Should Have, Could Have, Would Have 7/31/2019

Good Morning,

The sun is up and there is a heavy dew on the grass at our home. I just poured a cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and now it is time to write.

Galatians 6:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Last night as I was coming home from our church board meeting I was traveling on a pretty dark section of highway in our truck. I noticed up ahead in the road that a vehicle had it's emergency lights turned on and they were flashing for some type of distress. As I drove by I could see that the person in distress was a female with a flat tire. By assessing her attire I could tell that she worked in health care.  I stopped and put on a headlamp as well as turning on my emergency flashers. It didn't take me too long to figure out that this young lady had a flat tire. I introduced myself and asked her if she wanted some help. She said that she had tried calling her husband, but he had not left work yet and wasn't able to leave for another hour. I again asked if she would like me to change the tire and she replied "yes please."

I went back to my truck and pulled out some more lights and a simple car jack. The tools I have in the truck made this an easy job. Once I had everything in place I stooped again and began to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. I will admit that I needed to strain and grunt a little to get the lug nuts to move. My new friend in distress reminded me to be careful and not hurt my knees. I thought that her statement was kind of strange. Why did she comment on my knees? I blew off of the comment as just a coincidence that she would mention my knees. No way could she know that I had the joints replaced last December. I finished the tire change and loaded the flat into her trunk, wished her well and was going to leave. She thanked me for the 5th time and then asked. "How are those knees?" I told her they were fine. Then I remembered where I knew her from. She took care of me while I was in the hospital. We both laughed as she knew she had me fooled for a minute and that I couldn't figure out how she knew about my knees. It was pretty funny to be spoofed.

She asked me if I had any regrets about replacing them both at one time. I said "absolutely not. It was the best decision I had made in a long time, but should have made it many years sooner. Why I didn't listen to my doctor, my family, and my friends I will never know."

We both said good night and as I was driving home I recalled those nights of care I needed and received. I then remembered a world class surgeon who called me on Christmas day to check on me. The physical therapists who worked with me and didn't take "I can't" for an answer. I was blessed with family and friends who drove me to appointments. I then remembered the countless ice packs that my wife delivered to my bedside.

Why I write this is,  I am grateful for all who God sent my way to help me over 8 weeks of recovery time. It allowed me to help someone else and it did not hurt one bit. I was able to repay kindness with kindness. This lady I helped was  the beneficiary of the law of the harvest. She reaped what she had sown. Only God could show me that example on a dark road.

Marty

A Tough Man Is A Godly And Gentle Man. 7/30/2019

Good Morning,

Ut's time to wake up and smell the Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee. I for one will have another cup on my way to work.

There are many passages in Scripture where we see Godly men exhibit some real manly traits. For instance King David taking on Goliath and giving him a butt kicking. We see Jesus as the ultimate tough guy just before His crucifixion and during his ordeal on the cross. That was the ultimate in manliness when He could have saved Himself yet He stayed on the cross for the love of us, enduring great pain and sorrow.

1 Samuel 17:34-36 New International Version (NIV)

³⁴ But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.

But listen here tough guys. Jesus was also the perfect example of kindness, meekness, tenderness, sensitivity and compassion. Jesus had people bring small children to Him and He prayed for them. He comforted a wayward prostitute. He healed the lame and spent long hours doing so. He saw a need for people to eat and then fed thousands. He took care of His mother from the cross, while being in great pain. He also wept over the death of a friend.

John 19:25-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”  27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home

Jesus was the ultimate model of a man. He was tough, true and sensitive. Guys if we do anything today, shouldn't we try to imitate Jesus?

Think about it. If you were to die today, How would people describe you? Would it be "One tough kind and gentle man"?

Marty

John, Steve And Prayer 7/29/2019

Good Morning,

Where did the weekend go? Monday arrived on time, but on time for who? It could have slowed down a little for me. I just poured a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. Now it is  time  to  write.

