How Is The Welcome To Your Home? 6/1/2026

 Good Morning,

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

Philippians 2:3 NKJV Let nothing be done through selfish ambition and conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

Today as I write I am challenged by my own thoughts. I believe that the one person this is intended for is me. How do we  or just me greet those who come to your door? Do they get the impression that they are an inconvenience to your day or do they feel welcome enough to stay for awhile? Do you answer the door with a smile or a frown? Do your neighbors know that your home is open and can be a source of help and refuge? Does a stranger feel like they would want to come back after visiting with you?

As you read this and I write this, you and only you know if it truly applies to you. That is between you and God. But it is truly truly food for thought.

Hebrews 13:1-2 NKJV Let brotherly love continue. 2. Don't forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some unwittingly have entertained angels. 

I will leave the porch light on!

God bless, 

Marty

Judge Not. 5/31/2026

 Good Morning,

The air is cool and crisp this morning. My hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Coffee stepped up to warm up my morning. It is time for me to write.

Quite a few years ago I went to pick up my wife Rene from work. We were going to shop for a new car for her. The day was super hot outside and before I picked her up I decided to purchase a cold Dr. Pepper for her.

Matthew 7:1 NKJV Judge not that, you be not judged .

I pulled into the parking lot of a Walgreens and as I approached the front door a man with a sign greeted me. The sign said "In Need Of Food. Please Help." 

I had a five dollar bill in my pocket and felt that I should help this man out. He had a white cane and was wearing dark glasses. He played the role of being totally blind. When I greeted him, he asked me how much I was dropping into his collection can. He said, "I cannot tell how much you have given me. So I don't know how much I have to spend for food. I am blind. Change is easier to tell how much is in the can by the size of the coin." 

I did not have any change and offered to go into the store to obtain coins. He told me not to bother, just knowing there was five dollars was good enough. He thanked me and I went in for the Dr. Pepper.

When I came back outside I now had 50 cents in change and was going to donate that as well. But my blind poor soul was driving away on a bicycle into extreme traffic. He wasn't blind at all. I was scammed. 

My wife was happy to have that cold soda. She listened to my account of the smarter than me beggar and how I was angry. "I said to her "this guy is probably just going to buy some drugs or alcohol with my money." Rene said to me. "Just be glad that you never had to ask for money and scam other people. Don't be so quick to judge. You don't know what brought the man to need to beg. Just be glad that you never knew what it was to be addicted to something or just plain out of work and needing something to eat." 

I never knew that my kind act to the not so blind guy was going to get me chewed out by Rene.

The point for the day is this. I jumped to a conclusion without knowing why a man was desperate enough to lie and beg. It really was none of my business. I was out 5 dollars or was I? I helped someone for the right reason and learned a lesson on not judging others. The whole scenario was between God, the beggar and I believe I was included to see what kind of heart I had without writing my own conclusions.

Look before you leap.!!

Marty

Credit Given Where Credit Is Due

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Coffee and it is enticing me to a pour a second cup. I am positive I will cave in to the pressure.

Proverbs 3:27 ESV Do not withhold good to those to whom it is due, when it is within your power to do so. 

Our yard has started to take shape as far as the the greenery and shrubbery is concerned. My wife Rene has been working on it at a steady pace. Our grass is another story. For some reason or another the harsh winter caused a lot of lawn damage. That will be fixed in the fall and that is my job. 

Back to the flowers. I cannot take any credit for the way the flowers turned out. Rene did all of that on her own and the best is yet to come. She worked diligently and all I was there for was to lift the potting soil bags from the truck to a work table in the garage. She pots the flowers in junk she has collected. She has an eye for repurposing things. 

The point for the day is this. when someone does something and it turns out great, make sure to give them some credit or applause for what they accomplished. Always share a compliment and a thank you for a job well done. Most of the time, people will not blow there own horn and are pleased just to admire their own work. But extend a word of praise and gratitude and watch the smile you receive in return. 

I am enjoying a great view this morning and all I can say is this. "Nice job Babe.

 Marty

You Are Missed 5/29/2026

 Good Morning,

My coffee mug ws just filled with hot water this morning. I am doing a medical fasting for some routine blood work so no coffee for me until later. The hot water is a placebo and is warming me up on this cool morning. 

