A Beautiful Gift 5/10/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Marty

Making My Morning Comfortable 5/9/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless, 

Marty

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

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marty 

Who Do You Run To? 5/7/2026

Good Morning, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful day. God bless,

Marty

Timing Is Everything 5/6/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

I guess my point is this. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Marty 

Feeling The Hard Feelings 5/5/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marty

1957 And The Year 2026 Not Too Much Is Different

 Good Morning,

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

I am here to say that not too much is different from the year I was born in 1957 compared to today 2026. Obviously inflation over the years has the price of things very different. 

But We still eat bread and in 1957 the cost for bread was 18-25 cents a loaf. Now it ranges from a dollar at times to  over $2.50 for us to purchase this sandwich starter. Eggs in 1957 cost us 55 cents per dozen now they are over $2.99 per dozen. We still eat eggs!

We all have experienced lower pricing on the items we purchased in 1957 and still purchase  today, only at much higher prices. Automobiles, gasoline, clothing, books, school, and the list goes on and on. Nothing has really changed with our needs, wants and desires in 69 years except for prices. Brands come and go but cereal is still purchased as well as milk for that cereal. 

One thing that has never changed is God's love for us. He loved us from the beginning of time and loves us today. And the price of that love never changes either. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

The need for a Savior never changes nor does the price. It is a free gift from God. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved , through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works,  so that no one can boast.

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

So in closing, you can take that to the bank and value is priceless.

Have a great day!!!

Marty

Flying To The Airport 5/3/2026

 Good Morning,

I am finally sitting down with  hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and it feels good to be at the desk this morning ready to write. 

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

Earlier this morning I had an appointment with my nephew to drive him from his place to the airport. He was flying out for work in The New York area. We do this quite often so it is not unusual for us to be on the road very early on our way to the airport.

Like most people he checks to see if his flight is on time or if there are any flight delays. What we did not check was the  automobile route to his place and then to the airport for delays. We really should have done that. The road closures and the re-routes were definitely a challenge. Although at that time of the morning, traffic wasn't an issue, but road construction was. We did make it on time with a little to spare, but we had to hurry and drive a little faster than desired. You could say "we flew to the airport". 

My point for the day is this. Don't always assume that over night things don't change. Those road route changes took me totally by surprise. 

I prayed this morning but just took for granted that there would be no issues in getting to the airport. So that part of my day wasn't prayed for. My bad!

We need to put everything to prayer. In the future I will turn on the GPS system while at home when I first wake up and check for local road delays. I will do this AFTER I PRAY.

Food for thought. 

Marty

Living With Purpose 5/2/2026

 Good Morning,

There is a hot cup of Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee next to me and I believe it is time for me to write. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

When I was younger and still in the workforce I would wake up every day at the crack of dawn and drive to work. My employer and co-workers counted on me to fulfill my role in the daily operations of health care. My purpose each day was to do a good job, earn my pay, pay my bills, and put away some money so I could retire some day. 

I wanted each day to serve God and make Him Lord of all my efforts. You could say that my main effort was to please God in all I did and still do. 

Waking up to something to do for God and others gives me a heavenly purpose that makes it easier to get out of bed and get moving daily. My hope is to keep this mind set right up until my last breath on this earth. 

I had a friend who is passed on now for several years. While he was in a hospice setting, I called him and said I would be visiting and asked if he needed anything that I could bring. He replied to me "Yes, bring me a copy of our church phone directory" I did what I was asked to do. 

When I arrived at the hospital I asked him what he was going to do with the directory. His response is one I will never forget. "I am going to call everyone at church and offer to pray with them before I die. I might as well accomplish some good while I can." 

I am here to say that my friend accomplished his goal and passed away two days later.  

He had a purpose right up to the end and saw his last task through to the finish. 

What's your purpose for today? What has God given you to do for His Kingdom? What act of kindness might make another's day? 

Food for thought.

Marty

A Growling Dog 5/1/2026

 Good Morning,

I am wide awake and ready to face the day. A prayer of thanks was said for God's provisions for someone I have been praying for who needed to receive some work. And it is time to write. 

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness. 4. Delight yourself also in the Lord. And He shall give you the desires of your heart. 

