The Story Isn't Finished Yet 7/14/2026

 Good Morning,

There is a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee in front of me and now it is time to write. 

Hebrews 12:2 NKJV Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Our life has a beginning and an end. If you are reading this, obviously you haven't experienced the end. Our life is not a mystery and we are not the author but we have an important part in writing our story.You control how it ends for eternity.

Hebrews 4:11 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved. 

You choose the ending of your story. By placing your faith in Jesus Christ you assure yourself of living eternity in heaven with all the other believers and God. Or you choose to ignore the call of Jesus  and to accept His forgiveness and then spend eternity in hell with satan and the rest of all evil. 

Today's message is straight foward and is simple. You choose where you sit for eternity.

Not choosing is not an option. It is one or the other.

Food for thought. Where will you reside for eternity?

God bless,

Marty

What Impatient People We Have Become 7/13/2026

 Good Morning,

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

"Everyone knows that the length of a minute depends on what side of the bathroom door you're on:  Quote Credit Tales from the Outhouse.

I am old enough to remember life without microwaves. For instance pre microwaves you either boiled a hot dog, or if you cooked by gas, you stuck your hot dog with a fork and burned it at the stove using the gas flame.

Romans 5:4 ESV And endurance produces character and character produces hope. 

Imagine having to wait for your hair to dry after rubbing your head with a towel. Or hanging your freshly washed sheets outside to dry or hanging them in the basement and finally getting to use them the next day. Oh let's not forget that walking was never a quick way to get to the library. We now have scooters parked about cities ready to rent just to get to the library instead of taking a hike. Why even have libraries at all when within seconds we have all the information we need via the internet? 

If things weren't fast enough already we complain when the computer we use is a little slow. We cuss out the microwave because it took 45 seconds to warm up the coffee. Too slow!!!!

We really have become impatient people who when needing to wait on something we get irritated and lose our temper. I am guilty of being agitated when things don't move fast enough.

My point for the day is this. Stop the rush. Roast a hot dog on the patio using wood or charcoal. Sip your coffee and enjoy some quiet while reading. No need for audio books today. Dry your sheets outside and discover what clothespins are for.  

Maybe the good old days really were the good old days. 

God bless,

Marty

Nature Is The Art Of God 7/12/2026

 Good Morning,

It is time to refill my cup with some Door County Old Fashioned Coffee. And it is time to write.

Hebrews 1:10 In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.

Earlier this morning as I took a moment to gaze out from our kitchen window I saw two cardinals munching on breakfast from bird seed that fell to the ground yesterday. I couldn't capture a photo quick enough, so the picture will just have to be my memory.

I spend a fair amount of time outside and I am often afforded the luxury to see nature at work.

Nature Is The Art Of God

Dante

I feel blessed to see all that God in nature has made and shared the splendor with all of us. 

No one advocates for church attendance more than I do. Besides just attending a local church you can find a place to serve the Lord and make a difference in the lives of others there.

But I also look forward to God's display of His art work when I am outside breathing air that hasn't been breathed before and where the scenery can change within minutes or even seconds. 

Point for the day. God has a picture He wants to show you. Get outside and visit the cathedral of God.

Love to all,

Marty

 

Some things Just Go Together 7/11/2026

 Good Morning,

My day was planned out for me and it is going to be a busy one. I just sat down at my desk with a very hot cup of Door County Old Fashioned Coffee. It is time to write 

"A positive attitude and a sense of humor go together like biscuits and gravy"Dolly Parton 

Marriages, as well as other relationships are often lacking in harmony. We all too often take ourselves too seriously  and then add some negativity to the mix and you have nothing but problems. 

 Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two are better than one. 

A "can do" attitude brought to the table each day is always welcome around me. It is nice to know the risks and longevity of any project in life. But add a negative attitude to the situation and the task seems unattainable. 

A sense of humor added to a positive attitude should some day be bottled and sold. Being able to grin and maybe even laugh at yourself during a relationship is priceless. 

One day late in November when I was a teenager my cousin and I became lost in the woods and we were really lost. We decided that walking through the dark was not going to be a good idea. We stopped just before it turned too dark and took stock of what supplies we had for the night. I recall both of us saying at least there are two of us in this mess together. We had some candy bars we could eat. Matches to make a fire and a deadfall tree with plenty of accessible fire wood  right where we stopped.  The sense of humor came in when we both said "I have toilet paper"   Her tears were turned to laughter and we knew that someone would be looking for us and the worst case scenario is that it would have to wait until morning. 

Short answer. We were found about an hour later by two guys who were out looking for us. We were in a warm truck headed back to our dads. My cousin was the one with a great sense of humor. She said just before we were dropped off to our families. "I never thought I would look forward to being chewed out" Yes, we were chewed out, but we were headed to a warm house and a turkey dinner served with some humble pie.

We still catch a little flack now and then when we get together for a family funeral. But our positive attitude and sense of humor  helped us to have a full heart of "we can do this"  

My point for the day is this. Try to surround yourself with people who can see the positive in any moment. Add someone with a positive sense of humor and you most likely joined a  winning team.

