The End Of October MEN 10/31/2020

 Good Morning,

I am taking in the morning with gusto. I enjoyed a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and some cookies for breakfast. Not the best breakfast but very adequate.

Philippians 2:3  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than others. 

November will be upon us tomorrow and it just seems like yesterday it was October 1st. We have purchased our turkey for Thanksgiving but due to covid the day will be celebrated by just the two of us and our dogs. My wife Rene asked that we try to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I was leaning toward lasagna myself. But I think she is looking for anything to be normal on that day, since we won't be celebrating with family and friends this year. So a bacon wrapped turkey smothered in maple syrup will be roasting that Thursday

I guess it is the least I can do for her. I have been watching her and she is worried about catching the pestilence or spreading it to others. She is Type 1 Diabetic and has seen first hand the impact of the virus on me. But enough of the virus talk. This is a time (MEN) when we can lead or spend time on the internet harping on masks, no masks, vaccine, no vaccine, no social distancing or social distancing. It is a waste of time to do so. 

It should be our goal during these times of uncertainty to lead with more prayer as a family. Take on preparing the meal yourself or with the kids. Celebrate with others safely if you choose that route but step up and make the day about those around you, not just about feeding your faces and then running off at the mouth on social media. 

Just be more of a part of the day than just an attendee at the table. Write each person a card and tell them how grateful you are to be a part of their lives. Surprise them. If you have teenage kids text them a special note. They will have their phones handy.

Think about it. 

This year has been tough on the family. Give them something to talk about, seeing you preparing the meal or baking a pie.

Marty

Turning Back The Clocks 10/30/2020

 Good Morning, 

I have a large cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee in front of me and a few things on my heart and mind today. I can smell the pot of navy bean soup I started earlier, simmering in the crock pot. It is time to write. 

On Sunday morning at 2:AM we are all supposed to turn back the clocks one hour. We usually turn ours back just before we go to bed. Some people say "An Extra Hour Of Sleep". In my mind it's more like "How Do I Set That Clock In The Car Again"!!! To me it is an inconvenience. At 4:PM now it will be dark when I come home from working. 

But as usual my mind started to wandering. What if we could just turn back the clock to October of 2019? What would you do differently? Would you have stocked up on more toilet paper? Or maybe you would have purchased more disinfectant wipes hand sanitizers and sprays? Would your pantries and freezers be filled? Would masks, gloves and Tylenol be in your cabinet?

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

For me, I would have done all of the above, but I would have also prayed more knowing now what I did not know then. I would have been praying more for our world, country and local governments. I would have visited some people more and spent time with them. Some I won't see until I reach the gates of Heaven. 

Here's the hard cold truth. We can't go back and we now are restricted to less travel. We can't go to and fro like we used to. We are wearing masks and now it is a fight between two opinions, to wear or not wear a mask. Sporting events are cancelled or restricted. Kids are in school one day and then home for two weeks. We have learned to eat pizza at home.

Friends, there is one thing that hasn't changed. We can still pray and we can petition God for our needs and desires. He hasn't moved but He has shown what it is like when He is silent and disease ravages the land.  I have more respect, love and fear of God than ever before. 

Saturday night our church will be in prayer from 6:30 PM until 4:AM the next morning. I am sure the world's health and state of mind will be on the agenda. I am asking this. If you wake up in the middle of the night Saturday into Sunday join us in prayer for even a minute or two. Shame on me. We should have been doing this last year. If you have a mind to share this with others please do so today. 

Have a great day.

Marty

Exhale 10/29/2020

 Good Morning,

The day started awhile ago for me with prayer and a restless spirit. More prayer and a cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee is ahead of me in a few minutes.

I mentioned above that I am restless in spirit. I am not sure why. It could be covid overload. It could be the election in the United States or the stock market. It could be my age and the poor duck hunting season it has been,. It could be the friends and relatives I know who are hurting with illness or injury. 

I took some time to sooth my spirit with the Word of God last night. I found some peace and rest within the Word. I thought I would share some of the passages I read. Because, just maybe, you are restless too. 

Psalm 42:1-11 

To the choirmaster. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah. As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation .

Ephesians 6:11-17 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ..

Matthew 6:33-34 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 31:5

Father into thy hands I commit my spirit.

Have a great day, God Bless

Marty

God's Intricate Design 10/28/2020

 Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. I have a busy day ahead of me and I am looking forward to coming home and resting up for Thursday.

Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our own image.

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I was walking alongside of a wall that was covered by vines the other day. The leaves on the vines had started to turn to their fall colors and it looked like the wall had just been painted with this beautiful foliage design. I put that thought through the brain mill a little bit and I realized that the wall (made of concrete) was made by man. But only one Artist could color it the way this one was. I could really see God's work first hand. 

This made the brain mill turn faster and I saw something that man made and it was ordinary gray concrete. Many of us believe that we are like cement. Nothing too special about us nor is there anything special about what we do. We forget that God has designed each one of us and there is only one of us. There is none other like us. We are one of a kind. God has a plan for each of us and it is intricately designed to fit each of us. We see cement and God sees Himself in each of us and  that alone makes us beautiful.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So special people, rejoice knowing that God loves you and made you with a pattern important enough to be one of a kind. Let His love shine through and decorate you like am artist's canvass. 

Marty

There Is Pleasure In Listening 10/27/2020

 Good Morning,

The old coffee pot is brewing some Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee in the kitchen. That aroma is one good alarm clock. It wakes me up everytime. A pleasant way to start the day. 

Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no please in understanding (listening) but delight in airing their own opinions. 

