The Mighty Hand Of God . 7/31/2025

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee is sending some awesome aroma to my nostrils today. 

1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,  7. casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

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

When I think about my life and the fact that God has His hand watching over me and all of the other believers, I cannot help but to feel protected, loved and headed in the right direction,

As long as I!!!!! Humble myself to God's leadership, protection, and direction. I find that there is no room for two captains on a ship and God cannot be our second call after we have held the wheel of our lives. He won't take the blame. By the time we finally give in it is usually after we have left a lot of debris in the wake of the ship of our life. He might wait on the rescue we need just to teach us a lesson as we struggle with the mess we have made.

Today's lesson is this. It is an easy one. Did you create the world? Can you direct the tides? Does the sun rise on your command? So, if you answered no to all three, the point is this. You aren't God and you never will be. For a long time the only god you followed is the one you think you are. Friends, that makes for a very insecure, not loved, and tiring life. Way too often we become the idol in our own life. 

Food for thought!

Marty

There Has To Be A Better Way 7/30/2025

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write with a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee at my side and two Springer Spaniels asleep on my feet. 

Have you ever started in on a project and just before starting it, you say to yourself or to others, "There has to be a better way to do this." Last summer a few of us were helping a lady from church who had purchased a "Green House." . The assembly instructions were sketchy at best. We had very little if any faith at all in the instructions. We ended up using the instructions for about 75% of the assembly and then we modified the finish steps or we would still be there a year later. Our modifications actually made the  green house sturdier. The point is, we had to develop our own plan for the project. We could not trust the plans sent to us. 

On the other hand, God has supplied us with all the instructions we need for life and He never changes them. He also has an 800 number 24/7 where we can consult with Him and receive more instructions and support. It is called prayer. His way is always the best. We can move forward without doubt, or fear. 

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet.  And a light to my path

Infallible instructions, with a direct line to the Engineer of it all for life. 

There is no better way!

Marty

Feeding The Birds And The Coffee Mug 7/29/2025

 Good Morning, 

Despite the major heat, I still like my Door County Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Coffee  hot and the first thing I drink each day. 

Psalm 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.  

I want to tell you a little about my morning routine and how it was almost  a disaster a couple days ago. 

With my coffee in hand and two dogs who needed to get outside, I went to the garage to obtain some bird seed and fill the bird feeder. In order to fill that feeder I needed to set my coffee mug down. The rear bumper on my truck was handy, so that is where the mug was placed. I fed the birds, ran our dogs around and went into the house and dressed for the day. Up until then it was gym shorts and a tee shirt. After I dressed I hopped into my truck and went about some errands.

I was about a mile from home and stopped for a traffic light. A car pulled up next to me and motioned for me to roll down my passenger side window. The fella asked me if I knew that there was a coffee mug on my back bumper. I changed lanes slowly and pulled into a vacant lot. There it was! My keepsake coffee mug still on the bumper and with all the liquid. Only God could save the mug that means a lot to me and preserve the liquid.

It was then that I recalled my morning prayer time. I had asked God to watch over me and keep my steps safe. I give God the thanks for saving my feelings and the mug.

A day started with prayer and asking for protection, even if it is for  protection from yourself, has a better chance to succeed than one without prayer. 

God bless,

Marty

One Day At A Time 7/28/2025

 Good Morning,

It all started this morning with a hot cup of Door County Inn Keepers Blend Coffee and prayer. It is time to write!

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. 

No matter how long you live the statement of "Life Is Short" applies to everyone. Yet, many folks today will say, I can't wait for next Friday to come, or I wish it was December. Hopefully you are following my thoughts here. We wake up and wish our life away. We are looking forward and would be willing to skip several days of our lives just to get to one day of 24 hours. 

Sometimes we place so much effort into a future date and looking ahead, that we really don't enjoy or take advantage of the day we are in right now. We look over the top of our coffee cups and miss the great flavor of this day. Today is part of your legacy, don't dream it away or wish to skip it. 

Concentrate on today. Learn what you can learn today. Mow the grass and get it done. Work if you must work and save for the future. Love someone today. Smile today. Take this day and be a blessing to others. 

Take one day at a time, because the future isn't really guaranteed. Don't spend a lot of time wishing it was a future date. You really can't advance time but you certainly can miss out on today. 

Food for thought.

Marty

A Strong Little Army 7/27/2025

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee is almost gone already. This morning is not on schedule or following my usual routine. But it is now time to write anyway.

Last night after our Saturday night church service, we held our monthly prayer gathering. Prayer time was well attended and the prayer requests were all over the place. Each one mentioned received prayer from the small band of prayer warriors. 

Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another with showing honor. 

It was a night where the majority of the prayers were for people outside of the gathering. Very few prayers were for the people who gathered to pray,  This little army went to battle for others. They took the requests and went straight to the throne of God and never did leave until all of the requests were prayed for. We closed with a song and went home. What will always impress me is how this group always places others ahead of themselves. They are some of the most unselfish people I know. If you are reading this, I ask you this question. When you pray, are you at the top of your list or are others ahead of you? It really doesn't matter, but shouldn't we always place others first? 

Food for thought. 

Marty

Taking A Stand Against Cancer 7/26/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a slow, hot cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee in a Waffle House Mug. I agree. I have some weird habits. 

