Looking One Way And Rowing Another 6/30/21

 Good Morning,

The dogs have been outside and are fed. My Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee is brewing and I am ready to write.

Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul, and leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.

I like to hunt puddle ducks and to hunt those rascals requires a good decoy spread. Some of the water I hunt requires for me to have a small row boat that I can throw into the water and row out and set my decoys. Sometimes I have to row to a destination on a small lake or river. 

I as well as every hunter know that to get to your destination or to pick up the decoys you have to keep your eye on where you want to go. Take your eye off of your destination or the decoy you want and you will be off of the mark in no time flat. A small breeze can blow you off of your mark. My right arm is stronger than my left arm and just the muscle imbalance can reset what once was a straight course if you aren't guiding your trip with you eyes. 

I can get out of balance with my walk in life when I desire to go one way but take my eye off of the goal. God requires us to keep Him in sight and look to Him for guidance. Once I take my eye off of my Creator I start heading out on my own often headed to the wrong things in life. Once the boat of your life starts going in poor directions it takes a lot to recover from the mistakes and mayhem you can get into. One such thing is my mouth. My mouth can get me in all kinds of trouble when not guided by the principles of Godly speech. 

My point for today. Keep your eye on God, He leads you in ways that won't embarrass you or Him.

Have a great day,

Marty

The First Step In A Thousand Miles 6/29/2021

 Good Morning,

The day began early again for me, but this day will hold a cup of Door County Vanilla Cappuccino or two in my future. It's time to write.

Yesterday found me once again  being repaired by a surgeon in this life of mine. Nothing serious, but a couple hernias were getting bothersome and it was time for repairs to be made. 

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

While waiting for surgery and praying about what I could write about for today, I had a thought come to me. In order to start any type of walk you have to take the first step. In order to get from one side of the lake to the other side, you have to leave the shore. 

"A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With One Step". Lao Tzu

Jesus says to us that we are to forgive others time after time after time. Some people withhold forgiving others for many reasons. Distance is often used as an excuse. The magnitude of repeated offenses might cause us to play judge and jury and have us dig in, refusing to forgive. We use excuses that we derive in our minds like "they did this to me, so me, refusing to forgive, is their punishment. Yet, Biblically we are to be forgiving people just as God has forgiven us. If anyone says they have only sinned once in their lives, they truly own the title of liar and fool

To forgive means we are to take action. Not just saying to ourselves, "I forgive that person" We should communicate to the person and let them know they are forgiven. We too should examine our own souls to see if any portion of the dispute could belong to us. Thus a dual cleaning of slates should be and can be done. 

In order to do this, we need to take that first step in reconciliation by reaching out to God to forgive us of our deeds and then to show us the way and words to say. We must desire to forgive without expectations of receiving anything in return. Once we are right with God and know the way. We must put ourselves into action and head out with forgiveness and love as our base. Take the first step. It might take many steps of courage to reach that point. But you never get anywhere without taking the first step. I attend funerals like anyone else does. Sometimes what I hear is this, "I wish we could have solved our differences before he or she passed. I wished I had apologized." 

Don't wait until it's too late. Take the step.

Marty

Red Is Red 6/28/2021

 Good Morning,

My day began very very early today and there will be no coffee for this boy this morning. Maybe later??

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but it's way is a way to death. 

Yesterday my wife Rene and I made a little road trip Northwest of the major city we live near in search of antiques and basically just to spend some time together. We discovered a few new spots that will get revisited again for sure. 

The photo is random and not anything witnessed yesterday.

I wanted to spend some more time together than usual and the two of us very rarely stop for lunch on our outings. But my goal of having a full day was going to be met and I insisted we do lunch! Our travels took us from a small town, back into the city to get to a place that I have been wanting to try for almost two years. I will say this. The food was good enough to make me want to go back and we will. Our travel took us from the West side of the city to the East side. During that time period we witnessed two cars just to be plain about it "running a red stop light". It wasn't that they had started out a little too late. They came through with cars going East or West from the North and the South, well after they should have and could have stopped. 

In one of the two instances we saw two way too close to a crash happening that we cringed. I had already took on a defensive driving mood. 

What's my thought on this is very clear. Some people have no regard for life, theirs or others. This is a shame and I am not sure of the solution. So I will pray for those who don't regard their life as important and for common sense for them to drive in a way that promotes safety for all.  Red means red and red means stop. The message is simple. I don't want this to be an editorial but a call to prayer. I have seen more and more reckless driving than ever before. Let's teach our young people right from wrong. Let's all take a refresher course on right from wrong and set the example for others. Let's live what we desire others to live like. I have seen this type of driving in our own neighborhood. Our neighbors are quick to remind the Speed Racers of the neighborhood to slow down and observe stop signs. Yet it continues. 

That's my spew for the day. Have A Safe Summer

Marty

Listening To A Free Symphony 6/27/2021

 Good Morning,

I had to force myself to come back inside our house this morning. The weather is so nice that I could literally sit in the back yard and enjoy my Door County Irish Cream Coffee for a couple more hours. I opened a few windows and now I have the luxury of a faint breeze blowing on me in our den. 

Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

While I was sipping on that first cup of coffee this morning a chose to sit down on our old, well worn picnic table. While I sat and prayed our two dogs ran freely through the yard playing with each other. It was super quiet outside and again the climate was superb. 

Our neighbors to the North have a few bird feeders on their property and they certainly attract many species of birds. Our flower garden brings in some hummingbirds now and then. You could say we have the joy of seeing a lot of different birds without the expense of bird feeders and seed. 

While enjoying my coffee I listened to the different birds greeting the sunshine by the chirping they were doing. It actually at one point was pretty loud. I distinctly heard the cardinals singing loudly and they stood out over all of the other birds. The mourning doves were perched on the top of our house cooing away and watching the two dogs run and play. 

I am not a bird watcher at all, but this morning's greeting to the world by our feathered friends was like listening to a well orchestrated symphony. None were off key so that told me I I didn't have any crows near by. 

So for my point today. For me, if I were struggling with believing that there is one and only one true God, this morning would have proved to me that He exists. Only God can take a group of different birds and have them sing in a way that blended right in with the breeze, sun, and morning dew. 

If you are struggling and wondering if God knows where you are, look up, and listen. Take in that early morning symphony. If you are living in the city, position yourself to greet the day some time soon in a park or country escape. A lot of people like to watch sunsets and the glory displays. No doubt I have seen some beauties in my day. But as the sun sets God shuts down the music and signals everyone that it is time to rest. The sunrise however wakes up the world around you and God turns up the volume for you to listen to His morning music. 

I hope your day is filled with sunshine and music from above. Take time in prayer with the Symphony Conductor and listen. It might be the best minutes or hour you spend all week.

God bless,

Marty

Talking To Yourself Is Not The Solution 6/26/2021

 Good Morning,

It is a little bit dreary in this part of the world, but we have been receiving a much needed rain for the last two days. You can just see our tomato plants responding to the water. I have with me this morning to tired Springer Spaniels and a hot cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee. The dogs are still tired from the heavy water workout they did early last night. This coffee rocks, and now it is time to write. 

I pay close attention to Major League Baseball, especially our local team. It has come to my attention that a couple of the players are now in a "batting slump". They just cannot seem to get a hit. They are striking out, or hitting weak pop fly balls, or hitting the ball right to someone. They couldn't even purchase a hit. If that were allowed. You see their frustration when they strike out and I actually see some of them talking to themselves. 

Have you ever been in a personal slump, where nothing at all seems to go right? Times when you just finish repairing your automobile and then the washing machine breaks. You tell the kids to go outside and play. Thirty minutes later Junior returns home with a broken arm. You plant a garden and just when it is looking good, hail comes and beats the snot out of your garden and the rabbits are eating the leftovers.  Your daughter is of dating age and she brings home some guy that is best left under the rock where she found him. Your running late for a job interview and the last thing you needed was a broken shoe lace!!!!!!!!!!!! You begin to think that joy is just the name of the girl down the street. 

You look for solutions to the slump you are in. I can tell you from personal experience the solution is not found in the whiskey glass. The solution is not found in the bottle of pills that are to make you feel good emotionally or take your life if you overdose. I never heard anyone say that they enjoyed a coma. 

Is there a solution? Yes there is. Quit talking to yourself. It could be that some of your problems are self induced. Admit God is great, all powerful and all knowing, and compared to Him we are idiots. Be quick to pray and then pray again. Go to the One who is capable of calming us down, showing us the right way in life, and the One who restores joy to our souls. 

Romans 8:31 What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? 2. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Get back in there and let God teach you how to take a swing again at life. So far doing what you have been doing to beat the slump hasn't helped. Why not try Your Creator instead?

Marty

A Day With A Place In My Heart

 Good Morning,

Friday came in with it's headlights on and it was right on time for this guy. I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee and now it is time to write. 

Genesis2:24 Therefore a man will leave his mother and his father and hold fast to his wife. And the two shall become one. 

Today June 25th, if my parents were still alive they would be celebrating 66 years of marriage. Yes their anniversary is something I still celebrate. I remember the date, raise my coffee mug in a salute and thank God for two people who wanted children and committed to raising them in the best way they could. I was the first born and I believe I was the greatest challenge to them. 

Think this through, my parents never had children before I came along. Child rearing was new to them. I was a restless and mischievous child and for a couple years a little on the sickly side. 

Me being one challenge, didn't stop other challenges from coming along. Mom had her first heart attack when I was in the first grade. A car accident injured her severely shortly after heart surgery, My sister and dad were also injured in that accident. Bills seemed to be our worst enemy for a long time. They experienced ups and downs annually and all this time they were trying to steer the oldest hell raising child in the right direction. 

Through thick and thin they plodded and I heard plenty of discussions on just about anything and everything, but never did I hear the word divorce. Some men would have walked out on that mess. Some women would have packed the kids and left for greener pastures. But my parents stuck it out together eventually being able to retire. They never stopped being parents or caring for one another. 

