Something To Hold On To. Part Two 4/30/2022

 Good Morning,

The old wind is blowing this morning. A fire is in the hearth and it is slowly warming up the house. A big cup of Door County Lighthouse Blend Coffee is warming me up from the inside and not it is time to write. 

My day began with prayer and laughter. As I let our two Springer Spaniels outside the first things they both saw was two rabbits grazing in our grass. Both dogs young and old started to chase the rabbits. Nine out of ten times the rabbits will just flee under the fence and leave the two dogs looking confused. Not this morning! The rabbits ran a figure eight in the yard in opposite directions, When they crossed near each other we almost had a rabbit and dog collision. The rabbits went unscathed to graze elsewhere, but our two hounds bounce off of each other like something from a cartoon. 

My goal for the next two days is to give us something to hold on to during these uncertain times. We will explore the 23rd Psalm a few verses at a time. 

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. 

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

3. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness, for His name's sake.

In verse 1. The sweetest word in the phrase is "My" Jesus is the Shepherd to the whole world. But the word my is very personal.  David says this in simple terms. If he would be a shepherd to no one else, he is shepherd to me. He cares for me, watches over me and preserves me. I shall not want, is the rest of that verse and lets us know that all my needs are supplied by the Lord which allows me to be content. It helps me to not desire more than My Shepherd gives to me.

Verse 2 paints a picture.  It can be said like this, Sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down . Finally, sheep are nervous about food, or hungry, they will not lie down, Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies and famine.  (P Keller)

He leads me beside still waters. Most sheep really do  not see very well. When they are thirsty and hear rushing water or smell it they are apt to run to it, and jump in. The wool absorbs the water and weighs them down and the rushing water carries them away and they drown. God will always lead us away from the fast waters the world offers and point us to only what is good for us. We are dependent upon the shepherd to guide us.

He restores my soul. My thought on this .I believe we can apply the word repent to this verse, He restores my soul to it's original purity that at times grows foul and black with sin, for what good is it to have green pastures and a black soul. No peace can be found where sin rests.

I hope this provides some comfort for all of us today.

Marty

Something To Hold On To 4/29/2022

 Good Morning,

Friday it is, and I am hoping for a smooth transition into the weekend, It has been a wild week for us in our house. I have a hot cup of Door County Lighthouse Blend Coffee to help kick off this day. 

You know you are getting old when one of the things you look forward to in the morning is that hot cup of coffee and it's not necessarily the taste of the liquid that does good for you at first. I now look forward to holding the mug with both hands and the heat from the mug feels great on my two hands that have a little arthritis. You could say that I multipurpose my morning java. 

As much as holding on to that coffee mug feels good, I find that now and then as this world just seems to be spinning in crazy mode I need  to soothe my soul with less instructions and more comfort from God, Today as I sit and question how a 10 year old girl from our state was raped and killed by a fourteen year old boy, I just cannot fathom what her family is going through. Then there is the war in Ukraine, stolen cars are the new epidemic, and Covid has not gone away. You can't watch the Oscars without seeing some form of protest liturgy or rudeness that includes a slap in the mouth. 

So today, I turn to God and His word for comfort . 

Psalm 23. 1. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. 

2. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 

3. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness, for His name's sake.

4. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff they comfort me. 

5. You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cups runs over.

6. Surely good ness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and i will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

For the next couple of days my goal it to look into Psalm 23 and dig deeper into each verse. But for today I will rest easy in the whole Psalm and relish those words to hold on to. 

Have a wonderful day.

Marty

If You Are Happy And You Know It 4/28/2022

 Good Morning,

I will enjoy today in a great way. I will be seeing some old friends at work today and that is always a highlight for me when that happens. I am off and running again this morning. My choice to fill my cup is Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time to write.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful and in the day of adversity, consider. God has made the one as well as the other. 

There is an old song that our teachers would make us sing in grade school a thousand years ago. It was one of those songs that accelerated in tempo and you had to remember things. To be honest it drove me nuts. One part of the song stayed with me all these years. You would sing, "If you're happy and you know then your face will surely show it". 

Well, if you are happy, you should know it. !!! If you are happy your face usually shows it!!!! So here's my thought for today. Many people choose not to be happy and they really don't know what would make them happy. These people sound like old outboard motors. You can say to them "hey great weather". And it just might be great weather. Then they reply "Ya, but it snowed last week" . Well it's not snowing now so what's the Ya But Ya But Ya But Ya But goes the old boat motor. They always go negative on you.

People like that have improved my health. Once they start unloading their unrighteous unhappiness I am late for the door. I sprint for it like an Olympic runner, which my doctor says is good for me!

There are definitely times of sorrow and true unhappiness, and I will be as compassionate and helpful as I can to anyone.  We should all strive to find some good in our day and enjoy it, even if it only lasts a moment or two. I listened to someone complain that their roast beef wasn't hot enough on their dinner plate. I for one didn't mind warming it up a little, but I was just happy to have a plate of roast beef!

It's called "Counting Your Blessings." Then recognize where and Who they came from. And last but not least, enjoy the happiness while you can. 

Marty

I Tried To Think, And Nothing Happened. 4/27/2022

 Good Morning,

This one has to be short and sweet today. I have a long way to travel and a short time to get there. My Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee is just what I needed this morning. 

Proverbs 22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 

"I tried to think and nothing happened". This is a line from one of the Three Stooges movies that I recall with a smile. Some people can quote Tolstoy, I can quote the Stooges. I tried that line on my dad when I was thirteen, when he was asking me why I didn't think through the proper positioning of a ladder. My attempt at humor just intensified the situation and made the butt chewing last a little longer. My poor choice of ladder angle caused me to fall and I lost a gallon of expensive paint. 

What I did learn from that lesson was to think things through before you can't return to where you were to begin with. In other words don't rush a decision or process. When something seems to cause you doubt, stop, and think some more. Sooner or later you will find the answer. Petition God for wisdom. If your mind is blank, that is a sure sign that waiting is a good idea. 