John 5:1-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, ^[a]Bethesda, having five porches. ³ In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, ^[b]paralyzed, ^[c]waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴ For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. ⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

⁷ The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked

Yesterday I had the privilege to pray over a young man named John who has been incapacitated by illnesses for a long time. Rene and I used to attend church with him and his family many years ago. Thanks to social media we have been able to keep in touch. John's father called and asked if someone from our church would be able to travel to the long term care facility to pray over John.  I knew that I would be available but also knew that I wanted more prayer power. I knew that I had to ask my good Buddy Steve. The only problem is that Steve has been suffering with debilitating migraine headaches for the last two months. I asked him this way. "If you are able would you go with me to pray for this young man who you don't even know?" The answer was a resounding "YES".

You see, my friend Steve is filled with compassion and serves God despite all the circumstances that would stop most people. When God calls, Steve goes. When he says he will pray for you he does.

So we went with the family to pray for John. John doesn't speak now but would answer questions by blinking his eyes. When we asked John if we could pray for him he blinked to say yes. While praying and after praying John kept attempting to speak. The task was too difficult for him. We told John that he is loved and we would continue to pray for him. But there was my Buddy ministering to a family he just met, praying with a stranger like they were old friends. Steve just has a way to make you feel comfortable around him. I guess that would be one of the best gifts God gave him. Steve is approachable in a way that I envy.

Friends, how busy are you today? Will you put a halt to your day and travel to pray with someone?
Mull this one over. How busy are you really? Too busy to pray? Too busy to show compassion? If so only you can fix that issue. Jesus stopped on His way to a feast to help someone. Are you like Jesus?

Marty

Only In The Movies 7/28/2019

Good Morning,

This day finds me outside sitting on the patio to write . The morning is very quiet and the weather is most accommodating to being outside with a cup of Door County Birthday Cake Coffee and my lap top.

Rene and I do like watching a good movie together from time to time although our taste in entertainment flicks is usually hardly ever the same. But there are some movie productions that we both enjoy and it is nice to enjoy some popcorn and a soft drink together and escape from reality for a short time. But then the movie ends and reality is back. I always manage to find butter from the popcorn on my shirt and if the movie requires us to think, Rene will have a million questions to ask me and discuss for the next hour or so. The questions are usually about the time frame when I was absent from the movie. Absent you say? Well I hardly ever watch a movie without checking my eye lids for cracks somewhere about half way through. So I really don't get the full entertainment effect until I watch the movie for the second time and schedule my eye lid maintenance for a different time frame within the movie. This eye lid checking I speak of is a 15 minute nap. All that popcorn munching makes me tired.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you"—when you already have it with you.
— Proverbs 3:27-28

Hollywood does a great job of transporting our minds to scenes that are totally impossible to be experience in real life, yet they seem so real while watching the cinema production. For instance many many moons ago when our daughter was very young I took her to see a movie about a boy and his experience with a lovable space alien named ET and a little boy. The movie was quite entertaining yet it was not real. But in the end the little space traveler went home, parting ways with his Earthly little buddy. I heard our daughter crying and she was so sad that ET went home to his outer space habitat that she cried all the way home. We eventually bought her a stuffed ET doll for Christmas, but as she told us. "This isn't the real ET". Try telling a four year old  that the movie wasn't real either.

My point is this. Every day people live the drama of life and it isn't a movie that one can nap through or turn off for another time. In real life people hurt physically and emotionally. Some go to bed hungry or afraid of the night or the next day. As I sit on the patio in a yard adorned with plants and from time to time a stray rabbit or bird there isn't anything but peace and quiet. But that's not reality for many people. I am sure that some of the circumstances in life for some people are like a horror movie that has no end in sight. Only in the movies does pain, suffering and space aliens of 90 minutes.

Friends try to be aware of the pain, sorrow and suffering going on in front of your own eyes and if you can make a difference in a good and positive way for someone, don't hesitate to do so. You might just be able to provide a happy ending to a bad day or situation for others. Heppy endings aren't just in the movies. Many happy endings in life ate yet to be written becuase thee hero hasn'r shown up yet. The hero might be you and you have a starring role in the life of others.

Think about it this way, you might have a supporting role in changing a life by just donating a box of macaroni and cheese to your local food pantry. A young mind with a full belly can study harder and attend school if they are fed. That same person might be the next scientist who may just discover a cure for the nasty deieases of the world.

