Enjoying The Harvest With A Recipe 11/30/2018

Good Morning,

I can smell the Door County Autumn Spice Coffee brewing downstairs in the kitchen. It's these quiet times of the morning that just seem to brighten my outlook on life. Prayer just seems to sweeten the coffee somehow.

We still have apples in the cooler and I plan on using some of them for dinner tonight. I often write about our apple trees which just a few weeks ago lost the last of their leaves until next year. They are dormant now and to me it seems like they are resting. They worked hard under God's direction and yielded a harvest like we have never seen before. I look forward to the apple blossoms showing up again next spring.

When I look at the cycle of an apple tree and I see the soil it is planted in, then the sun and water that goes into nurturing it I cannot help to see God at work. Without Him directing the apple symphony of our yard we would have nothing to show. God knows how many apples will be picked next year. When I look at those dormant trees I see an example of just how great God is. He awakens the trees with sunshine and warmth. He waters the trees with rain. He has provided apples for many people from those trees. I remember planting each tree. I prayed for God's will to be done with the trees and they are still here, producing sweet fruit.

Tonight I will enjoy some apple pancakes with Rene. We will smile at each other and then thank God for the bounty. We will actually talk about the trees and the potential crops of next year. God will be the focus of our banter.

I will then go to bed with a full stomach fed by the hand of God and the trees He has blessed us with.

What are you thankful for today?

Marty

Apple Salsa

2 medium tart apples, chopped
1 cup chopped strawberries.
2 medium kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped
1 small orange
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple jelly,melted.

In a bowl, combine apples ,strawberries, and kiwi.
Grate orange peel to measure 1-1/2 teaspoons: squeeze juice from orange.
Add peel and juice to apple mixture.Stir in brown sugar and jelly.

For chips, brush two flour tortillas lightly with water. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, sprinkle over tortillas. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Place in a single layer on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F  for 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool and serve with salsa. Yields 4 cups.

Don't Neglect Your Spouse 11/29/2018

Good Morning,

Today I am starting out with one of my favorite mugs filled to the top with Door County Maple Coffee. Many people ask me where they can obtain Door County Coffee. I will be happy to share the link. www.doorcountycoffee.com

I want to launch a short series on a topic that needs to be discussed. "Spouse Neglect"  I believe we are in the age of "what's in it for me" and "it's all about me". There are so many forms of entertainment or hobbies available that I believe Satan uses them to distract us from enjoying the company of our spouses. You all know that I love to hunt. And I hunt hard. But I structure a lot of my hunting so that I am home by the time my wife is getting out of her jammies. I hunt while she sleeps. I then devote the rest of the day to her, chores and family life. I don't come from the field and attach myself to the boob tube for a Packer game. Sorry Packer fans. I may watch the game with her because she is the bigger football fan.

But what I am seeing and hearing is this. People keep score now.
1. You did this or went there, now it is my turn. This is contrary to Scripture. Therefore the family structure suffers and each person learns to be selfish.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

2. I see many people that allow hobbies to consume hours and hours of time. During this time kids go to bed without prayer, family suppers are skipped, spouses are left to be alone and silent. This is contrary to Scripture. Our hobbies have become our idols. These idols rob us of what God truly meant for marriage to be.

Mark 10:8

⁸ and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.

What is worse is that we don't see this as a sin. This is contrary to Scripture. The sin of neglecting your spouse in over indulging in your hobbies is like cheating on them.

1 Corinthians 6:16

Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”

Yes we join ourselves to other friends, hobbies, work or television. We then have prostituted our marriage for a substitute.

Dear Friends. "all things in moderation". There is time for all things but if your choice is destroying your family then it is time for your choice to go! Don't keep even a little bit. It will come back stronger and the desire will be overwhelming. Would you drink just a little poison? I doubt it.

I have been blessed with a wife who understands my hobby. Yet I know when enough is enough and I go antique shopping, or watch the Packer game with her. I know the flowers need to be planted Memorial Day weekend. And in return she never schedules things in October or November. She does however say. "Hunting geese this weekend?" Goose is her favorite wild game meal. That is a hint for me to drop the pheasant hunt and chase down some geese. I like pheasant. The freezer is full of geese.

