Monday Morning Madness Or Gladness. 7/31/2023

 Good Morning,

I am imbibing on a hot cup of Door County Coconut Caramel Coffee and it is now time to write. 

Last night as I was working in our den, preparing for a work day, my wife Rene started opening all the windows. She proclaimed that the weather was perfect for the windows to be open and the fresh air allowed to circulate in our home. It was a picture perfect evening for that. It made me not want to advance the calendar to Monday. 

Psalm 100:1-5 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands. 2. Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people and the sheep of His pasture. 4. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. 5. For the Lord is good; His mercy everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. 

Our weekend was a busy one, but it was exceptionally nice, with plenty of activity and also time to rest up. I had time to pen some of my thoughts in a book designated to go to our daughter after my death. I had fallen behind a little and I made that up easily last night. 

But Monday came anyway and here I am sending out a thought for today. Each day has enough evil all on it's own. No need to bring some extra in. If you woke up today and you are on the outs with someone and your relationship is strained. Why carry it into one more day and invite it along as unneeded baggage. Each day like I said has enough evil in it, why bring leftovers to what could be a banquet instead? Purpose in your heart to forgive and start afresh and new on this first day of the week. It might be the best thing you ever did. But you must commit to see it through and want it to succeed in a mighty way. Change the title of your day to Monday Morning Gladness. 

Marty

Smarter Than I Look 7/30/2023

 Good Morning,

I have taken my seat in our den, with a hot cup of Door County Coconut Caramel Coffee and I am ready to write. 

One of the things I look forward to every month is the prayer gathering  that is held on the last Saturday of the month after our church service. Those that attend the prayer gathering are some real prayer warriors and the prayer time is priceless. We poll the group and ask if any of them knows of a prayer need and then someone or a few people will take that request and lift up prayer to heaven verbally. 

During the gathering last night one sweet little lady said she had a request, but that she wanted to pray for it herself. It went like this. "Lord I want to pray for Marty and his health. Thank you for giving Him the  knowledge he has. He is smarter than he looks". Well that statement got a quite chuckle from a few folks and we went on with our prayer time. What this little lady doesn't know is how much her praying for me and even thinking about me, meant to me. To be on her list of prayers and to have her remember me means a lot. One thing I have never been accused of is being smart. But her words of thanks melted my heart and today I just had to share this. Take time to thank God for those He places in your life to instruct, lead and love on you. Take time to go to God in prayer for them and maybe pray for them while they are physically in your presence. It won't send anyone on a huge ego trip, but to know the heart of another has them praying for you in thanks, makes life a little sweeter. 

God bless, you June. You made my day!!!

Marty

Sitting Through The Storm 7/29/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to a hot cup of Door County Irish Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

Ezekiel 38:7 Prepare yourself and be ready you and all your companies that are gathered about about you, and be a guard for them. 

Photo Credit CBS 58

Last night the television and telephones let us all know that strong and potentially dangerous storms were headed toward us. My wife Rene and I put into action our will rehearsed storm plan. Within a couple of minutes our basement storm shelter was ready to sit out the storm. With the technology of today we could track the path of the storms and knew when and where that action was. We also knew who we should be praying for as the storms covered most of our state. 

Our part of the storm action ended up being not too bad at all. In fact we received some more much needed rain. 

But here is my point. In any situation we pray first is there is time. There is security in having a plan and it made us feel better and safer enacting our plan even though it wasn't needed. We also have a plan for winter emergencies, fire, loss of heat, and power. It may sound silly to some, but for us those plans and knowing them well makes a difference in how we feel as a family, neighbor and relative. 

Do your family a favor, have a plan and a go bag of things in case you need to evacuate and get along for a few days. It is Godly wisdom to be prepared, and always pray over your plans. 

Marty 

A Little Bit Of Rain. 7/28/2023

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk in our den this fine morning with a hot cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Sometime during the night we received a small amount of rain. It has been very dry in our part of the world and the meteorologists on television remind us that we are considered to be in the middle of a drought. We really haven't received a substantial rain fall in quite awhile, but we have had small rainfalls now and then. They have helped to keep the gardens green and it looks like we will be blessed with many tomatoes. And there is nothing like a fresh tomato with a sandwich. 

I am grateful each time we receive some rain. Now a natural drought is something we cannot control. Today I want to touch on a self made drought we create for ourselves. We create seasons of spiritual drought for ourselves and they are so subtle that we go without spiritual rain because of our own choices and don't realize just how dry our heart and soul are. 