Every couple has issues, troubles and times when they wonder why they got married in the first place. But the first reason after the attraction period in a relationship is the fact that you love one another despite the issues and troubles. 

So today if the spark seems to be missing in your marriage, don't quit if at all possible. Your next attempt might have some of the same problems. Troubles come and troubles go. Making a marriage last takes work and dedication. Think about it this way. If your grandparents didn't make it last, you might not be here. 

Friends, salute those who lasted, be committed to lasting yourselves and learn to enjoy who you have next to you. Pray for one another and seek to find the good in each of you. 

God bless,

Marty

Finding True Rest 6/24/2021

 Good Morning,

I am awake and our two dogs are fed. The Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee is brewing. It looks like a busy day for me, so it is time to write. 

Matthew 11:28 Come to Me all of you who are weary and heavy laden. And I will give you rest

Back in 1981 I was going through one of the darkest times of my life and no matter how hard I tried I just could not solve my problems and there just didn't seem anywhere to turn to. I believe I was reaching the end of my rope. One night while in deep despair I turned to a Bible for comfort. I did not even know what I was seeking. I was so tired and worn from carrying my burdens alone. I opened a borrowed Bible and the book fell open to a page with a picture of Christ with His hand out. Matthew 11:28 was written below the picture. 

I surrendered that night, not knowing what exactly happened but I knew I had a friend in God and some how He would lead me through these times. I wish I could tell you that things got better. Within a few weeks they worsened and hard decisions had to be made. But the difference was this, I knew I wasn't walking alone. I had a different outlook and I could sleep. It had come time to quit running my own life. I needed to seek directions from above. I am still a work in progress. 

Are you weak from worry, or strife? Is every step in life a burden? Does it seem like there are roadblocks in front of every move? If God brought you to them He will lead you through them.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul, and leads me in paths of righteousness, for His namesake. 

I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I will be. But thank God I am not what I used to be. I just needed to see that hand of help. I found rest.

Marty

The Hole In Your Heart 6/23/2021

 Good Morning,

The day began with prayer, thankfulness, and a hot cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee. Time to write. 

If you were diagnosed by a cardiologist as having a hole in your heart, you wouldn't hesitate to ask how or if it could be repaired. I would bet on it. There is just something about wanting the body organ responsible for pumping blood through your veins to be as whole as whole can be.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the broken hearted and binds their wounds,.

The heart damage I wish to speak of are the holes we emotionally carry in our hearts. You might have a hole left within you from the loss of a loved one. Perhaps a parent, child, sibling or good friend might have passed on from this world and there is now a hole in your heart.

It could be the hole caused by a marriage that failed and you have been hurt. It could be a hole left by the loss of a job, or dreams that just cannot be obtained. 

There could be a hole in your heart because of abuse or the fact that a parent did not protect you. You trusted a friend and they betrayed your trust. It hurt, and now there is a hole in your heart. 

So today is heart surgery day for many of you who read this. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight.

So today, right where you sit and carry the burden of having that space in your heart that needs to be filled, pray by faith for God to fill that hole with more of Him. Let the love of the Holy One fill the vacancy of hurt and despair. Pray right now and believe that when God says "Call on Me and I will answer you," Jeremiah 33:3 He does just as He says He will. By faith be healed of the broken heart within. 

Praying for all of you,

Marty

Keeping Them On Track 6/22/2021

 Good Morning,

The day began with a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and prayer. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. 

Today is the last of my thoughts on how to train up a child. 

Once you know how a child is bent and how they are wired, keeping them on the right track is the next chore. 

1. You need to be a prayer warrior. Cover your child in prayer daily. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Rejoice always, 17.pray without ceasing 

2. Be there. They will want to quit and you can't let that happen. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up as you are doing. 

3. Don't be afraid to speak up. 

Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert, remembering for three years, I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

4. Love them without conditions, 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5  Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant; 5. or rude. It does not insist on his own way, it is not irritable or resentful. 

Keep this in mind for the long haul. Once a parent, always a parent.

God bless,

Marty

The Way They Are Bent 6/21/2021

 Good Morning,

May your day be blessed from above. I am up and out of the bed, ready to write. My Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee is steaming hot. Let's start this day.

Yesterday in my blog, I challenged the men to be teachers to their children or the children around them. Today I would like to talk about what it means to raise up a child in the way they should go. This is very often difficult for us to do. 

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

The verse was written to be gender neutral and can read he or she. Back when it was written the options for girls were slim. So let's get beyond that debate and move on. 

Back when this was written a bow and arrow were made by hand and were not all that accurate. Once you had acquired a bow and the arrows, it was important to know how the bow shot and how well matched your arrows were. Shooting the bow successfully often required a little compensation for the bow by the shooter. If the bow pulled to the left when the arrow was dispensed, the shooter would aim a little to the right to compensate for the left pull. Then he would be closer to the center mark of his target.

Obviously we are required by God to teach our kids or those kids you might have influence over, right from wrong, to revere God, and basically set their moral compass. This is the first step. The next step is a little more difficult. Like a bow and arrow, we need to discover just how they are bent and assist them with their giftedness. 

