Trick Or Treat 10/31/2024

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and an apple before I head out to work the election polls in our city. I am proud to be helping out for the early voting and looking forward to the main election day. 

Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them. "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least, of these my brothers, you did it to Me."

Last Sunday afternoon/evening our city observed Trick Or Treat. Our neighbor Donna and myself set up a table between our two yards and handed out candy to the children and some parents as they went trick or treating from house to house. We encountered all different kinds of costumes and some were quite ingenious. I will say this. Just about every child who was old enough to speak said thank you after they received their candy. Only a few took the candy and departed without acknowledging the gift. It was a pleasant experience for my wife Rene and I to be joining our neighbor once more to take part in a neighborhood event. Rene would come out and visit us and resupply me with candy. She would also ask us if we needed anything else. 

In a world where there is so much strife, bitterness and rage, it was nice just to see folks be generous and for others to appreciate it with a "Thank You".

So if you have the opportunity to pass out some candy and show kindness to strangers, take a chance and participate. Be hospitable. 

Marty

Sharing Breakfast Is A Big dream 10/30/2024

 Good Morning, 

I am looking at a tired dog and sipping on a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee. As for me, I am a little tired myself. It is time to write. I am blessed to say that my blog gets read in several countries and the readership varies daily. I will never meet most of the readers and it seems a shame that it can't happen on this side of heaven. But it is just another good thing I have in store for me in when I get there. 

I often think about how nice it would be to sit down with some of the folks who read this and prepare for them a breakfast and pour them a cup of coffee. These folks and I might not even speak the same language, but we have this blog in common and who doesn't like to eat breakfast? Our countries might even be enemies, but in my day dreams we sit in peace and break bread. (Preferably biscuits, smothered in gravy or jam). God would meet with us as well and then breakfast takes on a whole new meaning. 

John 21:9-13 ESV 9. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread 10. Jesus said to them, "Bring some fish that you have just caught." 11. So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12. Jesus said to them. "Come and have breakfast" Now none of of the disciples dared ask him "Who are you". The knew it was the Lord. 13. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 

But what I can do on this side of heaven is to occasionally invite a friend over for breakfast or go out to a restaurant for a meal and leave all of our troubles at the table for an hour. We could take time to pray and share our troubles if desired. 

I guess I am a dreamer and I dream big. But just the thought of my breakfast dream makes this heart smile.

Have a great day!

Marty

Making Repairs To An Old Friend 10/29/2024

 Good Morning,

This day started with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee.

Colossians 3:17 NIV And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Yesterday I was outside i to our back yard and I went to sit down at our picnic table. I noticed that some of the nails that hold the boards together were coming loose and they needed attention from me and my hammer. This picnic table was built for us by an old friend of ours when we first moved into our home in 1994. It has withstood all the snow, rain, one tornado and hot weather that came it's way for 30 years. I seal the wood every other year and sit on it almost daily. Many times the thoughts for my blog are written at that table. That table is an old friend. It has hosted good times and times of sorrow. 

When our friend was building the table he exclaimed " It is finished and this one with a little sealer now and then should last a lifetime." The table outlived our friend who passed away a few years ago. As I sit here this morning I can't help but think about my friend and the  table and what a craftsman he was. He took a lot of pride in his work and had a smile that could move any heart to join in with his smile. 

Today as you might be going to work or out for chores. Does your smile go with you? Is whatever you are doing today receiving your best effort?  Does your work receive the extra it might need to last a life time? Do you practice being a craftsman for your life? Will you be remembered fondly when you are long gone?

Take your life and build it right. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.

Happy Tuesday!

Marty

A Fork In the Road 10/27/2024

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is steaming in front of me and it is time to write. 

Now and then life leads us to a fork in the road and a decision needs to be made as to what direction is best for you. I have had that happen a few times in my life and I am at a fork in the road now. I know one thing for sure, there are two directions I can choose from. But until I hear clearly from God I will not choose on my own. I have lived long enough to know that God's choice for me will be the best. 

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

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

If life has you at a fork in the road. Stop and make sure your choice is what God wants. Don't move forward until you know for sure. A record of bad choices, all too often decorates a life forever. 

The wrong road can be a long, unforgiving route to destruction.

Marty

Sunday Morning Thoughts. Sentimental? Not Me! 10/27/2024

 Good Morning,

I am leaving to hunt ducks again in a little while. I will be filling my Thermos Bottle with Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and enjoying it in the cold morning air. 

Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. 

My wife and I are looking forward to a family weekend in November. Our only niece is getting married that weekend and our small family will hopefully all be together for a couple of days. Just thinking about it makes me smile. As I age these get togethers seem to mean more and more to me. 

It's hard to fit all the things we hope to do and say into one weekend. It will be nice just to have all of us in one building and not for a funeral. My wife Rene said something that should never be said to an old tough guy. "You are getting sentimental!" I refuse to admit it and there is no way I am getting sappy in my old age.  Real men do not shed tears. If by chance our eyes begin to leak, it is from terminal hay fever. 

So my thought for the day is this. Don't hesitate to gather together, especially for celebrations. Don't wait for a funeral to get together. There is one person less at those. 

God bless,

Marty 

The World Just Keeps Spinning Faster 10/26/2024

 Good Morning,

My day began with some Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and a dash out of the door. I am hoping to get a little duck hunting in and then head home for a nap. 

I was discussing the fact that there just isn't time enough in one day to accomplish all that I want to do. It could be that as I get older I cannot keep up with the world or I am not really trying to do so. Even my short naps are rushed now. 

I will be looking for things to trim from my plate and praying about them. There is a strange restlessness in my spirit and I need to spend some time on a quiet lake and have God sort them out for me. 

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way. 

When in doubt seek the Lord and be still. He is God.

Marty 

A Change Of The Seasons 10/25/2024

 Good Morning,

I am packing up soon and heading to work the voting polls in my city. I will for sure have a Thermos Bottle packed with hot Door County Caramel Apple Coffee. It is time to write. 

Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish; I am the Lord, I have spoken. And I will do it."

One thing I like about living where we do is the fact that we have distinct weather changes with four different seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall are definitely for me a true wonder of the world. We planted a maple tree two years ago and it is shooting upward with each year. It is colored out now and soon all the leaves will fall while it sleeps through the winter. With enough sun and water this tree has the chance to reach quite high toward heaven. As long as I am around I will tend to all of our trees and learn by their example of reaching up and establishing strong roots. 

For me this means I am to be rooted in the Word Of God, and look up to God for direction, and make sure I get enough time with the Son. 

I will miss those colored leaves, but with God's blessing they will bud again in the spring and there will be more of them. 

Have a great weekend and grow where you are planted. 

Marty

Labels Are Helpful And Hurtful 10/24/2024

 Good Morning, 

The day started for me with a hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee and prayer. 

Matthew 7:1-2 Do not judge, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged. and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 

My dad was very organized and part of his organization processes was to label everything. He would place plastic flowers on family graves in the spring and when he picked them up in the fall they were stored in the garage. Each flower bunch was labeled as to who's grave they were to go on. I asked him one time if it really mattered as to which flower pot went where. His reply put me in my place quickly. "It matters to me. Your mother set these up and I want to keep it the way she desired them to be placed."

Even in his younger days Dad labeled things to make sure he knew what was in a box or envelope before he had to open it. So looking from the outside in, you might say that Dad was very organized or you might say he was obsessively controlling. 

When we do that my friends we are placing labels on folks and at times it is hurtful. We look at how a person is dressed and we apply a label that at times is not very nice. Or we see their car and we apply a label of egotistical, rich, poor, or cheap. We don't know the story of their life yet we apply a title to their book. 

Have you wondered what label is applied to you by others? I think labels for organization are a great idea. But when it comes to labeling the jar of someone's life, it is best to know all the ingredients before, and even better, worry about your own story or jar of life.

Marty

Old Friends 10/23/2024

 Good Morning,

My cup was just filled with Door County Cherry Crème Coffee and it is time to write. 

John 15:12 This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.

Many years ago starting in the 60's my family moved to a new neighborhood. I was in the second grade of school and moving required a new school and new friends. It wasn't an easy adjustment for me. I pretty much stayed to myself for the first couple of years at school. I however found new friends in my immediate neighborhood quickly or should I say they found me. All it took was a sandlot and a baseball and we were team mates for life. In the fall our expertise would turn to football and in early spring or when the sand lot was too muddy the basketball would get a turn at keeping us occupied. 

After high school, life took us in different directions, so our get togethers are funerals, or an occasional fish fry. But despite not being as close as we used to be, the gatherings are still special and much appreciated. I feel sorry for our spouses because when we get together, we pretty much are in our own world of four good buddies. The women listen to our banter on the days of old and nod when they feel they need to acknowledge something. 

