Advice For The Groom 6/30/2018

Good Morning,

I just sat down with a mug of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee. My prayers need to be without ceasing these days and the mornings just seem to be the best time to pray the hardest.

Today I will be officiating at the wedding of a young couple. We have been meeting for weeks and we have covered all the usual subjects from spiritual to practical. It has been a blessing to be part of their lives and I look forward to a beautiful ceremony and celebration later today.

This morning I made an appointment to meet with the groom just to have a little breakfast and talk. I will be taking off the preacher hat and although we will pray, my goal is just to have a man to man talk. This is where I will pass on this advice to him.

Rene and I have been married as she says "for a thousand years" and the one thing I will pass on to my young friend is this. "Get out of bed early".

I will explain to him that every day is different, every year will have some good and some bad days. You never know what is going to happen and when. The events of life can be big or they can be small. Some are overcome easily and some are just plain old difficult.

For instance, job losses, illnesses for yourself or your families. Death is always a part of life and will need to be dealt with. Automobiles don't last forever and when they break down is never on a day made for it.. Babies learn to get their days and nights mixed up. Theft happens in some lives. Identities are stolen. Roofs have a mind of their own and leak out of the clear blue for no reason. The dryer breaks just as you leave for a mission trip. Kids are a blessing and can be a challenge from time to time. Parents will age and need attention. Neighbors come and go and the new ones can be a pain in the rump. Storms can be scary and coming home after a tornado has gone through the neighborhood can be terrifying to say the least. Pets, will not last forever.

This just might scare this young fella to the marrow of his bones. But it really shouldn't, most of this is just a part of life that I have faced. It is pretty much the same for everyone. Then I will tell him that I never faced any of this alone. God was there with me, and my wife stood next to me and we faced it together. I would do every day again because it was those days in the past that made me what I am today. It's the days in the future that will be faced the same way. God is never my copilot. He is the pilot of this life.

The reason I say to "Get up early" is this. Start each day with prayer and ask for wisdom as to how to face the day.  Be ahead of your wife and family. Lead them with God's wisdom.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Proverbs 3:13-18

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ...

Ephesians 5:15-17

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

What ever will be will be, but be prepared each day to notice the blessings and celebrate them. Appreciate the slow, easy days and enjoy your family. But always be prepared for even the little strains on life. Get up early and pray for wisdom.

Pass it on,

Marty

Fire Flies And A Warm Summer Evening 6/29/2018

Good Morning,

Join me in a cheer that Friday is here. I have a wedding to look forward to this weekend and some yard work. It sounds like a great way to spend it. I started my Friday with a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and prayer.

Last night Rene and I came home after attending a banquet for an engineering association that I am a member of. It was a super nice time.

We spent time with friends and dined on a feast of great food. The ride home took about 45 minutes from the banquet to our front door. We chatted some on the way home and made  our plans for the "home arrival".     I was to stay outside when we got home and Rene was to send the dog out for an evening run. While Gibbs was running around I made notice of just how nice the weather was and then I looked over into another section of our yard and it looked like a galaxy of stars had dropped into the yard. Every where I looked there were fire flies lighting up and it was a display like I have never seen before. I thanked God for the show and went in and found my way to bed. I laid awake for quite some time praying and pondering the display of fire flies or what some would call lightening bugs.
My thoughts took me to the book of Genesis and the creation of the world. God knew then and there that many years later He would show me a fire fly display that looked like a galaxy of stars from far, far away. Over the years I have owned dozens of flashlights and in many instances, when they broke they were impossible to repair. I thought about my inability to repair a flashlight, yet God can light up the night and a heart with a bug.

I fell asleep eventually and I was content. My God is an awesome God and He displayed His power and majesty again for me with a bug.

Psalm 19:1 New International Version (NIV)

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

I hope He shows all of you something like what I saw last night this weekend.

Marty

The Telephone, A Blessing Or A Curse? 6/28/2018

Good Morning,

How about that? It's Thursday already and Friday is just over the hill. I just supplied my old sleepy eyes with a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and now it is time to write.

James 1:26 New International Version (NIV)

²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

The telephone has evolved over many years from hand held operator assisted calls to dial telephones, cordless telephones and now cell phones. They have been used over the years to communicate messages of emergency responses needed ,as well as greetings from loved ones miles and miles away. Business deals are made on the telephone, directions given, sad news arrives on telephones. All in all they are very handy and when used for good they are priceless.