Have a great day!! God Bless.

Marty

One Good Reason 7/10/2026

 Good Morning,

I am awake and ready to write. My cup of Door County Country Morning Blend Coffee is plenty hot.

The blog is running way late this morning and I am not happy with that fact. My alarm did not sound off at 5:00AM as it should have.I am usually up and awake before the alarm sounds the wake up call.But not today. I need to look at what happened later today.

I was out to the hardware store yesterday and placing a bag of bird seed in my truck. The tail gate was open and there was a man parked next to me. As he approached the back of our two vehicles He saw that I had some equipment in the back of the truck and he asked me if it was for dog training? I relied "yes it is." I was rearranging some items in the back and just happened to also have my Old Bible with me. I had been reading it at the dog training grounds the other day while waiting for friends. 

The man was about my age and he asked where I trained and we began to talk about where and what kind of dog I had. But his eyes wandered to my old beat up Bible several times. He then said to me. Do you believe in the Bible and if  you do give me one good reason why you do. 

I explained that I believe in the Bible and all 66 books within it to be God's inspired Word. But most of all It saved my life one night and gave me hope for tomorrow. 

I quoted the verse. Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV Come to Me, all you who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. , and you will find rest for your soul.

The man thanked me and said this. "You do well speaking your faith and a I see the Bible is well worn. Keep the faith sir. Keep the faith." Then he left.

I am not sure if that was a test from some angel or just a man making conversation. I guess I will never know. 

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 

Point of the day. You just never know when or where you might have to justify your faith in God. Be prepared to give an answer, even at the hardware store.

God bless.

Marty

Beware Of Beauty That Can Sting You. 7/9/2026

 Good Morning,

I just warmed up my cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and it is time to write. 

This morning I would like to spend a moment delivering  a message that is good for both genders and all ages. 

                                                    Photo Credit Ray and June Puls

At one time or another in life our eyes have seen something desirable to us and our minds wander toward obtaining the object despite the dangers of possessing it. 

Men, God has created woman to tbe please to our eyes. But those married or in a committed relationship, wandering eyes can lead to hurt, sorrow or at times even danger. This goes for the ladies as well. The stud on the Hallmark channel never seems to burp or fart nor do they smell from mowing the lawn. Wandering eyes and then acting upon those thoughts of "Life could be better if I had that one next to me," has ruined many many relationships. 

That purse which costs a months rent and the matching shoes can deplete a monthly budget in a fast minute. The truck which you own and is paid for, doesn't look that great anymore, but is faithful to start and works just fine, doesn't need a loan or a monthly payment.

All things might look good and are enticing to the eye, mind or heart , but they have hidden circumstances /costs that come with looking first and then acting upon your lust and desires. But like the beautiful flower in the photo above there are hidden thorns and a sore thumb is the first step in being warned of the danger in pursuing your desires and lust. 

Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed,which is idolatry.  

Colossians 5:16 So I say,"walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

Debt, lust, anger, and greed often come wrapped in attractive packages but buyer beware, there is always a cost to your desires. 

God bless. 
Marty

Advice Given. Advice Not Taken 7/8/2026

 Good Morning,

I am having drinking some of the last of my Door County Christmas flavors . It won't be too long before I run out of the Christmas brews.  So today I salute Christmas in July with a hot cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog.

Proverbs 18:2 ESV A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 

Galatians 2:10 ESV Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. 

One thing that gets me irritated is people who just pounce at any opportunity to hand out advice. Now advice is a good thing, but at times it is not solicited for. There are people who pass by and hear part of a conversation and then feel that they should jump in with their opinion and their solution to your issue. It doesn't even really need to be an issue. They throw in an opinion to any situation you are in. They are those folks who, start in the conversation, with "You could do this. You should have done this. Did you try that? Or why not do it this way.?

These are the folks that surgeons can't wait for the patient to be asleep because they don't need advice from the patient and his or her peanut gallery.

These same folks are never seen actually in the mud with a shovel, but they have a plan on how you can remove it. Or you can't take them seriously because they are habitually late, but yet they have an answer and a comment before they are even greeted.. This is what I call "All hat and no cattle." Or another one. "All skirt and no knickers."

My good friend and buddy shared a quote with me from an unknown author.

"Why would I take criticism from someone who I would not take advice from?"

During a murky situation a wise person offers help by saying. "Is there anything I can do to help.?"It's hard to take them serious when all they offer is criticism and unsolicited advice".

Food for thought today. Are you a helper or a yelper? If you just can't resist criticizing another person's efforts make sure your own grass is dog poop free.

Have a great day. 

Marty

Time For A Self Examination 7/7/2026

 Good Morning,

My Door County Christmas Coffee is tasting mighty fine today. Nothing like a hot coffee and a fire to start your day. It is time to write. 

