Empty Dishes 7/31/2018

Good Morning,

I can smell my Door County Mocha Mint Coffee brewing downstairs and it is calling my name. I woke up with a prayer on my mind and some goals for the day.

This small shelf hangs  in our dining room and is part of antique dish collections. All four dishes were used a couple of times since we purchased them, but it has been a few years since they were filled. In order for them to be anything but art they need to be filled and then used.

People are the same way. We all need to be filled with a sense of worth that comes from a relationship with God. Once filled with the Holy Spirit we then can be used by God to benefit others, with our spiritual gifts. We then become useful blessings to others.

Galatians 5:16-26

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Do you feel like an empty dish that just can't be filled? The Holy Spirit is just waiting to point you to Jesus Christ and then occupy your heart with His presence. The dish then is filled and the cover taken off and the love of God pours from the dish to serve Him and others. The dish never runs empty and is perpetually filled with purpose, and passion for God.

Food for thought.

Marty

God Is Where You Are Not 7/30/2018

Good Morning,

It looks like Monday snuck into the week again  and it isn't going away. So no complaints here, let's roll with it. My Door County Irish Crème Coffee is done brewing and it is time to write.

People like to try and contain God as if He is a genie in a bottle instead of the Creator Of The Universe. We put limits on His abilities as If we were God and He is the child and should just listen to what we tell Him to do.

This it totally backwards. People often use their "idea of what God is" to limit their involvement in His work. I had a parent tell me one time that they weren't going to let their teenager go on a short term mission trip because the parent could not be there to help her teen if she needed anything.

I asked her where she thought God was and she replied "heaven". I reminded her of what scripture had to say about her ideas. I asked her if she believed that God can be everywhere and she said "yes". I then asked her if she believed that God listens to prayer? She said "yes". Then I asked if God can hear prayers in heaven and He can be everywhere, don't you think that He can be where you aren't? She became very quiet and conceded that she had a very small view of God. Her daughter went on the trip and had a great time experiencing God and all that He can do. The daughter is still very active for the Lord.

Psalm 139:1-12 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
⁵ You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

I am pretty sure that we cannot use the excuse that we can take care of our children better than God can.  When we put limits on Him we are declaring ourselves to be God and making ourselves into idols.

God can be everywhere we can't be. We need to trust and act accordingly and quit placing restraints on God.

Marty

Thirsty, Thirsty, Thirsty 7/29/2018

Good Morning,

Sunday, is here and it is very nice and cool where we live. A cup of Door County Lingonberry Tart Coffee kicked off my day. Let's write.

I titled this blog about thirst today. The type of thirst that needs to be satisfied and only one thing will satisfy a real thirst and that thing is water. Water is key to life and without it a person becomes dehydrated and can become very ill and even die.

Psalm 42:1-2 

42 As the deer pants for water, so I long for you, O God. ² I thirst for God, the living God. Where can I find him to come and stand before him?

That being said, each of us have been designed by God to be relational. We actually are healthiest when we interact with others. But as a battery powered car needs electricity eventually and only an electrical outlet will do for the recharge, so every human should have a relationship with God. For Christians we foster that relationship through prayer and time spent reading and living His Word. (Bible). The Word of God is our source of spiritual water and when combined with prayer is a "soul quencher" for sure.

Psalm 27:4 King James Version (KJV)

⁴ One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple

There is a big but here! We need to desire it daily as if we might not have anymore for a long time. We need to crave that time, capture it and replenish each day as if there were no tomorrow. We have to reach for the source and supply a thirst for that relationship with God to grow and  be more intimate with each day.

This is all accomplished by feeding, and fostering a desire to have God be the center of our lives.

How thirsty are you for that relationship with God to be better? What are you going to do about it today?

Marty

A Co-Worker And Vacation Bible School 7/28/2018

Good Morning,

The old coffee maker just brewed a pot of Door County Highlander Grog for me and I am thankful for a little quiet time this morning.

Matthew 5:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Yesterday while working on a project at the hospital it became apparent that I needed the help of a co-worker. She came to the meeting and added her knowledge to the project and within an hour the work was finished, at least for her portion. Before she left we exchanged talk about our plans for the weekend. She told me how she was working at her church teaching for Vacation Bible School in the evening. As she was speaking about VBS I could see in her eyes the passion she has for Jesus and children. Her eyes twinkled and her smile grew larger as she told me that she has been working at church VBS since she was a teenager.