Yesterday someone called me and said that they overheard someone talking about me to another person and it wasn't nice. This person was repeating something they heard that wasn't intended for my ears. I replied to him that it was ok. "If they are talking about me they are leaving others alone."  The two people had their facts wrong and to be honest I really don't care. This other person who listened in to their conversation and then repeated it was also gossiping. Not only can we slander people within our immediate reach we can do so from miles away by telephone. So for me, the telephone is a blessing and a curse. It's how we use this blessing that determines "blessing or curse".

We all need to reign in our tongues and when we find that our conversation has turned destructive in nature the call needs to end. In most instances we need to learn to mind our own business.

The Bible tells us that Christians shouldn’t meddle in other people’s business, but to worry about their own affairs. These Scriptures have nothing to do with correcting someone who is rebelling against God, but the Bible says stop being nosey.

Don’t put your input on matters that don’t concern you. It only creates more problems. Many people want to know your business not to help, but just to know it and have something to gossip about.When your mind is set on Christ. You won’t have time to meddle in another person’s situations.

 

Proverbs 26:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

Food for thought.

Marty

When You Need Comfort 6/27/2018

Good Morning!!!!

Let's find the good in "Good Morning today. It is Wednesday and I must go to work and earn my wages.  Remember God rested on the seventh day and I feel some rest is coming my way on Sunday. I am enjoying a big cup of Door County Swedish Lingonberry Tart Coffee this morning in one of my favorite cups?

Favorite cup??? Do you have a glass or cup that you seem to gravitate to or always use? I have a couple. They both involve dogs, birds, family members and hunting. They (imagination only) seem to be bigger and warmer for some reason. You can have pictures attached to coffee cups now. If you have a favorite cup send a comment and describe it.

Reason? They bring back fond memories. They are a lot like God in that way. If you go back and recall any blessing or anytime God gave you comfort it just makes you want to go to Him again. And God enjoys time with His children. Below you will find some verses relating to comfort and time spent with God. One of them might be just for you. Have a great day!!

James 4:8 
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.   Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
 
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

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

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

Matthew 28:30   
Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

Well I close today wanting you to at least read from someone three important little words.

I love you. And I do. These devotionals are written because I love God and because of that I love you too!

But remember, God loves you more. If you haven't told someone today that you love them. Go for it. Get it done. They might need to hear it.

 

Marty

Draw Near To God. It Is Good. 6/26/2018

Good Morning,

Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Naval Coffee is brewing downstairs and the aroma is leading me to it. I just finished praying and now it is time to write.

Psalm 73:28 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.

Two days ago a couple of neighborhood dogs managed to break out of there fenced yard and some how decided to end up in our yard. Our dog Gibbs who believes everyone loves him had no clue that these two would attack him. I yelled for him to come to me and he hesitated too long and was being nipped at from two sides. I jumped in as quickly as this old dude can and pretty soon Gibbs got the idea that two in a battle are better than one. He ran to me and we stood together.  Gibbs backed one of them down and my boot is quicker than it looks. The other one left with some Sears boot on his rump. Last night while we were working in the yard Gibbs stayed very close to me. He knew where the safety was. He learned the hard way to trust in our partnership. That is a good thing.

Now for us. There are many times when we face an ugly road in life and before heading down that road we should draw near to God. I might suggest draw nearer than usual. It does not show signs of weakness. It shows trust in God and it also shows that we know where to run. God knows what we are going through and He doesn't mind at all if we lean on Him for support. He loves His children and we can run to Dad when we don't know where to turn. That is a good thing. He knows our fears and He calms them. There is no place we should rather be than nearer to Him. Don't hesitate or wait. Run to Him. It is a good thing! The picture I chose today is one of me training Gibbs. I like it because it shows him in my shadow. I want to be under God's shadow of comfort at all times.

God bless,

Marty

Draw Me Nearer By Francis Crosby

1. I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
   And it told Thy love to me;
   But I long to rise in the arms of faith
   And be closer drawn to Thee.
   
   • Refrain:
     Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
     To the cross where Thou hast died;
     Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
     To Thy precious, bleeding side.
2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
   By the pow’r of grace divine;
   Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
   And my will be lost in Thine.
3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
   That before Thy throne I spend,
   When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
   I commune as friend with friend!
4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
   Till I cross the narrow sea;
   There are heights of joy that I may not reach
   Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Seeing The Work Of Your Wife's Hands 6/25/2018

Good Morning,

The weekend seems to move faster than the weekdays or it might just be my imagination. My cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee is going down so smooth, that I believe a second cup will happen sooner than later.

