The Storms Had One Dog On Edge 3/31/2023

 Good Morning,

Friday arrived right on time and if I peek over my glasses I can see Saturday coming right behind it. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

Earlier this morning some thunder storms rolled through our area and they were just loud enough to wake me up. I couldn't help but notice that both of our English Springer Spaniels found there way to our bed. Leo the youngest one was glued right to me and Gibbs the old man of the two just came along for grins.  Leo was a restless fur ball and to say the least the storm had him a little on edge. I finally had enough of the rest without any sleep and I got up and made the coffee. I fed both dogs and now they are sound asleep next to my feet on the floor. 

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on Him for He cares for you.

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid I put my trust in You.

Leo just wanted to know that he was not going through a storm alone. He was right next to Gibbs and that seemed to be a comfort to him. They both were very content to be around me, because after all, I am there to protect them. 

Friends, today you might be going through a personal storm in your own life. You might know someone who is going through a storm in their life that just seems to be rolling ahead and rolling over them. We have two choices. If you are in a rough season, turn you cares over to God by faith and know that He is with you and you are never alone. 

The second choice, is if you know of someone battling through a season of despair they should be in your prayers and you can see what can be done to assist, care and lessen the load. Often when God is called upon for folks he uses others to show mercy, kindness, and love. He blesses by sending others. This gives people a tangible piece of their faith that they can see in action. 

Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, comfort my people says your God. 

So the two choices are these. Call out to God and then allow others to bless you as He sends them to you.  Secondly don't pass by someone in the storm of their life without reaching out to them in love, kindness and companionship. 

Food for thought,

Marty

Trimming The List 3/30/23

 Good Morning,

I am running behind this morning and the hot Door County Vanilla Almond Kringle Coffee is  a good friend to me as I venture into this day.

We have a list on a bulletin board in our kitchen. On the list is the name and telephone numbers of people that I feel can be counted on in an emergency. The list was developed many years ago when I started leading short term mission trips. The "List" was made so my wife Rene could call on these folks if something went wrong with the family, house, dogs or her. The list was well thought out as to location, ability, trustworthiness, truthfulness, and faith. The list gets prayed over every year and gets adjusted now and then. It has been a long time since names were added or subtracted. This year the list was adjusted due to changes in lifestyle, and 1 death. Their names were removed and one name added. 

I take this seriously, because I have peace knowing that if Rene would need assistance I can count on them to make good decisions with her, pray for her, and watch over her. 

Psalm 101:6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in the way, that is blameless, shall minister to me. 

Psalm 101:7 No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies. 

I always ask for permission to keep their name on the list. I believe in my heart that these folks would assist her in a time of emergency if I am not around. 

Friends, we know not what each day holds. We at times go away for short periods. Bless your loved ones with a "List". It makes both them and you feel secure. 

Marty

Grateful For The Little Things 3/29/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and next to me is a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and two lazy English Springer Spaniels. 

To get to my desk I have to climb some stairs as our den is on the second floor of our home. As I was making the trek to the desk with my coffee in hand I recalled a making this trek a few years ago and it was a chore to do so. This morning as I took the stairs one by one I remembered what it was like to simply walk up the stairs prior to having my knee joints replaced. To be honest about it, at that time I was considering moving the lap top permanently to the first floor. 

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

But today as I climbed the stairs pain free and basically one two three, I was very thankful for being able to do so. It humbled me to recall a time when doing the stairs was almost impossible without hurting,

Today I am going to try to be more thankful for even the little things, I already have less of a burden on my heart and it feels good to be able to acknowledge God for it all. I have clean scrub clothes to work in at the hospital, they smell nice and not only am I thankful for the clothing, I am thankful for the wife that washed them and packed them nicely for me.  I believe as I look at being grateful and thankful today, I will be less likely to be in the midst of a misery pity party that I have thrown for myself.

I am glad to be here!

Marty

Don't Rob Others Of A Victory 3/28/2023

 Good Morning,

My old cup is filled with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and a prayer filled my heart this morning. 

Proverbs 22:8 Whosoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.

Today I will be short on words, but hopefully can still make an impact on your daily journey . It seems as if people like to spread pain and sorrow to others for some reason. Especially, when a person is going through a tough time and is handling that time very well. Despite the situation, they are allowing God to lead them and they are following God's word and His instructions. They are experiencing victory over trials and despair. Awesome. 

But inevitably, someone will come along for whatever reason and decide that now is the time to unload on the person who is going through enough right now. They will disguise their action with "I need to protect others. Or  I need to protect myself." I tell you this, that in the name of self righteousness they add a heap of hurt on to an already overloaded plate. For whatever reason they seek to consider themselves first and others last. 

If this is you and you can't just be silent and pray, I ask that you self examine your heart and see what your motive would be to heap more of a load on others and just don't do it. 

God bless,

Marty

There Was Peace In The Valley 3/27/2023

 Good Morning,

Monday arrived even after I asked it not to. So it is time for me to write and drink a hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee. 

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 

Saturday night a phone call came in at a late hour from a dear friend of ours. I had fallen asleep and did not hear the phone ring. Rene heard it and saw who the caller was and because of the late hour she made sure to get me the phone. This is a guy who doesn't call at a late hour just to chat. 

Once we got into the call I knew from the tone of his voice that something had happened. He explained that he had checked on his elderly mother and he found that she passed away a few minutes ago. We prayed and he did what was necessary to keep the ball rolling and take care of his elderly father, 

Yesterday morning I called my friend and we chatted. He seemed pretty well put together and you could just hear the strength in his voice. He had a plan to make plans for her funeral and was keeping those plans one hour, one day at time and he was as steady as I have ever heard him to be. 