I was blessed as a young man to be able to stay with grandma and grandpa for a few weeks every summer. One year I spent most of the summer there. Grandpa and I were always doing something. And as it usually goes with people, while on our adventures we would talk about many things. You just knew when it was time to listen and you knew when it was time to ask questions. Sometimes there would be a test at the end of our conversations. I recall one day after I had been out trout fishing alone and I came back with a basket filled with brook trout. I had already cleaned them and was ready to have them frozen for another day. Grandpa asked me a question and I knew it was a test. He said "you know grandma's friend next door likes trout. Her husband used to fish a lot. He can't fish anymore. What do you think about that?' I thought for a minute, maybe two. I replied. "It probably would be nice if I took these fish over to her and gave them to her." He replied, "You have been listening and watching." 

I never did forget that lesson or many of the other ones I was taught. You see, it pays to listen and be quiet. Think through your comments. If I could sit with grandpa in that little boat one more time I would listen to what he had to say a little better. Listening can bring great joy. 

I just looked at that picture of grandpa. Wow he looks like someone I know. 

God bless.

Marty

Because We Love Our Nation 10/26/2020

 Good Morning,

Here comes Monday and I have a tough job ahead of me today. I am looking forward to finishing it with perfection and coming home as soon as possible. My mug was just filled with Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and now it is time to write.

The election for president of the United States is coming to us on November 3rd. I have never been polled for how I am going to vote as much as I have in this election. When you talk to the poll takers, as long as you tell them what they want to hear they seem to be listening. They ask for your age, gender, ethnicity and education level. Then they always ask "if they election were today, how would you vote" No one really calls to listen to our thoughts on issues. The election is two sided  and to be honest I think both sides could be classified as a ship of fools. 

What I am really looking for is a leader who can listen to the other side and glean the good ideas and make both parties work together for the good of our nation and the world. Both sides continue to bomb the other side with caustic rhetoric. They fail to see God's advice for a solution. There are some leaders who speak with great ideas and passion on both sides. I say some, not all. The rest are consumed by party allegiance and are blind to embracing other leaders with respect, dignity, and love of our country and those who live here. A great leader will reach across party lines and not always insist on having it his or her way. The way of what is best for the nation, and it's people should be followed by speaking the truth in love. 

Clearly God has the answer. Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors. 

Be mindful, it is important to speak the truth of God in love to all leadership. Stand for the goal of bringing some good to the world. In order to do that we need to listen in love and our thoughts delivered in word or writing must be seasoned with kindness and thoughtfulness. To be heard you must be worth listening to. This goes for the leadership and the the constituents.

Have a great Monday.

Marty

A Little Humor For The Soul 10/25/2020

 Good Morning,

Our fireplace was burning well into the night and once I clean out the ashes it will be warming the house again. Until then, the large mug of Door County Hazelnut Creme Coffee sitting next to me will have to remove the chill from my bones. 

Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart a spirit is crushed. 

I have written a daily blog now sine 2012 and have been doing the preaching on Saturday nights for our church services for about the same amount of time. Not long ago during the start of the covid nightmare we decided to purge the house on unwanted items or things that we just didn't need. While cleaning out a closet in our home I discovered a shoe box hidden in the corner of a large closet. It was kept closed by two strong rubber bands, When I pulled it out and opened it up I found 17 crisp One dollar bills. Rene walked in and immediately turned red in the face. I asked her what the story was behind the money. She replied honestly and said that she decided to put a dollar away everytime I wrote a blog statement or preached a sermon that was not up to par. I smiled and was pretty proud that after all these years there was only 17 dollars in the box. Her head hung as she told me that we had $1100 dollars in the bank. "I would never keep that much cash in a shoe box."

Friends that did not really happen. But I thought I would take a shot at making you smile. Rene and I both laughed that one off with gusto. I asked her where she kept a shoe box with cash from my bad blogs or sermons. She laughed and said "thanks for the trip to Hawaii"!  Ouch!!

We all need some humor now and then and we should take the time to enjoy a laugh or two with clean banter or fun surprises. We should never make someone feel bad with humor. But to join in with someone who is sharing a laugh is harmless and good for the soul. 

So today look for something that gives you a little humor or a lot of huumor. If it is worth sharing, do so. God gave us the ability to laugh. I think He meant for us to use it.

Have a great day.  God bless,

Marty

Two Or More 10/24/2020

 Good Morning,

I am up and out of the house early today. My plan is to do some goose hunting, maybe with a few ducks mixed in. God's will be done! My Thermos Bottle was just filled with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. I will be enjoying some of that brew on my ride to the hunting field my buddy found to hunt in.

 

Saturdays are always a big day for me and not just because of hunting. My wife Rene and I attend church on Saturday nights. I normally do the preaching for most of the Saturday night services. I enjoy preparing the messages for our flock and I love working with the Holy Spirit to write and deliver the message, 

I enjoy gathering with others for worship and study. I really take to heart the value of corporate worship and corporate prayer. There are many times while preaching or listening to the music I can sense the presence of God.  My faith is stirred when I recall Matthew 18:20. Where two or more gather in My name, there am I with them. This makes me want to prepare my heart for church services because I don't want to miss out on gathering with the flock and Jesus. 

Friends, Given this verse, are you prepared for church services. Do you show up on time? Why wouldn't you want to be prepared by prayer and being on time? Again I ask why? Do you show up to the online broadcast in your pajamas eating breakfast? Again, if you believe the Bible to be true, why would you miss gathering with God? Would you really be eating a breakfast burrito while meeting with God?

