You Can't Help But To Wonder. 11/30/2024

 Good Morning,

I am still duck hunting for the next two days and it is cold outside to say the least. However I do love being outside and watching the skyline for ducks. You just never know what else you might see during your venture outside. 

When God created the world, He also completed the script of the play He has written for this world as we know it. My today, as well as yours were fashioned for us before we were born. I feel that where I am sitting today, cold as a frozen stump, is Holy Ground, because God knew where I was going to be on the onset of the world, and He is here with me and my buddies today. 

Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to pluck up what is planted. 

Deuteronomy31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.  

Food for thought,

Marty

Be Thankful In All Things 11/28/2024

 Good Morning,

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and it is time to write.

People in America will gather around tables and feast on turkey, stuffing, breads, sweet potatoes, pie,  and express thanks to God for what we have. The list of good things to eat could be much longer but I am sure you get the idea. 

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, bless his name. 

As I sit here writing, I for one am also grateful for some of the things I don't have. 

I am not addicted to drugs or alcohol. Gambling does nothing for me. I didn't have to watch my spouse pass away this year. I really don't have any bills needing to be paid. I am not in need of a new vehicle. I don't have rockets of war exploding over my head. I don't have an empty cupboard or refrigerator. I don't belong to a church that had to shutter it's doors because of politics. I don't have to wonder where I will go when I die. I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord in 1981. I didn't have to worry about any known cancers eating at me last year or today. 

So as I am thankful for all that I have, I am thankful for things that I don't have.

God bless,

Marty

Good Friends, Money Can't Buy Them 11/29/2024

Good Morning, 

My Coffee this morning is Door County Breakfast Blend.

I am duck hunting for a few days with a group of guys and we have been hunting together for a lot of years. I also like to eat well while away from home and they allow me the luxury of doing some cooking for all of us. I think it is the Italian in me who likes a table full of friends dining and laughing together. 

Job 6:14 He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

I will keep it short today so I can get out to the duck blind this morning. Good friends aren't found on trees. Every friend that you have is given to you by God. There are friends you see weekly or talk to daily and there are those who you hear from not all that often, but you also know that if you need them, they are there for you. 

So today, be thankful for those God chose to be your friends and celebrate the fact that you aren't friendless. Pray for your friends near and far. Maybe take a walk down memory lane and relive a fond experience that still makes you chuckle, or smile. 

God bless,

Marty

Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously 11/27/2024

 Good Morning,

There is a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee next to me and it is still steaming, just the way I like it. 

I have had the experience of being around people who you never know how they will react to something you say or do. You have to think three times before you say anything that might offend them, or hurt their feelings. If their idea isn't used in planning something they are quick to tell you what you should have done and they will remark as they walk away " No one listens to me". 

Now it is important to listen to others and be inclusive. But not to the point that action is continually slowed down as you choose your statements and worry if your last comment or action will invoke a self started pity party by your insecure friend. 

This is a sure sign of insecurity and the fact that this person takes their self just a little bit too seriously. They are seeking the recognition of others. Yet God wants us to not take ourselves too seriously. We are to be humble and walk with God. Being a child of God, is all the significance one needs. 

God speaks on that subject in the book of Micah. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 

Food For thought.

Marty

A Blessing To Remember Planning Ahead. 11/26/2024

 Good Morning,

The Door County Irish Cream Coffee in my cup tastes very good this morning as it chases the cold away. 

Last night our neighbor Donna, my wife Rene and me went next door to the assisted living home, with some apple juice, pumpkin bread and a list of Bible verses on how we should be thankful for the attributes of God. We held a little Bible study with the folks who live there. We sang a couple of songs to help the intent of the short study hit home. 

Luke 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth.

We were singing the tune Jesus Loves Me and as I looked around the table the smiles on all the faces was something to see. Some of these folks are disabled physically or mentally or a little of both. Yet just to be sitting at a long table singing praises to God, praying, and sharing from the Word of God was a blessing I will not forget. The smiles on all the faces was priceless. 

To me, it was as if a little bit of heaven came down last night and visited us there at the assisted living home. You had to be there to understand what I saw and heard. It already has me planning for next month. God willing we can have a small Christmas study with some food and presents for the neighbors. I saw the wheels spinning in my wife's eyes . I am sure she and Donna will have some gifts ready for our friends and a dessert of Christmas Kringle will be had with some hot chocolate. 