I quote. I know people are praying for us. God has my mother now and she is no longer old and feeble. God will strengthen my dad and I to get through this some how, some way. 

His voice was peaceful and as I listened to him speak, I found joy in his peace. If you are going through a low valley today, my prayers are with you. My friend allowed God to give him a peace like no other. I pray that for you. Despite the valley, my friend and you are not alone. 

Marty

Hunt For The Cure 3/26/2023

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and my heart is in the right place to write. So let's write. 

Later today I will be traveling about an hour and a half North from our home to pick up a gift certificate. The certificate will be good for one pheasant hunt at a game farm for next fall or the winter 2024. My wife Rene and I are donating the hunt in a raffle basket to raise funds for research and a cure for Huntingtons Disease. In May there is a walk/run being held for the cause. This disease hits home for us as our niece in law has the rare disease within her family. I am not trying to sell the hunt here nor ask for money for the cause. Nor am I tooting my horn to say "see what we are doing". 

We are a busy family and at times it is hard to even get our small family together for a meal. But this disease impacts our nephew's wife and her family. Thus it impacts us. I am writing this today so Lauren knows that her family is in our thoughts and prayers. Her dad has active Huntingtons Disease and we pray for him often and the impact it has on his family. 

Friends, don't always assume someone knows that you love them and care about them. Yes I understand that sometimes you just know you are loved. But friends, it is important to tell them now and then that they are prayed for, and they are loved.  

Don't assume anything when it comes to love. Show it, say it and cherish it.

Have a great day.

Marty

Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the brain. Mayo Clinic .Org

On Sunday May 22nd the 2nd Annual Guzi’s Hunt for the Cure 5K

Them Dry Bones 3/25/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write with a hot cup of Door County Churro Coffee next to me. I just came in from the outside and we have a spring snowstorm starting to pound on us this early Saturday morning. The coffee is taking the chill out of this old body! It is time to write.

Tonight, Lord willing, if the snowstorm doesn't cancel our Saturday night church service ( I very rarely cancel a service) I will be preaching a lesson from Ezekiel 37. It has been a long time since while watching the evening news that I haven't heard about some murder or mass shooting. It seems that young people are now killing more young people. These kids disagree about something and out come the guns and it's bang bang bang. 

Ezekiel 37-1-3 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3. He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"

When I look into society, locally and within the world I see dry bones everywhere. I see a cities overcome with crime, and lawlessness. I see wars that should have never started. There are spiritual revivals taking place on some campuses and there are some who would want to shut them down. The dry bones of society cannot come back to life unless the Holy Spirit blows life back into hard hearts of the many people who are driven by violence, cheap money, and debauchery. 

So my question for you today is this. When you look in the mirror, do you see a life that cares enough to pray for the societies surrounding us? Does your life live to promote a God fearing world? Or do you see a set of bones that are complacent and non caring, lacking a true spirit filled life? 

You are either a part of the solution or you aren't. Does your prayer life show that you care about people you will never meet? You can change your status from DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) to Full Code which implies that everything should be done to sustain life. You will go from not caring to being burdened to pray for others which includes the world and the societies we live in. 

Food for thought.

Marty

It Wasn't Easy 3/24/2023

 Good Morning,

The day is beginning with a hot mug of Door County Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Coffee and a fresh biscuit laden with honey. This has the makings of a great day. 

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 

Yesterday I wanted to try and interject silent prayer while going about my day. At first it was easy. I woke up and went right to prayer and even managed to listen to some Country Gospel Music while I prayed in my truck. Traveling and praying was easy to do. Once I arrived to my work site it was a little harder to do. I typically work alone and on this particular day my duties had me walking all over a large medical center. I would be walking and praying while I traveled. Most all of the folks I passed while walking wanted to exchange pleasantries while passing in the corridor. That would break my thought cycle and next thing I knew I forgot what or who I was praying for. Or while waiting for an elevator or 40, the people gathered in the lobby, wanted to chat about the weather or the local basketball teams. Now I wasn't raised to be rude so I responded nicely to all of the small conversations that seemed to have tripled in numbers from the usual amount. 

Before going home I tuned in a gospel music station for some background noise and I started once again to pray while driving home. My conclusion is this. At all times be ready to pray and be a soul that goes to God for yourself and others. Set aside a specific time just to pray. I would have accomplished more if I had just sat down in a quiet room and prayed for an hour. I guess I just can't walk, chew gum and pray at the same time. It might work for some but all the old devil had to do was interrupt my prayer time with the business of the day. It was a good effort but I have to say I gave it a failing grade. 

Last night I took an hour in my den and prayed, read my Bible and before I knew it I had spent an extra half an hour with God and gave that an A+ grade. 

Jesus gave us a blueprint for prayer. And it all starts with a time and a place. I do believe in praying in the moment and I will always pray anytime I am called to do so. But I for one will schedule time away from the busyness of the day and pray in earnest. 

Have a great day!!!

Marty

Staying In Prayer 3/23/2023

 Good Morning,

The alarm clock was right on time and Thursday began with prayer and a hot mug of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. It is time to write.

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

This morning finds me a little tired and not too engaged with the day just yet. I have a goal for this morning and that is to be more prayerful throughout the day and when I think of it I will be praying for friends and family. So whenever I have a down time for my mind I am hoping to remember to pray, whether it is for just a minute or maybe for 5 minutes. I have in the last two days been asked by others to remember them in prayer or to pray for their family members. Each request was already prayed for this morning. 

