A Fresh Blanket Of Snow 11/30/2025

 Good Morning,

It has been snowing for about 22 hours now and we have a blanket of snow covering our home and property. It has been a gentle snow storm without much drifting at all. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and it is time to write.

Psalm 147:16 NKJV He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. 

In a couple of hours from now I will be outside cleaning up tour driveway and sidewalks. I am sure our two dogs will be outside with me. They have a tendency to knock more snow on to a clean sidewalk. I don't mind that they do. It is amusing to me to see them run and then go inside looking like two snowballs.

Our daughter was visiting for a few days and it sure was nice to be together and with other relatives. But earlier this morning I drove her to the airport and once again said goodbye as she was returning to her home.. I will confess that I was hoping that the airport would close because of the storm and we could have one more day together with her. 

Being kind of snowed in yesterday, we made the best of it. There was a fire in the hearth all day. Chili was cooking on the stove, and the Scrabble game was on the table. You can tell from our snow day plans that we enjoy the simple things in life. Great things and small things have one thing in common. They are a gift from God and He fills your days with them both. 

God gave us what we needed and that was just to visit and talk. The Scrabble brought back some fond memories and once again I received a board game beat down. 

Point for the day is this. Take each day as it comes and try to find the good in it. Take advantage of what is given and learn to be content. Contentment is a key to being at peace.

God bless,

Marty

A Real Bargain 11/29/2025

 Good Morning,

As I sit there writing with a hot mug of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee, we are anticipating a substantial snow storm. When I went to bed last night, according to the forecast we should have have had some snow by now. We will have to see what comes from all the snow hype.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. 

1Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed in humility, for "God resists the proud , but gives grace to the humble. 

My mother used to say this now and then. "I would like to buy that person for what they are worth and then sell them for what they think they are worth."

Now, we are all precious in God's eyes there is no doubt about that. What Mom was referring to is the person who in a nanosecond can inflate there ego quicker than an inflatable holiday yard decoration. These folks Mom was referencing, are the ones, who claim to know better about every thing under the sun. They will tell you all about their latest accomplishments and if you only give them a few acknowledgements they get their feelings hurt. They use you to stroke their egos. 

These folks will be judgmental, and tell you all about your faults and shortcomings while puffing up like a blowfish. They have signed up to be your self improvement coach.  They are usually big on opinions but short on real experience. As for me, when I see those types of people coming, in ten minutes, I am late for the door. The worse part of this experience with them, is that their overinflated ego will not allow them to see the fact that they hurt others, and no one wants to be around them. People will dodge their inquiries into their lives. When they inquire as to the status of your accomplishments they are looking to boost theirs and make them feel superior. It is just a ploy to give them another ten minutes to build up their own status. 

Enough of a rant for today. If you have to deal with the folks of self inflated status, pray for them. Sooner or later they will realize that they need to manufacture friends who can tolerate them. Hopefully they will wonder why and seek the Lord for counsel. 

We all need to eat some humble pie now and then. If you have to build your platform in life by putting others down, examine your own life and eat two slices of that humble pie.

Food for thought.

Marty

An Amazing Time. 11/27/2025

 Good Morning,

I am ready to write and then move forward to my day. I plan on enjoying a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Pie Coffee a little later. 

Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 

Yesterday we observed Thanksgiving Day with a meal and with family at the home of my brother. We were only 9 in number. The meal was amazing with everyone chipping in to add something to the meal, I must admit that as good as the dinner was, the desserts were just as good. It made one want to cheat and eat the meal out of order starting with dessert first. I lean pretty heavily on the side of eating the pies first. 

It was so nice to be assembled with family, that for awhile I forgot about some things that have been bothering me lately. The sound of laughter and the aroma of the food made you want to capture the moment and place it into your memory vault. By next year we will have increased the family by one little lady joining us in May. 

My point for the day is that the food was great, yet it was the company at the table that made my day. I thank God for that little group of 9.5 and I look forward to the next time we gather. 

We could have been eating peanut butter and jelly, but it was the people who brought the zest to the day. God knew exactly what I needed and it was to enjoy the blessing of family. I hope I can keep my priorities straight and always make them, God first, family second, and me third. I pray for you all to be able to do the same. 