Only you can answer these questions, Only you and God know just how you operate. I was blunt today. But please don't blame the sermon because you don't feel fed. You missed out on the Spiritual appetizers and missed out on some of the main course because you needed a cup of coffee before you could join the flock .

Tough words for a Saturday, But consider this. You were warned ahead of time, so Sunday being tomorrow should not be a big surprise. Wake up early. Prepare you heart. Show up on time.

Marty

I Hope I Never See That Day 10/23/2020

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk ready to write with a cup of Door County Heros Blend Coffee next to me.One dog is at my feet and the other one seems to be giving my wife instructions in the kitchen. She is baking biscuits and he is overseeing the project. 

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, " I find no pleasure in them."

Today I will look into getting older. The years are creeping up on me now. There are many things that are more difficult to do now than they were just 15  years ago. Some things like cleaning the gutters on the house have been put aside by installing leaf filters over them. It is no doubt that duck hunting in marshes is starting to be more and more difficult with age. So I need to hunt differently and rely on a boat more than I used to. I am sitting here black and blue from a few tumbles I took while duck hunting last week. 

Today's Scripture reminds us to spend time with God during our youth and serve Him with gusto. This is to be done while you still are able. Mission trips were easier when I was younger. I hope to do a few more after this covid nightmare is sunset. But, I will need to take the easier ones, not the butt breakers of the past. By the way, I love that word gusto! (enjoyment or vigor in doing something; zest)

My hope is that right up until my last breath I see each day as a blessing and take it on with gusto for the Lord. Someday I might not be able to hunt, but I hope to be able to participate by praying for friends who are hunting and making them a meal. I hope to be on my last breath and am able to smile and tell someone I love them. I hope I never find a day with "no pleasure". I know where I am going after death so I hope my last days are spent serving the Lord and others. I hope to find the pleasure of old age, I hope I never see a day without pleasure in God, family and friends. Give me gusto!

These are my hopes for the future. Just saying! God bless,

Marty

Save On The Stress And Save Money 10/22/2020

 Good Morning,

Today is Thursday. I looked over the top of my glasses and I can see Friday! I am starting this day with a big cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. It's a good one.

Today many couples spend a lot of time in marriage counseling. Needless to say that they also spend a lot of money. No doubt there is a lot of stress on marriages these days. I would be lying if I said my wife and I never had any differences of opinion that expressed itself in anger toward each other. When that has occurred we head straight to therapy. It takes two different methods to straighten us out.

Here is our version of therapy.  
#1. Stop, time out! It's time to pray. That is the first step and it brings God on to the scene on our behalf.

Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Psalm 107:28-30 

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven

 

#2 We go to Scripture and read what God has designed for love. Once that is done either one of us or both will find where we were wrong and apologize. Below is what we both read and are usually convicted by the Holy Spirit within minutes of what we are lacking on God's love scale.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV)

⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

God has a plan for everything in life and He doesn't charge for office time. He tells us that when we call on Him He is there, and He has already given us the directions. It's a fix it yourself kit with a hot line to the Designer of All Things.

Have a wonderful day!
God bless,
Marty 

Save Some For Another Day 10/21/2020

 Good Morning,

Last night  I came home and slept in my own bed. I looked forward to being there and hearing about all I missed at home and catching up with my wife.

I love to duck hunt and really enjoy the time spent on the water or in a field. But sometimes when the shooting is real good you want to stay and shoot more ducks. But legally there is a limit on the amount you can shoot. Also there is a moral limit on not wanting to shoot up a great waterhole and not leave some for next year. 

My thought for today is this. Many things are legal to do, but morally they tip the scale in the wrong direction. It's legal to drive 70 miles per hour on some stretches of the road. It is also legal to pass people who are going slower. But morally it is not right to give them the "hey slow poke" look as you pass them or worse yet a one finger salute.

Freedom of speech is legal but can go totally bad when we tip the morality scales and every other word is offensive and raw. 

Check your "it's legal to do meter" against the moral meter of the Bible. I bet you would be found guilty in God's court.

Have a great day!

Marty

Understanding A Three Year Old 10/20/2020

 Good Morning,

I am in need of a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and a nap this afternoon.

Many years ago when our daughter Kristy was very little and we were preparing supper one night she kept telling my mother that she wanted corn soup. Now three year olds usually have a language all their own but this one had us stumped. My mother was showing her all kinds of canned soup and Kristy kept saying no "I want corn soup". Finally we stood her at the shelf and told her to show us corn soup. She happily pulled out a can of creamed corn. We were bested by a three year old. Each time I open a can of creamed corn I think about that day. I have many fond memories but that one stands out for whatever reason.

Our Father God in Heaven has fond memories of us too. God would probably be one of those Little League Parents that gets all excited and does the one person wave when their kid gets a hit. Jumping up and down cheering for you and me. After all He is our Father. Dad's and Mom's are the best cheerleaders. 

So today when you are out in the middle of life. Know that God is watching and cheering you on. His thoughts are on you!

Psalms 139:13-18
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

God bless,
Marty

Sometimes It Is Not Easy To Give An Honest Answer 10/19/2020

 Good Morning,

Still duck hunting and hoping to have a cup of Door County Heroes Coffee. Plenty of prayer time while hunting these last few days. Sweet time off!

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. 

Sometimes when we are asked to tell someone the truth about a situation it can hurt us or them. It seems as if we are in a no win situation. I had someone ask me this question, "Do you see anything wrong with my actions"? This person had made a mess of their life and now wanted an honest answer as to what I saw. I replied "you drink too much alcohol and I think you have a problem with it." He never spoke to me again accept to tell me I was wrong. He is in jail now for killing two people while he was driving drunk. His mother wouldn't even speak to me. Ouch. I had been tempted to just say, "I don't know". But then I would be lying. What a circumstance to be in!