My point for the day is this. I can't stop my work life today, but during a time of walking to and from job duties I can be in prayer. I can drive to and from work sites today and I can be in prayer. It is the most and the least I can do to keep my promise of praying for others who are battling some severe issues. 

Friends, can you be counted on by others to truly pray, when they ask you to? I am going to give it a good effort today. I will post how it went tomorrow. 

God bless,

Marty

Cans From Mike 3/22/2023

 Good Morning,

I am headed to work very early this fine morning and I will be burning the midnight oil as well. I just poured a small cup of door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Every Tuesday night we hold a Bible study at church for guys who want to gather and study the Word of God. Now, just down the street from our church is an assisted living home. One of the residents is a member of our church. Mike is his name. He resides in assisted living due to a stroke that has him a little slow on speech and some motor skills. Last December we Christmas Caroled there and since then Mike has become a regular on Saturday nights for the church service held then. He also attends the Men's Bible study. 

Mike heard me telling someone to put some empty aluminum cans into the back of my truck for my wife to recycle. The proceeds for the cans goes to assist the people of Ukraine with water and food. He asked me if he could help by bringing the cans from his residence. Mike told me that the cans just get thrown out. So last night when I picked up Mike for Bible study he came outside with a big bag of cans for Rene to recycle. I quote. "I am happy to help. Even I can save cans." I asked Mike if he would like to help out with other things we do. He smiled and said "YES" As of yet I am not sure what that will be, but the lesson I learned is this. We tended to treat Mike as a guest and we wanted to serve him. And in some instances we do need to assist him, especially with travel assistance. But he has been waiting to find a way that he can help out. Mike is a church member, but wanted to be a member that serves somehow and someway. We overlooked his desire to feel needed and usable. 

I think, we all mean well when we assist others. But whenever possible we need to find a way to let them help and feel useful. Not only to feel useful, but also not to hurt their pride. It's nice to know that you can pay back kindness if others will let you. So my friends this is another lesson this old man learned about inclusiveness. 

Marty

Planning The Cook Outs 3/21/2023

Good Morning,

I have a busy day ahead of me and it started with study, prayer and a hot cup of Door County Irish Cream Coffee. I could not stop myself from dunking my peanut butter cookie in that coffee. 

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me. "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"

Spring arrived and with wishful thinking my wife asked me to look at the calendar and not to plan any cookouts without checking the schedule. She reminded me that we have a lot of graduation parties and weddings to attend. Last year we double booked by accident. And once you start changing dates around, the event begins to lose it's gusto. An event without gusto is like taking a shower while wearing a rain coat and boots. 

My point for today is this. While planning out your spring and summer, remember to include in your travels, church attendance. Want to take the gusto out of an event? Skip church to cook brats. I have always said this about options. When God becomes an option, He is really no option at all. 

Another thought. While traveling, pick out a church and be blessed with what they have to offer in worship and messages. In a very small church, you are a blessing by increasing the attendance by two or more. Give their pastor a pat on the back and thank him for the message. Don't forget to continue to financially support your church during the summer travel season and bless the churches you visit with an offering. 

Enjoy the spring and summer with lots of gusto. But don't take a vacation from God. 

Marty

Going Through The Stuff 3/20/2023

 Good Morning,

Monday arrived on time and I am going after it like a hungry man on a bologna sandwich. I just poured a hot mug of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Exodus 20:12. Honor your mother and your father and it will be well with you.

I have been watching my wife as she brings things home from her mother's house. Mom has moved to assisted living now and the sale of the house is inevitable. The house was built by my in-laws with the help of a cousin or two back in 1949. It has been the family home since then. A lot of stuff has accumulated there throughout the years. Rene and her sister have been going through cupboards, closets, a garage and many boxes of stuff. They have been very good about getting items to family members who can use the different things or just desire them as mementoes. If the family doesn't speak up,the items have been going to second hand stores for those who can't afford to purchase new items. Some items have been distributed to charity such as hospitals and churches. I have to commend their patience and dedication to not waste anything. 

Like I said I have been watching her do this and I help if needed. But as she opens a box there is always a sigh. I believe this is just due to this not being a desirable chore. Mortality is hard to accept. Then there is either a chuckle or silence. The chuckle is often accompanied with a invitation for me to see what is a fond memory, like a photo of my wife and her siblings all dressed up for Easter in attire from the 50's and 60's.  Then there is the silence that is there when a memory like a photo of her grandma is found and the silence is caused by sadness. This too has been shared with me and I enjoy hearing her thoughts on each and every item. 

During this time I recalled going through my parents stuff when they both passed away and we sold the house. It was a time of smiles and of tears. 

My thought for the day is this. Organize your stuff. Leave notes on the back of items especially photos. Someone will have a question regarding an item you left behind and you won't be there to provide an answer. Your stuff is your story and your story bears being told. Fortunately my mother in law is still with us and questions can still be answered. I have asked a couple questions myself. I learned that I married the "Stubborn One". These old boxes have been a chore and a lot of fun as well. 

Just remember. You are important and don't leave your story untold. Ask when needed, so you know your ancestors story too

Marty

Changing My Thoughts? Just A Little 3/19/2023

 Good Morning,

I sat down with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee in a quiet house and it is time to write. 