If you are looking ahead to Christmas, please consider visiting some folks who are basically shut ins. The Christmas you experience is all up to you.

Have a great day. 

Marty

When The Night Is Long 11/25/2024

 Good Morning,

My mug is sitting next to me and it is filled with hot Door County Cherry Crème Coffee. It is time to write. 

Sometimes the nights can seem so long when we are in physical pain. The night drags on and the agony seems to be worse just because it is night time. The agony of the night also is tough to bear when we are confronted with our own sins and our separation from God. In our effort to control our own lives we often find ourselves facing consequences that continually haunt us. We look for solutions to our troubles, and Satan offers many suggestions. 

All of his solutions do not lead us to the throne of God and the humility to ask God to forgive us. Satan spreads the cancer of doubt as to whether we are fit to be forgiven. If we are broken, we are fit to receive forgiveness. Jesus did not come to fix a perfect world. He came to save us. the "Imperfect". 

If this is you and the nights seem so long and God seems so distant pray through this. 

James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 

Hebrews 4:16 Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need. 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Psalm 86 12-13 I will glorify Your name forever more. For great is your mercy toward me.

If this is you right now, get down on your knees and seek the Lord. He is waiting for you.

Love you all.

Marty

The Swing Of The Axe 11/24/2024

 Good Morning, 

I am headed out to hunt again this morning with two good friends. My Thermos Bottle will be filled with hot Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. It will come in handy about an hour from now. 

James 1:17 NIV Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

Yesterday when I came home after hunting I discovered a small pile of logs in our driveway and they weren't there when I left for the field. Our security camera just showed someone with a wheel barrel, dropping logs off to our driveway. I still don't know who did it and no one is taking credit for it. The logs were 16 inches in length, which is just right for our fireplace. 

The logs might have been produced by the recent high winds. The wood was not dried and needed to be split in order to dry. The wood will be ready to burn next fall. The thing that bothers me is that I do not know who to thank. It was a wheel barrel full and someone should be thanked for the kindness. 

My wife thinks that eventually we will know who the good neighbor is and that I should not lose sleep over it. I split the wood yesterday with ease and it is stacked in the pile for next year. 

I know this for sure. God knows who the lumberjack is and I accept the gift and thank God for making kind people and especially the one who worked to keep us warm next year. 

Confused, but blessed,.

Marty

When God Made The World! 11/23/2024

 Good Morning,

A good and hot cup of Door County Irish Cream Coffee will be rinsing my palette this morning and I feel like I deserve it.

Genesis 1:5 God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning the first day.

I will be catching the sunrise this morning while being outside. As I was drafting this, my thoughts turned to the fact that we have day and night, dark and light. Over my 67 years on this earth I have witnessed plenty of sunrises and sunsets, some of which some photos were taken. Then my thoughts became global. Just imagine how many photos have been taken of the sunrise and sunsets throughout the years. How many paintings included a sunset or sunrise? 

Photo Credit Nick Schutte

Those acts of nature show God's power and His wisdom. We are able to capture them on film or digitally now. But not one sunrise or sunset is exactly the same as the day before. God the Great Artist changes the picture minute by minute, day by day. It is easy to believe that a young couple can feel closer in love as the sun sets or rises. 

Now here is the mind blower for the day. When God made that first sunset or sunrise, He already knew which ones you would witness in your life and where you would be. So next time you stop to watch the sunset, remember that God knew you would be there since the creation of the world. What you are seeing is just for you. 

Have a great day!

Marty 

A Work Day??? 11/22/2024

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee into my cup and it is time to write.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths. 

I am in familiar and unfamiliar territories today at the same time. I applied to work as an election poll worker for the city where I live. I was contacted and asked to come into work today and help out with some kind of project. Nothing was on my calendar so it was an easy answer for me. 

I didn't think I would miss working as much as I do since I retired last June. But this small amount of work seems to be enough for me and I like learning new tasks and supporting my city.

I have to admit that I am familiar with working and unfamiliar with adjusting to the non work schedule. But I try to keep my calendar manageable and I don't always say yes immediately when asked to do something. I let God help me with the time management. That is an unfamiliar territory for me. The territory of "NO" is a lesson He has started to teach me. I pray more about my schedule and have actually learned to say no to the many things that are time stealers.

