Feeling Bullet Proof 6/30/2019

Good Morning,

The sun is taking it's time to come up today, but it is a beautiful sunrise. The aroma of some Door County Chocolate Caramel Truffle Coffee is making it's way upstairs from the kitchen. Once I am done writing I will pour myself a large cup and then continue my observance of sunrise.

Getting older isn't all that much fun, but it is what it is. I am still very active and enjoy all of the things I used to do except for sports like football and baseball. Those days are gone forever now. But my chores can still be done and I can still get into my boat and duck hunt. I will be walking behind my dog chasing pheasants once more this year. Amen to that!

Isaiah 43:18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.”

But there are times that my mind wanders back to the days when I could hunt for three days straight and only be tired, not sore and taking Tylenol for the aches and pains. The days of long ago when my hat had to be larger just because there was a pile of  hair on this head.  Those days of long ago when a young man actually feels "bullet proof" are gone. One would say that those were the "Good Old Days" but are they? We should not spend too much time thinking about the past or living in it. If we spend our time in the past longing for those days, we will miss making the most of the present. The present also can be used to plan the future. Sometimes the planning is almost better than the actual experience itself. Rene and I will be making our first trip to Hawaii this year and the planning for the trip has been a lot of fun. Once that it done we will be planning our way to visit our daughter. Plans for our annual "Men's Steak Feed" at church are under way as well as a weekend outing with dear friends in the fall.  We plan our church service every week and don't sit and spend time recalling the last one. it's the next that is important.

Friends, spend less time on the past, live in the present, and plan ahead to enjoy the future. Why waste time on the past? Memories are nice, but they should never outweigh the present. Tomorrow will be the past one day later.

Have a great day!

Marty

Holding Your Own 6/29/2019

Good Morning,

I just poured a cup of Door County  Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee. I am comfortable  and now it is time to write.

Yesterday I had to travel for work and my destination put me an hour away from the home of my coffee. My wife Rene traveled with me and we headed to Door County after my duties were completed.

I have a horrendous  schedule coming up and it will include some long hours on the weekends. This might be the last weekend for rest and a sanity check.

Friends, it is important to look at the schedule now and then and plan a retreat away from life, work, worries, church duties and chores. We all need to recharge  our physical, spiritual  and emotional  batteries. Monday will arrive and the last three days will be gone. But the benefit  of spending  time  with your family, resting and relaxing  will help you endure along haul.

We are to follow in the footsteps  of Jesus  dear friends.  Sometimes  that means following  Him to rest.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.

So today will be spent reading a book and relaxing with Rene until we return home tonight.  I will follow in the steps Jesus ordained  for me. He knows when it is time to rest and He provided a great way to do it.  How about you? Are you overloaded  and in need of a rest? Watch closely as you pray. God will provide even just moments  for rest. You must take advantage  of the time and the place.

Marty

Watching The Storms Roll By 6/28/2019

Good Morning,

I sure had my fill of strong winds, rain, thunder and lightning yesterday. Thee storms came in fast and left toward Lake Michigan just as fast.The flowers made it through some heavy rain. I will continue to write while I sip on a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. Happy Friday to all of you.

First came the storm warnings on television and radio. Then the skies blackened and the wind started to whip up a little. If this didn't convince you to stop your yard work and get inside you aren't much for paying attention to the warnings. From the media warnings to natures way of getting our attention we would have no excuse for getting caught out in the storms of yesterday.

It's the same with life. For instance when we work hard we end up tired. If we ignore the warning signs of being tired and we continue to go without rest, we end up sick, or fall asleep while driving. We ignored the built in sign to rest. If after we have completed a naughty deed and we feel guilty, that is the Holy Spirit convicting us of the sin we committed. Our conscience tells us what we did wrong and will continue to convict us each time we commit the sin in the hope of us not doing it again. But we ignore the warnings and then something comes up that exposes the sin causes us shame and we wish we had listened to the warning signs. We have no one to blame but ourselves for ignoring the signs.

James 4:17 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them

What is common sense and God trying to tell you today? Are you heeding the warnings?

God bless you today and this weekend.

Marty

Don't Say It If You Don't Mean It. 6/27/2019

Good Morning,

I am up, feet on the floor, a smile on my face and a prayer on my lips. To top it off my Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee is brewing in the kitchen and it is almost done. Smiles everyone!

We have a lot of words spew out of our mouths daily. Words of praise, love, anger, foolishness, directions, questions and hopefully not, but vulgarity also makes the list at times. We make requests of others and then we make statements that can also be damning to our own good. There are times when we make statements that we can't back up, and really are contrary to our beliefs. God warns us about our mouths and the statements we make.

Proverbs 6:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

² You are snared by the words of your mouth;

You are taken by the words of your mouth.