An easy way to see if you are in a spiritual drought is to do a self examination of your daily habits. Does your day start and end with prayer? Are you prayerful during the rest of the day? How about church attendance? Are you in God's word daily? What besides church attendance do you do to partake of Godly instruction or food for thought? If you miss attending church or Bible study do you at least have a substitute for spiritual food?Do you use the substitute as a substitute or are you just lazy? Is there dust on your Bible? Maybe you tune in the radio to a gospel preaching station? Or not? Check your disposition and see how you treat others. What do others think of you? 

The spiritual droughts we experience are man made, definitely not God made. God always provides spiritual rain when we ask for it or seek it out. 

Isaiah 55:1-3,6 Ho! Everyone who thirsts come to the waters. And you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come buy mine and milk, without money and without price. 2. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good. And let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3. Incline your ear and come to me. hear and your soul shall live. And i will make an everlasting Covenant with you. 

6. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. 

Go ahead and take a spiritual self assessment. If you are in a drought, you can always turn on the rain from heaven. 

Have a great day!!!

Marty

A Little Thought For A Thursday 7/27/2023

 Good Morning,

Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee is steaming next to me in a large cup. It is the perfect wake up blend for me. 

I want to keep it simple today and so it shall be.  I watch people struggle at times wondering why small calamities follow them and often lead to bigger problems. I venture to say that it could be the sins in their lives, the ones they like to keep. The sin that they just never get rid of, for instance anger and fits of rage. Some people can't be happy unless they are unhappy. The littlest things set them off and they not only are upset and distressed, those around them suffer also. Their love for their sin wreaks havoc on those around them. The action then leads to reactions and continues to perpetuate itself. It is an ugly trophy that we hang on our reputation, yet we keep it. When people witness it they see the ugly of our hearts. 

Psalm 7:14 Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.

So for today, set yourself up to win and acknowledge the sins you like to keep. Then vow to make them vanish from your life. Ask someone to hold you accountable and let them hold you accountable. Be honest with yourself.

Marty

Do You Run The Travel Agency? 7/26/2023

 Good Morning,

A hot mug of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee awaits me when I have finished writing. That being said, it is time two write.

One huge mistake we can makes is to guilt someone into a behavior or an action. It is a miserable tool to use and believe it or not parents are the worst at opening the travel store of guilt trips. "When will you grow up? Why aren't you smart like your sister? Will you ever make me proud of you? When will you visit? I suppose Niagara Falls is more attractive than visiting your parents." These guilt trips can last a life time and many of you can recall those voices as if they were in the room with you right now. Then throw some friends in the mix who will always bring up your past. And there you have it, one of Satan's best bombs explodes on to the scene. The bomb of condemnation explodes making you feel second best, worthless and lackluster.  Yet we have a God who works to remove all condemnations and washes the stain of sin from our records. 

Hebrews 10:21-22 And having a High Priest  over the house of God, 22. let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 

If you are one who uses guilt as a tool, you are partnering with Satan and using one of the tools he likes best. Knock it off. It isn't a flattering trait. 

If you are one who is guilted without mercy, remember your Advocate who knows you are worth dying for. His blood washed us clean. Pray for those who are mean enough to use guilt as a tool on you or others.

Have a blessed day. 

Marty

Advice From 96 Years 7/25/2023

 Good Morning, 

I just poured a hot mug of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and it is time to write. Today is my younger brother's birthday so I want to give a shout out to him and say Happy Birthday Jimmer!

Last Friday my mother in law turned 96 years old. Her family set up a small celebration at a local restaurant . Being her favorite son in law, I am always able to get in a few words of banter with her. I am the favorite because I am the only one! Earlier I asked her if she had any advice she could pass on from 96 years of life. She replied "Yes! Don't get old." In the last three years Mom has experienced a fall that led her to assisted living, the sale of her home and car and some of her freedom. She weathered through it, but is has been a struggle. So when she said not to get old, she meant it. 

I asked her how I could do that and she replied, "I guess you can't stop aging. But you should live life to it's full capacity and take pictures for when you can't go or do the things you used to. Your memory fades and pictures help to recall those fun days. Make lot's of fun days for yourself and my daughter." 

She made a good point and it is Biblical. 

Ecclesiastes3:12-13 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and do good as long as they live. 13. Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil. This is God's gift to man. 

Keep creating memories!