James 2:14-18 What good is it my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15. If a brother or sister is poorly clothed or lacking in daily food, 16. and one of you says to them, "Go in peace and be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17. So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." and I will show you my faith by works.

In a few minutes our nephew Matt and I will be heading out to shoot sporting clays at a local gun club. The funds raised go toward the battle of cancer. I lost my younger sister to pancreatic cancer a few years ago, and for some reason that one sticks me in the ribs to this day. She followed the doctor's prescribed battle plan and for two months or maybe a little more she was pronounced "cancer free". I can still hear how excited she was to make that announcement. It seemed too good to be true. And it was. Because a short time later the cancer came back with a vengeance. In no time she was on her death bed and then gone. My brother has also gone toe to toe with cancer. By God's grace he survived his battle. 

I knew my sister's faith in Jesus was solid and I have no doubt that she resides in heaven now. 

My point for the day is this. There are always causes to support. Whatever cause has plagued your family or your own life, get involved and do something. I am positive that Matt and I will never find the cure for cancer, but we do what we can to support the battle. I challenge you all to pray for your cause, but don't hesitate to do something to support the cause. Our niece in law's father, battles Huntington's Disease and that whole family is in the fight to defeat the disease. They put their time and money where their mouths are. 

Worried about starving children. Do something about it.

So to conclude my thought, if it is worth praying for, it is also worth your time and financial support. 

Have an active faith? I hope so. 

God bless,

Marty

In God's Time. 7/25/2025

 Good Morning,

My cup was just filled with Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and it is going to be a busy day!

One of the more difficult times in a Christian's life is when you have placed a need into God's hands and then you have to wait. Waiting has not been easy for me at times and when I look back at what I needed and asked for, I am now amazed as to how God answered those prayers. 

Back in December 1981, I like many people were caught in a big recession and work was hard to find. I of course had a whole church praying for me. Yet, all I could find for work were side jobs and a few days of paid labor here and there. Somehow, I paid my bills and that was about all. I did some work for an attorney who had lot's of property that needed plumbing repairs. I was going through a rough time and needed a good attorney. He was willing to handle my issues for me and then let me work off my bill by working on his properties. Yet no full time job until 1983. At this time I was lonely. I had lost my wife and daughter to a divorce and that too was a prayer request of mine. And I waited, not too patiently at times.

In August 1983 I received a job offer to work for a hospital as their plumber. I swore that I would do that for a year or until construction opened up and that was all. I didn't ask God for His thoughts. 

Only one day on the job and they transferred me to work in Radiology and assist where needed and repair their equipment. I knew nothing about x-rays or electronics. I remember praying, "Lord are you allowing me to be killed with this job?" 

It so happened that my new duties required me to develop films. An x-ray tech was assigned to teach me the process, and how to fill cassettes with fresh film. Her name was Laurene. She was shy and I mistook that for stuck up. We would see each other daily and sometimes exchange pleasantries. I will cut this short. In 1984 Laurene, (Rene) and I started dating. I married her in 1986. I never left healthcare. I took advantage of a benefit they offered for tuition reimbursement and the rest is history. I went to school at night, worked my way up and the enjoyed a few promotions. A few years ago I retired from the job I did not want. Later I saw how every prayer of mine was answered but not the way I thought it would be. 

Life often feels like a race against time. We make plans, set goals and hope for things to come out as "we planned". We pray. But do we trust God with our prayers? Do we accept His answers? Do we get depressed when our dreams are put on hold or realigned? 

We crave control of our situations. Isaiah 60:22 invites us to surrender control, trust God and His abilities, and wait for Him to bring around His answers to fruition. When the time is right!

Isaiah 60:20-22 NIV "Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more. The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. 

21. Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.

22. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly"

While we wait we are not to be passive. We are called to be faithful, and fruitful, remaining steadfast. Trusting God does not mean doing nothing. It means being active in hope, knowing He is working behind the scenes of your life. 

Seeds do not sprout overnight.  Yet they grow into mighty trees, in their season.

God bless,

Marty

Not The Time. Not The Place 7/24/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and I for one can't wait until for a cold fall day to grace my coffee time.                    It is time to write. 

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of m lips. 

The title of my blog this morning pretty much says it all. Many opportunities will come along during your life and mine when the title of today's blog will run through our minds. I have run into a few situations in my life when I have questioned the intelligence level of some people who no matter what, when, or where, they just cannot control their mouth, and the timing of it.

There are just some times that aren't the best for sharing your mind, or some random actions. For instance funerals are at times riddled with comments that didn't need to be said at all, especially, with the timing being a bit off. "What will you do with your share of the inheritance? Any plans to travel?"   "Call me I would love to help you invest."  

At certain times the best approach is to just take a big drink of shut up juice and smile. Here's one! While you are a witness to an automobile accident with major injuries, as a parent waits to see if their child can be removed from a mangled vehicle. Some idiot might say. " When was the last time her brakes were checked"?

So before we open our mouths, it might just be wise for us to say to ourselves in question format. Right time? Right place? 