We make statements like I wish I were six feet under so I could nap. It came from our mouths and living fully is not a choice we would make over getting a nap. Instead of saying I feel Like napping today. Or I hope to find some time for a nap.  We make extreme statements that are contrary to what is best for us and we insult God with our words.  I like the statement. "Be careful what you wish for". Or "Be careful what you pray for". A simple statement like "I never want to see them again, I wish they were dead" could come back to haunt you. God cannot be tempted to do evil, but He will correct His children and turn us over to our sins, which could include our less than wholesome mouths.

Ephesians 4:29-32 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁹ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. ³² Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

We are to use our voices and thoughts to build others up, to be a voice of praise and thanksgiving. What comes out of our mouths is not a pleasant melody, but could be construed as a poor funeral dirge without sign of a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Friends, think before you speak, it might be your own life you save. Never  invite Satan to picnic in your life. Do not let God get tired of you and your foolish statements. 

Deuteronomy 6:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.

Have a great day.

Marty

You Can Prevent House Fires 6/26/2019

Dear Friends Good Morning,   I broke out a little Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee this morning. Feeling just a little nutty today.

  

 In the past few months I have been preaching and teaching Christian love in our church.         

Verses like "love your neighbor as yourself" "do unto others" "would you not help a neighbor who's ox was in a ditch?" Many, many verses bombarded my brain as I listened, taught and preached through the weeks. I asked myself "am I a good neighbor?" Well I have lent my lawn mower to a neighbor, I've repaired their plumbing, I have dined with them, I watch their house when they are gone. So I concluded that I am a good neighbor. I then asked God. Am I a good neighbor? I received no answer. The other night while watching the news the key story was about a man that rescued his neighbors from their burning house. I thought "now that's a good neighbor, I'd do that!" As I prayed before sleep that night God reminded me that I was not a good neighbor. Many of my neighbor's houses were on fire and I have not done a thing to put out the fires of hell in their lives. I haven't invited my neighbors to church. I deliver pasta when a baby is born but forget to pray with the new mother and father. Our text from the book of John reminds us of this.

Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. John 3:36

2 Peter 3:9 also states that, God is being patient with you. He does want not anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.

Truly friends, if my neighbors house were ablaze with fire I would storm the place and try to rescue them. Those who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are relying on good works, religious rituals, and hoping they are good enough are literally living in a house headed for more than a blaze if they die. So be a good neighbor and don't be afraid to say "Hey neighbor your house is on fire". Share the Good News of Jesus Christ and His message of salvation.

God bless you all.

Marty

Nothing Like A Chunky Bar 6/25/2019

Good Morning,

Tuesday arrived as it should right after Monday. My Tuesday cup of coffee is Door County German Chocolate Cake. I do hope that today has some sunshine along the way.

Today if my parents were still alive they would be celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. We would definitely be visiting with them and joining their celebration.

I remember always wanting to play football for my grade school and my first attempt at trying out for the team was not too successful. I was told that if a uniform became available I would be in line for one. Basically it was "Don't call us. We will call you". At that time I wasn't too quick or fast. Both items are really different. Quick feet and hands get you going, speed within your legs kept you going faster than others. I needed to work on both. I went back home discouraged and my dad got on my case about quitting. I explained that I didn't quit, "they quit on me". He told me to get running and then learn how to polka. My mother would play the music and I would hop around like a rhythm less idiot. But it paid off. I began stretching out when I ran and somehow they invited me back to be on the team. One grade later and I was playing with the best of them. One night after a win my dad stopped for gasoline and he came back with candy bars, one for each of us. They were "Chunky Bars". It was a celebration of me not quitting and a great game. I will never forget that night.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Friends, do we celebrate with our kids for giving the extra effort and not quitting? Do we spend time teaching them to be quick and then celebrating when they accomplish the goal? Will they grow old and remember their "Chunky Bar Award"? I hope so. We are so busy these days that we forget to take time to celebrate with others.

Food for thought.

Marty

Ever Been Confused? 6/24/2019

Good Morning,

My Mug was just filled with Door County Dark Voyage Coffee and I just sliced some Cherry Bread for my breakfast. My wife made one fine loaf of bread and this breakfast is fit for a king.

Not long ago I was in a public place and saw a young lady coming for the door I was standing near. Her arms were filled with two boxes that looked to be a little heavy. As she approached the door I stepped over and opened the door for her. The answer I  received was just what I deserved I guess.

"Sir, you just assumed that I wanted help with the door. I am fully capable of opening my own doors and don't need assistance from anyone. Maybe you should ask before assuming." I apologized for my rudeness and made a mental note to correct my behavior before I opened a door for someone the next time.