My point is this for today. Be there when old friends gather. Make your best effort to relive memories with those who shared them with you, before you can't.

Marty

Because I Can 10/22/2024

 Good Morning,

The day hasn't appeared yet. It is still dark outside. The dogs have been fed in our home and the Door County Cherry Crème Coffee has finished brewing.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6. in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

As I sit at the desk in our den, I start my day with prayer and today I have much to pray for. Several of my friends are battling cancer now. The Middle East is gearing up for an expansion of the war already started. The economy isn't exactly affordable anymore, and last night the news was filled with election rhetoric that is disgusting. The war in the Ukraine is poised to get worse. People are still recovering from terrible hurricanes and will be doing so for way too long. 

So yes, I can vote today in the United States, and I will. But what is more important to me is the fact that I can pray for all of the things I listed above. I can cry out to God, and He hears me. How He will answer these prayers will be interesting to say the least. How I cap off my prayers is with these words. "Thy Will Be Done". Whatever God decides to do or not do is sovereign to me. I poured out my heart and left the thinking, and action to Him. 

It seems that you might think I am just complacent. That is far from the truth. I just pray because I can, and especially in times like these. I ask God if there is anything He would like me to do with these large requests. He reminds me that His thoughts are greater than mine and His ways are higher than mine. God is in control and whatever He allows to happen is mine to respect and not challenge. 

I wait patiently and trust in God. Because I can. I enjoy each day to the best of my abilities, Because I can. I can be a blessing to my family, friends and neighbors. Because I can. I will call out to God in prayer. Because I can. 

There is so much I can do, that I really should not complain about what I can't do. 

Thy will be done, because I can't. And I am happy that I am not in charge. 

Marty 

You Have Not Because? 10/21/2024

 Good Morning,

My desk is a quiet place to be this morning. I appreciate the quiet and the hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee I have with me.

James 4:2-3 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and can not obtain. You  fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3.You ask a do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you  may spend it on your own pleasures. 

My wife Rene and I live next to a residence for assisted living. The home has eight residents. The women outnumber the men. We have a good friend ( Mike) who lives there. We met Mike at our church a few years ago, One other church member brings Mike to church on Sundays. Mike's former residence suffered a fire and Mike was relocated to the home next to us. We were made aware of Mike's move. It was just obvious to us that we should reach out to Mike and welcome him to the neighborhood. Mike now attends church on Saturdays with us as well as Sundays. He asked if he could attend the Men's Bible Study as well. So I pick him up on Tuesdays and he has been a great addition to the group. Mike suffered a stroke many years ago and cannot live on his own. He is now like family to us and when Rene and I go and vote tomorrow, Mike is going with us. 

Mike is very observant and although his speech is impaired, he says what is on his mind. He told me one night while we were traveling that his home does not see any churches come to visit the shut ins. I quote " We need a Bible study in our home." I guess that I did not take that as a hint or an ask. What Mike was intending was for me to give a Bible study in the home next door. A week later his question was "When can you do a Bible Study at our home? My friends cannot all get out and a Bible study needs to come to us." 

So tonight is our first Bible study and I don't have to travel too far. In a small way, Mike saw a need and started to pray about it. It will only take an hour of my time. Mike asked and God leaned on this old guy to go on a mission trip a whole forty yards from home. Mike wasn't asking for himself, he gets plenty of attention from our church family. He petitioned God for others and God answered his request. 

Friends, don't be afraid to pray and ask for others to be blessed. God is in the business of loving people. Reach out to those who cannot travel and are stranded due to their circumstances. Mike taught me a lesson. 

Have a great day and take a walk next door and be a blessing. 

Marty

Good Wishes For Your Sunday 10/20/2024

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and a hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Crème Coffee is next to me. 

It is quiet and peaceful in our home and in all honesty it is that way most every day. God has commanded that Sunday ( The Sabbath) should be a day of rest. Yet even on Sunday some have to work and that is a good thing. for us. (Hospitals, First Responders)  Some will experience the loss of a loved one. A car won't start somewhere. A car accident will occur. A pet or family member will run away. A shooting will take place over an argument. A drug addict will overdose and someone will burn the Sunday dinner and the dog will eat the dessert. Bombs will be launched in war. People are still recovering from hurricanes. Cancer is a seven day event 24 hours a day. 

