2018

Good Morning,

The old java pot is spewing forth a hot cup of Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Naval Coffee to help begin this day. Happy Friday!

Today is my wife's birthday and in my mind she is forever young. We have shared a lot of birthdays together and she somehow stays 29 years old. We try to make birthdays special and this weekend we will take in a dinner at one of her favorite places to dine. It is going to be just the two of us and we will dress up and call it a date.

As a wife, I would have to say that I have a partner made for me. Rene is always low key and asks for very little. I can take her out for chili dogs or to a fancy restaurant. She does like to get dressed up and I give her all my attention just like before we were married. The days before we were married were spent getting to know each other, falling in love and every date was special.

Proverbs 5:18 Living Bible (TLB)
¹⁸ Be happy, yes, rejoice in the wife of your youth.  Let her love alone fill you with delight.

Guys, it needs to be the same many years later. We need to do things with our wives to let them know how special they are to us. It is our duty and privilege to make our wives know how much they are loved, needed and appreciated. It has to happen more than once a year. They don't need to eat off of a tray again. Dress up and make the occasion special. I actually ask her out and say "how about this or that for date night. " Our relationship started with a date and we will date as long as both of us are physically able to.

I remember dancing with her 1000 years ago to a song sung by Anne Murray. The title was Could I have this dance?  The lyrics caught me and stayed with me all these years. "Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Would you be my partner every night"? This weekend we will dance a slow waltz to that song one more time. I ask you this? Who really dated who? Somehow I came out the winner.

God Bless,

Marty

Sporting Clays And Life 5/24/2108

Good Morning,

Thursday and my coffee is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch ! Just a little goes a long way.

This coming Saturday morning I will be joining some of my friends ( Male and Female) to shoot clay targets on a sporting clays course. We will all have our shot guns and ammo. Of course each individual will be hoping to shoot better than he or she did last time we were out. So how does this fit into a Biblical Devotional? Here goes.

Each time a target is launched, the shooter must be in a proper stance, ready to swing the shot gun, follow through, and direct the shot with eyes set on the target. We would never shoot with our eyes closed. You must view the target at all times in order to hit it.

Life is like that too. We must aim and keep our eye on the target. The Target is Jesus Christ.

Matthew 14:22-33

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
²⁹ “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”⁽ he said, “why did you doubt?”
³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”⁽

Notice when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink. We too must keep our eyes on Christ at all times so when life's storms come along we do not get swallowed up. Truly He is the Son of God.

Have a great day!
Marty

Here is a tip for shooting sporting clays. There are many, but safety with guns is important. I recommend before doing any shooting, if you are a beginner, take a hunters safety course, and take a lesson from a pro or qualified instructor.  In all shooting, practice safety first. Always wear hearing and eye protection. Keep your gun unloaded and the action visibly open until you're ready to shoot. Once you are finished shooting, make sure the gun is once again empty and the action is open. Always keep the gun's muzzle pointed down range away from anyone.

Jesus, A Manly Man 5/23/2018

Good Morning,

Morning is here and I am greeting it with a cup of Door County Irish Crème Coffee and a smile. Any day that let's me start in prayer and coffee is a blessing.

Hebrews 5:7-9 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

We often see pictures of Jesus with children being brought to Him or we see Him healing the lepers. Some paintings I have seen show Him teaching on the mountain side or eating a dinner with His disciples. We have read about Him weeping with the sister of Lazarus and showing compassion to a prostitute. We see Him in obedience as He was baptized in the river. He showed us tenderness, gentleness and sensitivity. He was a man of prayer, mercy and forgiveness. He always went above and beyond for everyone.

We don't always see these qualities in ourselves as men. But yet as much as Jesus was tender and merciful, Jesus was a tough as can be. He stood and carried a cross after a terrible flogging and beating. He set out to complete His mission to redeem the world from sin and saw it through unto death. During interrogations he was cool and composed. He didn't complain or argue. He displayed the toughness of courage, determination, wisdom and self control.

I would say that within this world we as men would do well to adopt all of the qualities of Jesus. In his tenderness toward others we can see courage and strength. He comforted the prostitute and yet silenced the crowd who was ready to stone her.

Friends, I would have to say that Jesus was the perfect example of what a man should be. Manly yes, but He was tender hearted too. Our goal should be to imitate Him. He set the bar high and we would do well to follow in His footsteps.

Food For thought.

Marty

What A Dfference You Made In My Life 5/22/2018

Good Morning,

Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee just splashed into my mug. Last night was a whirlwind of a night and the coffee is the treat I need to get moving.