Food for thought???

Marty

Take Care Of Yourself. 7/27/2019

Good Morning World,

Today is starting with a big cup of Door County Peanut Butter  Crunch Coffee. However you receive this message I ask that you pass it on today and share it with others.

Last winter I finally had to give in and have my knees replaced. Being the dumb guy that I am I waited too long and the repairs needed became worse. I kept thinking, "wait until spring, who will shovel snow if I am not there, but who will mow the grass in the summer, who will do my job at work, who will preach for me? Well I had to give in and I thought for sure that the world would collapse without my guiding hand. I was so wrong. Friends, from time to time we need physical repairs or just plain rest. Our Great Physician God prescribes it.

Psalm 127:2                

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.              

Mark 6:31                

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.              

Hebrews 4:9-11                     

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.              

Proverbs 3:24                     

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.              

Exodus 20:8-11                

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The world did not stop when I healed and rested. It kept on going. We need to take time and spend it resting, recharging, and relaxing. We also need time to be alone with God.

There is another type of rest that people avoid.

Matthew 11:26-30                   
Yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

We all need rest for our souls. Many people struggle daily without having the assurance, and peace of having Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They do not know where they will spend eternity. They wonder and have no peace. Jesus invites us to come to Him and experience forgiveness of our sins and join Him in heaven where we will see God and dwell forever with them. The Holy Spirit is tugging on your heart right now to accept this invitation to Jesus. What are you waiting for?
pray and invite Him in to your heart today. Let me know if I can assist or help.

God bless,
Marty

Retirement And The Luge 7/26/2019

Good Morning,

My coffee this morning is Door County Turtles  In A Cup Coffee. It is very, very hot here once again. So one cup for the road today. And A Thermos filled for later.

People keep asking me what I plan to do when I retire and no one tales my answer seriously. I just can't imagine why.

My wife and I love to watch the Olympics. Last night while discussing the games I mentioned to her that I would  love to represent our country in the Olympics. She inquired as to what event I would like to be in.  I recently started working out again at the age of 62. I explained to her that I thought that I could enter in the luge. She began to laugh and then she said, "don't you have to be able to see over your belly to steer?" That one hurt. So I thought ,until she was laughing again. I had to ask. "What are you laughing about now'? She then said that she had just finished picturing me in Spandex. That one really hurt. I don't really care if I would win a medal. I just figured at 64 they would have to ask me to be on Dancing With the Stars after the Olympics. Then who would be laughing? So what does all this have to do with the luge, the Olympics, and a devotional? Not much at all. I really did not get my feelings hurt. We chose to laugh together. Our home is much happier and full of life when the two of us laugh together. Laughter is music for the soul.

Just before bed Rene hit me with another zinger. " You do realize that the luge is not an inner tube on the side of a snow covered hill? "I thought she was going to wet the bed laughing. All this teasing made me change my mind. It's synchronized swimming for me now.

Psalm 126:2    
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Today, try not to take yourself too serious. Dream big dreams, hope in all things, and laugh like children.

I did do some sit ups last night and then ate a Twinkie. I really work hard on this figure.

God Bless,
Marty

I Am Third 7/25/2019

Good Morning,

The sun is coming up and I am looking forward to watching it for a few minutes as the horizon goes from dark to light. I am sitting here with a large cup of Door County n Creme Coffee and a bowl of Cheerios. It's time to write.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:

¹⁰ If either of them falls down,

    one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

    and has no one to help them up.

¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

¹² Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Last night after coming home from work a little later than anticipated I retreated to the garage to apply the finishing touches to a table I have been working on. After that was finished I happened to look at my wife's car and noticed her black automobile was showing a lot of dust.

I asked if she would like me to wash her car before the sun set on our day and her happy reply was a big yes. It only took 20 or 30 minutes to wash, dry and out away her car for the night. When I came inside Rene was ironing a shirt for me. It is one that she dislikes ironing and isn't all that fond of anyway. I smiled and she said that she felt that if I could wash her car, then she could iron that crazy shirt that I like and one she would rather wash windows with.