Marty

A Small Pebble In Your Shoe 7/24/2023

 Good Morning,

I am running very late today and I apologize for doing so. A hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee is at my side and it is time to write. 

2 Timothy 1:14. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 

For the last few days my wife Rene and I have been burning the late night oil. Our prayer time has taken us into the late hours. But here is my thought for the day. Better late than never. 

Yesterday morning I was up very early and as usual went outside with our dogs for their morning ritual. During that time I fill two bird feeders and survey the property of anything out of the ordinary. I have a bad habit of just wearing some old moccasins first thing in the morning. Coffee in hand, I go outside every day. During the process of filling the bird feeders yesterday I spilled a little bird seed into my moccasin on my left foot. That little seed immediately got under my bare foot and you could feel it there. Nothing excruciating about it, but it was an irritant. I shuffled my foot inside the moccasin, hoping the seed would just move. I had no such luck. I knew I would need to give in, sit down, remove the moccasin and clean off my foot or turn over the shoe and shake it to rid the irritating inconvenience. It required some action on my part. 

I am not the smartest guy in the world, but I know that small irritants to the foot in a shoe can become bigger issues. And believe it or not to get around healthy feet are important! That was some sarcasm friends!

The point for the day is this. Small things in our lives, such as hurt feelings, a bad cold, a pain here or there, misunderstandings, all start out as small items on the list of life, but can get bigger and more damaging if left ignored and unattended. As a cold worsens, it may need some medical attention. To me age is an inconvenience, but with age comes a list of what the doctor requires to keep you healthy. A small misunderstanding between two people can become an emotional boulder in lives and then becomes immovable. 

These small things require us to stop for a moment or longer and do something about them. What needs a little time now can turn into an event of greater time to be expended. Worse yet, if left unattended the small irritation might cause permanent damage. 

So if some action is required, seek out the solution today and get on it. 

Marty

Walking In The Rain 7/23/2023

 Good Morning, 

My day started with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee.  The radio is playing some old music in the back ground and it is time to write. 

Hosea 6:3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord. His going out is as sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.

In our portion of this world we are experiencing drought conditions and rain has been very scarce. Last night we received some rain and before we buttoned up the house for bed I went outside with our two dogs so they could run around. There was a very easy rain coming down and I decided to just walk with them and let the rain fall on my head. I did not get soaked, but the rain felt good as it ran down my head. As I walked I prayed and thanked God for watering our apple trees, flowers and the vegetable garden.

You could say that I doubled up on our blessing. The much needed water was appreciated and the walk I took in that blessing seemed to wash some of the stress and worry from this last week away. 

I wish for those who are in a dry spell spiritually can take a walk in the blessings you have and refill your heart with peace, love and hope. Sometimes you just need to walk in the rain and count those blessings. Take some time for yourself today and reconnect with God and let Him rain on you.

Love to all,

Marty

Just Do What It Says. 7/22/2023

 Good Morning,

I am up very early and meeting two of my buddies at church. We are going to whip up some breakfast for kids and leaders from our youth group. They held an all night lock in for the teens and I am sure we will be greeted by some hungry kids. I just poured a hot mug of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and now it is time to write. 

Many years ago when I was about thirteen years old I went deer hunting with my dad. I had all I needed as far as equipment went. What I lacked was hunting and survival savvy. My dad spent quite a bit of time teaching how to mark my location and how to read and use a compass. One thing he failed to tell me was to trust the compass and do what it said. As luck would have it I tried trailing a deer in the deep woods of Northern Wisconsin. I for sure was lost and decided to pull out my compass and head toward a highway that ran North and South. I needed to head straight West. After walking West for about 30 minutes, I decided that my compass had to be wrong and I was going the wrong way, So I turned in the direction that seemed to be correct in my mind and then really got lost. I failed to trust the constant that would not fail me. My dad found me, turned me around and made me follow my compass. Lo and behold I walked right up to the highway where the truck was parked.

God's Word the Bible is our compass for life and we need to trust in it and do what it says, not what we think we should do.

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!

Food for thought on the Saturday!

Marty

Just Say Thank You. 7/21/2023

 Good Morning,

I just poured myself a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee, it is still dark outside and it is time to write. My wife Rene and I worked for many years in health care. She was on the medical side and I was on the engineering side. Many times I would hear the phone ring in the middle of the night or a pager would sound off and I would see Rene get dressed and drive into the hospital for an emergency. 