God bless, 

Marty

Thanksgiving 11/27/2025

 Good Morning,

I will be pouring my first cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Psalm 107:1 NKJV  Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.  

Affectionately known as Nana Buns

Today in America we will be observing Thanksgiving Day. This day is for all of us to remind ourselves how much we have to be grateful for. 

Yet at the same time we should tell others who are on our list of friends and family just how grateful we are to have them in our lives. A few seconds taken to express our thanks goes a long way in making someone know that they are important to you. 

Take time to express your thanks to God for all of your blessings and let Him know how thankful you are. You will find that if you are being real, you will have more blessings than you can imagine.

I now sign off for the day and wish to let all the readers of this blog know that I am grateful for each and every single one of you and I pray that you are blessed and at peace with the world. 

Have a great day. 

Marty

Simple Message For 11-26-2025

 Good Morning,

I am currently on holiday for another day. I will return to writing a complete blog tomorrow once I am at home.

Have a great day.

Marty

Thankful For Guys To Hunt With 11/25/2025

 Good Morning, 

I am still away on a hunting trip for ducks with some of my closest hunting companions. I am not sure what flavor coffee I am drinking, but it is hot and gets right to the point. 

I have hunted with a lot of guys and I consider them all to be a blessing. One in particular has had to set aside hunting because of an injury. He still hunts a little now and than, but nothing like he used to. He is the one who turned me on to duck hunting. 

As I pray for all of those who shared their time with me in a water fowl blind, or at a diner afterwards I am grateful for them all. 

I could share many stories about weather, dogs,, guns, a good harvest and then nothing but sunsets and sunrises in the field. But I won't bore you with those. 

The point for the day is this. Be grateful for friends and especially those who share the same interests as you. Share your coffee with them, and pray that God adds to your photo list and memory vault.

Have a wonderful day!

Marty

When Old Friends Come For A Visit. 11/24/2025

 Good Morning,

I am not sure what brand of coffee I am drinking today as a write from m duck hunting trip. I am however grateful for it being hot and ready this morning. 

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all me remembrance of you.

I do the preaching on Saturday nights for our church and the crowd is never all that large. So in a heartbeat you can see and log into your mind all who are in attendance. 

Last Saturday evening I had just started my message when the door to the sanctuary opened and two men walked in. These two were former co-workers of mine who decided to pay me a visit. It was tempting to end the service early and send everyone else home so the tree of us good just sit down and shoot the breeze and get caught up on life. In 39 years with the same organization I had many many co-workers. But these two are the type you don't forget and never want to forget them. 

They are men of prayer and despite the pressure of work they always brought a smile to the work place. They are a credit to God whom they love. Today while sitting and hunting I will ask God to show me some of the work friends He blessed me with. In general I will ask God to bless those whom I worked with. It's a long list and I hope it is interrupted a few times with some ducks to shoot!

Have a wonderful day. Be thankful for those you work with or worked with.

Marty

A Sunday Kind Of Mind 11/23/2025

 Good Morning,

My choice of coffee for this day is Door County Maple and I do believe it was just what I needed for this morning. 

I will be leaving later this morning on a short duck hunting trip to Iowa. I will be traveling with my hunting buddies and of course one of my dogs. My thoughts are jumbled a little this morning, as it was a busy week. My prayer time takes me to a replay of the week and one friend who was seriously hurt when he fell and one relative who needs prayer because of a surgery that isn't healing up as expected. I assisted with the funeral service for a friend and his family is on my mind. My prayer list is pretty long on this Sunday. 

Exodus 31:17 NKJV It is a sign between Me and the Children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. 

For me Sundays are the day to recap the week, sort out the prayer list and get ready to go into Monday. I thank God today for how He worked throughout the week on my behalf and for that of my friends and family. It is a day of thanks for all of my blessings. 

Sundays are to be a day of rest and as I drive a few hours today, my truck radio will be tuned into a gospel message and then some music to make me feel good. That's what I call having a Sunday Kind of Mind.

My prayer is that you can also enjoy your Sunday and may it be peaceful and quiet and just what you need. 

God bless,

Marty

I See December Coming 11/22/2025

 Good Morning,

My mug was filled this morning with Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend 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.

Every morning I look forward to being greeted by our two dogs Gibbs and Leo and then reaching for my very hot coffee. It is pretty much the same thing every morning. And I am just fine with that. 