Your spouse chose to spend their life with you. How about honoring that with spending your life with them. Stop the neglect, it turns to abuse.

God bless,
Marty

God Doesn't Need Gimmicks 11/28/2018

Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and next to me is a steaming cup of Door County Dublin's Delight Coffee. On top of my feet is a very warm English Springer Spaniel. Life is good.

I want to say that as I study more of God, I see what I need is more of God and less of the gimmicks the world churches offer today. I enjoy a great cup of coffee, but I don't need it in church next to me when I want to worship God. There are so many gimmicks these days being used to sell people on the idea of God and church membership. Let's take church membership out of the equation and concentrate on God this morning. A God who hates sin yet devotes all He does to save sinners from eternal death is more than enough to attract people to Him which causes people to want more of a church that preaches God.

I have a couple of quotes that I would like to share.
"Our nation is so hardened. The biggest culprits are the preachers, wicked, evil-doers in sheep’s clothing. The pastor of one of the biggest Baptist churches here in town was to kiss a pig if so many young people came to the meeting last month. It was an insult to the pig and to God."
Bob Jennings, A letter written in 1998

"I have given God countless reasons not to love me. None of them has been strong enough to change Him."

Paul Washer, Twitter, 31 Jul 2013

God stands on His own awesomeness. He will not change and we cannot change Him. That alone is enough for every knee to bow in His honor. God was not created. He is the Creator of all things. He alone has the plan for our eternal life and forgiveness of our sins.  

Isaiah 45:5-6 New International Version (NIV)
⁵ I am the Lord, and there is no other;
    apart from me there is no God.I will strengthen you,
    though you have not acknowledged me,⁶ so that from the rising of the sun
    to the place of its settingpeople may know there is none besides me.
    I am the Lord, and there is no other.

God doesn't need our gimmicks, what He desires is our devotion to Him. When we wonder why people visit a church and do not come back, it is easy to see why. The gimmicks did not work. They did not hear or see enough of God in the church or in the people who are there. Fellowships and get togethers are great if they are just that. Yes they should take on Christian attributes, but we must preach Jesus which leads people to the Father. We must allow the Holy Spirit to convict people of the need to repent and seek the Savior. I could go on and on but there would be volumes of my writings .

I close by saying this. Give me God, nothing else will do 

Marty

Marinated Steak With A Recipe 11/27/2018

Good Morning,

I can't believe that December is almost upon us. It seems as if 2018 traveled at the speed of light. I just poured a mug of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Now it is time to write.

I like to eat meat (steak) that has either been aged or marinated in spices and oils to enhance the flavor of the meat. Some marinades will assist in tenderizing some tough cuts of meat. Now what in Hillbilly Heaven does this have to do with a daily blog/devotional? Hang in there with me and we will attempt to make sense of this.

John 12:39-40 English Standard Version (ESV)

    and hardened their heart,

lest they see with their eyes,

    and understand with their heart, and turn,

    and I would heal them.”

³⁹ Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes

I see a lot of hardened hearts out there. Hearts that have stopped beating with compassion for others and are unwilling to forgive.There is a spiritual marinade that helps to soften hearts of stone. That marinade is a proper prayer life.
Prayer has been turned into some magical formula that get’s God to do what we want. Prayer is not designed to be used to give Santa Claus your wish list.
It is supposed to be a deep and intimate conversation with your heavenly Father. We must get back to that intimacy with God.  We must start dealing in prayer with the realization of our idolatry and hardheartedness. Idols you say? Yes. Idols are all those things that keep you from experiencing God.
We have to stop asking God to give revival to the world and start asking Him to revive us personally. We have to see that it begins with us

Jeremiah 24:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart

So friends this might be hard for some of you to chew today. But your heart is as hard as you choose it to be.  Go ahead and soften it with prayer and time spent with God.

Marty

Marinade Recipe

2/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 1 tablespoon soy sauce
 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

2 boneless ribeye steaks or two 1 pound flank steaks.