1  Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

So today, as I think about all those who are first responders, from the emergency rooms, to the ambulance techs, the police departments, fire departments, and to our military who are there at a moment's notice to provide aid, and comfort in times of distress, I say thank you. My first thought of the morning was to thank God for those who He gave us to take care of us in our times of need. I am asking all of those who read this today to say thank you to a first responder. Maybe take some time out to pray for those who have helped you. Pray for that person who is up on a pole in a storm restoring your electrical service. They all have someone who loves them and worries about their safety. The two words "Thank You" go a long way in saying how much we appreciate their dedication to others.  Exercise your freedom to speak, by saying thank you to a first responder. 

Happy Friday,

Marty

Are You Sending God Some Joy? 7/20/2023

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee next to me and I am ready to write on this fine morning.

At night before I pray I try to take stock of my day, which includes my actions and my thoughts. Some nights as I review the last 12-18 hours I am pleased with myself and there are other days when I know I missed the mark of what God expects of me. 

3John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

God finds joy in our righteous actions and when our lives align with His principles. If you truly survey your thoughts, words and actions, you will find that in many instances our own mouths can be like a cesspool. We count too much on others for our joy, we blame others for the choices we made and overall our lives are not a sweet aroma to God. We are the essence of skunk. God find joy in us when we walk in step with Jesus Christ who is the Truth. 

Are you sending God some joy today? Or are you sending an odor of sin and strife? You are as close to God as you choose to be.

Have a great day. Don't expect to find joy if you are not sending it up. 

Marty

We Pay The Cost For All Opportunities 7/19/2023

 Good Morning,

I am starting late today due to unforeseen circumstances. I just sat down with a hot mug of Door County Candy Cane Coffee and it is time to write. 

Ephesians 5: 15-17 NLT 15. So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 

There is a lot to learn from Ephesians 5:15-17 and we will take a shot at some of it today. Never have I witnessed more advertising and distractions on television, or on the radio. There is always something that is calling out to us to get our attention. This passage warns us to be careful as we sort out opportunities that come our way. There are always things that when we choose to partake of them and commit time to them, something else in our life gets less attention. 

Understand this, we should put our schedule in the hands of God through prayer. We only have so much time per day. When we choose to partake in an opportunity, something else in our life gets slighted so we have to rebalance our time. For instance attending a baseball game is a lot of fun and my wife Rene and I partake in a few each summer. No harm there. But my evening quiet time with God has to be earlier, or later and I must confess that when a ball game goes into extra innings, I have to choose to stay up later, or go home before the game ends. There have been times, I am ashamed to say that my time with God was postponed to the next morning. 

We now live wiser and try to attend ball games that are played during the day. Don't be fooled. With every opportunity that comes our way, we have to pay a price. This leads us to put all things to prayer, choose wisely, and know what the Lord wants us to do.

Deep food for thought today. 

Marty

You Are Significant 7/18/2023

 Good Morning, 

Still remembering the theme of Christmas In July. I just poured myself a hot mug of Door County Candy Cane Coffee and now it is time to write. 

The expressions " I need some time to find myself" or "I took off a few months to find myself" have always puzzled me. I heard of some college graduates who needed to roam the world to find themselves. I also had someone tell me that in their 50 years of life they have accomplished nothing significant at all. In a quest for significance some folks will continue on to one more school degree and never be satisfied with the amount of knowledge they have obtained and just one more diploma on the wall elevates them higher in significance.  I will never condemn the quest for knowledge, but there comes a time when you need to put all that knowledge to the test and accomplish something with it. 

I am here to say today that status, wealth, degree upon degree, or  lack of status, wealth, degrees  does not make one less significant than another person. God created each and every one of us. He designed our status, wealth, knowledge, or lack of.  Each one of us is Designer made and that makes us very significant and each of us is here by design. 

Psalm 139:13-14 Oh yes, You formed my innermost parts; You knit me in my together in my mothers womb,. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. 

So today if the world tells you that you are insignificant and you aren't important, remember Who made you and you are one of a kind. Your search for significance begins and ends with your Creator. 

God bless,

Marty

Don't Leave Anyone Behind. 7/17/2023

 Good Morning,

The dawn broke the seal on the night with a slight breeze and a little sun. I just poured myself a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time to write.