As I sat down to write this morning, I was looking ahead and December is rolling in and rolling in fast.  In a week we will be putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the outside of the house with some lights. My wife will go into "decorate madly mode' as she sheds the usual look inside the house to a winter wonder land. For three -four solid days and nights our home is in pandemonium. Just when I think that I put the ladder away until January, I hear "by the way Hon, we forgot to put the lights on the banister." She always says "we" but what she really means is that I missed something. 

I have a Christmas wife. It is her favorite time of the year. I think that if I said, lets stay decorated for Christmas all year long I would not have a fight on my hands. 

My point for the day is this, as much as we decorate the appearance of the home it isn't really Christmas unless our hearts are also decorated with the Love of what the season means. We always seem to find an extra dose of Peace, Love and Joy while preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

As I prayed this morning, I asked for the peace of Christmas to find me and for me to share love and joy with others. Why wait until Christmas to celebrate? 

Have a great day.

Marty

A Thought For A Friday In November 11/21/2025

 Good Morning,

One cup of very hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Blend Coffee is keeping me awake and it is time to write.

Philippians 4:9 NKJV The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. 

Today I will be officiating a funeral for a church member and I really don't know him all that well. I worked with the family to learn more about him so as to make the service more personal and not just a generic feel better moment. From what I learned about him in our brief meeting makes me wish I knew him better. In that short time I could definitely tell that he loved the Lord, was a family man through and through, and was a friend to many. 

So for today if I could see and hear all of those great character traits in an hour or less, what would people be able to say about us? Would they have to dig deep for something nice to say or would it be easy for them to say something and fill a ledger with kind words? 

Today you will leave a mark on this world, and tomorrow as well. Your world consists of family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers you will meet. In a short minute what could they say about you?

Food for thought.

Marty 

Play B 14 Please 11/20/2025

Good Morning,

My hot cup of  Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee is tasting mighty fine this morning and it is time to write. 

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

I found myself stopping for lunch not long ago in a small town diner in Central Wisconsin.  The old place still had a juke box with vinyl records inside. I asked the waitress if it still worked and she replied with a big smile and said "yes it does." It is a hobby of our owner to keep it working and a lot of people enjoy plugging quarters into it and listening to the old tunes. 

I asked to exchange two dollars for some quarters and I started to browse the list of songs available. They were fifty cents apiece  to hear, which now days is a bargain. I stopped at B 14 and punched in my request.  I played the song my wife Rene and I danced to at our wedding a thousand years ago. The title is Could I have this dance. 

Part of the lyrics say Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? I sat down and listened and I could see in my mind the two of us dancing. I still remember holding her in my arms and shuffling to the music. I am not a dancer and it was more like a bear stomping in the swamp. But it was our day, our song and our time to celebrate. 

It has been many years since that night and we have had a few ups and a few downs, But I just want to take a moment to publicly say today "Rene could I have this dance for the rest of my life, until I waltz across heaven some day with you?"

No it is not our anniversary today. It is just me, our two dogs, and a hot cup of coffee feeling good about the gal who said yes. 

Have a great day!

Marty

Make A Straight Path 11/19/2025

Good Morning, 

I am thoroughly enjoying a hot mug of Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee and it is time to write.

Everyone knows that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. It is simple geometry. I see a lot of people struggling with issues, calamity, catastrophes, and major hurts dealing with things on their own without going first and directly to the throne of God  for help. 

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

Folks will try to go it on their own, only to find that they are incapable of actually helping their situation which is beyond their realm of strength and wisdom. When that doesn't work, they make a detour to the 
"friend and family zones" , They call out for advice and comfort from well meaning friends and family who probably will pray with them or for them. Then after the friend and family zone, they rush to the Pastor zone. They seek out Godly counsel which is good, but yet they haven't really consulted God through prayer on their own. 

They make the line of help from them to God a lot longer than need be.  God first, others come after that. 

Friends, a little advice. When life throws you a curve ball, before going to friends, family and pastors, go directly to God and start the process of help, mending the hurt, making a decision, or seeking comfort for a heartache. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

A Candle In The Window 11/18/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a very hot cup of Door County Bourbon Pecan Coffee and it is time to write. 