In today's medicine you can check your own blood sugar levels with a small meter. You can monitor your blood pressure also with a small meter. Your body temperatures are very easy to take now. There are a lot of things you can do to monitor your own health. This information helps your physician to adjust medications if needed. It also let's you know if your body is functioning properly. It is amazing what you can do for yourself in managing your health care. 

Our hearts are the main muscle that keeps blood flowing and is vital to many facets of our physical health. Our heart is also our emotional gauge. 

One other thing that we should monitor now and then is how our heart loves others. There is a self test we can perform to see how our heart is functioning and treating others. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy. love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5. does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. 6.does not rejoice in iniquity; but rejoices in the truth; 7. bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

If you take this passage and look at each love category within the Scripture and score yourself honestly on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the high score and 1 being the lowest score, you will have done a "Love examination"

If there are areas where you need improvement you can ask God Our Great Physician to show you your issues and also show you how to improve.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties: 24 And see if there is  any wicked way in me. And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Food for thought. Are you brave enough, and tough enough to let your spouse or family score you on their clipboard of your heart?

Have a great day! Gos bless.

Marty 

You Are A Rose To Someone!7/6/2026

 Good Morning, 

I am running late today. I was up earlier and sat down to pray and read my Bible before writing. And guess what? I fell asleep while reading. The chair I was sitting in was too comfortable. I don't think I will make that mistake again. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee and it is time to write. 

Isaiah 35:1-2 NKJV The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. 2. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with singing. 

Yesterday Rene and I hosted a small cook out with my side of the family. It is kind of easy to do. Our family is small, so it does not take much of an effort to host a meal. The weather cooperated and everyone made it to the meal. An announcement was made to let us all know that there will be a wedding next June. We talked and planned for Thanksgiving

We have experienced tough times together as a family and a few times I wondered if we would survive as a group. But like a rose that can be found in a desert, somehow God brings us back as a group. 

Point for the day. You might feel like no one cares and you are in a barren dry land. But remember you are a rose to someone who does care. You are a bright spot to others.

Have a great day! God Bless,

Marty

If If If But But But7/5/2026

 Good Morning, 

Nothing like a hot cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog Coffee to start the day. I am ready to write. 

Ecclesiastes 5:3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fools voice with many words. 

I do believe that as humans we often allow ourselves to play the If game. This game has us speculating on what could have happened , should have happened, and the actual what happened. "If they had only done this, things would be better."  Whatever has taken place is now a part if history and you can't change it.You can correct the future by learning from a mistake made and applying that knowledge to the future. 

Once we have second guessed our every step, we advance to the line of But But But. This is the game of excuses. We sound like a cheap old outboard motor starting up on an icy cold November day. Once we start applying "But" to the circumstances or failure it becomes a quick emotional bandage for our egos. 

People like to apply both words into a situation. "If they or  you had done this differently, but if it fails we we can correct it "If"  It is a vicious circle of continual correcting mistakes without rally correcting anything. A dream is not a fact. It is a dream. 

Today, try not using the words If and But. We spend too much time changing things in our minds without making changes. We spend too much time and effort justifying a bad choice. 

Have a blessed day. 

Marty

A Tragedy Marks The 4th Of July 7/4/2026

 Good Morning,

I am still observing Christmas in July. Therefore I am drinking a hot cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog. It is time to write.

Psalm 33:12 ESV Blessed is the nation, whose God is the Lord. The people who He has chose as His heritage

Yesterday severe storms ran through a portion of our state. Warnings were being sounded and it was time to watch the sky. The storms did not cut through our property. So no tragedy here. 

Just an hour away from us the story is not so nice. A family was boating on one of our large inland lakes. I am not going to second guess what happened at all. The terrible news was that 3 children died when their boat capsized.  No matter how it happened this tragedy is ugly and my heart goes out to those who survived the high winds and large waves. Yesterday was a day they will never forget. I have been in prayer for the families who lost a child or children. 

I am asking those who read this to stop, look up and pray with me for these families impacted. Pray for the first responders who will take this memory with them also. We often forget the impact tragedy has on those who have to say. "He or she died. We did our best to save the victim." They pass by those waiting for a miracle and they don't have the words to make the situation better. They carry their hurt with them silently. 

Today in America we celebrate our Independence day. I know this. 250 years ago we declared our independence and joined 13 colonies together and formed one great nation. I will celebrate like everyone else. Our flag flies nicely over our home and I am proud to be an American. I will recall my history lessons and know that our independence did not come easy . On July 4th 1776 someone heard those words. "We could not save him."

Celebrate America and hold on to the freedom we enjoy and cherish.

Marty

There Is Always More To The Story 7/3/2026

 Good Morning,

I am still keeping up with my July tribute to Christmas. I just poured a hot cup of Door County Christmas Coffee and I am now ready to write. 

Mathew 7:1-2 NKJV Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 

A few years ago my wife, our daughter and I went out  East for a week's vacation in Virginia. It was a great time and one I like to recall in my mind now and then. 

During our trip we traveled to Shenandoah National Park, We were in awe of the skyline view of the mountains and we stopped very often for photo opportunities. 