Romans 13:10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 

In the fast paced life we live it is so easy to get consumed with deadlines and goals that we tend to always be rushing through our days. More and more people eat at their desks now and breaks are a luxury that no one seems to be taking. I understand goals and deadlines as well as the next person. But one of the reasons a person leaves a company within a year from when they started is often the short amount of time onboarding that person. Most people after a very impersonal onboarding feel left alone to struggle. They look for work where they are engaged and trained thoroughly. 

That is just the corporate world. Not good, but I am afraid it won't change.  But it should never apply at home. In a family we should never leave anyone behind and alone to struggle through life if we can help. Each person in a family is unique and often processes things differently and in a family of six there can be varied opinions. One sibling should not be compared to the others. And especially they should not be seen as not being a success, just because they are different from the others in the family. Each child should be taught the lessons of life equally. Some folks may need things to be explained more than once. But once they get it they have learned it for life. We should never give up on them and an investment of time and personal involvement might pay dividends for a life time.

God bless, your Monday.

Marty

The Table. A Place To Gather 7/16/2023

 Good Morning,

The day is shaping up to be sunny and warm. There will be lots of yard work to do and yet some time to relax and pray. I just started in on my second cup of door County Highlander Grog Coffee. it is time to write.

Psalm 23:3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. 

I come from a family that has always appreciated a good meal and we still do. We don't gather as often as we should anymore, but when we do, the table is always filled with delicious food. Now, we do that food some justice and if there are any left overs they are shared and someone will usually take some home. The table although is more than a place to eat. The fellowship and banter that takes place is what is most important. Often enough a non family member is added to the clan and not only the food is shared, but they are always included in the discussions and jocularity that abounds at the table. 

Why do I write this today? Well, it is just to remind you all to enjoy your day and whenever possible gather with family and friends. As you get older you appreciate those small gatherings much more. Give honor to God for the food, but also remember that the gathering is good for the soul. Don't be so busy that you can't take time now and then to gather with family and friends. Not only does God give us the food to share, He designed the desire for community within us that we light enjoy others. 

Honor God by gathering and acknowledge Him for the gift of the food and those who gather with you. 

Love to all!

Marty

Time Spent By the Fire 7/15/2023

 Good Morning,

I just embraced this day with a large hot mug of Door County Toasted Praline Coffee and not it is time to write. 

I have a busy day ahead of me today and it is always nice to have things to do. However I am looking forward to a pizza tonight and a bonfire in our back yard. The weather should be perfect and I have plenty of wood to burn. 

Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these will be added unto you. 34. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 

My wife Rene and I have been blessed to be able to go places and see things, but some my best times are when we slow down and just take some time to sit and enjoy a fire outside and listen to some music. As much as it is nice to be busy, it is also nice to just sit and take in some crackling wood and some sweet peach iced tea. I actually enjoy the fire more in the late fall and in the winter, but Rene lasts for about 5-10 minutes and sitting in the cold doesn't compare to the fireplace inside the house. Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with her!! 

My point for today is this. The summer is usually filled with activities such as weddings, graduations, family reunions, church picnics, maybe a trip or two somewhere and as always lots of yard work. My friends, take time to enjoy a seat by a fire or on a beach and watch the sun come down. That little bit of time for some rest and relaxation is built into your day. Walk away from the worries of this day for awhile and enjoy the evening. For in a few hours it will already be tomorrow. And who knows what tomorrow will bring.

God bless, 

Marty

Marty

Power From Above 7/14/2023

 Good Morning,

My cup was just filled with Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and my heart is in the right place, so let's write. 

I watch people a lot. It has become somewhat of a little hobby of mine and often brings ideas to me for this daily blog. 

I watch people struggle through life (at times this includes me also). They have relationships that need mending and just seem to not be able to get beyond just tolerating a person. They believe that the other person should make the first move in restoring the relationship. May I suggest that they also are looking for someone, or something to enact a little revenge into the other person' life. They are blinded to seeing anything but the other person at fault. Their own shortcomings seem to disappear from their view. 

There is collateral damage to these unsolved feuds. Family members are afraid to hold events and at times wonder if some of the combatants will accept and invitation, or not show up, or come up with a flimsy excuse to not make it. 

What is missing in these friend and family miffs is the divine power of God to help us forgive and move on. We need to acknowledge that in all of life we will always be fighting spiritual battles caused by the evil one who stokes and prods the fires of anger, hurt and despair.  We tend to fight these battles with emotions and reason. It is like taking a cup of water to a house fire, when a pump truck and a large hose are needed. 

