Friday In My Eyes 10/31/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot mug of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and it is time to write. When my feet hit the floor and after some coffee, I was ready for Friday. I have plans to hunt for pheasants today with my nephew's dog Waylon and tomorrow I will duck hunt with my dog Leo. We were also asked to attend a bonfire get together tonight at our other nephews home. I am really looking forward to that one. 

So Friday has really filled my eyes and I hope it meets my expectations. As a family we do not gather together all that often. But what we have in town will all be there. 

It is a blessing to have activities to attend and family to gather with. So for me the day started with prayer and will end with prayer tonight. 

I hope to take some pictures in my mind and rest with thankfulness in my heart for Fridays and thankfulness for friends and family. 

Have a great Friday and remember to enjoy the time given to you. 

Marty

Nuisance Phone Calls 10/30/2025

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk and sipping on a very hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. It is time to write.

Mark 12:31 NKJV  Jesus Said. " You shall love your neighbor as yourself"

It was very quiet and peaceful until a few minutes ago. That's when my telephone rang and disturbed the silence. It is that time of the year when people on Medicare can sign up and make make changes to their insurance coverage. This starts a barrage of phone calls to your home, or cell phone asking you to consider what their company has to offer. In many instances these calls are a scam to steal your money. One has to be careful with these calls. They sound good but really aren't. 

Here is the challenge for me. I work with a reputable insurance broker. We sit down face to face over coffee and adjust whatever needs changing (which is very seldom). I woke up to the first call of the day this morning at 6:am. I live in the Midwest of the United States, This tells me that the call came from the East Coast of the US where they are on Eastern Standard Time. 

My complaint  is that I struggle  with being nice and answering politely to these unwanted calls. I have the latest a greatest screening applications loaded on to my phone, and I seldom answer my phone if I cannot identify the caller.  But I have never purchased anything from someone who called me on the phone. Yet the calls persist. 

This morning's call was answered politely and I declined in the first fifteen seconds saying nicely that my situation was fine and I needed nothing and added a thank you. Then the woman turned rude and insulted my intelligence and hung up. 

Well I spouted off and it didn't make me feel better. I prayed for the caller and asked God to give her a job, one that does not have to interrupt the peace of others, or to assist in helping her to leave a life of crime.  In addition, I believe that Loving your neighbor includes not violating their personal space. 

Food for thought.

Marty

When The Coffee Gets Cold. 10/29/2025

 Good Morning,

I just sat down at my desk with a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee and it is time to write. 

Revelation 3:15-17 NKJV I know your works, that you are neither cold , nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16. So then because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. 17. Because you say "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and do not know that you are wretched , miserable, poor, blind and naked. 

There is only one thing wrong with a hot cup of coffee. Sooner or later the coffee grows cold. No matter how much I spend on insulated cups or bottles the coffee still grows cold. I once had a coffee mug that would plug into an electrical outlet in the truck. It kept the coffee hot as long as it was plugged in. I was one happy camper with that apparatus, until it shorted out and almost burned up my Jeep.

So I have concluded that the coffee needs to be consumed while it is hot or if possible rewarmed safely.

So where is my point in all of this? Relationships need to be rewarmed now and then, especially our walk with the Lord. Daily prayer, Scripture reading and service to the Lord keep the relationship fresh and hot. It is the same way with marriage, and friendships. You have to keep them fresh or they lose their appeal and all the reminiscing in the world can't keep the relationship fresh. 

So for today, the number one importance is the relationship with God. If that one is maintained, all of the others will fall into place and you will reap the benefits of God directing your paths and your other relationships.

Food for thought on this Wednesday!

Marty

 

Help Through A Loss 10/28/2025

 Good Morning,

I just made a pot of Moose Munch Coffee and it is the last of it. I am not sure who sent me the bag of coffee. The coffee was tucked away on a drawer inside a cabinet. And while looking for something else I found it and it has been a very nice treat. 

Psalm 56:8 NKJV You number my wanderings; Put my tears in your bottle; Are they not in your book?

I was talking with a friend yesterday and our conversation turned to grieving and loss. I found myself admitting that I am not over losing our grandson last December. I doubt that I ever will be over that loss. There are days when I am just fine and there are the other days when I find my eyes leaking a little and the emotions go from sadness, to anger, to disbelief. I thought that taking down all the memorabilia of him would help and it didn't. Some how that too was felt like a loss. So it is all back in place. Making it worse is watching our daughter suffer through and not much we can say or do helps. Our hearts break for her and we cannot imagine being without her. I don't know how to help. 

