Keep Your Expectations Real 12/14/2025

 Good Morning,

The house is slowly warming up this morning and my cup of Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee is helping the process along. I think it is time to write. 

As a pre teen and then as a teenager I had some pretty lofty ideas as to what my future life was going to be like. I would tell my mother all about my ideas and some times she would comment or most of the time she would laugh and walk away. For instance a presidential election gave me an idea that when I was older I should run for president of the United States. I am still debating that one in my mind. 

Then I mentioned to her while eating a bowl of Cheerios that when I was on my own I would eat steak, eggs, and fried potatoes every day for breakfast. Several things with that idea went wrong. I found out just how much steak costs. Cooking steak, eggs and potatoes takes a lot of time to fry up and eat. That doesn't allow for a quick exit from home to get to work. 

This last one had her in stitches one morning. I really just came up with this one to get under her skin a little. I told Mother that I was going to marry someone who would serve me breakfast in bed every day. Well that idea went into the crapper when I married my wife who doesn't cook, never did, and said right up front "Never will". So I found out that if I wanted breakfast in bed I should learn to sleep in the kitchen. 

So my point for the day is this. Keep your expectations for life real. Or if you really want to see them develop into reality you might just have to work a lot harder. I really don't do much of the lawn work except for the heavy work and my wife always helps with that. I can't iron clothing and I can't tell you how many white shirts my wife has ironed in my career span. She once told me that when I retired she enjoyed taking my white shirts to the clothing donation center. So the roles have been reversed. I like to cook and I do about 95% of our meals. When I am ill I can look forward to a can of soup from the pantry heated up with love. 

It is good to have lofty dreams, but you might need to do more about making them real then just talking about them. And in reality the cost of an election would be too expensive. Eating steak and fried potatoes comes with another pit fall called Cholesterol and a know it all doctor.

Food for thought. Sometimes you have to wake up from your dreams and realize that they were only dreams. Reality is being real with those dreams. It is best to ask God what His plans are for us. His plans aren't dreams, they are written in stone. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Marty

Just A Little Cold 12-13-2025

 Good Morning,

My insulated bottle filled yesterday with Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee is doing overtime in warming me up. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  16. Rejoice always, 17. Pray continually, 18. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus

I traveled to Upper Michigan last night to attend the funeral of one of my dear cousins.

The weather report warned me of colder weather and snow. They had the forecast correct. The snow wasn't the worst I have encountered. It wasn't a heavy snow. But at times visibility was zero because of the blowing gusts. As far as the cold goes I awoke to the hard cold fact that the temperature is currently at ten below zero.

My point for the days is this. We never know what a day will have in store. I am blessed to have many folks praying for my travels. It warms my heart to know that I am covered in prayer. 

I count my blessings. I am warm. I have some great coffee and later I will be with relatives remembering one of our loved ones who will now is in heaven with other members of the family. She is in the presence of the Lord.

God bless. Count your blessings.

Marty

Gain Control Of Yourself 12/12/2025

 Good Morning,

The liquid in my mug is Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee and it is time to write. 

I take advantage of any discounts I can these days. And at times they are really worth leaving the house for.

It just so happened this week that there was a discount at a local store for people 65 years of age and older. I went to seek out a savings with a shopping list in my pocket. We did not need much and most of everything we needed was to be found in two adjacent aisles. At the head of one of the aisles were four guys about my age. They obviously knew each other. It seemed that meeting at the store on this one day of the month with the discounts was normal to them. They were pretty loud with their conversation. But what stood out was the foul language that was spewed about like a vomit factory. 

I was not offended by the language and I am a big boy, but I was embarrassed by it. A young lady with two small children in her cart had to walk by this gathering of dim wits. They did not curb their speech one bit as the lady with the little kids walked by. You could see that this lady was offended . I said I was embarrassed. I was embarrassed because at that moment  they were representatives for my generation. One of them actually noticed the disdain on her face,  as she moved on shaking her head. 

Not one to hold back, I did walk by them and said "Nice job fellas" and they knew it was sarcastic and not a compliment. None of them said a word to me as I went by.  I wondered if they spoke that way around their own grandchildren at the Christmas dinner table. They were probably the class bullies when they were younger. 

Kids are known to repeat everything they hear and I hope these four guys would not want their three year old grandchild to repeat what I heard come out of their mouths.  Imagine a three year old asking Grandpa for some more F- - - - -G mashed potatoes at the Christmas Dinner Table. Kids will be quick to repeat Mom or Dad or their grandparents and show the world the hearts of their relatives. These guys showed no respect for children and their mother. 

We own what comes out of our mouths and for these guys it was embarrassing to be from their generation. 

