That Was A Close One 4/20/2026

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at a desk in the room we stayed in for the night on our vacation journey drinking some of the Door County 100% Colombian Coffee I brought in my insulated bottle. It is still hot! I guess you get what you pay for. It is time to write.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 

We have about three more hours to go before we land in our daughter's driveway. We were not too far from calling the trip last night as complete for the day when I misjudged the speed of the car next to us. It was neither his fault nor mine, but it caused me to make a maneuver that put our truck on course to slide on some gravel that was left on the side of the highway. It was a little hairy to say the least. The truck was righted and we just sat there for a minute or two praising God for taking the wheel . I give Him a #10 score for His landing of our truck. 

We were shaken a little, me more so than Rene for some reason and once we caught our breath we moved on thanking Jesus for the protection. I know that back home, members of our church are praying  for our trip and we truly saw the power of prayer in action. 

Point for the day. Never under estimate the power of prayer and the need to pray in all things.

Here's to a quieter day.

Marty

Much Needed Time Away

Good Morning,

My day is beginning with a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and prayer. 

James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit", 14.whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your Life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. 

My wife Rene and I will be taking a short respite  to Georgia, the land of biscuits and gravy, Coke and peanuts, and by the way our daughter lives there as well! 

We have not seen her since last November. My brother is watching the dogs and our home for us while we are gone. So in an hour from now, we will pray, hop into the truck and head South. I anticipate and hope there will be some time to humble my wife and daughter in a few games of Scrabble and spend some time outdoors without the need to wear a jacket. 

But only the Lord knows what we will do or see. We make plans and God can alter them in the blink of an eye. In all that might or might  not happen , the main goal is to visit with our kid.

Are you planning a trip? Did you pack your prayers, Bible and a content attitude?

God Bless,

Marty

Headed For Safety 4/18/2026

 Good Morning,

I am surely enjoying my hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee and I just might have to drink two cups today. 

Proverbs 22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but te simple go on and suffer for it. 

Last night our weather alert radio went crazy with severe storm and tornado warnings. The authorities advised that people take shelter from the storms. My wife Rene and I have carved out a spot in the basement that is our designated shelter. It has some emergency equipment like hard hats, whistles, battery operated lights, a radio, and some blankets. We keep a supply of drinking water and some beef jerky for sustenance in there as well. We also keep some dog food in there  for our two dogs.

Once the alarms started , we both knew it was time to get to the basement. An hour and a half later the event was over. No harm to us, our dogs, or the property. Better to be cautious than sorry.  I have to replace the jerky that was munched on just because of being a little nervous. 

I thank God for teaching us to be prepared and we know the routine pretty well. So always be prepared, practice now and then and pray that you don't ever need your emergency plans. 

Amen.

Marty

Throwing Punches 4/17/2026

 Good Morning,

I have the window open in my den and the wild birds are exceptionally boisterous this morning. It sounds like they are in competition to be heard first and the loudest. 

My cup is filled with Door County Morning Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

Matthew 12:34 NKJV Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance the heart the mouth speaks. 

Most people do not know what it is like to throw a punch at someone or take an offensive  swing in anger. Many people will go through life and never experience the anger it takes to attack. More likely than not, a person will experience defending themselves against an attack. A physical attack defensive or offensive is somewhat rare, but seems to be on the rise nationally and within the world.

We tend to attack and defend ourselves with words designed to cut right to the soul, followed up with thoughts that are designed to destroy others in our minds. 

Many times we share our thoughts which are a direct view of our hearts. Now I am not saying to avoid defending yourself. Protect you and your families if needed which might at times require an offensive action. 

But to harbor constant hate and disdain for others can be a danger to your heart and soul. Ask yourself, is this hatred within justified? Would I really take the actions I am thinking within my mind? For one day, can I concentrate on the good in my heart and transfer some of it to my thoughts and my actions? There is a time for everything, and there is a time to throw a punch, physically or mentally. Only you know the right timing and if God supports your actions. 

Food for thought.

God bless, 

Marty

How High Is The Water Momma? 4/16/2026

 Good Morning,

Today my cup is full of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and it is good and hot. 

For the last few nights our part of the world has experienced some pretty strong storms with high winds, heavy rains, and an occasional tornado. We have been blessed not to have been in the path of any tornadoes. My heart and prayers go out to those who have suffered losses and injuries. I am thankful that there weren't any fatalities. 

Our personal main concern has been the small creek that is behind our house. Most of the time you can barely find water in the "Wanna Be Mississippi". I decided to check out the depth  of the creek last night before dark and the little waterway was swollen, but not as bad as it could be.

Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw the great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, no place was found for them. 12. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 

13. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it , Death and Hades gave gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15. And if anyone's name was not written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 

In other areas impacted by this heavy rain there has been some flooding already. I tuned into the local news and on every channel the news folks warned people not to drive through standing water.  However many times they have heard not to drive through moving or standing water the news still has on film those who try it and have to be rescued from their cars, or their car is just floating down the road. Some people never listen. The phrase "turn around or drown" is well known but not heeded. People have the attitude "That won't happen to me" I watched on the news cast one driver swirling with his car down through some very high water. Then another driver followed that car into the swirling water instead of turning around. 

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 

Romans 10:13 NKJV  For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Life is the same way. God tells us that the consequences of our sins are there and they just aren't a threat that will never happen. But yet we don't back away and repent thinking we will always have time to turn our life around. This rain and flooding we are experiencing had warnings and weren't planned for but they came on suddenly and swiftly. Once they started they can't be stopped until the weather cooperates. Once God is ready for Jesus to come back, there will be no stopping Him from rewarding some and punishing others. It will be too late, if your name is not already written in the book. 

Food for thought. How deep is the water in you river?

Marty

A Rough Night Of Storms. Angels Bowling?4/15/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug was just filled with hot Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and it is just the right temperature!

Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Last night some severe storms rolled through our area as well as several other counties in Wisconsin. There was a lot of lightning displayed with plenty of thunder. 

As a child when thunder clapped and lightning  lit up the sky, my mother and my grandmother would tell us not to be afraid. They explained the noise was coming from heaven because the angels were bowling. And when an angel rolled a strike the lightning was like fireworks used in celebrating the strike. 

I thought about that as I drove home last night from a Bible study. One big lightning strike lit up the highway and I laughed and tipped my hat toward heaven and said "Good one. Perfect game?

Once I was in high school and with just a little more science in me I was able  find some photos on lightning and storm damage at the library. I checked the books out and went home. My goal was to protect my little brother from going outside in storms just because it was angels bowling in heaven. He was a curious little knucklehead and injury prone as well. I showed Mom what I found and when she saw the burned people who were struck by lightning. WOW

My Mom was furious with me. She believed that he would be scarred by the pictures and would have nightmares. I plan on asking him if he suffered PTSD from just being respectful of rough weather. 

My point in all of this is to teach children to respect the elements of storms and being safe by just using common sense without fairy tales.  Safe is safe and recklessness  is taught as well, often masking and adding a line of sugar coating that takes away some of the facts but is often clouded by good intentions.  

I am going to bed early in case the tooth fairy comes tonight for the ones I saved for a rainy day.

God bless,

Marty

Tying Your Shoes 4/14/2026

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee is at my side. There are two sleepy dogs at my feet and it is time to write. 

Ephesians 4:2 ESV With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. 

One of the requirements for me to be able to attend Kindergarten was that I needed to be able to tie my shoes. My Dad would drill me for an hour at a time and I just couldn't get the hang of it. He was not filled with the gift of patience either. The task of teaching shoe tying 101  was handed off to my mother. 

Mom was a little more patient with me and would stop me in the middle of tying my shoe  and correct me with what I had just done wrong. She would make me start over and and work at it until I was successful. 

It was many years later and my mother had just received and new set of heart valves and we ready to leave the hospital. She was able to dress herself, but could not bend over and tie her shoes. She sat on the edge of the bed and I put her shoes on her feet. I tied them up and she made eye contact with me. She said. "Nice job. You did it just like I taught you." We both laughed and I thanked her for teaching me a lot of things. I asked her one question that had bugged me for years. 

"Mom. What was the big deal about being able to tie my shoes? I could have just worn loafers." The answer was simple. "The rules were the rules and you needed to obey one. It didn't hurt you to learn that skill and I noticed your shoes are laced up and tied neatly. You just needed a nudge and not a butt chewing. Dad did not have time to spend teaching you the art of shoe tying. His impatience was not helping you. I could tell that you were already working on a solution to shoes other than cooperating by just tying them. 

My point for the day s this. Not everyone catches on to some things as fast as others do. They just need a hand and a little extra time to get to the right side of success. 

Food for thought.

Marty

A Hunters Assurance 4/13/2026

 Good Morning,

I just finished my first cup of door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and it is time to write. 

Later this week I will be out in the woods and field in pursuit of a wild turkey. I have been given permission to hunt on some prime turkey land. I am looking forward to the time spent out in the field and some extra prayer time. 

According to my wife, I am officially old now and need to exert a little more caution while hunting. I will take my gear into the blind the night before, except for my gun. And if necessary I will make two trips from the truck to my spot to lighten the load and straining. Everything will be on the slow and steady.

I will send my location out to three fellas so they know exactly where I am in case I am in distress or don't make it home. 