1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 

My global prayer is for those who read this today, that your day will not hold any of the negative outcomes and happenings listed above for you. And if it does, God will sustain you through it and comfort you through this day. 

Many of us who read this today will never meet each other on this side of heaven. So this note is meant to let you know that despite what is going on, in your part of the world, someone just prayed for you.

God Bless,

Marty

No One Likes Correction 10/19/2024

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and it is time to write. 

Tonight in our Saturday night church service I will tackle the subject of God's Correction s. I for one don't like being corrected, punished or having my wrong doings pointed out.

Here is a thought if we had no one watching over us and pointing out our faults and sins we would eventually be be guilty of more shame and reproof. 

We are blessed to have a God who loves us enough that He watches us and points out when we need a cleaning of the heart. We have loving God who will correct His children before, during, and after our walk on the dark side of sin. We have a God who understands our temptations and desires us not to give in. 

Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 

Time for God to do a heart cleaning? He will go ahead without your permission. But better yet, don't let your back sliding get to that point. 

Have a great day.

Marty

Give Yourself A Gift 10/18/2024

 Good Morning,

I have an insulated bottle filled with Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and I will be on the road soon. Friday arrived as promised and I have just a little thought for this morning. 

We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This is not a statement that implores us to love ourselves but assumes we love ourselves enough that we have an example of how we should love others. 

Many of you are to be commended for sacrificing daily for others whether it be for family, friends, co-workers and strangers. So don't take this wrong. Sometimes you just need to do something special for yourself. Treat yourself nicely. It doesn't have to be much. A nap, an extra hot bath and few more minutes in it. Maybe something nice to eat, or a little extra time in prayer. Maybe it's wearing something warm on a cold day and it just makes you feel good. (I broke out my favorite warm hat.) One more log on the fire? Give yourself a gift to celebrate you.

We are made in God's image and that shows the importance our existence is to God. We love others as He loved us. But we still need to take care of ourselves. Our sacrificial attributes won't be worth much if we are so tired we cannot perform them.

Luke 12:7 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not fear, you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows.  

Take it easy my friends. Rest to work another day!

Marty

Can't Stop The Music 10/17/2024

 Good Morning,

Yesterday we experienced our first freeze. To say the least it was a bit of shock to wake up in the cold since our weather has been warmer than usual. A hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee is next to me. It is time to write. 

Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing to The Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 

This morning I woke up to a song on the radio, and it is one of those times in my life where the song melody and the lyrics are still tumbling through my mind. Maybe you have experienced it yourself. A song is played and you are either singing or humming to that tune all day. It seems that at times my mind takes over the play list and I can't get the tune out of my head. 

If you are reading this and are wondering why I am writing about this dribble, to be honest so am I. The point I am making is that just maybe someone else has the tune takeover experience as well. As people we have a lot of differences and just as many commonalities. We are surprised while conversing with someone and we talk about a destination we like to visit. The thought spurs smiles and soon we are exchanging information about that place or where we found some great food. 

I see parents walking their children to the bus stop and they chat while waiting with Little Johnny and Gertrude. They have in common that one thing, and that is they want an education for the kids and they want them to come home safely. If we can concentrate on the commonalities and less on our differences we might find our part of this world to be just a little more pleasant. So if you have a tune in your head or a jingle from a commercial the fact is, we have something in common. 

I hope yours is a happy tune today. God bless,

Marty

Thankful For The Rain 10-16-2024

 Good Morning,

There is a pot of Door County Maple Coffee brewing in the kitchen and soon there will be a cup next to me. 

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmuring or complaining. 

Our area of the world has had us experiencing a short drought. Everything had turned brown and there were even forest fire warnings and some restrictions on burning for the last month or so. We reseeded our lawn last Saturday before winter sets in. I anticipated the need to water the new seed. Since we reseeded it has rained just enough each day for the seeds to set into the plugs removed from the lawn. The rain has started to refill ponds and rivers just enough to do the job. 

One can only be thankful for this blessing and make the most of it. I pray for those who have experienced some real nasty weather as of late and suffered through hurricanes. I pray for those who lost family members in those storms and flooding. We should do what we can to help, and not complain about anything. Those suffering folks have plenty to complain about.