Later I laughed and said "Hon we make a pretty good team" and she laughed even harder than I did. She said we are a team of three. I looked at the dog and she said "no not the dog, I thank God every day for the three of us. Him, you and me makes three. "

I had to agree without God we would be a pretty weak team to say the least. Rene is kstubborn and I am bossy with a temper. God seems to be the damper on our weaknesses. I will admit that without Him we would be nothing, but a couple who tolerates each other and fights more than we should. That is just the opposite of what we have. We both know God is the glue, fabric, and starch in this marriage. He teaches us daily to be kind, humble and subservient to each other. Now, there are days when I am sure that I get on her nerves and she certainly gets on mine. But at the end of the day I usually find that I walked away from God. Didn't read His word or neglected to pray.

So for me and Rene both, it goes like this. My God. My family and I am third. This is the equation for life.

Have a great day,

Marty

Your Heart Beats Best When It Beats For Others 7/24/2019

Good Morning,

Door County Bourbon Barrel Pound Cake Coffee just filled my mug and a prayer is on my lips this fine Wednesday morning.

Every day when I come home since 1987 I have been greeted by a furry ball of energy who is happy to just see me come through the door. We have been blessed to own three English Springer Spaniels during our marriage of 1000 years. Walter, Fritz and Gibbs have been the official door greeters over this time period.

Galatians 5:22 English Standard Version (ESV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

What all three of them had in common was their ability to get excited by just having us come home. You could hear their tail beating on the door when it began wagging furiously. Once the door opened they would greet you with the "Happy Dance" whirling around in circles and wanting you to take them out to play. Their hearts were beating with joy, not because of anything they did. We were their joy and they weren't ashamed to show it.

Gibbs tends to greet Rene with a little more easy affection and he greets me in a more robust and playful way. Rene likes the way Gibbs is gentle with her and Gibbs knows that I like to rough house a little. Each of us is greeted in the way we like best.

I am sure many dog owners know just what I am talking about. I have always liked the phrase "A heart beats best when it beats for others". Dogs are a good example of that. They sleep on and off all day long until you come home from work. Then they spring into action just to welcome you.

I see lonely people who tend to be a little bit on the crabby side sometimes. Loneliness is hard to overcome. But I would suggest that it is not impossible to beat loneliness. When I am greeted by the whirling fur ball of joy, I stoop down and scratch some ears and rub a belly to let them know I feel the same way. I say some kind words and greet the greeter. Immediately the issues of work or other long days are gone for at least a little while. My heart is beating for others and it is beating best at that time.

When we let someone know that we are happy to see them and they in turn reciprocate we are experiencing a happy beating heart. So today, stop and think about how you greet others. Maybe your heart isn't beating for anyone. That's too bad. You are the one missing out on a Happy Dance. Remember "you reap what you sow". Happy out, receives happy in return.

God bless,

Marty

Got You Covered 7/23/2019

Good Morning,

I want to start my day with prayer first, a cup of Door County Black And Tan Coffee, and a smile on my face. Now it is time to write.

"What did the blanket say to the bed sheet"?   "Got you covered"?  You could say a roofer has you covered too.

So much for the corny attempts at humor. Here is the meat of my message for today. Someone you know is going down a road in life that they never traveled before. It could be their wedding day is drawing near and they are having anxiety over this big step. It might be a friend or family member starting a new job or enrolling into college for the first time.

Someone might be heading into the surgical suite of a hospital for an unexpected operation. Or it could be a friend who just checked into hospice after a fight with cancer.

Some folks are too proud to ask for prayer, or too shy to admit the are scared senseless. Just because of pride or fear they should never go through a season of fear, anxiety, or doubt without their friends or family lifting them up in prayer. We should not wait to be asked. in fact we should pray and tell them that we will continue in prayer, lifting them up to Almighty God. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do for a person is to pray for them.  Actually, prayer is always the most significant, vital, imperative, essential, critical, crucial…take your pick.  The one thing prayer never is, is a waste.

It ought come as no surprise, therefore, that Jesus calls on us to pray not just for our friends, but also for our enemies, since we are called to love our enemies too: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Pray on!

Marty

What Does Jesus Do On Sunday? 7/22/2019

Good Morning,

A large mug of Door County Brownie Batter Coffee warmed to extra hot is waiting for me to finish writing on this fine Monday morning.