Back in 2013 I wrote about "Distractions" It can be found in my blog archives 1/29/2013 for you to look up if you desire. The blog mentions the incident that interrupted my prayer time and blog writing. Our 10 month old puppy (Gibbs) had wandered off in the house and had just trashed a house plant that was freshly watered and there was mud everywhere. I made a statement that I lived long enough to see the world change and as I read the statement the other day I had to laugh.

I am not a big fan of house plants and I said that it did not hurt my feelings to see the plant be tossed out. It could not be saved. I knew however that my wife enjoys her plants and I respect and tolerate them. She will falsely accuse me of killing off her plants when one dies out or is looking sickly. Argh! I do how ever appreciate outdoor plants and the beauty they bring to a yard.

The statement I made and now seems funny to me is this. "I am not a plant lover unless it produces food". Now that they have started making burgers from plants I have to hear my wife say. "I will be busy for an hour, while I water our emergency food crop!" 

As far as burgers go I am a true believer that beef is the way to go and I can tolerate a turkey burger if I have to, but anything less than beef just makes me say "Yuck" You can give me all the arguments on ecology, cholesterol and cow farts you want to and I will not change my mind.

Malachi 3:6 For I the Lord do not change,

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. 

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

Where does this fit in with a spiritual blog? Well I did have to "eat my words" now that someone can make these greeneries edible.  So I do have to see them as useful food and providers of O2 as well. It's not easy to see things change and I don't usually adapt to change very fast. 

So when I sit down and pray, worship, pour out my heart, trust, and obey my Savior and God. Nothing whatsoever has changed with Him nor will it ever change. This is one thing I will be sure of and can take to the bank and never have to worry about it. I am not sure what in the world will change next, Ice cream from Cow poop"? But as for me and my house we will trust and serve the Lord. 

Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or other gods, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. 

Have a great day. And, pass the ketchup please!

Marty

The Symphony Of Silence 3/18/2023

 Good Morning,

The day is beginning slowly and I just filled my cup with a very hot cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee. It is time to write. 

James 1:19 Know this my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. 

The only sound within the house right now is the fire in the hearth of the fireplace as it crackles now and then. A little noise comes from the flames as they extend out from the oak logs. I swear it is so quiet this morning that I can hear my heartbeat. It is amazing that when the hustle and bustle of the home goes silent as to how much more you can actually hear. I truly enjoy this time of quiet and tranquility. It seems that my mind is much more clearer and I can think better when it is quiet. 

The silence as I whisper my prayers seems to be more special to me than when I am in a crowded or noisy atmosphere. Each little sound that comes through and breaks the silence seems clearer and when all these little sounds wake up later and combine to greet the day, very often they are no longer little sounds, but just a bag of noise. Right now I can pick out the individual sounds and if I desire I can concentrate on them and give them some attention. 

My point for today is this one. In the race we call life it is easy to not hear some of the sounds that are important and should get our attention. These are the sounds of the family we are given. Especially those we can still call "little ones". Even toddlers and those just learning their first words want to have a conversation and desire to talk with us. We have to break away from the noisy world and devote time to truly listen to them and let them be heard and we need to respond. This applies to the elderly as well. Sooner than you think, the sound of the toddler grows up and moves away. The silver haired mother grows more silent and then life takes them away and you can't hear them anymore. 

I used to make the trek to visit my parents in Upper Michigan. The trip could be 5-6 hours depending on traffic and weather. Very often my little daughter would be riding with me or one of my nephews, if not both of my brother's boys. The trip would start out with them talking my ear off about everything under the sun. But soon there after they would have had their fill of gummy bears and Mountain Dew and they would be sound asleep in the truck. I listened intently to them and they knew that they had been heard. The next sound was a quiet snore from them as they were content and happy. 

When our voyage concluded and we pulled into that Michigan driveway, the coffee was poured and no matter what time it was a good half of an hour in just plain old conversation was had with my parents. I was told about all those who passed away that month, and dr. appointments. The kids were already in bed or running down by the lake so it was quiet conversation with my parents. Those little ones and the older ones needed to be heard and talked to. Once the hustle and bustle of a fun weekend really started it was hard to find that quiet time to find out what was on their minds or heart. 

As I sit here in the silence I can still recall some of those conversations and it  stirs my heart in a good way. So take time to truly converse one on one with the little ones and the older ones. It is easier to know their hearts when you pick them out of the noise and give them that 30 minutes or more of the symphony of silence. Just talking to them and listening without the calamity of the world interrupting the concert of the heart is so very important. 

God bless,

Marty

Look At Truth 3/17/2023

 Good Morning,

Friday rolled in as expected and I am filled with gusto to embrace this day. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Irish Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

There is nothing like a warm fire in the hearth to soothe the body, mind, and heart on a damp day. The truth is, for me, as I get older, the morning coffee tastes better and the warm fire feels better than it did in my younger days. I enjoy a slower morning when I am not in a rush to get to a work assignment.

Today I am taking a little time to talk about the Truth.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. 

Right from the start man has assumed a lie. In the garden of Eden it was assumed that sin would free us (defying God) and is a way to control our own lives. That thought is so far from the truth that it isn't funny. Sin and defiance of God captures us and enslaves us to corrupt thinking, corrupt actions and lack of peace. It often promotes loneliness and shame and actually causes a separation between us and God. 

Isaiah 59:12 Behold the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, or His ear dull that it cannot hear. But you iniquities have made a separation between you and God. Your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. 

Colorful words filled with lies are never a true comfort. While operating under a lie and refusing to not hear what is really good for us we are doomed to more lies, more confusion and misdirection. 

