Last Day Of October Just A Little Advice10/31/2022

 Good Morning,

It's difficult to get to the coffee pot this morning. But I hear it brewing some Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and the aroma is helping me find my way to the kitchen.

We are in the second phase of flooring replacement and everything has been moved for the installers to come and have at it today. Nothing is in it's right place and I wonder if we will find everything and be able to put is back like it was.  I am not writing from my desk today. The kitchen table had to do for this morning. Everything is in disarray!

My short point for today is this. Our flooring was definitely in need of a replacement and in order to have that accomplished we needed to incur some difficulty in getting it done. I was not exactly enthused about having a mattress on the floor for my sleeping arrangements last night, but it had to be done. You definitely could not navigate the once familiar home in the dark, It was am accident just waiting to happen. 

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. And He delights in his way. 24. Though he fall, he will not be utterly cast down. For, the Lord upholds him with His hand. 

Very often to have something change in our lives, we need to experience some difficulty or we need to endure the pain of change. This flooring project has provided us with some difficulties. But in doing so  many items were looked at and we asked, "Why do we really have this? And why would we need it?" Some stuff was donated to charity or just tossed out, It was a good deep clean for our home,

So as life brings about changes take the steps in stride and allow God to show you the next steps and what might need to be tossed aside. Let him establish the new paths and keep you steady.

Enjoy the process. 

Marty

Trick Or Treat.Not What It Used To Be.10/30/2022

 Good Morning,

I wish I could say that my Door County Autumn Spice Coffee was doing a great job of waking me up, but I guess I am just a little too tired to snap out of it quickly. 

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is filled in one sentence. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

 Photo credit . Clip Art 

Today our city will be observing Trick Or Treat. For those who don't know what that is, I will attempt to explain. It is a tradition that takes place on Halloween where children will dress in costumes and go door to door and  the home owners give them some candy after the kids state "Trick or Treat." Some communities observe this on October 31st and the kids go out after school for their time of fun. Our community will be observing it this afternoon from 4PM until 7PM.

As a kid I participated in this tradition myself and always looked forward to it. I would have enough candy given to me to last the whole year if I did not go overboard and eat too much . I never had any safety issues to worry about and the time spent with friends in costume was most fun.

So today I will be sitting at the end of our driveway at a small table and I will be handing out the candy  to the little urchins. The kids while collecting candy from me will be off of the road and from where I sit I can see up and down our street. Not only will I be handing out candy, but I will also be watching out for the kiddos and their parents who very often accompany them. 

Although we live in a very nice community we still have to watch  out for those who might prey on the children. It is a sad sick world we live in. Parents have been instructed to go through the candy and inspect it because the 'Bad Guys" are now making Fentynal  to look like popular candies and the police are worried that some sick demented person will give some to the kids and it will be deadly for them. 

This bothers me to no end. I have to now look at the candy we purchased to see if there is anything odd about it. 

So if you observe the trick or treating or not, maybe be outside raking leaves during that time and just be an extra set of eyes out there. You can be a safe haven for those trusting children and their parents for any reason.. Be a good neighbor!

Marty

An Empty Room 10/29/2022

 Good Morning,

I just sat down at my desk with a hot cup of Door County Creme Brulee Coffee. I also have two English Springer Spaniels asleep next to me on the floor. They have been fed and are content to grab some more shut eye.

Normally I would be hunting this morning, but duty calls at home. We decided that the old place needs to be spruced up a bit and we started the process with new flooring. It will be completed in three phases. We are on phase two, the largest of the three. The last one will be completed after Christmas. 

The flooring will be installed in phase two on Monday. This has required three rooms of furniture to be moved. Four book cases had to be cleared, as well my desk. The heaviest of the furniture has yet to be moved and you can guess what the duty at home is for today. The bedroom furniture was hand made by an Amish man from Greenville Wisconsin. Oscar built it to last and it still looks brand new after  25 years of service. But the word heavy cannot even begin to describe it. 

So today I sit in our den and the last thing left in that room is my desk and a chair. The room is empty and it just seems strange, weird, and not normal whatsoever, not to be surrounded by books, hunting memorabilia and pictures. The rocking chair is gone from the room as well as the old blanket that hung from it. The plan is to start moving back in on Monday and Tuesday, so the emptiness won't last long. What seems to bother me is the emptiness. Everything in this room is just a bunch of things. Some of those things contain precious memories. But still, they are just things. 

This room for some reason is reminding me that there are folks out there who are going through some life changing experiences. Due to their fault or no fault of their own, they now have an empty room or two that once was filled with another person or persons. The sting of divorce can really alter the make up of a family. Once where there was noise and laughter is just an empty room. The loneliness and heartache of not having the house filled with those you love is a terrible feeling. 

The other thought is this. Someone who has been part of your life for a long time has passed away and now there is an empty chair at the table. It has to hurt immensely. You have memories of that chair being filled with someone blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, eating their favorite Italian food or sitting there agonizing over some huge bills. 

But as I sit in this room that echoes now and has given me fodder for today I realize that although the room is empty I am not alone. God is with me and the room is full of His presence and comfort.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be  discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Jeremiah 23:23-24 "Am I a God at hand declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord!

