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

Yesterday's Silence 6/15/2026

 Good Morning.

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee as I write this morning. A great way to start the day.

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

Th Sound of Silence is the title to a song written by Paul Simon and performed by him and his singing partner Art Garfunkel. The song reached number one on the charts back in the 60's. I heard the song once again just the other day and it caused me to think. 

Silence is something you can't capture. Yesterdays silence, is just that, silence owned by today, but not tomorrow. You don't hear of anyone recording silence and selling it. It is owned by no one and yet belongs to everyone. You can't bring it back to enjoy. Each day has it's own silence. 

So, today if you have the luxury to be in total silence, take advantage of it and enjoy the gift. Remember you can take a photo of anything that happens, but not the sound of silence. Take some time to clear your mind of the clutter each day brings and  is accumulated in your brain.

Food for thought,. Be still and you can hear silence. Have a moment with just you and God. That is perfect silence and peace.

Marty

Sending Them Off. 6/14/2026

 Good Morning,

I know for sure right now, that once I finish this cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee I will be headed back downstairs to retrieve another one. It's a two cup of coffee day!

Yesterday our church youth group left for a short retreat to Western Wisconsin. Four of us men went to see them off and pray for them. We covered spiritual needs and safe fun in our prayers as well as safe travel to and from their event. 

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

Marty with two former youth group members who turned into youth group leaders. This is from a mission trip in Peru. Yes  wore the hat of youth pastor for many years. 

It was a privilege to pray for them and their leaders before they left. I know the other three guys very well and I am sure they prayed again this morning for the teens and leaders.I know my prayers will continue this morning for them.

The job of being a youth pastor is not an easy one, especially now in this time where it seems that growing up is more challenging than ever. I commend our Youth Pastor, his wife and all the assistant leaders for giving up their weekend to spend time with the teens.

My wife and I chaperoned a youth group canoe trip many years ago as friends and soon theire after w started dating. I wonder if anyone prayed for us that weekend? I do believe someone did, because I am still reaping the blessings a thousand years later. 

You just never know what can come about when you spend a little time away from home doing God's work! Pray for the kids in your church and in your life!

Marty

Make It Go Away Please 6/13/2026

 Good Morning,

My mug was filled with some Hot Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and a portion of hope for today.  It is time to write. 

Romans 12:12 NKJV Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfast in prayer. 

Yesterday our Men's Ministry hosted a steak feed for the guys at church and friends. My family and a few close friends all were in attendance. Heaven came down in the form of a message, delivered by our Senior Pastor. One man decided to turn his life around and place his faith in Jesus Christ and we all rejoice for him. The message challenged many to think about who they are and what they believe. 

I titled this blog, "Make It Go Away Please" because we have been doing this for 26 years now on an annual basis. 26 years ago, I could work the set up, starting early in the morning and then be the last one out of the door at midnight after the clean up was done.  Now I never did this alone. I was blessed with a team who had a vision to serve God by serving others. 

What I want to go away is this "Old Age". The day after this steak feed, I find myself reaching for the Tylenol this  morning to take the pain of arthritis and old age away. I am not asking this so much for myself but I ask this for all the guys who busted their butts that others might have a good time and possibly be challenged by a great message. 

But most of all I am praying for the one guy who served all day long with the others, and he had just had his knee replaced a couple weeks ago. He has been with me for all 26 years serving above and beyond yesterday.  I watched my friend hobble around and show others what to do, help make the side dishes and direct the set up and clean up. As I write this my eyes have started leaking a little and I don't know what the leaking is for. Real men don't cry. I saw love for God, other men and their boys in action yesterday from all those who served a good 12 or more hours. I saw the example of one man suffering for the good of others. I can only imagine how he feels this morning. 

So I ask for prayer for every guy who served and a couple ladies who helped out as well that they recover quickly and are given rest for their bodies. Most of all I ask for God to bless them for their hard work, but if the Good Lord is passing by the home of the wounded man of God, please stop there a little longer and help my buddy out. 

Have a great day!

Marty 

Peace, It Starts With Me And You 6/12/2026

 Good Morning,

My hot cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee is really making our home smell like a classy coffee shop today. It's time for me to write.

 Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, 

For they shall be called sons of God

One of my worst traits is my quick temper. I can entertain nonsense for a maximum of ten minutes. After a large dosage of someone in my face or spouting off with what I think is an attack on my family or me, or if they propose some type of danger to me or my family I am either late for the door or I am contemplating placing a boot where I think their brains are nesting. 

This has been a struggle for me, because most of the time I can just walk away, but there are times when someone will just push it too far. I then have to make a choice. Ignore the problem in my face, or go on the very active defense. I don't believe that I have ever really gone out looking for an issue to take personal and then lose it when someone goes on the attack verbally. But!!

We, where I live, will start seeing more people canvassing our neighborhoods for votes for their party choice in our election for a state governor. Just yesterday while doing yard chores and trying to beat the rain, I was surprised to see a young lady in my driveway. I asked if I could help her and she replied "I Have a couple of questions for you. I am representing this candidate for election this fall and can I have your support." I was very polite and responded that I was not interested in doing so. I would be supporting another person. 

Her response to me, uninvited was to say this."Oh you are one of those". Now believe me when I say that her reply had me just about ready to chew her out like she never heard before, but I had been praying for peace in a hot spot in the Middle East. I was reminded in my soul that peace is a choice and I could choose to battle with this young lady or show her that I could hold it back. I thanked her for stopping by. I asked her if she wanted a bottle of water and actually manufactured a smile. She did respond with a thank you and left. 

So today as you go about your business, or interact with your family, know that sooner or later today you will have to make a choice on how to react to someone who has pushed your hot button. Try to remember this.  It's your choice on how you react. 

I came inside to grab a cold drink of water and told my wife about my interaction. She kept waiting for the rest of the story. She said, "And then what happened"? I replied "Nothing and it felt good not to wage a war of words and I  made the choice to not let her ruin my day. 

It's your mouth, your anger, and your choice to pursue peace especially on your own turf. You make the rest of the story. 

Food for thought! Learn to agree to disagree and show respect toward one another. 

God bless,

Marty

Get Rid Of The Pests 6/11/2026

 Good Morning, 

I have in front of me a hot cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee and it is soothing to the soul and body. It is time to write.

Jams 4:7 Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

I woke up this morning and went to prayer.Tomorrow is the the Day Of the Men's Steak Feed at our church . The area on the grounds where we hold the event is being treated for mosquitoes this morning. Two of the men from our church volunteered to treat the area today.I am grateful for them taking this task off of my plate.But that doesn't mean that I won't be praying for them. 

If we do not treat the area, by 7:30PM the pesty mosquitoes get to be as thick as hairs on a dog and they could lift a small child away. 

This event is well planned and after 26 years we know what works and what doesn't. We learned the hard way that moving our annual date of the feed from November to June did avoid the cold weather, but it came with the mosquitoes.

One other thing that needs to be treated is the overall event. We have to spray the event with prayer from day one when we have the tickets printed to washing the last of the silverware. Like a mosquito Satan comes uninvited and works to control the event by just being there. It is supposed to a very hot day tomorrow and that alone is enough to drain tired volunteers. 

Prayer is the key to a successful event. So believe me when I say I know this for a fact, prayer is the seasoning needed for today, and tomorrow. I take nothing for granted.! 

So before the pests of life come to the party of your life, let prayer be your spiritual pesticide and let it be a daily thing.  Chase the pests away and know this. They will try to come back at every opportunity. There is victory in Jesus. 

God bless,

Marty

Just Thinking About You. Make The Call. 6/10/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee is cutting through the fog of my brain very nicely. It is time to write. 

Colossians 3:12. Put on then, as God's children holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. 

You might make a few phone calls today and who knows what the reason is for your calls. It could be business, pleasure or anything else under the sun. But the most important call you can make today is the one God told you to make. 

Here me out. You have within your power the ability to make someone's day by just reaching out, calling and letting the receiver know you were thinking about them. Take a moment to pray and ask God who He would like for you to call and see who he puts on your heart. The most important call you make today is the one that let's someone know that they were placed on your heart to call and to just say hi. 

Reaching out to someone just to say hello might make their day brighter and give them a reason to smile. 

I will bet that once you pray about who God wants you to call, He will answer that prayer in a quick minute. 

Food for thought!