In addition to what is above ground, our day trip took us to the Luray Caverns. How beautiful were the views of the rock formations hidden under the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

So that brings me to my point for the day. We often carry the weight of judging others and their situations. Too often we burden our hearts and minds by playing God and judging others. Leave God's work to God. We are not always aware of the whole story and very often we judge without knowing everything.  Just as the top of the mountains told half of what we saw that day, underneath the Earth there was another story to make our trip complete. 

Proverbs 18:13 NIV To answer before listening -that is folly and shame.

Food for thought??? 

God Bless,

Marty

Poor Workmanship 7/2/2026

 Good Morning.

This day started with a little thunder a few minutes ago. I just poured myself a hot cup of Door County Christmas Coffee and that tells me it is time to write. 

Proverbs 18:9 He who is slothful in his work 

Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. 

over the last two months my wife Rene and I have been giving the inside of our first floor a facelift. It has been an experience in having enough patience to finish this endeavor. I will admit I am running  short on the patience. 

Yesterday was the final event to push me past my limit for tolerance and patience. Carpeting was supposed to be installed in the living room. We purchased the carpeting and the installation from a large store chain. And they promise a smooth process. 

The carpet installers were the first contractor to show up on time and not make us wonder when they will show up. Rene and I had all the furniture moved and after offering the two installers coffee, Coke, or water, the removal of the old carpeting began. I verified that they had the correct color for the new flooring. So very soon after the old stuff was removed, the new padding and new carpeting was installed. Once the  workers were finished they packed up and left..  That's when it sunk in. The carpeting was not pulled tight and instead of a nice flat surface we have what looks like an Olympic mogul ski range. Later this morning I will be at the flooring store pleading my case. Yesterday they would not even return my phone call. 

My point for the day is this. Check credentials of those that sell their services and ask for references, as to their qualifications. We will see if the Big Store backs up their promise to provide quality and service past the installation day. I have my doubts.

I have found out that many contractors assume because they installed a floor once, they now own a van and that makes them qualified professionals. So armed with photos and a head full of steam I will venture into the store where my final and last purchase was made and see how this works out. 

Buyer Beware!

Marty

Just A Little Christmas For Now 7/1/2026

 Good Morning, 

I embraced the start of this day with a hot cup of Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee.

My wife  Rene is a huge fan of Christmas  and she likes to observe a little Christmas in July. So I break out some of my Christmas coffees to assist in her goal for July happiness. It is all done in good fun. She will also be watching Christmas movies from two of her favorite channels.

In December Rene and I, (Mostly Rene) transform our home into a display of lights, and other Christmas regalia. If Rene had her way, we would celebrate with decorations all year round. She always seems to be happier in December. 

So my point for the day is this. Why shouldn't we celebrate Jesus every day, 365 days per year? We should be thankful for the Son of God who left the majesty of Heaven to come to Earth just to die for us. In our hearts, can't we celebrate Christmas now and every day? 

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6. who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God , 7. but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming to the likeness of men . 8. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

Have a great day. Stay cool and hydrated. God bless,

Marty

It's A Heat Wave 6/30/26

 Good Moring,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time t write. 

James 2:8  If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture. "You shall love your neighbor as yourself". You do well. 

No dog was kept in a refrigerator. While cleaning the unit, The puppy crawled in and absorbed some cold. 

A large part of the world is in the middle of a heat wave of epic proportions. I listened to the weather report for the are in which my wife and I reside and the meteorologists were quick to remind people not to leave little children or pets in the car even for a few minutes. The call to stay hydrated with water was stressed  several times. It is a great time to practice being  a good neighbor. If you have elderly friends, check on them. Ask if the need anything from the store. This helps to keep them out of the scorching weather. Check the temperature in their home and if it does not have air conditioning offer them a way to stay cool. 

Parents, now is a good time to travel with a container f water in case of a car malfunction.

Kids will always want to play outside. Monitor them and now is a good time to provide some weather beater beverages to the play ground or yard. 

 There are so many precautions to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Most of all, it is time to be a good neighbor. 

You can prevent a tragedy just by being neighborly and a concerned citizen. Kindness is always the right thing at anytime and on any day.

God bless,

Marty

Better Directions Please 6/29/2026

 Good Morning,

This day greeted me with a challenge right after I woke up. I had forgotten to set up the coffee maker to brew a pot of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee at 4:00AM this morning. So my coffee time will have to wait a few minutes. 

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and matters of the heart.

My wife Rene and I were given a small task to purchase a child's rocking chair for a group baby shower gift. It was decided by some of the ladies at church to keep me busy. Ha!  We were glad to do so and I accepted the task of purchasing and assembling this little wooden chair. 

Inside the box that was sent to us with screws and dowels galore was a small sheet of directions for assembly. The directions were very vague and required assembly in the proper sequence. The manufacturer did not have that information in the directions. 

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path. 