Low and behold that same day, at the same door an older lady was approaching the door and she had a cane in her hand. She seemed to rely on the cane so before she reached the door I asked her if I could open the door for her. Her answer I guess is what I deserved. "Son. ( That was the nicest thing I was called that day.) It seems quite odd that you would ask to open a door for me when you can see that I am using a cane and I am struggling some. It is your manly duty or job to open doors for the ladies and I am insulted that you don't know enough to do it. Look up gentleman and see the definition." Wow, what a verbal mugging. I was two for two.

Now I was getting confused and within the hour I was back at that same door when a woman approached it. She was about 35 years old. Not 20 or 80. She was in between. As she approached the door carrying her back pack I asked if I could get the door for her. I was ready with my apology. I wasn't sure what would happen. She smiled and said "yes please." And then she added a thank you with "have a nice day". Now talk about confused. Three women, three different responses. But to be honest I am a little gun shy about pulling a door open for anyone now.

Neither of the first two ladies answered me with a less than a sharp tongue. Those two had me questioning my mother's ability to teach us kids her version of etiquette. I know she couldn't hear me in heaven when I said sarcastically "Thanks Mother".

My point is this. Shouldn't we just accept kindness and be nice about it? I sure would hate to be waiting on the table in a restaurant where the first two would be sitting wanting service.

Here's God answer about our mouths in action.  Proverbs 11:17 “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.” Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:4 “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

To open a door or not open a door today. That is the question. I am in favor of still showing respect and kindness despite receiving a tongue lashing in return.

Have a great day!

Marty

Don't Wait On Me 6/23/2019

Good Morning,

The back yard of our home has two companions this morning. Our dog Gibbs and myself are seated on the patio taking in some fresh air as well as enjoying a very hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. I surveyed the vegetable garden and found three tomatoes who have sprouted from the blossoms. I welcomed them to the day with a smile.

Yesterday I had the nice experience of going shooting on a sporting clays course with two friends from work.We walked the course, I shot for diddly do but the exercise and companionship was a great time. Both of these guys are considerably younger than I am. Between the shooting stations  you walk to get to the next one and it isn't all that far and the overall course, when finished is a mile walk so they tell me.  Now both of them could move pretty fast and to be honest there was no need at all to rush. But their natural walk moved them a little quicker than I was moving. I forced myself to pick up the pace so they would not have to wait for me. It wasn't that I couldn't go faster, I was just enjoying the day, the walk and the banter that goes with guys hanging out together.

I came home and it was sadly apparent that Rene had mowed the lawn the day before. My share of the work is to trim the edges. When I say that it was apparent the overall lawn looked great but the "Trim Areas" looked like a dog with a case of the mange. I came into the house, grabbed some cold water and went out and trimmed the yard. I cleaned up the clippings from my lawn rescue and watered all the flowers as well as giving them some plant food.

When I was all finished I was a little sweaty and smelled like freshly trimmed grass. While I was replenishing my cold water supply. My wife Rene who is the brains in this relationship said. "Do you realize what you have done? Do you have any idea what you did?" I looked around and could tell she had been scrubbing the floors in the house. I checked my clothes and there weren't any grass clippings on my jeans. So there were none on her clean floors. I had already removed my boots in the garage and knew that couldn't be the issue. I checked our dog who accompanied me on every step of my outdoor chores and he was fine.  I looked at my water mug and I hadn't spilled or even dripped any water on the floor or the kitchen counter top.

I stood there like a school boy in the principal's office with my head hung a little and replied. " Mam, I have no idea what I did, please enlighten this shell of a man as to what domestic crime I have committed." I then quickly ran to see if I had left the toilet seat up. I came back because I hadn't failed potty 101 either.

Job 1:21 Living Bible (TLB)

²¹ “I came naked from my mother’s womb,” he said, “and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Rene was quick to laugh and she said. "You shot sporting clays this morning. You came home, and hit the yard work, trimming, sweeping, weeding a little, and then watering everything. Last year your knees were so bad that the yard work would have had to be done tomorrow. You would have been on the couch with ice packs on your legs. The decision to have knee replacement surgery should have taken place years ago.  But most of all when there was doubt in December when the post operative pain was high and the therapy was grimacing at times, God healed you and carried you through some tough going. When the snow storms of January hit and you took care of the snow removal hobbling behind the snow blower He carried you. Last night when we attended  the baseball game and we were walking to our cheap seats and you did not want to miss the singing of our national anthem, I saw you scooting up the stadium ramp like days of old and I knew God was carrying you again. You turned back to see if I was keeping up with you. I had to hurry a little but my thoughts were . You go Buddy, don't wait on me. God gave you the use of some new wheels just keep going."