James 3:9-10 NKJV With it we bless God and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things not ought to be so.  

Food for thought!

Marty

Hang In There 12/11/2025

 Good Morning,

I hoisted a hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee to my mouth and it did the trick to wake me up and push me outside.

We are 11 days into December and only 14 days from Christmas. I have taken notice, that as hard as people try to get the maximum Christmas experience, they cannot stop the rest of the world from spinning. Despite that this is the Christmas season, car accidents still happen in December. People are still shooting others.  Prices are still too high and our money does not go as far as it used to. There will be funerals in December. Miscarriages still take place. Jobs are lost and divorces still go through. 

God does not take December off, nor does He rest. One thing we can count on is for God to comfort us when the world attacks. We are never alone nor are we ever defeated. 

Jeremiah 31:25 NIV I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. 

Christmas is for the happy, for the sad, the lost, or the unsure of tomorrow. Because He lives we can face tomorrow. And I hope you can turn your eyes upon Jesus and be refreshed,

Marty

The Slippery Road 12/10/2025

 Good Morning,

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

Where we live, you just never know what you will wake up to. Just 30 miles away or even less can have drastic changes in the weather. I just returned inside from checking out the weather. Our driveway has a thin coat of ice on it and it is a little slippery. The forecast is calling for a light snow later this morning and temperatures will be dropping drastically.

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

You did not sign in just to read about the weather in Oak Creek Wisconsin. But here we go. 

My wife Rene is supposed to pick up her mother this morning and the two of them were to attend a gathering at Mother's church an hour away from us. Mother is now 98 years young and looks forward to these luncheons and the fellowship. My mind tells me that it is best for them to stay off of the roads and plan to attend the next one. My heart feels bad that they can't attend. 

Traveling on cold icy roads has it's pitfalls for sure. Once you start sliding on an ice covered patch you very often can't right the vehicle or stop until something stops you.

Life is the same way. Some things that have disaster written all over them are best to avoid and stay away from. Get rich schemes come to mind and how easy it is to scam people out of their money. It seems honest and righteous, but in the end you lose your money and are poorer than when you started following a slick scam artist. Nothing in life is free and easy when it comes to money. Greed is a slippery path and often leads you down a road of no return. It's not just the older folks who fall for these buffoons' who say if you are not satisfied you can get your money back. Or for those who gamble too much in a casino. No money back guarantee there!

So for today, note that a sure thing is not always a good thing. Beware, it can be ugly out there. Check and consult with someone reputable before taking a trip on a slippery road.

Marty 

Dress For The Weather 12/9/2025

 Good Morning,

I am really enjoying the cup of Door County Christmas Coffee in front of me and it is time to write. 

                                     

As a young boy and even on a little later in life I did not heed my parents advice when they would say to me "Where are your boots? Or that jacket isn't warm enough for winter weather. Go and get your parka." 

Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool. But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.  

It only took me one time to learn this lesson for good. It was a March or April snow storm that surprised everyone. "Back in the day" School was not canceled for just anything or everything. So I left the house ill prepared for school to be let out early that day. The snow was so heavy at times that even the city busses were not able to travel. So I walked home from high school which for many of us was a long haul. My sneakers were soaked in the first five minutes. My winter boots were safe in my closet back home. My baseball style cap did not cover my ears. My warm hat, parka and gloves were keeping my boots company back home in my closet. It took me a little over an hour and a half to make it home, only to hear my mother say, "You should have worn your winter stuff"

Yesterday I relived that memory as I watched a lady walk through a slushy parking lot in a skirt, light coat and high heels. Obviously she was dressed for some type of professional work. She was tiptoeing around slush piles. She was not dressed for common sense but for show. I am not sure what the cost of her shoes would be. I know this, whatever the cost of ruining those shoes was, it just showed lack of care for herself and the fact that she wastes money. 

God gave us a brain and sometimes does not activate the common sense mode in teenagers for a little longer in life. They need to experience a mistake or two so that they recall what their parents advised. And parents need a chuckle now and then They get a gut buster when they realize that they now sound like their parents. 

The thought for the day is this. Dress for the weather. Be warm and dry instead of being cold and wet. Remember what your mother said. "Lay out your clothes the night before." Don't let laziness dictate your comfort.  I might look like Elmer Fudd now when I go out in the winter, but I am warm and content. 

God bless. 

Marty

Final Touches Made 12/8/2025

 Good Morning,

I am slowly waking up this morning with the help of a cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog Coffee. I am a little tired yet from pheasant hunting yesterday with two of my nephews. My body does not recover as quickly as it used to.