John 14:6 Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me. 

Jesus alone is the one and only Way to the true truth. True freedom is found in forgiveness of our sins. We desire to be truthful, and serve God when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

That was a mouth full of truth for this Friday morning. 

God Bless,

Marty

Psalm 91:2 To Start The Day And Mean it. . 3/16/2023

 Good Morning,

Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee filled my mug today and a Bible verse filled my heart.

Psalm 91:2 I will say to the Lord , "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." 

Each day brings with it some challenges, hurts, or uncertainty for people. I can recite Psalm 91:2 until I am blue in the face and unless I mean what I say it does me no good. Many people will call on the Lord for refuge of the heart, mind and soul and within minutes refute their own words by saying "I see no hope". Or they turn to the world of booze and pills to help ease the pain of the day. God is there to comfort us and assure us that He is with us throughout the day and it's challenges. Many say the right things and then before you know it, they give up on God.

Basically we say to Him "You are not enough for me." When you decide God is not enough and you decide that He is not on His throne , you are making the wrong choice. Trusting in God who is available 24 hours a day and does not sleep vs a worldly solution to a God sized hurt or problem is just plain foolish.

Food for thought. 

Marty

A Great Way To Start The Day 3/15/2023

 Good Morning,

My day began with a hot cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and a brisk walk outside with our two dogs. It is time to write. 

I enjoyed my time outside this morning and it was very quiet and peaceful. I cleared my mind of a lot of clutter that has been weighing me down spiritually and emotionally. I took enough time to praise God for giving  me another day, our provisions and for my family ad friends. I prayed and for those who are on my heart, some for health and some for hurts of the heart. Most of all, I acknowledged God for who He is and and how much He cares for me. 

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker .

It is amazing how refreshing it is to call upon the Lord in the morning, with a hot cup of coffee in your hand and give Him the praise and thankfulness He deserves. 

It is a great way to start the day! God bless.

Marty

Cleaning Up A Mess Together. 3/14/2023

 Good Morning,

This old guy just poured a hot mug of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and finished my prayer time. It is time to write. 

Yesterday morning had me being greeted with a surprise. The surprise was not exactly a pleasant one. Over the last few days we have endured some major snow storms as well as ice storms. When I looked outside from the porch yesterday morning I saw that one of our flowering trees had succumbed to the weather and a large branch was hanging and resting on the house. This tree was originally planted in 1994 and has always been a pleasure to see it blossom with crimson red flowers. I do believe the tree will blossom one last time this year before I cut it down. 

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

I made plans that after work I would play lumber jack and cut the branch loose so that we did not sustain any building damage. So with my chain saw in hand and a ladder I started the process. I knew for sure that our two dogs would be outside watching me, to make sure I was doing it correctly! I turned around to make sure they were out of the way and I bumped into Rene my wife. I asked her what she was doing and her reply was "I just came out to help. These broken twigs are a mess to clean up. I remember planting that tree with you and I will help clean this mess up. I will be helping you when you take the rest of the tree down this summer. I am hoping to plant a new one." She said all of that with an assertive tone. 

That being said she jumped right in and we were finished in an hour. We came inside from the cold and we treated ourselves to some hot chocolate. We both looked at each other with our cold red cheeks and I said, "It could have been worse". We both agreed that all we lost was a tree and that it could have caused house damage. Better to discover that the rest of the tree needs to come down before a storm takes it down. 

My point for the day is this. My macho almost kicked in and chased her inside. I did not really need any help, but for some reason Rene just wanted to help. I just decided to not question her reasons for being out in the cold. I just appreciated the help and let it go. To the point. Don't overthink things. Take a blessing when it comes and just say thank you. Some things need no explanation and should just be left alone. And guys!!!! Don't let that macho get in the way of letting your wife spend time with you. It makes the hot chocolate taste better. 

God bless,

Marty

Taste And See 3/13/2023

 Good Morning,

Monday arrived and it did so right on time. I celebrate a new week with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and prayer. I am always thankful for another day.

Elk Herd Wisconsin 

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

To taste means something more than a fly by night relationship. It means to feed on The Lord. It means to pray and take time to devour the Word of God.  Feeding on the Word means also to accept it as the deepest of truths. We not only read the word and absorb it, we take time to mull it over. Everyone who does this as a faithful practice learns and realizes that the Lord is good. They find blessings and true happiness. 

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Deep thoughts for a Monday.  Have a great week!

Marty

God Gave Us A Circus And A Lesson 3/12/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and next to me is a large , hot, mug of Door County Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee. I plan on having two cups today and then see where the day takes me.

Not too long ago my wife Rene and I purchased a bird feeder. It is nothing elaborate but is does the trick. Yesterday Rene remarked that it would have been nice to have had that bird feeder when the big Covid attack started and paralyzed the world for a year. She has been very faithful in filling the bird feeder with seed and every now and then I see her at the window chuckling while watching the birds feed and chase each other. 

I asked her what she was laughing about yesterday and she said she was laughing at the "circus God gave us" outside our window. Of course when you feed the bird, the squirrels arrive and one of the squirrels was attempting to climb a 1/2 inch wrought iron staff and get to the bird food. He wasn't content with eating the droppings. The squirrel actually made it to the top and when he jumped to the bird feeder the unit swung (as designed) and he would fall off. The process was repeated several times and it was hilarious to watch. During this acrobat act more birds gathered and ate in harmony while the class clown kept trying to climb the pole. 