I pondered our chat on the way home from work and I am truly convinced that when teenagers start serving God it is very likely that they will continue to serve as they grow older. Serving the Lord seems to be engrained into her and you can tell she loves it. I believe the love relationship with serving Jesus grows deeper every year and it is the service and seeing the results that fosters that growth.

Her relationship with God is very evident in her demeanor and being a nurse seems to be a perfect fit for a caring soul like her. I have seen that side of her for a few years, because at one time I was a patient of hers. As good as that is, it was when she started talking about God, service and children, that her face glowed and she was obviously in her sweet spot.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all showed that glow for God? I think those who can't are missing out on having a healthy heart and soul. I believe it can be kick started when we find out how God would like for us to serve His Kingdom and we answer the call with a yes!

Food For Thought,

Marty

In The Garden 7/26/2018

Good Morning,

Friday is here, all day long and I really think it is a good idea to pray before the weekend starts. My mug joined me at the desk and it is filled with Door County Mocha Mint Coffee.

One of my favorite hymns is "In The Garden" written by Charles Austin Miles

1 I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

 

Refrain:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

 

2 He speaks, and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]

 

3 I'd stay in the garden with Him

Tho' the night around me be falling;

But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,

His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

 

Verse 2 is my favorite, combined with the refrain it has always had a fond spot in my heart. It was said that this song is reflective of John Chapter 20:11-18

¹¹ But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ¹³ Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
¹⁴ Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

Mary went to the tomb of Jesus but never expected to encounter Him. When he appeared and spoke to her she thought He was the gardener. She was the only one there and Jesus spoke to her and gave her a mission to tell others that she had seen Jesus and relay all that He had said to her.

I think many Christians go to church and never expect an encounter with God. They enter lifeless and they leave lifeless. But He is there and He is ready to talk to us through Scripture, the pastor and song. God uses all these to speak to us. If we are listening and expect to encounter Him we will.

Mary had an experience that was one of a kind, meant just for her. God desires to do the same with us. Let it happen. Take a walk in His garden.

Marty

 



Pasta Sauce And God's Blessing 7/26/2018

Good Morning,

I just filled my Mug with Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee. I grabbed some cherries for breakfast, and now it is time to share some thoughts for the day.

Our tomato plants started producing some great tomatoes and I had many to process last night. But what this house needed was the smell of fresh pasta sauce simmering on the stove. So instead of canning tomatoes I made pasta sauce. The aroma is still lingering in the house this morning. I for one love that aroma! Someone should start making pasta sauce scented candles.

Now what's the big deal about pasta sauce? You can purchase a jar of it in any grocery store. I for one always believe that home made is the best. Secondly, there is just something about eating the fruits of your own labor.

The aroma also takes me back to my boyhood and my recipe smells and tastes just like the sauce my grandmother made. The memory of her kitchen floods my mind and warms my heart.

Again God knows what we need and when I add it all up. I Thank Him on several fronts.

He brought Rene and I to this piece of land and helped us to afford building a home here. The garden came a year later. He gave us the sunshine that ripens the tomatoes. He has watered them with rain. He gave me an Italian grandmother who didn't mind teaching us how to make a dish or two. So for me, the pasta sauce is more than a tasty dish to cover rigatoni and meatballs. It is comfort, memories, aroma, and reward all in one. My soul has been troubled lately with many things on my mind and the aroma of the sauce let me know that despite how I feel and what I am thinking, God loves me and knew just what I needed. He knew it before I brought the tomatoes into the house. God is truly with all of us. He showed Himself today with the blessings of a tomato.

 

Psalm 23 New King James Version (NKJV).

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Look for your blessings today. Count every one of them. I count all of you as a blessing.

Marty

Teamwork Is Not Over Rated! 7/25/2018

Good Morning,

My day began with a cup of Door County Ethiopian Coffee, an ice pack, and two Tylenol. My left knee is acting up a little and knee surgery is coming later this year. I can't wait!

Colossians 3:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

 

Last night Rene said she watched me walk into the house from the garage and she could tell that my knee had gotten the best of me. We ate a quick dinner and I was heading outside to mow the lawn. Rene said whoa there "Big Fella" you are staying off of that leg tonight. Not being one who likes to be ordered around even in the name of love I compromised and we decided to share in the work which lessened the chore by half. Rene mowed and I trimmed at a slow pace.  We both swept the walks and called it a night. Then it was time for an ice pack.