I hadn't thought about it at all, and was a bit ashamed of myself for not stopping to thank God for the ability He gave me to experience walking pain free once more in life. It's bad when you have to be reminded to praise God for what I already have taken for granted. As I was dressing to go to church last night I sat on the side of the bed, bent my legs and put on my cowboy boots. That was another thing I couldn't do last year either. Rene's lecture still ringing in my ears caused me to stop, smile, look up and say "Thanks Dad".

Friends don't forget to be thankful while you still have the chance for all that God does for you. As fast as the blessings come they can also disappear.

Love to all,

Marty

The Lord Is My Shepherd 6/22/2019

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday to you. I hope your morning coffee is as tasty as my Door County Caramel Latte is. Mine is very hot, to the point of steaming in the cup, just the way I like it.

Now and then when things in life get a little out of hand I lean on the Book of Psalms to lead me in my prayer life. You too might experience those times when it is even hard to pray. I have even asked myself "Why pray? God is going to do whatever He is going to do and what difference does it make if I pray or not". When I get to that point I realize that my little train called Marty is coming off of the tracks and I have lost focus. I turn to the Psalms and it's usually the 23rd Psalm that I run to. I read it and I use it as my prayer. Most of our life is spent praying for something that happened in our lives. Or it could be that we are praying for someone we love who is experiencing a rough road. I would have to say that for as long as I can remember there has always been a need to pray for something that impacted my life or others in a rough way. My first experience with reality was at a very young age when my Uncle was dying from cancer. Cancer was a new word to me but it didn't sound good. I could not imagine my cousins losing their dad. I remember going to church and praying for him and I was only in the second grade at the time. Every year of my 62 years on Earth has brought me to that point. I have seen some miracles that I attributed to prayer and I have seen God just answer "No" and the event goes ahead into calamity, then we get through it.

It's at these times that my prayers become more intimate with God. He uses these times to have me lean on Him, and acknowledge His omnipresence and power. We talk and I share my heart. It's at times like these that I admit my inability to know the future, but acknowledge Who does hold the future.  I affirm my love for God by saying "Your will be done" placing the situation in His hands, where it already is. I am just releasing my desire to control it.

Psalm 23 New International Version (NIV)

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

³     he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,^[a]

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

When we walk and talk with the great Shepherd we are admitting our weakness and how much we need Him to guide us, feed us and protect us. We run to Him like children scared by the terrors of the night. We tell Him are woes and he listens. His answers are not always what we want but they are what we are going to get. He anoints our heads with oil identifying us as His, but He never promises that we won't see a viper in our lives. But if we are attacked by evil we are under His watch. We can hide in Him.

More than a mouthful today, but if this is where you are in life. Keep praying, don't stop. Run to God, let Him hear your intimate pleas and know that He will carry you through and He holds the future. Watch for His lead even when things are at their darkest. It's at these time when we grow closer to Him.

Marty

Teamwork And A Happy Home 6/21/2019

Good Morning,

The time is just right for prayer and a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Barrel Pecan Pie Coffee. I raise the question. Isn't anytime a good time for prayer?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹ Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Last night when I arrived home from work I saw my lovely wife Rene putting the tractor away. The grass had been cut and she was just getting ready to sweep up some grass clippings. I was welcomed home also by our dog Gibbs who wanted to play. It felt good to be home.

Later after a breakfast/dinner Rene went back outside and helped me assemble a small grill we wish to use for tailgating at a baseball game. I made dinner for the two of us and both of us cleaned up the kitchen before we went outside again.  It is a small propane grill and we tried it out after the assembly. It worked great and now we can look forward to the Major League picnic.

What is my point in describing last evening to all of you? There wasn't much very special about last night. Except that we accomplished a lot in a short time because we worked together. We enjoyed the time spent outside together. We listened to a ball game on the radio while working in the garage.

It was great to be together on a simple night. Teamwork was the key to enjoying our evening and preparing for a picnic that will be coming soon. My point is this. We both did what needed to be done. Rene took advantage of good weather and took care of a lot of yard work. I got busy in the kitchen and we ate a good but simple dinner. We cleaned up and assembled that grill and a few other items in the garage were prepared for the dump run Saturday. If more families could work as a team and do it sacrificially not seeing themselves as more important than others in the family, life would be much nicer. We need to get over ourselves and be a team member not little dictators.

Teamwork makes our portion of the world a nice place. How about your portion? Are you the problem? Or part of the solution to family harmony.

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!

Marty

Chicken Fried 6/20/2019

Good Morning,

It rained throughout most of the night and my bones feel damp. A cup of Door County Caramel Latte Coffee will do these arms and legs just fine.

Hebrews 13:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Last night while driving home from church I turned the Jeep radio on hoping to get some news on a highway closure. The radio was tuned into a Country Western Station and a song was playing. The name of the song was "Chicken Fried". I am familiar with the tune, but last night I  zeroed in on the lyrics a little closer.