Better to be on God's calendar than for Him to need to find space on mine. 

Food for thought!

Marty

The Marsh Is Cold 11-21-2024

 Good Morning. 

My Thermos bottle is filled with Door County Maple Coffee and it is time to write. 

I am writing from the duck blind.It is windy and snowing. My dog Leo is my partner today. I am doing what I love to do and this weather makes it perfect.

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord does nothing unless he reveals his plan to his servants the prophets.

I believe that quiet time spent out here in prayer and listening is essential to me gleaning peace and hope.

I cherish these mornings immensely

I pray that your day is including some quiet time and hot coffee.

Marty

Hey The Coffee Tastes Great 11/20/2024

 Good Morning,

My bones are telling me that the weather is going to change and rough us up a little bit. It is time to write.

3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee and for the first time in a week coffee tastes good to me. This cup tastes great. I think I will be drinking two cups today!

Last week at this time my wife and I were laid out with some type of stomach virus. We are at the end of the bout and each day now is better. We are thankful for all of the concern and prayers that came our way. 

The one question that I could not answer for people was when they asked me "where did you catch this illness from"? Even if I knew the source of the pestilence I could not go and give it back or do anything different to have avoided it. I actually found that question amusing. 

The point for the day is this. Winter is upon us now and with it comes the colds, flu, and other junk. Practice good hand hygiene. Drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. Take time to take care of yourself and your loved ones. You owe it to yourself to take care of you!

You are important!

God bless,

Marty

A Good Morning Prayer 11/19/2024

 Good Moring, 

A hot cup of Door County Pecan Cinnamon Ice Cream Coffee is steaming at my desk and it is time to write.

This virus seems to be on the run today. Although I and my wife are feeling weak, we are keeping food down and resting better. Another day and we might be fine. Today I am praising God, just because this could have been worse and it wasn't. There wasn't a time in this past week that I could not pray for us and all of you. 

Each morning I go over my prayer list and kick off the day by knocking on Heaven's door. This prayer time brings the morning to life and places peace in my heart. I do pray as led during the day and close out the night with prayer. But it is the morning prayer that sets my heart on fire and kicks off the day. 

Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness. I will sing the praises of the name of the lord Most High. 

Give prayer a chance and start a morning routine that praises God and be thankful.

God bless,

Marty

Frosty Mornings 11/18/2024

 Good Morning,

My mug is filled with Door County Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Coffee this morning.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only expressing his opinion. 

The trip upstairs to our den was a little easier this morning. I do believe that healthier days are on their way. I woke up to a blanket of frost on the ground and sunshine in the East. The outline of this day is a beautiful one. 

I like frosty mornings and and the crisp air that greets me on such days. I know plenty of people who would vehemently oppose my ideas about frosty mornings. There is just something special with a light layer of ice on the bay of a lake or marsh. A heavy frost is like a blanket on the land given to us by God.

The coffee tastes better while sitting outside taking in the morning sounds and the scenery. Over the last few days I have been slowed down by a virus, and not much time at all was spent outside. 

Liking the frosty mornings might not be for some, but they are glorious to me. My point for the day is this. Each day around the world is different to each person. No one will really care about my preference, even though it might cause them to scrape a windshield, or dress warmer. My preference might be uncomfortable, but in time, the weather will change. Things change all the time and we need to accept that each day might be the preference of others. You see, I can't control the weather nor most anything in the world. God puts the spin on it and when we don't like the spin, we wait until it changes. Sometimes the wait is burdensome and long enough that we despise the days God has made. This is an unfortunate state of the soul. Despising God leads to despising one another and that leads to things being said that aren't friendly or uplifting. 

The world lacks the wisdom to be respectful of others. I may not like your days in the sunshine, but I respect you for your choice of preferences. It just works better that way. 

Food for thought. While battling this virus, my wife and I both spent a lot of time vomiting. What came out of my mouth, I didn't want to hang on to . I preferred a clean well rinsed mouth. Today as you talk about others and their views of life, are you still holding on to the vomit of your soul and the hatred within or are you cleansing your mouth with God's word and respect for others?

God bless,

Marty

Some Hot Soup For The Soul 11/17/2024

 Good Morning, 

O will be pouring a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee for myself very soon. This day began with prayer and will end that way tonight. 