Yesterday I attended a retirement celebration for a former coworker of mine. I am so glad that I attended it, and to say the least I had a very nice time. Also attending were many other former coworkers of mine. It has been a few years now since I have seen some of them. The farewell was more of a reunion. 

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 niv  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13.That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil. This is the gift from God

As a drove home from the party, I could not help but to pray and ask God to bless that group as only He can. There were a few empty places from some who decided not to attend or just could not make it. I can say this, until last night I never really thought too much about being retired from a company who employed me for 39 years. My job was a good one and the pay and benefits were nice. 

But last night made things clearer for me as I pondered the event. The best part of the job was working with good people. It was the  interactions with all those who crossed my path. As I sit here writing today, I see now, more than ever that it was those folks and there were many who I interacted with over the years that God blessed me with experiencing. The party was nice, but it also triggered the emotions of just how much I miss working with those folks. 

I look up with a wet eye this morning and a smile. If I worked with you, you were and still are a blessing to me.

Have a great day!

Marty

Are You Anchored? 5/28/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug was just filled with Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and it is time to write. 

Our neighbor is a lady of prayer and yesterday she sent my wife and I a quote she came across. 

"I want to be so anchored in Christ that chaos around me does not produce chaos within me." Mindful Christianity Paul Bane.

In today's world it can be so easy to come unglued from the stress of world events, such as wars, civil unrest, monetary woes, and danger from plain old lawlessness. 

A few years ago while vacationing in Virginia, we toured the USS Wisconsin. The Wisconsin is a World War 2 battleship docked in Virginia and is by far one of the biggest ships I have ever seen. I was amazed at the size of the sea anchors and chains that were used to stable the ship when needed and hold it in place. 

This quote made me think about the anchor that Christ is in our lives.It wouldn't take too much for people to spin out of control these days and then be fodder for chaos to enter our hearts, minds, and souls. Yet we are wrapped in the arms of His love and guided through troubling times. Jesus can keep us steady during times of despair, anger, doubt and fear. 

But in order to have that stability we  need to let Jesus drop His anchor and let Him steer the ship of our days, weeks, months and years. 

Hebrews 6:19 NIV We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Food for thought. Are you anchored in Christ Jesus? 

Marty

I Think I Will Be Biblical And Go Fishing, 5/27/2026

 Good Morning,

I am happy to say that I am content with my breakfast of Granny Smith Apples and a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee and it is time to write.

John 21:1-3 NIV  Afterward Jesus appeared again to His disciples, by the Sea Of Galilee. It happened this way. 2. Simon Peter. Thomas (also known as Didymus) Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3. "I am going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

                                               

Let's take a look at this. The disciples had just seen Jesus die on the cross. They lost someone they loved. Three days later He arose. Confusion now mixed in with their time of grieving. Jesus appeared to them in the upper room. More confusion mixed in with bewilderment and confusion.

Peter decides to withdraw and go to do something else besides thinking and grieving. Not only does he announce that he is going fishing, some of his friends are going to join him. 

Note, at times it is best to just hang around with the right friends and do something positive to relieve grief and confusion. Even while catching nothing, it is best when nothing is biting to be with a good friend or friends. 

My point for the day is this. Staying busy is good while you are searching, hurting, or confused . But not all the time has to be looking for the next profound thought. Sometimes you just need to wet a line and laugh with buddies. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

Finding Your Way In This World 5/26/2026

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee awaits me in the kitchen after I am finished writing. 

Psalm 119:105 They word is a lamp unto me feet, and a light unto my path.

I am amazed at just how much portable lighting has improved throughout my years on this planet. My first memories of a flashlight was a silver metal type with 2 D Cell batteries. It was light! But not like we have today.

                                               

I own a few different styles of portable lighting and I use them especially when I am venturing out in my boat and headed into a marsh to duck hunt. There is security in being able to see ahead and sometimes behind you. 

One of my lights is equipped with the ability to send up an SOS signal in an emergency. Most all of these new lights are also rechargeable. So no need to carry spare batteries. 

As much as I rely on my fancy new lights to get me around in the dark, they cannot lead me through this dark world of choices, temptations and doubt.

For clear directions in this dark world I rely on my Bible. God's word for me never needs recharging. It can guide me, correct me, calm me, and show me the way to my eternal home.

Why trust anything else to pull you through this world and it's traps, snares, and hurts? 

