Happy Friday To You! 5/31/2019

Good Morning,

I just poured the Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee into my mug and now it is time to write. Today will be a busy day at work as well as at our house.

Philippians 3:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

My sister is having a very serious surgery today that could last 8-9 hours. It is a phase in her battle with cancer. We have all been waiting for this day to arrive. Last night we all dined as a family and spent a good amount of time talking and laughing. The evening was soon over and when I awoke this morning I have a smile on my face knowing that she is finally at the step she had worked so hard to attain.

So as we face a difficult day I am reminded that a few months ago it looked very bleak. Today we have hope and are ready to face the day. Please accept my wish for all of you to have a happy Friday. Each day brings a new dawn. And this is a dawn that I am happy to embrace. Remember a day is only 24 hours and then it is over.

God Bless,

Marty

Planting The Good Seeds 5/30/2019

Good Evening,

Due to strange circumstances I was unable to write this morning. I did however enjoy a big cup of Door County Birthday Cake Coffee this morning. Our life is just a little strayed away from the ordinary right now.

Philippians 2:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

When I arrived home tonight I found my newly retired wife planting flowers and seeds in her garden. She was grinning from ear to ear when I got home as she asked "How Does It Look" as she pointed to her flowered emporium of petals. I said it was nice and that it will look better in a couple of weeks when everything starts to grow into it's space.

I asked her how she felt about it and her answer was strange to me at first, but I get it now. "I hope those folks driving by or walking past these flowers find them pleasing. Maybe they will brighten some one's day. They brighten mine" That said it all for me. As usual Rene is either consciously or unconsciously doing something for others.

I wish I had her kind of attitude toward life. I am not always thinking of others and it is a shame to be that way. Rene tends to always put others first. She sets a good example for me to follow.

She tends to plant good seeds with whatever she does. I know a lot of people like her and they are always happier than most people because their hearts beat for others. If you point them out they disappear from the the applause of others.

Food For Thought!

Marty

Today Is The Day 5/29/2019

Good Morning,

I just poured myself a large cup of Brownie Batter Coffee and then I prayed. Lot's to pray about today.

Later this afternoon my wife Rene will walk out of the medical center for the last time as an employee. Her retirement day has come after working in the Radiology Arena for what seems to be a lifetime. Now that I think about it, a lifetime it was. We met back in 1983 when she taught me how to develop x-ray films. I was introduced to her in the dark room where films were developed. What a way to start. It wasn't too long into 1983 that I knew I had found a good friend in her. It was August 11th 1984 that we experienced our first date. That day I knew I wanted more in a relationship from my friend. Rene brought laughter to a soul that had none. The laugh was all out of me by then.

Proverbs 16:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

³ Commit your work to the Lord,

    and your plans will be established.

Rene has always been known as a hard worker. As our careers took us to different medical centers I would always hear from her managers and coworkers what a good worker she was. That never surprised me because she has been working hard for a thousand years making our house a home worth coming home to.

I am proud of her and to tell you the truth there have been days when I just thought that my job would get the best of me. But then Rene's pager would go off and she would get called in to the Cath Lab to save lives with the team she was on. Then my job didn't seem so tough.  She received some thank you notes over the years from patients who expressed their gratitude for a middle of the night smile and hand that was held.

So today my health care warrior hangs up her radiation badge and packs away her scrubs. Job well done Hon!

Marty

Waiting On The Storms 5/28/2019

Good Evening,

Circumstances kept me from writing this morning. I want to give a big shout out to a friend who brewed some Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee for me at work today. So tonight I will write from the heart and hope it works for all of you.

Colossians 1:17 ESV

And he is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.
He will hold you together. He will keep you. Jesus loves you. He is not punishing you. He is not pleased by watching you suffer. When you suffer He suffers. He will keep you. He will pull you through. He won’t allow you to fall apart.

I was listening to the weather forecast a little while ago and it is calling for some stronger storms to go rumbling through here later tonight. They spoke a bout some thunder, lightning and some heavy rain. The rain will add to an already water logged area.

As always when I hear about storms arriving to our area, I know that we are prepared with water, flashlights and rain gear. A few years ago instead of taking a vacation we saved our money and purchased a home emergency generator. It is wired to the house and fires up on it's own when the electricity goes out. It goes dark for a few seconds in the house and then the lights come back on as well as keeping us warm and the refrigerators running.

Life brings us some storms now and then and it can seem very dark on the horizons of our hearts. But those who are waiting on God to be there in the storms find that is always darker before it the new dawn. God does allow it to go dark on us and then He illuminates our way through the darkness. We need to rust in Him to do so. He doesn't always eliminate the darkness around us, but He lights our way through it. He can be counted on in the storms of life.

I have a Bible in the basement where we are to go to during majorly severe storms. While riding it out in the basement I usually read some of the Psalms. When my life grows weary from the storms of the heart, soul, or mind I weather them out with God's Word.

Make sure your spiritual flashlights are charged for the next storm that comes your way.