On the other hand I am assured that God knows exactly where I am at all times. It is peaceful to know that He will make the trek with me each and and every second. 

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8. If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10. even there your hand will guide me. your right hand will hold me fast.

11. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me" and the light become night around me,"

12. even the darkness will not be dark to you. The night will shine like the day, for the darkness is as light to you.

Where does your path take you today? Remember, you don't walk it alone. 

Marty

That Greatest Commandment 4/12/2026

 Good Morning. 

The Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is tasting pretty good this morning and it is time to write. 

Matthew 22:34-40 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35. One of them, and expert in the law, tested Him with this question. 36. Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?

37. Jesus replied. " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. 38. This is the first and greatest commandment . 39. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. 40. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. 

Jesus sets our priorities straight with just a few words. God needs to be number one in our lives. As long as God is number one and we love Him with all we say, do and live by, everyone else that is important to us is a solid number two. If God is our first love our wives and husbands, and our kids are in a better standing. God is and should be our loving moral compass. If we love God with a our hearts, souls and minds, we then know how to truly love others. If God is first, our families are on solid ground and should never need to wonder how much we love them. They will always be treated with love, respect and kindness. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

How To Greet The Morning 4/11/2026

Good Morning,

My coffee choice this morning is Door County Pumpkin Spice . It is time to write.

I like mornings better than any other time of the day. If I am afforded the time, I like to watch the sunrise in the East. Of course there is always a hot cup of coffee with me. 

Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning. For in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to you. 

The best way I have observed for greeting the morning is to let it touch my knees for a time of prayer. Greeting the morning on bended knee sets my day in motion and touching God's creation and seeking His blessing is a sentimental and yet powerful way to begin another day. 

I then sit myself down to read a devotional and take in what God has to say to me. Here in this world, I choose to connect with God and let Him know how grateful I am for all that I have and experience each day.

How do you greet the morning?

Food for thought,

Marty

Making A Change Is Easier Than You Think 4/10/2026

 Good Morning,

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

My wife Rene injured her knee a few weeks ago while shoveling snow with me. At first it was diagnosed as a meniscus tear and we were sent from urgent care to an Orthopedic doctor. I am not a trained physician by any means but I have been around the block with many knee injuries, surgeries and two replacements. The approach "take two Tylenol  for pain" and do these these certain exercises has been the approach with another follow up appointment in three weeks.  Ice was recommended and Rene has been diligent to perform all the prescribed duties requested. The knee is getting worse. 

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV But if anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

I for one am not impressed with this cavalier and slow approach to pain. The overall experience with the doctor has been less than stellar.

Now here is the difference in Rene and me. She is passive and avoids all conflict or hurting anyone's feelings. Me? On the other hand I can be a vicious junk yard dog when it comes to my family. I can tell Rene is hurting and has no faith in this physician. Just by this. "Hey JYD it's ok for you to fire up and growl a little bit. I sent the provider an email and he has until Monday to respond. I have already secured his replacement because I believe this inept physician will fail to respond by Monday night. 

My point is this. I have been praying for him to at least act like he cares. Just because he attended medical school, doesn't mean he has honed his people skills. 

If you aren't satisfied with the way you are treated by a physician, be sure to fill out the survey at the end of the mess. Don't wait to express yourself in a way that is respectful and yet with authority. No one cares as much for you as you do. If you have doubts in  the care being given, speak up early and try to avoid using your Junk Yard Dog? 

God bless,

Marty

A Little One For My Friends 4/9/2026

 Good Morning,

It's a good morning when I wake up and hear the Door County Vanilla Creme Brulee Coffee brewing in the kitchen. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down the other is there to pick them up. 

Tomorrow, friends of ours will be welcoming a  new baby and grandchild into this world. I am praying  that there are no complications with the delivery and that this bundle of joy is just that. We already know that the baby is a boy and will be welcomed by his older sister. I have this feeling that his big sister will be the type to be a little watch dog for her brother. 

He might not always appreciate his sister watching over him, but later on in years he will appreciate the guidance and protection. I believe she will be a lot like her grandma who watches over the clan with eyes like an eagle.

Where is my point in all of this? Sometimes a little guy has to have a peer to look up to and you can't do any better than having a sister or brother to watch over you. They have already trained the parents!

God bless,

Marty

Being Thankful For The Little Things 4/8/2026

 Good Morning,

My day started with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. 

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

I just came inside from being outside with our two dogs Leo and Gibbs. You could call the weather a "wintry mix." A few snowflakes painted my face as well as a few rain drops. I had in my hand while out there an insulated mug of coffee. That mug is filled with memories. I was not really ready to face the day just yet. I was out there in a hooded sweatshirt that is like a comfort blanket to me. The hood was up. I had on a heavy duty pair of sweatpants that have also been a morning companion for quite aa few years.  The house was warm inside and my two furry alarm clocks had me out of bed right n time. 