Some people will never find their cure for ignorance. But let's police ourselves to make sure our comments, or actions, are at the right time and in the right place. Timing and location are paramount in not offending someone or making a horses rump out of yourself. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Shooting The Breeze 7/23/2025

 Good Morning,

It's time for me to wake up, drink a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and it is time to write.

Proverbs 13:20 ESV Whoever walks with the wise, becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Last night I went to church to basically hang out with some of the guys from our Men's Bible Study. Our study resumes in the fall. This was just a gathering to sit back, munch on some pretzels and drink a cold beverage outside with the "guys". We spent some time in prayer and prayed over some requests for prayer and some needs of others. 

The short hour was at times serious and at other times filled with some laughter. We knew it was time to hit the road when the mosquitoes were actually visible and flying around us. '

My point for today is this. Good company is not hard to find, if you look for it. This short time was uplifting and what some of us, if not all of us needed.  

Don't let the fun of summer get so busy that you can't take some time to gather, munch, and pray.

God bless,

Marty

In My Dreams 7/22/2025

 Good Morning,

The alarm signaled the start to this day and my hot cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee is steaming next to me. So it is time to write.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17. So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Have you ever experienced a good night of sleep that was interrupted by a dream and you just wanted to continue on with the dream? One of those dreams, where you went back to sleep, hoping that you could be there for a part two or at least to finish the dream? 

I don't place too much importance on dreams. I know that God has used dreams to communicate to people, but for me that hasn't really happened. I don't experience a dream and then spend hours or days trying to interpret the importance or meaning in the dream. 

Last night I experienced dreaming and in my dream I encountered one of my childhood friends who was playing on a beautiful street. He was excited to see me and I was happy to see him. He started to tell me all about heaven. "You will be happy to see many of the people he said. In fact there are lot's of Bible heroes here and God and Jesus are everywhere." It was a simplistic dream of two little boys enjoying a friendship that I know will last for eternity. I started to ask him about my mother and then I woke up. 

There is not a big lesson here for this day. I won't talk about the science and study of dreams. In my dream last night, if the streets in heaven are anything like I saw, I can't fathom my first stroll through. I for one rely on God's Word to lead me. I trust in it fully.  God's word has never failed me. I do believe that some of my dreams might have been the result of a spicy taco before bed. 

May God be the Author and Lord of your dreams. And I sincerely pray that you will have a great day. 

God bless,

Marty

Kicking It Into High Gear 7/21/2025

 Good Morning, 

Monday it is and I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and it is time to write. 

I accomplished a lot yesterday as far as moving our wood piles and preparing for our siding to be replaced. A  few more hours of work and I will be more than ready. 

In all honesty I have to give credit to my wife who manned the wheelbarrow for several trips to the new spot for the wood. Rene mentioned a thought as to how we could do less work and the idea was perfect. So between the two of us we accomplished a lot yesterday. I am hoping for good returns on our efforts again today. 

So my biggest failure yesterday was to use the word I instead of we. All that work would not have gotten done without a joint effort and both of us able to share our thoughts. At times I consciously have to remember that this marriage has lasted 1000 years because we took the "I" out of it and made the two of us "we". We learned to drop the my house and properly say the truth, it is our home. 

I found myself stacking wood and thanking God for Him being the head of this home. So we two, are we three.  It works better that way!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV  9. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

10. If one of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

11. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 

12. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

A cord of three is not quickly broken. 

Have a great day! 

Marty

Just Another Day 7/20/2025

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write this morning. Next to me on the floor are our two English Springer Spaniels, both are asleep. My cup is at my right hand and it is filled with Door County Maple Coffee. 

John 3:16 For so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

My day will be one of working in the yard and moving our firewood to a new location on our property. This needs to be done so the team we hired to restore our home can do so. The firewood blocks their ability to do so. 

I don't really see this day as anything spectacular, the sky is cloudy and it looks line it could rain at any moment. But if I look at it through a different set of eyes, I can see that this day is more than I deserve.  God has blessed my day in so many ways that I can't count all the blessing because of a lazy heart. 

I am blessed to have firewood to move. I have a wife to share the warmth of a winter fire with this winter. I have two dogs who will just love being outside with me. Dinner is already planned and the smoked pork will be just great. I was golfing with my nephew yesterday and I have the aches and pains from the experience to prove how much fun I had. I have some hot tasty coffee and a mug to pour it into. There are birds at the feeder and flowers surround me. The vegetables are growing and a little rain would help that along.  So in retrospect, I have the beginning of a more than spectacular day. 

My day, your day, is spectacular. It's all the way we look at it. I am blessed to be able to pray for others and myself. I have a God who loves me enough to have included me and all of us in His eternal plan, if we choose to follow Him. 

Food for thought. It is all in the way we look at the day. 

Marty

Let's Stop And Pray 7/19/2025

 Good Morning,

I brewed a pot of Door County Maple Coffee and it tastes just fine, but it isn't the same joy as drinking this flavor in the fall on a crisp cold morning. 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7. and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Yesterday a friend of ours was still in the hospital with something ailing him and the experts really hadn't been able to give him a firm diagnosis. This fella is a big man and this ailment weakened him to the point that he struggled to walk without tipping over. 

Yesterday, later in the morning our friend received a phone call that was devastating. His wife, a very sweet lady, who resides in a nursing home had fallen out of bed and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. It just so happened that it was the same hospital that my friend was in. He called me for prayer and I volunteered to go and sit with him as they experts decided what could be done. 