What is a comfort to me is that I knew his faith in Christ Jesus and that he now resides in heaven and some day I will see him again. I call on God monthly, weekly and daily to easy the pain of loss. It is never gone, but it helps to know that God is with me and will carry me each day. It was difficult for me to admit a weakness and not be the rock that I need to be for my family. Admitting I hurt was the first step in being able to truly seek heavenly comfort and peace. 

I will find my strength in God and He will take the dents out of my helmet, sharpen my sword, and let this warrior rest for awhile as needed. I will rest in His arms and when it hurts most, instead of looking down, I will look up and admit my weakness and and take my comfort in Him. 

Have a blessed day. 

Marty

Impressed By The Kids 10/27/2025

 Good Morning,

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee and it is time to write. 

Hebrews 13:16 NKJV Bur do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Yesterday was Trick Or Treat day in my part of the world. As Is our custom in our home, we place a table outside and we share it with our neighbor Donna. She has half of the table, I sit at the other end. The kids come by and are given candy from two house holds. 

The costumes were cute and some were quite elaborate. But what I noticed especially yesterday that most of the kids readily said thank you. In some instances the wee ones were prompted by parents  to say thank you.  

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

So my point for the day is this. We witnessed good manners in action. In addition many of the kids were accompanied by their parents or some other adult who were their guardians for the day/evening. Automobile traffic on our street was at a minimum and most all of the drivers proceeded with caution and the guardians as well as the folks manning the candy took extra care to help the kids as they crossed the street. A couple came through a little quickly and were reminded by others and us to slow down. 

It is amazing what can happen when people place others first and just plain old do good. 

We were blessed to be a part of it. 

God bless,

Marty

 

Under The Sun 10/26/2025

 Good Morning,

I am content this morning and I am enjoying some Moose Munch Coffee at my desk. It is warm in the house and it is time to write. 

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understand have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Soon this morning I will be prepping some pork shoulder roasts for the smoker. They will be used for a gathering on Tuesday. The men in my Bible study are having an October Feast and all kinds of different dishes will be shared. Everyone is bringing something to share. It should be a time to remember as we enjoy the company of each other and how  the Lord is working in this group. The following week we will be hard at it learning more about the resurrection of Jesus. 

The resurrection of Christ is a captivating class and I for one am walking away every Tuesday night once again amazed by what we have learned. 

My goal is to make sure that somehow we apply this knowledge in a way that there is personal use , and application of the principles in each of our lives. Application of the knowledge should have an impact on our Kingdom walk and the lives of others. A week from this Tuesday I will be asking each man how they are applying the knowledge in their lives thus far,

Remember this for today. Knowledge gathered and not applied is just knowledge. Knowing all kinds of knowledge under the sun and not used at all is like beautiful perfume spilled on the sidewalk. It does nothing for anyone.

Apply the knowledge you have accumulated and make a difference for good today.

God bless you all,

Marty 

Trick Or Treat 10/25/2025

 Good Morning,

I will keep it brief on this Saturday. I will be duck hunting shortly and will enjoy my Door County Highlander Grog when I feel the need to warm up.

Proverbs 11:25 The generous soul will be made rich. And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Tomorrow our community will celebrate the annual Trick or Treat event. It only lasts two hours and yes my wife and I will participate with our neighbor Donna. We have plenty of candy and will happily hand it out to the kids and some parents. Some people object to Trick or Treat and it's tie to Halloween. I say this. It is your choice and I think it is a privilege to be able to give away some candy treats. We sit outside and hand out the candy at the driveway. I stay right to the end to make sure no one gets hit by a car and every kid has some candy.

So for a few minutes the kids can see a world where there isn't violence and they are greeted by friendly people. 

God Bless,

Marty

Men. Date Your Wife 10/24/2025

 Good Morning, 

I will be headed out to the duck blind in a few minutes for a little hunting. I am enjoying a hot cup of Moose Munch Coffee and it is time to write. 

I was with a few men from our church last night and several men admitted that they do not spend enough time with their wives. In general I think men overall probably fail in that item within our marriages, me included. There just doesn't seem to be enough time in a month to actually schedule a date night with your wife. 

Proverbs 15:17 NKJV Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. 

1 Corinthians 13:7 NKJV Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things

Fellas it is important that we take that time too listen, and then take action on what we can help with. Most of the time our wives don't need help, they just want to have an adult conversation, not eat off of a tray, and know that what she said was heard. Your time is a part of your life and it is best spent when it is shared with the one who God led you to. A date does not need to break the bank account, but needs to be genuine. 

As we get older it is hard to make up for the times not spent with your wife. The "Bucket List" starts to be bigger than the body you wore out and you have no desire to trek across a glacier. 