Marty

Dad's Job Description 5/27/2019

Good Morning,

I am sitting in the den looking out of the second story window. I have been outside for awhile watching the sun come up and our dog Gibbs chasing robins and sparrows in the yard. He is sitting next to me. I poured a large mug of Door County Mocha Mint to sip on while I write. The coffee is soothing the chill in my bones.

We are not working today as we observe Memorial Day and honor those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice in battle for our country. For me it is a somber day and I am grateful for those who died for us. My heart goes out to those visiting cemeteries today to honor their fallen.

John 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Our Dad served this country in the Korean war and was able to come home in one piece. He was a proud United States Marine and everyone who knew him knew he was a Marine. Long before he was a husband and father he was a Marine. The job description for a man had been amended for him and Marine was added to his.

What Dad was taught in the Marine Corp was used once he left the service. He was neat and organized. He seemed to always have a plan, and never retreated from a fight or a problem. You never quit on the side of  right. He took care of his family like he would have taken care of a comrade in arms. We were protected and taught to fight if needed. Dad went to work every day and for some years it was for two jobs that he held down. He was proud of our country and served in the American Legion up until his own death. He was instrumental in providing military honors at funerals for many.

Dad liked to hunt deer and took pride in taking down his deer with one shot. It was a sad day when I witnessed it taking more than one shot. He told me later that wounding a deer and having to shoot again led him eventually to quit hunting. Dad liked to eat venison and never wasted anything. I can still smell the garlic, onions, venison and pepper simmering in the pan, smothered with mushrooms. Some how he always had the most tender venison meals around. Dad would heat his home with wood and he spent hours upon hours cutting and splitting his fire wood. Very often the family would join him in that task. My wife Rene didn't escape that chore by being female and an in-law. She stacked plenty of wood in her years with our Dad. He always had a warm house and said, "I will never be cold like I was in Korea".

So how is this supposed to inspire you?  I am not really sure. I decided to share this and it sounds more like a Father's Day tribute than a Memorial Day Salute.

But whether those who served are a man or a woman their job description as a person changed the day they enlisted to serve. The experience changed them forever and the warrior is now in their DNA. We are to be proud of them and grateful for their service. We need to be quick to understand things like a house kept at 80 degrees instead of a comfortable 72. We need to overlook being chewed out for shooting more than one shot at a deer. We need to learn from them the love of country and family. We need to assist when they go to visit a cemetery and they take an hour to straighten flags on graves. We will never know what goes through their minds when they see a flag tipped on an angle instead of being straight and flying high.

So today if you had the privilege of being raised by someone who had this job description in their life. Look up and say. Thank You Lord.

God bless,

Marty

The Bubble Disappeared 5/26/2019

Good Morning,

I just started brewing a pot of Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee. I have already been outside with our dog and it looks like it has the makings of a beautiful day. My goal is to be watching the sunrise while sipping on a cup of coffee.

On March 12th of this year I underwent surgery to repair the retina in my right eye. To promote healing, part of the process is to inject a gas bubble into the eye. It literally had the sensation of trying to see through the bubble on a carpenters level. The bubble was supposed to dissolve over time. For a long time it didn't shrink at all. A few weeks ago during the followup visit to the surgeon he announced that it had begun to shrink but not as much he thought it should have. He told me to be patient and that it would get smaller day by day. It seemed to be in a stall out mode.

Psalm 66:17-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁷ I cried to him with my mouth,

    and high praise was on my tongue.

¹⁸ If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,

    the Lord would not have listened.

¹⁹ But truly God has listened;

    he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

²⁰ Blessed be God,

    because he has not rejected my prayer

    or removed his steadfast love from me!

The bubble wasn't the worst thing I have ever experienced but it was nagging at me. Anytime spent in the sunlight was annoying and at times painful. Bright lights at night were a real headache. (Literally)

Many people have been praying for me and some knew that I was getting discouraged by the slow process. I asked God many times to heal me and move the bubble to it's final resting place, with no answer to my pleas.

Friday night was a long night of prayer and I would say some complaining. There was very little sleep. Yesterday I spent some time with our grandson and the walk we took had no sunshine because of the threatening clouds. I was thankful for a cloudy day. But something was different. I couldn't place it.

While showering later, it dawned on me. The bubble hadn't just shrunk, it was GONE completely.

The nuisance was nowhere to be seen. (Literally). God, in His own time honored my prayers and it was instantly when it happened. I did not even notice it when it happened.

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)

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

Now the healing process goes into another phase with a small surgery needing to be done. This was a miracle and I praise God for hearing my prayers and allowing me to heal in a big way. The irritant is over and I can watch the sun come up without closing my eye or squinting. And wouldn't you know, it's cloudy outside. Looks like I have to wait another day for that sunrise. Now for that cup of coffee.

Have a great day! 

Marty

Time That Can't Be Replaced 5/25/2019

Good Morning,

The Bible is open. Our dog is munching on a bone. The house is quiet and just the right temperature. My Door County Jamaican Coffee is good and hot. So it must be time to write to all of you.

Today my wife Rene celebrates her birthday, our grandson is here for a visit before heading off to the Army for boot camp and last night we celebrated a wedding anniversary with our two good friends. This weekend is jam packed with things to do.