Marty

No Such Thing As Luck 6/9/2026

 Good Morning

I am running very late today in writing. My excuse is that I have not been feeling well and I just caught up on some sleep. But my Door County Peanut Butter Cup Coffee tastes just as good as if it were 5:AM. It is time to write.

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.

Many people are superstitious and count all the bad that happens to them as good or bad luck. 

Luck as a noun. The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities. 

I am here to say that in all things, everything is in God's control. Nothing happens that God does not allow to happen. One might argue that they were lucky to win the lottery. The real answer would be that they were blessed to win and might be undergoing testing to see how they react to being rich.

Things just happen and end up on our plate or in our lap. God knows what He allowed to be placed there. Good or bad. Beautiful or ugly. Peaceful or stressful. God knows fully well the plate He has served you. Folks. There is no such thing as luck.

Have a great day!!!

Marty

The Outcome Of A Lot Of Work. 6/8/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down with a hot cup of Door County Sinful Delight Coffee and t is time to write.

Be sober, be vigilant ;because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Monday showed up right on time and I wonder where the weekend went to so quickly. 

This week on Friday our Men's Ministry  will be holding it's annual Men's Steak Feed. All the tickets are sold, supplies, are being purchased and final touches are being made to accomodate grilling a large amount of steaks. It takes a lot of work to pull this one off and as the group ages it is getting harder to do.  God has given us 26 years to perfect this outing and there is still always a way to improve what we do and how we do it. 

My prayer is that the rain will stay away on Friday and we have no accidents or mishaps around the large grills. One of the guys who washes all of the baked potatoes just turned 81 and is still trying to help on Friday. 

The men who sponsor the feed are dedicated to serving the Lord through this outing. I pray that we will see good fruit among the visitors to our church. 

My point for the day is this. We will bathe this event in prayer and watch for any and all attacks from Satan who would just love to mess this great event up for us. 

So as in all things prayer, prayer,and more prayer. and be watchful.

Have a great week!

Marty

Don't Pick The Scab 6/7/2026

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk with a hot cup of Door County Irish Creme Coffee and just a couple of thoughts to share. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15  See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 

Having grown up in a neighborhood where on one street there was little to no traffic became a place where pick up touch football games were played. One did his best to stay upright during the game, and avoid the results from sliding to the concrete. 

Now and then a knee, hand or elbow found it's way to the abrasive concrete. You went home after the game and nursed the abrasion yourself  and if it was too big or bloody you called on the resident doctor "Mom". After a couple of days passed a good scab had formed and started to itch. Dr. Mom warned you not to pick the scab as the wound would heal from the inside out better. Removing the scab allowed for infection to set in. It was best not to add injury to the wounded area. 

It is the same advice God gives us when we have been wronged. Avoid the inevitable urge to hurt back and add fuel to a feud or misunderstanding. Adding fuel to the flames of hurt and anger can only make the issue worse and expandable to others.

Retaliation can be like a fast spreading cancer. It grows and consumes our days with anger and rage which eats at our hearts. Road rage is a perfect example of retaliation gone bad. Bad added to bad only makes for more bad.

Food for thought!

Marty 

When The Vision Isn't Clear 6/6/2026

 Good Morning, 

My cup was filled with Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee and now it is empty. So that tells me I am late in writing today. 

Next week Friday the men at our church will be enjoying a nice steak dinner. It is that time of the year for our annual steak feed. 

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will not be faint. 

For some reason the steak feed is not lighting the lamp of excitement under my feet. This is the 26th year of holding the dinner and getting to this point a week away I lack the enthusiasm I usually have by now. 

It could be that I have been fighting a cold for over a week now, or the fact that our home spruce up project has been a chore and a half. I am not sure what has placed a sand bag in my emotions and drive, but somehow I lost my vision for the event. 

To combat the clouded vision and lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming day, I know what needs to be done. More prayer, and then more prayer. If there is a small victory in the preparations take a moment to celebrate the win. 

I am big on handing out advice, but not so great at following my own words. There have been some victories and there have been some setbacks in pulling this event off. I will share the good happenings with others and then try to recall all the times the steak feed has helped a man make changes in his life. 

Days like these are the times God gave us a memory. He hasn't left my side, I think I just took my eyes off of His mission.

Food for thought. When the vision isn't clear, slow down, and read the Word and pray. Soon your spiritual glasses will be clean. Take it one day at a time. 