I went to the emergency room to see his wife first and it wasn't good. She had broken a bone in her neck and all the options slim and none were to be presented to her in a few minutes. We worked through a pile of red tape to get her husband released from his predicament to be able to go downstairs and be with his wife. 

Finally all three of us could be in the action filled emergency department together. It seemed that the hustle  and bustle of the area was so loud you could barely hear yourself think. I had prayed with both of them individually and now finally, together. 

After praying together, my two friends were able communicate. Her voice has always been soft, but yesterday it was soft and weak. They made decisions about her future care and they made them with peace in their hearts. It was that type of peace that no one understands except the ones that have received it. Prior to praying together the situation was quite chaotic .

Friends, when the world seems to be spinning too fast and out of control, it is time to stop and pray. That peace which only comes from God is just a prayer away. Why go without it? 

Food for thought. 

Marty

 

An Honest Mistake 7/18/2025

 Good Morning,

I just poured the last of my Door County Candy Cane Coffee for my Christmas in July celebration and it is time to write. 

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 

The ease of grocery shopping had it's chance to make me into a criminal and I am glad it failed. 

Just yesterday I committed a mistake that could have had some bad consequences. I had filled my grocery cart with a lot of items and I was counting the savings in my head that I would receive when I turned in all my coupons. When it came time to check out I pulled my cart into the lane that was actually serviced by a human. The line of people behind me was a long one and everyone wanted to be done with their shopping. 

I had purchased some 12 packs of soda, all of the same brand. I started to remove them so they could be counted in my bill. The check out clerk told me that she only needed one to be taken out of the cart. I placed the rest of my items on the conveyor to be checked and bagged. It was a hurried process.

I then proceeded to my truck and started to unload my treasures and as I grabbed the soda and moved two of them, there for the whole world to see was a package of taco seasoning that had slid down into the cart and was hidden by the soda. So yes it was a grocery item that did not get paid for. In my mind I was panicking a little. Now I was a hardened criminal. I imagined a life sentence for my crime. It didn't take but a minute for me to decide to return to the store and face the disdain of the 16 year old check out clerk as I confessed my crime. 

there I was, with the taco seasoning and cash.  I approached the same clerk who had checked me out originally. She smiled a said, "did you forget to pick up the taco seasoning". I replied no and explained how the package did not get paid for and I was willing to accept my punishment. She rang up the $1.19 and smiled and laughed. "Most people would not have  returned and paid for the package. Sir, this is a first for me." I was still red in the face with embarrassment for my mistake. She said "it was also my mistake". I am supposed to ask you to check and see if all the items are out of the cart". Here was someone willing to share the blame for my mistake. I left with my seasoning and receipt in hand and avoided Alcatraz .

I was treated with respect despite my mistake and felt better about going back and making it right. This could have been seen as a shop lifting event. I could have been sent to the office and had to share my story with the manager. This young lady just helped me to stay an honest man and she made no big deal out of it. 

Friends do we overlook an honest mistake when it belongs to someone else or do we make a big production out of it? Do we go out of our way to assist someone who just wants to make things right? 

I was shown mercy and need to remember that when someone makes a mistake that impacts me. 

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

Food for thought.

Marty

A Little Fear Goes Too Far. 160 days Until?? 7/17/2025

 Good Morning. My cup is decorated with Door County Candy Cane Coffee to have a little Christmas in July. There is a thirty degree difference in the temperatures where we live from yesterday. This shot of cool weather is very much welcome. 

Just as a little bit of sewerage can spoil a glass of drinking water so can a little fear can ruin the plans of many a strong person. 

I was talking with a lady while waiting for some car maintenance to be done, and what I thought would be a short conversation and then watching the news on the lobby television, seemed to be her opportunity to share her life's story. She asked if I had any children and I guess my wedding ring signaled that I was married. She explained in detail that she was to be married a few years ago and that relationship was tested and failed. She experienced a dose of real hurt. 

As I was drinking my waiting room coffee she went on to explain that she just was afraid to date and possibly be hurt again. I only asked one question and that was "when you were a little girl, did you dream of a big wedding and then having at least three kids?" She replied "yes! I played house and wore a kitchen towel on my head like a veil and my baby brother was the groom." 

Now this lady was young enough to still have children and in my mind she seemed like a good catch for some lucky man. But the killer of all dreams man or woman's hit her and now she was paralyzed by fear of being hurt. She lost her ability to trust because of fear. 

The lobby had a couple others waiting for me to respond. I offered this, and told her that her fears could be and should be given to God. I explained that trusting God with your life through Jesus Christ is the first step. If you can trust Him to keep you for eternity, you can trust Him to walk you through your fears in other things. I asked her if I could pray for her, and I think she assumed that meant when I reached the privacy of my truck or home, I would pray for her. No, that didn't plan out that way. I asked her to bow her head and pray with me quietly in the lobby for God to help her rely on Him for her  battle of her fears. 

Her car was finished before mine and as she left she thanked me for the prayer and said" You have given me much to think about and I promise I will do that." I invited her to come to church and as of yet I haven't seen her there. I am do for an oil change, so who knows? 