As difficult as it is, we need to be truthful and yet be compassionate with our answers. But an honest answer must be given or we are part of the problem. 

Be blunt when needed but season it with kindness. Pray and hope for the best.

God Bless,,

Marty

Losing Someone You Love 10/18/2020

 Good Morning,

Not in position yet to start my day with a hot cup of Door County Coffee. But If I were, it would be a big cup of Cherry Creme. 

A few years ago my mother went on to be with the Lord.  A few weeks later my Dad expressed to me how much he missed her and that it seemed like every day was a new first for him. He explained that the first time he drove past the ice cream shop was a first. He went on and talked about how he and mom used to stop there for an ice cream cone or sundae. So seeing it the first time without her was a first. My heart ached for him. I never thought of it that way.

A few weeks after that my wife and I went to Door County for a few days of rest and antique shopping. Life had been pretty stressful for me also. I was still at that time, recovering from an illness and the loss of my mom which was very unexpected and it had taken a toll on me. The get away was much needed. We had a wonderful time and my wife purchased an antique desk. I have written about the desk before. Since it would never fit in our Ford Escape she told the antique dealer that I would be back the following weekend with a truck to pick it up. 

The following weekend I found myself back in Door County Wisconsin. I arrived before the antique shop opened for business. The week before my wife and had eaten breakfast at the Door County Coffee Company. I love their baked oatmeal. Well not being one to never treat myself to a goodie or two I returned to eat breakfast and ordered my baked oatmeal. I was sitting there alone thinking about the wonderful time we had when she and I were there just days ago. But now she wasn't. I felt alone and almost in tears when I realized what my dad was experiencing. It hit hard. 

I bet many of us have attended funerals and we all say. "Just call if you need anything". And for a couple weeks we call the widow or widower and before we know it we just don't call as much if at all. Yet they are still going through "firsts". We need to continue with compassion and remember our friends and loved ones who have experienced the loss of their child, mate, or parent.  I know I fall short in this and, instead of constantly looking to show love, I often will give in to a love of self instead of a love for others.  Maybe you too can identify with that thought.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

 

Colossians 3:12-13  Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,  compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and,  if one has a complaint against another,  forgiving each other;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

 

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself  unstained from the world.

Let's remember those going through firsts. And make sure we call them. They probably really won't call us. 

God bless,
Marty

Chained to Yourself 10/17/2020

 Good Morning,

Saturday arrived and I will be duck hunting today and resting later. No Door County Coffee for me yet, But there is hope for some later.

I once went to a Bastille Days celebration with my wife. There was an escape artist on the street letting people tie him up in a straight jacket and when they had him tied in as tight as they could and as secure as he could be, the artist twisted and contorted, dislocating a shoulder and bam he was out of the straight jacket. 

Photo Credit Wikipedia

He challenged anyone to see if they could do it. I volunteered and before you all start laughing about me being in a straight jacket, just STOP! Two people laced and latched me up. I could barely breathe and they gave me three minutes to get out. As hard as I tried, I could not budge the restraints and dislocating anything was not an option.  After three minutes the artist and the crowd all started walking away leaving me behind and helpless. Even my wife walked away. The joke was on me and I must have looked like I was in a panic or they knew I was plotting my revenge, 

But the experience has a lesson to it. By nature we are not necessarily forgiving people. Our nature wants to hold grudges and plan revenge. Our heart begins to feel chained to hurt, anxiety and anger. We could at times seem unapproachable. Really, how many people walk up and approach people in a straight jacket? The inability to forgive, chains us to ourselves and we fail to love those around us. This is especially true when we are wronged over and over by the same person.

Matthew 18:21-22 The Peter came and said to Him, "Lord how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus replied to him, "I do not say to you. up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

The number Jesus gave to us is meant to represent an infinite number, Think about it. If God forgave you up to 700 times, you would be on a fast ride to hell. God forgives and it isn't a finite number. He doesn't keep a score. Neither should we with other people. Take yourself out of the chains or straight jacket you are in. Forgive freely.

Marty

Some Words Of Advice 10/16/2020

 Good Morning, 

I am having my last cup of Door County Coffee for awhile. I will be taking a few days to go and duck hunt with friends. I will be writing if the internet service is decent where I am staying. But for today my cup is filled with Door County Irish Creme Coffee. Let's see what I can do over the next four days and if I can hijack the coffee pot.

Psalm 5:3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice, in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

I received a call the other night and it wasn't a good one. I was informed that our nephew had fallen and injured himself on a construction site in Tennessee. He is doing better now but at a young age you don't need to be setting yourself up for problems when you are older.

My wife and I went to prayer immediately. As soon as I can I will be talking with that guy, one question will be asked. Did you seriously pray for safety before you started working? He always reminds me to pray before we hunt. We pray for gun safety, our dogs, and we get a little greedy and ask for a bounty to be had. I always add to our prayer and ask God to help him shoot straight ! LOL

Friends, we need to start every day with prayer and end it with a gratitude prayer every night. I need to heed my own advice and the advice I am giving you comes straight from the Word of God.

Why start a day without asking to God to join you in it and watch over you?

Love to all,

Marty

Prayer For Covid And The Men's Bible Study 10/15/2020

 Good Morning, 

My day began with prayer and a large cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee.