If you could go back in time and needed a light for travel and could choose something from Amazon with tons of candle power, or rely on an old lantern with a weak battery is an easy choice. In a dark cave you would embrace the greatest light available. Why not take the greatest source of light and instruction through your walk in life every day. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Memorial Day USA 5/25/2026

 Good Morning,

I want to start this day off right, so I just poured a hot cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee and now it is time to write.

Today in the United States we are observing Memorial Day. It is a day that we honor all of those who served in our armed forces and lost their life doing so. 

We enjoy great freedoms here in our country and since the inception of our country we have had to defend our freedom. Today those who fell in protecting this nation and fighting for our freedom are honored. We can never repay the sacrifice they made.

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

God bless,

Marty

A Good Judge of Character.

 Good Morning,

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and it is time to write. 

Over the years I have watched many people interact with our dogs. I notice that if my dog does not fear a person and let's him or her approach him the relationship has begun.

Psalm 36:6 NKJV Your righteousness is like the great mountains. Your judgements are great deep; 

O Lord, You preserve man and beast. 

The other thing I took note of is this. If a stranger is accepted by me and the stranger scratches the dog's ears a little bit, my dog will let them in to cuddle some more. I watch for this and take note that a scared wet animal when treated nicely, bonds easily with humans.

I believe dogs can sense acceptance and drop their guard down even with strangers. If a dog feels welcome and safe with their buddy, more than likely you have found a very nice person whom you can trust. Your dogs ar a good judge of character. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

Be Nice Or Stay Away 5/23/2026

 Good Morning,

I am going out today to assist with a Springer Spaniel hunt test and I will hav a Thermos bottle full of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee with me.

This has been a rough week no doubt. It touched everyone of my nerves. I would like to say that after some prayer most of my problems faded away, but that is not the case. I am working very hard today to have the right attitude toward people at all times.

I guess what is bugging me the most are people who are just plain nasty toward others. I sincerely had to bite my lip this week and curb my temper toward others. For me to go off and tear folks apart would just make God look bad and my wife would worry more. 

So I sought a solution for my anger issues this week which are numerous. I am working extremely hard to just to grin and bare it. So I will claim the verse I used last week and one other to be my nerve calming passages.

Job 5:8-9 NKJV

"But as for me, I would seek God,

And to God I would commit my cause

9. Who  does great things, and unsearchable,

Marvelous things without number.

Psalm 37:8 NKJV 

Cease from anger and forsake wrath.

It only causes harm.

 Friends guard your anger and your wrath; Lean on God to help you deal with others,

Pass the coffee please.

Marty

Exercise Is Good For The Soul 5/22/2026

 Good Morning,

It is a little cold outside this morning. I had to put on another layer of clothing this morning and heat up my Door County Irish Creme Coffee just a little more. It is time to write. 

3John 2 NKJV Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in  health, just as your soul prospers. 

Most doctors will tell you that physical exercise is good for your body and helps you to live a healthier life. I don't disagree at ll with the theory. 

Today I want to talk about spiritual health and one thing that is good for the soul. Prayer and a healthy talk with God on a daily basis is good for the soul. Prayer is the God given right to exercise your faith and call upon the Lord on behalf of others and yourself. 

Now, when I want to exercise my body I need someplace to do so. I might have to use some equipment. Exercising our prayer life requires nothing but a willing heart and you can do this anywhere at anytime. In some instances a person can cause injury to their self  while doing physical exercises. One has to know their limits and observe those limits. An injury can slow down your exercise unlike prayer which has no limits on how often  or how much you pray. The  prayer gym is always open and you don't have to wait for a machine. You can pray alone or have a soul exercise group to workout spiritually together. 

How's your spiritual health? Are you on life support or running with all valves open?

God bless,

Marty

This Old Desk 5/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee at my old desk this chilly morning in Wisconsin. 

Psalm 5:3 NKJV My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;

In the morning I will direct it to You.

And I will look up. 

Psalm 63:6 NKJV When I remember You on my bed.

I meditate on You in the night watches. 

This Old Desk has not been with us forever. It was found in an antique shop in Door County Wisconsin. It's condition wasn't pretty, but it was just what my wife wanted and it would work with my needs for work, church and pleasure planning. 

When we brought it home it took a few months to get it into usable shape. Then we had to find a chair suitable for the old relic of a desk. It took the longest time to finish the drawers for the desk. They were pretty beaten from years of use. I actually started to believe that I might just have to build some new drawers. I started using the desk without drawers for awhile. The drawers were completed in about 6 months. 