Mix the ingredients minus the steaks. Pour mixture into a large resealable bag.
Add the steaks and shake to coat the meat.
refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Shake occasionally. Grill covered over medium- hot heat 6-9 minutes on each side until desired doneness is achieved  140 degrees for rare and 160 degrees for medium.  Then enjoy!!!

Feeling Your Age. Psalm 139 11/26/2018

Good Morning.
Happy Monday to all of you.  Door County Turtles In The Cup just filled my mug.

Have you heard the expression that after you turn 50 years old it is "all down hill"? People are referring to their health usually when they use the expression. Well that's me tubing down a hill last winter and I am in my early sixties. We go tubing once or twice every year. I am hoping the snow comes soon so my bucket list for this year is completed. My wife and I enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. And yes the aches and pains are there. But we try to get outside as much as we can. Why? Well for me I can see God in nature. You know God is everywhere and He cannot be confined to just one spot. So while you are sitting on a beach in Florida and I am screaming down a snow covered hill, He is there. So while I am out, I look at what I see and thank God for giving me what I have just seen. He knew just what I would be looking at and I figure He painted that part of the day just for me. It makes me feel loved, special and happy.

When I have doubts, fears, I am lonely, depressed or just wonder where God is, I go outside and read these passages. Try it!

Musician. A Psalm of David. 139

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵ You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall^[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

God bless,
Marty

A Remedy For Sleepless Nights 11/25/2018

Good evening,

Sorry I did not have time to post earlier today. My day started early and went well into the early afternoon hunting in Horicon Wisconsin. But I did not forget you all. I leave you tonight with a verse and a promise for tomorrow. God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. My prayer is that you all sleep well tonight. If sleep escapes you as it does for me now and then, read this verse. Follow what it says to do.  I find that God grants me rest when my thoughts turn to Him. There is peace in following God's lead, even in sleep.

Philippians 4:8-9

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

God bless,

Marty

Stay Out Of The Ditch 11/24/2018

November 24th 2018

Good Morning,

I started my morning with a Thermos bottle of Door County Bourbon Barrel Pound Cake Coffee. I was hunting on the river with our nephew Nick and our dog Gibbs.

 Living in Wisconsin does allow me to experience snow storms. and one is supposed to hit us tonight and tomorrow. My vehicles of choice have four wheel drive. And believe me it comes in handy. During those storms I try to travel roads that are well known to me. The four wheels keep me on the right path. But I could choose not to use the four wheels and drive roads that are not familiar. I would be on the WRONG path and headed for trouble.

— Psalm 16:8 —
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

By saying I "will not be shaken," David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers. God does not exempt believers from the day to day circumstances of life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times (Matthew 5:45). Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth. Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God's eyes. They know that God will keep them from being moved off of his chosen path.

How many of your wheels are engaged with God? Are you on the right path today?

God bless,
Marty

Eating Leftovers 11/23/2018

Good Morning,

My day is going to start with prayer, toasted bread, and some Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. The old bones are moving slow today.

Hebrews 4:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Tonight we will be eating some of the left over food from yesterday's dinner. Rene and I are both good with that. We waste very little in this house. There are many ways to use left over turkey and stuffing. But the leftovers are leftover and cannot be as fresh as they were yesterday. They will be good and tasty but they just won't have the same "pop" as they did coming out of the oven for the first time. No matter what, a bike ride is in order to burn off some calories.

I would like to talk about the Bible and leftovers. I see way too many people who dine on the Word of God once a week while attending a church service. Then during the week they relive or ponder what they heard. They live off of one spiritual meal a week. And when they do try to eat they are eating leftovers, waiting for a fresh spiritual meal on Sunday. They miss out on a fresh word from God during the week. I think that their refusal to eat spiritual food is a stomach problem. It could be that these folks are dining on the junk the world offers instead of eating a healthy diet of God's word.

Are you spiritually dining on leftovers or are you filling your heart, mind and soul daily with heavenly spiritual food? I think many of us need to pull up a chair, improve and increase our spiritual caloric intake.