 

Rene likes a yard with flowers in it. She likes to place her plants in objects that are far from ordinary flower pots. Her ideas become small projects for me. Pictured above is one of those projects. Hidden in the flowers is an old water spigot. She found the small buckets in a hardware store and then she handed me a sketch on what it should look like.  She hand selects her flowers for planting and it takes her a long time to transplant flowers. She has just a certain way that she does the planting and time is never rushed.

 

Proverbs 18:22 English Standard Version (ESV)

²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the Lord.

 

She keeps notes on what worked and what didn't. She rarely makes a mistake with the flowers but when she does, the mistake never happens twice. She has a mistake brewing now and I see her eyeing up a possible move of a large whiskey barrel full of moss roses. I heard her murmur yesterday as she was staring at the not so great flowers, "needs more sun".

My point is this. Wives and husbands both leave their mark on the home in many ways. I have no talent for anything, but I have been cutting firewood and stacking it for this winter. I will watch Rene warm up in front of the fireplace on those cold January nights. She always thanks me for the wood I cut, split, stacked and then brought into the house. So yesterday I was looking at our yard and her handiwork stood out. If it weren't for her, our yard would be flowerless. She takes time to beautify our home. I thanked her yesterday for the flowers and the ideas she has.  Couples, we need to take time to look at what our spouses do and then imagine what it would be like if they hadn't done what they did. We should never take their specialties for granted. Say thank you today for the things they do. You would miss it if it were gone.

God bless,

Marty

Love Doesn't Wear A Watch 6/24/2018

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a cool breeze, sunshine and a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee at the picnic table this morning. I like to describe mornings like this as "perfect" for this time of the year.

 

Colossians 3:23-24 New International Version (NIV)

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Last night the telephone rang at 1 AM and this is not uncommon in our house. With the work we do at the medical center we are used to the telephone ringing in the night. But I will admit that my heart does race a little when it does. I never know what problem I will need to solve at the hospital or if Rene and I will be driving into work half asleep.

This call was different. It was from a friend who we have known for a long time. We attend church together and he had a family member in emotional distress. The details of the distress really don't matter as far as this blog goes. God did some great things through the phone last night and He gets the praise and glory for all that was done. It took awhile and it was closer to 3 AM when I plopped back into bed.

As I spoke to my friends last night after talking with their family member the hard cold reality of the situation set in. During our debriefing time my friends kept thanking me for taking the call and apologizing for doing so. Now I believe it was being courteous to make mention of the late night call, but the fact that they felt they needed to apologize for calling laid heavy on my heart last night. It was a privilege to be able to help. Here is what they don't know. If the roles were reversed I would have called them and I would have leaned on them in the same way. In our house we made a commitment to love and serve the Lord 1000 years ago when we said our marriage vows. Our calling from God is to do so and occasionally it involves a late night or two. They did not see Rene hand delivering a Bible from the night stand to the kitchen along with my glasses. They did not see her go to a corner and pray for a moment and then go back to bed.

A long time ago we said that as long as we are physically able, our home was to be used like and Emergency Room in a hospital and that if God needed us, we would do our best to respond. Apologies for calling or showing up for help let us both know that we probably have placed a sign on our hearts that indicate the Emergency Room might be closed or it is more of an urgent care with limited hours. Last night God showed us that He works 24/7 and He doesn't wear a watch or keep His eye on a clock. I never once apologized to Him when we went to prayer  and asked for advice. He readily supplied my needs and the needs of our friends.

This morning we examined our hearts and our actions to make sure that the "Emergency Room Shingle" is still hanging visibly on our hearts. We both believe the sign was there but the bulbs weren't fully illuminated very well. That's on us and we prayed for renewed commitment and forgiveness.

Here's the point my friends, whatever God has called you and your family to do, do it with all your heart. Despite ourselves, God did some awesome things last night and He really did not need us. He just woke up two people to remind them of their calling.

Marty

Looking For Some Sunshine?

Good Morning,

I am comfortable sitting at our picnic table with a cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee. I watched the sun come up this morning as our dog Gibbs chased birds around the yard. I enjoyed seeing two cardinals playing mind games with him. It was just plain "good fun" watching him trying to catch them. They did not leave when chased. they would just fly high into a tree tag teaming him. One was high and the other would come down to taunt him. All three seemed to enjoy the chase.