We knew a long time ago that we were a good team and good teams work together for a central cause. Good teams do not work against each other. Good teams utilize the diverse talents of the team and apply energy to a task that is measured and directed. Good team members compliment one another and build each other up. Team work is Biblical and highly recommended.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 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.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

What kind of team member are you? Do you build others up? Do you carry your share of the load? Do you talk about others? Can you be counted on? Good teams have God in the lead role and He is the tie that binds. Go Team!!!

Marty

The Old Man, At It Again 7/24/2018

Good Morning,

Well it's the last of my Door County White Christmas Coffee until later this year. Soon it will be fall and I see some Door County Maple Coffee in that picture. Now hold these two thoughts. It will help you with restoring relationships. Read on.

Communicate Well:

Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.– James 1:19

Have Patience:

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.– Romans 12:12

Last night the weather was perfect to begin working again on refurbishing some antique furniture. So after a quick dinner I retreated to the garage, cranked up my music and started to work. I wasn't alone that's for sure. Our Springer Spaniel Gibbs stayed with me the whole night until the mosquitoes chased us inside for a shower and a big glass of ice cold sweet peach tea.

While the varnish was drying on a table that has given this old tinkerer some grief, I started on refurbishing some door knobs and old silverware. So before I knew it the evening had passed. When we came in from the garage Rene said she was glad that we came in. She was just about ready to come out and chase the old man and his furry partner into the house to get some rest.

Just before bed and after our prayer time, Rene opened up and started to talk about my evening. She told me how she had looked into the garage a couple times and heard me singing along with the music. She said it was nice to see me fixing things that are old and were almost worthless until we chose to bring them home and make them useful again. Rene explained that when she looked out into the garage it was easy to see that I was at peace, content and happy.

Now what does this have to do with anything and you?  Not too much, but this little tidbit of knowledge might be valuable. Restoring things takes work and the results can be awesome. This table was driving me crazy, but I stuck with it. We are half way finished and it is looking good. Friends there are times when we need to restore relationships and it takes a lot of work. Then there are some set backs to the restoration process and we would want to quit. The hot humid weather we have been experiencing stopped me for awhile, but this old man had to get back at it. If we give up on restoring relationships and quit, we will never see what they could have been. This old table won't ever be new again, and Rene and I like to leave some of the dents in the wood to give it a weathered look. Relationships can't always have all the dents removed but a fresh coat of love, like a good varnish makes the dents less noticeable. No, some relationships will never be new again, but they can be better or as good as they can get. Like our table will never be new again, it will be as good as it gets. The family will gather at that table to eat pasta and all that hard work will be worth it. Why would we want anyone to miss being there because we didn't work hard to restore a relationship?

Think about it. Is there a relationship in your life that needs a "refinish"?

Marty

Paying It Forward 7/23/2018

Good Morning,

Monday showed up again after I asked it to wait for a day. Oh well, the Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is done brewing and it is time to write.

Luke 6:31 New International Version (NIV)

³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Last night I was the recipient of an act of kindness. After dinner I went to the local gas station just to pick up a gallon of milk and 5 bananas. On the way into the store I held the door open for three ladies I would assume about forty years old. Each one of them thanked me and I replied with a "you are welcome mam". I went about my chore and the ladies made their purchases. They paid and left. When I went to pay for the milk and bananas the store clerk wouldn't take any money from me. He explained that the three ladies had already paid for my purchase. I was a bit confused as to why they would do something like that. He told me that they said it has been a long time since anyone held a door for them let alone address them as mam.

I left feeling a little guilty for having had someone purchase our milk and bananas. We certainly can afford the groceries. People do kind things for others all the time and I found this type of giving of the heart very nice. But all I did was be respectful to the ladies. It's a shame that they had to make notice of it because it doesn't happen too often anymore. I went home feeling good and bad. I was rewarded for being respectful, but it wasn't worth a gift. I felt bad that the world has stopped paying respect to others on a regular basis. It shouldn't stand out as abnormal. It should be the normal act of kindness we show to others.

Confused today to say the least. Where is respect? Is it out there?

Marty

Good Morning World. How Are You?

Good Morning,

I started my day a couple hours ago and it greeted me with a cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. The house smells like Nueske's Bacon and a tired dog just laid down next to me on the floor.

Psalm 127:3-4 New International Version (NIV)

³ Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.