Now I am not against squirrels at all. There is a large oak tree next to us and the acorns are plentiful. The squirrels around here are well nourished and their plump bodies testify to the fact that they dine very well. However they are still greedy and want more of the free food that is available and not content to eat what is left for them. The acorn tree droppings are just pretty  much eaten by the squirrels. They have exclusive rights to some great food and I know they store those nuggets up. But they always want more than their share of the food in the neighborhood. Their greed lands them on their backsides as they flip off of the pole without any extra food. 

Proverbs 22:9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. 

I haven't really ever written about greed in my daily rambles. I believe in working hard for what we have ,but yet I am content with what we have. There is nothing like being given the opportunity to share what we can with others. I watched yesterday as a man in the grocery store was purchasing a large amount of Girl Scout Cookies from these little girls who had set up a table inside the store to sell the cookies as people came and went from the store. He had purchased $200 dollars worth of the cookies. That is a lot of cookies!!! 40 boxes to be exact. But he did not take the cookies. He was asking the girls to take the cookies to a food pantry and donate them to the folks in need. The girls were just thrilled to do so. 

So my thought for today is this. That man was blessed to be able to afford to help others. He used a portion of his blessing to help. He taught the girls and those around them a lesson. My wife has reached out to feed God's creatures and has received a daily circus to watch while she has breakfast. Today if you can share with others, you are already blessed and the joy in giving is reward in itself.  

The smile you harvest from others is priceless. Make a difference. Don't be like the squirrel who lets greed turn them into a circus. 

Marty

One Duty For God 3/11/2023

 Good Morning,

I have pair of English Springer Spaniels at my feet, one is snoring, a small fire in the hearth and a large cup of very hot Door County Cherry Creme  Coffee at my side. It is time to write. 

Throughout my life I have used a measuring tape and I don't think I will really ever stop using one. I use it less now, but I still need to see how things measure up when working on a project.

Photo credit Airgas

God doesn't really ask much from us. We are to love Him, and our neighbors. We are to believe that Jesus came from heaven , born of a virgin. We are to believe that He died for all of our sins. He was buried and was resurrected after three days in the grave. Lastly we are to call upon His name in faith and we will be forgiven, and upon our death we we be with Him in heaven. We are to serve Him and be obedient to His Word. 

How do we know how we are doing in these categories and what is a measurement of our love for God and our neighbors.? What is a good measurement tool to use? I believe in setting goals, but goals should always be measurable. 

Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise-- The fruit of lips that openly profess His name. 

These lips of ours are a good gauge or measurement on our love for God. We can easily measure our love, obedience and our faith by that which comes out of our mouths. I believe that the second gauge or measuring tape of our faith comes from our actions. Our own words and actions that affirm those words show us just how we measure up. It is a pass or fail. Either you are or you aren't praising God with our lips or our actions. A piece of wood, measured and cut for use, is either right on the money or it is too short. You can't ever be too long in praising God. There is always room for more. 

So my food for thought today is this. How are you measuring up? Don't know? Listen to yourself. What comes from the lips is usually generated from the heart. Your own words can be used against you or for you. Be honest with yourself and change what needs to get in line with God's measuring stick. You can't praise God in one minute and be unkind to a neighbor or family member a minute later. 

Have a great day!

Marty

New Every Morning 3/10/2023

 Good Morning,

Friday it is and I am glad it arrived. Lots of snow to shovel this morning and I just filled my cup with Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee. It is time to write. 

I recall the way we used to make a decision about a play in a pickup baseball game in the local field. Of course the game was played with intensity because we as kids were competitive. We did not have an umpire to make the calls of an out or a foul ball. Even the best of friends could disagree. What was decided if there was a disputed call is that the play would receive a do over. You just replayed the at bat and whatever happened in the replay was considered the final story. The previous play or at bat was forgotten and not brought up again. 

I would never compare the Lord's love for us to a pick up baseball game but there is an analogy that can be made. In Lamentations 3:22-23 we see the example God sets with forgiving, forgetting and granting a do over. If men and women could just learn from this passage life would have a lot more happy music written into it every day. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. 23. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. 

Every morning God packs us up a bag of His love, patience and mercy. As a mere imperfect human, I am sure that I run afoul enough that I need a do over on some of my mistakes, So that bag of mercy needs to be replenished. If we were to treat others in the same way we are treated by God we would instantly forgive and not let a day go by with hurt and anger taking away from experiencing a walk with God. In turn we would seek a do over, a replay of the day where we screwed up and make amends, learning from our mistakes. I am so glad God is faithful to us and never stops loving on us. 

Have a great weekend!

Marty

The Sign On A Wall. 3/9/2023

 Good Morning,

Some snow is headed our way tonight and I have a big day of work ahead of me. My mug was just filled with Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and I am ready to write. 

Back many years ago, when my wife and I were still in youth ministry we would have the teens sign up and we would arrange to take them on a winter retreat. Usually a female youth leader and myself would take them to a Christian College in Northern Wisconsin for three days of spiritual growth and fun. We enjoyed the tubing hills and of all things human foosball. The time spent in study and encouragement was priceless. 

On a wall in the college cafeteria a Bible verse was painted on the header of the dining hall.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 

There is a lot of gusto to this verse. When a truly repentant believer decides to be baptized, he or she is symbolically baptized into the death of Jesus. As Jesus suffered and died for our sins we too must put to death the old self and our sins and live with Christ within us by faith. The life we once lived is gone and buried. 