Today I am going to the shooting range with our grandson Dominick. It seems like just yesterday we let him fire a gun for the first time. He wasn't very old back then and now this man is headed to military training. He will handle his own shotgun today and will do it safely and with respect to others.

James 4:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁴ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes


Dominick started summer visits back when he was just old enough to start flying on a plane alone. We used to go up to Michigan and visit my parents with him. Back in the woods of the Upper Peninsula he drove a car for the first time at around the the age of twelve. The old fire lanes and logging roads were the best place to learn. Once he was twelve the summer trips had a surprise. They doubled for a couple years to hunting for a week in the fall. I remember his first duck.

Psalm 90:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² So teach us to number our day that we may get a heart of wisdom.

He would work right along side of me and we tackled a few projects together around the house. He would earn a few dollars of spending money.

I recall though, the time Grandma decided to mess with his head. Before visiting us, his parents gave Dom, some spending money. He had purchased something to eat at the airport and had a certain amount left over. He was pretty young and still easy enough to pull a joke on now and then. Dom would count that money every morning to make sure it was still there. Once he was asleep for the night Grandma would throw some random change into his suit case where his treasure was stored. One amount was thirty three cents. She would place it next to or under his clothes . He would then get dressed, see this money and assume that he had been sloppy while putting it away. Then the little man would count it and his count would be off each day. This had the kid pretty perplexed and grandma would lovingly scold him for not taking better care of his money. While walking away she could barely hold back the laughter.  He finally figured it out when the amount rose to more than he started with. He was old enough not to believe in leprechauns although I tried telling him that our friend Steve actually descended from a family of Irish little people who lived in a hollow tree. Grandma has a sense of humor that shows itself now and then. She can be full of conspiracy and made me swear not to disclose her act of jocularity to Dom.  She sent that little dude home with double his original money. I might write about her great knee surgery conspiracy of 2018 this week.

Dom participated in a summer mission trip with us at church. He was part of a team that changed eternity.  And soon before you knew it our summer visits closed their doors  due to him working and extra long school activities.

My point is this. We will never get that time back and we have plenty of great memories. Family members have passed on and we are fortunate to have spent that time with them also. Don't get so busy that you can't find time to shoot with a boy. Take time to play and help them to learn that money doesn't grow on trees. Put away the cell phones and drink lemonade. Go fishing! Introduce them to your friends. Before you know it, those times are gone and time missed can't be magically restored to today.

Look forward to the next time you can spend precious moments with your family and friends. Then do it. Don't be that one who lets things get in the way. Practice laughing, and be jolly. There is too much gloom and doom that arrives at our doors not to enjoy the good times.

Love to all.

Marty

Jello On A Hot Day 5/24/2019

Good Morning. Greetings from Wisconsin. Friday has arrived right on time for this guy. I just poured my first cup of Door  County  Raspberry  Almond  Coffee. 

— Joshua 1:6-8 —
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

When I think of leaders I think of Jello. When you make Jello and pour it into a container it takes the shape of the container. Many leaders are like jello. They become what others want them to be (the golden calf) or pursue a route that is easier. But, yet that is not what God said to Joshua. In order to be courageous, one needs to be focused. Focused on God. This takes lots of prayer and obedience. You see God was telling Joshua that leadership would not be easy.  In order to be strong, you must know the plan. That means you stick with what is in God's Word and at no time stray from it.  You must be in the Word and live it.  If you find that you desire to become a leader, are a leader, or the head of a home. Be solid, not Jello, and follow these words that were given to Joshua.  There is nothing worse than soupy Jello on a hot day.
God bless,

Marty

Follow Your Calling 5/23/2019

Good Morning,

Last night we experienced some real down pours of rain. The warm weather earlier in the day combined with some rain should do wonders for our gardens. I wish I could share a cup of my Door County Almond  Toffee Coffee with all of you.

Each person is different from the other person in the room, even if the DNA of the two is a match. They will look differently, speak differently, and have different thoughts. Their stature will be different. And as far as those thoughts go we can say that each person is wired differently. So we can conclude that each person has a calling in life and it is easier to follow your calling than it is to go a different route stumbling against what isn't natural for you.

So those called to be nurses should nurse. Those called to be plumbers should plumb. Those called to be law officers should police. Those called to be pastors or elders should also acknowledge the call God has made on their lives and serve. Very often we allow circumstances to curb the path of following our calling, Fear of the unknown or our lack of ability helps us avoid completing the calling on our lives. Fear should be the last thing that keeps us from keeping our commitments.

Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰ Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

If you say you can't, you won't. If you say you can, you will. If God called you to it, He will bring you through it.

Go for it!!

Marty

Shelf Sitters. Don't Be One 5/22/2019

Good Morning,
It's time to embrace this Wednesday and I salute it with a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and a hearty smile.

My wonderful wife Laurene (Rene) is a lover of antiques. Lucky for me that she is, because at my age I qualify for antique status. On the mantel of our fireplace sits this antique telephone. It never rings, never delivers a message, nor does it receive any. It just sits there and looks old.