Are you adjusting to a new normal and feeling alone and empty? You are not alone. God is with you. Call out and He will answer you? Jeremiah 33:3

You have been prayed for this morning. God Bless,

Marty

Poor Man's Roses 10/28/2022

 Good Morning,

I am waiting until later to have a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and a couple of small oranges to go with the coffee. It is time to write. 

It's not as often as I should that I will stop and purchase some fresh flowers and bring them home to Rene my wife. I try to do that on special occasions and now and then for no reason at all. The other day I was able to surprise her with a few carnations. 

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

The act of purchasing the flowers was one to remember. As I picked out six fresh ones and took them to the stand to have them wrapped for protection from the weather the attendant of the flower stand looked at them and said "these are some very beautiful poor man's roses". Suddenly feeling poor and cheap at the same time I must have had a puzzled look on my face. She went on to explain that her husband would always bring her some carnations now and then and call them "poor man's roses." She also explained to me that he had passed away a few years ago and just seeing me pick out the carnations reminded her of the times he gifted her with flowers. 

"I can still see his face smiling at me when he would bring home that surprise." I smiled and agreed that I  knew my wife will just like the thought of me bringing home some flowers. I was right in my assumption. Back to the lady at the flower stand.  " Although they were never roses and he really couldn't afford to give me roses, those carnations meant the world to me. They were worth more to my heart than all the roses in the world". 

So guys small actions say a lot to your spouses when given from the heart. If you can give roses, do so. If you can't, a few carnations will do. It's your heart she wants and to wrap it in a symbol of a few flowers says a lot about your feelings, One last quote from the flower attendant. "What I wouldn't give to see his smile and 6 carnations coming through the door."

Have a great day. And fellas, make sure to appreciate your spouse with something that makes you look like a rose.

Marty

November Is Almost Upon Us 10/27/2022

 Good Morning. 

I will be heading out soon for some work at one of the local medical centers. I will be grabbing my Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend and drinking it on the run this morning. 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 

I did some grocery shopping yesterday and I noticed that the store I was in there were frozen turkeys for sale. Then it dawned on me that Thanksgiving isn't all that far away and November is only a few days away. We have decided that the traditional turkey dinner is not for us this year. I want to change it up a little and have lasagna as the main course. I will had a few things to go with it and Italian food shall be served. 

So what does lasagna and Thanksgiving have to do with my daily writing? My point for the day is this. Traditions are always nice and there is some comfort found in them. But at the same time it is ok to observe something different. We get so locked into traditions sometimes that we forget what the real meaning of the day is. 

I am afraid that many folks are stuck on tradition in attending church. They get out of bed on Sunday and head to church, because that's what they have always done. They come home feeling like they filled and obligation, yet they feel empty.

So change up the routine. Wake up and hour earlier. Get that Bible out. Read some Scripture, pray and prepare your heart to attend church and listen. You might find that you have wet your spiritual appetite. Each week read a new passage and keep a prayer journal. Pray for the person delivering the sermon. Break the tradition of coming home from church and feeling like you haven't been fed. Prepare yourself to worship.

Food For Thought

Marty

I have copied my turkey recipe for those who still want to eat one. It is a great way to cook a turkey.

Turkey Recipe

Here is how we have done it for years.

One large turkey thawed and dried off inside and out.

Place two slices of heavily smoked bacon and place into the cavity of the bird.
Rub the turkey with pure maple syrup.
Then drape the more smoked bacon over the turkey completely covering the bird. Then pour the rest of the maple syrup over the bacon and then bake at 325 until done.
Once the turkey is done, uncover the bird and allow the bacon to brown.

To serve the turkey, remove the bacon and slice the meat. Place the meat on a platter and pour some of the bacon and syrup drippings on to the meat. Awesome. 

It's So Easy To Communicate Now 10/26/2022

 Good Morning,

I will be on the road very early today and that is fine with me. A hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee awaits me in the kitchen. 

I am declaring this to be "Communications Day". When I think back to my earliest days of childhood I can remember that communicating around the world was difficult to do and was very expensive. The letter in the mail was highly unreliable and not done all too often. 

But now in the age of instant communication through telephones and the internet, we can communicate around the world in seconds.

Right to the point. We have the ability to talk with just about everyone at anytime. This is especially nice for family and friends. But I ask this to all! What stops you from dropping an email or making a phone call on to someone you care about and just take a moment to tell them they are loved, appreciated and prayed for. A note or word of encouragement goes a long way with people and just might be what they need to make it through the next day, next hour, or next minute. 

Proverbs 25:25. Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. 

It only takes a minute to encourage and reassure someone that you care about. So my advice for today is this. Go for it!

Marty

I Can Make It On My Own. Famous Last Words10/25/2022

 Good Morning,

A hot mug of Door County Highlander Grog is keeping me company this morning. It is time for me to write.

Many a person will find themselves distraught and full of anxiety sometime in their lives. During that time, they run to God for help. They cannot attend enough group sessions or Bible studies to satisfy their hurting souls. I have seen it before. When the lights turn on at church they are their. They purchase some new books and are all gung ho. 