Friends, Satan uses some of our tough experiences to build a temple of  fear within us. And that is just what it is. A temple to him, when we give into the fear of failure, anguish or hurt. We are like a stalled automobile that needs a push to get moving. Fear is the greatest killer of all dreams. 

God tells us to seek Him out and He wants to embrace our fears with us and for us,

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord and He answered me  and delivered me from all my fears. 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

Only 160 days until Christmas!

Marty

Starting My Day With A Smile 7/16/2025

 Good Morning,

I am working my way through a hot cup of Door County S'Mores Coffee and I am ready to write. 

Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 

                                            My morning view today!

We have a guest dog staying with us for a few days. Our nephew's dog Waylon stays with us now and then when our nephew has to work out of town. When Waylon first started rooming with us he would find a spot in the house and pretty much stay to himself. Our home and our two dogs just was foreign to him. Little by little he started to join in and now when he comes through the door for a visit, he knows where everything is. He needs no coaxing to join in on the fun in the back yard or in the house. He has especially adopted my wife Rene as his best buddy. He knows he is loved and is not a guest, but family. 

My point for the day is this. Now and then everyone has the opportunity to open their heart, their home, or their time to others. How do you approach these opportunities? Are they an opportunity or a duty? Can others see the good intentions of your heart. Do you embrace the opportunity to share, or do you ignore it? Do people know that they are welcome in your life. You are a great person and your heart can and should be shared with others.

Food for thought. 

Marty

Nick Isms 7/15/2025

 Good Morning, 

I am sitting at my desk with a hot cup of Door County S'Mores Coffee and it is a great way to wake up. I will be heading up a project at church today and it might run most of the day. So this time of writing and a cup of coffee is a luxury.

Zechariah 8:5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. 

Today, my brother's oldest son is celebrating his 30th birthday. Out of all of my nieces and nephews, he has probably put on more miles with me than the rest combined. From little on he showed more interest in the hunting and fishing lifestyle I lead. Although his brother has seen the light and hunts with us more and more. It does my heart good to see those guys hunt together. 

As a very young boy, Nick  assumed that my wife, his aunt, was named "Uncle Rene." If I was the uncle Marty and she lived with me, she had to be an uncle too. He always played with plastic swords and was in his mind a super hero. I came home from work one day and saw General Nick at work. He was wearing a battle hat and had his sword drawn. He was commanding my wife to march like a good soldier should. 

I looked at Rene who was standing at attention. The command came from the little dictator "Uncle Rene! March! Uncle Rene marched around the inside of the house a couple of times and then he let her stop. She counted cadence while marching. It was at that time we started to log into our memory some of the Nick Isms that we cherish and laugh about more than he knows. If you have lost your mind you can call him and he will search for hours helping you find it. That was Rene entertaining the little boy asking him to find her mind. Every drawer in the house was open and the contents were taken out. She had given Nick a flashlight to help him look under all the beds. That was one tired little boy. 

My point for the day is this. How did 30 years go by so fast? I have a lot of memories stored in the feeble vault of my mind and when Rene and I are going somewhere and I want to be there on time. I will say. 'Uncle Rene, March!" She will reply, "Hang on, I am looking for my mind. Call Nick." It still gives us a chuckle. 

So if you have the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the young ins. Remember how to play and enjoy entertaining  them as they entertain you. The next 30 years goes too fast. Ask his brother Matthew about going out for a pass on highway 45 in Northern Wisconsin. 

Have a great day.

Uncle Marty

Moving The Brush 7/14/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee and it is tasting exceptionally good this morning. 

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

A few weeks ago, we suffered some damage to our home from a fast moving storm and as we are working our way to the repairs, we needed to trim back some trees and bushes that stood in the way of contractors being able to work. That part of the work was on us to do or pay for. My wife and I discussed the need to get up high enough to be able to trim the wayward branches. Our neighbor lent us an extension ladder and it was game on. The first thing I did before using the ladder was to pray for my safety and to use sound ladder practices. My wife Rene was totally against any work that involved getting up that high. She reminded me that my father died from falling off of a ladder. I did everything by the book and soon there after I had several piles of branches, sticks and leaves. 

I thanked God for keeping me safe and for helping me recall a few safety tips on using extension ladders. I thanked God for a wife who was willing to hold the ladder at the base even though she didn't want to be there. 

Back to the brush piles. I had to make several trips to the town dump to get rid of the branches and shrubbery. I was already kind of tired from my lumberjack work, but that mess was not going to walk itself to the dump. 

My point for the day is this. The major part of the work was completed yet the clean up wasn't. I made the mess and yes my wife helped clean up the yard, sweeping, raking, and loading the truck. So here we go. 

I made a mess of the yard, and like all messes, someone needs to own them. So when we make a mess of our life God jumps in and helps us, but the consequences of our mess are owned by us and we are responsible to clean up from the fall out. We have to take responsibility for our actions and fix anything we broke or messed up. Part of mess repairs, could be the loss of trust in you someone now has and you need to earn that back. Your mess may have cost some dollars to repair. You own the responsibility to make good on the expenses. A mess isn't cleaned up until things are made like new and trust is restored. Some messes require an apology. No one should apologize for you. You own the mess and the apology. 