I am a fan of fried chicken and that part of the song where they would sing "Chicken Fried" just made me go into my memory vault and recall a couple of the best all time fried chicken dinners that ever graced my stomach with their presence. My memory took me to my great aunt's home and I could just about smell that chicken right in the Jeep. Her chicken was always accompanied by corn bread and mashed potatoes. After dinner was always spent playing Parcheesi and then a slice of pie topped off the event. I do recall my mother's uncle saying grace. In our home we said a memorized standard meal grace. Uncle Ernest prayed right from the heart and I recall one night when he prayed and he thanked God for allowing us to be there with them.

I remember pondering that his thinking might be off a little. He drove to our home, picked us up, fed us, played a board game with us, treated us to a sweet dessert and then took us home. It seemed to me that thanking God for our presence was like thanking Him for the plague.

Now, many, many  years later I can see the whole picture. They were just showing us kindness and considered it a blessing from God that they were able to do so. I'll bet anything that they would not believe that I would remember those nights and being prayed for. On one of those evenings this boy laid wide awake in bed for a long time wondering about why someone would thank God for having just fed a family and asking God to bless them because they showed up. I never did resolve that in my mind until a of couple weeks ago. We had company visiting with us and when we prayed what came out of my mouth brought me back over 60 years to a table with fried chicken. I was thanking God for the food and then found myself thanking God that they were there with us and that we could eat together.

Friends it's a blessing when God brings visitors to your door. It is your opportunity to share His blessing to you with others. God gets the credit and you get to bless others.

Food for thought! Oh, by the way, pass the chicken please.

Marty

Over The Hump 6/19/2019

Good Morning,

Prayer, Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and an English Muffin with fresh butter just started off my day in a great way.

Wednesday has been nicknamed "Hump Day". Meaning that once you get beyond Wednesday you are over the hump and headed toward the weekend. My Wednesday will be busy as usual and I have a meeting at church tonight with our mission team. On Monday I volunteered at a Custard Stand to help our mission team raise some money for their trip to Puerto Rico. My  job was to hold the door open when people arrived to the Custard Emporium and when they left. I was to give them a friendly welcome, a hearty thank you and good bye when they left.

Matthew 25:35 English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

Now me being a shy person I had to get out of my comfort zone to accomplish this. Just kidding, I am anything but shy and this task was in my wheel house of skills. One lady approached the door with her son and I noticed that he had several special needs and that his mom struggled just to get him into the eatery. He did not want to enter and was resisting intently. I asked her if I could stay with him while she purchased dinner. She put him back in the car and told him that I was his friend and he should stay in the car. While I was standing outside of her car he would wave to me and I would wave back. I made sure I was smiling back at him and then he would smile and wave to me. We never spoke a word. But there was a bond for ten minutes. Mom returned and thanked me. I asked her if I could pray right there for her and her son. She smiled and said a loud YES PLEASE!.  When we finished praying she said good bye. She told me to look over at her son. He was holding out two French Fries for me. He wanted to share his dinner. I took them and said thank you. He smiled and waved. I did the same.  For s short time in our lives there was nothing wrong. I wasn't old. He wasn't special needs. There were no wars or political arguments. It was just two guys being friendly sharing a moment and a couple of fries.  I won't forget that evening.

Can you get over the hump of differences and invest in a moment? My moment with this family was priceless. Someone needs a smile and a wave. You just might enjoy two fries.

God Bless,

Marty

Giving Up Your Lunch 6/18/2019

Good Morning,

I hope your Monday was a good one. Tuesday once more and I am starting my day with a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee.

This morning I want to talk about Jesus feeding the Five Thousand. Please read the verses below and notice where they mention a young boy who had five loaves and two fish. Now think like a little boy.
He was off to hear this man Jesus.
His mother packed him a lunch.
He was supposed to eat it.
But the Savior had a need.
This boy, probably poor, gave up his lunch. His lunch was a valuable item to the family. Yet Jesus used it and fed everyone including the boy. And there were left overs.
What we see is that Jesus decided to use the boy and the boy gave up his valuable possession and it was used in a miracle.

What has God asked you to give up in a day that could impact a miracle? How would you be used by God. The boy "gave it up"! God is calling you today. "Give it up" whatever it is.

John 6

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), ² and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. ³ Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. ⁴ The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

⁵ When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
⁷ Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
⁸ Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ⁹ “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
¹⁰ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). ¹¹ Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
¹² When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” ¹³ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Get ready and listen for Jesus to call you today. And then give it up.

Love you all.

Marty

Dental Work Won't Produce A Smile 6/17/2019

Good Morning,

I just heard the coffee maker kick in and it won't be long until I am drinking a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee.