Men, get going. Sometimes it is already too late to start.

Marty

Can't Get Away With Anything 10/23/2025

 Good Morning, 

I will be sharing a couple of Thermos bottles of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee with a duck hunting partner and the day will have great potential. 

When you have two dogs in the house you can't get away with too much. Open the refrigerator door after 10 pm and our two spaniels are right next to me, reminding me that I am trying to lose weight, but they will be quiet if I share my midnight snack. 

Psalm 4:8 Ill both lie down in peace and sleep; For you alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.

Last night I wanted to change what shot gun I will be using today and the minute I opened my vault, the youngest one was looking inside like he was some kind of gun caddy and he wanted to weigh in on what gun I should use. I think he was looking for one where I couldn't miss the ducks or geese. 

Then, when I settled on one and cased it for today , he stayed at the top of the stairs and walked me down to the back door. I woke up this morning without an alarm and that dog was sitting at the door to the garage. 

Nothing gets by our two dogs. They watch every step we take. They are always there to take care of the cookie we dropped. They remind us that the doorbell rang.

What a sample of loyalty and dedication. But their efforts are nowhere close to how God watches over us. He is there 24-7 and knows us inside and out. God leads us to peaceful waters. He knows just what we are doing and our next thoughts. We are blessed to have a God who watches over us and is patient with us. He corrects us when He is ready to, not a minute sooner or later. 

I am thankful for knowing that God is in my corner and loves me enough to be there all the time. 

God bless,

Marty

Hauling The Brush Away 10/22/2024

 Good morning.

I will be enjoying my Door County Maple Coffee later today. I don't care what time it is when that first cup of coffee is had. I know it will be mighty fine. 

On Monday this week I tackled the job of trimming a few trees on our property. It was a larger chore than I thought it would be. In the mix of trees were Blue Spruce, White Pine, Maple and Apple. I hadn't trimmed the trees in a couple of years and it was showing. Yesterday I took all of the branches to the town dump for disposal. I was careful not to get rid of the Maple branches which make for nice burning in the fire pit or the fireplace next year. There wasn't much maple wood large enough to save, but waste not, want not.

We had one apple tree that had quite a bit of wood at the base and two large branches that died out this summer. When all was said and done I had quite a bit of apple wood  that will be used for smoking meat. I had more than enough to share with two good friends and still have plenty for my next pork shoulders. I have two  more apple trees to trim that will also provide some wood for smoking.

Psalm 17:8 ESV  as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. 

I had a lot of branches and brush to haul away. I was determined to get it done before this weekend. Once I started the process of loading our truck with the scrap it started to rain. I have been rained on before. So I tightened up my jacket, pulled down my hat a little tighter and within a couple of hours I was finished with the chore.

Through all of this my wife Rene was right with me. She was stacking brush like a pro. Later we enjoyed a hot cup of chicken soup together. She asked if I had saved the apple wood and I believe she knew the answer. Then she said. "That tree has produced a lot of apples through the years and hopefully the trimming and thinning of the branches will help to produce some more next year." 

When God designs something like the apple tree, it is good for fruit, shade, and cooking. That tree has blessed many others with apples and from time to time some wood for smoking. It is the first real sign that spring has arrived when I see the tree full of blossoms. 

Look beyond the blossoms and see what God can do with one tree. He is amazing. Think about what He can do with you. 

I am blessed. 

Marty

A Beautiful Thing To See 10/21/2025

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Mystery Coffee is sitting with me and I will be heading out to greet the day soon.

I was thinking about how my typical morning goes and my routine is pretty steady. Not much changes. If I were to ask God for anything out of the order of my routine, it would be to sit down with all of you who faithfully read this blog and have breakfast with you, share a cup of coffee, and most of all share a smile.

Some of the readers I know pretty well and most I have never met and probably never will. But breakfast, coffee, and a smile could just be what it takes to bless, good friends and strangers. 

My grandson said to me once. "Dream big or go home." I believe I do that all the time. Just to see all of your big smiles would make my day and make a dream come true. 

Psalm 34:5 NKJV they looked to Him and were radiant. And their faces were no ashamed. 

Dream big!!

Marty

Every Day I Need You 10/20/2025

 Good Morning,

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

Psalm 51:10 NKJV Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

This passage of Scripture could easily be the start of my daily prayers. Somewhere and somehow my daily spiritual walk will be run off of the tracks of righteousness, by a bout of anger, poor choices of words, or a thought that should not have been or some laziness. 