I read that verse one cold winter day and underlined it in my Bible. A day ago while listening to a pod cast "Verse Of The Day", Galatians 2:20 was the focus. Later while looking for something in my Bible the page fell open to the passage. I recalled the good times spent with the kids at the retreat and this verse just stood out and it was a strong reminder to live a life worthy of someone dying for me. 

The passage hit home like a kick from a mule, right in the gut. I thought I would share this reminder to all, to live the life you have been called to. 

Have a great day!

Marty

Cleaning Up The Place 3/8/2023

 Good Morning,

My cup was just filled with Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. The house is warm and I am ready to write.

Psalm 51:10-11 Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11. Do not cast me away from your presence. And do not take your Holy Spirit from me. 

I don't know how it happens but each spring our garage needs to be cleaned out. I surveyed the garage yesterday and this year will be no different. Things just seem to accumulate from the fall until spring. Once again I will be making a trip to the dump with things that need to be thrown away. 

I liken the garage to our lives and now and then we need to stop and survey the condition of our hearts and minds. A quick survey by asking God to create a clean heart within me usually shows what has crept in and needs to go. One would never wash their clothes, dry them, fold them and the put them away with a stack of dirty clothes. 

When we ask God to create in us a clean heart, there is no room for the "dirty clothes of life". Those need to go and be replaced by clean, honest and pure thoughts. 

As Easter will soon be upon us in about a month, now might be a good time to start cleaning out the heart. I find that when I clean out the garage and I debate on whether or not to toss something, I usually find it in my way later just cluttering our garage and it wasn't or never will be useful. 

If you struggle with things of the heart that should go and you debate as to if they are bad for you or not, the fact is this. If you even have to struggle with the thought of tossing it aside, you should get rid of it. 

God Bless,

Marty

Too Many Passwords, Combination Locks And Keys 3/7/2023

 Good Morning,

The sound of coffee brewing in the kitchen woke me up this morning and right after that sound came the aroma of some Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee directly to my nose. 

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship in in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the days of much needed security, physical and cyber, I find myself at times so secure that I can't even get into my own business. 

We have alarms on the house. An alarm for my wife's health. The vehicles can be locked down tight with after market equipment. My guns are in a vault with a lock that befuddles me now and then. Every different business transaction has personal information and a user name with what else a "Password!!!"

I keep a list of the passwords at our bank in a safe deposit box. Ones that are used more often are memorized or written down and locked up elsewhere. Last time I could not remember one I also could not remember where I hid the key. The dogs are chipped in case they go missing or are stolen. 

My point for today is that we have too much to remember and no wonder people blank out under stress from just plain old living. 

Some day when God calls me home I will be in a land where there are no combinations to remember and I won't need a password. People will be honest and we will have no worries. Imagine that my friends, a place with no sin. 

I just thought I would share this fact today. No sin in heaven. Not a care in the world. We are just passing through this world.  I hope this thought lightens your load and gives you hope to carry on today. 

God Bless,

Marty

Face The New Week. But Not Alone 3/6/2023

 Good Morning,

Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee greeted me in the kitchen today and It is highly regarded!

So we start this week as always with Monday. Most people know their schedule for the week before Monday arrives. You know what you face and some of the details for the week. For some it will just be another week without much difference than the other 51 weeks. Others will be facing some challenges. It could be financial, health, work load, changes in family structure, or loneliness. 

I heard this verse on a pod cast yesterday morning and it struck home that we all need to be reminded that whatever we face we don't face it alone. And no evilness will overtake us. 

2Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever amen. 

No matter the attack, you are never alone and in someway, somehow, we will be rescued from it. 

God Bless,

Marty

You Really Don't Gain Any Height. 3/5/2023

 Good Morning,

I just filled my mug with some Hot Door County Peanut  Butter Crunch Coffee and I am ready to write. 

2 Timothy 3:2-4 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to authorities, ungrateful, unholy, 3. heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not loving good, 4. treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure than lovers of God,

Some people are not happy unless they are making others feel small and insignificant, They try to increase their stature in the world at the expense of others. I have news for those type of people. No one ever increases in height at the expense of others. 

As a matter of fact they decrease in stature each and every tine they open their mouth. They usually become very lonely because others avoid contact with them. Mother always said this. "Those are the type of people that you would like to buy for what they are worth and sell them for what they think they are worth."

I find it easier to be around people who are uplifting, positive and unselfish. I would say that most of us would rather be lifted up than put down. 

So, I ask. What kind of person are you? Do you love others as much as you love yourself? Does money rule your world?  Are you proud to a fault? Are you arrogant, abusive, and disobedient to authorities? Are you ungrateful, reckless, heartless, unholy, slanderous, and out of control? Are you puffed up and not lovers of God?" 

If you were holding yourself accountable and that last paragraph were a test, would you receive a passing grade?

The world tears people down and you building them up?

Food for thought on a Sunday. 

The First Response Isn't Always The Best One 3/4/2023

 Good Morning!

My day started very early with a hot cup of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee and prayer. 

I strive for one goal a lot and somehow, someway, I always fall short of what I think should be an easy goal to achieve. I am thinking that if I could accomplish this one goal, it might be possible to string another day after the first day. Hopefully it could become a positive habit and frame of mind. 

Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without grumbling or complaining, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars.

I would like to go 24 hours straight without complaining or grumbling. I almost made it last week until I was asked about the weather and in a split second I was complaining about the snow we received. Instead of "I am happy and blessed to own a snow blower. Or that snow will fill the rivers and lakes which have been down on their levels." It just seems that in 24 hours I always find something to complain about. 