Later today I am headed to the dentist for some work on my teeth. A check up and a repair are on tap for me. I was listening to a Dental Commercial where they promise to restore your smile. It is assumed that people don't smile because of messed up teeth. That can be and is probably true. But all the new teeth in the world cannot force a person to smile. Smiling at someone is a decision and it can be to smile or not to smile. A smile given at the right time says that you are friendly and approachable. A frown is usually seen as sadness, anger, or being unapproachable. It is a conscious decision of ours to add a smile to our greetings.

I like to greet God each day in prayer with humble prayer and a smile. It let's God know how I feel about Him. He makes me smile. I want to Him to know that I am approachable and desire His time.

Numbers 6:25-27 New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁵ May the Lord smile on you

    and be gracious to you.

²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor

    and give you his peace.’

I hope today that God will find my actions and love for Him acceptable and that He will smile my way.

Marty

Father's Day My View 6/16/2019

Good Morning,

I was able to share my Thermos bottle of Sunrise In Door County Coffee with two friends this morning. I don't get to do that too often. It's always a good day when you can share a cup of coffee with someone.

Proverbs 22:6 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

⁶ Start children off on the way they should go,

    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Today we celebrate Father's Day and my view of the holiday goes beyond honoring dads. I would like to reach out and say that regardless of whether or not a man has a child he can and should be a father figure to those who God placed in his circle of influence. Every man has people younger than himself that he can mentor and be there for assistance in life. It could be a niece or nephew, cousins or neighbors. God knows who He placed in our circle of influence and we have talents, skills or experiences we can share. If we claim to be a God loving , God fearing man we should emulate Jesus in all we do. Others should see Jesus in us.

My Dad taught me how to shoot and started me off early in life hunting. When I made a mistake he would correct me.When I shot my first deer he was there to celebrate.  For many years my cousin lived next door to us. He spent many hours trying to teach me how to trout fish. He also was the first to throw a football with me and spend time teaching me football fundamentals. My cousin who at that time was not yet a father assumed his role as someone older than me to share his knowledge and experience. He had me prepared for my first tryout on the football field. It was successful. I posted a picture of my Dad with my cousin Mike. Dad also took Mike deer hunting. I recall Mike's first deer on a cold November day. All three of us celebrated.

Guys, God gives us the job description to be there and raise up a child in the way he or she should go. He never said that the he or she had to be your own. Don't hold back on what you can teach or experiences you can share.

God Bless,

Marty

Jake And The Puppy 6/15/2019

Good Morning,

I can't write about any Door County coffee this morning. I had to rush out of the house to a little emergency at work today. So I will need a double dose tomorrow.

I have a friend named Jake who met me at work today to help with our problem. Jake just adopted a trained hunting dog and he brought the furry rascal with him to work. The well mannered dog was introduced to "Uncle Marty" and I must say that it was the best part of my day. You can see a true bond between my friend and his dog. "It's nice to have a companion in the truck". You could just tell that Jake takes great care of his pet.  We should follow God's rules in taking good care of them,.

Proverbs 27:23 “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”

Proverbs 12:10 “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”

I have been blessed to have great dogs for over thirty years. My plan is to have a dog until I can't some day. Our dogs have always been great companions. They jump into the truck with joy and don't care where they are going just as long as they get to go with us.

We could learn a few things from dogs.

1. Love unconditionally.

2. Why stay home when you can get out and go somewhere, anywhere?

3. Don't grumble or complain. Just be happy to tag along.

4. Be there for your family 24/7

5. Ice Cream isn't there everyday. So enjoy the days that it is.

God Bless,

Marty

Best To Keep The Door Closed On Anger 6/14/2019

Good Morning,

Friday at last has arrived and I know it will fit my expectations like it always does. I just poured some Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee and it is time to write.

We all have the ability to change our moods and for some it can happen faster than a speeding bullet. Something can happen, or someone can say something that ruins a whole day. Once that happens it's like people turn off the switch of reasonable behavior and go ballistic faster than a runaway toddler in a shopping mall.

Their disposition can change from meek and mild to that of a raving lunatic and what comes forth from their mouths is just the opposite of their usual behavior leaving you wishing that their spouse or mother would wash their mouth out with soap.

Friends we all need to practice self control when it comes to anger. God has a little to say about that.

Psalm 37:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;

Do not fret—it only causes harm

James 1:19-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

^19 [a]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Romans 12:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

When we give in and turn off the switch of peace we venture into a land that Satan controls and it is best that we not step into the darkness of mean behavior.  Therefore it is sometimes best for us to walk away and vent our anger to the moon or the concrete driveway instead of another person. Things said in anger are never soon forgotten, they are a door best left closed..

Food or thought on this Friday

Marty

mmmm

The Bully And The Justice Of It All 6/12/2019

Good Morning,

I woke up from a deep sleep and that's a blessing in itself. This morning needs a cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and some prayer.