I was sitting in my chair last winter and it was looking at me and I was staring it down, wondering in my mind about all the calls that might have been made with that phone many years ago. Did it ever deliver a message of hope or cheer to someone? Or has it always just stood still adorning a shelf or for practical purposes just been useless? I guess you can already tell that my deepest thoughts are not too deep.

This message is to encourage those folks who are "shelf sitters". We are all one of a kind, designer made originals created by God. Not made to sit on the side but to contribute and be part of the world outside of the shelf we have made for ourselves or the shelf you were placed on by others.

Psalm 139:13-14New International Version (NIV)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

None of us were made for a shelf. We are all made differently with different gifts or talents. That old phone never asks me "how was your day", or sends a message of "sorry to hear about that, how can I help?"

No matter the age, race or gender we can be involved in making a difference for others. Do you know that every face can smile? A smile can be aimed at any person in any direction. I had a dear friend who while dying from cancer made it a point to call people and ask them what prayer they might need prayed for. He would say, "while I am laid up I want to be useful". He did this right up until his last day. 

We are not made to sit on a shelf. My heart goes out and breaks for those who have for one reason or another been placed on that shelf of hurt and loneliness  by others. You don't belong there. It's time to come down and be assured that you are a "Child of the King'" who made you and has given you talents that can be used.

Here are some ways to get involved. Find a volunteer organization that fits what you like to do. Maybe the local animal shelter? Maybe a hospital or nursing home? How about a youth organization that assists kids or teens? Maybe you are gifted in health care, I know some countries or local cities where you could assist for ten days.  Maybe you can knit or build things. Knit away, then give away. Many a child around the world could use a hat or mittens for the cold winters. Build useful things and donate them. There are many disabled veterans that could use a wheel chair ramp for their homes. Babysit for a mom who is trying to make ends meet and finish school.

Have you ever sat on a street corner on a super hot day and handed out cold bottled water  to the homeless? I have and was I popular!!!! But better yet I supplied a need and a lot of great conversation and encouragement. There was more to that day than just water.

Easier yet, send notes of encouragement. Make calls to others.  This list could go on for hours upon hours. You were made to be part of this world and to make it a better place. Age, race, gender, shyness are no excuses. You will find that coming off the shelf will make you feel alive and well, despite any circumstances you are experiencing.

Matthew 25:40New International Version (NIV)

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Get off the shelf and quit gathering dust. You can make a difference to others and yourself.

God bless,
Marty

It's time to embrace this Wednesday and I salute it with a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and a hearty smile.

Natural Decorations For The Yard 5/21/2019

Good Morning,

The aroma of my Door County Caramel Pecan Scones   Coffee is permeating the house and calling me to the kitchen for a cup of wake up juice. Let's get this Tuesday started.

Rene and I spent a good part of the night working on the yard yesterday. As I drove the tractor around our property I could pick up the scent of the lilacs. All of the apple trees are just about in full bloom. This is one of the best times of the year for me. The air is filled with the aroma of the lilacs and the vision what might be a big crop of apples in the fall gets to me every year. I can just picture that first apple pie. I caught Rene with her nose buried in the lilac bushes. When she realized that I had been watching her she looked like the little kid who got caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Genesis 2:9 New International Version (NIV)

⁹ The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

I reminded her that she should stop and smell the lilacs every day for soon they will be gone and we have to wait until next year to bury our faces in the scent of a lilac bush. A small cutting of lilacs made it into the house and now the place smells wonderful. I wonder how that happened?

Next winter I will be doing just what I have done for the last 25 years. I go out in the dead of winter and stare at the lilac bushes. The bushes are bare of leaves and a  flower is just a memory in January. As cold as it might be that day while I look at the dormant branches, I will recall yesterday.The day that God decorated our trees with blossoms.

Stop and take the time to admire the decorations God placed around you.

Marty

A Cucumber Is Not Real Food 5/20/2019

Good Morning,

I am awake but barely. We arrived home yesterday after driving 15 hours from Georgia. In all reality it should have taken about twelve hours, but severe weather blocked the road for a bit. Then the inevitable, we had to go through Chicago and the timing was bad and that added an hour and a half to an already long day. I wonder if the people of Chicago know that their city is known for traffic on steroids? A little Door  County  Peanut  Butter  Crunch  Coffee should straighten me out.

I heard a line this last weekend from someone who saw a movie and was telling us about a statement made about cucumbers.  "A cucumber is not real food" I for one like cucumbers that are very cold and sliced about 3/16th of an inch thick. I like them served with salt and pepper.I like the taste and the fact that they are cold. They tend to be good roughage for the colon. They are a source of a few vitamins and are thought to reduce blood pressure. They are an excellent filler in a salad and in some cases they are used as a beauty treatment over the eyes.

Hebrews 5:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Spiritual Immaturity

¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the ^[a]oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 

But I can't recall going out to eat and seeing cucumbers as the main entree. They are usually paired with the salad which then supports the main meal. I have never heard of anyone ordering a cucumber as the main dish with a side order of steak.