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Last night I repaired a wooden Christmas decoration for my wife. It is amazing how an item which neatly packed away after Christmas and was working fine last year, can come out of the attic and not work. I wonder if we had left the decoration out and displayed it all year and used it every day if it would have still broken. What causes a break down of something not being used? Do we have an evil gnome in our attic?  Ha!

My point for today that we can apply is this. Many people try to have a "Faith Experience" during the Christmas season. Their plans for Christmas include going to church because it is a tradition. Once that need is fulfilled they pack their desire for a faith experience away until Easter.

A life not experiencing God daily and not building upon it is pretty much like a decoration that is used once a year. Somehow when it is really needed it is broken and we either fix it or toss it aside. Christmas is a great time to kick start a heart that has gone cold, doesn't beat for others, and looks for God once or twice a year. Consider giving your faith a boost that lasts longer than a month. That church is open year round. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

A Day To Remember 12/7/2025

 Good Morning,

The coffee in my mug is Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog and it is time to write. 

Today in the United States we observe the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941. It was the final straw that drew the United States into World War Two.

John 15:13 NKLV Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Those who were there that day are a number that is very few anymore. But today I will honor those who served in WW2. They were a generation of "Can Do and Will Do people. I want to publicly thank them for the gift of freedom they fought for. Who knows what life would be like if we had lost that war?

God bless America,

Marty

A Real Heartbreaker 12/6/2025

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Alma Brand Coffee and the aroma goes through your nose and warms your heart. 

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

A loved one of ours received a text message while visiting us last week from her neighbor back home. She was informed that another neighbor was in very critical condition and was and still is on life support. The neighbor battling for her life is very young and has three small children.

This young mom and wife struggles with an alcohol addiction and has done some serious damage to her body and it isn't looking all that good . We prayed as a family and I am still praying that she can survive. In my prayers I have included prayer for the family which includes her husband, children, parents and her in laws. I pray that they will hang on to all hope and strength as they too go through the trial of a lifetime. 

When I think of alcohol addictions I picture an older man with a brown bag clutched tight and a bottle of Ripple inside, not a young mother and wife. All addictions are heartbreakers, but this one is getting to me. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that may be able to bear it. 

If you are reading this and you struggle with alcohol, love yourself enough to give yourself a Christmas present. The present is not what you give others, but what you take away from your life. Take away the addiction that impacts you so hard and take away the poor wretched soul that your family is watching die day by day. Get help and base that help with the love of  Jesus. You can do it. There is a beautiful world out there and don't miss another day of a better life. 

Friends if you know someone fighting this addiction or any addiction, pray for them, pray with them and help anyway you can to show you care. 

God bless,

Marty

A Friday Thought In December 12/5/2025

 Good Morning, 

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

Philippians 2:4 NKJV Let each other look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others. 

I have a short message for today before I take a friend to a doctors appointment. He lives just to the North of us and attends our church. After that my wife and I have a meeting with our insurance representative. My wife also will be headed out to assist her mother at a craft fair that her mother signed up for. 

Why am I pointing out all this business? It's just to show you all that retirement doesn't mean you get to sit at home and not be involved with the rest of the world. I find myself more involved with helping others than ever before So the thought for the day is this. God isn't done with you yet. He has a plan for you right up until that last breath of yours. I am not blowing my own horn here, but just to remind you that God is at work and He would love to have you join in. 

Many Christians like to sing the hymn "Standing on the promises" while sitting on their backsides. 

Food for thought. Give others the gift of you this year at Christmas. 

God bless,

Marty

A Christmas Miracle 12/4/2025

 Good Morning,

My mug is steaming from the hot Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee I just poured and it is time to write. 

Psalm 77:14 NKJV You  are the God who does wonders. You have declared your strength among the peoples. 

I was in the 2nd grade when tough times hit my family. Mom had to have an open heart surgery about a year before and the surgery was considered experimental at the time. Thus, it was not covered at all by insurance. When we needed to move into a smaller home it seemed like things could not get worse. During the move my parents and my sister were involved in a car crash. They were hit by a drunk driver. All three were hurt and the other driver did not have insurance or anything worth suing for. 

One night just before Christmas I was not asleep, but I could hear my parents talking and my mom was crying. My dad was explaining to her just how bleak the financial situation was and that there would be no presents for the family. Maybe the grandparents or our aunt would help out. Christmas cookies were nixed for oatmeal, and eggs.  His goal was not to lose our home.

I heard my mother praying for things to turn around and that my dad could keep up the pace of two jobs.

 My dad was a United States Marine and was active in the local VFW post and the American Legion. One of my uncles was also active in the same organizations. He spread the word that my folks could use some help.