Last night I heard a shriek from the basement and Iflew downstairs to see what was wrong with Rene. Much to my surprise our 1969 vintage freezer died and we had a puddle on the floor. We moved quickly and we were able to get everything into the refrigerators or a cooler filled with ice. We both prayed and I headed to the appliance store before they closed and within minutes I returned with a new freezer. Rene and I were able to get the new one into the basement and soon we were placing meat into the new freezer and all was well.

Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV)
²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In 1981 I received Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. It took some time for Him to remove the wild from me. But I can tell you this, back in 1980 I would have never prayed for wisdom over a freezer. The air would have been blue with cursing and then more cursing. In 1981 my heart was pretty much lifeless and made of stone and then He stepped in by invitation. I am far from perfect and I never will be, but thank God He stepped in and worked on my life. Fortunately for me He is not done and has a long way to go on me. But I can be assured that what was started in me on July 7th 1981 will be completed some day. What a difference He made in my life. I will be forever grateful for the One who put music back into a soul that hadn't any peace.

Philippians 1:1-6 New 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.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

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

He can do the same for you.

Marty

Flipping The Burgers 5/21/2018

Good Morning,

Wow, Monday came fast and I really wasn't ready for it. The sun is coming up and I can hear the Door County Fuzzy Naval Coffee perking in the kitchen. Whether  I am ready or not, Monday arrived and it's time to start moving.

Yesterday Rene and I were both tied up at work for a good portion of the day. And once I arrived home the weather seemed to improve so I tackled some yard work and split some kindling for next winter. I have said before that I do 90% of all the cooking. But I was at a loss as to what I could make for dinner. I asked Rene if she had any ideas and she did. She asked if we could just grill a couple of hamburgers and eat a small salad with them. I seconded that as a great idea and went about setting up the burgers for the grill. I made two small salads for us before I started the grill. Once the grill was hot I laid two 8 ounce burgers on the grate and started the grilling process. During the grilling I needed to flip the burgers on to their other sides so as to cook both sides equally. This is a normal process for grilling meat.

The problem was this. I could not find my grilling spatula and had nothing to flip the burgers with. I had misplaced the "burger flipper" while cleaning the garage. I went into the house to retrieve another device to rescue our burgers from the grill. I successfully flipped the burgers and within minutes we were dining very well.

Proverbs 14:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

²³ In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk tends only to poverty.

What's the point? If I had let the burgers stay just on one side, the burger would have been burnt on one side and not completely done on the other side. I had to finish what I started and to do so I had to think and then go and retrieve something to flip the burgers. My point is this, "any job big or small do it right or not at all." Every job needs us to stick with it when adversity comes and see that the task is finished correctly.

We can't just talk a good job. We need to see all jobs through from start to finish.

Marty

Heroes Come In All Sizes 5/20/2018

Good Morning,

My Sunday will see me go into work for a little while and then back home around noon. I just poured myself a cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee. It's time to write.

When I think of heroes many come to mind. War heroes, historical heroes, sports heroes, religious heroes, are usually on my list of the typical heroes. Recently a new one was added to my list. My new hero is barley five feet tall and is retired. She is very conservative, yet she has a laugh that lights up a room and I can't ever recall a time when she hasn't had a kind word for someone. She is the first to show up for a project and is always one of the last to leave. She loves the Lord Jesus and it is obvious that she does just by seeing her actions.

James 2:14-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without ^[a]your works, and I will show you my faith by ^[b]my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is ^[c]dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made ^[d]perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was ^[e]accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

I won't use her name, just because she is very humble and all that she does isn't to be in the spotlight, but it is done to honor and glorify God. Recently, a church family needed some help. The couple experienced a rough time to say the least. The husband went into the hospital for back surgery and experienced a stroke which crippled him up and he is now in rehab. Praise God, he will be coming home soon. The wife in this situation experienced a stroke many years ago. Her husband has always been able to take care of her and together they did pretty well. Our dear friend now needed some help. Yes, you guessed it. Our little hero left her home and stayed with our other friend, because God called her to do so. She has helped this lady get to the hospital, make other appointments and keep them, cooked and cleaned. This lady is a hero sent by God. She answered the call. So I dedicate this blog today to her, my hero and friend. She put her faith into action.

How about you? Have you answered when God called. How far will you go to help?

Marty

No Place Like Home 5/19/2018

Good Morning,

Two slices of Cherry Pecan Bread and a big cup Of Door County Vanilla Cappuccino Coffee are joining me at the desk this morning. They feel like two trusted companions that have welcomed this traveler home. It's raining outside, so my plans for the day are a little messed up now. But I have plenty of other things that can be done instead. My project list never ends.