I watch very little television but it worked out that Rene, my brother in law and I watched a little television last night. In one part of the show a small boy told his story of being bullied by kids in school. They made fun of his leukemia illness and the fact that the chemotherapy caused him to lose his hair. Children can be very mean and unkind.

As parents or grandparents we have two duties when it comes to bullying. We need to protect the bullied and correct the bullying parties. We must protect without becoming bullies ourselves. Believe it or not the Bible has something to say about bullying and our duties.

Psalm 82:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴ Rescue the weak and the needy;

    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

Isaiah 41:11-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹¹ Behold, all who are incensed against you

    shall be put to shame and confounded;

those who strive against you

    shall be as nothing and shall perish.

¹² You shall seek those who contend with you,

    but you shall not find them;

those who war against you

    shall be as nothing at all.

¹³ For I, the Lord your God,

    hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not,

    I am the one who helps you.”

Romans 12:19-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it^[a] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Bullies should be confronted and made to stop, yet we need to show them the love of God. it is a fine line to walk. But we should never turn a blind eye to bullying. God doesn't.

Marty

Mom's Chicken And Dumplings With A Recipe 6/11/2019

Good Morning,

I always view waking up in the morning as a gift from above. The kitchen is calling me with a freshly brewed pot of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee. It won't be long until I answer the call.

I have been pondering things that brought joy to me over the years. And I bet that when I say that a big dish of my Mother's Chicken and Dumplings brought more than one smile to my face over the years. If she asked me what I would like to eat when I visited Chicken and Dumplings were my choice. I have some nephews that read this blog and I will wager that one of them is picturing that feast right now. Our dad was pretty fond of those dumplings also.

Now you might say "That guy is nuts". He should be saying that his wife and family give him the most joy right after he says Jesus does. To tell you the truth that would be the order I would proclaim if you saw my list. But I said I have been pondering a lot of different things. When I think of the dish my mother made for us, I know it was made with love. The smell of the bay leaves and chicken broth still permeate my mind. Many a firm fluffy dumpling made it to my mouth by riding the fork to it's destiny. My mind has been a little consumed these days with a lot of "what if's. I felt some worry creeping in and a little depression. So before I went down the wrong road any further, I searched Scripture for the answer. The Scripture took me on what I would call a "Happy Trail", that lifted me up.

Philippians 4:8 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.

God gave me a mother who could make Chicken and Dumplings. Her cooking for us was praiseworthy. I pondered many beautiful memories from family and friends. I recalled hunting trips, our bird dogs, and the things I saw in nature. Here is what I can tell you. Everyone of those memories led me right back to God. He provided them all.

Have a great day my Friends. Here's a must cook recipe below.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (about 3 pounds), cut up
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup white wine or apple cider
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 whole peppercorns
• DUMPLINGS:
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup 2% milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• SOUP:
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, salt and pepper. Add chicken, one piece at a time, and toss to coat; shake off excess. In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches on all sides; remove from pan.
• Add onion, carrots and celery to same pan; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until onion is tender. Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in 1/4 cup flour until blended. Gradually add stock, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, sugar, bay leaves and peppercorns. Return chicken to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 20-25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear
• For dumplings, in a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk and melted butter until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened (do not overmix). Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet; set aside.
• Remove chicken from stockpot; cool slightly. Discard bay leaves and skim fat from soup. Remove skin and bones from chicken and discard. Using two forks, coarsely shred meat into 1- to 1-1/2-in. pieces; return to soup. Cook, covered, on high until mixture reaches a simmer.

Drop dumplings on top of simmering soup, a few at a time. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of dumplings comes out clean (do not lift cover while simmering). Gently stir in cream, parsley and thyme. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.  

Enjoy

Running With The Wind 6/10/2019

Good Morning,

My coffee this morning was chosen as a "comfort coffee". It seems that I twisted my knee a little bit yesterday while I was working on a fire pit and it kept me awake for most of the night. So I am sipping on a cup of Door County Christmas brew. It does nothing for my knee but it does help this pity party a little.

While looking at my knee last night I started to remember my younger days when jogging was fun and I could run like the wind. I spent many days running up steep hills along lake Michigan in preparation for football. But then the first of many knee surgeries took place after an injury. Those days of running and sports are over for sure. It doesn't take much to alter ones status. Gone with the wind!

We often see ourselves within the confines of our own abilities and accomplishments. These abilities and our accomplishments are like vapor. They can be gone with the next wind. Nothing Earthly will ever last. But they things we do for the Kingdom of God in the name of Jesus Christ will last for eternity. I would imagine that some day all the trophies that my wife and I have collected will end up in a trash heap or sold. Why would my family want to save my Little League trophy? They wouldn't!
God sees us as more than our Earthly talents and abilities. He sees us as being able to be used for greater things than just throwing a football or tackling some other helmeted grid iron warrior.