God bless,

Marty

If I Could Turn Back Time 4/26/2022

Good Morning,

The day began very early for me and I will be busy right up until later tonight. I have a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee in front of me and it is time to write. 

I often say to myself "If I could turn back time." I would------. But then I come back to reality and my mind shows me somethings I would like to forget. I often go back to the birth of our daughter and recall that day that I was blessed with that little bundle of joy. But no sooner do I relive that day, then I am reminded that one of my cousins passed away a few days later. We lived next door to him for many years. He taught me how to throw a football and put a nasty curve into a baseball. 

So I guess, for every return in time there are both good and bad days, And what we would be doing is reliving memories instead of enjoying the new ones. So if I could turn back time, I wouldn't.

Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. 19. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 

If we are continually looking back at the "Good Old Days" and not looking forward, we can have our ship of dreams lose it's ability to travel straight. Looking back all the time keeps us from seeing and enjoying the present. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

The Fruit Always Tastes Better When You Pick It 4/25/2022

 Good Morning,

Monday arrived and I am glad to be here. This day will be real busy for me and will lead into an even busier Tuesday. I just pored a very hot of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee and now it is time to write.

Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5. for each one should carry their own load.

My message is very simple for today. Picture a piece of fruit. Let's say the fruit is a peach.  If you are in an orchard and you pick up the peach on the ground because it is easiest to get to, you get what you get. The peach might taste alright but it won't be as fresh as one you could have worked for that rests at the top of the tree benefiting from more sunlight than the others. 

What's the message? What we work for often is sweeter and more valued than what is placed at our feet by others. When we work at something and spend our own, energy, time, sweat and tears, it is no doubt more precious to us. 

Being given a gift is nice and should be appreciated, but obtaining positions. or monetary gains because of someone you know or having someone else carry your load makes us less appreciative of the prize, goal or accomplishment.

Food for thought. Nothing instills pride more than an accomplishment you worked for. 

Marty

Genuine Kindness Unites People 4/24/22

 Good Morning,

It seems like it has been a long time since I sat at my desk and wrote my morning message. My cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake  Coffee seems like and old friend that stopped by for a visit. 

Yesterday I had the extreme honor to accompany a good friend on mine on his honor flight to Washington DC. My friend Cliff served our country in Germany during World War Two, For those of you who have not heard of an honor flight, it is a day when veterans and a guardian are flown to Washington DC to honor their service to the United States. At this time veterans from World War Two, the Korean War, and Vietnam wars are honored all day for their service to our country.  It starts very early in the morning. They are dressed in a shirt and jacket that signifies what war they represent once they arrive at the airport the day begins.  The day ends late with a parade of honor for all of them when they return home to the airport. 

Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's people, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. 

Now mind you, the ages of these brave men and women vary from late 60's to ninety some years old. Some are in very good shape and others not so good. For quite a few, the wars took a toll on their bodies. Some need a lot of help during the day and others no help at all. All day long we were surrounded by volunteers who made it their goal to make sure our veterans and us guardians had every thing we needed. 

Here is what I noticed though. Not one time did I not see veterans, or guardians not answer the call to assist others when needed. Extending kindness to each other seemed to unite us all in serving one another. Another example of kindness was the public who stopped along their day to say thank you to our veterans for their service. A great part of our day was to tour the war monuments in the DC area, especially the ones from the three wars mentioned above.  One example that brings tears to my eyes was when a group of girls (middle school age) lined up and asked my veteran what his name was and then each of them shook his hand or hugged him and said thank you. My estimate was about forty girls bestowed their version of honor upon Cliff. I know there were tears in his eyes. 

So I said to myself this morning "why can't every day be like yesterday". Not every act of kindness is witnessed or shared with others, But if we open our eyes and look beyond the ugliness of a sin bloated world we will still see that kindness rules and we can and should join in whenever possible.

In closing, always thank a veteran whenever you can. Assist others as much as you can and let kindness be your guide, to unity with others. 

God bless,

Marty

Family Sump Pump 4/23/2022

 Good Morning,

I am up very early today and I am headed to Washington DC with my friend for his Honor Flight. We will be home tonight and and my World War Two Veteran will be tired from a long day. I feel blessed to be his companion for the day. 

The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another's sight. Genesis 31:49

There is nothing like a catastrophe to draw a family together. My nephew who is new to home repairs called last night from Illinois and had some questions regarding the installation of a sump pump. The reason it was imperative to get a new one installed is that it has been raining heavily for hours. Everyone involved understood the importance of get it installed now! We has a family don't always agree on everything. But never once have I seen this family fail to jump in during a crisis and "git er done" A little money, some sweat equity, a steady hand on the work light and one call to "uncle dial a plumber" and the basement was saved for another day. 

I am also proud to say that no one was hurt during the process and only one threat of the hat hit on a head was had. Proud to say I am a member of this family. I would work with that team anytime.

Marty

Not Feeling Like Christ 4/11/2022

 Good Morning.

Friday arrived right on time and not a moment too soon. My choice of coffee matched me perfectly. So a little Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Java is just what I ordered for the start of this day. 

Earlier this week I was having a phone ( text) conversation with a great friend. He has been going through a lot. I challenged him a little to try and suffer through it and I used Jesus as an example. his reply to me was "I am not the Christ". 

Later I pondered our conversation and I had to agree with him. There was and is only one Jesus and the best we can do is to strive and do our best to be like Him. There are some things to consider when we are going through or down a rough road. No doubt we will suffer sometime in this life, but we need try and suffer through it as Jesus would. In order to do that we must try and remember that all of God's plan is good.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord. thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Even when the plan seems askew to us, we must insist in our hearts that God's plan is best. It is best to be better instead of bitter. 

Joseph really understood this truth when he spoke with his brothers who had sold him into slavery.

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.

We are talking about endurance under trial. Our pain and sorrow is only temporary, our reward is eternal.

Have a great day! 

Marty

Listening To The Wind And The Rain 4/21/2022

 Good Morning,

This day was greeted with gusto and a hot mug of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and some prayer. 