My point is this. In just a few minutes, I experienced several things to be thankful for. I believe setting the tone for the day, being thankful for even the little things like a hooded sweatshirt can be a good way to warm the heart and produce that first morning smile. And coffee always tastes better while smiling. 

Have a great day! God Bless. 

Marty

A Goal For Today 4/7/2026

Good Morning,

My day began quite early with a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and prayer. 

I am working today at one of the voter polling stations for our city's spring election. Most of the time people are polite and grateful for those working the polls. 90% of people will greet you nicely and then cooperate without complaining. 

But then there is the other 10% who can barely get out a good morning or good afternoon. It is their right to be quiet, shy and crabby or all three.

My goal is simple for today. My job is to be accurate in all that I do. I also will practice the golden rule. 

Matthew 7:12 NKJV Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you. do also to them.

A persons demeanor might be a reflection on the rough time they are going through. You never know what drives the train of not being friendly. Their circumstances might be dictating their emotions. 

So folks, before you blow the horn on your car with impatience, think twice.

Marty

Trip To The Moon 4/6/2026

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee for myself nd it is time for me to write. 

Job:26:7 NKJV He stretches out the North over empty space.; He hangs the earth on nothing. 

Currently the United States Of America has a space capsule traveling around the moon with 4 astronauts inside. I have watched a few minutes of the space travel on television and I can't get over how small the earth looks from the moon. 

I am fully amazed at the beauty of the world we live in and just how small it is compared to the vastness of outer space. 

The views shown to us on the evening news show the beauty and not the violence, wars, and the walls man has built to keep others from entering their land. It doesn't show the hatred of mankind toward each other. I like to think that the view is more like God intended when He created the heavens and the earth. 

Just a short point for today. From where you sit, what is your view of the world and are your eyes clouded with hatred and scorn? What would God see if He was looking at the world through your heart and your eyes?

Food for thought. 

Marty

Celebrating Our Lord 4/5/2026

 Good Morning, 

My cup is filled with very hot Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time to write.

I am sitting at my desk surrounded by memories and grateful for each and every one of them. My desk and den are like museums of my life. A lot of deep thoughts and prayers are spawned at this old antique of a desk. 

John 20:6-8 Then Simon Peter Came, following him, and went onto the tomb, and he saw the linen cloths lying there. 7. and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together i a place by itself. 8. Then the other disciple who cam to the tomb first, went in also and he saw and believed.  

This morning finds me at peace with my world and in prayer for other parts of the world. I spend more of my time with God here at this desk than anywhere else. Today I am celebrating  the life, death, burial, and resurrection  of my Lord Jesus Christ. I bowed my head in prayer and then lifted my cup to salute  the wonderful gift of the forgiveness of my sins by the sacrifice Jesus gave us by dying on the cross for my sins. 

I praise God the Father for raising Him from the dead on Easter Morning and defeating the sting of death. Yes we will eat some ham today with some mashed potatoes and a few other fixings, but it wouldn't be anything more than just another good dinner without remembering the power God demonstrated for us by rolling the stone away from the tomb of His Son. This power defeated the sting of death once and for all for those who believe in the Son of God and claim Him as Lord and Savior. 

So have a chocolate bunny for dessert today, but remember why and what you are celebrating.

Happy Easter. God Bless.

Marty 

Waiting On God 4/4/2026

 Good Morning,

I am attached at the lips to a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee, it is time to write. 

Malachi 3:6 For I The Lord do not change.. 

At times we have to wait on God for directions in life. I had a friend who asked God to give him directions on options in his life. He asked me what I thought. There had been no clear answer as to what path to follow. My thought is this,  Just keep doing what God told you to do the last time He directed you to do something in ministry. 

God is not the author of confusion and He certainly isn't wishy washy. He doesn't make you guess. 

Food For thought.

Marty

Those Yellow Roses 4/3/2026

 Good Morning. 

My day began with a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee and prayer.

Where I grew up on the South side of Milwaukee my parents had wild yellow roses in their back yard. These roses would spread along the fence and to say the least the roses were sturdy. They would bloom early, sometimes while there was still cold weather and a touch of snow on the ground. My mother especially looked forward to the wall of yellow opening up in the spring. 

Habakkuk 2:3 ESV For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end, it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it , It will surely come, it will not delay. 

One particular year the roses were late to bloom. My mom had just lost a brother to cancer and she was depressed over the loss of our uncle. I recall her saying something about how she wished that the roses were in bloom. I was far from religious at that age. The best I could do was to say a small prayer asking God to wake up the roses, because my mother needed to see them. 