So let's get this day started. The best way to clean up a mess, is not to have made one. Better to pray and wait, than rush in and make mistakes that cause hurt, sorrow, or anger. A wise plumber once said to me. "Measure the pipe twice and cut only once."

God bless,

Marty

On The Road With Jesus 7/13/2025

 Good Morning, 

I made a pot of Door County Brandy Alexander Coffee for this damp Sunday morning and it is doing wonders for tired and sore old man. 

Today I want to look at a passage of Scripture normally read around the Easter season. We find two men walking on the road to Emmaus  after the crucifixion of Jesus . 

Luke 24:13-32 Contemporary English Version. That same day two of Jesus' disciples were going to the village of Emmaus, which was about eleven kilometers from Jerusalem. 14. As they were talking and thinking about what had happened, 15. Jesus came near and started walking along beside them. 16. But they did not know who he was.

17. Jesus asked them, "What were you talking about  as you walked along?" The two of them stood there looking sad and gloomy. 18 Then one named Cleopas asked Jesus, "Are you the only person from Jerusalem who didn't know what was happening there these last few days?"

19. "What do you mean?" Jesus asked.

They answered:

Those things that happened to Jesus from Nazareth. By what he did and said he showed that he was a powerful prophet, who pleased God and all the people. 20. Then the chief priests and our leaders had him arrested, and sentenced to die on a cross. 21. We had hoped that he would be the one to set Israel free! But it has already been three days since all this happened.

22. Some women in our group surprised us. They had gone to the tomb early in the morning. 23. but did not find the body of Jesus. They came  back, saying that they had seen a vision of angels who told them that he is alive.  24. Some men from our group went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said. But they didn't see Jesus either. 

25. Then Jesus asked the two disciples, "Why can't you understand? How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said? 26. Didn't you know the Messiah would have to suffer before he was given his glory?" 27. Jesus then explained everything written about himself in the Scriptures beginning with the law of Moses and the books of the Prophets.

28. When the two of them came near the village where they were going, Jesus seemed to be going farther. 29. They begged him, "Stay with us! It's already late, and the sun is going down." so Jesus went into house to stay with them. 

30. After Jesus sat down to eat, he took some bread. He blessed it and broke it. then he gave it to them. 31 At once they knew who he was, but he disappeared. 32 They said to each other, "When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, didn't it warm our hearts? 33. So they got up and returned to Jerusalem. 

Friends we see that the two disciples while walking and listening to Jesus speak to them, felt a warmth in their hearts. When was the last time, while spending time in prayer and reading your Bible the words of Jesus warmed your hearts, to the point of you actually knowing it or allowing it to change a direction you were headed to? Time spent with Jesus in prayer and  reading your Bible can have and should have an impact on your life. I have come to expect it. 

Walk on my friends, Jesus wants to spend time with you.

Have a great day!!!!!

Marty

Respect Never Gets Too Old. 7/12/2025

 Good Morning,

My mug is filled with Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and I am ready to write. In a little bit I will be making a two hour trip to honor the life of a friend. I can stay for about an hour and then must return home. It will be a brief trip.

Romans 13:7 Pay to all what is owed to them" Taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to who revenue is owed , respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honored is owed. 

The life I am honoring is that of a friend who's mother passed away. The funny thing is that I never knew her first name. I have known this family since 1964 and never knew her first name. She was and always will be known to me as Mrs. Anderson.

My buddy introduced me to his mom back in the day and she said to me, I am Mrs. Anderson. As the years passed her title for her name and my experience with her never changed. I will take this a little further. Just recently my high school held a reunion. I was unable to attend. But I watched the reunion closely through social media. I chatted with friends about it. A few of the teachers and coaches we were taught by managed to come to the event. As I conversed about it with my friends, we all still referred to them as Mr. or Coach. We honored them by respectfully adding  their title to their last name. 

We never grow old enough to not pay honor to those who have earned their title. Pay honor to those who at one time were bigger than life to you and especially when they are in person. 

There was one football coach attending the event and just seeing him address the old team in a photo made me stand taller, and if I had been there I would have called him Mr. or Coach and then his last name. . I would not have called him Frank unless told to do so. And I don't think that would have happened. 

Have a great day. 

Marty

You'll Never Walk Alone 7/11/2025

 Good Morning,

I am resting for a moment this morning with a hot cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee at my side and I am ready to write.

A few days ago I wrote about how a hymn continues to inspire me. I want to share another old hymn that always moves my heart and actually leads me to read Scripture .

'You'll never walk alone was written by composer Richard Rogers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1945 musical Carousel and later has been adopted as a song of hope.

It reminds me that in my darkest times God is with me. This is something that I needed to remind me of His presence, especially these last 7 months. The song reminds me that the world never stops, even when we are grieving from a loss, or difficulty. It challenged me to keep walking and know that I do not walk alone. 

The song is exceptionally comforting and and challenging at the same time. 

When you walk through a storm 

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of the storm

Is a golden sky

And the Sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,

Walk on through the rain,

Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, Walk on

With hope in your heart 

And you'll never walk alone, 

Matthew 28:20 ESV Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold. I am with you always, to the end of the age. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

God Bless

Marty 

Don't Poke The Bear 7/10/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County White Christmas Coffee on this fine July morning. Why am I drinking Christmas Coffee in July? I do it for two reasons. 1. My wife's favorite television station starts celebrating Christmas in July. So I break out the Christmas coffee just to bug her. 2. I really enjoy the Christmas coffees the vendor makes. 