Food for thought!

Marty

Thankful. Friends, Family And Jesus.

Good Morning,

The Thermos bottle will be pouring out some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee while hunting from a boat this fine Thanksgiving morning.

In the United States we observe the 3rd Thursday of November as a day to be thankful. Over the years I have eaten my share of bacon wrapped turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. From a small boy right up until today the holiday has always been special to me. I take time to reflect on the blessings we as a family have been given. Each year is different and I have never had two years turn out exactly the same. Some years have been better than others, but the one constant in my life has been to be thankful for Friends, Family and Jesus.

When I Think About Friends

Proverbs 17:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,

    and a brother is born for adversity.

When I Think About Family

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When I Think About Jesus

John 6:38-40 New International Version (NIV)
³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

When I look at good friends I see unconditional love. When I look at family I see unconditional love again. When I look at Jesus I see the Ultimate Example of unconditional love.

These three will always be on my list of blessings.

Marty

Are You Scentless? 11/21/2018

Good Morning,

May the day be kind to you and your road be one that is less traveled. I just sat down with a cup of Door County White Chocolate Cinnamon Dolce Coffee and a piece of toast. I am ready to write.

Eesians 5:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and has given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

A hunting dog has to rely on his nose to find game on the ground, especially heavy cover like a thick island of cattails. Some birds when they fly a long way, before landing, temporarily lose most of their scent, making it difficult for a dog to find them. They are scentless and go unnoticed.

What aroma do you leave with people after spending time with them? Are you uplifting toward them? Do you build them up? Are you complimentary? Are you seen as appreciative? Are you lighthearted and approachable? Do you make a positive difference with those you encounter. Are you considered a pleasant fragrance or are you more like ammonia. You clean up well, but no one enjoys being with you. Or are you scentless? Or do people seek you out desiring to have you around?

In order to be a sweet fragrance to others in life you need to walk with others in sacrificial love as Jesus did for us. Our love for God leads us to walk in a lifestyle that is a pleasing aroma which glorifies God.

Lay down some scent that has a positive impact on lives. Your actions directly reflect the greatness, the power and the love of God.

Food for thought.

Marty

Cherries, The Son And A Recipe 11/20/2018

Good Morning,

Nothing like a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee to start the morning. I will be finishing my fall flavors and turning to the Christmas Season flavors real soon.

Wisconsin is known for many things. But one thing we have been blessed with are a couple of areas that have abundant cherry crops. I am very fond of cherries. One county in particular sells cherry syrup. We treat ourselves to a bottle once or twice a year. On weekends we tend to make a better breakfast than we do during the week. My wife likes French Toast or Pancakes. I always will break out a little cherry syrup to go with either one.

In order for a cherry to be good to eat it must have the right amount of water, sunshine and time on the branch to become sweet and delicious.

John 15:5 (NKJV)

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.

As children of God we too must stay attached to the Vine and allow our growth to take place daily.
Time spent in prayer ( I call that Sonshine)
Time spent in the Word. (I call the Water)
Time with both I call that ( Nutrients)

Have a great day!
Marty

Sunday Cherry Pancakes

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pitted and halved cherries
• butter or non-stick spray for skillet
• confectioner’s sugar (optional)

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium sized bowl.
2. Combine milk, eggs, butter, honey, and vanilla in a separate small bowl.
3. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold until just combined. Allow for clumps.
4. Let the batter sit for roughly 10 minutes.  You will see bubbles forming in the batter. This is good!
5. Heat a skillet with non-stick spray or butter (I tried both and both work well.) on medium heat. Pour batter, attempting to form circles, in any size you like. Add cherries on top of the batter. When you see the batter bubbling, flip it over. Let it heat through for another minute. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining batter.
6. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.

Prayer For The Deer Hunters 11/19/2018

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

Here is my prayer for you.