Isaiah 40:31 New King James Version (NKJV)

³¹ But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

 

Today I was led to write about sunshine. It is the one thing we haven't had a whole lot of lately. Our part of the world is well saturated with rain and it has been quite a few days now with rain clouds decorating the sky. But this morning, at least for awhile the sun is showing through the cloud deck. The photograph of the eagle was taken while walking with our grandson many years ago. It's not the greatest picture ever taken but it reminds me of the powerful and watchful God I love and serve.

It's not that type of sunshine though that I am led to write about. It's the sunshine that from time to time seems to be lacking in our lives. It is those days that we feel like someone filled our pockets and shoes with sand and we just lack motivation to do anything. We go through the motions of life and that's about all. It could be the clouds of change that are robbing us of a merry heart and soothed soul. Change comes in many sizes and colors. Death in a family is a change that gives us a heavy coat to wear. A child who can't seem to find his or her way in life who goes missing is a coat of change that can disturb anyone. The loss of a job is a change that can take away the sunshine in a soul. The cheating spouse who is caught in the act brings a coat of change that often is too much to bear for some people and they just give up on sunshine in their hearts.  Natural disasters like tornadoes, lava flows, hurricanes, and wild fires just drain us of our ability to have sunshine in our hearts. Just having the kids grow up and being an "empty nester" is hard changes for some. The house becomes too quiet. I could make this list go on for several pages and you would soon be asleep from the heavy reading.

But the One who can and does seek to renew our strength and be the "Sonshine" in our hearts is Jesus Christ. He seeks to partner with us during those times of darkness and despair. He should always be our sunshine, but from time to time the clouds of despair seek to block Him from our sight. But He is faithful and is always there. If we look at the storms we will see Him right in the middle of them with us. He is there in good times and the bad. He doesn't change.

 

Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

There is know other sweeter sound than the voice of Jesus calling to us during dark days and saying "here I am come here." He seeks to comfort us and become the "Sonshine" we need. Only He can put sunshine back into souls. Only He can add music where sound seems to have disappeared.

John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

Need some sunshine on your heart and soul? Try letting Jesus care for you. He has been my source of sunshine for many years. He lets me see things that I would miss during those long days and nights of change or despair. I have experienced family deaths, but through it I have learned to appreciate the cry of a newborn baby more. Because He lives we can face tomorrow and tomorrow might not be that bad. This was written with people in mind, neighbors, family and friends of mine are experiencing some of these dark days right now. My prayers are with them and any of you dear readers who are experiencing less than sunny days.

Love to all,

Marty

What God Lets Us See

Good Morning,

O how I love to embrace Fridays at the end of a long week. I will toast this Friday morning by raising my cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and begin to write.

  

Psalm 40:5 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵ Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.

I have been blessed during my lifetime to see many things and quite a few places. I have held my new born daughter right after her exit from her mothers womb. I have seen sunrises and sunsets that make my mind twirl. I have tasted the first snow of the year as it landed on my tongue. I have seen more of God's beauty in His creations, more than I deserve. I saw one generation embrace another generation and eat fish together. I have sat on mountains and I have hiked into canyons.

Now when I think about this big world we live in and the billions of people who inhabit it, my mind just cannot grasp the fact that God can zero in His sight just on one person any time He wants to. He sees what I see. He hears what I hear. He can smell what I smell and He allows all that to happen for me and you. God paints the canvas of what we see, hear, smell and taste every time we experience something.

When I see a flock of geese flying in formation and it makes me smile I know that God saw them too and He is enjoying my smile. As I look out of the window of our den on cold winter mornings and the frost has decorated the winter grass I cannot help but to know that God exists. He paints the frozen tundra with a swift stroke of His brush.

I thank Him for being the Author and Finisher of my life and I am looking forward to what He will show me today and what I will see in eternity.

I will be blessed by what I see today and I will look up and say "Thank You Father".

Marty

I Am He Said

Good Morning,

Today's coffee flavor is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch. This cup was a great one and I will be ready for the second one soon. My morning started very early today. I wasn't sue if it was morning or still night.

Today we will start with Scripture. Hang on tight!!!!
— Revelation 2:23 —
...I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Whoa!!!! Enough said. The I Am in this passage is no one else but God!  Sometimes less is best. So ponder this verse and decide how you will live after reading it!! Just the thought that God knows our hearts and minds is too much to comprehend. This verse has me standing in awe of God's power and abilities.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord! Only God could make a sunset like the one shown in the photo.