Last night we had a steady rain come down. It did not rain all that hard but, strong winds kept blowing the rain against the house making it sound worse than it was. It lasted most of the night and I will repeat myself, "It sounded worse than it was". The wind was making sure that it was heard for sure last night.

Since it woke me up a couple of times I actually gave the wind a little thought, The wind reminded me of some people who given a little irritation can blow a situation all out of proportion and definitely make things worse. Anger is one way that a person can accelerate a problem into a major mess. Like the wind which can blow hard and toss a boat around so can a person who likes to inflate issues into a hot mess. Once the anger hits the scene you never know what collateral damage that hot air will do. 

Another way to add to a mess is to have what you perceive as a perfect memory which in a moment can dredge up old memories and use them to fuel the anger, Thus blowing the mess out of proportion even further. This perfect mind that you posses tends to hide your imperfections and wrong doings. So it really isn't a perfect mind. 

Last but not least, is ego and pride. Bring them to the table of disagreement and you will find that you think every little thing has to go your way and you lose if it doesn't . Pride will make you only see what impacts you and not what might be the root cause of a disagreement. Every disagreement has two parties. Pride and ego will keep you from seeing your own faults, thus adding fuel to the fire which can become a raging inferno. 

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before a fall.

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

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger. and it his glory to overlook an offense.

Here is some real food for thought.

Marty

Hey That One Hurt 4/20/2022

 Good Morning,

I am looking forward to this day. I will have someone job shadowing with me today. So I need to be wide awake and ready for the challenge. My hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee has a place at my desk and in my heart this morning.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 

My wife Rene has been under a lot of stress lately. Her elderly mother took a fall and hurt her leg and is not healing up all that well. She and her brother are full time caregivers now and they do it in three day shifts. She has been coming home just beat and discouraged. 

Yesterday as I was finishing a little work at home I asked Rene a question as to what time she needed me to be at her mom's house to assist with getting her down some stairs and into the car for a doctors appointment on Thursday. I guess she had already told me what time I needed to be there. Her reply was very short and a little nasty. 

I rolled with it and made sure to enter the time into my calendar. I went to a meeting I attend and came home. Rene met me in the kitchen and began to apologize for questioning my IQ earlier. I had already forgotten the moment and attributed it to her over stressed mind and body. 

But as I began to say to her "just forget it. I know you are stressed and somewhat depressed. I am just fine".  Rene interrupted and explained that she needed to apologize and ask to be forgiven. I decided to take a big drink of shut up juice and just listen. When she was finished speaking I said this. "You were forgiven hours ago. Love covered it all" 

Even though her remark to me was nasty, It needed to be excused and forgotten. I can't tell you how many times Rene has forgiven me for some stupid action or remark.  Her goal was to not let us go to bed last night and have a comment from earlier keep either one of us awake, unable  to sleep with ill feelings toward each other. 

I am truly grateful for a marriage that makes allowances for mistakes. It makes life a lot easier. 

Marty 

Dog Tired 4/19/2022

 Good Morning!!!!

Rise and shine. It is time to get up and go go go. Did that wake you up? I just sat down to write and drink a cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. The warm cup feels good on my hands.

I would bet we all know someone who is totally exhausted at the end of their day and we have heard someone say "I am dog tired" 

James 1:19 So then my beloved Brethren, so let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. 

Dog tired is an old English Idiom usually hyphenated to dog-tired. An adjectival phrase meaning to be physically exhausted, it derives from an ancient tale of Alfred the Great, who used t send his sons out with his widespread kennels of hunting dogs.  Whichever of his sons, be it Athelbrod or Edwin, were able to catch more of the hounds would gain their father's right hand side at the dinner table that evening. These chases would leave them "dog-tired yet merry at their victory.

I have been dog-tired and some dog days were worse than others. At the end of the day when I was more than totally exhausted I found that I was not only tired but more irritable in spirit.

So here is my take on being crabby. I was dog tired because I was growling all day long like a rabid dog. I was guilty of snapping at people and chewing them out a little.  There will always be days when we will work and work and work at something and naturally we will be tired. But, you can avoid being more exhausted if you stop growling all day long!

Grrrr, 

Marty

The Fork In The Road 4/18/2022

 Good Morning.

It's a little cold out there today and I am blessed to be drinking some Door County Irish Cream Coffee. The mug is good and hot and feels great on two arthritic hands. 

For every person there comes a day when you have to decide for yourself two things. #1 Do you believe in God or not? #2 Do you desire to have a close walk with Him or not? It is a major fork in the road of life. 

The Apostle Paul wrote. But the things that were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, from which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means. I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Philippians 3:7-10

Paul never counted the choice he made to follow Jesus as a loss for him. Things did not matter and He was ready to suffer if needed. To Paul it meant more to be counted as a Christian, over anything else. 

There is a choice to follow or not follow. But one leads to a peace of heart and attitude that surpasses all understanding, The other leads to perceived fulfillment with the end result of denying God's existence and importance in your life. With a fork in the road, you can't take both paths. God requires one or the other. Tough food for thought today, 

Marty

Easter Sunday Time For Some Eggs 4/17/2022

 Good Morning,

I am up and at it this morning with a hot cup of Door County Irish Cream Coffee at my side and a prayer in my heart. 

Leviticus 19:32 You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man. And you shall fear your God. I am the Lord. 

This is the second Easter in a 1001 years of marriage that my wife Rene and I are not together. Rene is on a mission of love, caring for her mother and won't be home until tonight. So me and our two dogs are outside this morning enjoying some quiet, crisp air. I will go inside soon and cook some eggs for the three of us and prepare to go to church. 

I look forward to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with others as I have done for 65 years. The first few years I don't recall at all but I was there. My thoughts today turn to the empty tomb encountered by the female friends of Jesus as they went to finish His burial. What a thought! They saw Him tortured, die and be buried. Now they were going to the tomb, unescorted by men, to perform a job that at the least would be gruesome. They went to perform this task, out of love, respect and duty. 

Let's ponder that for a moment. They were showing their love for God in doing so. No one was there to cheer them on, say thank you, or give them a pat on the back. They were headed to the unknown. A heavy stone would need to be moved and the Roman Guards were to be feared also. But they went!