Complaining has become an incurable disease. People complain at times about anything or every thing. It is a bad habit and as I said it is a disease of the heart. Check yourself to see just how much you complain and about what today. Is your selfish attitude and hard heart keeping you from experiencing some joy and peace? If you are a terminal complainer, just hope God doesn't give you something to cry about and complain. 

Food for thought,

Marty

Using What You Have 10/15/2024

 Good Morning,

The old mug was filled with some very hot Door County Old Fashioned Coffee and it is doing a great job of warming me up. The coffee and a fresh crock pot of potato soup have this house smelling pretty nice. 

Genesis 1:11 And God said "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit, which is their seed, each according to it's kind, on the earth." And it was so. 

Yesterday I was able to take some more of our apples and dry them, and I will use them when I hunt to munch on in the field or the boat. They are a nice way to eat healthier and they are easy to share with your hunting partner, including that faithful retriever. 

We were blessed this year with an abundance of apples and we are also a family that doesn't like for things to go to waste in this house. We have been able to give plenty of apples away and some of our friends have turned them into bakery. I foresee an apple pie being baked tomorrow in our own home. 

My point for the day is this. Use what you are blessed with. Take some and share it with friends, family or strangers. Use what you have been given to bless others. This abundance of apples also reminds me of of the years when the apples were scarce. There is a sad feeling when hail comes down so hard that the baby apples on the trees are knocked off the branches and in the fall you barely have enough apples for one pie. 

I also trim our trees and the apple wood is used to smoke meats throughout the year.  Once again the trees provide a sweet aroma while the smoker is hot. The aroma from drying apples, baking apples, or smoking meat some how reminds me of the blessing God has given us. One of my favorite times of the year is to wake up and see the trees fully blossomed out in the spring. I have been watching for that morning for over 30 years and it never ceases to amaze me. So as the trees get ready for a long winter's rest, I look forward, (God willing) to a cup of coffee and some pink blossoms again in the spring. 

God bless,

Marty

The Wrong Sign At The Wrong Time 10/14/2024

 Good Morning,

The day has begun and there is a definite chill in the house. It just might be time to make a small fire in the hearth this morning. My Door County Old Fashioned Coffee is not quite warming me up all the way. 

Matthew 9:4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Ephesians 4:6 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath. 

At this time in my country our presidential election is only a few weeks away. This election was born in strife and has definitely created a lot of tension. You can just feel it in the air. I actually believe it is bringing out the worst in people. The radio and television have been invaded by advertising campaigns for the candidates and none of them are flattering. As much as I try all the gimmicks to block unwanted phone calls, a few are still getting through to me. The door to our house seems to be the landing pad for advertisements reminding us to vote. If by now you don't know what day it is and that it is your duty and privilege to vote, you have successfully isolated yourself from the world. 

While vacationing a little last week and enjoying a get away, I stumbled upon the sign seen in the blog today. It describes just how I feel about the constant bombardment from both political parties. It is the sign of my heart and mind right now. This is not good. 

Just the other day a neighbor of ours stopped by to ask a question and when the door bell rang my first reaction to it was not nice. I immediately assumed it was a traveling contractor seeking to rip us off or another person coming to tell me who to vote for. As I approached our front door I was already in battle mode. The political rhetoric shown and or listened to has become irritating and sickening. Maybe that is the response both parties are desiring. Not too sure. But it has impacted the way I respond to people, and I need to work harder at keeping my heart clear of ill will thoughts for the process and the candidates. This includes the campaign workers. They make it difficult to listen to them and even be polite. For those who arrive at the doorstep, I will try to make sure they are offered some coffee or water even if they cross the line of badgering me. 

So my theory for surviving this onslaught is to treat others as I wish to be treated and listen politely. It's up to the callers at the door and on the phone to do the same. As I watch television I can easily change channels during the commercials or to be honest just not watch television until election day. 

Do your best to be kind even when you don't agree.

Marty

Shadows Of The Night 10/13/2024

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk and the house has a little bit of a chill to it this morning. A hot cup of Door County Old Fashion Coffee will be coming my way very soon.

We have two English Springer Spaniels residing in our home and both of them are from good hunting lines and have proven themselves in the field. What I find to be a little bit funny is that when they go outside at night and actually see their shadows, they come in a little closer to me and aren't so willing to move on ahead. They are spooked by their own shadows and mine.