Matthew 5:3-4 NKJV "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."4. Blessed are those who mourn . For they shall be comforted. 

My thought for today is pretty simple. It is about candles and kind thoughts for those who are wandering through tough times. If you are reading this and life is not being kind to you, or the future is looking grim, watch for those who are extending a helping hand. 

I am here to say that in dark times when we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and we pray for God's help, He often uses others to help you. He doesn't always speak from a burning bush or part an sea in front of us. But many times he sends someone who says, "call me if you need anything." Friends that is God working through others to answer your pleas of loneliness, and despair. These folks have become the candle in the window for you. They are God's love in the flesh.

If you are the one who said "Call Me" don't say it if you don't mean it. Keep your word. Be proactive with the one God sent to you. Drop them a note of encouragement, make a call , or set a date to meet and pray with them. Remember Who sent you. If you say "call me if you need something," be available, be faithful, and be flexible.

Proverbs 3:27 NKJV Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 

Food for thought?

Marty

Jury Duty 11/17/2025

 Good Morning, 

I brewed a hot pot of Door County Smore's Coffee and it really added some gusto to my morning. 

1 Corinthians 10:31. Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

My wife Rene was notified a few weeks ago that she was called up for jury duty this week. She has to call in every day to see if she is needed. I won't go into what I think of the process but I will talk about the way she has addressed the call to duty. 

Rene sees jury duty as a call to serve our community and as she said have God direct any decisions she has to make. She plans on praying for this call up every day and then if she is a juror she has a list of things to pray for.

1. Hearing clearly every thing that is said.

2. Be able to leave opinions out of the case and just judge the facts.

3. Energy so as to not be tired but attentive. 

4. The ability to examine whether or not she has any prejudices.

She went to bed early last night and before she did I commented on her plan and she said. "I would hope if I was in front of a judge and jury that others would do the same for me." I have to agree with her on her approach to serving." 

If called to serve your community take it seriously and do all to the glory of God.

Food for thought.

Marty

It Takes A Lot Of Faith 11/16/2025

 Good Morning,

 My Thermos is filled with Door County Smore's Coffee and it is time to write. 

My prayers are for all of you to be blessed today as only God can bless you. He knows your wants, needs and desires. 

In a life time many people will experience dark times, when your faith is tested and stretched beyond what you believe you can bear. You wonder how any good can come from the situation you are in. Only God can take what is bad and use it for good. 

Forgiving is one of those times when releasing a grudge or even righteous anger can bring about change in others and growth in ourselves. 

Forgiveness can seem like a daunting task, especially when we have been hurt, Yet as we look within the Bible we see God using bad things for good. We see that forgiveness is a divine invitation for healing. When we choose to forgive, we release the heavy burdens of anger, and resentment. This allows God to work in our hearts. Forgiveness can open the pathways for restoration, growth, peace, and harmony in our lives and the lives of others. Forgiveness is all a part of  God's plan for us, to turn bad situations into something good.  

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. 

So if you are in a rough spot and hope is hard to find, before you go to others for a solution or rely on your own weak mind, always seek God's help, especially when you decide to forgive someone. Ask for strength and wisdom. But never count out forgiving. 

Food for thought. ????

Marty

Knowing When To Let Go11/15/2025

 Good Morning,

I am up early today. I have to keep an appointment this morning so my travel mug was filled with Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and it is time to write. 

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV A man's heart plans his ways. But the Lord directs his steps. 

We have been raking up the fallen leaves from our trees and yesterday I hauled two truck loads to our city dump. Everyone had the same idea, so the lines were long to get rid of our yard waste. I unloaded and took a picture of what was once lush green leaves and now are brown, crunchy tree waste. We still have quite a bit to rake and haul away in the next two weeks. 

My point for the day is this. The trees let go of waste to make room for fresh buds in the spring and big green leaves a little later. Some times as we age, we tend to hold on too long to positions and work that could be done better by younger people. We can set the standard, but sooner or later we have to hand over the reins of control to the next generation. 

Hopefully we set a good example for them and taught them everything we know. And when we leave, actually leave and remember it is theirs now. It is your time to enjoy life and your family and friends. Take your new found time to grow closer to God. 

Food for thought.