I think that many Christians are spiritually dining on way too much "Spiritual Salad" and not getting enough Spiritual meat in their diets. It is evident that Christians have become weak in their faith, just wanting to get by without being involved. The lack of faithful involvement is due to the unwillingness  to dine  on the Word of God. It amazing when it comes to choices that could make a person take a stand and they shrivel off without supporting what's right. They prefer to be politically correct instead of correct in the eyes of God.

Too many cucumbers and not enough meat!

Matthew 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’

Food for thought.

Marty

Took A Rest 5/19/19

Good Morning,

I find myself riding in the passenger seat of our car while Rene drives. Earlier I enjoyed  a cup of Door County  Cinnamon  Hazelnut  Coffee. I made sure to take a travel pack as we visited  Georgia this weeke

Proverbs 3:5-6

5.  Lean not on your own understanding. 6. But let the Lord establish your paths.

We traveled to watch our grandson graduate from high  school.  We left Wisconsin  on Friday and are returning home today. I took a rest from writing yesterday. Dominick attended a military academy and is now headed to the armed forces and college.

But after listening to the prayer before the ceremony  began I have something  to write about..

Many people will attend a graduation  or two this year. A graduation ceremony is called a "Commencement  Ceremony". Commence means to begin or start.

Graduates are beginning the next step in their lives. We can give them cards, gifts, and advice. These are appropriate and nice to do. But what we also need to commit doing is to pray for them as they head to new experiences  and choices. Friends. Don't  forget to pray for these new graduates . It is our duty of love.

God bless.

Marty

What Will You Leave Behind? 5/17/2019

Hey Good Morning World! God loves you!

I am starting the day with a big cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee. I hope your day is blessed.

A few weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure to take part in a birthday celebration where men were asked to attend and share with the young man a few words of wisdom written down for him to keep. I thought the idea was a great one.

Let me ask you this?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Does your family know what it is?
What is your favorite recipe?
What advice would you write down for your family or friends?

I write to my daughter in a leather bound journal. I write some of my thoughts, Bible verses, advice and Martyisms. I write about some fun we had, grief we both shared, my likes and dislikes, and some of my fears.  I don't write every day, but quite often. I want to leave her something when I go home some day to heaven. She will know my thoughts, a recipe or two and of course receive some Biblical wisdom.

What will you leave behind as far as knowledge and wisdom? We won't always be there to remind our families of what we learned and taught. Some of your family, you might not ever meet. But they can read about you. Did you know this is actually Biblical?

Proverbs 6:20 -23
“My son, keep your father’s commands, and don’t forget your mother’s teaching.
Keep their words in mind forever as though you had them tied around your neck.
They will guide you when you walk. They will guard you when you sleep.
They will speak to you when you are awake.
These commands are like a lamp; this teaching is like a light.
And the correction that comes from them will help you have life

What will you leave behind you when you go?

Love ya!
Marty

Four Letter Words For Marriage

Good Morning,

Thursday it is and I plan on enjoying it. I just poured a big cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. A little time for prayer and now it's time to write.

I decided to write about something that by now I should be an expert in. But after writing this blog I realize that I still have a lot to learn.

Here's the deal. Marriage is made up of several four letter words.

1. Love.
1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

2. Work
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
⁹ Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
¹⁰ If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him 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.

3.Bear
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

We love one another and I cannot imagine what life would be like without Rene. But it takes love. We both love God and that is the best place to start. God teaches us how to love unconditionally. Rene loved me so much that she never said a word about the crock pot I bought her on our first Christmas. She never used it, but she never complained. Just recently I said "boy did I blow that first Christmas with a crock pot." I received a smile and a laugh. I was told "not that bad I stuck around for a lot more."

Work at your marriage. You will see as you get older it pays off as health deteriorates and you rely on each other more. Working together right away in the beginning sets a pattern for later. It becomes a joy and labor of love. Rene was a huge help to me during my knee replacements.

Bear. I did not need Rene nor did she need me. We chose to share the rest of our lives together. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes it's tough to live with me. Imagine that????? And at times Rene has a stubborn streak. But is it really worth an argument? Not really, accept each other and bear up with each others weird habits and imperfections at times. It is more peaceful and often brings a laugh.

I better remember the cashews!
Love to all,

Marty

The Question That Never Goes Away 5/15/2019

Good Morning,

This morning has the potential to bring us a warm day and possibly a little rain. I am grateful for both. I have some pretty sick looking tomato plants and the squash is a little poor itself. I might have to replant and start over.
So as I ponder that thought over a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee I will stop to pray and then write.

Why do bad things happen? Why do people murder children? Why do spouses leave? Why did a child take his own life? Why is that person crippled? Why can't I have children? The list goes on and each item has a common denominator, the word why?

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why did my wife die? Where is God in all of this?

Why do bad things happen to good people? The biblical answer is there are no “good” people. In Mark 10:18, Jesus said that only God is good. Because God is good, He will see to it that justice is done on the Day of Judgment. If He gave each of us justice right now, every one of us would end up in a terrible place called Hell, and we would deserve it. God is the standard of righteousness, and all of us have fallen short of that standard, so there really aren’t “good” people that “bad” things happen to.