They enter into a game of Let's Make A Deal with God. There is something they want and desire from God. It could be they desire for God to change someone else's heart and feelings toward them. So they put on their "I Love Jesus" shirts and get sore arms from carrying all those books.  They read and read yet nothing sinks in and when they don't get what they want they "take a break" from God and their church.

You see, they have come to God with ulterior motives. I see the once exuberant and at times obnoxious folks walk away from the One who can fill every void and give them peace. They have decided that since they put in the hours they should get what they want. What they should want is more of God. 

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

I believe that Psalm 37:4 is often misunderstood. When we delight in the Lord HE BECOMES THE DESIRE OF OUR HEARTS. The more we want of God, the more He gives of himself to us. This isn't a booth of bartering and exchange of righteousness for a gift.

Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. but God weighs the heart. 

God does know each heart and the motives for us running to Him. We must never bring God down to our level and then try to wheel and deal with Him. It is not a good idea to make a vow to God and not keep it. 

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5When you make a vow to God do not delay in paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools.  Pay what you vow. It is better that you not vow, than to vow and not pay.

So before you run off into a corner and say "I will go it on my own." Remember that it might be your actions that got you into a mess. Do you really want to follow you again?

Food for thought.

Marty

Tear Collection. 10/24/2022

 Good Morning,

Wow! I am just a little sore from trimming trees yesterday. My chain saw went haywire and I trimmed by hand. I swear this hot cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee Is more for medicinal purposes than for waking me up. 

I forgot what it was like to use a hand trimmer saw and push and pull the saw until a limb came off of the tree. When I was done with the work on one tree I had a pretty good pile of branches that will be picked up by the city next week. 

Photo credit. 

DailyVerses.net

The work was tedious and boring. But it was a great time to lift up others in prayer. I have several friends who are very ill. One is in hospice care while others fight cancer and covid. I also prayed for a family who's daughter just passed away. One of my friends is going through a bad and difficult break up. During my conversations with some earlier in the day, they began to cry and explained their feelings of being alone and abandoned. 

I did my best and prayed with each one. I assured them that God is present through their suffering and knows they are crying. I assured them that they are really never alone. God's only Son knew the feeling they are experiencing Himself while dying on the cross because of His love for us and for God the Father.

If this finds you alone and somewhat beaten down, memorize these verses. 

Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book,

Isaiah 49:16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Your walls are continually before me. 

Take on this day and know you are loved and you have been prayed for.

Marty

Your First Love 10/23/2022

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write a few minutes ago. My heart was heavy and my thoughts were laden with prayer for those I know who are suffering today. My cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee seems fitting for my soul this morning

Revelation 2:2-4 I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who you say are apostles and are not., and have found them liars, 3. and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name's sake and have not become weary. 4. Never the less, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 

This message to the church at Ephesus is found in the book of Revelation. The first love mentioned here is the Ephesians joy, love and fervor in which they embraced their salvation. They were full of zeal for their relationship with God the Father found through Jesus Christ. They realized that they loved Jesus because He first loved them.  (1John 4:19.) Their love for Christ made them all alive in Him. They were very overwhelmed with the joy of that came from understanding their former state (dead in trespasses and sin) and their new life in Christ that it showed up in the fruit of their lives. They had a passion gratitude for what Jesus had done for them. 

Jesus commends the Ephesians for their many good works. But Jesus warns them that some had lost their passion and zeal for God.  Their love for Him was at risk of becoming the second pot on a cold stove. 

I see this all too often as I still walk this world. Many people receive the love and forgiveness of Jesus and are on fire for Him. But soon the honeymoon is over and they return to their old ways or are just going through the motions of being "churched" . They left their first and one and only true love and begin once again to prefer the what the world has to offer instead of being fired up with the joy of their life in Christ and the gift of His salvation. 

If this is you. Stop in your tracks and acknowledge your faltering and get back on the road which leads to peace, love and joy. Fire up that love for Jesus and never look back at the world.

Marty

In Five Minutes It Was Comfortable 10/22/2022

 Good Morning,

We are in the middle of a warm spell but my hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is still what this guys needs even on a warmer than usual morning. 

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father. 

Last night my wife Rene and I had the opportunity to go out to eat with some of my childhood buddies and their wives and a couple family members. We used to spend most all of our time together up until we graduated from high school and unfortunately went in different directions. But one of the four of us kept tabs on us other three and it has been his goal for years to get us all back together again for a time of fellowship and a sort of reunion. The old neighborhood was about to come back to life in our minds. 

Last night was it and we all met at a local emporium for a Wisconsin fish fry. At first it seemed quite awkward and we started to make some small talk. But within five minutes we moved along to reliving a few memories and the laughs began and I sat back and listened to stories I had long forgotten. Again within minutes it was just like it was 50 years ago when we would sit on someone's porch and listen to music and talk about anything under the moon. Plans are to meet every couple of months to rehash and once again enjoy company that was so dear to us many years ago. I found that as we left for home it felt like we never missed a beat in 50 years and that although we hadn't met together in a long time we would all be there for one another if the need came up. I want to say thanks to our buddy Wayne for pursuing this reunion and for God who has kept us all alive to visit and renew friendships that are very precious. It was a gift from heaven. As I write this I can still hear the noise from some of our pick up baseball games . Those were the days!

