When Your Pride Gets The Best Of You 2/24/2026

 Good Morning,

I just filled my cup with Door County Vanilla Almond Kringle Coffee and it it time to sit down and write. 

Psalm 138:6 NIV Though the lord is exalted , He looks kindly on the lowly, but the proud He sees from afar.

This might be painful for some of us today so grab another cup of coffee and buckle up for the ride.

Our pride that we display is at times to be commended. For instance " Marty has already cut most of the firewood he will need for next year already.". This shows that Marty is not afraid of work. He likes to be prepared for the future. And He probably got the firewood for free, so he is thrifty.  On the other hand, it could be said that "Marty cut wood in excess of what he needs and now it sat so long it rotted.   And he missed out on a family dinner  just because hecould not pass up a good deal. 

Or our pride gets in the way of us admitting we made a mistake. Some people just can't admit when they should move on from a turn they took in the road of life and cut their losses. In some instances they are loyal to their mistakes and their reputation suffers. It causes harm to their family or friends. And they miss opportunities because their pride has become mixed with stubborness. Pride can get in the way of good judgement when we can't take good advice and we stick to a decision despite the consequences. 

Pride can be good. And pride can be ugly. You have to decide to swallow that pride now and then.

God bless,

Marty

When It Rains --Pours 2/23/2026

 Good Morning, 

I am waiting on a hot cup of Door County Vanilla Almond Kringle Coffee to finish brewing. But it is time to write anyway. 

Photo credit Morton Salt Museum

I heard a quote many years ago that applied to my new walk with the Lord . "I am not what I am supposed to be. I am not what I will be. But thank God I am not what I used to be." 

I cannot take any credit for the lifestyle changes in me. It was and is all God's work. In my walk since 1981 I can honestly say that there have been many trials which at times just made me want to toss my walk with God. But every time I was on the brink of giving in God came and poured out wisdom or endurance, or grace, or correction or more love. It seems as when the rains of life rage, God pours more of Himself into us. He is the salt salt that keeps my walk with Him  clear of slippery paths

1 Corinthians 15:10 NLT But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me. 

1. Corinthians 15:10 NKJV " But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 

When it rains, He Pours.  Food for thought.

God bless,Marty

Some Work Ahead Of Me Today 2/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Cherry Pie Coffee in a warm and quiet house. It is time to write.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances , for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Later this morning I will be meeting one of my nephews and we will be cutting a tree down. We belong to a kennel club and part of belonging yo the club is that you agree to help out around the land with events or chores which need to be done. This keeps the land in good shape and the dues affordable. 

The only thing I need to do before I go is to sharpen my chain saw. A sharp saw will make this chore a lot easier and quicker to do. 

Here is one other thing that needs to happen before we even start the saws and it is that we will pray for safety, giving thanks for a place to train our dogs, thanks for one another, and then we will start the chore. 

This blog is short and to the point today. In all things PRAY. What's on your agenda for today? Whatever it is, mix in the prayers with it.

God bless,

Marty

Saying Hello 2/21/2026

 Good Morning,

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

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

Yesterday one of my chores for the day was to pick up a few groceries we needed for this weekend and also for next week. The Friday shopping crowd was quite large and when it came time to check out there was a few minute wait for you to reach the cashere . In front of me was a young lady and I assume the child in the cart was her 4 year old daughter.

The line was long and I waited patiently. It was then that the child decided to have a running dialogue with me. It started by her smiling and saying hello. I returned the nicety and thought it was done. I had a box of Raisin Bran and one box of Cheerios in my shopping cart. 

It was then that the little munchkin decided to critique my food choices. "Mom, he has the same cereal as us. One for old people and one for kids." Mom turned three shades of red with that remark.  I had to keep this going because the line hadn't moved much at all. The little lady told me all about what she thought of what was in my cart. "Mister are you poor? You don't have much in there". Mom wanted to die right about then. I replied that I only needed a few things and that we were ok and not destitute. "Mister we have some cookies here. Would you like one?" I replied that I would like two cookies. Then it came. "I think you should only eat one. They make you fatter."Mom was apologizing like a runaway ticker tape machine. Well they were just about to the cashier when I thanked her for the conversation and they did give me a cookie. I told them I would eat it for dessert later that evening. "Ha. I ate that sucker the minute I was in my truck. But the little lady had to get in the last word. (I feel sorry for her future husband) She said to me "Thank you for talking to me. God bless you,"

That made my day. For a little one to pass on a blessing request for me at her age was phenomenal and it really did make me think. I very often  don't leave my conversations asking God to bless the person I was speaking with.  I learned a lesson from a munchkin. 

God bless you all!

Marty. 

Fish Fry Season 2/20/2024

 Good Morning,

I will be enjoying a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee very soon. I am looking forward to it and it is time to write. Christians around the world are observing Lent and one of the customs is not to eat meat on Fridays. A lot of food emporiums serve fish to accommodate those who are fasting from meat. 

Daniel 9:3-5 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, in fasting , and in sackcloth and ashes.

This has produced a custom of going out for a fish fry. I really enjoy a good fish fry and dining out is always more fun if you go out with friends or family. I know for a fact that my wife and I will take advantage of "fish fry season.". The small sacrifice of not eating meat affords you the opportunity to give up something and in addition you receive time with friends and family. 