I was up early on Easter Sunday and it was a warm morning. I was outside enjoying the warmth when I looked in the back yard and every one of those rose buds had blossomed out. Like I said it was a wall of yellow.  I will never forget the look on my mother's face when she saw the two small roses I clipped and brought inside for her. 

My point for the day is this. Sometimes you don't have to go much further than your own back yard to see a miracle The boy in the story prayed a simple prayer with the right heart  and God came through and the timing was perfect. His timing is always perfect.

Have a great day. God Bless,

Marty

Finding The Blessing In The Midst Of Calamity 4/2/2026

 Good Morning, 

My hot cup of Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee is working overtime to cut through the coldness and dampness this morning. We are winning the battle!

In life we all experience calamity and chaos now and then. We pray and nothing seems different after our prayers. We eventually get through the situation and we wonder why we went through it. What good could come from this plight? 

Philippians 3:8 NKJV Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. 

For me, I went through a personal terrible time in the early 1980's. It hit me hard.  But later I saw the impact this crisis had on me as good. I was as low as you can go and it was because of the rough times, I found my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was a total life changing experience. If it wasn't for that rough spot in life, who knows where I would be right now? A loss of a job that I liked sent me to work in health care. My cries of loneliness were answered when I met my wife at the hospital where I worked. A cancellation of that job which I also liked brought a change that set my course up the corporate ladder. So what I saw as losses were all blessings. God's hand was in everything that happened to me and it took some time to see that He was working in my life and the losses were actually good for me. 

If you are in the midst of  crisis, and you asked God to intervene on your behalf, wait patiently to see how it works out. God might be leading you in His direction not yours. Painful now? It might be the pain sending you in a direction never thought of by you.

Food for thought.

Marty

Hello Ukraine! Hello World! 4/1/2026

 Good Morning,

I will be heading out soon to work at the early voting polls for our city and I must say that I enjoy the duty and the people I work with. I will be carrying in my Thermos bottle with Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee for a cookie break later today. It is time to write

My blog tracks how many readers look at my writings and how many come from any individual country. Unless the readers comment on the blog I can't identify any readers. The readership varies daily. For the longest time the Ukraine was one of my top readers. Then the war came and rarely was there notice of any Ukrainian readers. It has been a long time since I have seen a sign of readership at all. But this last week I have noticed the blog is being looked at by two readers in the Ukraine. I want to say to those from the Ukraine. You were never forgotten. You were prayed for for almost every day and the prayers will continue. 

I look at the readership statistics daily, not to stroke my ego, but to pray for those countries listed. I will never meet most of you, but you are cared for and prayed for. God knows who you are and my prayers go up for you and I consider it a blessing to call upon the Lord on your behalf.

Have a great day!! 

Marty

A Lonely Cross 3/31/2026

 Good Morning,

My day began with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee. 

I will be working today at the early voting poll center for our city, so I had to pack a small lunch for break time. I impressed myself with the lunch. Dried fruit chips, 1 small sandwich, a small bag of fruit and nuts and an energy bar. There should be quite a bit left for tomorrow's lunch. And my goodness I did not forget to pack my Thermos bottle of coffee. 

When I surveyed my break and lunch effort I started to feel guilty for having it so good to be able to eat like I planned.

Romans 5:8 NKJV But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

On Friday we observe the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Jesus was beaten and spat upon before He dragged himself and a wooden cross up the Golgotha hill. There wasn't a lunch break or rest time. The day was sheer terror and torture. 

I will take some time today to reflect on how blessed I am and how nice my wife and I have it. I will pray on bended knee to clean my heart of being ingenuine and weak in my appreciation for the One who endured what we call Good Friday and lived to the end of it. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

A Level Of Excellence 3/30/2026

Good Morning,

I filled my cup with Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee and it is now time to write. 

This morning has mee headed out later in several directions. I have a small plumbing job to do for a neighbor and I started it already by praying about it. It really should not be a big issue and should not capture much time. But no one who ever does any plumbing work ever wants to see a water leak when they are finished. 

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

I am asking God to grant me the skills I need to do this job once and then walk away pleased with the work. I for one will say this. If a task or job is worth doing, it is worth praying about it. 

I suppose you never thought about God being involved in the plumbing of your home. But He is. If you are doing it and you prayed He is there in all you do. God even cares about the little things in your life and wants you to do all things with a level of excellence.  Any job, big or small, do it right or not at all. The first tool I will use today will be to reach into my heart and pray. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

In The Garden A Mother's Heart 3/29/2026

 Good Morning,

I just poured a hot cup of door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time to write.

Isaiah 41:10 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. 