I have four friends battling with cancer right now and each day I am reminded to pray for them. My wife and I are fighting off a virus that doesn't understand the word "quit."  But in reality the virus doesn't scare me like the word cancer does. 

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Yesterday I made a pot of vegetable beef soup and it was delicious. It actually stayed down and was very soothing. While eating my soup, my thoughts turned to another friend who is hiding out in the hills with his family. Gangs have taken over his country and he is in dire straights,.

So as I look back a few days and assess my issues, a virus just doesn't seem that bad compared to the word cancer and hiding from ruthless gangs. It is funny that all four of my friends with cancer, took time to let me know that they were praying for me and my wife. Just the thought of them taking time to pray for me is Hot Soup for my soul. The other friend who is in hiding, contacted me and asked me how I was doing. He prayed for my wife and I. 

Are you a person of prayer? Do you put the needs of others first? Be that hot soup for another's soul whenever you can. You never know who just might be praying for you.

God bless,

Marty

Dealing With Disappointment 11/16/2024

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk with a very hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and I will do my best to keep it down. This virus is still hammering on both of us but I wanted to try some coffee this morning and see how it goes. 

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 

Psalm 112:7 He is not afraid of bad news.; his heart is firm trusting in the Lord. 

My wife Rene and I were supposed to be attending the wedding of our niece today. Our daughter was supposed to be flying in with our grandson for the occasion. This was in the planning for a whole year. Rene has a new dress for the occasion and I have a new spiffy tie and shirt to wear with my suit. There was so much planned for this weekend. On this last Monday I saw that the plans were going to the toilet and there was nothing I could do to stop the mudslide of life caused by this virus. 

I am not throwing a pity party here, although it sounds like it. Life has it's ups and downs and a long time ago I learned that disappointments are often for a reason. I am not sure what this mess is leading up to or what I am to learn from it, but I know that God has a plan for everything that He allows to happen. I may have an idea as to what is to come from this, but I will keep that to myself for now. I sure am learning patience for one thing!

Friends and family have offered to help us with anything we need. And I had to humble myself and ask for some assistance with a couple of things. Our nephew and a neighbor helped us out. This is new to me and I am not used to needing help. We are used to helping others. So that is lesson One. Don't think that you will never need help and it is good to keep humility on your shoulder. Lesson Two, don't wait on special occasions to visit family, anything can happen and cancel those plans. Lesson Three is to trust in God no matter what, and He will show you the "why". But better yet, trust Him blindly and accept what is going on, and just maybe you don't need to know the why. There is greater peace in blind trust. 

Have a great day. Food for thought.

Marty

Reaching Out To The Future 11/15/2024

 Good Morning,

This day is beginning very early for me. This virus that has been attacking my wife and I just is not giving up. Once again I am going without coffee because it would be a little tough on my system to handle. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

I was thinking about some folks I know who have a hard time enjoying life just because of something that occurred in their past. For instance after many years of steady employment something changed in the work setting and the change brought some hardship. It could be that the change brought about finding new employment. Those who manage the change well are those who let go of the past. Those who don't manage change are stuck in the past. They will be the ones who when gathering together as friends will still be complaining about what "the company did to them." They don't talk  about what the new work venue is doing for them and the new people they met. They are missing out on the present and the future. 

It could be that they had been burned by a love that went wrong. They have a hard time forgiving and moving on. They shut down the ability to trust again and never have a relationship of love with another person. 

In order to embrace and grab on to the future, one must let go of the past. You can't get to the other side of a river, without leaving the shore. I feel sorry for those who are missing out on the joy of the future by living in the past. My prayer today is for those who are reading this and are having a hard time dealing with change, is that you let God show you the blessings you are missing by not letting go. And then reach out and embrace the future with both arms.

Food for thought!!

Marty

Guys, Know Your Wife's Routines 11/14/2024

 Good Morning,

I wish I could tell you what flavor of coffee I am enjoying this morning. This illness my wife and I are battling makes me sweat just thinking about a cup of coffee. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns. I thought I was doing much better last night until I drank some chicken broth. It just started another round of ugliness. Our den is on the second floor and I made the journey upstairs to my desk this morning. I think that I will just stay up here for the day. 

Proverbs 31:10-12 10. An excellent wife, who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12. She does him good and not harm, all the days of her life. 