We forget that God has given us divine power within each Christian to wage spiritual warfare and resolve issues that seem impossible to resolve. Yet we still pray and tell God what needs to be done with our opposition, instead of asking God what we should do. It's like using an unloaded gun. We can use weapons that are not of this world, yet we add the world to them and wonder why it doesn't work out. We often lose the battle to reconcile because we turn the battle plans over to a reprobate heart and a corrupt mind

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.

To win we must accept the fact that our own heart and mind needs to take captive our own evil and replace it with the fundamentals of peace, love, hope and joy. We can't hope for peace when our own thoughts and actions are not divine in nature. If you are going to fight, fight to win, but surrender your own heart to divine power, thoughts and actions, to Christ Jesus which will always lead us to forgive unconditionally.

Heavy thoughts for a Friday.

Marty. 

Can You Lie To The Person In The Mirror? 7/13/2023

 Good Morning,

A hot mug of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee is waiting for me in the kitchen and as soon as I am done writing I will be united with my morning java.

Yesterday I wrote hoping to inspire all of us to do our best at life and it's many activities and duties. Today I want to think about what happens when we don't give everything our best effort.

To be honest, when we fail it is pretty easy to convince others that we did our best and it just wasn't good enough. Most people will believe us and that is a shame. We can lie to others, yet while doing so we know the truth and we then try to lie to ourselves. We tell the story of our best effort and we start to believe our own lies. To remedy this excuse making, I recommend you walk up to a mirror and look yourself in the face. Then while looking eye to eye, tell yourself out loud that you did your best. Try lying to yourself. It should be difficult. If is isn't difficult to lie to yourself, you have a toxic situation. 

When you live out your lie, you also have God to reckon with. He knows the truth and he knows the evil in your heart that concocts the untruths. It really is a loose /lose situation when you don't strive to do your best and then offer up a weak excuse of lies. 

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

Food for thought on this Thursday!

Marty

All You Can Do Is Your Best 7/12/2023

 Good Morning,

I am waiting on the Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee to finish brewing. I am looking forward to a large hot cup of that java. 

A month ago our youngest dog competed in a few Springer Spaniel hunt tests. He did very well and as I watched him go through the different scenarios during on hunt test what really showed was that he was giving it his best and was pushing himself to do so. If he had not triumphed I would have still been pleased because he was we received his best effort. 

I think we can learn from the competitive springer that in all we do, work, play, marriage, raising our children and living our faith, no matter the event, we should always do our best. Don't just go through the motions, put your best effort out there. 

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Have a great day. Give this day your best shot.

Marty

Burning The Candle At Both Ends 7/11/2023

Good Morning, 

My cup was filled with Door County  Caramel Pecan Scones Coffee and it is soothing to the body this morning. 

1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. 7. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. 

Yesterday my family received some news about the health of a loved one of mine.  It was a shock to hear that cancer has once again entered the arena of our lives and that we will now wait on the treatment plan. I found myself falling asleep in prayer last night and then waking up in prayer. You could say I was burning the candles of prayer at both ends. 

I have always been one that has to fix things and I find it frustrating when I can't. This is one of those times. I turned this all over to God last night and He will be the physician, counselor, and shoulder to lean on during this battle. Cancer entered this world when sin came in way back with Adam and Eve. But I will watch as God does what He is going to do. I will watch as our small family pulls together and wages war against this beast. 

I will count on my readers to lift up my family member in prayer and take this walk with us. 

God bless,

Marty

Joy Is The Evidence. 7/10/2023

 Good Morning,

The train passing by our sub division woke me up and the aroma of the Door County Caramel Pecan Scones Coffee is making me desire a second cup. 

I will start today with a bold statement. Abounding joy is strong, clear evidence that you have peace with God and have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. A person who walks with the Lord is also a realist in the finest sense. They comprehend the seriousness of life and the true reality of spiritual warfare. But none of that robs that person of joy. They value the presence of the Lord in their life and thus they have joy despite circumstances. You will never find them throwing a pity party for themselves. Nor would they invite anyone to be miserable with them. 

Yes, Christians have to deal with the serious issues of life, they know that Christ is the answer to those issues and that is what brings them joy. It is the abundant life that Jesus speaks of. 

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

This is the basis for joy that does not come from circumstances, but from inside where the risen Lord reigns. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Non Negotiable 7/9/2023

 Good Morning,

The day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee. I believe it is time to write. 