I ask "how are you this morning"? Why? Because wherever you are I am hoping you can find even, just a glimmer of good, happiness, peace, or joy. That is my prayer for anyone who is reading this today.

We have been blessed for the last few days to have our daughter, son in law and 1 grandson visiting from Florida. They left for the airport a few minutes ago and as I reflected on our time together, I saw rainy skies without a reprieve for three days. It left a "damper" on plans that were made. But we laughed together. They helped me with a few things needing to be done. We visited, indulged a little on some bakery and other delights, The dog gained weight from all the treats tossed his way, but most of all for three days we were together. It was "fragmented togetherness" because of work commitments , but just hearing the door squeak going in and out of our daughter's old room brought back a flood of memories. Let the next home owners repair the squeak, it is music to my ears. So for us, having them leave for home makes the house seem a little empty right now, but we will work our way to visiting them next.

So despite some teary eyes right now, I know we were blessed for three days and God knew what I needed and He put a smile on my heart. I hope He paints your face with a smile too.

God Bless,

Marty

Lessons From Road Repairs 7/21/2018

Good Morning

I thought that a good idea would be to start this day with a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. The weather is cold and rainy today and my coffee cup is a source of comfort today.

Recently with all the road construction that is going on I had the miserable experience of sitting in traffic that did not move for about 15 minutes. While sitting there I watched a "steam roller' smoothing out some hot asphalt that was just poured.

Prior to the roller going over it, the asphalt was a lumpy mess of a pile. But once the pressure was applied it smoothed out and became useful.

Someone once said "it takes years of extreme pressure to turn a lump of coal into a diamond". I think that some day we all have diamond potentials.

I believe that from time to time God needs to steam roll all of us. We all need to shape up now and then and become useful again or more useful.

Hebrews 12:6-11
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Have a great Saturday and God bless,

Marty

Cutting The Grass 7/20/2018

Good Morning,

Starting today with a large, very large cup of Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee.
www.doorcountycoffee.com 

Well summer is here and the spring has disappeared. We have reduced mowing the grass to once a week now instead of twice. The only difference now is that the chore usually needs to be done after work on a hot evening. So it is not as nice of a chore as it was a month ago. But the results are needed.

We do enjoy our yard. We are truly blessed by our Heavenly Father to have been able to use it for about 20 years now. I remember when our house was first built. Our yard was clay, rocks and dust that first year. Then it started. Some sweat equity, apple trees, grass, bushes flowers, lilacs, blue spruce, maple and white birch trees have all matured. Yet the yard still requires maintenance and work.

Friends, we are all like that. Rocks and clay that God can take and make useful to others for His Kingdom. God is never finished with us until He calls us home. He started on us from the beginning and will see it through to completion. And from time to time He has to prune us, just as we prune our trees for health and better fruit. God wants to prune us through His personal relationship with each of us. He knows what is best and desires us to feed on His word, grow through prayer and obedience. I have attached some Bible verses to help walk you through my thoughts.

Philippians 1:3-6  He will complete what He has started in you.
³ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;


John 15  (NKJV) From time to time we need pruning

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;^[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will^[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.


Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV) We are fed through His word.
So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 God requires us to be obedient.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
God loves you and if you haven't heard it from someone today that you are loved. I love you too.

Marty

A Steady Dog 7/19/2018

Good Morning,

Today I am slurping down some very hot Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. No comments on the groggy nut drinking the coffee please.

A successful duck hunter needs a few pieces of equipment. A gun, some duck calls, waders, decoys, ammo, and a steady dog. A dog that can be counted on to listen, sit and follow directions. One who can hold still despite shooting going on, duck calls blaring and birds approaching. The wrong move at the wrong time could flare the birds, interrupt a shot and also be dangerous to the dog if he leaps in front of the gun.

As Christians we are to listen to God and follow His commands.   

Proverbs 2:1-5     My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.        

John 10:27-28    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

A steady dog uses less energy, accomplishes much, and is rewarded by His Master. A steady dog is patient and waits on the Master's command. We too should be steady people waiting on a command from our God.

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Are we steady and patient with God who has all the answers or are we running out there under our own power wasting time and energy? Do we wait on Him or jump in and mess it all up?

Sit, be still and know that He is God.

Be happy,
Marty

Delivering A Eulogy 7/18/18

Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and a cup of Door County Lakeside Fuzzy Naval Coffee, extra hot. I sure hope this day goes well.