Today, many folks will take time this holiday to stop at a nursing home to spend a little time with grandma or grandpa, mom or dad. Easter will be celebrated by families large and small so that these loved ones will not feel forgotten. Pictures and videos will be recorded today and then tomorrow life will be uneventful once more. Easter will make many people feel like they made good on a commitment to their loved ones. Others will see the Easter Basket made for our loved ones, or a new blanket given, or a lily brought to the bedside. But what about tomorrow? The day without all the pomp and circumstance. Will you be there to rub some ninety year old feet with lotion when no one else is around to witness it? I miss my wife for sure, but I believe she and her brother have discovered what Easter is all about. It is about the sacrifice of love Jesus performed on our behalf. We weren't there that day. But our sins represented us. Jesus did what He did it out of love for us.  Today is a great day to show love for others. But what about tomorrow?

Food thought. 

Marty

The Day Before Easter 4/16/2022

 Good Morning,

The hearth is sending out some heat this morning from the small fire I made about twenty minutes ago, My mug of Door County Hazelnut Cream Coffee has an awesome aroma and tastes even better. It is now time to write. 

The day between Good Friday and Easter does not usually get the same hype as the other two days, yet it still holds a significance and has it's own place. Given the fact that this day is the Jewish Sabbath it is a day of rest and no work is allowed. The followers of Jesus had just experienced a horrific day on Friday and they probably were still in shock over His betrayal and suffering at the hands of the Roman guards. His burial was rushed and violence was still a threat. The body could not be prepared for a righteous burial and basically that work and a visit to the grave was pretty much a no go. I would suggest that a lot of things were going through the minds of His companions and family. They had nothing to do, except to reflect, recall, and relive many thoughts and memories. 

Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea. I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. 

Christians around the world observed the remembrance of the suffering of Jesus, His death and His burial yesterday. Today might be spent preparing for the celebration of the resurrection tomorrow. I will be standing guard tonight at a re-enactment of the burial and resurrection for a small passion play. I will be dressed as a Roman guard in front of a constructed tomb. I will have 6 hours to reflect on many things.

Back to my point. Today has much less of the Easter feel, yet I believe it is the prefect day to rest and reflect on my relationship with God. We should take time to count our blessings and be thankful for the death of Jesus in paying the price of our own mistakes and sins. We should prepare our hearts for the victory celebration of tomorrow. Easter is a big day for sure, today is more somber as we remember what and who actually nailed Jesus to the cross. It was us! Take time to think about the consequences of our actions and future sins. It just makes you want to repent and maybe fly a little more straight each day.

Don't count this day out as unimportant. It is a time of passive action. Anytime spent in close thought with God is a great day. 

God bless your day in between!

Marty

Mind Games. God Warns Us Against Them 4/15/2022

 Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and is headed toward a little work after I finish my thoughts and a cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. 

Everyone owns their own set of emotions and everyone is just a little different than the next person. I am blessed to be married to a woman who thinks a lot like I do. People often test one another in relationships to suit their own needs. Rene knows that on any given day if I would be purposely tested the result will end in failure. For instance, convincing me that watching a chick flick on the Hallmark Channel is good for me and will make me more sensitive will usually result in me snoring through the movie or telling her just how it will end. The best one is the girl who finds out that the gardener is actually a prince from Kukamunga and she ends up with him after the queen does everything she can to stop the relationship. I submit questions like, "Where is this country? How many single princes are in this world? How come it never ends in the fact that they just can't get married"? I will make some popcorn for both of us. But don't think that having me watch a Hallmark movie will sensitize me. 

So I fail the test. I am also one who does not like surprises that make me think or respond in a way that is not natural for me. Rene and I are both straight shooters and I like it that way. We both know where we stand with each other and that way it is easy to be on solid ground and stay there. I know better than to plan a vacation in areas I like to hunt and then say "hey hon we can do us things when I get in from the field". Yes Rene wants to vacation in South Dakota but not in the middle of a corn field waiting for me to finish pheasant hunting. 

Here are some Biblical rules for those who like to play mind games.

Luke 6:31 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

Matthew 7:3 Why do you point out the speck in another person's eye and ignore the log in your own?

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from, self ambition or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourselves. 4. Let each of you not only look to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

These three verses lay the ground work for honest and open relationships, Never put another person to the test of your mind. It is a 50/50 chance that they will fail. Worse yet. "You Lose".

Have a great day,

Marty

When You are Too Tired 4/14/2022

 Good Morning,

I am up and at it this morning. A hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee awaits me in the kitchen. Thursday arrived and I need Friday to be here. 

I have been burning the candle at both ends lately and it is taking a toll on my energy and disposition. God has created bodies that are wonderfully made and He has wired us in a way that let's us know when we are tired and need rest. He doesn't back off with the warnings of being too tired either, Yawning is one of those warnings.  Another one is when we have heavy eyes while in a meeting or while driving. Those two alone should be warnings enough for us to slow down and rest, 

Making simple mistakes while performing routine tasks is another sign. Then there is the "Crabby Factor". Our disposition changes and we are more impatient and vocal than we normally are, God does not stop with the warnings until we rest. 

Psalm 127:1-2  1. Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

2. In vain you rise up early and stay up late, toiling for your keep, for God grants sleep to His beloved.

Don't ignore the signs of being tired. God is talking to you. Get some rest. 

Marty

Making The Demons Tremble 4/13/2022

 Good Morning,

Wednesday arrived right on time and I for one was happy to see it. I salute this day with a hot cup of Door County Churro Coffee and a muffin for breakfast. 

I don't spend much time thinking about Satan and his armies of demons. If you believe in God you will admit that there is a dark side and Satan is the leader of that group. God clearly tells us about the fallen angels and their choice to rebel against Him, Their goal is to make everyone miserable. Within Scripture we know that they lose the final battle and will be sent to the Lake of Fire for eternity. Revelation 20:10. 