For instance, let's say a child is very mechanically inclined and just loves to work at mechanical things. This child is not all fired up about the sciences like medicine or biology. Why on Earth would you buy this kid a child's doctor set instead of some tools? It would be your job to get busy and start embracing the way this child is bent, encouraging, not discouraging them. 

This should be encouraged with the girls also. Many people have a hard time not placing their kids into what they desire for their children. For instance one of the best plumbers I know is a woman. I have worked with her many times. She is also a devoted mother and wife. She wears many hats. She is happy. 

Again we should never train up a child to evade a moral compass. Just because your child desires to be a criminal, doesn't mean you should teach them a life of burglary. 

I knew a kid when I was a teenager.  We went to a trade school. When we would eat lunch, the discussion often turned to his grandfather and grandpa's farm. This kid would tell me how he was just going to trade school to get some welding training. He intended to be a farmer and use the welding skills to make repairs on the farm. His parents did not support this idea at all. They preferred for him to acquire a trade diploma and work mechanically. His father was an electrician and that was what they wanted for their son. His parents left the farm life because they did not like it. He left school, and went to the farm, which caused a rift in the family. He really did not see his parents much through the years. Last I heard He was a vey successful farmer with 7 kids, 16 grandchildren, he owned many many acres and was putting two kids through medical school. His parents missed out on seeing just how happy farming made this man. His grandfather accommodated the way he was bent. Just as he had accepted the thought of his son desiring to leave the farm and work at being an electrician. This man's parents missed the boat. 

Friends, it is important to find out how the little bow and arrows in your life are bent and help to steer them in that direction.  I know this one is difficult to do. We tend to profile our kids into a preset hole within our own minds. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about how to accomplish this.

God bless,

Marty

Lessons From Dad On Father's Day 6/20/2021

 Good Morning,

I seem to be back into my routine and this Sunday morning finds me outside writing to all of you with a cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee next to me and our two dogs running the property. 

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

Today in the United States we celebrate "FATHERS" and as for me I am the proud father of a daughter. Happy Fathers Day to all. So as to not miss the opportunity to honor all the dads out there I also want to honor those who might not have been blessed with children, yet are a father to many. For instance uncles or family friends who fill in now and then to make a lasting impact on the life of a kid when their dad is possibly gone to be with the Lord, or for a dad who just can't physically do things with their kids or for those kids who's father is just plain absent. Those guys who fill in the gaps, I applaud what you do. "Honorary Dads"

Men, you might not think you don't have much to offer and teach to your children. We tend to leave way too many lessons for the ladies in their lives to teach. We have many lessons we can leave as a legacy to our children. One lesson I learned from my dad was to work hard, save some money, and don't charge things on credit. I also was taught the lesson of "a big knife isn't necessary to dress out a deer", basically do things in moderation. I was taught which side of the tree will possibly hold mushrooms to eat. I learned a lot of lessons from my dad, some more valuable than others. 

Romans 12:21 You then who teach others, do you not also teach yourself? 

In order to learn you must have a teacher. Dads have to be willing to teach, which often takes time. Dads have to be patient and forgiving when leading a child. Dads need to be able to praise a child and discipline that same child when necessary. The goal of any dad should be to see their child succeed in life using some of the things you taught them. 

Dads and honorary dads take your job seriously and enjoy the opportunity to be able to teach, praise, discipline, and love your child or the child you are helping out with. Stand in the gaps for them and let them know that as long as you are alive they never walk alone. 

I will be using Proverbs 22:6 as a base scripture for two more lessons this week. Happy Father's Day!

God bless,

Marty

New Memories 6/19/2021

 Good Morning,

It has been a week since I have sat at my desk, in front of a computer ready to write and sip on a hot cup of Door County S'mores Coffee.  Time to share a thought or two.

Last week I was able to unplug and get away to Northern Minnesota for a week of fishing. It was a lot easier to do than I thought it would be. We fished Lake Of The Woods and were right on the border of Canada. Basically the lake is in two different countries. We stayed at a resort that I would highly recommend any day. Ballards Resort treated us very good and they run a well organized operation. 

Now to get to my point. I shared the week with two old friends, my nephew and two men I had never met before. I haven't fished or hunted with my long time friends in quite awhile. We were overdue for a reunion. Of course, "old times" were discussed at length as we recalled many memories. We laughed and included the three others in on our walk down memory lane. They certified us three or maybe just two of us, ready for some mental health counseling. 

The week was filled with great fishing, great food and many new memories. We were a very diverse group with differences in age and culture. Nonsense was a constant partner to our team. Ladies, that's what guys do when they get away and unplug. We call it stupid talk and we sure had a lot of laughs exercising our stupid talk. We learned a few things from each other now and then. Such as, the impact of eating too much rice on the body, the name for lobster in Spanish (langosta) and that just maybe, a guy from Brooklyn has a language all his own. 

Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends, must show himself to be friendly.