Marty

Constructing A Sandwich 10/21/2022

 Good Morning,

Friday arrived right on time and I am ready for it. This week was a true roller coaster ride with plenty of ups and downs. On the upswing is my hot mug of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. Great way to start a day. 

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a mans heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. 

One thing I do not like is a sloppy sandwich. I like any sandwich I order while dining out to look like the picture on the menu. Rarely does any sandwich look like the picture on the menu, especially in the fast food arena. 

So when making a sandwich at home I take pride in how my sandwich looks and grade it on appeal and eatability. If the sandwich falls apart before it is all eaten I consider it to be a flop! The bread needs to be right for the meat. The cheeses should compliment the meat. The tomato and lettuce should only be there if they enhance the sandwich. If the don't, the salad should be just that. A salad on the side. Condiments should be applied for the individual taste. But when making a sandwich for family and friends ask before you add condiments. The prefect sandwich has the top piece of bread placed on the finished assembly signifying that the sandwich is complete. 

My point for today is this. Like sandwich construction needs that last piece of bread so does a marriage. Within a marriage both parties will have projects or goals to accomplish. Even though the goals or projects are personal it is always nice to know that the hand of support is there from your spouse. That encouragement is like the final piece of bread on a great sandwich. Have you ever considered telling your spouse "you are the top to my sandwich, the other half to my bun, you are the rye to my pastrami sandwich'? Give support to one another and let encouragement flow from your words and actions. In addition acknowledge the encouragement and support with a thank you and pay back whenever you can. This is the pickle on top!

Marty

God Had A Different Plan 10/20/2022

 Good Morning,

A project will start in our home today. It is one that is long overdue. It is time to start replacing the floor coverings and I am sore today from moving a refrigerator and stove last night as well as a few heavy antique cabinets. I am very content to be sitting and writing this morning. I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee as our two dogs sleep on my feet. Let's go. 

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way.

We witnessed a small miracle yesterday and I want to write about it just to show that God is in all things and is still in control and always will be. 

Yesterday I was supposed to go to work around 1pm to perform a small project. I had loaded my truck with me gear and was just going to change clothes when I received a text message notifying me that the client could not meet at anytime yesterday. They wanted to reschedule until early November. I was a little disappointed and put out at first. 

Within three minutes the phone rang and it was the daughter of our next door neighbor. She explained that her dad was taken by ambulance to the hospital in the middle of the night and was now resting in hospice. Eddie our neighbor has been suffering from ALS for a couple years now and has done everything possible to live. The time is now running very short for him. It sorrows me to see this big guy in such pain and so helpless. My heart goes out to his wife and the rest of the family. 

Their daughter explained that Eddie wanted me to come to the hospice site. Had that client not cancelled due to being too busy at their work site, I would have not been able to jump in my truck and be with Eddie and his family. God rearranged my day and sent me in a path to sit and pray with them and read Scripture. I will never, ever believe in a coincidence that this worked out. I believe God is the Creator, Ruler and Father of us all . He can make rivers turn, babies cry out for that first breath, leaves change colors, and He can rearrange the day of an old grumpy guy like me. I never get tired of seeing Him at work. I was blessed to have Him take me along with Him yesterday. I stand in awe once more. I just needed to share that story today and I pray that when God calls on you to work with Him you can answer the call. 

Marty

No Man Should Stand Alone 10/19/2022

 Good Morning,

The day began awhile ago for me, but I just now had time to sit down and enjoy a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and write.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. 

I was conversing with a young man yesterday and during our chat he asked for prayer regarding a health issue he is experiencing. I could tell he was stressed out about it and I kept him on the phone just a little longer so we could pray together. 

Let's back up just a little. He requested prayer and I said yes that I would pray. He doesn't know me well and I said that I would pray later but that I wanted to pray right now. I prayed again this morning. But last night this young fella with a wife and a satchel of young children needed to know that even with all of his faith in God he wasn't standing alone. Sometimes a guy just needs to know that someone tangible is in the battle with him. 

When I think about how Jesus was hung on a cross and his buddies who were with him for three years deserted him. I cannot imagine how lonely He had to feel. Some women were there as well as two thieves, some soldiers, some chief priests and scribes, but none of his male disciples. 

So my point for the day is one that is aimed straight at the hearts of all praying men. Guys will hardly ever admit when they are worried or worn. But when they do, stand in the gap with them. Pray with them and check on them. Some young men that I know are headed out on a hunting trip, I doubt that they will read my daily blogs while on that trip. But one thing for sure, while they are gone I will text them now and then to let them know that they and their families were prayed for right after I finish praying. 

It is important that we know why we are here guys. No man should ever stand alone during times of stress, strife or adventure. 

Marty

Funny.,How Time Slips Away 10/18/2022

 Good Morning,

The house has the aroma of some freshly brewed Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and I am ready to write. 