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

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

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

May God bless you: Marty

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

Marty

Finding True Happiness 11/17/2018

Good Morning,

I wish that some of you were here to share my morning with me. It is lightly snowing outside. There is a fire crackling in the fireplace. Our dog is sound asleep next to me and my cup is filled with Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Rene is still asleep and she won't stir, for another hour or so. There is always peace in a morning like this. I have studying to do after writing to all of you, of whom I thank God for daily and pray for you often.

Proverbs 16:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰ He who heeds the word wisely will find good,

And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

Is true happiness always related to possessions? Do automobiles last forever? Do homes always hold fast against the weather or natural disasters. What you enjoyed doing while you were younger, is it easy to do when you can't walk as well?  These things are different for every person. This last week beautiful homes in California were eaten by the flames of wildfires. These were huge losses to the owners. Yet while being interviewed on television the owners were glad just to be alive. There was a huge loss of life caused by the fire and surviving outweighed the loss of property and valuables.

Earlier in my week I pretty much had to examine myself and my attitude and found that I had lost my way on God's journey for me. I was extremely unhappy with events and my own thoughts and actions. I discovered the root of my unhappiness was my own approach to my relationship with God. The effect on my life by not trusting in Him and straying away from His Word left me void of hope, happiness, and guidance. It was like living in a vacuum which when opened sucked in all of what I would not want to experience or live like.

In Psalm 16:20 we find the key to true happiness. To trust in the Lord, leads to obedience of His Word. Obedience leads to peace and peace despite circumstances leads to happiness.

There is one last key to happiness. And that key is learning to be content. Contentment is found by trusting in God and being obedient. This all just goes full circle and lets us know that without God, there is no happiness.

Philippians 4:11-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸ And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

I often share thoughts like these which come from my own experiences. This is often done to help you avoid the mistakes I make, or to just help you turn a corner in the right direction. If you need to heed this advice, do so quickly. If you do not need it, but know someone who does, pass it on. For whatever the reason you were reading this today, use it as a tool if needed or pass it on to someone else. But the key to all happiness comes from that relationship of obedience and love for God. It is so simple.

Marty

Bottled Water And Puppy Poop 11/16/2018

Good Morning.

God bless your day. I started mine with a hot cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee.

Well at least once a year we have to go over this one. My analogy is gross but here goes.

Picture a very hot day and you have been outside for an hour or so. Someone brings to you an ice cold bottle of fresh water. Can you taste it???? Oh man it goes down so good and you want more. And you ask, " please sir or mam may I have another"? And they reply "yes just a minute". They pull a bottle from an ice filled chest and open it. You can just taste it. But they stop and reach down on to the lawn and pick up a small piece of puppy poop left on the grass and place it into your water, shake it up and hand it to you. "Whoa you say, that ruined the water and I don't want it.!!!" They reply "it's just a little". Gross analogy I know. But sometimes you just have to make a point. Let's look at what Scripture has to say.

James 3:2-10

² For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. ³ If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people ⁽who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

So as just a little puppy poop ruined the water, small things that come out of our mouths change the flavor of how we  are perceived and received by others. I often think that if we could all learn to tame our tongues first, we could have victory over almost everything, like alcohol, pornography, lust, lying, weight management and a host of others. Your words today may be the puppy poop in someone's day.

Mind your tongue!

Love you all,

Marty

The Ultimate Perfectionist 11/15/2018

Good Morning,

It's time to write and head on down the road to work. My day began early and will run late today. I  filled my Thermos Bottle with Door County Maple Coffee a few minutes ago. I am ready to embrace the day.

Perfectionist are driven people and are welcome on any one of my work teams anytime. They see every detail through to the end. But being driven often causes them to overwork. The drive to be perfect takes them on long hours. Often overworked and being under appreciated leads to exhaustion or depression.

God is the Ultimate Perfectionist. When I look at a Monarch Butterfly or hear a baby cry I see the work of the Perfectionist. He does everything with drive and love. The Great perfectionist also knows His human creations and He designed rest. Go knows what is best for us. If God prescribes rest, then,it must be perfect for us. Geese are driven to go South for the winter. But they stop to eat and rest. Very often they are just ahead of a snowstorm. Yet God built them to rest too.