Yesterday I had the honor to deliver a sermon at a funeral for a young man. We have known the grieving family for a long long time. This young man suffered the impacts of tumors for many years and they finally took their final toll and he now is residing in heaven free from any pain or sorrow. Earlier last week the church pastor, myself and the family met to discuss the order of the service and the desires of the family. They had some music picked out that was just right. Then I was surprised to hear that his mother was going to sing one of the hymns by herself. I thought to myself that this would be  huge undertaking by her. I couldn't imagine her being able to carry this through without breaking down.

Yesterday as Mom approached the microphone to sing, you could hear a pin drop. This little lady with a very beautiful voice began to sing the song "In the Garden". It was beautifully done. As a matter of fact her voice got stronger with every verse. 

I witnessed two things yesterday. I saw how God carries us through times of sorrow and the strength He bestows during those times. I saw the strength and love of a mother for her family. 

My point for today is this, God is good and gives us what we need, when we need it. I have witnessed twice now the love of grieving mothers and I will never underestimate their strength.

Have a great Sunday. 

Marty

It's Your Dream 3/28/2026

Good Morning, 

I woke up to a very cold house this morning and my cup of Door County Cinnamon Hazelnut Coffee  is working overtime today. Spring cannot make up it's mind as to when it will really arrive.

Jeremiah 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell the dream, and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?

We would all be lying if we say we never transposed ourselves into a movie we are watching. In some instances you become the villain and at other times you are the hero. 

I have been known to be listening to some music and then turn the music into a video in my head. I write the video to match the tune. I am the main character in my dream video.

We must remember that dreams are just that, "Dreams". 

Sometimes dreams can be used to set legitimate goals of success for us. To know if a dream is legitimate as a goal, check your dreams against the skill set you were given by God. If the skill set has you bent toward the dream you just might be on the right road. 

No matter the dream or skill set, asking for a direction in prayer is very prudent. God knows how He wired you and will always send you out as He wired you. Test a dream against Scripture. Scripture never contradicts itself. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

 

Happy Thoughts For A Friday 3/27/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee is hot and ready to be tasted. It is time for me to write.

Numbers 6:24-26. 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.  

I am up early this morning and I don't have a lot planned for today. My first goal after I complete my daily blogg is to start my smoker and slowly smoke a pork loin. The loin will take several hours to complete, but hopefully will be ready for a late dinner tonight. I look forward to the smoke from the cooking meat to fill the patio area with a sweet aroma. I might have a second cup of coffee outside at the table closest to the smoker. I have already pulled a bottle of y favorite barbecue sauce out of the cupboard. Life is good. 

My point of the day is this. Take some time to treat yourself well. You are important to others in your life. But you should also remember that you are important to yourself. There is only one you and you should treat others as you would have them treat you. But you also need to treat yourself to a nicety now and then. Pray for others today and don't forget to pray for yourself.

Have a wonderful Friday. May your heart be filled with joy, peace and happiness.

Marty

Preparing For The Annual Turkey Hunt 3/26/2026

 Good Morning.

I am on my way to deliver my nephew to the airport with a hot cup of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee in the console of my truck. I was moving by 3AM and I have a lot planned for today.

Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 

My first item on the list to complete is to renew my state hunting license so my trek into the woods in a couple weeks is legal. The next item on the list is to dig out the turkey blind, decoys and blind char. Once that is done I will go through my turkey bag of tricks such as three faithful calls and a small telescope.  I will set up my blind and make sure it is is in good shape. Rain gear is a must as well as a small cooler and a camouflage Thermos brand bottle. For sure, I will verify that I have ammunition packed. An extra battery pack for my electronics and then all I have to do is pack a lunch before I hunt in April.  The hard part is letting the dogs know that they are not going anywhere just because a blind is in the driveway. 

My point for the day is this. "If something is worth doing, do it right and do not procrastinate" until it is almost too late. The fun is taken out of any adventure when you discover your turkey calls were stepped on and ruined because they were not stored away properly and kept safe, and you are hunting the next morning. You are now already a morning or a whole day behind. 

So be ready at all times. Lose the words "I will do it tomorrow" especially if you can do it today. A few minutes of work today, can make for a less stressful day tomorrow. 

God bless,

Marty

Celebrating Gibbs 3/25/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup is full of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and I am enjoying it immensely. It is time to write.

Proverbs 12:10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast. But the mercy of the wicked is cruel. 

This morning. ^

In our home we look at each day as important. We try to celebrate life in different ways each day. I often write about our dogs and for the last few years the youngest one "Leo" has been the center of most all I have written. But today our oldest dog "Gibbs" is celebrating his 14th year as a member of the family. 

Gibbs is deaf now and still enjoys having things thrown for him to retrieve and bring them back to you. Although 6-7 throws wears him out he still looks forward to being outside. He sleeps a lot now but is always there right on time when the clock strikes 4:30 PM for feeding time. 