This past Tuesday our Men's Bible Study met to study for an hour or so. The pandemic has butchered our attendance. But all in all we had a pretty good group there. As our study always does we take prayer requests from the guys and then someone volunteers to pray for that request. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. 

The subject of Covid 19 came up and we decided to make that an object of our prayers in a direct way and with tenacity. We all agreed that this nation and this world should be on bended knee to fight this evil with prayer. One guy said "why wait to pray later". Let's pray now and to be honest with you, everytime I think about it or hear about Covid 19 I begin to pray about it. We prayed with emotion and it was prayer straight from the gut,

I hope you will join me in a direct and pointed time of prayer each day for God to heal our land. We need to turn to Him in a mighty way. This is short and to the point. People it is long overdue for this country and the rest of the world to humble themselves and cry out to the Living God.

I will close with this. You are loved and we are not defeated. We need to pray and agree!

Marty

We Cry And God Knows It 10/14/2020

 

Dear Friends,

Coffee of the day is Door Wisconsin Harvest Blend. Comfort Coffee. May your cup overflow with goodness today. 

                                                      

 As I studied God's word last night in the peace and quiet of my den, I started to ponder the past week. I wondered. Do we all feel somewhat insignificant once in awhile in this big world? Do we all get lonely from time to time? Do we all experience troubles from time to time?

I prayed and admitted that I get those feelings now and then.And like everyone else I have troubles by the boat load all too often. We probably all have said things like this. "I haven't accomplished anything today." Why am I here." "Where's God in all this?" Admit it. We all have had some of those insecure thoughts. It would be so easy to think that we don't matter. With God running the universe does He really have time for me?

Of course the answer to that is, yes He does. You ask. How do I know? The Bible tells me so!

In the following verse we see that God has our tears contained.

You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
Psalm 56:8

God knows each of us so well that He does know where we are, what we are doing, and even when we cry. As a manly man, who sheds very few tears and if I do, I do it privately. It is comforting to know that in my deepest and darkest, better and best times I am not alone. So even if God is busy running the universe, He comes to dry my eyes and watch over my wanderings.

God Bless 

Marty Schutte

Old Boots And Preservative 10/13/2020

 Good Morning,

Today is a chilly one in this part of the world. I foresee a fire being made pretty soon in the fireplace today. My Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee isn't hot enough to take away the chill today. 

The other day I was looking at my old chore boots and they needed some preservative oil. I purchased these boots 10 years ago and they have served me well. I probably will retire them a year from now and bring home a new pair. But for this year they will be well oiled and used often. 

I thought about the cycle of life for my boots. I learned a long time ago from my grandfather that a boot should be taken care of.  So when I purchased the boots, before I wore them anywhere they received 3 coats of boot oil. They became softer and were well waterproofed. 

Cycle one of the boots, they were preserved before they went out.  It led me to this thought. We should teach our children about God starting at a very young age. They should learn to pray and learn to love God. Preserve early.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

My boots always receive a few coats of oil throughout the year. Now for boots that is enough. Depending on the activities they have been in, I might need to clean them and apply more. This makes them last. They are ready to go out again and again. So my next thought was this. If my boots are ready to go, shouldn't I be oiled up and ready to meet the harsh world?  This comes by preserving my thoughts and actions by being covered in the Word of God. This is the middle cycle of the boots.

Psalm 119 :11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against thee. 

As you can see from the picture the boots are worn and next year they won't be with me. But they have work to do for another 365 days, I will treat them as if they were new and oil them to preserve them. This reminded me of the last cycle in life. They need to keep working until they can't. There is value in finishing strong. My soul is preserved by my faith in Jesus Christ. But until the Lord calls me home, I need to keep working in some type of ministry. 

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Boredom Can Cause Problems 10/12/2020

 Good Morning,

I can't wait to drink that first cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee this morning. I prayed about this message for awhile before deciding to write. So let's go!

Yesterday while listening to a sermon from our pastor he mentioned King David and his act of fornication with a married woman, which led to his planning the death of her husband. During this time of the year David should have been off to war. But for some reason he stayed back and was on top of his roof at night and saw a lady bathing outside.  Not having anything to do David went to the roof. He spied a naked beauty and instead of retreating from the roof he stayed and inquired about who she was. Eventually he called her to the palace and the rest is history. She conceived his child and then David, to cover his sin ,devised to have her husband killed on the battlefield. 

2 Samuel11:1-5 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.

2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. 5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.”

David could have left the roof. Repented of lusting, And saw to it that he did not go there again. He could have been busy praying for his men on the battlefield. He could have been praying for wisdom on how to lead the nation. He could have been praying for the women left behind when the men went to war, But instead he wandered to the roof and let sin control his actions.

My point for the day is this. In the Lords Prayer it says lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. David's success was only a prayer away. Your next temptation is only minutes away, hours or days, Be in prayer for protection from sin. Read your Bible. Keep busy for the Lord, your family and your vocation. Stay active and healthy and above all, avoid boredom. 

It ruined a King, it could easily ruin us.

Marty

The Simple Things 10/11/2020

Good Morning,

The day has begun and compared to yesterday it is a total opposite. It is cold and damp outside and I am sitting at my desk drinking a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. I am comfortable and the aroma from a roaster filled with Italian pork is making it's way to the den. Time to write.

This Covid 19 thing has made many of us return to the basics. More people are staying home and enjoying what God has given them. We have discovered bonfires and quiet music. There is now a shortage on canning lids because people have started gardening more and preserving the harvest God blessed them with. I found that I like dehydrated apples and a few slices in my oatmeal does wonders for my spirit and my taste buds. When I see the apples in the oatmeal I am reminded me of Who blessed us with a nice crop. The food dehydrator received a big work out this fall. 