Genesis 2:2-3 New International Version (NIV)

² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. ³ Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Jesus had a short time to accomplish His mission and grow the future leaders of the New testament Church. He had to do this knowing a death sentence awaited Him. Jesus was driven, yet He prescribed rest for His followers. Jesus died that we might be made perfect in God's eyes. He finished His mission and did it one time and one time only in a perfect way.

Mark 6:31 New International Version (NIV)

³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Two Perfectionists both prescribe rest for us. If your drive to accomplish too much in one day or being driven has you beat. REST. God knows what we need. It is time to listen.

If this is you. Slow down enough to rest.

Marty

Preparing Our Heart Daily 11/14/2018

Good Morning,

My mug was filled with Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and there is a prayer of humility on my heart.

I have so many people on my prayer list and today it includes me. While studying last night, a study I needed more that anyone else, I was confronted by my lack of not having a worship filled heart at all times. It was a hard cold slap in the face to me and one I deserve. Worship is not just a Sunday thing, but a 24/7 call to do more than attempt to be holy before God. God does not accept second best. The way we live a worshipful life during the week is just how we will experience worship on Sundays.

We need to remember that we walk with a Holy God and our lives should reflect a 24/7 heartfelt life of holy worship. Our actions each day are a direct reflection of how seriously or not how seriously we see our worship of the One Holy God.

The methods of worship like music, drama, sermons or length of time spent in worship are nothing if they don't reflect the heart's fear, love and obedience for God.

God has in the past corrected poor worship attitudes.

Leviticus 10:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Profane Fire of Nadab and Abihu

10 Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. ² So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. ³ And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying:

‘By those who come near Me

I must be regarded as holy;

And before all the people

I must be glorified.’ ”

So Aaron held his peace.

I asked myself this question. Does my hear reflect a life of true worship of a Holy God. I gave myself a poor grade. Not one that I am proud of. So heed my advice. God is holy, and He loves you. So strive for a holiness within you out of love, fear, and obedience, for our Heavenly Father.

Marty

Cast Your Cares Away 11/13/2018

Good Morning,

The old skies dumped a little cold weather on us last night. Not too bad and nothing to really worry about. My cup of Door County Dublin's Delight coffee is steaming away begging to be consumed.

If someone says that they never worry about anything I would be highly doubtful of their ability to tell the truth. "Worry" although the word consists of only five letters, it can have an impact of immense proportions. Last night I spoke with a dear friend of mine who asked for prayer for her family member who is having surgery today. From her voice I could tell she was worried about the outcome of the surgery. This is a natural emotion that is caused in this case by extreme love for the person going through surgery. Than there are the worries that besiege people like losing a job, driving in the dark, old age, fear of having to speak in public. All of these are natural reactions to fears that are housed within us.

We often worry about things that we have no control over. Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides (blood fats) that can be used by the body for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions: Antacids are often chewed to combat a nervous stomach.

It is easier said than done to not worry about circumstances or the unknown. When I start to put on my worry hat I know I need more prayer time and again more time in God's Word. God addresses worry on many pages of the Bible. I have attached a few verses that I thought might help to calm a worried mind. Not my words, but words found in the Bible right form God, sent to your heart.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

2 Thessalonians 3:16  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Psalm 23:4  Even 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.

Have a great day. Give those worries over to God.

Marty

I Think We Worry Too Much 11/12/2018

Good Morning,

My mug was just decorated on the inside with Door County Irish Creme Coffee and it is time to write.

I have posted blogs about worrying before. I don't really like to do this, but I am copying one of my blog posts from earlier this year. The subject of worrying came up last night and I was told that the Scripture I used in that blog post was handy for people. So I am making a rare exception and
re-posting it.


Good Morning,

I hope this morning ramble finds all of you smiling and content. I am at peace, sitting at my desk writing with our dog Gibbs watching my every move and a cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee at my side.