But here we were, 6 guys creating new memories. It was great to recall the past, but now I have a portfolio of new memories, photos, sunburn and all these will be treasured. My challenge to all of you today is to keep making new memories to cherish and enjoy. Be inclusive of others. Make new friends while you enjoy the old ones. Don't stop. Get out there and enjoy the life you have. Be willing to learn new things. Accept invitations that might challenge you a bit. It's easy to get old, you have no choice in that. It's harder to get old and embrace it. Embrace each day with gusto, and again be friendly making new memories. 

God bless,

Marty

Unplugging And Resting 6/12/2021

 Good Morning,

The sun is cutting through some morning fog. My hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee is doing the same in my head. 

Starting tomorrow I will be unplugging my blog for few days. I am taking some time away from my usual routine to unwind, unplug, and sort out the attic of my mind and enjoy some of the great outdoors with friends and family. The blog will be back on Saturday the 19th of June.  Lord willing. 

I haven't taken a trip like this in quite some time. My wife will be staying behind with our two dogs and manning the home fires. A group of men and myself will be fishing for the week hoping to get our fill of walleye shore lunches and fresh air. I will have a notebook with me and I will be jotting down some thoughts now and then to share in my daily writings when I return. 

I want all of you reading this to know that I consider it a privilege to be able to share my thoughts every day with you. It is a privilege to read your comments and at times be praying for all of you readers.  

This daily blog isn't a "hobby" but something I feel called to do. However it is important for me to take a rest, some time to pray and reacquaint myself with some old buddies, meet a couple of new guys and spend some time with my old sidekick of a nephew. 

Until I return I leave you with four passages from God's Word. 

1.  Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able, to test and approve what God's will is, His good and pleasing will. Renew your minds in the Word. 

2.   Luke 5:16 But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Take time to pray. 

3.   Philippians 1:3-6  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4. always in every prayer of mine making requests for you with all 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. God is not done with you yet. You are important. 

4.   Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, what ever thing are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. Think on the good things. Don't let this world get you down.

You are loved. 

Marty

A Mothers Love 6/11/2021

 Good Morning,

The daylight came and interrupted a great night of sleep. The Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is brewing in the kitchen and now it is time to write.

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that your Lord and God is giving you.

Last night I witnessed a mothers love and her willingness to protect the kids at all costs. I took our two Springer Spaniels to a local pond for a swim and some training. I let the two dogs out of the Jeep and they took off for the water. Unknown to me and out of my sight for a minute the two dogs encountered a brood of mallard ducks with their mother at the edge of the water. The older dog of ours is all about the duck hunt. He hit that water hard and started toward the baby ducks. I whistled him to stay and he did. Our younger dog did the same. But mother duck was still a little angry at the boys for scaring her little ones. She came toward our old guy Gibbs, quacking like she was going to attack him. I figured out what she was doing. She was in his face hoping to distract him from her babies. While she was chewing out the Springer, her brood was swimming to the other side of the pond away from the danger. She was close enough to the dog to be considered a threat by the dog. He just looked at her. But the point of the day is this. That mother duck loved her kids and would do anything to protect them. 

If you are reading this and have kids old or young, do they know that you love them enough to jump in front of anything to protect them? Those of you reading this and still have your parents, have you thanked them for the sacrifices they made or make for you?

I recall my Mom sewing my blue jeans that needed repairs, for hours. She finished a pair one night and had a stroke within the hour. She didn't feel good while she was sewing, but wanted to finish them for me.

I think we could all share a story or two about our parents, grand parents or step parents who sacrificed in a big way for us. Take time to thank them while you can. Don't wait.

Marty 

Sometimes You Just Need A Laugh

 Good Morning,

How about a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry  Coffee and  some cold fruit to start the day? I think I have a breakfast fit for a king. Time to write. 

Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. 

Last night to beat the heat I took our two Springer Spaniels for a swim in a local pond. We combined cooling off with some training (work) and some fun. The two dogs took to the water and after splashing around we did some retrieving training. 

When it was time to leave neither dog was having any of the truck. They wanted to stay and work or play some more. I commanded them to get into the truck and they both just sat there. This just won't do. I expect my dogs to snap to when given a command. 

Dogs identify with some words. No means no and kennel up is usually followed with them getting into the truck. So as we sat there in the battle of wills I said "Ice cream!" Those two wet furry clowns headed right for the truck. A stop at the local custard emporium was had. I did however bring some custard home for my wife too. I told her about HER disobedient dogs and she laughed pretty hard. Rene asked me "Who trained who?" She thanked me for the laugh and said "Next time don't mention steak." 

We both laughed. We needed a laugh and that was a good one. Later last night, Rene took the dogs outside for one last bladder call. When it was time to come in from the outside, Rene gave them the call "Come". Both of the dogs flew inside the house. Rene once again had a comment. "Maybe they like me more than they like you". LOL

Sometimes you just need to laugh. A good laugh is a gift from God. 

Marty

Knowing It And Believing It 6/9/2021

 Good Morning,

It's time for me to wake up and embrace this day with gusto. I fired up a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and now it is time to write. 