It seems like just yesterday that I was all worked up about my first experience with deer hunting in Northern Wisconsin. I was ten years old and the plan was to have me tag along with my dad and cousin for two years and learn. Once I was twelve years old I could carry a rifle and hunt. For me, once my dad announced the plan in October and explained it to me I just could not wait until November. I remember day dreaming in school one day about deer season and our teacher woke me up with a light thump on the ear and I then had to copy pages from some stupid book as a punishment. 

Now 55 years later I am planning to deer hunt once more with a buddy of mine and I have that same old feeling of excitement. I have already hauled out my blaze orange coat and sharpened my knife. I feel like a little kid once more. But where did 55 years go. It just seems like time slipped away and how things have changed. Both my dad and cousin are gone now and we won't be eating turkey with Grandma. I am as old now as my grandfather was at the time of my first hunt. 

So the thought of the day is this.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 And I commend joy, for a man has nothing better under the sun, but to eat, drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 

Do something that makes you feel like a kid again and enjoy life, because it has an end. 

Marty

Make Me A Blessing Please. 10/17/2022

 Good Morning,

My day began early with a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and a bowl of Cheerios. As I write and pray, my day is all mapped out for me. 

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 

I have attached another view from my desk in my place of peace and quiet. 

Very soon I will be taking our oldest dog to the the vet for some dental work, and I have several errands to run besides. Although my schedule is planned out, I am not sure who I might encounter along the way. This is the unknown. What also is unknown is what else might fill in the gaps of this busy day. So before stepping into the unknown I always pray for a couple of things and I ask the Lord to help me handle any of the unknown surprises that might come along as well as the people that go with those surprises. I also ask the Lord to show me anyone that I can be a blessing to. I actually ask God to "Make Me A Blessing which has some not so obvious requests within a request. 

Within the "Make Me a Blessing Request; is a confession that I might not be 'Blessing Material" every moment of the day and God needs to assist me with staying on track. It might be that I will find myself in some type of calamity and it is hard to be a blessing without the correct attitude. It often takes time and a reroute of priorities to be a useful blessing. I am asking God to handle my schedule of the unknown and known. I also ask for wisdom to know when God wants me to be a blessing or just pray. I am admitting that He knows best and I am not always the sharpest knife in the drawer.

So before you ask to be a blessing to someone, yield the control of your day to the One who made it. 

God bless,

Marty

Glad That Heat Rises 10/16/2022

 Good Morning,

A larger than normal mug was just filled with Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee and it is super hot. 

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place, where He prayed. 

The house is cold and there is a chill in the air. The outdoor temperature is colder than normal. I am sitting in our second story den and the fireplace below has a small fire burning in it. The den will soon be the warmest place in the house as the heat rises to the upper portions of the building. In our den I am surrounded by books, taxidermized animals, photos and antiques. There are a few ribbons that our dogs have won in competition hanging next to me and the den is furnished with an antique desk and chair. A 1929 cedar chest is next to me filled with photographs logged into books. Inside are some antiquated high school year books, 

The den is a place that will often find me at work for the part time job I have, studying, and writing my daily blog. For me, it seems to be the best place to unwind, or launch my day with a hot cup of coffee. It is a den of prayer and thought. I spend time here every day. I find the quiet of the morning, adds to the peace and solitude that I seem to need daily. There is a great view of our back yard that allows me to watch the sun come up and I can tell the time of the year just by watching the trees from the window. 

So as I am writing today the heat from the fireplace is making it's way to the upstairs. When we laid out the plans for our home before we built this place, we had a choice to make. This room could have been an additional bedroom and that would have been nice. But for some reason we chose to make it a den. Little did I know that I would start every day here and I would always be warm first. 

My point is this. I have a place to go, and pray, study, work and commune with God. Decisions are born here and are seen through here. It is as quiet as I like it to be. 

Friends and family, we all need a place to go and spend time alone with God. I am blessed to have this den. You might like another room in your home, or due to necessity  the kitchen is the "do all room". But find a place where the heat rises to meet your cold body, the coffee is hot and put something on the wall that is a fond memory. Make it a place of prayer and enjoy time spent there. You might find that even during the most stressful days, the mini retreat you give yourself are easier to bear when you are in a place that has also celebrated victories. 

Have a great and peaceful day. Enjoy some solitude if at all possible.  

Marty

God Hasn't Changed 10/15/2022

 Good Morning,

It is always nice to enjoy a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and have a biscuit or something to go with it.

Numbers. 23:19. God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said and will not do? And has he spoken and will not make it good?

 

I want to get straight to the point.  God has not changed. Currently in the world there is a trend to accept many things legally that the Bible says God considers to be an abomination. Regardless of the laws of man, God's personality and desire has not changed. What God considered to be evil in the days of the Old Testament and did not approve of. stand the same 2000 years later. 

As Christians we must always make the choice to follow God. Just because something is legal in the natural government, doe not mean it is acceptable behavior for those of God's Kingdom.

Here is the nice thing about that. You don't have to look very far to know what it is and once you have the playbook you have it for life. God does not change.

I like to hunt and with each year I have to purchase a license to do so. With that purchase I always receive a copy of the rules for hunting and they highlight any changes to the rules. I need to acclimate myself to the new changes. It is very advisable to know about the changes. But with God, He is constant and be counted on to not change the rules. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

Time For Soup Again 10/14/22

 Good Morning,

I have said this many times before, "It sure would be nice to gather all those who are reading this to sit down to breakfast and a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. I can visualize a plate right next to the coffee with a couple slices of Nueske's bacon, two eggs, hash browns, and a piece of Texas toast. We could share a Bible verse or two and enjoy some morning banter. 

Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of others, and seek to show hospitality. 

This morning finds me embracing the start of a cold spell as far as the weather goes. That is fine by me. My favorite clothing is my fall and winter stuff and I am ready for it to be worn. Besides that, I like soup. I find that a hot bowl of soup for lunch or dinner is a blessing to the body and for some reason soothing to my soul. So as I break out the soup pot once more I am reminded that I made it to another cold season. I have been blessed to add another year to my life. 

One lesson I have learned is this. You just can't make a little bit of soup and I really don't like to have the leftover soup put in the freezer for another day. So I either eat all of the soup in a few days and then get tired of it or I can take a quart of soup to someone and pass on the blessing. 

I believe we are here on this planet for some prescribed time and that one of our goals should be to pass on some of our blessings to others. I can't help but smile knowing that someone else can benefit from something I can do. I am a simple guy and my talents are even more simple. But it takes no talent or skill to whip up a pot of soup and less skill to share some with others. 

So as far as this day goes, ask God who He would like for you to be a blessing to. It will make your day!

Marty

Some Bible Verses Meant To Comfort You. 10/13/2022

 

Good Morning,

Today I have copied a few Bible verses meant to soothe those who need comfort today. I will bow my head in prayer and then enjoy a hot mug of Door County Cream Brulee Coffee.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

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

Psalm 23:4 

Even 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.

Matthew 11:28-30 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalm 119:76 

Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.

Matthew 5:4 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 119:50 

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 34:18 

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Romans 8:26-28 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 49:13 

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.

John 16:22  

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Psalm 147:3 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds

You have been prayed for today. God bless. 

Marty

A Stacked Team 10/12/2022

 Good Morning,

I am headed for a lot of windshield time today and I will hit the road with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee in hand.

I attend a Men's Bible study on Tuesday nights and it always has a lively discussion time as well as great teaching. I have learned a lot over the years in this study and it is always good to be hanging around with "the guys". 

The highlight on Tuesdays for me is the prayer time after the study. Guys will state a prayer need or request for themselves or others and another guy will raise his hand and say "I will pray for that one". Then, when all the requests are mentioned and assigned we start and each guy who took a prayer request prays and when he is done the next request is prayed for until complete. No request is too big or too small to receive prayer. The men will also share praises or answers to prayer during the time before prayer. This is a good team of men and if I had a prayer need I would want them to know about it. 

1John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 

Join a study group and be a member of a team that prays. It is good for the soul.

Marty

Turns Mourning Into Dancing 10/11/2022

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Sunrise Blend Coffee is sitting next to me and it is causing me to want a second cup to be taken along in the truck this morning. 

There are times when it seems that only misfortune can find you and hope seems to have headed South for the winter. I was talking with someone last week and I was trying to console them after the loss of a loved one. They reminded me that their family member was really suffering toward the end of her life. My friend told me that she was rejoicing that her loved one was no longer in pain and due to her faith in Christ Jesus she knew her mother was in paradise spending time with God. But here is what really struck me hard. " I miss my mom and I had her in my life for 87 years. I can't imagine what those 87 years would have been like without her. I am blessed". 

Friends, only God can place enough love in someone's heart to see things that way. She was not bitter at all and in fact she was smiling from ear to ear. 

Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing. You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,

My hope for you today is that you can follow your faith during times of pain and sorrow and let God turn it into joy. I hope you dance.

Marty

The Night Was Cold. But The Hearts Were Warm10/10/22

 Good Morning, 

May your day be filled with blessing and you heart with joy. I just sat down to a hot mug of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and it tastes unbelievably great. 

Matthew 8:20 Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them.

Last Friday I wrote about a hayride that our Men's Ministry was sponsoring. Wouldn't you know the weather took a turn to the cold side that night for sure. The cold weather made the hot chocolate taste better and the hot apple cider was holding it's own against the cold air. 

My three big prayer requests were these. Please Lord no rain! The second one was that no one would get injured! Last but not least that anyone who needed to hear the message from our pastor would listen and be soothed or challenged in their spirit.  All three requests were answered and I am happy to say that we are working on this event for next year. 

I do believe that God showed up and spoke to the hearts of those who were there. So to say the least, the bodies were cold but the hearts were warm. He kept his promise to be where we gather. We serve and love an amazing God!

Marty

When All Works Out 10/8/2022

 Good Morning,

I large, very hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee is right next to me. I surely welcome that mug of warmth this morning like and old friend who has come for a visit. 

Ezekiel 34:26 And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing and I will send down the showers in their season; And they shall be the showers of blessings. 

Last night our church hayride took place at a small ranch in the Southern Kettle Moraine region of Wisconsin. The skies were clear and true to form the temperature dropped very low so that the bonfire actually felt good. As with all the events the Men's Ministry sponsors a review of the night will be completed. I believe the logistics and schedule of the evening needs some work and two of us started on that already last night. We actually started discussing a menu change for the event next year. 