I have been away to teach and then obtain some training for work purposes the last few days. The accommodations that were arranged for me were more than just nice. The hotel had everything one could want. Lunch was provided at the training and several nice restaurants were within walking distance from the hotel. So dinner was delicious and easy to come by. But there was something missing besides my cup of Door County Coffee.

2 Corinthians 5:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

Assurance of the Resurrection

5 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, ³ if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

⁶ So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

When I arrived home last night I was greeted with gusto by Gibbs our English Springer Spaniel.  He is the official greeter to all those who enter in through the door. His tail was wagging and he wanted to be petted for a minute. For our furry doorman, petting him is as appropriate as tipping the doorman at an expensive hotel. It is expected and almost mandatory. Gibbs always let's you know that he is happy you arrived and he treats everyone the same.

As I entered in I could also smell something baking or cooking and it did not take me too long to figure out that it was some type of bread that Rene had popped into the oven. That was the second nice greeting to welcome me home. The last one was from Rene. She met me in the kitchen with a smile and said "How was that trip? Welcome home, tell me about it?" I received a hug and all was right once again with my world.

Later when I crawled into bed, I prayed and thanked God for a bed to come home to, and for those two that greeted me at the door. I said to God. "There is no place like home". I pondered that for a moment before falling into a deep sleep filled with contentment. There is another home waiting for me some day and I can only imagine that greeting. In the blink of an eye it will happen and I will be in the presence of Jesus. I believe my greeting last night was so nice and warm, that is was just a small example of what waits in store for us as we trust Jesus to welcome us home with Him some day. Yesterday God gave me just a little taste of what it might be like to be "Welcomed Home".

God bless,

Marty

God's View From Watersmeet 5/18/2018

Good Morning,

Friday at a last. No Door County Coffee for me today. Hotel coffee for me this morning.

My Dad used to live on a small Lake in Watersmeet Michigan. This is the view from his deck the last fall before he passed away. I remember that day very well. It was crisp and cool outside. We were heading out to do some partridge hunting. But look at that view. I was the only one on the deck with a cup of coffee of course, admiring God's creation. I remember thinking. After seeing this who could say "there is no God".  God painted quite a picture that day. But in order to see it, the picture had to be created. The trees had to be seeds, the seeds had to grow, the sun had to shine, the skies had to rain. The temperature had to change the color of the leaves. All that and more God put into the picture I saw. God is quite an artist.

   John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.     

Psalm 19:1      To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.        

Colossians 1:16-17          For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

What will God show you today in Nature? How about on the weekend?

God bless,
Marty

Grandpa And The Truth 5/17/2018

Good Morning,

Hey it's Thursday and we won't complain today.

My day is starting with a hot cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee.

My Grandfather worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He retired as a section foreman. He and his crew repaired and installed track and railroad crossings. He was very proud of what he did. I used to spend some summers with my grandparents in Watersmeet Michigan. After he retired we did a lot of fishing. He preferred live bait. Minnows were his choice. We did not purchase bait. We dug our worms and trapped our minnows. The minnow ponds were in marshy areas along the same railroad tracks that he traveled and worked on for years. We would walk down the tracks to check our traps. He would tell me stories of snow storms, beaver dams, washed out tracks and rail gradients. He said he was always proud to see the tracks run straight and true. He told me that tracks were like a man. They should run straight and true. God has something to say about that also.

Proverbs 12:19         
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

A man like a train will get off track if he relies on lies and untruths to travel through life.  Keep your train on track by being truthful. Here's to you Grandpa!

God bless,
Marty

It's That Time Of The Year Again 5/16/2018

Good Morning,

It is morning once more and it is time to smell the Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. It is a nice aroma to wake up to.

It's that time of the year again. Winter has officially left our part of the world. Nature sent us our annual message via the fruit trees and lilacs in our yard. It seems like just last week (and it was) that there wasn't much sign of life in the branches of our trees. A few warm days, plenty of rain and the yard is alive once more with blossoms. I  look forward to this marking of time every year.

If Saturday cooperates I will spray the fruit trees to protect the fruit beneath the blossoms and I will pray over the trees. I will ask God to provide a good apple crop for us to preserve and share. It is an annual ritual for me.

Deuteronomy 8:10

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.

 

Those trees have provided a yield of apples every year since 1996. Some years were more abundant than others, but we always ate of the fruit in our yard. Many times we were able to share in the bounty with others. One family always comes to mind when I think of the apple harvest. More than apples were shared under those trees. The harvest was always filled with laughter and fun. I can still see apples falling on the heads of a couple of the their kids.