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

In this world we raise our children to be fearless and to be able to forge ahead in any situation. I believe that raising them to be fearless and to have a staunch attitude is a good thing. But I also believe that we should be teach them to fear the consequences of the shadows of evil. One step in the wrong direction at a party of kids just hanging around, can be fatal. Illegal drugs laced with Fentanyl are deadly and the drug should be feared.  We should teach our children to run from the dark shadows of the drug world.

Damage done by drug use has a long lasting impact and some kids never bounce back. Worse yet they become property owners in a cemetery. Parents, don't be afraid to show your children the statistics, photos, and any other sources you can find to get the point across that drugs are illegal and dangerous. It is better for them to be called a sissy than to be called deceased.

Have a great day and keep your children close. 

Marty 

A Sweet Disposition 10/12/2024

 Good Morning,

It is a great day to be alive. I just poured some Door County Cherry Creme Coffee into my cup and it is time to write. 

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

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. 

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

When we look at ourselves in the mirror in the morning, what do we see? Does our imagination take over and convince us that the person we see who just woke up is a sweet, mannered, loving and a cuddly person? Or do we see a hard to start, crabby individual who should be avoided until fed and sweetened by some coffee?

In this world we will all encounter a morning or two that finds us out of sorts and unapproachable. This my friends is not a way to start every day. Times can be tough, but those around us were not sent our way to be a verbal punching bag. When we start our day with making someone else feel small and unappreciated we forget that God placed that person in our path and every morning is a gift from God. If people have to wonder when our disposition will improve, we are not appreciating another new day for ourselves. But worse yet, we are ruining the start of the day for someone else. We rain on their morning parade. No where can I find supporting literature that says we should wake up and start ruining another persons day, just because we are not happy.

So, suck it up and before you ruin the day for someone else by waking up the monster within, add more sugar to your coffee and pray to take away the ugly side of your disposition.

Marty

Surrounded Isn't Always A Bad Thing 10/11/2024

 Good Morning,

My choice of coffee today is Door County Cherry Creme and it is time to write. 

I have watched a lot of movies in my life time and not one of the action thrillers ever shows being surrounded as a good thing. For instance a movie about World War Two might have a platoon surrounded by 500 of their enemy soldiers and I never heard one of the outnumbered group say " What an opportunity to be brave and fight without enough ammunition." Usually they have a somber attitude and realize that they might not make it out alive or they might be captured. 

Let's not dwell on the negative this Friday, but lets think about being surrounded by God's presence. glory, peace, provisions, and love. We might be between a rock and a hard place in life, yet God is with us. His glory goes through the rough times with us and we are never alone nor are we without hope. 

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 

John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world."

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

Hebrews 13:14 For this is not our home, we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven. 

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you with my righteous right hand." 

Food for thought, 

Marty

The Right Road Might Have Some Hills 10/10/2024

 Good Morning,

I am very satisfied to be home and drinking a hot cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee.

For the last three days my wife Rene and I have been traveling in Door County Wisconsin. We were taking our annual fall trip to the area. We had no specific plans and just managed by heading North and taking roads that were filled with fall colors. We made random stops here and there to take a picture or explore different things we encountered. 

The scenery on the country roads was perfect and Lake Michigan did it's part to add a shimmer to the sunrise and sunsets. Now country roads are nothing like a highway, and more often than not they are hilly, with many turns.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life, in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more. 

We spent an hour or so in a small town and enjoyed their farmers market. Again we had no idea when we stopped that we would dine on some home made Swedish meatballs, purchase an alpaca sweater and talk duck hunting with a local hunter.  Everything we did was pretty much at random. We consulted a GPS to occasionally get back to the road that led us to our hotel, but mostly we just found our way by knowing the position of the sun.

The beautiful roads reminded me how much God has allowed me to see, and witness during my life. But as with the roads, life's journey has had some hills to climb. But even while climbing the hills of life, God was there to show me the way to the end. He is there from the beginning to the end. The right road isn't always the easiest, yet God's road is best. Even during a climb, we should stop and take in the experience. In His presence there is joy despite the climb.  

Food for thought!

Marty

It Is Important 10-9-2024

 Good Morning, 

I am awake and at it early this morning. I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee.

God has a lot to say within the Bible. He especially has written many assurances of His love for us. If God states it and especially over and over we should pay heed to His claims.

In Zephania 3:17 we find that God is in our midst and He rejoices over us. God actillually sings.

Zephania 3:17 The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. 