A better question is this: “Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?” With reasons known only to God, He demonstrated His own love for us in that “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In spite of our evil, wicked, sinful nature, God still loves us. He loved us enough to die to take the penalty for our sins when He was crucified on the cross.

Often things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. Instead of doubting God’s goodness in times of suffering, we should trust Him. We should echo the words of Job: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” The book of Job shows us that God is trustworthy, even when we don’t understand the suffering around us.

Why do bad things happen to good people? That only happened once…and He volunteered.

Credit LivingWaters.com

The question why never goes away. But neither does God and He carries us through.

Marty

Work To Be Blessed 5/14/19

Good Morning,

Tuesday and this day started with Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee for me. It's warming up today and summer just might show up soon.

I listen a lot to many people at times and it does not take much to hear the bitterness, anger or rage that is held within their hearts. You will find that they can make many excuses for not joining in for a summer time celebration. They can come up with a case of the plague in a heartbeat.

I often think to myself, "what a shame".  They choose to be angry and non-forgiving. They choose to deepen their wounds with the salt of un-forgiveness. They increase their agony by not pursuing peace. Then they wonder why they feel miserable and that God does not hear their prayers. They suffer the pain of being alone.

There is a simple answer to the problem.

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

When we make peace we are more in line with what God desires of His Children. And He declares a blessing over us. The blessing is a heart filled with peace and not bitterness, anger or rage.

Make this summer a great one for someone else by affirming your love for them or re-establishing your relationship with them. Forgive and move forward. 

God bless,

Marty

Cramped Legs. Minor Price To Pay.5/13/2019

Good Morning.

Nothing like a cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee along some prayer to start a Monday.

Yesterday I attended the college graduation of our nephew. The auditorium  where it was held is an older facility. The seating was not comfortable  to say the least. My knee replacements  were tested in a big way. I am not used to sitting  crammed in like a sardine for hours.

But all said and done. I was glad that I was  present.  My brother his two boys and I have had a few road trips together in our life time. Due to work and school they have become less. It was great that all four of us made it and we celebrated together.

Psalm 90:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Teach us to number our days,

    that we may gain a heart of wisdom

Friends, whenever possible, show up. Life is too short not to.

God bless.

Marty

Two Brothers Road Trip And Mothers Day /12/2019

Good Morning,

I just poured myself a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and then I prayed. Prayer is always on my breakfast plate. It's like the sun just doesn't come up for me without prayer.

I will be joining my younger brother on a road trip today of about three hours one way. We are going to the college graduation ceremony for his youngest son. Three hours in a car will give us plenty of time to chat about our lives, the future and we always talk about the past. Today is Mother's Day and our Mom passed away several years ago. Me being the oldest of us siblings and having a large age gap between my brother and myself ,I felt sorry for him when Mom passed. It's simple. I had Mom around for more years than he did. The youngest in the family gets short changed in life that way. As a brother and our Dad being himself, both of us were not able to fill Mom's shoes much. We just weren't wired to be nurturing and sensitive. We were more of the "Suck it up Buttercup" kind of guys who just move on through life.

So my nieces and nephews didn't have grandma around as long as my daughter did either. But I will try to speak for Mom today. She would say to all five of them "Well done. I am proud of you." She would be happy to see the baby of the family get where he wanted to be and now soon to be employed. Each one of the kids has made a good path and I am sure she would celebrate by baking something or making her famous meat salad for my brother today. I can't take her place, that's for sure. But I would also say to all of them "Well done, I am proud of you.

We need to be there for the markers in the lives of our family and friends. Encouragement goes a long way on days like today, but more so when the chips are down. Each one of those kids has had some "chips down days" and life will eventually bring some more. Friends be an encourager. If my Dad and I had to do things over and I am speaking for him, I think we would do a better job of it.

So to close I leave you with this verse and  picture of the rolls my mother taught me how to make.

Hebrews 10:23-25 English Standard Version (ESV)

²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Marty

Italian Sausages And Retirement 5/11/2019

Good Morning,

Morning showed up and I for one am greeting this day with a prayer, a smile and a cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee.

Proverbs 5:18-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁸ Let your fountain be blessed,

    and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

¹⁹     a lovely deer, a graceful doe.

Today is the beginning of a new adventure for my wife Rene. She goes into work today and this will be the last weekend of work for her after a long career in health care. She has a few more week days to work but on the 29th of May she will be retired.

It seems like just yesterday that we met in the Radiology Department of the hospital we both worked at. We were friends for quite awhile and after spending one day together on a canoe trip I knew I wanted her in my canoe for the rest of my days.

I always make Rene's lunch and last night was the same as any other night. I made her lunch and packed it away into the refrigerator. I grilled some Italian sausages last night. Rene prefers leftovers for lunch. So it was a simple thing to do. Italian sausage, some butter veggies, and a biscuit was packed for that tired Rad Tech. But then it dawned on me. I won't be making lunches for much longer. The Rad Tech will work one more weekend day and that will be the last of the weekend lunches. This has been a duty happily completed since 1986.