Job 19:25I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the Earth.

Christians, we serve a Risen Savior and He lives. He will come again for us and we will spend eternity with Him. So then if we know this, why are a lot of our actions and lifestyles not showing it? I wonder if there is a lack of belief or faith? 

You know, our actions or lack of action are a direct reflection of what we know and believe. If we live in anger, or complacency we represent God as His children and it doesn't show anyone diddly do. If our Redeemer wasn't risen and alive we would be like all those who worship statues. Jesus overcame the grave and death has no sting. So my charge today is this. You belong to the family of God. Act like you belong there. 

Give it your all today.

Marty

When The Decision Is Hard 6/8/2021

 Good Morning,

May the Lord smile on you today as you go about your daily routine. I have a cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee next to me and now it is time to write.

Have you ever watched someone struggle with a decision they need to make? It is a hard thing to do. For your part in the process, you should be praying for them to listen to the leading of God. When we find ourselves at a crossroad in life and a decision needs to be made, prayer, and reading Scripture should go hand in hand. 

We can test our decision.  Is the decision moral and does Scripture support it? Did God confirm it through His word?

Does anyone you trust to tell you what you don't want to hear confirming the decision? Did they pray about it also? 

What good fruit is being produced by the decision? Do you have peace?

Patience and waiting on the Lord in any decision is tough, but necessary. If you are one who jumps the gun and rushes to a decision without hearing from God, you will find yourself constantly bailing yourself out from the decision you rushed into. 

If the decision brings you to be able to serve the Lord and grow in Him more, that is the first step in knowing the decision is on thee write track. If it affords more time for the family that is a good choice.

Now sometimes in our lives when we are at the cross road it is best not to move right our left, but to back up and prepare yourself a little better to advance right or left. 

Back in 1983 when jobs were more scarce than hair on my head, I found myself needing a job. I took a job in healthcare and promised myself that after one year I was headed back to the trades and my pipe wrenches. I prayed about that almost daily. I had also been praying to meet someone to share my life with. I met someone and married her. Many times I was tempted to leave healthcare and go back to the trade I knew very well. But God would remind me to listen, stay put and be content. In that process, I had time to go to school and my life took a turn I never thought would be the chosen path. The health care pay was diddly do at first, but as the years went by it turned out to be quite nice. I actually went backwards to go forward. Promotions were offered and sometimes not taken. God was in control. In other times a promotion was offered and I accepted. This was always done after prayer and Godly consult. By the way. I retired from health care work after 36 years. 

When we trust God to direct us on the path to choose, we are allowing our decision to be faith based and therefore it produces more faith for the next decision. 

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call out to Me and I will answer you. 

Isaiah 30 :21 Whether you turn to the right or the left. You will hear a still small voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it.

Psalm 119:105. Your word Is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Whoever is reading this and is struggling with a decision, you were prayed for today.

God bless,

Marty

The Work Done Correctly 6/7/2021

 Good Morning,

The hot weather continues to visit us today and I am on the road for a little bit. I have to draw up some plans so we can apply for a permit to install a fence on our property. So this cup of Door County Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee is working overtime to launch my Monday.

I watched a team of men and a few women tackle a huge project at church last week. This group sponsored a steak feed for the men of the church. I was there and I can tell you that it was a lot of work from start to finish. No one complained and they did what they could do even with some physical disabilities slowing them down. The event went very well and the food was great. 

During the work, there was some encouraging words spoken to each other and some real heartfelt thanks shared with this band of worker bees.

There were some minor set backs here and there. For instance one gallon can of beans made it to the toe of one of the team members. Thus a broken toe slowed the guy down. 

Here is why it went well. This team was working to help one another and that is a sure thing. They love and respect each other. The most important thing as to why it went well is this. They weren't doing this for the praise of man, woman, or child. They were working for the Lord and wanted it to be a perfect sacrifice of energy and time. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

So today, maybe you are working, tending a garden, raising children or resting, do it all as if you were working for the Lord. He is the Author of your day. Do all of it right or not at all.

Have a great day. Stay cool and hydrated. Keep your dog out of the cold refrigerator!

Marty

Jackson Park, A Place In My Heart 6/6/2021

 Good Morning,

The gardens are watered. The dogs are fed. My Door County Tanzanian Peaberry Coffee is next to me and it is good and hot. It is time to write.

We are in a bit of a drought in this part of the world and the heat is a little excessive. I was up early to water the gardens and get our dogs out for some exercise before it is too hot. I plan on taking them swimming later today. 

As I was walking in the yard and finishing my chores I was recalling my childhood and how we dealt with the heat back then. We did not have air conditioning until I was in high school. We didn't have a pool in the back yard to cool off in. Running through the lawn sprinkler was a good attempt at cooling off, but the running and the water produced a muddy lawn that didn't make dad too happy. 