Our speaker for the night was one of our pastors and his message was Spirit filled. It touched the hearts of many and especially the heart of one dear lady. I have to say  this. The event is a lot of work and if I had to do it all over and only one heart was impacted by the night, I would crawl on broken glass to get there and do it all over again. Her smile at the end of the night was priceless. 

One last thing though. As usual I forgot to take a photo of the night and if you could have seen the picture of the area that God gave us you would just know that He was there. I am hoping that someone took the photo and will share it with me. 

A wise old pastor has said to me many times. God's work, done in God's way, never lacks His support. 

So if you are planning an event for the family or for other groups, seek God out and He will direct your path to a blessing. 

Marty

Hayride Time10/6/2022

 Good Morning,

My mug is half empty now and It is time to refill it with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee. I was already outside with our two dogs and the coffee was used to warm up this old body.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17.pray without ceasing, 18. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Tonight our Men's Ministry from church is sponsoring  a hayride and bonfire at a local ranch. It is going to be a cold night and I believe the chili dogs, cider and hot chocolate will hit the spot as we fellowship with the heart souls that will come out with us tonight.

It will be a night where we can enjoy the company of old friends and make some new ones. It will be a lot of work for a few of us, but it will be worth it. Anytime of fellowship is never a waste of time. Of course one of our Pastor's will have a short message for the group and who knows what will start and end foe someone with that message. 

The one thing I know for sure is that it everyone there has just completed another week of life. For some it was a great week. For others it was a week just like every week, without much different. For others it might have been a week that they want to forget. Each person has a different experience during this last week.  My prayer for tonight is that this short time together spent with others, makes a great week even better, a mundane week a better one and for those who are hurting it will be some time of peace and comfort. 

To go into this night without prayer would be like going into hell with a squirt gun to extinguish the flames. So today, I am asking all of you to pray for this event and I will let you know how it went tomorrow. The lesson for you today is this. Planning an event is a lot of work but don't forget to pray about it.

God bless,

Marty

Cereal And Missing the Prize In the Box 10/6/2022

 Good Morning,

The morning started with a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and some prayer. I will be working this morning and anything that could go wrong with the prep work I was doing yesterday for this morning went wrong. I will be glad when this small project is complete. 

Ephesians 5:11 Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork and barren pursuits. 

If what I am writing today is familiar to you at all, you might be as old as I am. Back when I was a kid boxes of cereal would have a small prize inside for the kid lucky enough to be the first one to open the box. My sister and I were told to share the prize if we had store bough cereal in the cupboard. I was older than her and just enjoyed watching what lengths she would go to in obtaining the prize in the box.  

My sis, could not wait to get that little prize by eating the cereal daily until the prize was reached. She would get a big bowl and dump the cereal into the bowl until the prize popped out. Then she would use her little hands to put the cereal back into the box. That act of poor hygiene usually made me not want to eat the cereal. You would have thought the prize was solid gold instead of cheap plastic. 

My point for the day is this. How many small non important things will drive you to spend valuable time in the pursuit of foolishness? What trivial thing will drive you to a point of losing common sense?  If people would dig deep into relationships instead of things, just imagine how much better life could be. 

Marty

We Found The Keys 10/5/2022

 Good Morning,

I can hear the Door County Maple Coffee brewing in the kitchen and the aroma has made it to our second floor den where I am writing. Very soon I will be leaving to do some duck hunting this morning.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

Last night I attended our Men's Bible Study at our church and I wasn't there very long when I was approached by one of our senior men. He told me that while working at church during the day he somehow misplaced his keys to his secular job, home and car. He had been retracing his steps for sometime. He was requesting that we pray to find the keys. I assured him we would pray and then turn all the men loose in the church to search for the keys. 

That was exactly what we did after the Bible study and prayer. We could not find that key ring anywhere. We assumed that since it was during the day, someone from of child day care center picked them up and perhaps they were locked in an office for the night. That was our only hope and idea. Well as chance would have it one other guy locked his keys inside of his car. We decided that the only way to retrieve those keys was for us to open the car door. It was easiest to just drive him home and bring his spare keys to church and open the car door. 

Missing keys Man Number One had gone home and wasn't feeling too good about losing his work keys. Soon after he got home he called us and said he had found the keys. They were in his work vest! All of us were happy for him and we rejoiced because the keys were found. The other fella had his car opened soon after and was driving home . The moral of this story is to pray about everything and most of all pull together in brotherly love. That church saw a bunch of men in action for two of the guys and it was after they prayed together.  It was a god thing to witness. 

Be there for someone today and pull together as a team. It is a good feeling. 

Marty

Get Your Priorities Straight 10/4/2022

 Good Morning,

Today I am drinking a hot mug of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee and holding off on breakfast until later. I believe I will be eating some oatmeal today with dried apples. 

I learned a long time ago that it is very easy to get your priorities in life out of sequence and it usually leads to some type of problem or calamity. 

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. 

All too often when I see a life in ruins or a friend who is miserable I can just look at their list of priorities and I will usually find that their relationship with Jesus is actually their number two or three on the priority list. Maybe lower. I want to say this right from the beginning this morning. When God becomes a choice on a priority list He usually really isn't a choice at all. 