I looked at the project and gathered my trusty tools and started in. Half way into the project the light in my brain kicked in and I realized that the sequence of assembly was critical to the project. This slowed me down because I had to disassemble a couple of things and start over. It would have been nice to have had better directions.  What seemed to be thee correct assembly sequence was not at all even close. The "obvious was not the correct path". 

My point for today is this. We often need guidance in our daily lives and decisions need to be made. Fortunately we have the Book  of directions for daily living at our fingertips. My Bible has directed me through thick and thin since 1981. It is never wrong. It Does not need to be reprogrammed or reset. It is definitely not vague. God's word helps us to reset and move in the right direction on the best path at all times. 

Food for thought. Follow the best directions. 

Marty

Every Dog Needs A Jo 6/28/2026

 Good Morning, 

I have been up and at it for over an hour now, but yet I just now had time to write. I am enjoying my morning with a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee. Let's unpackage this day.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

I am a member of a kennel club where you can go and use the 100 acres of land and water to train your dogs. It is pristine land and it comes with another benefit. It also comes with other members. 

These members range in dog training experience from none to very experienced. I have the luxury of being retired. This enables me to train at times all by myself and use the 100 acres alone. Then there are times when I join a group who has scheduled a session to train together. It is during those times when the experienced folks are a great value to the novice trainers and the veterans who are just having a bad dog day. 

The seasoned veterans when asked share tips with the newbies and assist with teaching the younger dogs some great skills. These group training sessions also provide some comradery among the participants. 

Training does not always go as planned. And a great well trained dog can have a bad day. The owner /trainer can get frustrated and down once in awhile. You might not believe it, but a dog knows when they screwed up. The owner and the dog go back to their vehicle  dejected and disappointed. 

That's when the team and I do call one dog and it's owner a team needs a Jo. In our ever expanding group we have a lady named Jo, who as far as I have witnessed always finds the good in even a failed event. She offers advice that she has accumulated over the years and gets right out in the field to assist everyone who comes to train that day. 

I would call her "every dog's greatest cheerleader". Every now and then a dog just needs a person who cheers them on and so does the owner. Jo looks for the bright spot and comes along those who just struggled or failed. She shares in the excitement when a dog and owner accomplish a goal. She encourages the forlorn. 

I believe we live in a world now that is quick to blame, ridicule, gossip, and judge others. The world has forgotten how to be a cheerleader now and then. 

I am asking all who read this today to join me in prayer for those trying to regroup, recover and just overcome tragedy in Venezuela from the massive earthquakes that have just devastated many. Can you be a Jo today to your part of the world? 

I know you can!

God bless,

Marty

A Friend Is? 6/27/2026

Good Morning,

This day began early for me. And it started with prayer and a hot cup of Hazelnut Coffee. It is time to write. 

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV  A man who has friends must himself be friendly. But  there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother

I was thinking about friendship and what is important to me in the definition of a friend. 

A friend is available in good or bad times. A friend is loyal to me and my wife. A friend prays for me now and then and more during times of despair and adversity. A friend is someone who has a sense of humor and takes time to laugh. A friend respects my need for quiet and peace. A friend performs favors and doesn't keep score.

A friend doesn't tell me what I want to hear but one who tells me what I need to hear. A friend is one who knows when to correct me and loves me enough to correct me. A friend is one who will point me to God at all times. 

If you have friends, count them as blessings. The friends you have are the ones God has sent and He feels you need. 

And most important today is this. Make sure to be a friend to those who God sends your way. A man who has friends is friendly himself. 

God bless your day!

Marty

Celebrate The Experience 6/26/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Hazelnut Coffee is super hot right now nd it would be a great way to start a cold day in January. It is time to write.

Philippians 1:9 ESV And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and and all discernment. 

Yesterday if my parents were still alive, they would have celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. My folks weren't ones to "over celebrate". Giving each other a card or a small gift was as good as it got. 

But yet, my dad would remind me not to forget my anniversary. I am not sure why he reminded me of my anniversary every year. I wonder if he forgot one of his own, or if he just knew that if anyone of his kids would forget one it would be me. Dad wasn't one to call you very often. It was your job to call him. Three days before our wedding anniversary he would call like a synchronized Swiss watch. 

He would nonchalantly bring up the subject by asking what we had planned for our anniversary. I recall him going off on me one year because I told him that we were going to go out to eat later in the week on the weekend. Wow, here is the quote. "What the hell is wrong with you. Take a day off from work, both of you. Those hospitals will survive one day without you guys." ( We both worked in health care.)

The best I could do was to send flowers to Rene' work place. We also had a nice dinner at the end of the week. 

So take it from me. You did not want to get chewed out by my Dad. So here is what I learned from him. Never forget the "God Given right to celebrate your life together. You never know when the last anniversary is the last anniversary"

Rene and I were married in September and he reminded me of our anniversary the week before our wedding date. My mother died in April of the next year. They were married in June.

The following year on their anniversary I called my Dad to check on him. I asked him what he was doing for the day. I was not surprised to hear him say. "I am going to the cemetery and put some flowers there for your mother. She liked flowers."