Ecclesiastes 3:13 Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in his toil. This is God's gift to man.

Rene and I have always been simple folks and like it that way. We try to never make things confusing or difficult. We do dine out now and then with restaurants known to follow all of the safety rules for Covid but that is very few. Television right now is one political ad after another and the ads are ugly. So very little television is watched right now. 

Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise, the simple.

A few weeks ago, I buried my sister and before she passed my brother and I visited her twice. The first time we were there we knew she would be passing, yet she was still alive and boisterous like she usually was. She said to me, "don't forget to celebrate now and then, especially birthdays". A week later we visited her on her death bed. She was awake but unresponsive. That advice of celebrating stuck with me. Today I am rejoicing over the fact that a buddy of mine who, we are praying for is up and moving one day after a hip replacement. I am very happy for him. Another dear lady friend of ours was just released from the hospital where she had been extremely ill. We celebrated last night in prayer and thanksgiving. 

Tonight Rene and I will be dining on stuffed apples. It's the same stuffing you would make for a turkey. It is just packed into apples that have been hollowed out.

Some people might find our life boring and that's ok. I find it kind of exciting as I look for reasons to celebrate. And celebrate we will. I believe I will find the simple things more often than not are providing quiet and peaceful reasons to celebrate. 

Friends, look around you today at your blessings, like your children, your home, your coffee, and then celebrate. I am drinking my coffee today from a mug given to me by friends. It is often pictured in this blog. Today I am celebrating the two friends who gave it to me and duck hunting which I hope to be doing at the end of the week, Take away the frowns and replace them with smiles. You are loved. Keep it simple!

Marty

 

You Can't Have No Idea How Little I Care. 10/10/2020

 Good Morning,

Saturday it is! I am enjoying the morning sun today and washing the day down with a large cup of Door County Maple Coffee.

Last night while working on a small project at home I was afforded the luxury of watching television at the same time. More or less I listened to a movie titled Monte Walsh. It was a cowboy shoot um up kind of movie. What stood out was a quote the main character used at least twice in the movie.

"You Can't Have No Idea How Little I Care"

This was said to people who had wronged the old cowboy and now needed help, The old guy just left them to suffer through their issues. I think all too often as Christians our ability to talk a good game does allow people to see just how much we don't care. We at times are long on advice, Bible verses, and prayer which are good but come up short on compassion and action.  We might as well just say "You can't have no idea how little I care". 

The truth of the matter is this. People can see through the Christian smoke and mirrors. They are at first impressed with our first attempt at love, by just willing to spend some time with them. But when they present needs to us or are truly in need of more time, we pass them on to someone else or fail to go the extra mile. It is at that time they begin to know just how much you don't care. Someone once said "People don't care about how much you know. They look to see how much you care." 

We see church attendance in the United States lessening every year. I don't believe we can blame the preachers for that.The Gospel of Jesus is what everyone needs and I am sure the sermons aren't to blame. I place the blame on those in the pews or sitting behind their televisions for the decline. You have shown the world just how much you really don't care. We need to get involved with people. When a person comes across your path and is hurting. Are we foolish enough to ignore them? God knew who you would encounter. He often works through us to help and assist others. 

So if church attendance seems a little sparse, look yourself in the eye and ask "Do I really care"? Believe me, God knows exactly how little you care.

Marty

A Nice Warm Fire. 10/9/2020

 Good Morning,

Door County Caramel Apple Coffee is in the mug next to me. Two dogs are sitting on my feet and now it is time to write. 

There is nothing like a fire place with some logs burning, crackling and heat permeating the house on a cold day.  I watch our two dogs when our fireplace is glowing nice and warm. They find their way to a spot right near the fire and they warm up. The older one especially likes that heat after a day of duck hunting. Actually, after being fed and cleaned up, he will stand by the fireplace waiting for me to light it up and get those logs burning.

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, "I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name," His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot.

Christian friends, God's Word is like that also. His Word within us is like a fire that makes our hearts glow. It is a fire that cannot be put out. God is watching and waiting by the fireplace of our hearts to stoke that fire any and every time we step forward to be used  by Him to serve others in this world in His name. 

But I have to ask you this. Is the fire roaring within you? Or is it barely burning at all? When was the last time you went to God's Word to fuel the fire? If I don't add wood to the fireplace which is keeping the house warm, it soon grows cold and isn't comfortable. Our dogs get cold and they move to another place in the house where it is warmer. 

Add some fuel to the fire within today. Open your Bibles and fan the flames.

Have a great Friday.

Marty

I Fought With A Candy Bar 10/8/2020

 Good Morning,

The alarm clock went off and I declared war on it today. I can smell the Door County Caramel Apple Coffee brewing in the kitchen. A little extra sleep is needed.

Last night I went to the basement to retrieve something from the pantry and a bag of candy bars was sitting on the shelf. I purchased them about a week ago for  a little duck hunting trip I hope to take later this month. But there they were, staring at me. They were giving me the "Come and munch on me" look. 

The battle was on and I almost was persuaded to take the bite. I have been watching my sugar intake and have been doing really well. So I began to justify my craving and the candy bar was going to be a reward for being a good boy for two weeks. 

I turned into a tenacious lawyer and I argued the point with myself and then I reversed the role and argued against eating the candy bar. 

Wow, I wore myself out. But, I am proud to say that the candy bar bag is still unopened. But I didn't do it alone.