We learned a long time ago that it is God who provides the harvest and we are to be thankful in much or little. God gets the praise for the trees, the water, the sunshine and the sweetness within the fruit.

I will watch those trees all summer and enjoy their shade and anticipate with eagerness the first apple that falls. I clean it off on my sleeve or my pants before I eat it. I will do it like Grandpa taught me to do. I will smile as I recall eating green apples with him while listening to fish tales and railroad folklore.

I see the blossoms and I know that we are blessed to have lived here. I thank God for every year and everyone who has stepped foot in this yard. I will look up and smile because of God, the apple trees and His annual gift to us.

God bless,

Marty

When The Smile Is Fake 5/15/2018

Good Morning,

My mug was just filled to the top with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and my breakfast plate held some sliced apples. I was in prayer, thinking about a friend who is in need of a miracle for his health. So my thoughts are with him as he struggles.

It's days like today when you watch those in your part of the world suffer that you just have to keep going and paste a smile on your face, even when you don't feel like it. It is very important that you hide any and all of the fakeness of your smile from them. You need to bring a little sunshine into their lives and rest assured that God will heal them in this world or when they reach heaven. Your prayer will be answered His way, not necessarily the way you wanted, but His way and in His time.

So when you think about it, there should never be a fake smile when you are watching someone saved by the blood of Jesus prepare to leave this world. You should be starting to celebrate their healing and new life with a genuine smile. You will miss them but they will be in a place where they won't miss you. They will have none of the concerns of this life. They will be with God the Father and they will see the One who died for us. They will be reunited with loved ones and there will be no pain, sin or suffering.

Remember this, when you can't smile. God is smiling on you. Look up for that smile.

 Psalm 119:135 “Smile on me, and teach me your laws.”

 

Psalm 31:16 “Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!”

 

Psalm 4:6 “Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, LORD.”

 

 Let God help you with that smile today. No one wants to be fake.

God bless,

Marty

 

 

 

 

The Day After 5/14/2018

Good Morning,

The alarm clock sang an unhappy tune this morning and woke me up from a good night of sleep. I just poured a cup of Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Naval Coffee and I am ready to write.

For the last three days Rene, her mother and I were able to partake in a weekend getaway to one of our favorite places to go. The weather cooperated, although it was cool outside the sun was shining and the three of us had a great time. Nothing like Door County Wisconsin, to chase the blues away.

But here's the point I want to make. Rene and I see these times away differently. Neither of us is right or wrong. But since I do the writing of the blog, I will state my case.  Sometime in the late afternoon on our return home, Rene became sullen and her emotions were overcast and not sunny. You could say that she gets depressed because the vacation has come to an end. I can see her point. It was a grand time as always. This happens with every vacation.

Psalm 118:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

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

My view goes this way. I had a great time. I am thankful for it. I have pictures and memories to discuss later. I for one am already looking forward to the next adventure. Half of the fun in any vacation or adventure is the planning and then the remembering. Doing the adventure just fills in the middle. We were blessed to be together and we shouldn't waste today feeling bad about it. I am not sure what the future holds this year as far as time away. We haven't thought about it much. But my mind will work some overtime soon and we will be planning something. Let the excitement begin.

Have a great day.

Marty

It's Not Easy Being A Mom 5/13/2018

Good Morning,

Happy Mothers Day to all of the moms out there. I salute you with a raised cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee.

 

Proverbs 31:13

¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.

I can't speak for everyone but I can tell you this for sure on behalf of my mother who departed this Earth for heaven several years ago. She raised three children. This oldest one was wild to say the least and hell on wheels most of the time. I never sat still from little on up and through the years. And I don't sit very long now. I am on the go all the time.  But there was always a meal waiting for me when I came through the door. I had clean clothes and help with my homework. I received correction at least a million times. Mom sat through football games in the rain, nursed me back to health, stayed awake until I came through the door on those late nights that I over partied and tried to have long meaningful talks with the stubborn one of the family.  Prodigal son doesn't even describe  this idiot.

Maybe not for you and your mom. But it wasn't easy for my mom. She was sewing my blue jeans one night when she experienced a small stroke. Once she was home from the hospital she saw me throwing out those jeans. She retrieved them from the trash and sewed them, saying "that is wasteful". I still make bread rolls or what have been named Nana Buns like she did.