This illness that Rene and I have is one nasty virus. It hit her first and she still is a long way from being better. This event did however teach me a few lessons. The main lesson is that I do not know enough about my wife's routines. Once we left for the hospital where she ended up staying, there were things that Rene needed. For instance, she is Insulin dependent and has a pump that needs insulin and tubing changes. This challenge led me to finally calling the patient and saying " where do you keep this stuff"? Rene has a lot of clothes and when she asked me to bring some clean clothing to her I had to search in three areas to find what she was talking about. . Then there was the search for her insurance cards and the list goes on. I will now know more about what she does on a daily basis. I would like to think that I am the king of the house, but the queen actually runs things!

Men, you need to know more than you already think you do!

God Bless,

Marty

My Turn 11-13-24

 Good Morning,

I am sad to say that The illness my wife Rene has is contagious. I am down with it and will be taking some time to fight it off. She is doing a little better and now it is my turn

Thank you.

Temporary Change 11/12/2024

 Good Morning,

The den is very quiet this morning. Both of our dogs have been fed and aren't too playful this morning. My Door County Old Fashioned Coffee is doing the job of waking me up and warming me up.

This blog will be very brief today. I spent the greater part of yesterday nursing my wife Rene who was suffering from something wrong in her belly. Later in the day it was apparent that nothing we were doing was easing the pain and the nausea. Early in the afternoon we made the trek to the hospital. Preliminary tests last night were inconclusive and I will know more later today. They are managing the pain somewhat and as of this morning not much is known or changed. 

I find myself in prayer and that is the one thing I can do for her right now. So I am asking my readers to pray for her and the doctors taking care of her. I will be back tomorrow with more news. Until then I will call upon the Lord and wait. 

1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 

Marty

Thank You Veterans 11/11/2024

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee is steaming next to me and it is time to write. 

John 15:13 KJV Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

Today in the United States we honor all of our armed services veterans past and present. The people of this humble home say thank you to all of you. 

My siblings and I were always taught to observe the national days of honor such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Labor Day. We observed them all and especially our Dad was "Mr. Patriotic" He would spend a lot of time talking to me about other historical events as well. I knew as much as any ten year old about Valley Gorge, Fort Sumter and the Civil War, D-Day, Pearl Harbor, The Korean Conflict (War) Vietnam War and The Iraq War. He was most proud to have served our country as a United States Marine. I can tell you when the WW2 battle for Iwo Jima started. The battle started on February 19th, 1945 and we had an uncle who was wounded there.  I happen to share February 19th as the day I was born in 1957. 

It's my job now to keep up with modern history. 

All of these listed above were things my dad thought were important enough to spend time and add to my school history lessons. 

I believe that history, good or bad should be taught in our schools as well as our homes. I believe we should honor our veterans and armed services. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. 

My point. Know your history and take time to appreciate those who fought for our freedoms. Those two items are a great way to honor the veterans. 

Marty

When Things Are Upside Down 11/10/2024

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee with me as I write and very soon I will be on the road to hunt some geese. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, " My grace is sufficient for you,  for my power is made perfect in weakness. 

Everyone likes life to be on the upside and steady. We would choose a day without strife, or major changes, and given a choice we probably always would choose the path of least resistance. But as usual a change occurs and turns our world upside down. 

Friends, there are times when things need to be turned upside down for certain things to work better for us. My illustration of hanging my waders upside down to dry better isn't all that powerful but it works. The waders if not dried properly inside (perspiration) and out will soon make the waders smell and rot from the inside out. 

So in order to enact needed change in our personal lives, we might have to turn our lives upside down. Going back to school after many years is an example of a desired change, but it will turn your world upside down as you adjust to an addition to your schedule or changes in your routine. 

Addiction requires stepping out and obtaining the help you need and you probably will have a lot of days that seem upside down until you are cured. 

So when things are upside down and require a change, try to embrace the change and learn more about yourself and your internal fortitude. For my waders, once the drying has taken place they are ready for another round of water, muck and mud. 

There are just certain times that accepting the upside down, is better for us. 

Marty

Just Like That! 11-9-2024

 Good Morning.

My cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee will have to wait until I am settled into my duck hunting blind.

1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love. 

I attended a concert with my wife last night in downtown Milwaukee. We started with dinner first. It was a date night that was long in the making. It was a very nice evening. 