Have a great day.
God bless,
Marty

Man's Biggest Problem 6/20/2018

Good Morning,

I had a furry wet nose reaching up over the bed looking at me like an alarm clock today. Our dog had his head on the bed seeking attention which for him means going outside and then eating. He is like an expensive clock, he's right on time, every time. My mug was just filled with Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Naval Coffee and now it is time to write.

I want to take our daily discussion to a deeper thought level today. I want to discuss Man's Biggest Problem. For all inhabitants of this world, the biggest problem for anyone is an ungodly human response to the need of a Savior.

Luke 12:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

¹⁰ “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

The problem for al lot of people is that they are afraid to give God control of their lives. This approach is truly self centered and it is really a way to feed their sinful lifestyles. This is a big issue for all of mankind. Rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has an impact on their immediate world and at times it impacts the whole world when the self centered reprobate uses his or her freedom to impact the world with evil. This is the world's biggest problem.

People base their beliefs on an image they have created of God in their minds, not according to His Word. This cheapens their relationship with God and impacts the world around them. God's Word never fails, unlike those who rely on feelings. Those following feelings and emotions are bound to fail.

Food for thought!

Marty

Learning To Be Helpless 6/19/2018

Good Morning,

I must admit that I am a little tired. It was a long weekend that carried over into this week. This Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee is way too good!
A wise pastor  spoke in our Men's group once and said that he believes that "all people possess the gift of helps". I tend to agree.
Now just the opposite is where we are looking this morning.

— Proverbs 26:13-16 —

A sluggard says, "There's a lion in the road,

a fierce lion roaming the streets!"

As a door turns on its hinges,

so a sluggard turns on his bed.

A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;

he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.

A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes

than seven people who answer discreetly.

I do believe that we are to help one another and especially those who are in need. But I also believe the following. As a culture many have learned to be "helpless". And they have learned to apply it. Ouch. A new term "applied learned helplessness". People have learned to like being helpless and they apply  that knowledge at all times. Kind of like our dog Gibbs. He was able to get himself into this boat, but did not want to jump out. He sat there looking pathetic until I helped him out. He has learned how to make helplessness work for him.

My mother used to say. "If you are looking for a helping hand,  first look at the end of your own arm."

The same people who receive help often are not available in any way to help others. I recently timed what it takes to make a phone call of encouragement to someone. A whopping four minutes!!!!! We must teach and encourage each other through love and accountability to do what we can for ourselves and others. Helpless ness that is learned and applied is just laziness at it's best.

Pray today for God to stimulate us to move on our own behalf, evaluate if we can do it ourselves, and if not, while others might be helping us, seek what can we do for someone else. And do it without grumbling. Feel free to pass this one on. You might just save someone from a case of terminal "learned applied helplessness".

God bless,
Have a wonderful week.

Marty

Refinishing The Old Table 6/18/2018

Good Morning,


My extra strong Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee is just what was needed to kick start this week into gear.

On Mother's Day 2018 we purchased the antique table in the picture above. Although it is in pretty decent shape it needed quite a bit of work to be up to our standard for the antiques in our home. I have been working on it when I have spare time and I am not ready to display the finished product. The chairs shown with the table are not the ones we finally purchased to make a complete table set. The relics are in our basement and will soon be coming along very well also. In a few weeks they will be ready to display.
So why am I writing about an old table and some older than dirt chairs? To some these furniture pieces are old and beyond use. But when Rene and I both laid our eyes on them we saw potential. The key words "saw potential" means that with some hard work these items could be very useful and will decorate our home nicely.  The point here is this. Some of us at times fell all used up with nothing left to offer. Others just feel used and abused and their candle burned out too soon. But when God looks at us He sees potential in His children. He proved it.

Romans 5:8 New International Version (NIV)

⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God sees the potential of all of His children. We might not see it but He does. We are never useless to Him and we are loved more than we can fathom. God formed us on the day we were conceived and He knows the plans He has for us.

Psalm 139:13-16 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.^[a]
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

The key to my statement is this. God knew us then. He knows us now and He holds the future.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

So if God has plans for us, how can we see ourselves as used and lacking potential? It just shouldn't be. We are children of the King and we are "Designer" made. We are never used up or lacking potential.

Have a great day.