Marty 

Cooking A Turkey 11/14/2025

 Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee I can now say that I have enjoyed all of their fall flavors now. 

Psalm 133:1 Behold,  how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.  

It is customary in the United States for us to celebrate Thanksgiving each year in November. It is a day to be thankful for all the blessings we have received. Part of the tradition is to roast a turkey for dinner.

There are many ways to cook a turkey and the correct way to do so is to cook it the way you like it. I for one like to wrap our turkey in bacon and cover it very well. Then before I turn on the heat I pour maple syrup over the whole turkey and some inside the bird's cavity. I place the turkey into an electric roaster and cook it in the garage. 

This is not some old family tradition. I saw this method of baking a turkey on a news cast many years ago and I tried it and liked it. I love bacon and anything maple. 

My point for the day is in all things there can be several ways of accomplishing a designated goal. Some people fry a turkey, and I have heard of those who boil a turkey and make soup out of it. All of those different ways of cooking are that. "Just Different" We all have different ways of doing things. If what we are doing does no one any harm it should be accepted as just different. I broke the tradition a few years ago and did not serve turkey and the trimmings at all. We had an Italian dinner feast of gnocchi, meatballs, salad and garlic bread. 

Accepting differences that cause no harm to anyone can be a learning experience and and a lesson in tolerance. Some day I will eat fried turkey and just because I am a fan of soup, I will boil a small turkey and try the soup method. 

Tolerating differences is a good way to have peace within our hearts. I say let that peace begin with me. 

Marty

Rolling Your Sleeves Up 11/13/2025

 Good Morning,

I have in front of me a hot cup of Alma Passion Coffee. It is still steaming in the cup and it is time to write.

1John 3:17 NKJV But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 

We all know of someone who is in need of some help these days. During stressful times and when things need to get done, God created people who don't wait to be invited to the project or disaster, they just show up, roll up their sleeves and help. They see the problem or cause and help anyway they can. You often see this occur during natural disasters. 

In addition to being willing to help, they often bring to the table skill sets that are missing in the group. God gave others skills that can be used to enhance the work group. 

I am fortunate to have friends who act first because they know what you are going through and what you might need. With friends like that, who can fail? 

So for today, watch for a need. If God shows it to you, He is probably leading you to be a blessing to others. Roll up your sleeves and get going to help. 

God bless,

Marty

The Little Lamp Lighter 11/12/2025

 Good Morning,

Today I am drinking a hot cup of Alma Passion Coffee to start my day. It is time to write.

Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, Come and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

We have the blessing to have our nephew's Springer Spaniel living with us while he is away for work purposes. Waylon is his name and he has adjusted very well to our home and our two Springers. 

Our yard is fenced in and at appropriate intervals motion detector spot lights have been installed. I believe that Waylon has figured out that when he runs underneath or in front of the lights they turn on. In the morning or at night Waylon waits patiently to be let outside with our two. The minute he gets the command to move he flies out of the door and then runs the fence line lighting up the yard. 

My wife Rene affectionately calls Waylon The Little Lamp Lighter. He has the whole yard illuminated in under a minute. 

I know some people who are a lot like Waylon. When they enter a room they seem to light up the place with a smile and their presence just improves a gathering or meeting. In a bad situation they bring light into it and the darkness doesn't seem to be that bad anymore. Their facial expression and attitude changes the atmosphere and you look forward to seeing them.

I find that their demeanor is a reflection of their love for Jesus Christ. And they make a difference when they encounter others.  Are you a light in the darkness for others? Do you turn on brighter when needed and serve other with a glad heart?

Food for thought. 

Marty

Today We Remember Veterans 11/11/2025

 Good Morning,

The Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is super hot and it is time to write. 

Today in America we observe Veterans Day. This day is to honor all of those who served our nation in the armed forces. My Dad who passed away some years ago was a veteran of the Korean War. He was proud to have served our country and I still miss hearing his stories.

I want to thank all of those men and women who left the comfort of home and said farewell to their loved ones to serve us and other nations when needed. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of them. It is our duty to be praying for them and extend any assistance needed by their loved ones while they are away. 

God bless our veterans and their families.

Marty

When Your Glasses Are Covered In Steam 11/10/2025

 Good Morning,

I just poured myself a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee which leads right into my message for today. 

Luke 15:10 NKJV Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. 