My point is this. Young men and you older gentlemen, date your wives. It doesn't have to be a dinner and a concert. You can keep it simple. But devote time for just the two of you. Listen to her. Pay attention. Shut your phone off. Make her feel special. compliment her and thank her for going on a date with you.

Food for thought.

Marty

No Work For Me Today. 11/8/2024

 Good Morning,

Door County Cherry Crème Coffee has decorated the inside of my cup and I am ready to write. 

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. 

I will be chasing some pheasants today with my dog. I won't be alone as one of my nephews and his dog will be chasing them with me. Hopefully we will be successful. 

I have been working since I was in the seventh grade at one job or another. I fully retired last June and I am enjoying some freedom to hunt and fish when I want to. The chores around the house still need to be done, but not going into the office or to a hospital ( I worked in healthcare ) is quite nice. Yesterday I raked leaves for a good portion of the day. 

My point is this. When you have a profession give it your all to be successful and then hopefully you have time to enjoy the fruit of your labors later in life. But!!!! During the busy work years and even in retirement make sure to walk with God. You never retire from serving God and walking with Him. I don't call serving God or walking with Him as work. It is a privilege and an honor to do so. If it is "labor" it is a labor of love. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Make Them Count 11/7/2024

 Good Morning, 

I am waiting on the Door County Cherry Creme Coffee to finish brewing and it seems to be taking forever. 

Today if he had lived, my dad would have been 92 years old. I can't help but think about him today. Dad was always busy and made the most of each day. He also was the one to teach me about taking short naps to replenish my energy. Dad was pretty healthy and what killed him was a roof, and a ladder accident. So it wasn't like we had an illness to deal with. We had no notice of death to be able to have some last words with Dad. It was the same with our mother. Whatever we said on our last visit to them was our last words or whatever was said during our last phone call, was our last words. 

What I can tell you, is we three siblings wished we had been able to say our peace with them before their eyes closed for good. 

So the lesson for today is to keep mortality in mind at all times and treat every meeting with loved ones as if there won't be another one. Live like they or you are dying. Don't take another day for granted. 

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

 Food for thought. 

Marty

The Results Are In 11/6/2024

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee is sitting next to me and it is time to write. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV First of all, then, I urge supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, Godly and dignified in every way. 

Yesterday November 5th was election day in the United States and as of right now we have elected a new president and many other new leaders into offices of service. They will start their new jobs in January. My thoughts on this are, I am happy just to have this election over. The process was nothing less than disgusting at times and it seemed as if this election would never end. 

So today my prayers will be for those who have to finish out their terms to be able to do so with dignity and without major issues to deal with before the January hand off.  The world is a hot bed of strife and turmoil right now. My second  set of prayers will be that the new administration will be able to take the responsibility of administrating their offices with dignity and respect and without calamity.

My point for today is this. Christians in the United States need to pray for both parties and not discriminate with their prayers. The finish and the start has to be treated equally in our prayers. 

I for one will pray that way and Lord only knows, we need it. 

God bless,

Marty

Who's In Charge? 11/5/2024

 Good Morning,

I have a Thermos bottle of very hot, very strong, Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee ready to travel with me. I will be working at our city election polls today and some strong coffee is in order. 

Sometimes in life we hit road blocks and detours that were unexpected or planned. Things just don't seem to fall into place and peace is not on the horizon. God seems to be silent and not pouring out his wisdom or directions. 

I have been the recipient of times like those and it always comes back to me. I can usually go back in time and see where I started doing everything my way and without consulting God. During those times my closeness with God was distant at best. I had to stop and remember the key to life and my relationship with God depends on my attitude.  " Not my will, but your will be done Lord" 

In order to have that Spiritual attitude, it requires humility and trust in God. It also requires obedience to not only cast your concerns to God, but trust that His way is best. 

1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

If God isn't speaking, may be He is tired of us not listening. 

Food for thought!!!!!

Marty

Unwilling To Bend 11/4/2024

 Good Morning,

I am looking forward to that first cup of Door County Irish Crème Coffee with some Cheerios smothered in yogurt for breakfast. 

What would it take for you to compromise your morals? What or how much would it take for you to look the other way out of convenience or pressure. When does wrong, become right for you. 