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

If you have heard the expression "I am dog tired" You might appreciate the thought behind what I am writing today. Dogs are often seen sleeping.  Puppies will wear themselves out just by being playful puppies. Our two dogs like to find a spot in the house where the sun comes through a window and they nap there for a couple of hours each day. Some dogs are tired because they are active, barking at every car that passes the house or yard. 

If "I am dog tired" is the expression that best describes your life and attitude. Maybe you are tired from growling all day long. 

Nothing is ever right in your eyes and you complain. No one can meet your standards of service. Everyone but you is stupid. Someone asks a question of you and you growl and snarl back at them. You become somewhat unapproachable, like a sleeping dog who when awakened growls and let's you know of their crabbiness.

So my friends, if this describes you and your life, I suggest you read Psalm 37 and then apply it to your life. See if you can avoid barking and growling for awhile.

Food for thought. 

Marty

Doing Right Even When It Is Painful 4/30/2026

 Good Morning.

My hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee is a much needed kick in the pants this morning. I am slow moving today and the kick start might help me fight off a little arthritis bout this morning. 

From the time we were little children we began to learn right from wrong. We also found out that doing the right thing at times can be painful. It is especially difficult to do right, when it's not something you want to do. You know the right thing to do but you just don't desire to follow the path of right. 

The right choice may have a bitter pill to swallow that calls for us to leave a habit, or leave someone who is not good for us. We struggle to let go of something, or someone who is toxic to to hearts and souls. We know the right choice to make but our heart says one thing and our mind tells us another thing. 

There is one way to gauge the decision to be made. Check the habit against Scripture. If your actions or habits violate God's Word in any way run from the struggle with both legs churning. If people you trust and know to be righteous, counsel you to make changes, you should consider their counsel .

Most of all remember this passage. James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. 

To do what is right in the eyes of God, will never be wrong. Although the decision may be painful, the fruit of being right in the eyes of God is priceless.

Food for thought.

Marty

Good Problems? 4/29/2026

 Good Morning,

It is damp and cold this morning and it really makes me appreciate my hot cup of Door County Vanilla Cappuccino Coffee even more than usual. It is time t write.

Psalm 50:15 "And call on me in the time of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me"

Even the most insignificant problem is still a problem. For instance you forget to change the air filter on your furnace. The furnace shuts down and you have no heat on a Frigid January day. The furnace has shut down and it is due to a lack of air passing through the furnace. Hopefully you pray before you call a friend, who tells you to check the filter and change it. What you learn from that mishap is to keep a log sheet on your furnace with the date of the last filter change out. You might even schedule a filter change and log it onto your calendar. 

My point is this. You made a mistake. There was a problem. You prayed and God came through for you. Thus preventing a future freeze up while you are gone skiing for the weekend. Your water pipes freeze and then burst. The water is running the whole time from a second story bathroom, wiping out the floors below. 

That small problem of a plugged air filter taught you a few things, keeping you safe in the future. The lesson learned from the plugged air filter saved you from a headache in the future. There is value in problems, if we learn from them. 

Food for thought! God is good and is always there to lend a hand in all that we do.

God bless,

Marty

Who Talks To You The Most? 4/28/2026

 Good Morning,

I started my day with the sound of Door County Vanilla Cappuccino brewing in the kitchen and it is time for me to write. 

Jeremiah 29:11. NKJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

There is a fierce battle going on and the battle is for your attention. There are three forces vying for your attention. God is one of them. Satan is number two. Number three is very familiar to you because it is you. You probably speak to or at yourself  many times in one day.  Some decisions don't require too much consultation. For instance, what will you wear for clothing today? God is having you lean toward something that is warm and comfortable for cool weather. Satan let's you make the decision and you say to yourself. "I will wear the new light shirt I just purchased and hope for a warm sunny day." You did not check the weather forecast and now you are chilled because you listened to you. Once you catch a cold and are sick, Satan wins. 

All day long we give our self advice on how to walk through this world. We are tempted with many things, especially spending money. Satan likes to convince you to spend and worry about it later. He loves to see you in debt and worrying as to how you will pay your bills. You just like new things and the flashier the better. So you listen to you and purchase a car just for the feel good moment. God on the other hand is telling you to purchase when you have a need,  and not because you just want it. 

God is the only one of the three of you who knows the future. He knows that the furnace is on it's last leg and the sewer pipe exiting from your home is over 40 years old and is now collapsing. Yet we listen to our imperfect self and now are taking out a loan to pay for a new sewer, furnace and by the way the washing machine died. Patience from prayer comes from God and His answer is always the best one. 