It was a Saturday morning and it was cold in the house. I was up and watching the Saturday cartoons on the black and white tv. I hadn't been sleeping well. I too was worried that we would have our home taken away. As a second grader your imagination can run wild. The doorbell rang and I went to answer the door. There were several men and women at the back door. I opened the door and they asked for my Dad. I slammed that door and locked it. No one was going to take our home, or send me and my sister to an orphanage. I was ready to go all "Home Alone" on those creeps. I did own a sling shot!  Within a few seconds my heart sank as my dad opened the door. I thought to myself  "What the hell." I used to swear quite a bit by the time I was in second grade. My dad seemed to know the guy. He addressed my dad as "Hey Marine, We heard that one of us needed a hand." I looked out of the window and there was a line of women and men with boxes of groceries, toiletries and presents. My dad sat down at the kitchen table and there were tears running down his face. I saw my dad shed tears only twice. It was when my mom passed away that he cried for the second time. 

The man who seemed to be the leader also handed my dad an envelope with $250 in cash. He also had his hand on my dad's shoulder. He explained where all the money and food came from. It was collected at a dance held at the post as a fund raiser for our family. The kitchen was filled with these Marines and their wives until it spilled into the living room. Once they were assembled, they all on cue shouted in unison "Semper Fi" They shook dad's  hand and hugged mom,.

My point for the day. I believe in miracles and that God listens to prayers. I believe God also uses the good hearts of men and women to be a part of the miracles. If you are down and out, pray for that miracle and hope in the love of Christmas. 

If you hear of a genuine need and you can help, be part of a miracle.

God bless,

Marty

A Month To Celebrate. 12/3/2025

 Good Morning,

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

Winter has set in and right after some snow, the temperatures and the wind chill let us know that winter is everything that it is said to be. That is just fine with me. We have been shortchanged by the last few winters and it is about time to get some snow and cold weather. A great bonus for me is that all the mosquitoes are no where to be found. 

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV For unto us a child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder, And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,

As I sit in the warmth of our home, with a fire in the hearth I can't help but feel good about today. I have a few early morning errands to do and then it will be "Outside" to string some Christmas Lights. The inside of our home is being transformed into a Christmas chalet. My wife has been one busy gal with hauling out all of her Christmas decorations.

Notice! I don't say Holiday decorations. I am strictly a "Merry Christmas" kind of guy. Tis the season of Christmas and we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. No one ever woke up and said let's celebrate a Holiday. This time has been set aside for one reason and one reason only. It's all about Jesus.  

It just so happens that for me, we celebrate in my part of the world in the cold and hopefully some snow. But as long as I live, I will love wearing warm clothes, and fixing up out home with Christmas decorations, And I will respect God the Son, by calling this time of the year as Christmas. 

God bless,

Marty

Making Your Day Special 12/2/2025

 Good Morning,

Today I am trying a new coffee flavor from the Door County Coffee Company. White Chocolate Cranberry has filled my cup and I will say this, it might just be one of my favorites. 

I was thinking about how God gives us one day after the other and some days are just a repeat of the day before. Today I am taking charge of my day. I have a tendency to complain every day about something. I am going to try and reduce my complaints or eliminate them for today. 

Next I am going to take a moment here to list and share my top three favorite Bible verses with the world. 

1. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give your rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

2. Psalm 46:10 NIV He says "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations' I will be exalted in the earth."

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

The point for today is this. Share something with someone else today. Share a kind word, a cup of coffee, a phone call, some time in prayer, or a meal. While making your day great, you can also brighten the day for someone else. 

Food for thought.

Marty

Guilty As Charged 12/1/2025

 Good Morning,

I am happily drinking a hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee and it is time to write. 

Matthew 7:12 NKJV Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them., fore this is the Law and the Prophets.

I broke out the Christmas flavors of coffee to help support my goal of being "Mr. Happy" for December.

I have a little ritual that I do each week. My mother in law lives in an assisted living complex due to just getting older. She will be 99 years old this year and I am her only son in law. Every Sunday I call her and chat about just anything and everything. We especially like to talk about the Green Bay Packers after their Sunday games. 

But last Sunday I was traveling to Iowa to hunt and the call slipped my mind. So when I called her last night Mother reminded me that I missed a call last week. "You haven't called in some time!" was her minor scolding. I was guilty as charged and I will be making an in person stop there this week. 

My point for this fine day is. As we approach Christmas don't forget yo make an extra attempt at visiting the elderly who are shut in. Make a deliberate attempt to send an extra card, stop by for a visit, and for sure, call more than once a week. 

The last time you call, might just be the last time. Take advantage on making someone's day by visiting or calling on that loved one.  Time catches up on all of us and it might be you staring out of a window waiting for someone to remember you. 

Food for thought!

Marty

God bless, 

Marty