I was reading last night in a book titled the Paradise Of God and was being thankful for God and my faith. I for some reason was thinking about how foolish it would be to declare a rebellion against God and do those demons know that in the end they lose? I think we as humans often take our faith for granted and we shouldn't. When I think about God and His attributes of love, wisdom and power I should be shaking in my shoes.  Just the fact that the demons know of God and it causes them to tremble is an amazing fact.

James 2:19 You believe that there is one God! Good! Even the demons believe that and tremble. 

I think that if we all humbled ourselves and looked deep into the heart of God and His love for us, we too would tremble.

John 3:16 For God so loved the word, that He gave his only begotten son, so that whoever would believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. 

Marty

Stuck Under A Bridge 4/12/2022

 Good Morning,

Tuesday morning and it will be a long day and it will last all day. I just feel like splashing Door County Churros Coffee on my face to wake up. 

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 

Each day serves us up options and it is for some not anything they can take a pass on despite the consequences.

For instance. Today could serve you up a big helping of anger. You can take a bite of it or pass on it.

Today could serve you up a big helping of disappointment. You can take a bite of it or pass on it. 

Today could serve you up a day of depression. You can take a bite of it or pass on it. 

Today could serve you up a big bowl of discouragement. You can take a bite of it or pass on it.

It's your choice to live as if there is no God and the story of a risen Savior is just a story. Jesus was risen to defeat the power of Satan who strives to defeat us with anger, disappointment, depression, and discouragement. Jesus came from the grave that we too might live a resurrected life. Satan might serve it up, but you have the power not to dine on his offerings. 

John 10:10 The thief  does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. 

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world.

Daniel passed on the things that were not lawful for him to eat or drink. He chose good over wrong. He chose to live undefeated. 

What's your choice today? Misery or living resurrected? Are you stuck under a bridge unable to move? Back up, let some air out of your over inflated tires and move on through. Don't let Satan hold you back from living a resurrected  life. 

Marty

Fond Memories 4/11/2022

 Good Morning Everyone. 

I am headed off to work soon and I have a little bit of a trip ahead of me. So it's quick to write. Quick to drink a  hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and then get home for a nice dinner with my family.

Today is my mother's birthday. She passed away some years ago and for me it seemed to be a little early in life for that to happen. But God called her home and she enjoys the company of some relatives and Jesus . In my daily dribble I often quote my parents, but more so my Dad than my mother. 

One quote sticks with me to this day and my Mom meant every word of what she said. One day after pulling quite the shenanigan I was still drunk and I was singing Jesus loves me. I showed up to church hammered and Mom was not happy at all. I quote her word for word. "I am glad Jesus loves you, because no one else does."

I had finally pushed her too far. It was many years later and that statement bothered me to no end. I had turned over a new leaf and was a little more respectable. Yet the words I love you never crossed her lips toward me again. I thought about it and I realized I had never said I was sorry for the incident on top of many more incidents. I spent some time with my Mom when she was visiting her prodigal son and she and I went to church one night. I was leading the youth group at that time and I wanted to apologize to her in front of my wife and the youth group. I wanted to teach the kids a lesson in asking to be forgiven. When I apologized my mother accepted it and said this. "I forgave you a long time ago. I love you Son." 

So as I think about her today, my advice is this. If you have been the Prodigal or you have something against your folks, run to them and get things straight before God calls you or them home. Make sure to have fond memories and not ones of pain and guilt. I will be celebrating her birthday today. And in her memory I baked some of her "Nana Buns." Another fond memory.

God bless,

Marty

When You Defile Yourself With Your Mouth 4/10/2022

 Good Morning,

I am so glad to be in a warm house and to be able to eat some bacon and eggs this morning. As I write I a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is on my desk and keeping me warm. My heart and prayers are with those displaced by war and currently battling to defend their freedom. 

This is a tough one to write today but I know it is time for this reminder. We often wonder why prayers are not answered. Now every answer to prayer from God always is answered with a yes, no, or wait. God answers in His time and the way He wants to answer. We desire our needs and wants and as children of God we expect to be lavished with our requests from God. We even pray for changes within others and it seems like nothing happens. 

I do not believe in 'Pray It Claim It". But I do believe that when I pray I should say. "Your will be done Lord" I should trust that God knows best and will honor my prayers according to His thoughts and desires for me. 

Now here comes the hard part. Have you ever wondered if your own mouth keeps you from peace and being blessed? We claim to be a child of the King yet what comes out of our mouths just plain and simple can be called rude, crude and wrong. Our mouths that we praise God with are turned into sewer pits of filth and disgust. 

Matthew 15:11 It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of a mouth. this is what defiles a person. 

In recent years it has become a preferred method of discipline with children to have them take a "time out and sit in a corner. reflecting on their behavior instead of a good spanking. It could be that God has placed you in a time out until you straighten up and fly right, not just pretending to be a child of His. If before you claimed to be a Christian and you spoke like a drunken fool and yet you still are the same way, you have lied to yourself. A wise old pastor once said, "If you is where you was, maybe you ain't."

Colossians 1:10 So that you may live a life worthy of of the Lord and please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 2:6 As you therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. 

We should never be quick to point out the faults of others before we clean up the mouth of our own face. We need to set the example for Godly living through our actions and speech.

If this is you today,  and these words have not sunk in. You might want to go back to the beginning and say. Dear Lord, I need a Savior and invite Him in for a life change. Cause just maybe "You Ain't". 

God bless,

Marty

A Well Kept Secret 4/9/2022

 Good Morning,

The old mug is full with some Door County Sweet Clementine Coffee and it is time to write. 

My wife Rene and I haven't been married for 1000 years for nothing. It would be considered a waste of time if during our wedded longevity if we hadn't learned a few things along the way. One of the best kept secrets about marriage is something that every couple should know before committing to marriage. This simple thought is most important. 

In pre marriage counseling it should be stated that in a marriage both people will make mistakes, get crabby, and not always are we the picture of perfection. There will be days when that person you have been attracted to and are going to spend the rest of your life with isn't all that lovable. I would like to tell everyone that the pre marriage infatuation can last past the occasional bad days by just putting into practice this next Bible verse.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ Jesus forgave you.