The point for my day is this. The desk area and the desk became more than a den and a place to work from. For some reason this desk has become the place where I pray and study the most. It holds the books I use as references and has a few family photos in frames on it. There are a few duck hunting memories on it and past work memorabilia tops it off . Many decisions have been made after intense prayer took place at my desk. Gallons of coffee have been consumed while sitting here. I have fallen asleep at this old desk. 

Now I do pray in other places, but there is no place more suited  to my needs than this small spot in our home sitting at the desk that I love. Peace and turmoil have both found their seats here at times. 

But this is where I go to meet with God. It's not an ornate building with crosses, statues, or a beautiful organ, it is my place where I go to be alone.

Do you have a spot you run to when you need to pray and study? Has the wood been spilled upon by tears and some coffee? Have you worn out a pair of shoes walking in your quiet spot outdoors? Wherever the place is where you meet with God, be sure to visit it often.

Food for thought,

Marty

Choices, They Prove You Are Blessed 5/20/2026

 Good Morning,

The weather took a nose dive last night and the house is a little chilly this morning. The cool weather just makes the Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee taste even better. 

James 2:15-16 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them. "Go in peace, keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 

I opened the freezer door this morning and had a choice of several items to choose from as to what we will eat for dinner today. I could not make up my mind as to what it should be. 

This had me paralyzed in shame. Here I am puzzled as to what to choose from a full freezer.  Others just wonder how they can prepare the only food they have in a different way to change the diet a little. Then there are others who wish they had my problem because they have nothing to eat at all. 

I hung my head in shame because I had considered being blessed to have choices as some type of pain I was enduring. I will be dropping some items off at the food pantry later today and smile because I can bless others and should have done so sooner. 

Never consider an abundance to be a nuisance. Not when others have nothing. Be thankful, share, and remember, you are blessed to be a blessing. Faith in action sees needs and attempts to solve the need.

Food for thought.

Marty

The First Few Words Set The Tone For The Chat 5/19/2026

 Good Morning,

My morning started with a prayer of thanks and a hot cup of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and two crazy English Springer Spaniels who wanted to eat. That in itself is enough action for one day!

Proverbs 18:13 ESV If one gives an answer, before he hears , it is his folly and shame. 

Yesterday my phone was ringing and knew it was my wife Rene because I have assigned a ring tone to her calls. I know when the Queen of the house is trying to reach me. Rene isn't one who calls just to chat. So when she calls it is for something needed or something I need to know. 

I answered her call yesterday and before I could say more than hello I heard. "There was an accident". Rene was returning home from taking her mother to and from a doctors appointment. Those four words stopped my in my tracks. My immediate response was "Are You OK? How is your mom? Where are you? She calmed down to let me know that it was a close call for her but everything was fine. She stopped to render aid until the first responders arrived. Two cars ahead of her were involved and she was also the number one witness to what happened. 

Rene then went on in an excited fashion to tell me that one of the people involved had a dead body in the car. By this time I had to sit down and strap myself into the chair and just listen. Then before I could process the dead body issue she went on to say that the guy driving the car with a dead body knew me. I poured a cup of iced tea and just waited for the "Rest of the story". "I don't know this young mans name but he said he knows you and your brother. He knew my name too." By this time I was picturing bodies in cars and what I wanted to know was " Are you ok? Where do I have our car towed to and where are you so I can come and get you? 

The response was Oh. I am fine. The car is fine. I stopped to help. And by the way. The young guy with the dead body in the car is a funeral director. I was able to piece the story parts together and knew who that young man had to be. 

"I will be late coming home because I have to be interviewed by the police as to what I witnessed. I assured her that the important thing is that no one was injured. "Drive safely! And I will see you when you get home."

This whole thing reminded me of two old comedians performing the skit of "Who's On First"? It is one of my favorite comedy skits performed by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. 

                                                        Photo Credit Universal Studios.

My point for the day is that in all things we sometimes jump to conclusions prematurely. In my mind I had already jumped from beginning to the end without hearing the middle. 

Once I calmed down from my blood pressure skyrocketing, I could stop, and pray saying thanks to God for keeping my wife safe. Jumping to the end without obtaining all the facts makes for a bad scenario and the scenario can be a lot easier to deal with when we have all the facts. 

Food for thought! Always listen first before we respond. Praying is easier when you know what you are praying for. And in all things, be grateful and thankful. 