Later this morning I will deliver a eulogy for the husband of a friend of ours. His wife asked me to do so last week. It is an honor to assist a family during these rough days. I am painfully aware of the fact that some of the fine friends of mine who read this blog are still dealing with the loss of a loved one. Me too.There are days that my mind takes me back many years and a memory of a loved one who has answered the call to come home, will cloud my eyes with tears. I miss them and can't wait to see them. One thing I have trained this mind to do is to catalog at least one very fond memory of them in the back cabinet of my brain. I pull the memory to the front of my mind, close my eyes and relive that good time. Everyone of those memories gets better each time it is recalled.

 

Philippians 4:6-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

It works for me and it helps the pain go away. Prayer and celebrating memories, what a great combination!

Marty

A Hand Shake Should Be Good Enough 7/17/2018

Good Morning,

The alarm clock sang the wake up tune a few minutes ago and after I poured myself a cup of Door County Death's Door Coffee I found my way to the desk and it is time to write.

Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.

It used to be that when two men went to settle a deal they shook hands on it when they both agreed on the verbal contract. The two men looked each other in the eye, grasped hands and shook on it. To those men that hand shake meant more than a 100 page contract. Men were known by how they kept their word or promise. I remember our family charging groceries during the week and Dad paying the bill on Saturday when he received his pay check. They didn't have charge cards then and there wasn't any interest applied to the short term loan. It was just a neighborhood business being neighborly. People could trust one another and man's word was his contract.

It's not that simple today. Everything has fine print and "get out clauses" written into the contracts. If people get behind on their bills they just don't pay them. Or just the opposite, someone is truly down on their luck and at the first sign of a late payment the lender forecloses on everything.

Friends, when we borrow we need to keep our word and pay back what we owe. If we say we are going to show up for something we need to show up. When we agree to work, we need to work.

Just saying,

Marty

When Fast Food Is Not So Fast 7/16/2018

Good Morning,

Monday arrived right on time and I am looking forward to this week. Our family is coming for a visit  and we are ecstatic about this summer surprise. I just poured a big cup of Door County Ethiopian Blend Coffee and not it is time to write.

Galatians 6:2 New International Version (NIV)

² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Last night we decided that we had worked in our yard long enough. The temperatures outside were hot and humid. Both Rene and I kept ourselves hydrated with ice cold water. I took the dog swimming to keep him cool and he had an ample supply of water outside. But the heat had drained us.

We worked hard and by dinner time we were beat and did not want to cook. We decided that we needed to treat ourselves to a cold sandwich from a fast food submarine sandwich shop. We have a few choices as to where we purchase our sandwiches but have now limited it to two. We like both places and we switch off between the two.

When I arrived at the sandwich shop and walked in I was surprised to see 13 customers standing in line. I think many people had the same idea. No one wanted to cook in this heat. I could see right away I would not be home in 15 minutes, which is the normal trip for me.

I could tell that the sandwich crew was down one person. For whatever reason, instead of three sandwich makers, they were only two strong. I was waiting for the customers to get a little agitated with the crew because of the wait time. That never happened. Our two sandwich elves apologized sincerely for the extra wait and then set about to amaze us. These two worked together in unison and created a sandwich display that was worthy of a talent show. They organized their routine and went flying about the shop keeping everyone happy. They smiled as they worked and made a bad situation great. It did take longer to get our dinner, but I noticed the tip jar for our two sandwich engineers was bulging with tips. I think the group of hungry folks appreciated their dilemma, noticed the hard work done cheerfully and they rewarded the team with cash. I assumed the customers were aware of what it's like to have a rough day and they cut this food chain and the two sandwich engineers some slack. My faith in humanity was restored.

So today instead of attacking poor service or a bad situation, look to cut someone some slack and be kind. You never know when it will be your turn to receive some slack.

God bless,

Marty

The World Would Be Quieter If ??? 7/15/2018

Good Morning,

It took me three attempts to write "Good Morning" in my salutation today. My hands are a bit sore from cutting firewood yesterday. But now things are moving along,  at a slow pace. I held my hands around a very hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and it took the stiffness away as the heat was absorbed into my hands. I guess I found another reason to drink coffee. It's hot here again today and our neighbor invited us for a swim in their pool. It might be an option for the day.