I decided during the battle to pray away my craving and look up some scripture. I might be the only one who battles with himself but I really don't believe I am alone in that arena. Here are the two verses that helped me out. 

Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.

John 6:27  But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given Me the seal of His approval.

So have a great day and pray away those temptations!

Marty

Eggs And The Guys 10/7/2020

 Good Morning.

Let's make it a good one by starting with prayer, a short devotional with a hot cup of coffee. My coffee today is Door County Autumn Spice
 

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.

I am a creature of habit. I have always given each of my dogs one egg a week. I was told by an old hunter that one egg a week keeps their coats shiny and more water proof. Now I have heard other theories on this. I also like to eat outside, enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I have been known to do this even on a frosty January morning. I start a Saturday very early or a Sunday with some scrambled eggs for me and the "Guys". All three of us enjoy the eggs and our time together. This sometimes is done later in the day if we have been out hunting. But during our nourishment time I open the Word of God and pray. You see as we feed our faces and I care for my "Guys" I take time to nourish my spirit. You see food for the soul is important as we go through the mucky waters of life. It keeps us water proof to troubles. Yes they are still there but we can plow through and know that God is there with us. So have an egg. ( You might have to argue with your Dr on this one.) But who really enjoys multi grain cereal outside in January?  Take time to water proof your spirit!

God bless,
Marty

What Were We Saved From? 10/6/2020

 Good Morning,

I just finished a cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and after some thought and prayer I am ready to write. That second cup will have to wait.

This past Sunday my wife Rene and I, along with our two dogs began to take a trip to the Upper Peninsula to attend the burial of our Aunt. Preparations were made to bring stuff along to hopefully have a cookout on Sunday with family as a reunion/ memorial for her. We had made arrangements to stay over night at a resort that allows for pets. So no need to kennel the dogs. Everything seemed to be set for a great trip. We jumped into the truck and after Rene prayed for safe travels for everyone, we hit the road. 

About an hour or so from home as we started up a slight incline on the highway it felt like someone rear ended our truck. We both looked at each other and I reassured Rene that no one hit us. But it happened again. I pulled the truck over and then the idiot dash lights started flashing. We both knew that it was something mechanical with the truck. I nursed the truck to the next highway exit ramp and let it sit for awhile. We discussed the need for a tow truck and a ride home with two dogs and all of this picnic gear. The truck responded to cooling off and we then tried to make it home, but slowly. This we did, after we prayed again. We called ahead to a mechanic friend of ours and he said he would look at it right away "if we made it home". I described the issue and he seemed to know what it might be. 

We nursed the Old Ford home and to the repair emporium. Within minutes, his diagnosis was proved to be what he initially thought it was. A wiring harness had fallen and got up against the hot exhaust manifold and burned up. Later we looked at a picture and saw several bare wires that somehow managed to arc and cause the trouble when they touched. Amazingly we made it home without them arcing again and causing a fire. I can only imagine the chaos a fire would have been with two dogs on the highway or worse if there would have been some injuries. 

Then giving it a second thought we decided to regroup, take one of our newer vehicles, lighten the load and hit the road again. But I had already canceled our resort room. Low and behold that room was already filled. I could not find a kennel open on a Sunday for the dogs that wouldn't charge less than $250 for the day. We both conceded that for some reason we were to stay home and not make the burial. I had a hard time accepting this and my wife of 1000 years cried a little but she also worked very hard at trying to make the day as pleasant as could be. She knew I was hurting.  Later again as I prayed, I recalled her prayer for safety. I should have been praising God for sparing us bigger problems or injury. I also asked Him why we couldn't have just regrouped with another vehicle. It just seemed no matter what we tried, it just wasn't going to work out for us. 

Then the Holy Spirit spoke silently. 

Matthew 6:8 Your Father Knows what you need before you ask of Him.

We were being protected from something else, only God knows and maybe we will find out or we won't. I am sure there was a reason for it. Today I will mourn, yet have the perspective that Father Knows Best.

Marty

Be Patient With Me ! 10/5/2020

 Good Morning,

Happy Monday to you. This morning is starting with a big mug of Door County Chocolate Autumn Spice Coffee. 

My wife, Rene likes to take old things (antiques) and if they are missing a few things and cannot be repaired and re-purpose them into useful items. For instance she watches for old wooden chairs that are being thrown out. She brings them home and if there are a few parts I can use or if I can make simple repairs the chair gets a 6 inch hole cut in the seat and a flower pot is placed in the hole filled with plants for the summer.  She always says "I hate to see things tossed to the side when they still have value and are useful." Many items once thought as junk and useless have found some new life and served us for a few more years.

People are like that too. As I age I cannot do all the things I used to do. But also with age I have learned a few more new things that I can do now that I could not do when I was younger. I now can restore furniture and have more patience to do so. When I was young I could not see any value in doing that myself. People can re-purpose as they get older and can be of the same value to their community, church and family just by doing the things that they can now do or learned to do through their experiences. 

God is willing and able to use us, no matter how young, and no matter how old we are. Everyone – old and young – has their strengths, and we can all learn from and appreciate each other

Psalms 92:13-14a
“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” (KJV)

Don't grow older and sit on the sidelines. You might not be able to kick the ball anymore but you are able to call the play. Don't be content to watch the petunias grow. Water the garden. Don't wait to receive a card, send ten. Babysit for a young couple so they can get away. The kids can teach you a computer trick or two. Serve in the church no matter what the capacity. Make a difference. 
RE-PURPOSE

God bless,
Marty

Steak Is Missing! 10/4/2020 And A Recipe

Good Morning.