Who's On First Today!!

Marty

Making A Bad Impression? Be On Time 5/18/2026

 Good Morning,

The birds outside my window are chirping steady and easy this morning. That song from nature is  welcome tune that we enjoy while sipping a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee. It is time to write. 

Proverbs 21:5 NIV The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 

                                      

I am going to state this directly and with a heightened emphasis on the importance of my blog this morning. 

Folks, being on time and not late should be a goal for every person.Being late does happen but it should not be a steady experience.  Appointments made, should be kept and both parties should be there on time or in the rare instance when being late could not be avoided proper communication should take place and include an apology to those left waiting. 

Being late and then failing to communicate, leaves a bad impression and shows a lack of respect for other's time and in some instances their money. I was taught at a young age that being ten minutes early is actually being late. My Dad ran on Marine Corp time and you got one chance to impress him with promptness and after a couple late occurrences and not much of an excuse for being late, his opinion of you began to shrink. 

Keeping a deadline, and communicating promptly and often is expected in relationships and  in business, especially if you are hoping for a future referral.

On time. Every time, with no excuses should be the goal of all businesses and personal relationships. Maybe tomorrow I will talk about being under budget if you can get there on time. 

God Bless,

Marty

Picnic Tables From God 5/17/2026

 Good Morning, 

I started this morning in prayer and I hope this day affords me the luxury to be able to pray throughout it. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee and it is time to write.

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

Our Men's Ministry from our church has undertaken a project to build three picnic tables for the physically impaired, wheelchair accessible. We prayed about how we might do a fund raiser to just purchase three, but our prayers were answered in a way I never thought would happen. The lumber needed to build some was donated by a saw mill in Southwest Wisconsin. White oak lumber was given to us by a generous soul who owns a small mill. 

The process started a few months ago, with me picking up the lumber with one other fella and drying the wood in another man's driveway. 

Yesterday morning after coffee and prayer, a team of men from the church began the process, which was cutting all the pieces and planing them smooth. Today we start the assembly of one or two of them. 

My point for today is this. God's work done in God's way never lacks His support. It was also good to be working around those guys and seeing God's work being performed by Godly Men. I am not a carpenter at all. I am more of a wood butcher than a carpenter. But they even found something this old guy can do. I was the gopher for the project. We all started with ten fingers and we ended the day with ten each. The work continues later today. 

Friends, is there a project God wants you to do? Do you need a small group to get it done? If God is in it, He will supply all that is needed. 

Food for thought!

Marty

The Size Of The Potato Doesn't Matter??? 5/16/2026

 Good Morning,

I am writing from my desk this morning with a very hot cup of Door County Irish Creme coffee as my main wake up tool. 

                              

World's largest potato traveling Interstate 94 to the Wisconsin State Fair. Photo credit Marty Schutte.

I do most of the preaching for our Saturday Night Church Service. It is a small faithful flock who are truly family to me and my wife. It is a low key service and you will always hear the classic hymns being sung by our guys known as the "Singing Hymns" 

One thing that we can do easily is to have a short time of testimonials. Right after the hymns are sung, I will ask the flock this question. "What Did God Do This Week?" It is the flock's chance to share what God did in their lives this last week. It is my way of showing that God is still alive, and working in the lives and hearts of His people. We usually have 3-4 responses and then we move on to my message. 

I mentioned that the flock is family to us and like all good families do, we fellowship now and then, most always as a meal after the service. Tonight we will be having a Baked Potato Bar. Big potatoes and whatever the flock brings to top off the spuds is the menu for tonight. I some how always purchase very large potatoes. It makes me laugh when these little ladies come through the buffet line and I plop a potato that is enough for two maybe three people on to their  plate. Their eyes bug out and they ask for a small one. My reply is "that was a small one." My wife and I usually take one of our potatoes home and fry it up for the next morning's breakfast with some eggs. 

My point for the day is this. It is not the potato and it's size that make the night a success. It is the fact that as a family of about 40 people, we gather in the name of the Lord and enjoy each other's company. You could call us "Spuds, Buds".

Act's 2:42 NKJV And they continued steadfastly in the apostles, doctrine and fellowship in th breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Food for thought. Do you come to church and rush out before you take time to enjoy the people who worship with you? Judas was the first to leave the table early? Just saying!!!

Have a great day!!