Marty

Thankful For The Rain 6/5/2026

 Good Morning,

My cup of Door County Highlander Grog is just what I needed to start the day on the right foot.

Psalm 147:7-8 Sing to the Lord with grateful praise, make music to our God on the harp. 

8. He covers the sky with clouds; He supplies the earth with rain.and makes grass grow on the hills.

A few minutes ago it started raining. That is something we haven't seen in several weeks.. The sound of the rain hitting the house windows is a beautiful noise. Things just might get green again with this gift from above. Prayers of thanks were said for the rain.

I will make this short today. We should never take anything for granted and never forget to be thankful for the gifts bestowed upon us.  So as you and I start our weekend, know that I am thankful for all who read this blog. I just prayed for you and I still keep my hopes alive that some day in heaven I can meet you and share a breakfast and a hot cup of coffee with each reader. I dream big!

God bless,

Marty

Put Away Your Shovel. 6/4/2026

 Good Morning, 

My Door Cunty Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee is cooling off too quickly this morning. So I had better finish it before it is cold.

Proverbs 26:27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone,it will roll back on them. 

The point of the day is this. If you start a story that is unflattering about someone, it might just come back to you. It is best to not point out the faults and woes of others, especially these days when in a minute you can share the dirty laundry of gossip around the world in seconds. You might be telling the truth, but is it your business to help slander another person? 

When you unload on someone else publically  people take notice. Instead of having a positive opinion of you, others decide to avoid you and your shovel.

Food for thought. Spread some good thoughts about others. Hand out a compliment. It makes for a better day. 

Marty

It's Not Complicated 6/3/2026

 Good Morning,

I am at my desk and the sun is coming up. It looks to be a very nice day. I think I will have another cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee and then I will write.

In my den are many books that have been read for sheer entertainment , knowledge , and spiritual growth. There are a few there to improve my hunting knowledge and to make me laugh. I enjoy reding a funny book now and then. 

I have many books written to improve my Christin walk or to help others. There are books on prayer, grieving, forgiving, and living a walk worthy of a Christian. They are all good books and I spend a little more time in the winter reading than I do in the summer months. It seems that cold weather, fireplaces and a book just go together. 

But in all those books on "The Christian Walk" There is nothing like reading the BOOK. 

The Bible is God's inspired word on paper.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Another passage that makes it simple for me to know what God desires from us is found in the Old Testament. 

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. 

Food for thought. What really matters is not the size of the library, but what matters is one book and one book only. The rest are just there to decorate a book case.

Food for thought!

Marty

Gone Too Soon. Enjoy Them While You Can. 6/2/2026

 Good Morning,

I said to myself a few minutes ago "This Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee tastes mighty fine this morning. It must be time to write."

When we layed out where our flower gardens would go it was decided to place the largest one so it could be seen from the road that passs by our home. This way those walking by or driving to and from their destination. We get a few compliments now and then from people who enjoy the view and fragrance from our work.That is all well and good. But!

Psalm 104:24 ESV O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all.; The earth is full of your creatures.

One plant in particular is now in bloom and soon it will be once again dormant, not to bloom until next year. It happens to be a favorite for both of us. The flowered site is also located in a way that we really cannot view it unless we go outside. In a few more weeks some wild flowers will be visible from our window. But the real beauty is hidden away from us. My wife Rene always says "Enjoy them while you can. Walk out and see them and enjoy the lavender fragrance as well." 

If I could redo the placement of the flower bed it would be right outside our kitchen window, very visible to us. The cost to move it would be too expensive to do so, and too late in life to disrupt the yard. I guess I will live with my mistake  and yet still beautify the scene from the road for others.

My point in all this is for us is to take some time and smell the flowers, before all the petals have fallen. Take an extra moment to enjoy the beauty given from above. And then look forward to next year and maybe plant some bulbs closer to the window!

God bless,

Marty

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

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

I will leave the porch light on!

God bless, 

Marty

Judge Not. 5/31/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look before you leap.!!

Marty

Credit Given Where Credit Is Due

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Marty

You Are Missed 5/29/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day!

Marty

Are You Anchored? 5/28/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food for thought. Are you anchored in Christ Jesus? 

Marty

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

 Good Morning,

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

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

                                               

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

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

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

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

Food for thought. 

Marty