There was a time when this dog filled with heart could flush and retrieve, upland birds, and fowl with the best of them. He has his share of geese on the ledger as well. 

My point for today is this. A good dog is a prize to be cherished. He stole my heart the day we brought him home. As I write he is on the floor next to me snoring. I pray that he has some happy dreams today and there will be a small cheese burger in his future tonight. Gibbs never competed in dog trials or hunt tests. His only trophies are a few taxidermied ducks on the wall. No ribbons for this boy. His only trophy is my heart. I dread the day when He moves on over the rainbow bridge. But until then, Happy Birthday Gibbs Boss Schutte. Dream a few sweet dreams today.

Marty

Take The Signs Seriously 3/24/2026

 Good Morning,

My chair is way too comfortable this morning. The old chair goes really well with a hot cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee. I believe it is time to write. 

1 Peter 2:13 NKJV Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. 

I am a little sore this morning. I used a lot of lazy muscles yesterday while cutting down a tree that had fallen down over a service road at the Kennel Club I belong to. The club is used by it's members to train their hunting dogs and as being a member we all put in some work hours at the club as needed. I find that spending time outdoors even if it is for a chore or two is a nice way to spend an afternoon. 

On the home front, I had to add a sign to the entrance of our back yard. Our back yard is fenced in and our two dogs are free to be outside in a safe environment. Just the other day, one of the utility companies sent out a the technician who marks where all the underground utilities are located on our property. They are going to replace and bury a new communications cable at our home. So to be safe the property needed to be marked as to the locations of any wires buried in our yard.  Great idea. 

But they neglected to let us know that a technician would be coming out and when that would be. The tech came to the correct address, saw the gated entrance and let himself in. He never announced to us that he was here and what he was doing. Much to his surprise ,once he entered the property he encountered Leo and Gibbs the dynamic English Springer Spaniels Duo. The two dogs let him know they were their by some barking. I went outside to see what the ruckus was about and within a minute or two the tech was being greeted by wagging tails and two dogs who were willing to share their space. 

The technician apologized for his company who failed to notify us as to his coming on to our property. He also reminded me that a huge help would be to have a sign at the gate letting folks know that there are dogs on the property. 

Long story short. I complied with his request and the gate is clearly marked to warn folks that there could be a dog or two behind the fence.  

My point for today is two fold. I wasn't compliant with my signage and I corrected it quickly. Number two, the sign is located in a totally visible spot and should clearly end any confusion to anyone entering the area. 

With all things there are warning signs that should not be ignored. Our lives are filled with signs and postings. Speed limits on the highway are clearly marked. A snow cover road is a sign that the road is probably slippery and we should drive in a safe manner for snow covered roads. A sign is meant to instruct, enforce, modify, or stop a behavior. Our problem is that we don't pay attention to or obey the signs in our lives. 

Think about it. It is early in the morning and how many signs will you ignore today by noon? Food for thought! Obey the signs God has placed in your way. 

God bless, 

Marty

Dried Fruit 3/23/2026

 Good Morning,

I have a hot cup of Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee in front of me and I am ready to write. This is a new coffee flavor for me and it has a way of growing on you. 

Proverbs 22:2 ESV The rich and the poor meet together, The Lord is maker of them all. 

In January my wife Rene said she was tired of seeing me dehydrate fruit with the small dryer I had. I enjoy dehydrating fruit and some vegetables. I also enjoy munching on the dried delights while hunting or  just for a snack. My latest venture has been to explore making jerky from some of my wild game or from a lean piece of beef. Anyway, for an early birthday gift we purchased a larger dryer that has proved to be a lot of fun. Yesterday found me drying some mango slices and they turned out pretty good. 

I did some research and found a couple recipes for dip that can served with the dried apples I like the best. 

Where am I going with this? When I have the chance to share some of these chips and dips a lot of people look at the dried up and shriveled pieces and they are reluctant to try some. They don't look appetizing to them. So they pass on eating any without even trying some. They trust their eyes instead of their taste buds. 

I believe that it is the same with attending church or having a relationship with God and others. We have stereotyped church goers as Bible thumping lunatics. We look at other races and what Hollywood depicts them to be, is what  we assume they are. So we go though life not experiencing God, and a Southern Baptist pot luck dinner. We avoid other races and folks that are different to us but do things differently. Imagine going through this life and not experiencing people, who are different from us? I have some buddies who like to eat pork shanks and sauerkraut. They turned me on to that dish many years ago. I am glad that they did. 

In life I believe we all have the mindset that certain things because they are different should be avoided. We have clouded our minds with the inability to see the world through the eyes of others. 

Food for thought. 

Marty

A Sunday Kind Of Day 3/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I am deinking a hoy cup of Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee. I am using up some of the last of my supply of Christmas flavors. It is time to write.