If we follow this advice in the small offenses of life we will have readied our hearts for the days of a bigger offense.  The secret needs to be shared that married life is not one big bowl of sweet cherries and life slips in a tart radish or two. A better kept secret is that you can ride out the pits of life with these three little party favors.

BE KIND. BE COMPASIONATE. FORGIVE ALWAYS AND FORGIVE EVERYTHING. 

Food for thought. Are you kind in all your actions toward your spouse? Are you still kind when they have a bad day? Do you show compassion when they fail or are hurting? Do you forgive even when it doesn't make sense? No one is perfect so we shouldn't expect perfection. We make a marriage perfect when we practice these thoughts.

God bless,

Marty

Wild At Heart The Boy In Every Man 4/8/2022

 Good Morning,

The hearth was filled with some dry wood this morning and the crackling fire is soothing to my bones. My mug was filled to the top with some hot Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and now it is time to write. 

Genesis 21:20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. he lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 

I have been reading and studying a book named "Wild At Heart" written by John Eldredge. It is accompanied by work book that has written work to be done daily as you go through the study. We will be tackling this book in our Men's Bible Study each week, very soon and as the leader of that crew, I need to be studied up and ready to lead. 

The study has done a great job in pointing out the needs of a young man as well as what could be wrong with us older guys because we might have been coddled too much by our grandmothers and mothers. Absent fathers are spotted out in this book as the cause of many a boy headed in the wrong direction. Then there are the dads who need to work, but work too much. I am guilty as charged on that one.

What the book does is to show you why you behave and think the way you do. It makes it very apparent that when God made man and woman he wired each gender a lot differently. The author makes it clear that within every man there is still a boy that needs to be challenged, a little wild, and yet disciplined enough to behave. 

I will take myself as an example. For years I walked behind my grandpa and my dad as they taught me to shoot, hunt and fish. These were awesome experiences. Yet there was always the need within me to to be able to do these events alone and on my own. Learning from them and experiencing what we encountered together was and is still priceless to me. I still needed to prove to myself that I could do what they taught me and do it as well as them or even better than them. 

I can still remember the first time I went trout fishing alone.  I was staying a few weeks with my grand parents in Michigan. I had a bike up there and one day when it was good and hot in July the heat had gotten to Grandpa a little. He just needed a rest for the afternoon. I was a little disappointed that we would not be going fishing. He sensed the disappointment and said, "I just don't feel good today. But you can still go fishing. Take your bike and gear and go where I showed you and see if you can bring some trout home." The area where they lived was and still is, loaded with miles upon miles of trout streams. So I took off. I didn't receive any last minute instructions or warnings. All I was told was to be home 30 minutes before dinner. I was handed a pocket watch to be able to track the time. 

Wow, the freedom to be trusted and allowed to fish on my own was something I cannot describe. Off I went and I shortly found myself in a honey hole on the river. It wasn't too long before I had a limit of trout in my fish basket. I loaded up my gear, and my fish and went home. When I got back to their house, I was greeted by my grandmother who always greeted my grandpa and asked to see what he caught. I proudly displayed my catch and received a "Nice Job" from her. Grandpa was still napping and I proceeded to sharpen the filet knife and started the fish cleaning process. I felt a hand on the back of my neck. There was grandpa, grinning at me and all he said was "Looks like we will have some fried trout tonight for dinner". Now to eat what the mighty fisherman brought home was just another feather in the cap of the boy. 

A few weeks later my parents came to pick me up and while sitting with my Dad outside one night, He said to me "I hear you are filling the freezer now with trout, good for you". I received some praise from the hardened Marine and I never forgot that moment when I was recognized as capable.

Those two still impact my life, even though they are long gone. When I come home with two tired dogs and can throw a couple of pheasants or ducks in the freezer, I still remember the day when they let me fish alone and prove myself. 

Every boy needs that stamp of approval from a man. If you are in a position to encourage a young boy, do so. The lesson and the approval last a lifetime. Remember this, every boy and every man are all a little wild at heart. 

God bless,

Marty

When You Are In Doubt?? 4/7/2022

 Good Morning,

The day began with hope in my heart and a song on my mind. The Coffee Maker filled my mug with Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and now it is time to write.

I was dining with a friend many years ago, out of state during a pheasant hunt. We decided to hit up a steak house for some beef and a lot of it. I was having a hard time deciding on what cut of meat I wanted to have grilled up for me. My friend said this, "When in doubt, always order a ribeye. You can't go wrong." 

I have always heeded that advice and have eaten my share of ribeye steaks. But in life the choice of a steak is nothing compared to the choices we make that really impact us and our families. Along with choices comes our nemesis Mr. Doubt.

My motto for making sense of major doubt is this. Wait as long as you can before choosing. Take all decisions to the Lord in prayer, while continuing to read your Bible. God directs us through His word. 

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 

Then answer these questions. 

Does my decision compromise my moral compass?

Does my decision violate God's Word?

Does my decision produce good or bad fruit.? Am I worrying too much?

Do others I respect, support my decision. Are these others, folks that will tell you what you need to hear? And not the type that will tell you just what you want to hear. 

If you are married, what does your spouse say?

I use this check list quite often and it has never failed me. I thought I would share it. 

Work hard and rest long today.

Marty

Not Hard To Tell Good From Bad. 4/6/2022

 Good Morning, 

This day began early and might run a little later than normal tonight. I kicked started the day with a big cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and prayer. 

Deep within all of us there is the potential for us to say, that some direction or something we chose was bad for us. I believe we really have no excuse for doing some of the things we do. We have all been wired to know when something is bad or good. It is our choice to make and when we choose what is bad we usually pay the consequences. 

In society we have made offering up excuses an art, instead of taking ownership of the bad choice we made. 

A choice can be evaluated in seconds and then can be avoided if it violates Biblical principals. One does not need to have the Bible memorized to be able to do this. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly. To love mercy and walk humbly with your God. 

As I looked at this verse I see some keys within it that are important.

1. God has wired all of us to know right from wrong. We know what is good.

2. We are to take right and wrong and choose the perfect way. We should treat all people fairly and justly. It is "required', not optional! 