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

I have always said that a teenager should have on the door to their room a sign that says "Lawyer". A teen can and will try to negotiate just about anything. They will attempt to bargain their way into or out of any situation. In some instances this can be a good thing and in other instances, not so good!

One thing that should never be negotiable is church attendance. That one or two hours a week spent in the house of the Lord is never to be negotiated. There are more options than ever for church attendance. Some churches offer a Saturday night service. Some have a Sunday night service. But to choose activities that draw the teen or child away from that one or two hours should not be on the table of choices. I find that sports are a huge detractor in the spiritual life of children and teens. Club sports travel on Sunday, practice or have games on Sunday mornings. Parents must decide whether throwing a softball is more important than the spiritual walk of their child or teen. As a matter of fact, many adults need to choose for themselves what is more important, the golf course or church attendance with their family. The wrong choice is an indication of what shape the heart  is in spiritually. 

Parents take a stand and show what the priority should be.

God bless, and make the right choice. 

Marty 

One Good Reason 7/8/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and I have a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee at my side and two Springer Spaniels asleep on my feet. 

I believe that when a person takes time to remember God during their daily grind and when they establish a quiet time with Him there are many reasons to do so. 

The one reason that I find as most important to me, is that when I seek God He responds by drawing nearer to me. truly this is mind boggling that when a person such as I seeks God, in return God moves in a direction toward me. 

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts you  double minded.  

We are reminded to look into our heart and see if any sin has entered our life and we choose to partake of. Have we been living the life of the double minded person who's walk has wandered to the unrighteous path?

God comes a running when we step toward Him. 

Have a great day. 

Marty

Friday's Prayer For Peace 7/7/2023

 Good Morning,

May your day be blessed and your coffee hot. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee and I am ready to write. 

James 3:8 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Normally I consider Friday to be the end of the week and the start of the weekend. That's just the way I look at it. Typically for me, Friday is there to slide me into some plans for the weekend, some work around the house or an outing, as well as my time to worship our Lord. 

I find myself this Friday with my mind overloaded with prayer requests for the world and for a few folks close to me. So this morning I made extra time in my schedule for prayer. This Friday needs a lot of prayer. As always when I pray I ask God to bless those who read this blog to be blessed. I am asking God to bless each individual reading this to experience physical peace, spiritual peace and emotional peace. 

I am praying against the senseless wars that plague our world and the constant turmoil in the streets at night. 

I am hoping that this small spark of prayer ignites into a larger flame of peace, hope and love. It could start with you. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

Sorry, It Wasn't Meant That Way 7/6/2023

 Good Morning,

I am writing today from my desk with a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee near by and it is time to start. 

Proverbs 16:23-24 Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Yesterday my blog was not very popular with a few folks. ( You Can Dance To Any Tune 7/5/2023) I received feedback and it wasn't good. I reviewed the blog and listened to the complaints that said the words of 7/5 were hurtful and not helpful. My goal in my writing is to provide food for thought, inspiration, hope, correction, and at times some plain old advice. After reviewing the blog statement I am standing behind it and do not see it as mean minded or hurtful. If anyone was hurt or angered by the reading of the blog, please know my heart and it was not meant to be anything but positive. 

Have a great day!

Marty

You Can Dance To Any Tune 7/5/2023

 Good Morning,

The sun is already shining and it is going to be a hot one today. I just poured a large cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Genesis 2;24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one. 

You can dance to any tune as long as you have the right partner. I am not really talking about waltzing away or doing the jitter bug. I am talking about life and how one can dance through even the darkest of days if they have the right partner. I believe that the marriage of two people is like a dance. And despite what life brings to the couple they hang on to each other and make the best of all situations. 

My wife Rene and I have been married for a long time. Like she says "we have been married for 1000 years." And there are days when the music laid out before us is a tough tune to dance to. But knowing your partner very well and having been in a tough spot or two through the years you cling to one another and dance through those days. With the right partner you will always be headed toward God and His guidance because you both know and agree that going to Him is the first step in being able to dance to the tune life just gave you. 

So my friends, I close this thought for the day and say this, I hope you dance. 

Marty

How You Influence Others. 7/4/2023

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write with a hot cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee at my side. He we go. 

Proverbs 20:17 The righteous who walks in his integrity, blessed are his children after him'

We are on this Earth for a short time and we leave a lasting impact on our families, friends, work acquaintances, and many others. Have you ever wondered what impact you will leave when you are gone? will you be missed or will people soon forget you? Will you be quoted for the good you have said, or will you leave a trail of  glad to see you gone thoughts? 