Marty

Dad, Grandpa And Fathers Day 6/17/2018

Good Morning,

A beautiful day is on the rise. Fathers Day, Sunday, and cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee is  at my side to help me enjoy another day of life. As I sit outside on the patio to write which I hope to be doing every month of the year, despite the cold weather coming in the fall, I cannot help but think that if we all sat down to a cup of coffee together, add a couple of biscuits, and honey we as a world might not see each other as enemies. I will make the coffee, and the biscuits, the light is on, you're all welcome to come. Happy Fathers Day to all those out there who have or are raising kids. Your job description is a tough one.

Both men in my life taught me the value of making things last. One made it through the great depression and both lived during World War Two. Those were tough times and very lean for work, pay and supplies just to make it through a day.

(Proverbs 27:23,24 GNB)  Look after your sheep and cattle as carefully as you can, because wealth is not permanent.  Not even nations last forever.

Here is what their experiences taught them and it was handed down to me.

1. When you can, buy quality items. They last longer.

2. Take care of what you own. It was a gift from God and your hard work. That's why I seal any work or hunting boots three times before I wear them. And then I have a plan to maintain them. I just replaced a pair of boots and Rene remembered that the original purchase was from Sears 20 years ago. She said " You made those things last"  I just smiled.

3. Go to work and be reliable. Your name has to be good where you work.

4. Share what you have, someone always has it worse. Grandpa kept his family members well stocked with fish and berries right up until he couldn't fish. It's ok to live off of the land. Keep the land clean and pure, pick up your trash. The land is not your own, it's just there for you to use.

5. As long as you are working, save some money, and avoid debt at all costs. Debt occurred in our home due to bad circumstances. I lived during those lean years and knew just how much my Dad loved us because he worked two and sometimes three jobs. He had a wife and three kids to feed and the oldest was able to down a lot of food. When Dad was crabby, it was when he did not see light at the end of the tunnel. He saw light at the end of the tunnel and I remember the day when my parents paid off a huge medical bill.

6. Show up and support the family by being there. Christmas and special occasions are made to be together. What I wouldn't give to be able to travel again just to hear my daughter sing in church, or to watch her fly through the air as a cheerleader. Kristy that is a hint and I don't expect cartwheels.

Dads are often imitated and all of us have flaws. But hopefully we are imitated for the good things more often than the bad things. I drink my coffee from a cup that has a picture of my great grand father, my grandpa, my dad and a little guy with the same first name who was hell on wheels and hard to hold still for a picture. That little guy is me. When I see that picture as I head off to work. I see love because they taught me through good examples to be faithful to family, go to work, pay my bills, hunt and fish, respect the land and to keep my feet dry.

Dads and grandfathers, you wear many hats. But each day you wear the hat of a teacher, whether you realize it or not. Class is in session.

Have a great day!!!

Marty

Hopple Popple And Coffee With My Friend 6/16/2018

Good Morning,

Our house is filled with the aroma of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and Nueske's Bacon this morning. We will have a Hopple Popple breakfast very soon.

In a few minutes my good friend is coming over to join me for breakfast and coffee. He is actually stopping over to help me move a large heavy object, load it into the truck, and take it to the dump. It's the kind of thing we do for each other now and then. We tend to be there for each other and often will sit and pray. We discuss matters of God, family and church. In a short hour we are usually full of coffee, solved all the problems of the world and irritated most everyone around us with our laughter.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.

We have seen each other at our best and at our worst. We don't judge one another and we aren't afraid to tell each other what we need to hear, not what we want to hear. You can't mess with one of us without messing with the other. I believe that God made people to be friends and in some instances the friends are the ones who can bring out the best in you and make you grow from time to time. God equips us with the friends we need. We should practice being a good friend to those who God has placed in our life journey. Together two can accomplish more than one, and some of life's lonely trips are easier to bear with a friend to walk alongside of you.

Proverbs 18:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

What kind of friend will you be today? It is your choice.

Marty

Setting The Hook 6/15/2018

Good Morning,

Happy Friday to all. My cup was just filled with Door County Black And Tan Coffee. My heart is filled with a prayer or two and I am looking forward to this day beginning.

If you fill a room full of fishermen or anglers like some of them prefer to be called, you can fill hours upon hours with fish stories and different jargon on preferred methods of fishing. There are plenty of different types of fishing lures, fishing poles, fish nets, line, hooks, or sonar. Fishing techniques often differ from region to region and from boat to boat. I have witnessed a few technique debates get animated but none were ever heated to the point of anger.