When Rene saw her lunch, she smiled and said " Well done, good and faithful husband." She laughed as she went to bed and said. "I am going to miss those lunches". I just might have to make her a lunch now and then to eat at noon while she is at home.  That hard worker has earned a few lunches to eat in her retirement!

God bless,

Marty

The Carpenter's Tool Box 5/10/2019

I wrote this in May of 2013 and as I looked back in my library I decided to do a rerun of a special day of mine. So bear with me. I rarely publish a repeat, but after looking at the old tool box in the living room I decided to share again. The coffee is the same though!!!

Good Morning,
Once again it is Monday. I will be drinking a large cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee as soon as I hit the road for work.
Yesterday I traveled to Sheboygan Wisconsin for a couple hours of work. My wife and I attend a Saturday evening church service in Greenfield Wisconsin. You will find us there most every Saturday, because I do about 90% of the preaching for that service. So I try not to work on the Sabbath but occasionally I have to put in some weekend duty.

My wife was able to travel with me and while I worked she read a book and within two hours we were back on the road. We decided to tour the quaint harbor of Sheboygan which is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. We had lunch at a place called "The Mucky Duck" and then proceeded to check out some antique shops. We did make a purchase. We found an antique tool box that was hand crafted somewhere around the early 1900's. It is in very good shape and you could tell from the company name on the side that it was used to carry carpenters tools. As we drove home we talked about how we would put the tool box to use and where it would be within our home. We then talked about how Jesus was the Earthly son of a carpenter and how he had to learn a trade. Once going forth into His ministry, the tools Jesus used changed. He performed miracles, displayed love and compassion. He taught from Scripture and spent much time  in prayer. If we are to be imitators of God. Do we pray for miracles? Do we fill our tool boxes with love , compassion and Scripture each day before we head into the world. Are we ready each day to do God's work?

Ephesians 5 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ² And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Think about it. Ready for work?

God bless,
Marty

When A Small Issue Grows 5/9/2019

Good Morning,

I am happy to say that I hear the Door County Highlander Grog Coffee brewing in the kitchen. It's time to rise and shine for many of us. Let's not forget to pray for those we love today.

My plumbing experience has taught me that a cup of water can seem like a deluge if not viewed in the right perspective. Water tends to find a way to leak from one floor or through one wall to the next. A little water tends to spread and make a leak look a lot worse than it really is.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

To make it worse, many a person with good intentions tends to take a small leak and make it a lot worse by jumping to the solution and not being trained to repair it. An uninformed person can do a lot of damage by going off half cocked and acting upon the leak. Their lack of skill or understanding starts a flood of epic proportions. If you can read between the lines you can see that I am talking about those in life who think they know everything and start to solve what they see as the issues in other lives. They tend to take a small issue and make a bigger deal out of it by adding their two cents which isn't worth a penny.

It is very often that the self proclaimed mind reader has so much going on in their own life that they find it easier to place their pipe wrench into someone else's plumbing instead of fixing their own. They are miserable and don't mind spreading unwanted misery by jumping to conclusions or lashing out without praying or thinking things through. These people need some serious time in the Word of God and plenty of prayer. I advise you all. If you have too many of these types of people in your life. Pray and run. These people are self righteous and can suck the life out of you, your time and ministry.
It is OK to distance yourself from these and concentrate on what you know God has called you to.

This was a rough subject. Ask yourself. Am I a pain in the butt to others? Do I build up or tear down others? Am I an attention seeker through creating strife for others? If this is you, get on your knees and ask God for help. He will help you before people start to treat you like the unwanted measles.

Marty

Hibiscus Tree 5/8/2019

Good Morning,

This morning started with prayer and a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. I guess if you have to start a day, this is a good way to get going.

Last night before it chilled off a little too much the evening found my wife and I in the front yard planting a small tree in our flower garden. We then went into the garage and pulled down some pots and planters that needed some touching up before flowers are planted. Some paint and varnish go a long way in making the old chairs and milk stools look good. Everything in Rene's garden has a purpose and she knows just what she wants to plant and where. The last few years we have been planting a Hibiscus tree or two in the garden. I am fond of the way they color a garden.

We went plant shopping last Saturday and I noticed that Rene had not purchased a Hibiscus tree. I didn't ask why, but I was not surprised to find one in the garage last night. I asked her if she wanted it planted last night and she said "yes please". Later I asked her why she wanted it planted right away. She replied. "I watch you when you come home from work and you always stop to look at the flowers for a minute. I see they way you smile when you view the Hibiscus. The sooner that thing blooms the sooner I will see that smile. You are a man through and through, die hard hunter, and a good family man. But when I see you smile at the flowers it reminds me that you have a sensitive side and probably prayed over the plants. When you smile it makes me smile. When I saw this one at the sore it reminded me of you. It's not too tall, and has a solid base, it will withstand a storm and brave the wind. So I bought it and know you will enjoy seeing it grow."