Imperfect advisors are many in number and only One is perfect. You are not the one!

Food for thought. Who is digging into your wallet?

God bless,

Marty

Back To Simple, Talking In The Truck 4/27/2026

 Good Morning,

My coffee this morning is Door County German Chocolate Cake and it is good and hot!

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. 

Yesterday as my wife and I were on an eleven hour trip back to our home in Wisconsin from visiting in Georgia. We had eleven hours to talk.  Now all of the eleven hours were not filled with chatter, but we used a good portion of the time to converse together.

We used our truck navigation system to provide a steady music stream and we would offer our opinion of the song that Google chose. One particular Country Western song was dedicated to the "Simple Life".

Both of us agreed that we live a simple life which is nice, but never extravagant. It was unanimous that we enjoy it that way. And the goal is for us to keep it that way. We both come from simple going families and the only thing with pedigrees in our home are the two English Springer Spaniels that tolerate their simple owners. 

Each of us subscribe to the goal of God first. Family second, and we are third in the pattern for our lives. We tend to purchase practical things which can be used instead of admired. Christmas never puts us in debt but is fun matching gifts for others to what they want or will use often..

We also talked about the blessings we have received and helped us to make it daily through the years. 

That talking made the trip seem shorter and  and it was definitely enjoyable. You could say we kept the return trip home simple! We did disagree on some of the music. But in the end we really were most agreeable on the many tunes we listened to. Bring back Patti Page please!

Marty

Saying Farewell, Bitter Sweet 4/26/2026

 Good Morning,

I will be traveling with my wife today with an insulated bottle filled Door County 'Smores Coffee. 

Proverbs 3:13 ESV Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding. 

We are finishing off a week of vacation and are returning home today with a drive of about 10 hours. We had a wonderful time visiting with our daughter, her dog Sadie, and some of her friends. 

It always hurts when we have to say farewell until we see her the next time. It looks like we have a November date in mind for this year. 

As I reflect on the week, I can't be prouder of our kid who is a hard worker, and also a caring person who gives of herself to family, friends, and neighbors. I am sad to leave, but I look forward to the next visit. In between visits we will have plenty of telephone time. Some of the time spent on the phone will be planning out our next visits. Until November we will put away the Scrabble board and maybe pray for Scrabble coaching for Kristy and my wife Rene. 

I am thankful for the time God has given us this last week. He gets all the credit for fashioning this visit. God is a great travel planner.

Blessings to you all.

Marty

The Game Goes On. 4/25/2026

 Good Morning,

I am staring into a hot cup of Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee and it is time to write.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 

My wife Rene and I are still visiting our daughter in Georgia. Yesterday all three of us were busy prepping for a yard sale in her sub division . 

Later we continued the family Scrabble tournament for about two hours and it was intense. Around 10:30PM all three of us were tired out and we decided to call it quits for the night. We decided that we needed to rest before the big yard sale of today. 

My point is this. Know when it is time to rest. Say good night and get some sleep. Be aware that as wholesome as a night of games can be, Satan prowls around to see if he can turn a good time into a mess, some how, someway. 

Update on the tournament. All the games have been very close and it has tested our vocabulary skills without mercy.!!

Have a blessed day and enjoy friends and family. 

Marty

Mr. Good Bar Good is Good 4/24/2026

 Good Morning,

I hit the floor running this morning, with hope and good intentions for today. I will have a great breakfast later to help set my day rolling. My Door County Breakfast Blend Coffee had better keep up with me. It is time to write. 

"Good is good" said Kevin Costner in the movie  Open Range as he ate a melted chocolate bar. The candy had to be licked from the wrapper, but it still tasted good. 

                                          Photo credit The Hershey Company

I write this morning to encourage those who just might be tired of doing good without seeing the desired results they hope for. 

Galatians 6:9 NKJV And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Today might bring a challenge or two to "melt away our good intentions and efforts to be and do good. 

But "Good is Good". And it is better to be doing good for others and yourself than  concentrating on what is bad and out of step with our efforts to do good. A candy bar doesn't need to be tossed away after it melts. That gooey sweet treat is able to bounce back after spending some time resting and waiting to harden up again in a cool spot.. Melted or solid in form. The candy bar is still good. 