I consider my morning successful when I take that first sip of my coffee and the coffee is so hot that my glasses are momentarily covered in steam. I have to wait a few seconds for the glasses to clear before I start my trek upstairs to the den. 

I watched the late evening news a couple of nights ago. And another shooting took place in the city close to my smaller suburb. A teenager was caught after the incident and is being charged with the crime. This fella was 17 years old and will be charged with murder. 

All too often I see that young people are involved in murder incidents. I can't help but to think that a young person wakes up one day and decides to have his or her temper flare up and then get into a wild west shoot up. That doesn't happen. 

Parents and society make excuses for the actions of these gangsters and look at the situations through steamy glasses. I have heard it said after a young man or woman hits the courtroom floor that they got caught up with the wrong crowd.  If your teen or young adult is walking around with a gun, take off the glasses and realize your teen "is the wrong crowd."

My heart breaks when I see instances when a parent has to turn in their child to the authorities. They basically are doing the right thing, but it has to hurt to remove their child from society and have them incarcerated. I applaud their strength and resolve to do the right thing.

It's too late too late to take the glasses off once someone has been killed. Trouble can be seen earlier in life and that is the best time to "Nip it in the bud" 

I have tried walking up our staircase without turning on the lights and my glasses filled with steam, not acknowledging the danger. I did not see the pair of shoes left there and it only took that one small incident to show me what could have happened by ignoring the warnings that were going through my mind while taking one step after another.  Each step doing the wrong thing gave me the confidence that my foolishness really wouldn't  hurt anything. "I won't get caught." But I missed the last step. I did not fall but I spilled that hot coffee on the carpeting and had to clean it up with a carpet cleaner. 

If you love your child, shake them down now and then and find what they are hiding. It is easier to turn them in for firearm possession than it is to send them to prison for life or bury them. Set them down at an early age and teach them right from wrong. show them a few Bible verses on consequences and the love of God. Take off your glasses and truly see where they are headed. 

Food for thought!

Marty

 

Take It Personal 11/9/2025

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my my desk in our den with a very hot cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and it is time to write. 

Jeremiah 17:7-8  7.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.

8. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out it's roots by the stream, and does not fear when the heat comes, for it leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. 

I was informed on Friday evening that a long time prayer request of mine was answered in a great way. I am not at liberty to share the details right now. But I have been praying for months that God would answer my prayer and He did. It really is a miracle. 

It is Sunday morning and I am still in awe that this answer to prayer came at a time when I really needed to see a miracle. 

When I hear of such miracles and how God answered a long time prayer I can't help but to smile and know that God cares and answers prayer in His way and in His time. It is not always the "yes here it is answer I desire". There are those prayer requests that are answered with a No. I sometimes struggle when the answer is no. I then have to go back and learn to be content with accepting that God has a better plan and trust that His answer of no is His desire. 

I keep journals of my walk with God and when the answer is no, I write it down and at the end of the year I review my writings. I often see how the answer of no was better for me than what I thought it could be. 

"No" is at times a bitter pill to swallow. But not every medicine tastes good. Yet a bitter medicine may just cure a sickness. An answer of no, often times saves us from calamity and provides spiritual growth. 

So my challenge for all of us today is to trust in God even when we think we know best. In reality only God knows what is best for all of us. 

Love to all on this November day.

Marty

God Is Good Say Amen! 11/8/2025

 Good Morning,

It's early and the coffee I am feasting on is Alma Coffee Enchanted Dark Roast. Thanks Bill and Donna for the gift. 

I woke up this morning and I wasn't living in hell. In my mind it is more than I deserve. I gave my soul and heart to Jesus Christ in 1981 and even then it was a process to improve on my  habits and life in general. But God doesn't give up on us. I always say "I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I will be. But thank God I am not what I used to be.  

God is like a good father who at the  end of each day helps his children clean up before bedtime. God never stops working on us. Once we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit enters in and points out changes and improvement that should be made. The Holy Spirit allows us to see the truth about ourselves. He points us in the correct directions in life.

John 16:13 NKJV However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 

God is good! Can I get an AMEN?

Marty

Time To Observe The Seasons 10/7/2025

 Good Morning,

I will be stepping out for a little hunting early this morning for a short time. I packed my insulated bottle filled with Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee to warm up with if needed. If not, I will drive home with a hot cup as I travel. 