3. We are to show mercy to others and in the act of doing so, love being able to show mercy and compassion. 

4. We are to walk with God with a humble attitude and heart, and rely on Him to direct our paths. There is no room for us to idolize ourselves and walk ahead of God in any situation or circumstance. 

Basically, the message is this. We have no excuses for what we do or don't do. If we are walking with God we don't even need one.

Have a great day!

Marty

Go Deep And I Will Throw You A Pass 4/5/2022

 Good Morning,

A day is set before me to get some work done and make it home in time to feed the dogs. I am ready to face the day with some prayer and a hot mug of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee.

Proverbs 5:18. may your fountains be blessed. Rejoice with the wife of your youth. 

Many years ago I was traveling to my parents home from our house in Wisconsin to their place in Upper Michigan. It was usually about a five hour trip and the trip was not all that entertaining. For one reason or another my brother's youngest son was keeping Uncle Marty company on the ride to see Nana and Papa. He wasn't all that old, but old enough to have a crush on Hillary Duff who at that time was known as Lizzie McGuire. Once we hit the road, our nephew Matt opened his back pack and produced "some stuff to hold us over" until we stopped for breakfast. He had Gatorade, gummy bears and sour candy in that bag as well as the latest Lizzie McGuire CD. I found out later that the Gatorade bottle had two purposes. You drank the liquid and then when you had to pee you peed into the bottle. His dad would never stop for bathroom breaks on the way up to Michigan. I ruined Matt's day by stopping for gas and a rest room.

Matt asked if we could listen to Lizzie and before I could answer he had slipped the CD into the dash and we were serenaded by Miss Duff. I am no music critic but after two hours of Lizzie I needed a change and my young companion was sleeping in the front seat. I went to turn on the radio and all of a sudden without even opening his eyes, I heard. "Hey I was listening to that." I excused my rudeness and went back to listening to Lizzie. 

About an hour later Matt was wide awake and hit me with a barrage of questions about everything and anything. I did my best to answer his many probes for information. He reopened his back back and took out a football. The next question was a doozie. "Hey Uncle Marty. Want to play catch?" He wanted to toss the ball back and forth while I was driving. My better judgement talked us out of that idea. But Matt, the deep thinker said. "We can pull over and throw the ball a little, so you aren't driving." I thought that was a better idea. So when he stepped outside of the truck and I had the football and I told him to run a deep pass pattern and I would throw him a bomb. He was running and I kept telling him to go deeper and when he was about 50 yards away, I tucked the ball under my arm and started getting back into the truck. That kid thought I was going to leave him there. He came running back as fast as he could and jumped into the truck. He and I laughed about that stunt for quite awhile. He never asked me to play catch again while driving. 

Matt will be getting married soon and it will be a great day. My thought for today is this. He and is wife will travel on to a new adventure together and life gets busy. My hope is that they will always take time to play catch and enjoy the ride God has blessed them with. 

Have a great day. 

Marty

Dad! My Shirt Flew Out Of The Window! 4/4/2022

 Good Morning,

The day began awhile ago with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and a smile. 

I don't know why, but this mind came alive with a memory from the past that I think about from time to time. My daughter and I were spending a week of vacation together back when she was about four years old. It was a hot summer day and we were traveling from the Wisconsin Dells after spending a few days there enjoying the attractions. We were back on the road to my parents house in Northern Michigan when this took place.

Thus, says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another.

At that time my mode of transportation was a vintage Dodge Ram Charger. That is a nice way of saying "Old run down vehicle". But there we were dad and daughter on our way to see Nana and Papa. The old vehicle did not have air conditioning  and once again I will say this, it was a "hot day". Kristy decided that the front seat was not her choice for a comfortable ride. Although the truck was equipped with seat belts, they weren't mandatory. So when she requested to sit in the back with the windows open and the ac set at 65 miles per hour, I agreed. I thought she might fall asleep in the back, lay down and we would get there without me hearing "Dad? When will we be there? Are we getting closer? Dad my water is hot, can I have another cold one?" Bottled water wasn't really a thing back then. We had a Thermos brand water jug I had filled with ice and  some cups to dispense it into. I think Kristy just liked dispensing the water and splashing some cold water on herself. She never did fall asleep. 

Her next question was "Dad, are you hot"? My reply was "yes, all of me"? Then came her odd request. "Dad I have an undershirt on, can I take off my top shirt? I think it would be cooler for me" My reply was "sure". We were still 2 hours away from our destination and a swim in the lake. Well, with the wind blowing and Kristy twirling her shirt in the air while in the back seat I figured I had bought some time before the next barrage of questions came about. We continued traveling along when the statement I will not forget came out. "Dad I think you need to turn this "truck around". "Why do I need to turn around?"  "Because my shirt flew out of the window," "Kristy! It's an old shirt, you have plenty of others to wear". "But dad it is my most favoritist shirt and I need it." Well with the statement that slaughtered the English language,  I turned around and headed back looking for her shirt. We found it on the side of the road about a mile back. I asked Kristy how her shirt flew out of the window. The reply floored me. "It has a mind of it's own Dad and it just went out the window while I was drying it?" 

There was no winning this one. I smiled and laughed it off, knowing that it would be stored in my memory vault for a long long time. 

My point for the day is this. Sometimes as parents we just need to listen to find out what is important to our kids. What we may think is trivial is a big deal to them. And at that moment it might be the crisis of the day and there is a reason behind their urgency. 

When we arrived by Nana and Papa and the hugs began, came the explanation. "Nana I was drying my shirt in the truck and it flew out of the window. But Dad recued it. Can we wash it? It is my most favoritist one that you bought for me"! 

Now I knew what the big deal of the day was all about. It was Nana's turn to rescue the shirt and that shirt meant a lot to my four year old. Kristy still uses that term. I can't even say it let alone spell it, but you get the picture. So for today, what is a big deal to others might not be a big deal to you. But be polite and listen. If possible help them with their dilemma or celebrate their joy with them. You might have something special to store in you memory vault. Tomorrow I will be writing about a request to play catch while driving! 

Love to all. 