Possessing a steadfast spirit refers to a firm and unwavering commitment to one's beliefs and values especially in a spiritual context. It contains and embodies qualities like stability, determination, and resilience in the face of numerous challenges.  A steadfast spirit does not waver when challenges arise. It remains firm in faith, consistently seeking God's promised presence and His guidance. To develop such a spirit, we must continually surrender our will to God and allow Him to clean up our hearts daily.

Food for thought?

Marty

Hungry For More 10/19/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee. All is quiet in the house and it is time to write.

I was chatting with a young man last week and he was talking about how since he started reading his Bible, he seems hungry for more.

It made me think and pause the clock for a minute. Back when I was a child, long distance phone calls were expensive. Both sets of my grandparents were long distance calls. Neither grandparents were rich so a phone call from them was considered a treat. 

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

My grand father on my dad's side wasn't too talkative. But when your birthday rolled around he and grandma would call and he made it a point to talk with you. Just you. He would wish you a happy birthday and then talk about their next visit to see us or our next visit to them. I do believe that the phone call to me meant more than any card or the money inside the card. Even to this day, I often think about life's lessons I learned during those phone calls. 

I too can recall when I discovered all of what the Bible has written within. I could not get enough either. I realized early on in my walk that God's Word is the number one way He speaks to us. I look forward to hearing from Him when He has something to say to me. When we delight in God's Word it becomes the desire of our heart and we want more. 

I wasn't surprised when this young man told me about his adventures of following Christ. Like my grandfather, knowing him better and better made me love him more. It is the same with Christ, when we love the Author of the Bible we can't help but to love His word.

Food for thought.

Marty 

Depends On Who You Follow 10/18/2025

 Good Morning, 

I will be jumping into my truck and heading out to duck hunt this morning. My insulated bottle will be filled with Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. I will be traveling with our youngest dog Leo and he and I will munch on some dried apples. 

I have been listening to several acquaintances, family and friends. It seems for them, the world is spinning too fast for their liking.  They are worried about anything and everything. There just isn't any joy on their faces. 

We are all bombarded with bad news on a daily basis. Either from our personal lives and trauma or drama. It does seem to be way too much of the jargon and banter and bull dinky for anyone to sort out and conquer.

What scared me was the comment a friend of mine made recently. "I just can't take it anymore. I get ahead and then as soon as their is some little bit of peace I get slammed once more by life." 

This person within the last two months, lost a job, and lost his spouse to cancer. Now he cannot refinance his mortgage due to the job loss.  He was just told that his child will lose her hearing within two years. 

He is afraid of the future because the present isn't very good right now. I personally have had some real down times in life, but never as bad as his. 

I reminded him that he is not in this alone. God is in this battle with him. I cleared my calendar and told him that he can call me 24/7 . We agreed to talk daily and my job is to provide a daily Bible verse to use as a prayer. 

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

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

Friends there are some people out there who just cannot stomach any more of what this world has to offer.  Keep your ears open and if you hear someone who is desperate. It was God who placed you in ear shot. He has called on you to step up and help those who are distraught with life and losing hope.

And above all, pray and then pray again. 

Marty

That Next Step Could Be A Wet One 10/17/2025

 Good Morning,

I am at my desk where it is quiet and my cup of Moose Munch Coffee is doing the trick to wake me up. 

Proverbs 14:15 NKJV The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. 

Tomorrow morning I hope to be venturing out on a river to duck hunt. I can tell you this, that walk up river is always a tricky one. I am never in too much of a hurry to rush to the duck blind in the dark. Even later in the morning when there is daylight, you still can't see what is hidden beneath the water. The slightest thing can cause you to trip and then take a cold wet bath. I take it slow and steady up river and then back down river.  I think about every step I take, and try to avoid the tripping hazards. 

In just about everything in life, there are choices to be made and it is best to take the path laid out before you and contemplate each step. Pray through choices and never move forward too quickly. Think things through, and check out all the scenarios that might pop up and weigh out the consequences before wading in. 

Food for thought on this fine Friday. 

Marty

Not So Long Ago 10/16/2025

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to a hot cup of Moose Munch Coffee and I am greeting this day with gusto. 

Last night I spent some time with two of my nephews and we were working on some of the fine points of hunting with our three dogs. I had an injection in my shoulder this week to help curb the pain of a worn and torn right shoulder. So to say the least I was pretty much useless in the quest for our dogs to be the best they can be. 

Mathew 18:21-22 NKJV Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 23. Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy time seven." 

The training went well and each dog had a moment of brilliance and then there was the other 55 minutes when it just did not seem to click for the three furry musketeers. It didn't bother me too much that it wasn't a perfect training session. I can recall when each of the dogs were puppies and I especially can recall when my two nephews were pups as well. All three of us have had one of those days when we took a shot at a duck or pheasant , stared at our gun as if it were broken because we missed the shot. That miss just made me want to practice my shooting and and not miss again. Guess what? I have missed again. 