Severe weather rolled through our state over the weekend leaving many without electrical power and damage to their homes. Many roads are still impassable with fallen trees blocking passage.My prayers are with those stricken down by this weather.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus does on Sundays? I have.

Matthew 28:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

I have studied and know that Jesus died for our sins that we might be forgiven when we call upon His name.

Romans 10:13 New International Version (NIV)

¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”^[

This fundamental belief of Christianity is what founded the "Church". The church is the bride of  Christ whom He loves dearly.

Ephesians 5:25-30 English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶ that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.^{[a] 28} In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body.

I would suggest that Jesus goes to church. In the book of Revelation Paul envisions Jesus walking among the churches. So I believe Jesus knows and experiences our churches. He is there and sees who comes in late with no excuse. He listens to the music and knows the hearts and attitudes of those entering the bricks and mortar structures. He knows who struggles with giving of their time and resources.

Revelation 2:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Loveless Church

2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot ^[cbear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

So before you head to church this week I think we should admit that Jesus will be there and He is watching.

Marty

When The Mission Team Leaves 7/21/2019

Good Morning,

I am writing today a little later than normal. My cup is steaming with Door County Silver Reserve Coffee and I am now fully awake.

Matthew 10:40-42 English Standard Version (ESV)

Rewards

⁴⁰ “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. ⁴¹ The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. ⁴² And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Very early this morning our short term mission team for 2019 was sent off to serve God for a week in Puerto Rico. Half of the team stayed in our home last night and the other half stayed close by. It was our assignment of love to house them, wake them up, feed them a light breakfast, and get all of them to the airport on time. My wife and good friend picked up the other half of the group, and brought them to our house at 3:AM so they could all eat together.

A breakfast of fresh fruit, pastry, as well as biscuits and gravy was served. They were all given a bottle of water, some juice and coffee to ease the pain of getting up so early. They have a long day ahead of them and a busy week to come.

Rene has been doing this for quite a few years now. It was her idea to serve breakfast and launch a team as she says "in the right way" many years ago. Her reasons are plain.

1. It is easier to have three people responsible for getting them awake, fed and off to the airport on time. This does not allow for anyone being late and holding up the group.

2. It allows for a last minute supply check. Today it was a missing deodorant that someone forgot to pack that was supplied.

3. It is important to let them know they are loved and respected for their calling and it is out of obedience to God that the team needs to be cared for.

Rene can be a little slow in the mornings from time to time. But when the alarm went off today she was full speed ahead and in no time flat the three of us had the coffee brewed, breakfast was hot or cold, whichever was appropriate for the dish and the water was chilled.

The team ate and not too much later they were shuttled off to the airport, prayed for and sent on their way. It is our goal to meet them at the airport on their return. We will hear some of the stories of how God did something amazing. We will bring them a cold drink and a snack to munch on for their ride home. They will be welcomed home.

We did not go on the trip, but we feel we are part of God's work with them. Our calling is just different from theirs.

Friends, not everyone is a missionary and not all are called to minister in other parts of the world. But you can be a part of the team if you want to help. Are you volunteering at church? Who can you help directly or indirectly with their calling? Be part of the team no matter how menial it seems. What you can do is always needed.

Have a great day.

Marty

Maintaining The Yard 7/20/2019

Good Morning,

Starting today with a large, very large cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee.
www.doorcountycoffee.com

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

We do enjoy our yard. We are truly blessed by our Heavenly Father to have been able to use it for about 25 years now. I remember when our house was first built. Our yard was clay, rocks and dust that first year. Then it started. Some sweat equity, apple trees, grass, bushes flowers, lilacs, blue spruce, maple and white birch trees have all matured. Yet the yard still requires maintenance and work.

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

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


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

The True Vine

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

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


Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV) We are fed through His word.

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

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

Marty

Fighting The Weeds 7/19/2019

Good Morning.

Friday is upon us once again. I started my day with a cup of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee, prayer and some Cheerios.

Last week I decided to really look my lawn over slowly. I have been laid up after eye surgery a few months ago and haven't been able to really take care of my lawn the way I normally do. I am grateful to my wife who has helped me during this time.