God bless. Good is still good and so is God.

Marty

Greeted And Blessed By Music In The Morning 4/23/2026

 Good Morning,

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

                                                     Photo Credit Nate Kilps

My wife Rene and I are still visiting our daughter in Georgia. I am the only one who is up and operational so far on this fine Southern morning. I stepped outside and the air is fresh and crisp. There are distinct differences between the three of us as to what hot and cold are. 

For us Northerners 60 degrees is a great temperature and anything warmer is too hot. While in comparison our Southern  friends start breaking out extra blankets at 50 degrees. Enough said about the weather. 

As I stood out on the patio this morning I was greeted by song birds who seemed to be an organized  orchestra playing loud and proud. The cardinals were leading the chorus and their music rose above all of the other birds of song.

For me as I watch the sun come over the tree tops, I can't help but be happy to be alive and well. Just when I thought it couldn't get better a sound that this old hunting boy likes to hear brought in the bass section of the orchestra as 7 geese flew over honking a tune that makes my heart feel awesome. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; 23. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. 

There was no one standing or sitting next to me. No one but me had my view of the world, or had the seat I had at the concert of song birds. I believe God had me greeted this morning with a concert designed in heaven and sent to the back patio. 

Point for the day? I am not sure what to say except that I experienced a moment built for me by God. Stop. Open your ears and listen. Open your eyes that you might see heaven around you. 

God bless.

Marty

Turtle In The Sand 4/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying  hot cup of Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee and I might just have two cups this morning. 

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Yesterday while traveling down a dusty Georgia road I spotted a turtle going through a sandy bank next to a large pond. Our daughter was driving so window gazing was ok to do. I haven't seen a wild turtle out and about in many years. That sandy pond bank seemed like a good spot for a turtle to lay it's eggs.

 Now seeing a turtle is not exactly an earth shattering experience. but it was nice to witness life in a very simple scenario. 

Even though I am retired, it doesn't seem like life has slowed down at all. I am as busy now as I was while I was working full time. Life is not slowing down, especially to match a turtle's pace. At times my life seems to be traveling at the speed of a NASCAR event and I am in the middle of the pack at the Daytona 500, where you have to push the speed just to keep up with the traffic let alone win the race. 

My point for for the day is this. The turtle must have made it to it's desired destination. It wasn't seen near the sandy shore on our return trip on our way back to our daughter's home.

 Is life going so fast that you seem to be caught in high speed traffic moving from projects to crisis management 50 times a day? At the end of the day are you weary and tired and not have much to show for your time? I think it is time to go into turtle mode and move a little slower and check out the day with purpose.

If you have been following my blog the last few days you will know that we are visiting with our daughter and the game of Scrabble is something that the three of us like to play. Specific challenges between the three of us have been deployed and so far this "Old Man" has been representing my gender very well. Last night we played until almost midnight, but I am not tired this morning. I just slowed down and enjoyed life at a turtle's pace. 

God bless your day and you slow down a little. It's good for your heart mind and soul.

Marty

You Just Might Be In My Blog Today 4/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to a hot cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and it is time to write. This blog comes to you from the beautiful state of Georgia USA  this morning. 

My wife Rene and I are visiting our daughter for a few days and I am writing from her kitchen in great comfort. Last night the family Scrabble tournament began and each of us won a game in the preliminary round. My two female opponents have ben lulled into thinking that they can actually defeat me. The next round might have them eating some humble pie. I don't want them to quit too early in the week. 

Matthew 25:35 ESV For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger  and you welcomed me. 

Yesterday we were able to visit with our daughter's neighbor Donna. We too have a neighbor back home named Donna. Both of them are wonderful people. I promised Georgia Donna that I would write about her in today's blog. There is no way that I could justify not writing about her after making that promise. Good Morning Donna!

Just a short point today. No matter how far you travel away from home, God always seems to give you a new neighbor or two even if it is just for a week or a few days. The important thing to do is to be neighborly in return. A smile and some conversation is just God's way of saying "I am lending you a new neighbor for  few days.". So always make sure to be friendly in return and try to understand a new language. 

I am having a difficult time with the local language. It seems that Y'all can be used to address one single person or a gaggle of folks. Then someone throws a curve ball at you with Y'alls . It seems there are different dialects in the Southern states. 

But just to end this correctly You All Have A Nice Day.

Marty

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