However, within walking distance we had a county park. Jackson park had everything a kid or adult could need. It had wooded areas and shaded picnic areas. It had a small lagoon or little lake where you could rent a boat and fish for whatever was stocked in the water. There were ducks and geese to feed. The acreage supported tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a football field. In the winter the lagoon would freeze over and we could ice skate on the frozen water. There was a wooded island in the middle of the lagoon and while ice skating a "smooch or two" might have occurred on the island. Young love! 

The park also had a large pool with diving boards, and a slide. The water was clear, wreaked of chlorine, and the temperature of the H2o was never too warm. It only cost a dime to swim. On very hot days they dropped the charge and pool time was free. That pool was a refreshing way to cool off kids as well as adults. After a day at the pool or an evening swim most folks were too tired to do much more than hit the bed for some rest with your old Sears fan blowing on you from the window.

Why am I recalling a park from my childhood? It's an important place to me filled with baseball games, football practices, and then some football games. It was a place where we had a picnic now and then. My sister taught me how to ice skate there. I might have had a kiss or two on the island. Maybe!

Here's the point. Back in 1907 some city leaders knew the importance of bringing in some trees, and buildings that supported the activities. They reserved an area for nature and fellowship. They knew the importance of gathering together as families, neighbors and the community. The park was filled to capacity every fourth of July for picnics and fireworks. I commend them for their foresight. I thank them for every minute I enjoyed in that park. 

Psalm 107:35 He changes a wilderness into a pool and dry lands into springs of water.

God made us to desire companionship and fellowship. So friends, stay cool, fellowship, and if at all possible get out into nature and keep it going all year long. And be responsible to preserve these areas for the next generations. 

God bless,

Marty

Unable To Forgive. What An Anchor That Is! 6/5/2021

 Good Morning,

Saturday sunshine is greeting me today and a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie is assisting in the wake up call on my life.

Last night I received my first mosquito bite of the season and I am reminded of them when I see the welts on my arm. The mosquito bites are a reminder that we certainly don't live in a perfect world. Last night I was speaking with someone I admire for being very truthful. This man is carrying the burden of not being able to fully forgive someone for something in the past. 

As a duck hunter, I like to have lots of gear and gadgets with me when I hit the water to pursue the game I love to eat and hunt. In that quest for a duck dinner there are times that I can't hunt from a boat and a walk in the dark, through muddy water is the best option for my pursuit of the elusive quacker. I found out long ago that carrying too much gear can weigh you down and make moving ahead nearly impossible. This mud I speak of we call "Zombie Mud". It is the type of mud that draws you in and tends to cling on to you making a long walk even tougher. It acts like a anchor to hold you in place. I have issued some sharp remarks to that mud as it makes reaching my goal tougher. Getting older doesn't help much either. 

What am I trying to say here? Carrying the burden of holding on to an emotional hurt is one like an anchor in zombie mud. It stops you from having a soul free from the chains of "holding a grudge". Partial forgiveness allows for a little freedom, yet the remembrance of the issue will pop into your head and heart at the weirdest times, reminding you of the hurt. It might not be as bad as it was 15 years ago, but it is still there. It is there. It is real. It weighs you down. 

God commands us to forgive one another. 

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 Butt if you do not forgive others of their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you.

He not only commands us to forgive, He sets the example of forgiveness. Each one of our sins big or small was represented on the cross and His Son Jesus died for them all. You could say that we "abused the Son of God". Yet once forgiven of those sins through faith In Jesus Christ we are washed clean and some day upon our death Jesus takes His abuser home to heaven and says, "Hey Dad I brought a family member home". God forgives fully, and even the sinners are not classified as sinners anymore but they are Beloved Family. God shows us that partial forgiving is not good enough. He shows us that in His own actions toward us. God does not carry a grudge and neither should we, if we want to show and experience love like God shows us by example.

John 14:2-3 In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you; I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you, that where I am you may be also.

Think it through. Why walk in Zombie Mud, carrying the weight of too many things that could be eliminated? My walk through my muddy quest for ducks, has taught me to shed the junk and carry as little as possible so I don't sink. 

You can do the same today by letting go and forgiving without holding on to even a little piece of the hurt.

Have a Zombie Mud free day!

Marty

A Little Water For The Garden Please. 6/4/2021

 Good Morning,

May this day find you at peace with your neighbors and family. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and not it is time to write.

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I was up early this morning as usual and headed outside straight to a chore. Our weather forecast is for the temperatures to be extremely hot. Just a week ago my wife Rene and I were covering the plants to avoid frost damage. So goes the weather in Wisconsin. 

Rene works hard to make our flower gardens look like something from a catalog. She just finished with the last of the planting on Tuesday. Last night she remarked that our main flower garden is full on, direct sunlight and it won't take much for the garden to bake in the sun. We have some work to do at church today for a Men's Steak Feed tonight so she said to me last night. "Can I break away to give some water to these baby plants tomorrow." I fully know that losing her garden so early in the year would be a blow to her. Some of those plants were started in the kitchen back in March. So this morning before sunrise, I watered her gardens a little bit knowing that the early water will help curb the heat. And she won't be out in the sun saving her garden. 

She will be waking up soon and know that she was thought of and her gardens were more important than bacon and eggs. 