In the book of Daniel we read about three friends of the prophet Daniel who were also taken captive and taken to Babylon where they were eventually given jobs of importance. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a huge golden image made and all of his Kingdom and their slaves were to bow to it. Daniel's friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to an idol. They held tight to their faith in God " Yahweh. For them to bow to a pagan idol was not acceptable and they refused to partake in idolatry. At the threat of death they still refused. Their choice was not to sin. When brought before the king they spoke on their faith in the One And Only God. Failure to bow was a death sentence from the King. They would rather die than bow to a false God. 

Daniel 3:16-18 16. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him. "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.17. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand . 18. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. 

The three men were obedient to God. They refused to bend a knee to pagan idols and they were tossed into a raging furnace. They lived through that experience without a burn or a scar. They chose to do right, no matter the cost. 

Sometime today or this week you will be asked to bend your morals, give in to pressure, to condone evil, or turn a blind eye to justice and righteousness. It will be your choice as to Who you worship and serve. How quickly will you bend?

Marty

When Your Day Begins To Dance 11/3/2024

 Good Morning,

I will be drinking some very hot Door County Irish Crème Coffee as I drive to meet with some friends this early AM.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am going to take a chance that some of you can identify with what I am trying to explain this morning. In reality some of us know deep down inside that we can't dance. Our rhythm just doesn't exist. But!!!! Give us "OUR" song on the radio in our car and we have moves that no one else sees as we bounce and twist around in our seats. We start to wonder why Dancing With The Stars hasn't called on us to entertain the world. Then we remember that we aren't celebrities.  

Maybe you are one who has to have some music on while you shower and when you step out of the tub and onto the floor you "Twist" your way across the floor and imagine yourself on American Bandstand twisting with Chubby Checker. Then you do the moonwalk across the bathroom to retrieve your arthritis medication, because all that dancing now has you sore.

Now and then you have one of those days that just makes you want to dance. There are more wanna be closet celebrities than you can imagine. 

As people drive by your car and you are dancing the Macarena, they might wonder why you are so happy. You can share with them if you desire or you can not share and make them wonder.

But don't forget Who made this day and who gave it to you. God is the Author and Finisher of each day. Be sure to thank God for giving you a day that dances. 

God bless,

Marty

Pot Pie On The Table 11/2/2024

 Good Morning, 

I will be headed out to the goose blind to hopefully shoot a honker or two. some Door County Caramel Apple Coffee will be with me. 

Philippians 4;19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus. 

 Last night my wife Rene and I dined on a pheasant pot pie. I had some frozen pheasant left over from a meal I cooked a few weeks ago, emptying our freezer of the "old stuff". Pot pie is just one of those meals that you could call comfort food. So I whipped a pot pie up yesterday and baked it to completion last night.

Later while I was working at our desk, I noticed that both of our dogs were asleep and Rene was sound asleep in her favorite chair. I hope that we will have many more years of a warm home, firewood burning in the hearth, and a meal now and then of comfort food. As I surveyed that scene last night I was content and happy. I went to bed, counting my blessings and looking forward to another day. 

My key takeaway on this is "keep it simple" and life will be a lot easier. Find peace in the simple blessings and be thankful. Be the one who is content with what the day brings and harvest from your own garden in life. 

Have a great day!!!

Marty

An Empty Glass 11/1/2024

 Good Morning,

I am ready to drink a hot cup of Door County Caramel Apple Coffee and then I shall begin writing. Happy Friday to all of you. 

Psalm 94:1 When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.

I have been working on a small refinishing project of a sewing machine drawer that will hold some cordial glasses. It looks nice and the glasses have a special meaning to two of them. These two were handed down from my great grandmother, to my grandmother, then to my aunt and then to my wife and I. The others were purchased by Rene and I in antique shops so there would be a set. The drawer is from an antique sewing machine given to us in parts from another relative. 

This ornamental set up is just that. Ornamental, until someone fills the glasses and shares a beverage or a cheer of celebration and raises the glasses in a toast. 

My point for today is this. Empty glasses are pretty much useless unless filled and then shared with others. You might think you don't have much to share and you feel like an empty glass. You have talents that only you possess. You are the only one who might be able to brighten the day for someone else. Remove the cork from you life and pour goodwill from the bottle of your heart make it known that you care.

Use the glass of life that God gave you.

Marty