I love this time of year as the leaves have changed colors and are dropping to the ground. We are expecting a light snowfall Saturday evening. For me, it doesn't get any better than this. 

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him

Yesterday morning I lit some logs for some heat in the fireplace. The wood was crackling soon after being ignited. My morning coffee even tastes better in the late fall. 

Today we would be celebrating my Dad's birthday if he was still alive. It's funny how I inherited his love for the Fall.  For many years we would join Dad in November to hunt deer. The last year I hunted with him he never left the house. He said "I am here just to keep you company". We never hunted together again. 

As I reminisce, I can't help but thank God, for the first colored oak leaf I saved in wax paper back in 1962 . I thank God for 68 years of the third change of seasons I have been through. I thank God for all the family and friends I have hunted with during the third season. I thank God for warm fires, hot chili, hotter coffee, and the occasional snow storm that gave me a strenuous work out while walking to my deer blind or walking upstream to seek a duck or two. 

I just want to say. God is good!

Marty

Keeping The Fire Burning 11/6/2025

 Good Morning,

I can't help smiling as I drink my hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. The mug is super hot and just seems made for the day.

We are expecting a little winter weather for tomorrow and I am prepared for it to touch down in our area tomorrow morning. It won't be a real serious winter show down, but one cool enough for the first fire of the year to grace our fireplace. 

We have plenty of firewood for the winter and I plan on using it! In the garage is a bin I made and filled it with firewood. It consists of a lot of scrap wood that isn't quite December and January logs. We don't waste anything in this house. I burn the wood from the bin until it is gone and then refill it with some heftier logs. 

Once inside and a fire is started, in order to keep a fire going you have to place another log on the fire before the fire goes out. 

I liken this example to our walk with God. If we want to keep our walk warm and flourishing we need to stoke the fire and add more spiritual logs to the flames. The best way I found to keep the flames of our relationship with God alive and hot are these three spiritual logs.

1. Daily prayer and communication with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV   16. Rejoice always, 17. Pray without ceasing, 18. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

2. Spend time in the word of God. Matthew 4:4 NKJV But He answered and said. " Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that  proceeds from the mouth of God. 

3. Be willing to serve. 1 Peter 4:10 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

Food for thought my friends. Have a great day!

Marty

Praying Into The Night 11/5/2025

 Good Night Or Good Morning,

According to the clock on my desk it is 1:30AM. I am not ready for Coffee at this time, but the coffee maker is set to go off at 5:00AM. It will be brewing a new pot of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. 

This is rare for me not to be sleeping at this time of the day. Last night I attended our Men's Bible Study at our church. As is the custom every week, we end the night with prayer requests. I have to be honest. last night had some very serious requests for a few people and for myself. For me the time of  prayer hung with me the rest of the night and ran into this morning. As I write my eyes are growing heavy and sleep might only be a few minutes away. 

As I was praying I thought about the readers who might be reading this in the future. I thanked God for all of you and asked Him to bless you as He knows best as to what you need. 

Prayer is the God given right to call Him on the scene for yourself and others. All to often instead of praying we turn to friends, family, or Google for advice or comfort. Earlier I asked God to be the Lord of my dreams and I look forward to the answer to that request. 

So as I close this blog this morning, know you are all loved and God has a plan for each and everyone of us. Jeremiah 28:11 ESV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Rest in peace my friends.

Marty

Accepting An Apology And Forgiving 11/4/2025

 Good Morning, 

I am ready to drink my second cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee and really start my day. 

Yesterday we looked at making an apology and it's importance within relationships. Today we will look at accepting an apology and forgiving. 

Once an apology is made and it seems to be contrite, heartfelt, and sincere, there is a decision to be made. Are you going to accept the apology or not? Once an apology is accepted it almost seems as if forgiveness should be included. That is a completely different decision. The offending party should never assume that forgiveness is automatically attached to the acceptance of an apology.

Included in the apology exchange is the next point to rebuilding a relationship. The offending party should ask to be forgiven. "Please can you forgive me?" Would be a good statement to use. 

Another bridge to cross. The offended party has to decide whether or not to forgive. I have carried a grudge or two, but it just seemed that carrying my battle axe became tiring and always being ready to go back to war was hard on the rest of my relationships. 