Teaching me anything was a chore and to coin a phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" was more than true for me. There was a time when the village quit and gave up, but mom still kept trying to right the ship of her hell raiser. She didn't quit. I am glad she didn't. The only way I can thank her now is to live the life she taught me to live.

Take time to pay tribute to your Mom by living out life the way she taught. Don't forget to thank her for all that she does. I never did that and now it is too late. I tied my shoes just a few minutes ago and recalled how she spent time teaching me to do that. I am not wearing shoes with Velcro because of that very patient woman.


God bless all of you today!

Marty

Grandma And The Fish Fry 5/12/2018

Good Morning,

I just poured a cup of Door County Irish Crème Coffee. Not only am I enjoying the coffee I am enjoying it in Door County Wisconsin today.

 

Titus 2:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, ⁵ to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes,^[a] to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

We traveled to Door County yesterday, Rene, her mom and I left the house, and the dog in the capable hands of our nephew. We went for some rest and relaxation and to celebrate Mothers Day.  In Wisconsin, Fridays aren't Fridays without a fish fry for dinner. It is a long lasting tradition. Last night was no different for us. We found ourselves in Sister Bay at the local bowling alley where in addition to providing bowling they serve awesome food and a fish fry to make anyone's mouth water.

The three of us sat down and mind you, my mother in law is 91 years young. She was ready to eat and had her "small glass of beer" and her walleye fish fry ordered within minutes of our arrival. We really had a nice day yesterday and the evening meal was the topper to a great experience.

Why am I writing? It would have been very easy to send Mother a card and flowers to celebrate Mothers Day. But living as close to her as we do, it is fairly easy to visit, pick her up and take her somewhere. Last night after dinner we sat in front of the fireplace at the lodge, Mother was knitting and the conversation went on well into the night. The whole day and weekend is priceless. Some day these trips will end and the family dynamics will change. Yes, it takes longer to go from the car into a bowling alley/restaurant with Mother, but hear me out. It is a privilege to escort the lady who gave birth to my wife and instilled in her a lot of great qualities.

Guys, take time if possible to honor your mother in laws before it is too late to do so. The qualities of your wife were taught to her by her parents, but probably most of them were taught to her by her mom.

Have a great day!

Marty

Live Like You Are Dying 5/11/2018

Good Morning,


Dear Friends  I have a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee in my hand as I write this. I am preparing for a long day. I wrote this one back in 2012. I decided it was time for a replay.

Psalm 56:8

You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?

Yesterday was a tough day. I watched as my wife and her family had to make the decision to place her Dad into Hospice care. All the school and classes in the world did not prepare me for this day. I really was at a loss as to what to say. Earlier in the day my Father in Law and I had a discussion about eternity with Jesus. He reassured me that there was Jesus in his future. He and I reminisced about that Christmas Eve when he accepted Jesus as his Savior.
Yet I was confronted with my own mortality. I have received Jesus and have made Him Lord and Savior of my life 31 years ago. The above Scripture reminds me that my days are numbered and God knows when He will call me home. I am ready to go. But here is what I learned today.

Tell your family that you love them.

Be kind today. Don't wait for tomorrow.

Scratch your dog's ears.

Hug more.

Pray often.

Feed a family.

Say please and thank you.

Read your Bible more.

Live like you were dying.

God bless,
Marty

A Walk On The Water

Good Morning,

My coffee today is Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. Dessert in a cup!

I want to start today with the our text. It is a little longer than usual but very important.

Matthew 14:22-33

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Walks on the Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
²⁹ “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

I see something here that might be different from some of the views you have heard previously. We could talk about the fact that when Peter took is eyes off of Jesus he began to sink. Great point but not where we are headed. 
There were eleven others in the boat. Only one experienced walking on water. Whether it was 20 seconds or two minutes. Peter walked on water. Peter got out of the boat and experienced a miracle.
The others missed out.
All too often God will call us to experience Him with a challenge or a call to action. But we have so many excuses. I can't because, "I am too busy. I haven't been trained. I don' t have that talent. I don't have the resources. I am afraid. I am too old. I am too young."
There can be a "boat load" of excuses as to why we do not jump in and serve when God calls. (The pun was intended.) I want you to picture all the excuses as boards for the side of a boat. Each excuse is a board on your boat that builds up the side of your boat. You believe that the higher the sides on your boat the safer you are from the sea. Actually once the sides become so high it becomes harder to get out of the boat. Basically if they are high enough you might not even be able to see out. It is easier to get out of a row boat than out of a battle ship.

These excuses rob us from seeing God at work and they steal our to be water walkers with and for God. Get out of your boat!

Have a great Thursday.

Love you all.

Marty