Today I want to talk about worries, worrying, and worry. It seems that life just has us preoccupied with being anxious about something almost every day. Change comes about or is imminent and it might be something we can do nothing about. So we worry and stay awake thinking about consequences or solutions, yet we have no control. We worry about jobs. spouses, children, health, money, automobiles, pets, homes  the list goes on and on. I recall being out on a date with my wife when on the way home the music from our car radio was interrupted with some urgent news. A tornado had gone through a neighborhood near by. The more we listened, the easier it was to worry, because we learned that it was our neighborhood. We worried and fretted about our belongings, pet, our other car, and where we would stay. I pictured my clothing hanging in trees and our dog being found in Kansas or the Land Of Oz. None of this worry was going to help at all. It only made me sick to my stomach. We arrived home and there was some minor damage to the house, one picnic table was missing, (found later and still using it since 1997) and we laid our dog to rest in 2000 after a long life. My clothes were still hanging in the closet. Even if we were wiped out completely, would worry have done anything to help us? NO!!! It just made things worse.

Some folks just can't deal with worry and they end up sick, taking medication for ulcers and nervous disorders. Others kill the worry with alcohol or drugs which have their own bad consequences. While others turn it over to God and seem to weather the storms of life easier and with less stress. I have compiled 20 verses on worry to help you and me through those times. Feel free to share.

1. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:34 NIV
2. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  Phil 4:13 NIV
3. Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31 NIV
4. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matt 6:25-27 NIV
5. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. Luke21:14NIV
6. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV
7. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
8. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken..  Psalm16:8 NIV
9. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  Psalm 62:6 NIV
10.  Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings Psalm 17:8 NIV
11. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  Psalm 91:4 NIV
12. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 NIV
13. “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.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
14. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28 NIV
15. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. Psalm 28:7 NIV
16. I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
17. They will have no fear of bad news;  their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.  Psalm 112:7 NIV
18. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding Proverbs 3:5 NIV
19. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. Deut 1:31 NIV
20. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Phil 4:6-7 NIV

Have a worry free day, or at least turn them over to God.

Marty

Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow. 11/11/18

Good Morning,

Monday is here and I am up and ready to start the day with a cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee in my hand and God around me.

I receive prayer requests quite often from friends, family and others. I love to pray and wait to see how God answers. I will tell you that I am still waiting over 30 years for an answer or two. I trust that God has heard and in His wisdom He will answer when His timing is right.

This has been hard for me, to accept God's timing and sometimes His answers. Why is that? Well friends, we try to play God and tell Him how it should go. Now look at that statement. We play God. That is just like a child playing with a doll. You might have a doll in your hands but you really are not a parent. It is just pretend. It is a fantasy that Satan allows in our minds. We cannot be and never will be God. We are to pray and cry out to God, then trust that His answer is best even if it is not how we thought it should go. We should not reduce God in our hearts and minds to a "Candy Man" of wishes. God needs to be in His right place as Ruler of all, Creator of all, Father in Heaven.

Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,And My thoughts than your thoughts.

It is comforting to know that Our God is smarter than us. We need to be comforted with His words in the Scripture above. Here is a simple formula for trust.

Have you ever made a mistake? The answer is yes. God keeps the world spinning every day. Your heart beats and pumps blood through your veins. He has a plan for eternity. Would your bank account last that long?  No. And you won't need it anyway. Trust in God to carry you through. You can face tomorrow in His hand.

Isaiah 49:15-16

¹⁵ “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.¹⁶ See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;

I have attached below a hymn that I use as a prayer to help remind me during tough times that I am not alone and not forgotten. We sang this hymn in church yesterday. We serve a living God and Savior and we can face tomorrow.

Have a great day.

HYMN

Because He Lives Lyrics

(Verse 1)
God sent his son
They called him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He lived and died
To buy my pardon
An empty grave
Is there to prove
My Savior lives

(Chorus)
Because he lives
I can face tomorrow
Because he lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives

(Verse 2)
How sweet to hold 
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net]
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy he gives
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Just Because he lives

(Chorus)

(Verse 3)
And then one day
I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death
Gives way to victory
I'll see the lights
Of glory and
I'll know he lives

(Chorus 2xs)
Lyrics from <a href="http://www.elyrics.net">eLyrics.net</a>