John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

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.

One thing that most fisherman agree on is that at the right moment when the fish has taken the bate the hook must be set hard and fast. This allows the sharp hook or hooks to dig into the mouth of the fish and not allow them to get away. "They Are Hooked".

Now prior to the hook being set the lure is presented in a way that is attractive to a fish. Some minnow type bats look so real and enticing that fish are fooled easily and they cannot resist biting into a trap. Once hooked they are eventually landed into a net and their freedom is over.

 

1 Peter 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Satan tries to do the same thing with people. He uses the attractiveness of the world to lure people into something that is not good for them. Before long they are hooked or addicted and cannot get away. For instance take the alcoholic. Like many people he or she started out as a social drinker, which many people handle just fine. But somewhere along the way the alcohol becomes more important than anything else and it fills a void, numbs a hurt, or takes away some pain. But before long it takes more and more alcohol to do the job. Satan has really set the hooks. He seeks to destroy lives through excess and addiction.  We need to acknowledge Satan's purpose and then flee from temptation and be aware how he can twist things to his advantage in his effort to harm us.

James 4:7 New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

There are many things that Satan can use to tempt us, It is our duty to be aware of those things.

Enjoy your weekend and be at peace with one another.

Marty

Celebrate Weddings And Anniversaries. 6/14/2018

Good Morning,

An old friend of mine came to visit my mug this morning and the visit was overdue. Door County Highlander Grog Coffee was just poured from the pot to my mug. I will enjoy it nice and slow.

Ruth 1:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ But Ruth said:

“Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.

Have you ever wondered why people celebrate weddings? Why is it such a big deal?
We are celebrating a commitment between two people in front of God. It is a statement being made by the couple to follow Christ in marriage. Any commitment like that should be noteworthy and celebrated. Thus, anniversaries are to be remembered and celebrated because it is a day to remember your commitment and be thankful for another year together in Jesus.

The wedding affirms before God, friends, and family that the couple’s desire is to live according to God’s plan for the family.

The wedding ceremony should also be a reflection of the couple’s dedication to the glory of Jesus Christ. Every part of the service, from the music, to the vows, to the message delivered by the officiator, should reflect that commitment. Music should be reverent and Christ-honoring, not worldly or flippant. Vows should be taken with the couple’s full understanding that the words they speak to one another constitute a lifetime commitment and with the knowledge that what they promise to one another, they are promising to God. The message delivered by the pastor should reflect these truths and commitment.

A Christian couple should choose their attendants carefully and with their commitment to Christ in mind. Bridesmaids and groomsmen aren’t simply there to dress up the ceremony. Their presence testifies to their agreement with, and their promise to support, the commitment of the couple to honor Christ in their marriage.  I believe the vows are to be repeated by the couple annually as a reminder of the promise they made to God and each other.

Food for thought on a Thursday!!

Marty

Practicing Evacuations 6/13/2018

Good Morning,

My morning ramblings are a little late today. Even my Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee is delayed due to a long night at work.

One of the many hats I wear at work is the duty of Emergency Management Leader. I coordinate the disaster responses for the hospital and this week finds us practicing building evacuation techniques. As we all know not all patients are ambulatory and part of our drills is to practice taking people down flights of stairs to a safe exit. This means that we have to practice using a patient sled that employs a sling type strap and we lower the simulated patients down the stairs.

 

James 1:22-25 New International Version (NIV)

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

To make it seem real, the caregivers take turns lowering their co-workers down the stairs. They place their trust in some equipment and their friends. So to reach everyone we are conducting the training drills at various times of the day and night. Last night we trained from 1:AM until 3:AM. Thus I am a little tired and took some time to sleep a little longer today. I was able to catch a much needed three hours of sleep.

In each of the training sessions the first couple of times we lowered one of our co-workers, who is strapped into the sled and actually helpless to control their descent it has been slow and too clumsy. But after a couple of runs the evacuation runs smoother and quicker. Practice makes perfect. I will be doing this for another week at our medical center.

So what does that have to do with my blog? Like anything else, disaster management requires knowing what to do and then putting that knowledge into motion when needed, even if it is a drill.

It is the same thing in life, we can know all of the advice that is held within the Bible, but unless we put that knowledge into practice it is just wasted knowledge. People can often quote Scripture but fail to follow the directions it gives. They do not "Practice What They Preach".  The Bible has some advice on this practice also.

James 4:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Have a great day. Practice makes perfect.