Friends, don't forget to celebrate your important dates and the dates of your spouse. Once they stop, they are stopped forever.

Marty

 

Reach Into The Jar 6/25/2026

Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and to my right side there is a very hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and a prayer in my heart.

Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

A couple years back while dining out with our grandson we returned to our truck after eating,  just to find that it had been broken into. A few items were stolen from the inside and the truck was ransacked. That experience left a bad taste in my mouth about the area,and it took a long time for us to get over it and dine again at one of our favorite places. 

Throughout my years on this earth I have lost some things and never recovered them from someone who felt that it was ok for them to steal from us. 

One thing that that is always there and can't be taken from you is HOPE. When the rains of life pour disaster into your life there is an invisible jar that you can reach into and pull out some hope for tomorrow. 

That dose of hope assures us that God is still there and has his watchful eye upon us. He is there to walk us through tough times and see us through to the end. Knowing that God keeps His promises gives us hope for tomorrow and beyond. 

Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. 

If we look at the word hope, as a noun we can define it as a substance to be grasped and a gift from God. 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

I see hope as an action verb as a command for us to hope at all times and remember where our hope comes from. 

Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up my eyes to the hills-

From whence comes my help?

2. My help comes from the Lord.

Who made heaven and earth.

Food for thought. Do you need to reach into the jar of hope today? Why wait? Trust always in the Lord where there is a never ending hope. 

Marty

Time In The Son 6/24/2026

 Good Morning,

I am very content this morning while enjoying my time in prayer and drinking some Door County Irish Creme Coffee. 

John 10:10 NKJV The thief does not come except to steal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.

Last fall as we were preparing our yard for winter my wife Rene was hauling a plant to our basement for storage. I stopped Mrs. Eager Beaver and asked what she was doing. 

"I am going to try and save this plant by keeping it under a grow light and watering it." A couple weeks later as the dead leaves were still falling off of this plant I asked if I could toss it out at the dump. But Rene kept those grow lights on and watering the plant.

Come spring she said to me, " I don't think the plant made it. I guess you can toss it out." I could see her disappointment. I asked a couple of experts if this type of plant normally survives from one year to the next. "Not usually" was their reply.

I placed the dead bush in the yard so I would remember to toss it out with my next trip to the city dump. Much to my surprise, within two days of being in real sunshine I noticed that the plant looked sickly but healthier. My wife gave the bush a little plant food and moved it to where it could receive more sunshine. I have attached a picture of the bush with one flowering bud and quite a few more getting ready to blossom. I have nicknamed the bush Lazarus. It came back to life!

My point for the day is this . As a bush thrives better in the light of the sun, so do we flourish much better in the light of the Son. Time in prayer, study, and church participation places us in a position to grow spiritually and make us stronger in our walk. The more time we spend with the Son, the more we reach up to Him in good or bad times. You blossom when others don't.

Food for thought!

Marty

A Restless Soul 6/23/2026

 Good Morning,

I have just started to enjoy my cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and it s time to write. 

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful , in all things and desperately sick who can understand it?

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. 

Have you ever had a time in your life when your heart and soul are restless? A time when you feel a change is coming and you aren't in the know  as to what it is. 

I offer a little bit of a solution to the issue. Don't trust your feelings. Feelings should never be trusted to lead you to and through any changes. Feelings can often be misleading and following them can lead to bigger issues down the road. 

For instance, I didn't always feel like I wanted to go to work. If I trusted my feelings I would have stayed home, and missed out on hours where I could have been paid. If I caved into my feelings and stayed home, I wouldn't be able to pay my bills. 

When you are feeling restless, don't make any changes by acting on feelings,. Take the issue or thought to the Lord in prayer and read more of God's word and await instructions. Continue going to work, paying your bills, loving your family and attend church regularly. 

Feelings can't be trusted. Food for thought. Deal with facts and only the facts.

God, bless,

Marty 

Time For Me To Absorb Some Sweet Tea 6/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I am awake and ready to write and then enjoy some breakfast that will consist of biscuits and jam. I had my limit of Door County Coffee about n hour ago. Here we go. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

I am retired from work now for about 7 years. And what I thought would be a time of catching up on fishing, travel, and more time with family, proved me wrong and somewhat silly. 

Life still goes on and does not slow down to adjust to your retirement. Houses still need repairs and touch ups. The lawn needs tending, and then as you age you have more doctors appointments. 

I am quite active serving in our church and there are different seasons in church life. In the past two months I have been extremely busy at church. I have performed a lot of repairs to our house or had to wait on misguided contractors. 

Here is my point for the day. It is almost the fourth of July and I have yet to brew a pitcher of peach sweet tea and have yet to set out the patio furniture. That alone startles me. Summer will be gone and I will have a bag of should have, could have, and well maybe next year thoughts. The thought of not getting out to fish makes me shudder with disrespect for myself. Watching my wife wave to me as I mow the lawn and she has to go somewhere alone again is my fault. 