I prefer to treat my lawn for weeds myself so that has not been done yet. As I inspected I could find weeds that have crept in and are starting to multiply. So Saturday or Sunday it will be time to feed our lawn and spray the weeds with  a weed killer. In a few days the lawn should be in great shape again. We are expecting some cooler weather and rain. I will attack those weeds and wipe them out.

Friends, life is the same way. If we do not continually feed ourselves from God's Word we will find that the "weeds of life" will creep in and not only ugly up our lives but they will try to choke off further positive growth in the Lord. I wasn't able to treat my lawn for just a few weeks and shabang the weeds came in. Notice I said "weed killer" not weed feed. These weeds have to go. ASAP. They will continue to thrive unless I get aggressive. That is the same with us. Once we see the weeds of life (bad habits, laziness, sin) gaining a foothold they must be wiped out immediately. It only takes a person to slack off a little before the attack on your life begins. I will close with two verses that remind us of the importance on keeping that close walk with God close.

Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV)

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

1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Have a wonderful start to a weedless weekend.

Marty

Depression Can Be Beat 7/18/2019

Good Morning,

I can hear the Door County Caramel Apple Coffee as it drips slowly into the pot. It won't be too long before I fill my cup.

The emotion / illness I want to talk about today is depression. For some it seems as if they can't even feel the warmth of the sun. For them the sun turned ice cold. They find little or nothing to smile about and life seems worthless. They are cold on a hot day. The blood does not seem to flow through their body.

Many of us might have experienced this or we know someone who is. I had a spell of depression in 1981 where it seemed like I would not snap out of it. But someone took a chance to tell me this. "Jesus loves you and I am praying for you. Do you have a Bible? Please read one". It was on a lonely night while in the throws of depression and sorrow that I read a Bible. The verse was this.

Matthew 11:28-30New International Version (NIV)
²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It's at that moment when I heard Jesus calling me. Paraphrased, I heard  "I know you are tired and beat down. I know you are trying to make it. But you won't without My help. Come to me, I care".

My depression was lifted and I had hope for tomorrow. Now I sit here knowing full well that I experienced a miracle and a new birth. But someone took a chance to lead me to the Truth. I needed to know that someone loved me and that Someone was Jesus.

Do you have some Bible verses you can share with someone who's sun has frozen? Here are a few.

Psalm 8:1-6  “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory in the heavens.  Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.  When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them,  human beings that you care for them?  You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.  You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
Deuteronomy 31:8  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Philippians 4:8  “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.”
Psalm 40:1-3  “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
2 Samuel 22:29  “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
Psalm 32:10  “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.”
1 Peter 5:6-7  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Don't leave these people to struggle on their own. They might not know how to ask for help or are too proud to ask or admit it. Give them a word of love and compassion. But always leave them with a Bible verse or the directions on how to find one. God is good and will never let you down when you are genuinely trying to help. If you yourself are depressed seek some help, turn to God's Word. Leave me a comment and an email address and I will get back to you.

God bless you my dear friends.

Marty

Have a great day

Making Choices 7/17/2019

Good Morning,

A big cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee just passed the taste test. So I will have another.

Funny. We will all make choices this week. How do we know if the choice we make is the right one? Read on.

— Proverbs 19:3 —

A person’s own folly leads to their ruin,

yet their heart rages against the Lord.

We hardly notice we’re doing it, although some of us do it often. We get mad at God for whatever hardship we find ourselves in. Yet when we dig down to the root of the hardship, we often find that we brought it on ourselves, either by an unwise decision or by unwisely avoiding a decision that could have prevented it. The finger we point at God could easily be turned back at us. Not all hardship is our own fault. We face many trials that we did not cause. In any hardship, we should not embrace the attitude of many guilt-ridden individuals who, whenever something bad happens, assume they did something to deserve it. But we also shouldn’t be like the fools who rage at God for the ruin that resulted from their own folly. We have to own up to our decisions (and our indecision's), learn from them, and ask God to teach us better ways and move forward in his grace. It’s called personal responsibility. And it produces wisdom.