Marty

The Wrong Opinion 5/15/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying my hot cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee while I am writing this morning from my desk. Let's get started. 

Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But expressing his own heart.

I have the luxury of being able to have this blog critiqued in a few different forums. They have often written true facts about my coffee choice and where it is from. They offer explanations of what I am trying to achieve with my writing for the day and that's where they often get it wrong. Most of what I write is usually easy to understand and one can form their own opinion of what I am trying to say within every blog. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their thoughts on my blog. 

No one except the critics have really asked me to clarify anything, so in many instances they are just assuming my intent and my heart. They have their job and I believe they are entitled to speak the truth and critique anything I write. 

We tend to do the same thing. We at times without enough information form an opinion of what others are saying, or not saying, doing or not doing. We go off and offer our opinions without knowing all the facts. 

When in doubt, it is better to ask for clarification and without it, maybe just not say anything at all.

Food for thought,

Conspiracies Of Your Mind 5/14/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee is cooling off and that tells me I should start writing. 

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

The morning is fresh and clear, just the way I like it for a day in May. 

My wife Rene and I are undertaking not what I would call a remodeling project, but an uplift of our home which includes some paint, flooring and some new furniture. 

Since this project started we have run into a couple of difficulties somewhat out of the ordinary. Our lawn tractor broke down and is in need of a repair that I cannot do, so into the shop it will go. The gate on our fence broke and needs repairs. 

Not one to believe in conspiracy theories of the heart and mind, I just chalk this up to a couple of blessings. The tractor has a loud screaming noise coming from underneath the carriage. I saw this as a bad thing but also a blessing. The blades could be in a place like one time when they flew out from the tractor and just missed our dog. I this time received a warning. 

The broken gate can be fixed and it was found before the local coyotes could pay us a visit through a dysfunctional gate that did not close properly. 

I could have yelled to my wife , "Get in the house and don't go anywhere. We are under attack!!!" Or I could say, "Wow That was close, we were blessed to catch those problems before they were serious issues."

In my mind we give Satan way too much credit for mishaps and have this theory that all bad things that happen are because of him. We tend to look beyond the blessing and search for the conspiracy theory of being under attack. We create in our mind that every bad thing that happens was meant to defeat us. Things wear out. Lumber does not do well in the cold Wisconsin winters and gates move around and break. Yet no one was killed by lawn blades flying through the air and our dogs remained safe despite the gate failure. 

Our own minds deceive us and we adopt the attitude that Satan comes after us and then we need God, We begin to say things like I/we can't do this. We should stop what we are doing, obviously God is against this. Then once defeated Satan does win, because we can't see the blessings through the fog of our conspiracy theory. We don't see how God protects us and helps us to see things from His view. 

W begin to think that we can't do what we set out to do. If we say we can't we will convince ourselves that we can't. If we say we can we will get it done.

Food for thought. God is with us through every trial and He often sends the trial to protect us. 

God bless,

Marty

Breakfast The Best Meal Of The Day 5/13/2026

 Good Morning To All,

I have with me this morning two sleepy dogs and a hot cup of Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee and my thoughts. It is time to write.

If God were to ask me what I wanted as a blessing I would not be shy at all with me request. I have mentioned it before and it is a large request. 

Some of you who read my blog I know very well. Some of you are occasional readers, and maybe you just stumbled across the title and you were curious and decided to read my words today or in the future. 

Numbers 6:24-26 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."

My request would be that in this lifetime or in eternity we could sit down to breakfast and a hot cup of coffee and meet one another. Or we could resume our friendship like days of old. I also would ask God to bless our time together and you in particular. I think that it would be a grand morning, with the two of us or one large enormous group.

So for now, I will eat a nice breakfast and pray for those who read this today or in the future that God would bless you and keep you under His watchful eye.

Love you all. 

Marty

The Key To Facing Your Fears 5/12/2026

 Good Morning, 

My cup Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee seems to be cooling off faster this morning. I think I will warm it up soon. But for now, I am ready to write. 

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, 

Whose mind is stayed on You, 

Because he trusts in you. 

I have a lot on my mind this week and my heart is troubled. I needed to go to my vault of worry beaters and read the Scripture verses that I have filed away for when times of confusion and worry set in and tumble my emotions and thoughts. 