Today I will set out my calendar before God and ask Him to help set my priorities or reset some. I am not sure how that will go or what it will look like, but I am going to practice what I preach!I am not sure what the answer is to the calamity I have allowed to invade like cancer but I trust God to help me clean up my calendar. 

Have a great day.

Marty

Happy Father's Day 6/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I am drinking some French Coffee given to me by my daughter and it is very strong and just what I needed.  

Today in the Unites States we honor all of the dads and say happy "Father's Day" I am not sure if Father's Day is observed all around the world, but I will pay honor to all by thanking each and every one of you for filling a very important role.

It is not easy being a dad these days with the pressures of the world all around. I at one time thought that if Dad went to work, got up early, went to bed last, and got the family to church, he was doing a good job. Add in protecting the family and as you get older trying not to be a burden to them. 

I found the perfect Bible passage and I consider it to be the God given job description for a man. 

Deuteronomy 5:6-9  5.You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8.You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

So men, Let your family spoil you today and you grill for them. Take a small bite from the soggy Oreo the baby wants to share with you and has been chewing on for the last hour. Pray for your families, and thank God for each and every one of them. Be grateful that you are called Papa, Dad, Father or whatever you are titled. 

Smile, some day you will miss that soggy Oreo. 

Love you all.

Marty

One More Wall To Go 6/20/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug was full of Door County S'MORES Coffee a few minutes ago. It is empty now and it is time to write. 

Proverbs 24:3-4 Through wisdom a house is built ,

And by understanding it is established ;

4. By knowledge the rooms are filled 

With all precious and pleasant riches.

My wife Rene and I have been giving our home an uplift on our first floor. As a reminder  we don't live like most people. Our home looks more like a museum than a home. We enjoy our home with all the antiques we have acquired and display. We are on the last wall to have all of the photos of our family and friends put back in place. We affectionately call it the "wall of honor." A lot of memories hang on that wall. 

Out of all the things I have moved and then remounted on walls, this one will be the most difficult to do. There is a lot of stuff to rehang and I probably will spend the most time on this one wall, just because I will relive in my mind the memories of days gone by and the people who were with us at the time. The wall holds a picture of our daughter and the one and only time she goose hunted with me. You can see in the photo just how excited she was to be off from school and spending the day with Dad and a dog named Walter. I did not post the photo, because I value my life! You will have to visit and see it for yourself. 

I have noticed that when we get new visitors in our home for the first time, that many of them will stop at that wall and gaze for a minute and some even comment about the wall and those in the pictures. 

My point for the day is this. Your home is your place to decorate. We all have different tastes. Our home will never receive an award for being the perfect home in a magazine, but that wall means something to us and for us it is decorated perfectly.

Live your life to the tune of "My Way:" 

God bless.

Marty

You Called Me To Yell And Scream? 6/19/2026

 Good Morning,

I am headed toward a long day this morning and my hot cup of Door County S'MORES Coffee is helping to put some wind in my sails. It is time to write.

It has been a long time since I have received a phone call that actually got through my spam or robo call precautions. But yesterday I received a call from what looked like a legitimate call at first. It was in the disguise of the health system I use. The caller asked if I knew that I had a financial balance of $3000. I replied that I did not know about a balance and that just two days ago I  paid $3.33 for a prescription and that I had paid it on time and for the full amount. 

Their next statement gave away the fact that this person was trying to scam me for money. "You will be arrested and jailed if you don't pay. Use your credit card. I can help you." I declined the assistance. Their accent also gave away their true identity. The caller began to get belligerent and I asked to speak with their manager. Oh my. That sure upset my unwanted caller. He started yelling and screaming in his language. Then he asked if I was going to pay or not. My reply was a no thank you. I will drive to the nearest office of my health provider and check my balance and pay in person if their is anything to pay. I knew there wasn't any balance.

This sent the caller ballistic to the point of me laughing. I said "You called me to yell and scream, threaten me, and try to make me afraid of what you can do to me.?" 

I decided to fight back and left the caller screaming some more. I read a Bible verse to him and it cut through to his evil intentions and had me thinking that this caller needed an exorcism. I offered to meet him in person and buy him a coffee at Starbucks but that didn't break the ice either. I can't imagine someone not wanting to meet me and have a chat over a hot cup of coffee. 

Revelation 20:10 NIV And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented  day and night forever and ever. 

Beware of scam callers, never give out your credit card. There are some nasty people out there and especially avoid those who refuse a coffee? 

And really never meet with these crooks. It could be dangerous. Report the calls to your local police. I still have hurt feelings because the caller who called me (a nice guy) turned down my invitation. How's that for being rude?

God bless,

Marty

My View Of The World Cup 6/18/2026

 Good Morning,

Romans 12:18 ESV If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

The inside of my cup is decorated with Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee and I think it is time to write. 