Philippians 4:11 ESV Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned , in whatever situation I am, to be content. 

I woke up to a feeling of not being too ambitious today. I am working at reading a couple of books to see if they would be good ones for our Men's Bible Study at our church. So later today I plan on sitting at my desk and reading for a couple of hours. Rene and I discussed what we would eat today and that has already been supplied to us by a dear friend as a gift.

I believe I will take advantage of a light day. I have built in some time for extra prayer and I think as far as it goes, I was made for this day or this day was made for me. I plan on working, resting, and  growing spiritually all in one day. 

My point for the day is this. God made this day, and I am doing my best to fit into it and be content.

How about you? Does the word content describe you?

God bless,

Marty

Stopped For Prayer 3/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I woke up and realized that I had not set the timer on the coffee maker. It did not slow me down too much,but it is something I don't want to become a habit. I like my coffee very hot and on time. Soon I will be drinking a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee as I begin to write. 

Romans 12:12ESV 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

Yesterday while picking up some supplies at a farm store, I was stopped by a young couple in the parking lot. At first I thought they were selling something. They assured me that their only goal for the day was to pray with people. I can't say that this approach is new to me. I have seen this ministry in public areas before. Politely they asked for my name and if there was anything they could pray about for me. I chuckled and said that I could hand them a laundry list of things, but I confided that I wanted prayer for our country, the war and the politics. We bowed our heads and we prayed. Once they finished praying I asked if there was anything I could pray about for them. They were happy to announce that they were just married a few months ago and they are now headed on a medical mission trip to Africa. Both of them are nurses and they will be assisting a surgical team for 6 months. They desired prayer for safety and for God to eliminate the worries their families have about them going so far away.

After praying we hugged and I went on my way, they went to pray with others. Before we prayed I asked them how the praying was going. The response was this. "Many people don't want prayer or are too busy to stop and pray."

This answer did not surprise me much. I often see our monthly church prayer gathering barely being attended. It seems that even times of turmoil aren't bringing people to their knees as much as I thought would happen now. 

So my point is this. When you pray, stay a few minutes longer on your knees and include prayer for those folks "who don't need any." Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you. 

God is waiting to hear from you.

Marty. 

Sitting At The Window 3/20/2026

 Good Morning,

I am waiting for the Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee to finish brewing. It is time to write.

It is still dark outside as I ponder things as they wake up and have me observing some of the antics at the bird feeder. Right now there is a squirrel cleaning up some of the bird seed that was spilled out by some small birds yesterday. Two rabbits are chewing some of the wet grass in the yard. All this action and more yet to come just because we spent a little money on wild bird seed and now enjoy a morning cartoon provided by nature. Our bird feeder and pole are nothing fancy, yet they feed one and all who come to the it. I especially think it is odd how the bigger birds who can't perch on the feeder have to wait for the tiny birds to spray the seed to those below with their little wings. The larger birds rely on being fed by the little ones.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on the appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

My point for the day is this. You might be in a position to recruit people for a project or hire them for work at your place of employment. Yet the candidates might be a little short on experience. Their resume seems weak. Pray about it and see if they have "Heart, Desire, Determination, Drive and Dedication." Ask questions that would have them answer things regarding the terminology above. 

Don't let a lack of a piece of paper or them looking too young to be any good impact your decision. You might have a great worker wrapped in a weak resume and young stature. Don't let that keep you from not trying them out. Of course there are minimum requirements and education needed for most positions. Those must be met, But a lack of experience gives you the opportunity to give them some. You can be part of the process that helps them to build their experience resume.

Be a big bird that watches the younger ones soar. You might learn a trick or two from someone half your age and with half of your experience.

Food for thought,

Marty

I Tried To Think And Nothing Happened 3/19/2026

 Good Morning,

The alarm went off and the Door County Cherry Creme Coffee is ready. Time to write.

Last night I was looking up the name of a restaurant / supper club that my wife and I used to visit a couple times a year or more 30 years ago. I was trying to remember the name and it took me awhile for my brain to kick in. Have you ever tried to kick start your brain and nothing happens?

I finally remembered the name "Ray Busslers" of Oak Creek Wisconsin. I could recall the many times Rene and I enjoyed the antique atmosphere, great food, and located close to home. It was our place to go on "Date Night" 

Now and then it takes some time to get the brain functioning and once it starts it can be difficult to shut down. I recalled a passage of Scripture to support my wandering mind trips back in time. 

Photo Credit nwitimes.com

Philippians 4:8 KJV Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Just now and then when you have memories like this to cherish, You just have to say, "It has been a wonderful life. "

Take time to enjoy a memory and share it with someone!

God bless. Have a great day!!!

Marty