THE TEST FOR CHOICES
1st. Does your choice exalt Christ?
2nd. Is your choice in line with Scripture?
3rd. Do other Christians confirm your choice?
4th. What kind of fruit is your choice producing?

Use that check list. If your choice does not line up with the test. Back out, get out, pray out, but don’t keep going ahead with it.

God bless,

Marty

Road Rage And A Three Year Old 7/16/2019

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee awaits me in the kitchen after i finish writing today. I am not sure that even my cup of coffee will remove the bad taste I have in my mouth from what I am about to write.

Revelation 21:26-27 New International Version (NIV)

²⁶ The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. ²⁷ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

This past two days have been consumed with gut wrenching terrible news about a three year old little girl who was shot and killed during an act of road rage. I live outside of the big city but the effects of this senseless shooting have rippled outside of the city. I heard someone say yesterday "What next"? I corrected them immediately and told them "I don't know how, but it could be worse. Let's not find out. This one was terrible, sickening, disgusting, and sad all rolled into one. I for one do not want to see what's next".

We can sit and do the finger pointing and blame fatherless homes, poor economic conditions, a feeling of hopelessness, and we can point the finger at gun control. I can see a point in each one of those theories. But when it comes right down to it, shooting someone is wrong. It is a society which all too often chooses wrong over right. We have lost our civility toward our neighbors. When someone chooses to start shooting, they chose to do wrong. It wasn't because of a lack of police or people that don't care. Society has devalued a human life and this is why we see the tragedies we see. Spanking a child is a crime so correcting your child has become politically incorrect. I am not condoning the beating of children, but a spanking of moderation on the backside for doing wrong is appropriate.  The video games that allow kids to pretend to kill hundreds of folks, and shoot up neighborhoods doesn't really show the impact of a gun.  Nightly shootings are a way of life in some neighborhoods. But then little league parents brawling over a game in front of their kids just showed the kids to solve their issues with violence. It's a choice of right or wrong and I do believe that people do know the difference. They make the choice to do wrong and don't see it as wrong. They have no fear of their Creator and His way of life. The problem with that type of thinking is that we will answer to God for what we have done and we should fear His wrath.

Psalm 101:3-8 King James Version (KJV)

³ I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
⁴ A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
⁵ Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
⁶ Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
⁷ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
⁸ I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

I rambled on here and I cannot pray enough for this family. I hope not but I am sure within a week or so there will be another memorial of teddy bears and candles on the street and once again the wrong choice will have been made. My goal is too look forward to the day that this senseless garbage will not be allowed or tolerated. That day will be in heaven.

Marty

Hotter Than A Two Dollar Pistol 7/15/2019

Good Morning,

My day started earlier than normal so my Door County Brownie Batter Coffee is going to do double duty today. It will have to work hard and wake up this tired old body.

Matthew 5:37 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁷ But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Yesterday I happened to hear an old song performed by George Jones. The lyrics explain the dialogue between a young man who owned a fast Corvette with a very attractive woman in the front seat and an older man working in a gas station/ convenience store. The man said that he had one just like it and she was hotter than a two dollar pistol. The young man understood the older man to be complementing his car when in fact he was lusting after his date in the front seat.

Friends, even simple conversations can be misunderstood. Things can go really bad when we fail to effectively communicate. So before we jump to conclusions and respond or react we need to fully understand what was said as well as what was meant. People react too quickly when they think they understand what was said or meant. In many and instances a small misunderstood comment ruins a relationship. Two rules need to be followed.

1. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

2. Think before you speak.

3. When you speak and the response seems peculiar, back track and make sure you were fully
     understood.

4. If you can, before a bad situation gets worse, back track and clear the air. Forgive if needed.
    Ask for forgiveness also, if needed.

Be careful out there, This world is full of words and many are misunderstood.

Marty

When The Sun Comes Up 7/14/2019

Good Morning,

The day began with a stiff cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and prayer. I enjoyed that cup of coffee until it was time to move outside to the picnic table and watch the sun come up. I was accompanied by our dog Gibbs and all of his playful antics. I especially enjoyed watching him stop in his tracks when some morning geese flew over honking a familiar greeting to us. Gibbs zeroed in on their call and sat still watching them fly by. We both nodded to each other and acknowledged that it won't be long until hunting season begins.

Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;^[a]

    his mercies never come to an end;

²³ they are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

No matter what time of the year it is I always enjoy the sunrise portion of my day the best. The day begins for me at sunrise. If I can take time to watch a new day begin and hear a bird or two I have started the day the way I was wired for. This morning, our weather is so pleasant that I almost wished that I could freeze time and enjoy this part of my day a little longer.

One part of all of our mornings should be to be thankful for another day and the things we possess. Today I spent some time and God placed on my heart many relatives that I am very thankful for. I could picture them all and recalled some of the times we spent together. I paused a little longer to be thankful for my wife, daughter, grandson and my old dog. God led me to my friends and I concluded that I am blessed with many friends, some as close as family to me.

So later I will read the newspaper and see some tragedies that will make me pause and pray for someone or how someone wants to raise my taxes. But for now it's just God, me and that old dog Gibbs in the garden of my life. It was good to share this part of the world with both of them. For a short time there weren't any tragedies, taxes or world mayhem to think about.

Each day begins anew every morning. Be sure to greet the day despite any circumstances you are going through as a gift. Cherish it, because you will never have this one again. Use your day to make it a better one for someone. Share in the new dawn with someone if you can.

Philippians 4:19 King James Version (KJV)

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Dear readers, whoever you are and wherever you are you were just prayed for and you are loved. God knows where you are and who you are. I asked Him to bless you with what you need and to take away anything that is not good for you.

Thanks for joining me today.

Marty

A Gift For Saturday 7/13/2019

Good Morning,

I just started my Saturday with prayer and by brewing a pot of Door County White Christmas Coffee. This pot has used up the last of my Christmas coffee until the holiday flavors return in a few months. That date is always something to look forward to.

Today I want to stimulate some thought around prayer ad ask that you all might inquire of God, someone you could pray for. Then as the Holy Spirit reveals that to you, spend some time in prayer. This person could be half way around the world from you, and that is fine. They might live next door to you or even in your own home.

Philippians 1:3-6 New International Version (NIV)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

You will bestow upon them the blessing of love with your prayer from them being lifted up to God. They don't need to know that you prayed for them, or it is just fine to let them know they are loved and prayed for. That is entirely up to you to make the call to inform or not. to inform. Your list might grow from one person to many, many more. Again that is up to you and the Holy Spirit.

I celebrated Christmas in July this morning and we all know that at Christmas, we usually give gifts to people we know and love. Today I would like for us all to give someone a gift of prayer.

If you are really struggling to find someone to pray for, myself and my family will always lovingly be receivers of prayer.

Have a blessed day, by giving the blessing of your prayers to Heaven to others.

Marty

There Is A Time And A Place For Everything 7/12/2019

Good Morning,

Friday it is and I am looking to cooking out with my wife and her mom tonight. But first it is time to face the day with a full cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and a heart full of gusto to be alive.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 New International Version (NIV)A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die, You will do both.
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,You reap what you sow, If it was bad seeds you sowed, pull                                                                     them up and replant seeds of good.
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance, be respectful of both, mourning and dancing.
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, Give people their space. Hug as needed.
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up, The grass isn't always greener on the other side
    a time to keep and a time to throw away, Sometimes we just need to walk away and not look back
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak, Sometimes we just need to be quiet
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.  A time to fight

There has always been someone who has said it is never right to fight. This would be contrary to what the Biblical stand is. As much as it is OK to fight injustice such as someone trying to harm your family or friends there is also a time to be peaceful. For instance if someone were trying to physically harm my family they would be walking on the fighting side of me. Yet an attempt at a peaceful solution would be a good and acceptable approach.

When our feelings are hurt we should go and seek peace stating our case to the person who hurt our feelings in private. It is best to pray about the time and the place. For instance the day of a funeral is not a good time to air your angry emotions, especially in public. There is a time and right place to do so.

There is also a time to basically eat our emotions, be quiet and cease the anger. God will let you know when that is.

Sometimes we can't change the situation. We need to accept what we cannot change and wait for the right time to try for a change.

Marty