Marty

A Good Night Of Sleep 6/12/2018

Good Morning.

Wow! It seems like the days are arriving earlier all the time. In all reality I don't mind having more daylight. My Door County Lighthouse Blend Coffee tastes good no matter what the morning brings.

 

 

Psalm 4:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

God made all of us and He made us to require rest and sleep. There are many theories as to why, but for today we will just chat about making sure we get enough sleep. Our bodies need to regenerate and we regenerate by resting and sleeping.

I found out a long time ago that I wasn't committing my rest to God. He desires for us to let Him handle our worries so that we can sleep. He wants to carry us through our burdens. I have asked God to provide sleep for me and in most instances it works well, but only if I have surrendered to His bidding and will. Those times when I can't sleep it is after I stayed awake too long and drank too much coffee. My body was telling me I needed sleep, but I chose to ignore the Holy Spirit calling out to me to sleep. I suffered later when I couldn't sleep.

We surrendered our hearts to Jesus, but we can't surrender our sleep to Him and get back on the winning side?

Rest in the Lord my friends. Amen!

Marty

Losing A Police Officer 76/11/2018

Good Morning,

My Cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee is steaming next to me and once again the dog is sleeping on my feet. Life is good.

Last week our community experienced the loss of a police officer during a high speed chase in the line of duty. He was very young and gave his life in service to the community. Relations between the police and the citizens of our country have been on edge for a lot of years and  the last two years have been worse than any others. I thank his family for his service and extend my prayers and sympathy.

During a media conference, right after accident the local police chief fielded questions from reporters. I was surprised that he took any questions during the time of fresh grieving, but he did. A local reporter pushed her boundaries by asking some contentious questions.

What I saw here was a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the city. The question although possibly appropriate at another time, did not need to be asked in the moment.

 

Proverbs 15:28 New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

America does enjoy freedom of speech and I whole heartedly support it. Yet there is a time and place for things to be said. It became painfully aware to me that the news is not just news, it is a business and the root of all evil can be money.

Instead of promoting peace she "stirred the pot" and the timing was less than perfect. The lesson here for us is this. Things need to be said from time to time, but timing is everything. I am sure that before she blurted out her question she either knew what a stink bomb she would drop or she was just plain ignorant. God has something to say to us in the way of advice in these situations.

Matthew 5:9 New International Version (NIV)

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

 

Business at the price of others is not business at all. It places profit before people. Lesson for the day. Think before you speak.

 

Marty

Meatloaf For Grandma 6/10/2018

Good Morning,

I am sitting in our den looking out at the rainy morning. The rain has grounded my plans for later today so as I drink my cup of Door County Cherry Crème Coffee, pray, write and rethink my plans I will take a little more time to enjoy the quiet.

Tomorrow my wife Rene will take her weekly trip to visit her mother in a town about 60 minutes away from us. Mother is 91 years young and still lives in her own home. She is active, still serving others in her community. She drives, safely and can crochet a sweater that easily wins ribbons at the county fair competitions. Rene goes out to help her with the house chores and basically to visit. This has been a great bonding time for them and Rene has her mind put at ease when she checks in on her. Any way you look at it 91 years old is 91 years old.

Deuteronomy 5:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

My part on making the day better is to make a couple of meals to send out to Grandma. Now she is perfectly capable of cooking and she does so most of the time. I send the meals because Grandma is so busy that I like for her to be able to eat a couple meals without working at it. This way she can enjoy something to eat and rest up for her next adventure. It's my way of thanking her for all the family meals and celebrations she held at the house when she was younger.

Grandma really likes to eat soup and she will eat it year round. Potato soup is her favorite. One of her other favorite meals is meatloaf , mashed potatoes, and corn. So today it is meat loaf day. Rene and I have plenty of conversations about many things and most of our conversations are not very deep in thought. When I asked Rene what she thought I should make for Grandma's care package, she replied "meatloaf!" I said OK and thought that would be the end of it. But Rene went on to explain that she can still see all six kids and her two parents sitting at the kitchen table eating meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn. It actually is one of Rene's favorite meals also. It hit me while thinking about it that the meatloaf is a memory and is a comfort meal for Rene. Later today when she gets home from work there will be two pans of meatloaf in the oven. I plan to help Rene with that fond memory.

My dear friends, respect and love the elderly in your life. If at all possible help your immediate family to retain their fond memories. You have the ability to make it a meatloaf day for someone.

 God bless,

Marty