My wife Rene and I do give each other a ribbing now and then and it is all in good fun. Although we both have some areas in our personalities that don't stand up that well to teasing or joking. There is that invisible threshold that we each have within us that others should not cross. I am not going to share what they are because they are personal and basically you don't need to know what starts our internal bombs to tick. 

                                                       Photo credit. Lauren and Matthew Schutte

I believe I am the worst of us two. I have the temper of two people and have to work hard to keep it under control. If I ask you to go to Starbucks you have pushed my limits and that is a story for another time. 

When you are teased or poked.

So my friends, know your limits and before the bear (You) get poked once too often. Walk away, or speak up nicely and say, I didn't appreciate that. A bear will usually growl before it bites. In addition, learn to laugh at yourself, and don't always take things so seriously. Life is too short to always be growling. 

When you have poked or teased someone too hard. 

Proverbs 17:12 Let a man meet a she bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

If you have gone too far and poked the bear once too often, apologize. A sincere "sorry" goes a long way. But, my goodness, don't make the same mistake twice or more. Once someone is pushed too far, relationships take a long time to repair. 

God Bless,

Marty

Just Because He Lives 7/9/2025

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee while sitting at me desk. It is time to write.

I went to bed last night and I had a tune on my mind. I awakened this morning with that same song in my head. The song is "Because He Lives," written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971. Now and then we still sing this song in church on Saturday nights and I notice that when we do, I have this song lyrics on my heart and in my mind, especially the chorus. For most of my evening. 

Because He Lives Chorus 

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just Because He Lives,

Jesus lives and is our hope and inspiration for each and every day. Just knowing that he walks  with me every day and makes each day new is awe inspiring. I never know what lies ahead each and every day, but I know that what ever it is I will not face it alone.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

So my friends I will close with this thought. Pray on, walk on,  hope on, and sing on.

Have a great day. 

Marty

You Are In My Prayers 7/8/2025

 Good Morning,

Isaiah 41:13 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not I am the One who helps you. 

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and it is time write. Most all of you are aware of the flooding that occurred in Texas last week. I cannot imagine what those who lost loved ones are going through. The state, our country and many more are in shock and literally do not know what to say. I have been wanting to write since the beginning, but I was at a loss for the words needed. 

I want to extend my sincere sympathy to those who are hurting right now and will hurt for a long long time. I have no advice for those who are in such great sorrow. I know this for sure, that from many places throughout the world and at this old desk, you have been prayed for. And my personal prayers will be raised up for you daily for a long time. 

Friends, if there is a need that God is nudging you to do for our grieving Texans, don't hesitate to do so. Most of all make this terrible event a part of your daily prayers. 

I will keep this short and end with this. Folks in Texas we hurt with you and you are in our prayers,

Marty

We All Need A Friend 7/7/2025

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee waiting to be sampled and it is time to write.

In my 68  years on this planet I have come to the conclusion that everyone needs a friend or two. Some people have been blessed with many friends, many people married their best friend. Some have been blessed to be a friend to someone. 

My earthly friends mean a lot to me and they know it. But there is one friend who I cannot do without. And I never will have to bury. He is true to the end. 

John 15:15 ESV No longer  do I call you servants,  for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 

Proverbs 18:24 ESV A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

As close as I am with my friends, there is only One who has died for me. 

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 

My best friend is Jesus Christ My Lord and Savior. And as long as He has that title I can be a better friends to others. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

It's Common Sense Or Lack Of 7/6/2025

 Good Morning, 

There is a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee next to me and pretty soon I will be headed out of the door for some volunteer work. I hope the heat let's up a little.

Last week I heard a reporter interviewing an elected official regarding the epidemic of reckless drivers plaguing the larger cities in the United States. As I listened to the proposed solution I could not help but laugh out loud. The official was lobbying for more money to "educate teens" on the hazards of reckless driving. 

Really?? The last few accidents caused by by reckless driving have produced dead bodies. Some if not all of the cars were stolen. I checked and two were drivers with revoked licenses. So do you think that those with reprobate minds will attend a class and change their ways? The law abiding citizens see the consequences of reckless driving every day on the news. Or they see the smashed cars sitting on their lawns or adjacent streets. Safety movies will scare the law abiding people and do nothing for a hardened heart. 

Elected officials need to support law enforcement and insist that the punishment for these violations is enforced to the maximum. Judges should be held accountable to keep crime from returning to the streets. Too many repeat offenses. 

Then the community needs to get involved in three ways. 1. If you see it report it. 2. Own your own kids and teach them from young on, right from wrong. Turn them in if necessary 3.Churches need to get out of the festival moods and spend more time praying together for God to step in and take back our streets, our laws, and protect our cities. Pray that we elect officials with backbone . However, An encounter with God is the most likely thing to change the reprobate heart. We need safer streets. 

1. Timothy 1:9 Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their mothers and fathers, for murderers. 

I never heard of a bingo game saving anyone's life. I have heard of miracles through prayer though. 