My dad and my grandfather weren't perfect men, but I would have to say that I would bring them back in a heartbeat if I could. The lessons learned from them are priceless to me. I place great value on the time I spent with both of them. 

Both instilled a love for the outdoors in many ways and each had a different idea as to what that would be. Nothing was forced on me and they let me choose what was right for me. Both men loved to hunt and fish. Neither of them hunted ducks, but given the chance to hunt at all and to desire to do so came from them. I just altered my path and they both accepted that as ok. They taught me to pay my bills and to place work as a priority. So when i do things around the house or go to work I see a lot of them in me. 

What memory of you will be on the hearts and minds of people when you are gone. Start living your legacy today for good. It might help to erase and bad memories you have stored in the hearts of others. 

Have a great day!

Marty

The River Is Never The Same. 7/3/2023

 Good Morning,

A hot mug of Door County Candy Cane Coffee is next to me and I am starting this day with prayer.

I am a duck hunter and over the last few years I have spent more time hunting ducks on a river than any other water source. I am amazed as to how much changes with the river year after year, or day after day. The depth of the water can vary. Deadfall trees create a new hazard. 

"No Man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river, and he is not the same man." 

Heraclitus

Think about it my friends. Even if there is not some amazing difference in a man that is noticeable, the man is another time span older since his last trip to the river. God has made it that way. We take things for granted and we often miss the slightest changes made to the things we do every day. We are blessed with change every morning and no morning is exactly the same. 

I am happy to say that despite how rapidly the things of life change it is God who never changes. 

Malachi 3:6 "For I the Lord do not change. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flowers fade. But the word of our God will stand forever. 

It is nice to know that God is never double minded or forgetful . We can rest in Him and He never says no. 

Have a great day. 

Marty

Freedom To Choose 7/2/2023

 Good Morning, 

I started my day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee. My wife Rene has started watching Christmas movies on the channels promoting Christmas in July. So to be in tune with her I drink some Christmas Coffees in July. To be honest I do it just to bug her and as a matter of fact it get's under a skin a little bit. I told her I am showing some sensitivity!

As we approach July fourth holiday in America, we will be celebrating our independence and freedom as a nation.  I am taking the time to think about another freedom we have and it is world wide. I chose to follow God July 7th 1981. No one forced me to do so, I chose Jesus as my Lord and Savior and there was no gun to my head. I made a heartfelt and solid decision to do so, God did not force Himself on me. I was able to choose. 

Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life so that you and your offspring may live. 

John 4;19 We love because He first loved us.

Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him and he with Me. 

Romans 5:8 but God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners Jesus, Christ died for us.

Food for thought. Choose this day whom you shall serve.

Marty

Good Is Good 7/1/2023

 Good Morning,

I am running late today and I apologize for my being late. It feels good to be alive and I am enjoying a hot mug of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. It is time to write.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every prefect gift is from above coming down from the Father, with who their is no variation or shadow due to change. 

The truth be known, I enjoy watching Western cowboy movies and one in particular has all the elements of a great movie. There are the bad guys, and then the good guys. The good guys are in a tough spot, but they shoot their way out of the mess and the one good guy ends up with the beautiful lady. It is a classic Western movie. Amy good Western movie will have a few lines in the script that you just remember because of the setting they are  in and the timing in the movie. 

This particular movie has the two main good guys contemplating life before they shoot it out with the bad guys. Earlier one of the men purchased two chocolate bars for him and his partner. The younger cowboy pulled it out of his shirt pocket as they were chatting about their plans for the battle and sharing some kind words with each other. But the chocolate bar had melted. Obviously there was a some disappointment in his tone, but he started to take his finger and scrape the melted goo from the wrapper. He said that he would eat his gift that way because "good is good". 

That line is one of my favorites in the movie. GOOD IS GOOD. 

Good things in life are always good and are to be enjoyed. There is no bad thing in Good. I am here to say that if you look for the good in life you will find it and it won't be tarnished by the bad. The cowboy had a melted chocolate bar but no matter the consistency of the bar the melted chocolate tasted good. He found the good in a friend purchasing a candy bar for him and he was going to enjoy it. He could have gotten angry and tossed it away, but he found the way to enjoy good. 

Friends, look for some good today and enjoy it. No one can take that away from you. And while you are enjoying the good, remember Who gave it to you.

Marty