I do most of the cooking and now and then I will dig out a cook book and try something new, just to have a variety of meals. While were were dining on a new dish my wife complimented me on the chicken. Wouldn't you know it? I replied with "it was ok, but a little dry." Her reply to me, was "I would bet you wouldn't complain if they just dug you out of earthquake rubble after 7 days in Turkey. I bet this chicken and some water would taste pretty good." 

So today in an effort to grow in my walk, I am trying once more to go 24 hours without grumbling or complaining. I challenge everyone to also count your blessings instead of whining and complaining. 

Let me know how it works for you!

Marty

It's Only Make Believe 3/3/2023

 Good Morning,

Friday is here and the sky is cloudy and we really aren't sure what the weather will bring today. But with a hot mug of Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee at my side and sitting at my desk, it is time to write. 

2 Corinthians 5:7-8 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8. Yes we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

When I started up my lap top this morning, I had the date staring me in the face and I had to deal with it. March 3rd is my sister Laurie's birthday. She would have been celebrating her 63rd birthday today. Cancer riddled her body and after a good fight she was taken to heaven. I can't help but recall some of her life today and of course I am a little sad. Prior to my brother being born it was just Laurie and me in the brood. For a few years our family hit some hard times with our mother's health. We always had food and shelter but our mother was unable to provide consistent care for us and we relied on relatives a lot. I am grateful for each one that helped us out and loved on us. 

I am the oldest of us kids and was supposed to mirror my dad and at times I just could not be a manly seven year old. The shoes were hard to fill. My sister would often try to encourage us both with her imaginary tea parties and luncheons. One day in particular after a rough couple of days and mom being hospitalized for what we knew would be a long time, I was sitting outside on the house steps. Laurie came outside by me and asked me to come to her tea luncheon. She would set a small table with her play dishes and we would drink water from the cups and pretend we were eating cake. I went along with her charade thinking she too felt lousy and afraid. I asked her why she had set three plates and the four year old replied. One is for Mom. Let's make believe she is here and this goes away fast. We rarely ever discussed those days in the future. We just chose to enjoy the better days that came along and it was like they did not happen. 

Here is my thought for today. Life delivers some harsh blows now and then and we really can't make believe they aren't here. But as I am a little melancholy today and missing that sister of mine,  I know her faith and where she resides now is in heaven. I know she was ushered in by Jesus with her last breath on Earth. So being realistic I know she lives on and some day I will see her again. I will raise a toy cup to salute her birthday in heaven. And the tears I have running down my face are only make believe. So my friends, cling to the good memories and they work to erase the bad memories and sometimes it's like the bad things were only make believe.

Marty

Choose Your Friends Wisely 3/2/2023

 Good Morning,

This morning finds me at my desk with a hot mug of Door County Vanilla Cream Brulee Coffee and two dogs at my feet. It is time to write. 

In recent days as I was watching the nightly news there was once again an incident involving some teenagers, a stolen car, and a joy ride that killed people. I am sure that no one involved, the guilty nor the innocent thought that their trip that night would involve someone dying. But stealing a car and then driving at very high speeds usually doesn't have a good outcome.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Don't be misled. " Bad company corrupts good character.

Maybe all the teenagers in the stolen car were of like minds, yet somewhere along the way the group was assembled by choice. A choice was made by each and everyone involved to hang out with the wrong people. They chose to be with those who think lawlessness is a good time. Before these incidents of mayhem and death, there was an opportunity to say no and walk away. Oh I am sure there are times when a kid gets into a car and might not know that it is a stolen vehicle. They aren't the driver and are stuck being part of a crime and tragedy. But ultimately they chose the wrong friends. 

This also applies to the rest of us. We choose our friends and who we associate with. If at times you have to tolerate less than good behavior while in the company of your friends or family and you find that you have been included in a bad situation, it is time to find new friends. 

We all have the ability to choose right from wrong and when we are prodded to accept less than right, we made the wrong choice in friends. Choose wisely your companions so they don't rub off on you. Be wise in the companions you keep.

Marty

Don't Be So Quick To Fire Back. 3/1/2023

 Good Morning,

My Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee is very hot this morning and It feels good as I hold the mug with my hands. It warms from the inside and the outside. 

I for one want to say that we have a quick witted society that can cut you up with just a few words. We are gun slingers of the mouth and very good at it. A lot of people fire back after a verbal insult in Nano seconds with a response that cuts to the bone marrow of our hearts. Just watch some of the sitcoms of recent past and the here and now. The Roseanne show is a perfect example of a family that could reply to any comment with a sharp return answer of nastiness. 

It is a natural reaction to repay an insult with an insult. "You hurt me, I hurt you back". But God calls us to the "Unnatural".  It is not natural to absorb hurt, pain and ridicule, yet Jesus set the example by not responding to the insults hurled at Him on the day He was crucified. He actually asked God the Father to forgive them. 

1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

When we lash out to others who have insulted or verbally attacked us we have become just what they are, no better or no worse, but like minded. To the world we are no different and fail to live the life we were called to. 

This is hard not to do and at times almost impossible. But yet we are better for not having returned nastiness for nastiness. It is not good for us to harbor responses in our hearts like a peaceful battleship afloat on the ocean just waiting to unload on the next person who picks on us. Instead of firing back with an equal measure of meanness we can pray for that person and ourselves. It takes practice and determination to not live "Naturally". 

Food for thought today, 

Marty