Jesus tells us  to forgive one another. Colossians 3:13 ESV Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint  against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. 

Apologies, forgiving, and anger control just seems to be tiring and the sooner we are sorry, or willing to accept an apology the easier life can be all around. 

Food for thought!

Marty 

Recipe For An Apology 11/3/2025

 Good Morning,

The aroma of my Door County's Blueberry Cobbler Coffee has filled our home with the essence of fruit. It is a good way to start the day.

Now and then I will come across a recipe for a dish that I would like to make for my wife and I or guests. I have always tried to make sure all the ingredients are present before making the dish. I haven't had much luck substituting ingredients when I was lacking one or two of the main ones. The dish just did not turn out all that great or it hit the trash can shortly after tasting the results. 

Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24. leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. 

There are times in life when we might need to apologize for actions committed by ourselves toward others. And then there are those times when someone owes us an apology for what they said or did toward us. 

The recipe for a true apology has two main ingredients. They are Humility and Action. A humble person who wishes to apologize, comes to the table of forgiveness not making excuses for their actions. A sincere humble apology includes sorrow for what was done. Acknowledgement and ownership of the entire offense is a must. Humility does not expect to be forgiven and accepts the results of their offense.

The second and final ingredient to an apology is action. Was action taken to prevent from committing the offense again? Is there true action toward making a change in behavior? Is the action consistently being witnessed and applied to the personal improvement needed?

We will look into accepting an apology and forgiving tomorrow. That being said. Have a great day! 

Marty

Turning Back The Clock 11/2/2025

 Good Morning,

I was surprised to wake up and see that my wife Rene had observed the Daylight Savings ritual of turning back the clocks one hour. Does that mean I am enjoying my Door County Turtles In A Cup Coffee earlier or later? 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NKJV He has made everything beautiful  in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. 

All the clocks were adjusted except for the one that sits on my desk. That clock needs a screwdriver to complete the task. It has to be taken apart and the hands of the clock have to be turned gently to change the time. The old clock was a wedding gift given to us by a coworker. Rene leaves that one for me and it has become kind of a ritual I guess. 

Turning back the clocks an hour always makes me think about what I would do differently if I could really turn back time. What day would I stop at when I reached the day and time I would like to have as do over? I think we all would probably struggle with who we wanted to see or talk to again. It's a dream that many folks have. Twice a year. spring and fall has me wondering what day I would return to. 

I wake up from my day dream and finish the task and know that I can't turn back time and what I have to do is to face today and make the most of my today. No one can really count on tomorrow as that could be shortened in a heart beat. So today tell those you love that you love them. appreciate what you have. Be a blessing to someone. and give God a huge thank you for yesterday and today.

God bless you all.

Marty

In The Old Days! 11/1/2025

 Good Morning,

I was awake early today and right after I sent this out I was in my truck headed to a goose hunt with friends of mine. I will have a hot cup of Door County Turtles In A Cup traveling with me and I will enjoy more of it later while hunting. 

Matthew 25:35 NKJV For I was hungry and you gave Me food.; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. I was a stranger and you took Me in. 

My grandparents on both sides of my family left this world many years ago. One thing I can say and truly mean it ,is the fact that both of my grandmothers could fry the perfect egg. They fried the eggs in  leftover bacon grease. They cooked the eggs and bacon in a cast iron pan and I never saw either one of them break the yoke. Your seasoning was salt and pepper and two slices of toast went with that breakfast.

Many times when we went to visit them in Northern Wisconsin and Northern Michigan, we would be arriving at Midnight or 4am. Once our luggage was in the house you could smell the bacon frying. You were treated to their best at a very inconvenient time. That's just how they were. When you entered the door you felt important, loved, and cared for. 

We very seldom get visitors to our home that we weren't expecting their visit or they arrive in the middle of the night. But the lesson I learned is that a home should always be ready to feed or house others when needed.  Rene laughs when I refill the egg bin when it is low, and I say to her "You just never know when a meal needs to be made in a hurry".

So that's my point for today. Are you ready for surprise visitors? Is the light lit on your doorway? 

Just for personal reference. Can you fry an egg in a cast iron pan?

God bless,

Marty