Matthew 6:33 is often misunderstood. It is often considered like this. "If I pray, and read some Scripture I will then receive my wants and desires."  Instead of seeking after the things of God and His Kingdom, then He will add to my life things that I can handle and are the best for me. Living a Kingdom life often leads us away from people, things or places that aren't for us. A marriage for instance without both parties seeking out the Kingdom of God and living right has less chance of surviving turmoil. When we seek a relationship with God and live like we belong in His Kingdom what we then desire most is more of God. We then lose our own desires and then can accept what or who He has planned for us, which is always better than what we desire. 

So, to be in the will of God, our first step is to seek more of Him and live the Kingdom life. Doing so will help us live a righteous life. Being outside of that leads to only us driving our boat of life in strong seas.

If you read this today, know one thing for sure. You were prayed for.

Marty

It's Nice To Know You Aren't Alone 10/3/2022

 Good Morning, 

My day started with a hot mug of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee and prayer.

I believe that all of us will experience times when it feels like we fell into an old well and we are stuck down in the dark and no one can hear our cries for help. 

It could be the death of someone who is close to you, a spouse, parent, sibling, child or dear friend. It might be a time when a job loss took you by surprise and you wonder how you will survive. It could be during a time of addiction recovery and the temptation to fail is overwhelming. You marriage has failed and the loneliness and heartache are too much to bear. The news of health issues that continue to plague you and the odds are not in your favor. 

You feel alone and on your own like never before and it is scary and it hurts. During times like this in my life  I run to Psalm 139:7-10 and I rely on God's word to remind me that I am never alone.

Psalm 139:7-10 Where can I go from your Spirit. Where can I flee from your presence?

8. If I go up to the heavens you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9. If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea.

10. Even there your hand will guide me., your right hand will hold me fast.

Maybe this is for you today or for someone else you know. Feel free to share. Rest assured though the walk seems too long and too lonely. You are never alone.

Marty

Retirement Day 10/2/2022

 Good Morning,

The Door County Autumn Spice Coffee tastes very good this morning as I sit at my desk and write.

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

 Photo Credit. Clip Art Max

Last night I attended a retirement celebration. I couldn't stay too long as my wife is still not feeling all that well and I wanted to be close by for her. Family, friends and coworkers gathered to honor a long time friend of ours as she retired from nursing. She was blessed to have been able to use her skills for many years. It was very nice and I wish I could have stayed longer. 

Retirement, like funerals are on of those life events when you want to say something and you just can't find the right words to say. I want to congratulate my friend and wish her the best in the days and years to come. When I stepped away from healthcare. people asked me "What are you going to do now"? On that day, I actually did not know what my next steps would be. And when I told people that, they seemed confused by my answer. I did not have a plan. I let God develop a plan for me which has me working part time, serving in church and pretty much living the same. The only difference for me is that I am not working full time. I foresee changes in this next year and possibly volunteering to lead a short term mission trip.

So my advice for my friend is this. Take a rest for awhile and then ask God what He wants you to do, daily, weekly, and annually. His plan is always the best one. There is usefulness beyond the work years. 

God bless,

Marty

Maybe The Best Prayers Are Answered With No 10/1/2022

 Good Morning,

It is quiet in the house and  I have two English Springer Spaniels watching my every move this morning. A hot mug of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee is steaming next to me, so it must be time to write. 

Psalm 66:19 But truly God has listened, he has attended to the voice of my prayer. 

This last week has been one of many struggles and blessings also. It is not too often that I drive my wife's car. Yesterday I used it for a long trip to work in a hospital in Northern Wisconsin. My truck needed some maintenance and my wife Rene took it in for the scheduled service. On the way home  from working I had been talking with my nephews about hunting with them for the opening of duck season today. All the plans were set and I was looking forward to being with them this morning. 

Before I left our driveway yesterday I prayed for safe travels and to be able to get home and packed for that long awaited opening day and to be in a marsh with the guys. Both prayers were answered. On the return trip home a warning light came on signaling low air pressure in a tire and before I could even react the right front tire went totally flat. This made driving a little touchy for a moment or two. I limped the car into a safe spot and knew I would not be home for awhile. Her car will receive some tire attention this morning. 

So my prayers were answered. I am safe at home without an accident on the road due to the failed tire. I  had to cancel the hunting trip I desired to go on to take care of the tire business. My prayer of going hunting was answered with a NO!. But it was the best answer I could have asked for. If I had not needed maintenance on the truck, Rene would have been in her car instead of me. She would have been stranded with me a long way from home. If the tire had not blown when it did, I would be hunting and pretty much not within easy reach me to assist her. Her plans for today were to visit her mother and take her somewhere to a craft fair. She would have possibly been on the highway with her 95 year old mom. 

God said NO to the hunting trip and I was disappointed for sure. But then the rest of thee story hadn't been written yet. He knew the condition of that tire and the potential risk or harm that was ahead for the two ladies. The best answer I had to my prayers came in the form of NO!

God often says no to spoken prayers and it is often the best thing that could happen to us. 

Have a great day!

Marty