Marty

Bachelor Time For A Few Days 4/3/2022

 Good Morning,

The fire in the hearth is a good one this morning and much needed. The dampness is really doing a job on the temperature in the house. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and I am ready to write. 

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

My wife Rene is 62 miles away taking care of her mother for a few days and I am living the life of a bachelor. Our two dogs are a little confused as to what is going on, because the lady who gives them their treats at night is not here.

I thought this would be simple to do for a few days but I am finding out that I never really knew just what Rene does all the time. For instance, when the dogs go out to run in our soupy back yard and track mud in to the house, I now know what the Swiffer is for. 

I thought I would take some of this "couple down time" and start a wood refinishing job yesterday. I was working diligently in the garage and the project is off to a good start. But something was a wee bit off. While working I felt like something was missing. It dawned on me that no one came out to the garage with a cup of hot chocolate for me or checked on me to see how it was going. I had to stop what I was doing to get my own hot drink. 

Last night I decided to read and study before bed, which is pretty routine for me. I ended up turning on the television just for back ground noise. I had enough silence for the day. 

For dinner I made myself a salad that contained meat, onions, hot peppers, radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers with extra hot peppers and minced garlic, and no one complained that my salad was smelling up the house. No one reminded me that eating that combination my light me up later with enough heartburn for five people. 

So what I guess I am saying is that I am much happier married than I would be living "the life of a bachelor." It won't be long before I am talking to myself. 

Today, I will tackle some monster in the basement know as a "washing machine". A bachelor's work is never done.

God bless,

Marty

Sending My Wife Off 4/2/2022

 Good Morning,

The hearth needs another log on the fire. A pot of potato corn chowder is simmering on the stove. The Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee is plenty hot and right after that log gets placed I  will start writing. 

Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together, by every joint with every joint by which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 

It will be three weeks tomorrow since my mother in law took a tumble on her way to church. Her leg was twisted at the knee and she also put a nasty scrape on that leg. It's been a couple of trips to the hospital and a couple more to the clinic. She will be 95 years old this summer and age just seemed to catch up to her on this adventure. My wife Rene and her brother are taking turns a few days at a time taking care of their mother. It seems she needs some care at night when the pain gets to be too much for her. Clinicians are doing house visits to change bandages and perform therapy on her leg. Yesterday is was announced that Rene's sister was hospitalized with a stroke. My wife's family is taking a beat down right now. 

Rene will be gone for a few days and when she told me the plan she looked at me and asked, "will you be alright while I am gone?" I answered, "I am sure I will survive". I was already planning my meals laced with bacon while she was still speaking. 

In all seriousness now there isn't much I can do to to help the situation except to pray and do what I do best. I make meals for the caregivers and Mom and send them out with Rene. Last night when I returned home from work I asked Rene to leave the kitchen, stay out of the way and let me have at it. I started methodically making some meals for Rene to take with her this morning. The last one is just about done. 

I whisked through two meat loaves, sausage stuffing, a turkey pot pie, garlic buttered squash, lasagna, freshly baked rolls, and of course the soup. I am not tooting my own horn here, but giving thanks to God for keeping me on the track, nothing burned and everything turned out perfectly. 

Our pastor always says "God's work, done in God's way, never lacks His support." I truly believe that. It's time for me to help my wife and pay back the kindness she bestowed on my family over the years.

 Now I can cook. But if I had to bake anything to survive I would starve to death. My dad, while he was alive always had a sweet tooth for bakery. Rene would send loves of banana or pumpkin bread to him via the mail service. She would send it out "Priority Mail". For some reason Dad would get the biggest kick out of going to the post office and receiving his priority package. 

Now to end this blog for the day. As the rolls and pot pie were cooling I sat down last night to take a short break. The kitchen was a mess and my goal was to clean it up. I had been cooking for 5 hours straight and the day took it's toll. I fell asleep while sitting in a chair and woke up at midnight with a note next to me. It said, "Thank you so much for the grub. We truly appreciate  what you do for my family and me. See you in the morning." I went out to the kitchen and found it all cleaned and ready for use. Rene who has been so busy and probably tired herself, had one more thing to do before she leaves this morning. She took time to clean up my mess and let me rest. Now who sent who off into the future?

God bless,

Marty

April Fools 4/1/2022

 Good Morning,

Wow, where did this week go? I am done with jury duty now and can say for sure that it was more of an inconvenience than anything. I don't really feel that anything at all was accomplished. But I served my duty, and will wait for the next four years to go by until I might get called on again. 

I just poured a hot cup of door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and now it is time to write. April 1st is known as April fools day. 

April 1st or better known as "April Fools Day" is an annual custom consisting of practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting "April Fools" at the recipient of the joke or hoax. Mass media can be involved in these pranks which may be revealed the next day. Some historians speculate that the origin of the annual holiday might go back as far as 1582. I did some research on the subject which I won't boar you with. You can look the information up for yourselves. 

However I did some Biblical research as to what it means to be Biblically referred to as a fool. Depending on which version of the Bible is referenced, the word fool can be found in both the New Testament and the Old Testament roughly 110 times. Used that many times in the Bible, tells me that God has something to say about the foolish. The Hebrew word for fool is "nabal" and means senseless so the fool basically according to God has no sense and why "The fool says in His heart, 'There is no God" Psalm 14:1. He or she is a fool if they claim there is no God. 

So for someone to say there is no God is a fools statement because they have never been everywhere in the universe and therefore cannot say that there is no God. Also Psalm 19 proves that there must be a God because "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Psalm 19:1-2

If you have been out on a star filled night, you must conclude that this universe and all its vastness did not create itself. The order and symmetry of the heavenly bodies are like a well tuned orchestra that works to perfection (Isaiah 45:18) because God is a God of order and not  chaos and confusion.           (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Read more: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-does-the-bible-define-a-fool/#ixzz7P9ygQYIX

I have played part in a April 1st joke now and then. I have fallen victim to some pretty good pranks directed at me through the years. All in good fun. But the true meaning of a fool is not flattering. 

Have a fun and safe day. 

God bless.

Marty