In life, we all miss the mark now and then. Dogs are just as eager to see that bird go down as we are. But when we miss they don't chew us out. They reset and are waiting for  the next shot opportunity.

So when we screw up in life or someone doesn't meet our expectations in that moment, reset, move forward and give them another chance. Be forgiving, like our faithful dogs are. If I were to open the door to my garage, my two dogs would be headed to the truck, ready to give it their all, even the one that blew it last night. 

Food for thought!

Marty

My Mom Is A "Veterman" 10/15/2025

 Good Morning,

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

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

I had an experience the other day that I want to share. I was stopped off at the local grocery store for just a couple of items. As I entered the store I was greeted by about 6-7 Boy Scouts. These were the younger boys at about the age of six or seven years old. Their parents and a few younger siblings were there for help and encouragement. 

Like the girl scouts, the Boy Scouts have an annual fund raiser. I was asked politely  if I wanted to purchase something to help them out. I looked over what they were selling and spotted the large fund raising type of candy bars.

I enjoy donating when I can to their causes and using the moments as a teaching lesson. First lesson was a math lesson. I asked how much the candy bars were. I was told by one of the scouts that they were selling for two dollars each. I said "That is a good deal. I will take twenty dollars worth." That little guy was puzzled and looked for dad. Dad looked at me and said "we have to work on our division a little". I handed the boy a twenty dollar bill and said "you owe me ten candy bars. and now comes the hard part. Please take these candy bars and give them away to any veterans that come though here. If need be you can give all of the candy bars to one veteran. They are easy to spot by the caps they wear, or you might have to ask some people if they are veterans. We are proud of them and want them to feel special."

Then the boys were gathered around their leader who explained to them that a veteran is a man or woman who served or is serving in our armed forces. "They fight to protect us all". He did a great job with his explanation. 

One of the siblings of the scouts was a little girl who quickly asked this question. "Is Mom a Veterman? I could not hold my chuckle in. Her Dad replied "Yes Mom is a Veterman. You have seen her go away in her uniform and work as a nurse for the other Vetermans. The little girl asked, "Does Mom have to fight too? "His reply was straight to the point. "Yes if needed Mom has a rifle and will fight." This little girl looked confused and then she saw Mom walk in. The little boy I had been wheeling and dealing with took one one of the candy bars and handed a candy bar to the lady and said. "Here is a candy bar for being a veteran. Take it with you when you go fighting, it might come in handy." 

There were a few eyes that were experiencing a hay fever attack right then as tears rolled down their cheeks. I do believe my own eyes were a little damp with leakage.  

My point for the day is this. There are moments in time when we can teach children a lesson by supporting their causes. This blog gets read in many countries who have armed forces. They also have children who can be taught small lessons now and then, by spending a little cash and time with them. 

God bless. Let there be peace today and all sit down to munch on a candy bar.

Marty

Middle East Peace 10/14/2025

 Good Morning,

It is Door County Maple Coffee that is steaming away in my cup this morning. 

It is quiet thus far in the Middle East as Hamas and Israel have made to the peace table. My prayers that the hostages taken two years ago were answered. Not all of them came back alive. I mourn for their families. 

1 Peter 5;8 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

This peace treaty  is shaky at best. I am sure there are some radicals who are already planning to disrupt the quiet with some antic or another. I will keep that region of the world in my prayers. I also will remember the hostages who now have to function in freedom. They will probably be on edge for a long time, if not forever. Always looking over their shoulder. No one could blame them for brewing hatred within their hearts toward their captors. I will pray that God heals their hearts. 

When I think of all the lives that were lost in the last two years and the children who starved to death and a war without a victor I cannot see beyond what evil and hatred can do. Hatred is a powerful motivator and can roost within the hearts of mankind and at the most opportune time fester and spill out into the life of this world. I pray that this doesn't happen.

Have a blessed day and beware and watch to see if your own heart is the home of hatred. It might be time to serve hatred an eviction notice. 

Marty

Back To Normal 10/13/2025

 Good Morning,

I started this day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee. It is time for me to write. 

Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; But man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. 

My wife Rene and I are folks who really never stray from the path of what we call normal or routine. If I am not hunting at this time of the year on any given day, I am doing some of the fall chores. I also have some weekly chores that need to be done. One of the things I do year round is to take one day of the week and prepare some food for the week. Yesterday was spaghetti sauce day. I will use it to make lasagna and gnocchi later this week. 