Do you have a memory vault or scrapbook of passages that help to take your mind away from your worries and woes? Are your fears getting the best of you? Open the vault and bring the worry beaters out and read them while pleading your cause to God. Like a good janitors closet, is filled with cleaning supplies, mops, and dust rags, the passages you read might clean up the directions you need and remove, hatred, fear, and insecurity.

Food for thought

Marty

In The Green House 5/11/2026

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee is next to me and I am ready to write.

The past weekend I wrote that our nephew and his wife brought into this world a little girl name Adeline Jean. Adeline joined my prayer list before she was born and now she is a live member on my list of daily prayers.

My advice to her parents is the same advice I have given to other parents with a new born coming home. 

Lamentations 2:19 Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children. 

It is never too early to lift up a child in prayer for their immediate needs and also for their future. This morning I prayed for her health and the health of her parents. I also prayed that at a young age, Adeline would start her walk with God as her Lord and Savior. 

This next statement will make my nephew faint, but if it is her choice to date and then marry, I pray that God will direct her to the man He has made for her. 

I will pray for those and other things that come along with her walk through life. I hope that she learns to pray early. Her mom is no longer the incubator for her, but I pray that Adeline will spend plenty of time in the Greenhouse Of Prayer developing her walk in this world!

Pray for those children with a direct link to you. 

God bless,

Marty

A Beautiful Gift 5/10/2026

 Good Morning,

I began this day with a smile on my face and a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee in my hand. It is time to write. 

First order of the day is to wish all the mothers out there a big heartfelt "Happy Mothers Day".

Our family received a gift from God yesterday. God gifted us with the birth of our Great Niece Adeline. Mom and baby Addie are doing well. Dad must be ok. We haven't heard of any face cramps from that big smile on his face. Our family just became a sweeter place to belong to.

Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord , offspring a reward from Him

I want to thank God for this honor of gray hair and the gift of being able to pray for her future.

By the way. Real men don't cry, we just have a lot of hay fever attacks. 

God bless,

Marty

Making My Morning Comfortable 5/9/2026

 Good Morning,

I am in Door County Wisconsin enjoying a hot cup of Cherry Creme Coffee in front of the fireplace in our hotel room. Totally quiet and warm inside so I can say I am ready to write. 

My wife Rene and I are enjoying some quiet time away. My prayer time does not need to be rushed nor do we have anything pressing to do today except to take in the beautiful scenery and dine on the local treats. 

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NLT So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13.And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor for these are gifts from God. 

I don't feel guilty whatsoever about slacking off a little this weekend. It has been a more than busy month for two retired folks.

There is a time made for us to sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors and it is ok to do so.  It will end tomorrow once we arrive home and that it ok. I do have on my mind a special prayer for the arrival of a new baby to our clan coming very very soon. As a sit back and pray I can't help but call this life of mine blessed. 

So in a little while Rene and I will forage for a couple of cherry donuts and more coffee and say thank you to God for a great weekend. 

God bless, 

Marty

Have A Cup Of Coffee And Pass The Biscuits Please 5/8/2026

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk. I am ready to write and sip my Door County White Chocolate Cranberry Coffee. So let's get started.

Everyone who knows me well, knows that I like a nice plate of biscuits, smothered in sausage gravy or drizzled with some tasty honey.  My wife Rene and I throughout our marriage have led the charge on many church breakfasts which included a few hundred biscuits per event. 

There were times when some of the teens from our church youth group would come to our house and  assist with the baking of the golden delights the day before the event. That was always a lot of fun and a floury mess. 

Joshua 24:15 NKJV And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served, that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

The biscuits turned out pretty good and anyone of them that didn't look just right was devoured immediately with butter and honey. 

Those were the good old days for sure. Every time I make some biscuits I think of those kids and say a prayer for them. They are forty years old now or close to it and they never know they are prayed for while I am munching on a biscuit. 

My point for the day is this. We all should serve God at some form of ministry in our home or churches. Some of my fondest memories are making 700 large pot pies to fund a mission trip for the teens with those teens. We were united in a cause for God and never once did we have any personality issues or petty strife enter the efforts, because we knew Who we serve.

So today. Whether it be at home or at church. Who do you serve? God or yourself? 

Let's move into this day. Pass a biscuit please.

Marty 

Who Do You Run To? 5/7/2026

Good Morning, 

There was a little frost on the ground this morning and I welcomed the cold weather this morning with a hot cup of Door County S'mores Coffee. It is time to write. 