My thoughts on world noise. This is my opinion that there just seems to be more idle, useless and sometimes hurtful  chatter than ever before. There are two kinds of this chatter to consider. There is the verbal spoken type that literally makes noise and now we have the mind noise of social media.

In many instances the chatter can be good if it is lifting others up and being used for good. Then there is the type of noise that is "pot stirring" and really not needed. People would be wise to follow God's instructions on communications. I think we could cut down the mind noise of the world substantially.

 

Ephesians 4:29 New International Version (NIV)

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

God gives clear instructions about running others down, complaining, being mean, and pot stirring.
If the world would take notice of His communications plan there would be more thought put into the words that come out of our mouths. There is, I believe a contagious disease traveling the world and it is "Diarrhea Of The Mouth" .Our mouths runneth over with talk that hurts others and could be called gossip.

Matthew 12:36 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Let's enjoy some peace and quiet today and have conversations that help others and stimulate relationships. Let's avoid the noise of the world that promotes strife, conflict, hurt, and anguish. Let's make our part of the world a better place today.

Marty

Want To Stop Gossip? Go On A Diet. 7/14/2018

Good Morning,

Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is brewing in the kitchen as I sit down to write. Our Springer Spaniel is next to me sound asleep. There is a gentle rain falling to water our parched land. This has the makings of a nice day.

Proverbs 18:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.

I believe I have found the cure to gossip. I really can't claim that it was discovered by me or invented through wisdom of my own. I found it where God placed it for all of us to see. I found it in His Word Proverbs 18:8.

A few years ago when Rene and I were dieting for the 100th time in our lives, I noticed something, We were throwing away a lot of bread. Both of us had started to reduce carbohydrates in our diet and before long the loaf of bread that I baked weekly wasn't being eaten and it had to be tossed out. The discovery was this. Once we started reducing the intake, we found that we really did not miss the bread at all and eliminated it from our daily calories.

Now on the flip side all it took was a couple times of cheating on our diet, and the bread made it's way back into our lives and so did the unwanted pounds.

Gossip my friends is a sin, but when the gossiper has no one to listen to his or her slanderous words they soon decide that it's not getting them the attention or results they desired. So it slows down and then eventually the gossip stops. You see, my friends, gossip is like a baseball game it needs a pitcher and a catcher. If a pitcher does not have a catcher, he soon tires of throwing and chasing his own ball. Gossip needs two people to be effective and the sin is shared by both the pitcher and the catcher. When we decide to change our diet and not take in the gossip, we have done our part to stop the pitcher from throwing more gossip. We reduce our sin intake.

God gave us a good plan for righteous, and healthy living. We can avoid the pain of gossip by just shutting it down. Like the cardiologist who warns us about our weight, God also warns us about our mouths.

Matthew 12:36 New International Version (NIV)

³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Let's lighten our diets today and reduce the hurt and pain of gossip. refuse to play catch.


Marty

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flat Tires Are Only Flat On One Side. 7/13/2018

Good Morning,

I am blessed to be a part of your life today. Thank you for joining me in mine. My cup is full of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and my heart is light and alive.

James 1:2-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Last night when I arrived home after my work day, I could tell that Rene had something on her mind. She waited until my glass was full of ice cold sweet peach tea and then she let me know that her car had a flat tire. Now letting me know that it had a flat means more than what it sounds like. It was her way of saying "what are we going to do about it".

I just went to the garage and filled the tire with air from my Father's Day gift from a few years ago. That air compressor has come in handy many, many times. I then located the leak and decided that repairing it or replacing it was best left to a tire emporium. We developed a plan for her to take my Jeep to work in the morning and I would fill the tire this morning and take it in for service. A friend will be picking me up at the service center and we will go to work together.

It was a battle plan that any commander would be proud of. I remember back in the day when this would have set me off and I would have been kicking the tire and cursing the person who left a  screw in the road. I would have been wishing that their arm pits would be infested with 1000 fleas. But a little older and wiser each day I took it in stride and considered the blessing. Rene, made it home safely. The car was in a spot where I could fill the tire with air easily. I own a compressor and we have a plan to get it fixed.

20 years ago and with a full head of hair the reaction would have been different. Friends, flat tires will come and go all through life. Water heaters will deliver a cold shower, and kids will be kids. Taking the things that come along and then looking for a blessing within the event, makes the misfortune easier to deal with and stomach.

Food for this Friday. May all of your flat tires be flat on only one side!

Marty