Our old food dehydrator gave us one last batch dried apples last week. Normally the house has the aroma of dried apples at this time of the year. I usually will dry about two to three loads of apples in a week. I find that adding a little cinnamon to the apple slices makes the house smell like fresh apple pie. 

We purchased a new dehydrator and yesterday was the trial run of the new, bigger, and better machine. I was not disappointed. Sometimes it is those simple things like drying apples that can put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. 

The same emotion or feelings are triggered when I open my Bible and a book I am studying. Each morning when I wake up and pour that first cup of coffee and pray, I welcome myself to my spot in the world and enjoy being there. I look for normal to embrace my day and I thank God for days without too much commotion.  The time spent in my Bible points my internal compass to normal every day and a great spiritual meal. 

I hear the dehydrator calling me to fill it up and fill the air with apples and spices.

God bless,

Marty

Sunday Morning Full Of Goodness 10/12/2025

 Good Morning,

My mug is filled with hot Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee and it is time to write.

I am at the desk surrounded by memories, which includes lots of  taxidermy work on the walls. This day, like every day started with goodness and will stay that way until mankind sticks his nose into today. Mankind will muck up the day somehow by adding rudeness, hatred, greed, politics, lust, violence or selfishness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed , Because His compassions fail not  23. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness.  

What starts out as pure and clean, is like a bottle of cold clear water that when opened received some dried dog poop. It doesn't take much to ruin a good thing and that good thing is plain old undesirable. Mankind doesn't even have too work hard to muck up the day.  

But yet we get a new morning every day and it is ours to enjoy, enhance or rest in. God is faithful. He starts us out right each and every new day, and we haven't learned how to treat the day given to us. 

So my friends that is why I get up early every day. I start my day when it is quiet and yet still pristine. I thank God for waking me up as He give us another chance. 

Enjoy the day and see if you can avoid polluting this day anymore than it already is. It started pure and holy. Let's try and keep it that way

Marty

Just Making It Comfortable 10/11/2025

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of Moose Munch Coffee and I have to say that I am warm, and comfortable. So now it is time to write.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

There is a lot of illness going on in my part of the world and I find myself still fighting off the impacts of Covid from a month ago. They are nothing too serious. They just don't want to leave. 

Today I have a very full schedule and this morning I am just taking it slow, enjoying my time writing and reading my Bible. Our dogs have been tended to and for a little while I am at peace. 

For me there is nothing like hot coffee, a warm house, tired dogs, my Bible and some prayer. When I can get all that in a morning, I feel like I am in the lap of luxury. It is so comfortable that I at times probably extend my stay in that luxury a little too long. 

My point for the day is this. If I could share my time of luxury with you, I would. But I can't, so the best I can do is to share the blueprint of the time. When it comes to spiritual luxury you need to do what works best for you. But do it. You are worth every minute in the lap of contentment, spiritual luxury and rest. 

Make your self comfortable in the Lord today.

Marty

A Thought For A Friday 10/10/2025

 Good Morning,

I can hear the Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee brewing in the kitchen. I am not sure if I should call this time Night Time or Early Morning. 3AM is 3 AM.

Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

Shortly I will be going out to the truck with my dog Leo to meet my two nephews so we can hopefully hunt some ducks and just maybe come home with some for the stew pot. It's hard to believe that the two little clowns are pretty much taking me hunting. I hate to tell them this. "THEY ARE GETTING OLD!"

Yesterday I took our neighbor to a hospital where I had spent a lot of time working for four years. As I walked the halls to get to the department he needed, it dawned on me that I still knew where I was going. The department he needed was one of the last projects I worked on before I finally retired. I ran into a couple people I knew and I had nothing but good memories of my time spent there. 

While working in that facility I never thought that I would be using the knowledge of being able to navigate this huge campus later in life and that it would benefit a friend.

Mt point for the day is this. Whatever you have to do on this Friday might not seem important today. But God knows where you are, what you need to do, and He might just be taking this day to prep you for the future. Never count any day as mundane or ordinary. You just never know what an impact this day might have on the future. 

Embrace this Friday with gusto!!

God bless,

Marty

Writing Something For A Friend, Eulogy For Karen10/9/2025

Good Morning,

 I am anticipating a large, hot mug of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee to wake me up in a minute or two. 

A dear friend of mine passed away on August 14th. Due to some circumstances holding us back we are having  a celebration of life for her this coming Saturday. I was honored to be asked to perform the funeral service. I spent the last few weeks trying to come up with something I was pleased with. I want this service to be prefect to honor God and her. 