Photo credit Dicks Sporting Goods

I wrote yesterday that my wife Rene and I are giving our home a little bit of an update. This upgrade includes a large screen wall mounted television. Rene and I are not known for keeping up with the times. We drive cars until they can't be driven. We watched a small television for 20 years and we just don't keep up with the times. You could say we are frugal.

One of the things I tried watching on the new addition to our living room was some soccer or as they say in other parts of the world "football". My version of football will be played this fall! 

But I want to say this about the World Cup. The television coverage shows the world enjoying a sport that has people getting along and having fun from all parts of the world. Soccer is played around the world and it is enjoyed by all of the ages. I don't know one thing about soccer except that the world now has a new epidemic (soccer) and it has been good for the heart and soul to see people laugh, cheer and enjoy themselves for a time. 

To coin a phrase I would like to buy the world a Coke right now and save some of this good will for later date!

Food for thought!

Marty

Agree To Disagree 6/17/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and I have in front of me a hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee and a head full of ideas.

For the past few weeks we have been doing a small uplift to our home. It started with painting on the first floor. New carpeting is coming on Thursday and some new furniture will be here as well as a large screen television. But right now the place looks like two teenagers just moved in and need to wait to fill the house with possessions. 

Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips, comes to ruin. 

So far we have done all of this and haven't disagreed much during the process. Our kitchen is the source of contention between my wife and I. Our home is filled with antiques and the kitchen has many old utensils and dishes mounted on the wall. We are at the point where things are going back on the wall. 

Before we removed everything from the walls I asked my wife to take pictures of where every thing goes. I thought she did. But last night I found out she did not take my request seriously. I started to ask her where things get mounted on the wall. She replied totally wrong. The magic words for disturbing the sleeping giant came out of her mouth. "I think this goes here, no maybe it goes higher.." I knew right then and there she hadn't taken pictures and was winging it by memory. It is true that many items come down at Christmas for the holiday season and other festive things go in their place. "I remember where they all go. I take them up and down every year."

I wanted to dig in and dig in hard as I dislike painting and decorating with a passion. My reply was "when you know where you want this stuff let me know. Because it is only going up once". I couldn't resist saying "just look at the photos."  There was total silence and as of this morning there are still a few kitchen pieces left to be put up. What was in place last night was assured to me that they were in the correct spots. "I know where they hang." 

Funny thing though as I was preparing for my blog I scrolled through the archive of the pictures I have used to make my point of what I wrote for the day. . Guess what I found? Yes! a photo showing the wall I was working on and the placement of the bowl of greatest contention last night. 

I love my wife and according to her mother. Out of six kids I married the stubborn one. Rene will not admit a mistake and will dig in when she believes she is right and according to her she is always right. 

So here is the point of the day. Who really cares where a dish from 1930 hangs.? It is not a ditch to die in. Sometimes you have to just agree to disagree.  When Rene crawled out of bed this morning she came to the desk to tell me that she knows where the bowl goes. I replied. "Too late it it has a new home on the wall and it is staying there. No wall will be patched and repainted." She replied "That's ok." I just wanted to let you know so it did not keep you awake." She told me where the old location was and I showed her the archived photo. "Oops" was all I heard and by later this morning I will be back to hanging things up and hopefully in the correct place. Tomorrow this whole thing will be forgotten. 

Now no one died in this exchange of wills and all is well in our home. So learn this. A picture speaks a thousand words and if you want something done!! You know the answer!!! Do it yourself.

Treat things as important only if they really are and don't let mistakes rule over you. 

Have a great day.

Marty

You Don't Know What You Don't Know In Business 6/16/2026

 Good Morning,

It is a pleasure to say that I am enjoying a coffee with our daughter this morning. Those of you who know me, know that she lives elsewhere and no she is not here visiting. And I am not in Georgia. We just finished talking on the telephone and she was drinking a crappy cup of Coffee and I am still drinking Hazelnut coffee. But hearing from her this morning and sharing a cup of coffee via telephone towers . The only thing missing from making this perfect is the fact that I can't be eating at the Waffle House.

I am led to discuss, business for some reason or another. I applaud those who are entrepreneurs  who are called to be self employed and independent. My advice to them is, before you take the little lemonade stand and turn it into a food truck find out everything that you don't know. Codes, taxes, licensing, insurance and safety plans all need to be followed explicitly. Good intentions are great, but what you don't know or don't follow can be failure in a can waiting to be opened. A solid business plan with a small board of advisors which can be as few as one other person who knows what you don't know or a board of many people. 

The main board member is God, who is the author of all things. Prayer for your business should be daily. During that time always asking God to show you the right way from the wrong way. In business, short cuts are a cancer waiting to run rampant through your dreams. 

Authorities are put in place by God for our own good. 

Romans 13:1-7 NKJV Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2. Therefore whoever resists authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  4. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5. Therefore you must be subject , not only because of wrath but also for conscience sake. 6. Because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7. Render therefore to all their due; taxes to whom taxes are due , customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Dear friends, young and old, this passage of scripture should be on page one of any business plan.

Food for thought! God bless,

Marty