So today as you go about your business, know that you are loved more than you can imagine. 

Have a great day.

Marty 

Answered Prayer 10-8-2024

 Good Morning.

My wife Rene and I are visiting Door County Wisconsin. As I sit here in the dark writing my blog, I am enjoying some hot Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. 

We have been praying for a dear friend to be able to obtain a job for few months. Today, he starts a new job and I just finished praying for him. 

For a long time he was turned down for even the most menial labor. He stayed patient and waited for God to provide.

My friend kept busy with chores around his home. We would chat almost every day and pray for him to find a job. 

God gave him a good job with decent pay. It is made for him.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call out to me and I will answer you. I will show you great and mighty things which you have not known.

So as I close this for today, I say never give up and pray often.

God bless.

Marty

Starting The Week Off Right 10/7/2024

 Good Morning, 

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee and it is time to write. 

Monday arrived as promised and it did not surprise me at all to the fact that I feel tired after a weekend filled with hunting and chores. We also helped to host a dinner at church on Saturday evening. I think I need a weekend to relax from this last one.

My day began with prayer and a Scripture verse that I want to share. 

Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

So to begin my week I promise to do my best not to worry about things I cannot control. I will pray before I fret, not after the fretting has started. I will be more appreciative of what I have been blessed with. I will thank others for their role in being part of my new week. 

I will count each minute of this week as a blessing. I will find my rest in the Lord.

Have a great week,

Marty

The Older The Violin The Sweeter The Music 10/6/2024

 Good Morning,

Once again I am headed to the duck hunting spot of my choice with a nephew and a hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee. 

2 Corinthians 4:16 GW That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day. 

Yesterday while running some errands in my truck I heard a song on the radio sung by Hank Thompson. Country music always sounds better when you are in your truck. The title of the song was "The Older The Violin, The Sweeter The Music"

I am not a young whipper snapper any longer, but I am not exactly ancient yet. My wife remarked just the other day how much she dislikes getting older and what getting older brings with it. I told her about the song by Hank Thompson to make her feel better about our senioritis. I am not so sure that my attempt was appreciated, but it did wonders for me. I found a list of things that get better with age. 

1. Whiskey at a minimum is aged at least three years. 

2. Cheddar Cheese

3. Jeans, get softer with each wash and look better when they are a little stretched out.

4. Cast Iron Skillets.

5. Beef dry- aged beef's enzymes break down fibers to make beef more tender. 

6. Balsamic Vinegar. Similar to wine the vinegar is aged and sometimes not bottled for twelve years. The vinegar becomes stronger with age. 

7. Fine leather becomes softer with time and wear. That's why the old sofa feels so good during a nap. 

8. Pickles. This dill delight lasts for at least a year and with the aging allows them to soak up more nutrients. 

9. Flannel sheets. These sheets lose their scratchiness with more washes and then become a good friend to us on a cold snowy night. 

10. Wine is always better when it is aged to perfection.

My friends, you become better with each day. You get smarter, wiser, thriftier, more successful, more patient, and you might just be able to dance better. You have more advice to give, and you don't get worked up over rumors. You my friends are a fine vintage.

God bless.

Marty

Sometimes It Is Better To Walk Away 10/5/2024

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee. I was supposed to have imbibed on this yesterday while duck hunting. I left my Thermos bottle in the truck and much to my disappointment I was in the swamp minus my coffee. Not one to waste anything, I reheated the contents of the Thermos bottle and yesterday's coffee is still good today. 

Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath, it only causes harm.

Just a thought for today. In a city not too far away, an argument between two people expanded to include a few more angry people. The end result was two people were killed and a few wounded. The news releases never tell what started the argument. They did not say how many people were shooting guns. But it all started with two angry people shooting off their mouths. This is a prefect example of "Better to walk away". This applies to life in general and most arguments do not end in a shooting. But we tend to want to have the last word in a disagreement that has turned into an argument. Our anger is hot and ignites our mouths into word weapons that are intended to hurt the other person. The "word shot" comes out of our mouths and lands a heart crippling blow to the other combatant. 

So here is my point. When an argument is getting heated and you are forming sentences in your head to say that will hurt, or your plans include never backing down from your stance, you should just walk away and cool down. Spend some time in prayer and seek the counsel of God. Ask Him to help you cool down. If the anger is at this point you have probably already said some things that even if you meant them were said with added anger from within. Nothing positive is accomplished after an angry tongue lashing. The added anger tends to have people say things that come from deep within and should never be said. 