It's coffee time and mine is Door County Apple Cobbler. www.doorcountycoffee.com

Our Church's Men's Ministry is usually gearing up for our annual steak feed right about now. Due to Covid we are rescheduling it for the spring. We provide each man or boy with a huge beef steak, baked potatoes, baked beans, garlic bread, root beer and dessert. This started with 30-40 guys and has grown to over 200. It is an event that we look forward to every year. Each guy grills their own steak to perfection and then they carve it with whatever knife they bring. The knives range from small steak knives to knives the size of machetes.
A great time of fellowship is had by all.

But what is most important is that we have a guest speaker come every year and present a topic of challenge to the men and boys and then present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the assembly. Many men and boys have made a decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior during these times.

My challenge to all of you is to pray for this event. Secondly, I want to challenge you to find an event or church service where the Gospel is preached and take a friend. You might not even like steak or whatever, but you can invite someone to share in some worship, or fun and most of all Jesus. 

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

New King James Version (NKJV)

Serving All Men

¹⁹ For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; ²⁰ and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law,^[a] that I might win those who are under the law; ²¹ to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God,^[b] but under law toward Christ^[c]), that I might win those who are without law; ²² to the weak I became as^[d] weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³ Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

You might have to eat steak to reach someone! Now, would that be too bad?

God bless,
Marty

Cowboy Beans Recipe
          
        Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. sorghum or other molasses
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. mustard
• 1 can (approx. 16 ounces) pork 'n beans
• 1 can (approx. 16 ounces) butter beans, drained
• 1 can (approx. 16 ounces) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (approx. 16 ounces) pinto beans, drained
• 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preparation:

Cook ground beef until browned, breaking up and stirring as it cooks. Add onion and cook until tender; drain off excess grease. Add remaining ingredients, except bacon. Put in casserole or crockpot and top with bacon crumbs. Bake at 350° for an hour, or cook in covered slow cooker or crockpot on HIGH for 1 hour, then reduce heat to LOW and cook 2 to 4 hours.

Picking The Apples 10/3/2020

 Good Morning,

It is a happy day for me. The opening day of duck hunting season is upon me. I will be out chasing some ducks with two worthy companions and my old faithful dog Gibbs. The puppy will be staying home for this one. Maybe next week will find him out with me for a short hunt. My trusty Thermos bottle filled with Door County Maple Coffee went with me as usual.

Yesterday my wife Rene and I finished picking the last of the apples from our trees. It seems like a long time ago when the apple blossoms showed in the spring,

Rene had picked a bunch, but needed help with the ones at the tops of the trees. She had been on a ladder for awhile but she decided it was in her best interest to have me get the rest. Rene said that the temptation to step and reach further than she should was just getting hard to ignore. She had been on the top of the ladder, which is a big NO and reaching way too far beyond safe limits. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to endure. But with every temptation He will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I had to agree with her. I found myself reaching out further and further instead of moving the ladder. I said to myself that moving the ladder was the safe thing to do and before I gave into the temptation I just moved the ladder as needed. 

God was using that small voice within to get me to do the safe thing. He gave me a way out of the temptation. I was reminded that my dad died from a fall from a ladder. I believe the Holy Spirit was saying "you know better. You can avoid an injury. Don't be lazy. "

Last night the house was filled with the smell of spicy apple sauce cooking. Yes, it was some of those apples we picked without incident,

Friends none of us is tempted beyond what we can bear. We just have to heed the advice of the Holy Spirit.  Apple pie anyone?

Marty

The Business Of the House 10/2/2020

 Good Morning,

AI can still see the remnants of a full moon this morning as I sit down to write. Next to me is a hot cup of door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee. Our two dogs Leo, and Gibbs are at my feet. I just filled the dehydrator with apple slices. This place is starting to smell pretty good. 

Psalm 101:3 I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. I will not look for approval on anything that is vile.

October is here and I will be duck hunting tomorrow morning with two guys who are nice enough to let and old guys hang with them.  But that is tomorrow. Let's talk about today. 

Friends, our homes whether we own on or rent a place have an address. If you look mine up, chances are if you stop by I might be home. But eventually I am there to live, eat, sleep, celebrate and mourn, Our house is known as the home of the Schutte Family. We generate expenses from the home and pay the bills from our home. We have electricity, gas, cable and water. I actually work at a small part time job and sometimes I work from home.  So our house is a home and a place of business. 

I was just listening to a man who is quite brilliant with his knowledge of technology and he was telling some of  us how he can and I use his words here, borrow cable television and how he has pirated the service without paying for it, I asked him if he thought borrowing the service was stealing. He replied, "many people are doing it. And the cable company is ripping off many other homes by charging too much, so it is justified."

I walked away not shaking my head but also not amazed at his answer. I began to ponder our home and I asked my wife, "do we pirate anything"? She thought about it and said "no we pay for what we use and give to to others and we haven't hoarded anything." I felt better about our home. I believe as a society many have become numb to dishonesty. If it says "take one" do we take two? Do we return dropped wallets without emptying them first? Do we teach our children not to lie, but yet when the phone rings and it is for us, do we have them tell the caller we are not home? Do we sit and slander others while at our dinner table right after we prayed? Do we give our employers all they deserve while working from home? 

I think when we talk about our place of residence, we actually need to remember that our heart lives there. And as much as we like to keep our house clean we also need to clean our hearts now and then. Justification of stealing tells me the heart needs a clean up! Take some time to examine the house business and your hearts today. It might be time for a Fall Cleaning. How many pens did you take home from work?

Marty