I want to just say one thing that stands out about my friend. She has suffered for years and years. But not once when I would visit her did she ever complain. She would smile and carry on a conversation that was uplifting and peaceful. She would accept prayer from visitors, but always wanted to pray for you when you visited. 

I have one passage of Scripture that describes her life and her last final days.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 

So for today, every time that you want complain about something. Think about my friend. Strokes, falls, broken neck bones, and many other infirmities and no complaints. What drives you to be fussing today?

See if you can go a whole day without complaining. My friend who was often in pain still greeted everyone with a smile. She never cussed  out God and blamed no one for her trials. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Why Is the Truth So Hard To Find? 10/8/2025

 Good Morning, 

I am ready to write. I am one cup of Moose Munch Coffee into this morning and the second one is cooling off too quickly. 

Jeremiah 9:1 NKJV Oh That my head were waters and my eyes fountains of tears. That I may weep day and night for the slain of my people. 

I am positive that this blog will strike a note, that is not pleasing to some and ignored by others. 

In the world as we know it now, we tend to ignore the truth and mask it with deceit. We don't call a rotten apple a rotten apple. It is nicer to refer to the trouble maker as bruised fruit and blame whatever happened on society. There is an excuse for even some of the most heinous  crimes. And instead of placing responsibility upon the person who chooses to do wrong, we blame an object, like a gun, knife, automobile, or group violence toward an individual. We want to blame everyone else for the faults of society except ourselves. Friends we need to own our own crazy. 

"George Orwell wrote, "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act" 

I am here to say that I still believe that  this world still has a lot of kindness and love to offer. It is still there. But it has been clouded by the loss or absence of Godly principles being absent in daily living, at work, at home, at school, on the fields of athletics and on the streets.  I heard a speaker on the radio say that what we need is more green space to help curb violence. Build more parks. I looked up the locations of some urban violence and a lot of it occurred in the parks with rivals squaring off and then the guns came out. Green space is nice but not the answer. 

Start with the truth in all things and don't be so quick to blame others for what you did.  We have lost the fear of God in our lives. He will hold us all accountable for our actions. I am sure He won't be listening to excuses and the blame game. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

The Best Days Of Your Marriage 10/7/2025

 Good Morning,

I am happy to say that I am wide awake this morning and my hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee is really working for putting me in a good place to start the day. 

Psalm 90:12 NKJV So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

I was thinking about being retired and enjoying life with my wife. We have both been retired for a couple of years now and we have taken some nice trips to cap off our retirement. But to say that our marriage boils down to a few trips and freedom to do lunch together isn't a fair assessment of our time together. 

I asked my wife Rene to pick out some times in our marriage that might have been the best days of our time together. She said that the thought of picking out a few days, or a couple years as being the best ones, was really making our marriage small.  

"Every day we have together has been an adventure and a blessing. Each fire in the hearth while watching the Christmas tree glow with way too many lights is a great day. Visits from our family or going to visit them is a great year. A few special moments doesn't allow for counting your non traditional Thanksgiving dinners.  A list of a few special days or years  just cheapens a wonderful life of all the years combined."

I said "what about the bad days? Rene replied," The bad days come and go and like the good days that we share, we never faced a bad day alone. We are there for each other. I dread the day when one of us will be alone." 

Friends, the best days of our life are just a snap shot of the blessings we can share with a spouse, family member, friends and don't forget God, who made the days. 

Have a blessed day.

Marty

Make The Right Choice 10/6/2025

 Good Morning, 

My cup of Door County Maple Coffee is going to work overtime today. I am still tired from this weekend. It was a busy one and very productive.

I won't spend any time on recapping my weekend. My goal today is to share an ideal with you all. In  the past and I know my future too will have me in a place were I need to make a decision. 

I use a simple formula as to how to make a decision. 

1. Pray for guidance from God.

2. Before taking advice from anyone, check the advice against the Bible. Is your decision Biblically sound? If it is not Biblically sound, you have the wrong answer.

3. Does anyone of Biblical authority back your decision? If not, wait and seek a new solution. 

4. Does the decision you are choosing cause you to lie, cheat or steal? Bail out! Quickly!!!!!

Using this format has helped me  to reduce stress, doubt and fear about decisions I make.

Food for thought on this fine Monday!

Marty

Sunday And Some Pastry 10/5/2025

 Good Morning,

I just kick started this old body and it looks like I will be drinking some Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee. So let's get this day started!

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty. But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 

Today I will be old school and just run off to the bakery  for some type of pastry or rolls for breakfast. As a child once a month my dad declared that breakfast would be dining on sweet pastries or donuts .

It was a day that had me looking forward to breakfast . It was my goal to enjoy a sweet treat. 