We need to enjoy our accomplishments and our talents. They are a gift from God. But they are only temporary. We must also concentrate on the eternal.  You can and should have an impact on the lives around you. You could and should support a missionary who brings the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. Our church supports a missionary and his wife who are living right in the middle of a hot mess in the Middle East. (Seems like a good place to be sharing Jesus and His love).

What treasure have you laid up in heaven? God keeps a trophy shelf for us all. He never tires of seeing what His children do in His name. Your report card is on His refrigerator.

Matthew 6:19-21    New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁹ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

When starting out in an athletic area we are always advised to get a health evaluation first. My Doctor always checks my heart ( Just to see if I have one. LOL) to see if it is healthy for me to pursue my life as is.  Check your heart and see if it beats for God eternal? Check to see if you have a heart at all for Jesus.

Enjoy the day. It will be gone tonight!

Marty

Firewood It's A Cycle 6/9/2019

Good Morning,

I just sat down to write after eating breakfast with my sister's husband and Rene. We enjoyed a plate of apple stuffed French toast along with a cup of Door County Just Peachy Coffee. He has been staying with us while my sister is recovering from surgery at one of the local hospitals. They are from a town in Central Wisconsin and it might be awhile before they can go home. The poor guy has been stuck eating my cooking for three weeks. He never complains.

Yesterday I started the cycle of cutting and splitting the firewood for this coming fall and winter. Normally I do that while it is still winter. This last year I was laid up with my knee replacements and entrusting a chain saw and an ax to this Humpty Dumpty at that time would have been disastrous. One can't be off balance while handling a chain saw or swinging an ax.

Acts 28:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

² And the natives^[a] showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.

Not being the brightest bulb in the package I have concluded that firewood is a cycle in life. In order to stay warm , you need find logs to cut. Then you need to cut the logs into usable lengths. Then it must be split if the logs are too thick. It makes for better burning and the wood dries out better if it is split. Then the wood must be stacked. Once it starts to get cold you need to take some of your neatly stacked wood into the house. Once you decide to experience a fire, you have to use some kindling and paper to start the fire. The smoke goes up and out the chimney that you cleaned in July. Then the wood you cut and split warms you and your loved ones to a toasty temperature. Come February you start the cutting process all over again.

What knowledge I gained from this chore is this. Your ax, and saw need to be sharp. The wood will warm you three times. Once when you cut it. The next time is when you stack it all and the third time is when you burn it. The first two times are the warmth your body gains with your "sweat equity". The third is the fruit of your labor. Most of all a warm fire is best when it is shared.

But most of all I see God's love in this repeated process. Each year God provides wood for me to cut. He gives me strength. He has provided an beautiful fireplace for us. Some how He always provides Rene and me, others to share our warm house with as well as when it is just the two of us and the dog who desire to just warm up.

Have a great day. Can you tell that I have my eyes set on the cool fall weather already?

Marty

Preparing Our Hearts 6/8/2019

Good Morning,

It's Saturday and I am headed into work for an hour. I will need to leave in a little bit. I am enjoying a cup of Door County Pecan Scones Coffee. So all is well with my part of the world.

Psalm 27:4 King James Version (KJV)

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

Tonight Rene and I will be attending church as usual. We attend on Saturdays and I do the preaching about 90% of the time. I try to have my message ready and complete by Friday. I know what I am wearing ahead of time Saturday night and I try not to plan anything that could interfere with me getting there on time.

What I also try to do and what I am recommending to all of you is to spend some time Preparing  your hearts to worship. take time to pray before heading to church Saturday or Sunday. Rad a Bible verse or two. Don't be rushed. Give yourself plenty of time to get there and be on time.

Most great meals are started off with an appetizer. Why go to church wanting to be spiritually fed and not  preparing your heart to consume what God has for you.

Eat hearty.

Marty

Friday Fish Fry 6/7/2019

Good Morning,

There is the belief that summer has arrived to Wisconsin. I will hold my tongue about what season I prefer. I just poured a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and now it is time to write.

Wisconsin is known for the "Friday Night Fish Fry". 3-4 pieces of fish, fries, coleslaw, bread and tartar sauce will be served in most all of the eating emporiums tonight. We will be partaking in this tradition tonight. There is only one place that I enjoy fish more and that is on a lake, with buddies, a fire, a pan and some fish. It's called "shore lunch". To me there is nothing like catching some fish and then eating them the same day.

But in order to eat a shore lunch you have to go fishing. You have to get into the boat to get away from the shore. There are a lot of life experiences that people never experience because they sit in the boat and never leave the dock.

God gave us charge over the animals, birds and fish in the water. God has provided for our needs. So go ahead and acknowledge what He does for you each day. He will guide your steps right to Him.

God bless,

Marty