So my friends, you can tell when the anger meter is pegged in a discussion/argument. Stop, walk away and seek time in prayer and Scripture. Keep the dangerous tongue in it's holster. An uncontrolled tongue only leads to murder in the heart. 

Marty

Is There A Draft In The House? 10/4/2024

 Good Morning,

I hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee will be with me in the duck blind this morning. It is time to write. 

1Peter5:8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 

We experienced a couple cool mornings, but nothing that was very cold as what we are accustomed to at this time of the year. Our house is pretty well sealed up for cold wind, snow and rain. The cold air is pretty much kept away from us. A couple nights ago however, I was asleep,  it felt cold and the air had a little nip to it. The back door had popped open. I believe that it did not get closed all the way after our dogs came in from being outside. So basically, we let the cold air in, by leaving a door ajar. 

My point for the day is this. All too often we leave the doors open to our homes spiritually. We allow junk to come in and pollute our minds, hearts and souls. We have become desensitized to the media and entertainment that we tolerate filth and less wholesome entertainment in our homes. We allow the seal to be broken on our hearts, and minds. It is important that we guard our hearts against the cold of sin and close the door on evil. 

Food for thought on a Friday. 

Marty

Make Sure To Clean Your Ears 10/3/2024

 Good Morning,

My day began without any coffee. I will be having my annual laboratory tests taken today and it is fasting for me until early this afternoon. 

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that may now how to answer each person.

As a child, and when I was able to take a bath for myself, every adult who had any  authority over me was always concerned as to whether or not my ears and their surrounding skin was washed and cleaned.  "Did you wash behind your ears?" was the announcement just before the inspection took place. I swear that in those days people were OCD over ears. 

Now, over sixty years later I find myself at times wondering if the people I am talking to, have washed behind their ears and if the crud of the ears has overrun their ability to hear and listen. People are so opinionated and stubborn now that they just don't listen to others who also have a valid point. Interrupting one another while we should give time to listening, is just plain rude.  I watched a televised debate between two men vying for the position of vice president of the United States the other night. I spent a lot of time checking out my television. I wasn't hearing the sound very well. No one was talking over the other candidate and shouting at each other. No name calling was taking place. I thought I had tuned into the wrong channel. They were professional, listening to the other candidate and then responding when it was their turn. The moderators were just that, "moderators" not referees to a shouting match of non professionalism. 

Better rebuttals were given by both candidates because they listened and at times agreed. Or disagreed in a way that was not nasty. 

There is a time to clean your ears and listen and a time to respond. Let's make today a day when we listen more and speak less. 

God bless,

Marty

A Short Thought For Wednesday 10/2/2024

 Good Morning,

As I sit here at my desk with a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee I am deep in thought and prayer. 

James 4:13-15 ESV Come now, you who say, " Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit-" 14. yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Photo Credit. Bonnie Ritter, 

If I were to give some advice and share my thoughts it would be for everyone to take a moment today and hug your family, and let them know they are loved. You as well are important to someone and if they desire to treat you nicely, accept the gift and say thank you. 

Tomorrow has a way of sneaking away from us and for some tomorrow may never come. So eat well, pray often and share a kind word with those you love.

God bless,

Marty

Marriage Is Not A Tennis Match 10/1/2024

 Good Morning,

My pot of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee is finished brewing. I filled my cup and it is time to write. 

I Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Back  up a few months ago a young man asked me if there were any lessons learned from our marriage of over 1000 years. I told him that I have been the recipient on many lessons learned in marriage. I asked him if either of them was competitive. He smiled and said that they were both competitive.

I then asked him if they played any board games and if they kept score to see who won. His reply was this. "The games are fun until we have to keep score. Once the game gets close to being over we tend to challenge each other more. The results have been nasty at times".

I gave him a little advice. "Never keep score in your marriage. Don't keep an account of wrongs or rights. Once the score keeping starts, the sacrificial love between the two is over, "It's your turn to watch the kids after you do the dishes." You spent how much money on a hat? Well I want new car seat covers.  It will cost less than your hat:" 

Keeping score will always remind you when you were on the short end of the marriage partnership. Keeping score brings back anger, hurt and bad memories. When you keep score in a marriage, someone always loses. 

Food for thought. 

Marty