My point for the day is to talk about setting goals for one day. After breakfast, what is your goal for the rest of the day?  Do you have a specific things, project, or task that you want to accomplish today?  Catching up on some rest can be a goal. It is your day, your goals, and much of the success in completing your goals depends upon your dedication to your own goals. 

I can't imagine a day going by that I don't have a goal or two. For today, my prayer, and my goal is to have God use me somehow, or someway to be a blessing to someone. So I asked God to help me with my goal for today. Tomorrow I will write about my success or failure to achieve my goal. 

What's in your pocket of goals today? Do you have one, none, or many?

Have a great day!

Marty

10/4/2025 Keeping Your Word 10/4/2025

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Maple Coffee next to me and I am ready to write.

Today is the opening day of Duck hunting in Southern Wisconsin and I wish for those who are going out this morning a safe and productive hunt. 

You might say to yourself if you know me at all 'Why isn't he hunting today?" There is a simple answer. I am helping out at a hunt test for Springer Spaniels. I had given my word that I would volunteer to help with the event. I will get back to some serious hunting next week starting Monday. In all honesty I have a personal interest in the performance of one dog. 

The point I am making for today is this. A man is only as good as his word. I define a deal as done when I say yes I will be there. If a handshake is included in the deal, I like that even better. 

James 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "yes" be "yes" and your "No,"  "No" lest you fall into judgement. 

Have a great day!

Marty

Love Is Best When It Is Blind 10/3/2025

 Good Morning,

The chair at my desk is just too comfortable this morning.  I am saluting this day with a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and it is time to write. The fall wild flowers just began to pop, but they are a sign that winter is around the corner.

1 Peter 4:8  NKJV And above all things have a fervent love for one another, for "will cover a multitude of sins."

Proverbs 10:12 NKJV Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. 

Love is best when it is blind is a very true statement. Imagine living with a spouse who questions every little thing you do, corrects your statements, and complains to you about the most trivial things. We all have our faults and I have my share. But if my wife were to be correcting me or complaining as to how I pack the dish washer and then how I drive, it would drive me crazy and our marriage would not be sailing on an even keel. 

Now if I were to be drinking from the milk carton, I could see my wife saying something and I probably should stop. But not placing the bottle of cinnamon in line right next to the nut meg would definitely not be worth mentioning. That is just the time when your love should become blind and just let it go. We can nit pick to the point to where it is annoying and we cause our target to start looking for ways to retaliate. This totally disrupts the harmony intended for the relationship. 

To quote a lyric from the movie Frozen "Let it go, let it go, let it go." True love" is blind to the small things and is best practiced unselfishly and regularly.

Have a great day!!! 

Marty

A Blessing Prayer 10/2/2025

 Good Morning,

There is no coffee for me this morning. I will have a cup later after and by then it will be long overdue.

Do you pray for your friends regularly? There are times when I am doing just about anything and someone will pop into my head for no particular reason. I stop for a moment and pray for them. I ask God to bless them as only He can, for He knows what is going on in their life. Or maybe I do know about what they need and I pray specifically for it. 

My prayer for my friends or family is usually short and to the point. I don't fill the air with minutes of prayer. What can I say that God does not already know? I use this passage of Scripture sometimes as my prayer of blessing for someone else. Most of my friends never really know that they have been prayed for. 

Numbers 24-26 NKJV. The Lord bless you and keep you; 

25.The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. 

26. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 

Did a friend or family member come to mind while reading this? Take it as a nudge from God to pray for them. Ask Him to bless them, keep them safe and for peace in their hearts.

Have a great day!

Marty

A Good Group Of Men. Not A Skunk In The Bunch 10/1/2025

 Good Morning. 

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Mystery Coffee and it tastes as good as it smells. It is time to write. I wish I knew what flavor it is. 

Proverbs 11:13 NKJV A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Last night we started a new book to study in our Mens Group at our church. The group of men that showed up was larger than expected, but the more the merrier is how I look at it. 

We only have one rule for the guys to observe. What is said there stays there. The men are guaranteed that if they share something with the group or request prayer for anything it is treated as personal and is not to be repeated to anyone outside of the group. 

It is a safe atmosphere to be able to share a problem, a fear, a personal struggle, or disappointment without it being blabbed all over the church. The rule is explained  to anyone who walks through the door and it is stressed as to how important it is for our hour to remain confidential.

Point of the day. Can you keep a secret? Can you be trusted? Or are you one who treats a confidential statement like a juicy brownie with gobs of frosting as something that needs to be shared with anyone and everyone?

Are you a helping hand for a brother or an anchor around his neck in the raging river of life?

Food for thought.

Marty