Job 5:8-9 NKJV 8."But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause. 

9. Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."

This passage found in the book of Job is often interpreted as a call to faith and prayer, especially during difficult times. 

All to often during difficult times we rely on others to pray for us and that is a great practice in faith. But we tend not to go directly to God ourselves for our dilemma. 

Why wait on others to do what we can do ourselves? When people ask us to pray for them we should accept the opportunity to pray for them and it is an honor to do so. But always remind them to personalize their request to God by going to Him directly. The person going through the challenging time can share their heart and their feelings openly and hear from the Lord directly. 

Food for thought? Always direct people to a personal relationship with God.

Have a wonderful day. God bless,

Marty

Timing Is Everything 5/6/2026

 Good Morning,

I write to you all this morning with a hot cup of Door County S'mores Coffee next to me and two sleepy Springer Spaniels at my feet. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven. 

Proverbs 15:28 ESV  The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 

A couple days ago I was making breakfast for my wife and I. I was a little on the lazy side and had opened a can of biscuits. I read the directions and it said to place the biscuits in an oven at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes. 

I somehow got sidetracked  and it was 14 minutes later when I opened the door to the oven and my biscuits were burned and already hard. We did not have a breakfast of sausages  and biscuits. We ended up with toast and and sausages. No big deal, but it helps me make my point for today. 

Out mouths are often like an oven that when baking something too long and not observing the directions can burn others and us socially, professionally or with our families. We forget to temper our mouths and sometimes we get burned by our own words. Or our poorly timed words can open a 10 pound can of trouble for us and others. 

I guess my point is this. 

1. Know your audience and what can or cannot be tolerated. 

2. Think before you speak and if what you are going to say, should be said at all. 

3. Are a few words worth losing a friend or family relationship?

4. Is this the right time to speak your mind? 

5. If you don't know what to say at the moment wait for a better time and evaluate what you are going to say. Or maybe don't say anything at all. 

Here's some food for thought??? Timing is everything!!

God bless,

Marty 

Feeling The Hard Feelings 5/5/2026

 Good Morning,

The Door County German Chocolate Cake Coffee at my right side is my trusty morning wake up tool today. Waking up seems a little difficult today, so the process just needs to take place at a sloth's pace. Oh well, it is time to write.

Proverbs 17:17 NIV A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 

Being and elder in our church affords me the luxury of having people show that they care about me, by bringing good books to read. I think they see me as studious in front of our fireplace at night or a dimly lit desk in our den. They might picture a cup of hot coffee next to me or a glass of peach iced tea while I read and take notes. 

That is a long way from the truth. Last night it was warm in the den and when I sat down to read it was with a big glass of sugar free Kool Aide. The flavor was grape. It was a little too warm in the house so my bath robe was no where to be found. I was dressed in an old t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts that have seen better days. 

I am surrounded by an impressive library of books for pure enjoyment, spiritual instruction, and growth as well as school books that I thought might be important later in life. 

I was lent a book to read written by Mattie Jackson Selecman. The title is Lemons On Friday. It is the true story of a young lady and her journey of grieving the death of her husband . They were married less than a year when tragedy struck.

I wasn't totally charged up to read it, but something kept calling me to open the pages. I am a few chapters into the book and I am enjoying it and it has made me think. If a book challenges me to learn and share, I tend to read it. If after 5 chapters or less I haven't been challenged, educated, or calmed in my heart, I usually place it on the shelf of Some Day I will finish this book . And in reality they just collect dust after that. This book is challenging, good for the soul, and is hitting me in a spot that I thought was gone. So I recommend this one as a good read.

I am borrowing one passage that I read last night. "Feeling the hard feelings". This is  what I could not do when I lost my grandson a little over a year ago. I would not let myself feel down, depressed, and lost. I avoided the subject when well wishers offered their sympathy. I sealed the barrel on my loads of anger. I found myself a year later, that I was not doing any better in the grieving process. I hadn't allowed myself to feel the hard feelings. I kept them hid by my macho bravado.

Point for the day is this. When you don't know what to say when someone is grieving, it is ok to say little at all. What's most important is that when needed you show up and are there.  

There is a lot to this book and it sends you to God for help. And when we feel the hard feelings we can lean on select others and it is ok to grieve. 

If you are going through a rough time grieving and someone says to you. What can I do for you? Tell them, and just let them be there for you.

Marty