Song of Solomon 6:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

² My beloved has gone to his garden,

To the beds of spices,

To feed his flock in the gardens,

And to gather lilies.

I pondered her words last night and really didn't talk much all evening. I had no idea that she watches me in the yard and knows my habit of taking a minute outside before coming in. I concluded that I would never want anyone but her watching me and buying flowers for our yard. I looked up for a moment and thanked God for my "Loving Spy" the Hibiscus Queen.

Be thankful for someone today. They know you at your worst and your best. Tell them you are grateful to God for putting them in your life.

Marty

People Are Like A Great Stew 5/7/2019 With A Recipe

Good Morning Dear Friends,

I am awaiting my Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee with eager anticipation this fine morning. It's a little chilly for a may day, so the coffee is waking me and warming me.

Rene and I were talking about the weather last night and it looks like we will have a cool wet week ahead of us. I do all of the cooking and Rene is not shy about letting me know just what she would like for dinner now and then. After being married for 100 years I know her subtle hints are really desires. Like this one. "It looks to be chilly outside this week. I can't believe it is still stew season".
That was more than a hint. Rene would like some pheasant stew and stew she shall have.

Stew is easy to make, especially in a crock pot. Brown some meat, and throw in the veggies with some seasoning. Add water and cook it for a couple hours on low. Make a gravy from the pheasant stock , add it to the crock pot. Let it cook some more and woot, woot you have a stew.

Now all of the ingredients I use might taste OK  alone. But some, like corn starch don't taste all that great alone or even with some water. They need the others to taste better and they all enhance each other when they combine to make a stew. People are like stew. Some have a lot of talents and some just one or two. But combine them together into a team and you can accomplish a lot. Each person, with their differences adds to the team and makes it stronger.

For instance, a man can hunt pheasants alone without a dog. He might get a few now and then. But add a trained dog to the mix and his chances are much better. The hunter can shoot, but the chances of him sniffing out a pheasant with his nose are slim to none. If the bird falls into some deep cover after being shot, the hunter has a better chance of retrieving the bird with a dog who can get though the cover and get to the bird by following the scent. I have yet to see a dog drive the truck home. But together they make a team.

God created all people, and created them differently for reasons and purpose we may not understand. Regardless of how we perceive other people to be, they are God's creations, and it God's will for us to show respect to everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹² And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you,  and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

Friends, we cannot discount those God has given us to work with at our jobs, church or at home. Everyone has a value to contribute. Together we make a stew out of life.

God bless,

Marty

Pheasant Stew ( Can also be made with turkey, wild or domestic)

Ingredients

Flour for coating
4 tbsp Butter

1 Cup Chopped White Onion
1 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 tbsp Parsley
1 tbsp Poultry Seasoning
2 Cups Carrots, Chopped
1 Cup Sour Cream
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 Cups Water

Directions:

Chop breasts into chunks. Lightly flour chunks and in a large skillet, brown in butter over medium heat. Remove browned pheasant meat and keep the drippings. Put meat in the crock-pot. Sauté onion in the pan with the drippings for approximately 3-4 minutes. Place onions in your slow cooker. Add the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, carrots and the remaining seasonings. Add enough water to cover and give it a good stir. Set the cooker on low and cook for six to eight hours or until tender.

Tranquility It's Not That Hard To Find 5/6/2019

Good Morning,

I am just a wee bit tired from the activities of this last weekend. Wow, a little yard work and a lot of fresh air did me in. I heard the  Door County Chocolate Strawberry Coffee start drip in to the pot. Let's go Monday!

Yesterday I was able to take some time and study a little from patio. I visited my old friend the picnic table and for company our furry Springer Spaniel Gibbs joined me. I enjoyed a cup of coffee and about 45 minutes of prayer and study.

Someone once said "in order to jump out of an airplane and experience a parachute ride back to Earth, one needs first, to get into the plane."

Genesis 18 New International Version (NIV)

18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. ² Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

³ He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. ⁴ Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. ⁵ Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

No one can parachute from a plane that they did not get into and allow the pilot to take off and leave the ground. Life is often filled with unfinished goals or incomplete bucket lists. I spoke with a fella a few years ago, who wanted so badly to be part of his estranged family. He would talk about it, but when there was an opportunity to be with the family he avoided the day and the area like the plague. He wasn't willing to get into the plane of reconciliation. He has yet to make the plunge into forgiveness and a relationship with a family he misses.

I have committed to spending more time in prayer for two people suffering from major illnesses. Yesterday was a perfect weather day and I was on a roll with my chores. I new I hadn't spent time with God and in prayer. As I looked at the picnic table I knew God was saying to me to rest and spend time with Him. He was willing to stay with me, enjoy the yard He gave us and recharge me spiritually and physically. If I am going to find peace and tranquility, and good prayer time I need to commit to jumping each day from the plane of busyness and concern for self. I cannot parachute and experience riding on God's wings if I don't get into the plane of commitment. Once started, the plane takes off and you are on it. Then you decide to jump in and enjoy the time.

I could sense that God was in the yard with me and he was concerned with what I was praying about. There was such peace in that 45 minutes that I had to write about it,