God bless,

Marty

We Shouldn't Have Let That Happen. 7/5/2025

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee within reach and it is time to write. 

Yesterday my wife Rene and I hosted a small gathering at our home to celebrate the Fourth Of July. It was a small group of friends and family. We haven't done that since Covid hit in 2019. We followed the rules of quarantine and just got out of the good habit of fellowshipping with others. Last night I mentioned to one of our friends how nice it was to use our yard, eat from some festive plates and enjoy time with each other. We both agreed that it had been too long. And to be honest there was no excuse after Covid calmed down except that of laziness and being too busy to gather. 

The food turned out excellent and when the group does gather it is always a treat worthy of a king. 

So to my point the day was fit for a king and having loved ones close and celebrating together was a blessing . We prayed before dinner and the day couldn't have been any better. I then remembered that our day was blessed from above and a King attended the celebration.

Matthew 18:20 For where to or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. 

 Don't forget to enjoy time with friends and family. Done right, Jesus always shows up. I believe He blesses good parties.

Have a great day!!

Marty

The Fourth Of July And Prayer 7/4/2025

 Good Morning,

It is expected to be a hot day in my part of this world today. Yet I am still enjoying a hot cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee as I write this morning.

In the United States we celebrate our independence today and I thought I would share a lesson learned from two of our Founding Fathers. As like all men they had their flaws, but despite being just men, we can still learn a thing or two from their beliefs. 

The American Founding Fathers not only shaped the existence of the United States, they  accomplished a world changing revolution which continues to have an impact today. As Christians and Deists, the Founding Fathers believed in the Providence of God. They understood that God reigned over the human history. 

Daniel 4;17 NIV The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms o earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.

George Washington wrote many times about divine providence in his letters and speeches. He realized that a small rag tag army could only have defeated a much larger, better equipped, and organized army because of God's divine intervention. He stressed how much the United States had to be thankful for. 

Benjamin Franklin, not very orthodox in his doctrine called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention where the US Constitution was penned. This reminded them of their national and international duties and that they needed the assistance of God. 

Today in the Untitled States we enjoy many freedoms and rights, fought for by our Forefathers and a small army. But we all should be on our knees thanking God for His intervention which used a small army. The odds were against them but God is able to beat the odds. 

God bless America Land That I love.

Marty

Paying God A Compliment. 7/3/2025

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee is sitting with me at my desk and it is time to write. 

During the day we often give other people a compliment for a job well done, their attire, a great meal, or for just being nice. During a simple trip to the store for groceries we say please and thank you to those who wait on us. Not really a compliment but it is still an extended nicety.

Have you ever thought about complimenting God for who He is, what He does, Or what He doesn't do?

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. 23. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness

Take a moment or two and count your blessings, those prayed for and those that just come each day automatically. We are loved by an awesome God. Have you ever just sat back and said "Gee God. You sure are awesome." You are so patient with me. You provide for me. You love me even when I don't love myself. You renew my strength every morning and set in front of me more blessings. You are so so compassionate. 

We could write compliments to God all day, and we still would find more and more each morning.

Food for thought.

Marty

Praying For A Great Movement Of God 7/2/2025

 Good Morning, 

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee and it is a great way to start a day. 

When we desire to see God's power move within lives and the world, you might not see it around you. Look within . Some of God's greatest miracles are found in your own soul and the souls of others.

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 

You take for instance the man who has been a drunkard for most of his life. Then he has an encounter with God, His word, and a movement within his heart, generated by the Holy Spirit which led him to Jesus. Now sober and clean, all the counseling and tough love sent his way in the past failed. But the power of an encounter with God through Jesus has sobered the man up and he is a new creation. 

Many a man and woman has allowed themselves to become smaller than the booze bottle and weaker than the wine inside. Yet as with anything, an encounter with God with His power to restore lives and place music in a heart that has been silent, we see men and women restored to a fruitful life. Only God has the power to restore us to live a useful, and resurrected life. 

God's greatest miracles are the ones that turn hearts of stone into a heart that beats with His and for others. His miracle of restoring souls not only is awesome, but it is everlasting. 

Food for thought!

Marty

It Never Really Heals. 7/1/2025

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Old Fashioned Coffee is steaming next to me and it is time to write. 

                     Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed Spirit. 

On June 26th two Milwaukee police officers were shot while answering a call about a person with a weapon. A few days later on Sunday one of the officers passed away from his injuries. Every news outlet has had something to report. Interviews of friends and coworkers were painful to watch and listen to. One interview stood out to me when the person said that this will take time for the friends and family as well as the community to "heal" from this tragedy. I agree with there being a need to heal raw emotions, but I also really believe that no one impacted ever really heals. The family and friends lost someone who cannot be replaced. One plate at Thanksgiving won't be filled. Each day will present a new first for those who love this officer. The sheer impact of this senseless crime can only scab over. The hurt and sorrow last forever. I personally pray for the family, MPD, and the community as a whole to find some comfort through God. I find the words to say today are hard to find as this crime can almost leave a person speechless. Together they will mourn and  go on. But for many many people this hurt will last forever. It is so wrong!

My send my sincere sympathy to the family, friends, coworkers, and the community which comes from the deepest part of my heart. 

God bless,

Marty