It's the little things we can do for one another that are important. Today, look around you and watch. Someone might just need a cool drink to subside their thirst on a hot day. Others might need a kind word or help carrying a load. Doing things for others without being asked sends a message of concern, compassion and love. 

May your eyes and hearts be opened today as you watch for a kind deed to do.

God bless,

Marty

Standing On Holy Ground 6/3/2021

 Good Morning,

I am facing East and the sun is so bright today that I am having a little difficulty writing. But, I am enjoying every minute of watching my two dogs chase birds in the yard and drinking my Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. 

I want to take a few minutes to discuss uncertainty and the fact that it is a feature of the world right now and yet as overwhelming as it might be, it is an opportunity to stand on holy ground.

Right now we have people who are unemployed. We have people who don't want to be employed. We have cyber attacks on just about everything right now. I will make this statement on that "Mess with my steak and you are walking on the fighting side of me." And I can get pretty mean!

Gas prices are go up and up. Stimulus checks are a joke. Instead of helping families out, the extra money is being blown on inflation. And in all of this we are still fighting a world wide pandemic. I just heard from my friend in Haiti and they are being eaten up and spit out by the Covid nightmare. It might be subsiding in the United States, but those countries who are less fortunate are suffering terribly.

So my friends, the world is full of uncertainty. In the Old Testament when God chose Joshua to be the successor to Moses who had died. Joshua was certainly facing uncertainty with many opposing armies looking to see how he would lead and if he were to be feared. Joshua was leading a nation who in uncertain times backpedaled away from God in the past. But God's instructions were clear.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

Dear loved ones. I am trying myself to look at these uncertain times and see a positive. Joshua had many doubts and fears along with lots of questions, just like we all do. Look again at Joshua 1:9. Read it and think it through. The uncertainty that you face, we face, has us on Holy Ground. God is with us wherever we go. Read more on Joshua in the Old Testament. See God's work at Jericho. Take my challenge today and read more and see that God was with Joshua and his people and is still with us now.

When confronted by Jesus the Commander Of the Lord's Army in Joshua 5 we see that Joshua was told that he was standing on Holy Ground.

Today, embrace the fact that God is with you as you face uncertain times and in that, you stand on Holy Ground. You just might be able to see the plan more clearly.

God bless,

Marty

Preparing For Friday 6/2/2021

 Good Morning, 

I am glad you are here to share in this day with me. You all are loved. I just sat down to a hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Creme Coffee and it is time to write. 

This coming Friday our Men's Ministry Team from our church will be hosting our annual steak feed. We had to sit it out last year due to the creepy covid mess. So we are a little rusty in our planning and the price increase in meat and other supplies had us thinking long and hard on how to produce a quality outing  at a decent price.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. But everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty

Last night three of us met to discuss and walk through, parking, seating , grill locations and the sound system location. We prayed about the weather, and our ideas. We left in agreement and filled with contentment. 

We have been doing these steak feeds for 20 years now and have a pretty good system for doing it. As I said though, we are a little bit rusty in doing anything since covid hit. So the walk through was a good preparation to shake the rust off.

Now for the point of the day. We should always be prepared in all that we do. When it comes to the Lord's work it needs to be done to the best of our abilities. So looking ahead and planning and then discussing the decisions and pathways with guys I trust is the way to go.

Are you prepared to sing, teach, minister, preach, babysit in church every week.? Or do you try wing it and shake the rust off as you go. God's work needs to be done without confusion and grumbling. We need to be prepared when we show up. The same lesson can be applied to our secular jobs and our families. Do you prepare to leave for church on time? Do you teach the kids to think ahead? When you show up to work, do you need a half an hour coffee break at the beginning of your shift? If so, you came to work and weren't prepared for the day ahead. 

Think it through. Are you ready?

Marty

How Rude! 5/31/2021

 Good Morning, 

I believe that what I will write about today will stir the coffee without a spoon. My Door County Cherry Creme Coffee is hot for sure, add a little bit of my temper to it and my cup is boiling over. 

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy; 4. deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. 

Yesterday we observed Memorial Day in the United States. Notice I said observed , not celebrated. No one really wants to celebrate deaths on a battle field. It is a day of reflection and honor for those killed in battle action. 

All morning long our phone and my personal phone was being called by people wanting to sell me Medicare supplemental insurance or lower my cable television expenses. I politely asked one such caller if she knew what today was and if she knew what it meant to many. She hung up on me. The next caller listened to me and then said, " This will only take a minute ". When I explained to him that I did not see it as appropriate for them to be placing calls to private residences on basically a day of mourning, he hung up on me. I won't call out the two companies publicly . But they will receive an email with a stern tongue lashing. This is rude behavior and shows total disrespect for the day to remember. 

Respect for history and those who grieve the loss of a friend or family member was out the window yesterday. These two companies are a disgrace to business and should be ashamed for their lack of respect. I said my piece and I really don't feel better. The rudeness of these two businesses show a lack of leadership and community. 

Respect others, observe the characteristic  and quality of being respectful.

God bless,

Marty