So make each Friday a day of prayer, fellowship and fish. Jesus served fish to the crowd and fed his disciples along the shore after He arose. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Another Year Gone By 2/19/2026

 Good Morning,

I sit here early this morning with a hot cup of Door County Vanilla Creme Brulee Coffee and a dim light.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. 

As I look at my surroundings,I want to take time today to appreciate all I have been given, and all the experiences I have taken part in, good or bad. I also appreciate the one chance to see our child come into this world and then see her grow. I saw a woman afraid and  nervous about walking down an aisle to say "I do" and then be married to me for 1000 years. I have been blessed with some great hunting dogs and great friends. My family is always in my heart and always on my mind. 

I am also appreciative of some tough times sprinkled in this one life. They also helped me to be the man that I am now. I wish that I had  found my faith in Jesus earlier in life. But it is what it is and I can't change it now. I am thankful that Jesus called me out one night in 1981. If I were to try and place all the blessings and learning into a garage for storage, I would be building an  addition on to the garage. 

Thank you Lord, for another trip around the sun. Love to all!

Marty

When The Coffee Tastes Best 2/28/2026

 Good Morning, 

I just walked up to the den with a hot cup of Door County Vanilla Creme Brulee Coffee and it is time to write. 

1 Timothy 6:6  But Godliness with contentment is great gain. 

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy my coffee the next morning after a long day of work the day before. The first cup seems to soothe the soul and helps to remove the aches and pains acquired yesterday. 

Yesterday I used a step counter to just see how many steps I walked in a 15 hour work day. I like to have a job that keeps me moving and yesterday was great in my mind. There was some boring time spent behind the computer screen, but you can't always have everything your way. 

That's my point for the day. Each day brings us things we need to do or perform tasks that are given to us. And although we might have an idea what a perfect day should be, we need to take the day given to us and walk it through. We can't always have everything our way. 

If more people would go to work, and be there to work and accept assignments readily and with a smile, life would be a happier place for them. We need to remember that life isn't really Burger King and we can't have it all our way. Contentment with a smile is our order for today!

Have a blessed day,

Marty

There Are Times When?? 2/17/2026

 Good Morning. 

Door County Mocha Mint Coffee filled my cup and my insulated bottle today.

The day will be a long one. Our city is holding an election today and I am assisting as a poll worker. It is going to be a long day. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV 3. Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and of all comfort, 4. who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort  with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

I have  had my share of grief and a few hard times. I have to say that it is difficult to go through the grief and sorrow of your own. But it is super difficult to watch life sting a family member or dear friend. There are times when you just don't know what to say or how you can help. There are times when you just plain old hurt inside for others. You want to say something of value or powerful enough to start turning their world around. You pray and pray and nothing seems to work. It is hard to sit by and watch them hurt.

What I have concluded is that sometimes the best thing you can do is be there or be there asap. And just maybe reminding them that you love them and are in it with them. And maybe it is just going to take time to heal their wounds. Pray for them. Pray with them if they allow it. Most of all, don't give up. Your family and friends are worth it. 

Food for thought. 

Marty 

Some Dances Never End 2/16/2026

 Good Morning,

 I needed to start writing before my Door County Mocha Mint Coffee was finished brewing. I will catch up to that cup of coffee within an hour. It is time to write.

John 3:16 NKJV 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. 

I recall going to my first school dance and I was with my buddies. We weren't attached to any young ladies. at the time. We were just freshmen in high school and things with the girls were still a little awkward at that time. As far as dancing went, I could be compared to a bear wallowing through a swamp. 

But then, it happened. They played a slow song and all the girls who came to the dance unaccompanied were just standing there. My eyes met with the eyes of this cute little brunette. I was terrified, but managed to walk over and ask her to dance. She actually said yes and my immediate prayer was "Lord let this song play all night." Well it was over in four minutes and I never saw her again. My first dance was over and done. 

Many years later and happily married for 1000 years I am still dancing now and then with my wife. We both believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and some day after we die, we will both be reunited in heaven. It is there that I will dance across heaven with Rene. 

I am grateful for God granting me a wife and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I have just one more thing to ask God for. "Lord when I get to heaven, can I have some rhythm in these feet and legs?  I have always wanted to cha cha somewhere outside of the bathtub. 

God bless. 

Marty

The Start To A Blessing 2-15-2026

 Good Morning, 

Psalm 133:1 KJV Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

My cup was filled with Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee a few minutes ago and now it is time to write.

Our Mens Bible Study has been blessed with a donation of lumber. The goal is to construct a couple of picnic tables for use on the church grounds. These two will be built so someone using a wheel chair can sit at the table. My job is to go and pick up the lumber and transport it back to our house until        " building day". The fellas with carpentry skills then take over. When it comes to carpentry at best I can make tooth picks.

My point for today is this. Always have the right person for the job, perform the work or direct the work. 

Not only will someone benefit from a table they can actually sit at. A sense of accomplishment will be felt by the carpenters. The day spent constructing tables will be a time of team building and fellowship. 

I know for sure that construction day will start with prayer and end with prayer. So you could say God provided the lumber and the skilled builders. These are his tables.

Food for thought?

Marty.

A Day For Sweethearts 2/14/2026

 Good Morning,

 I have with me a hot quick cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and it is time to write. 

Today is Valentines Day in the United States. Although with a little research I found out some knowledge on Valentine's Day

Philippians 2:3 ESV Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  

Valentine's' day is celebrated in many countries around the world , not just in the United States.  While the traditions may vary, the day is recognized as a time to express love and affection in various cultures. 

My wife Rene and I have been married for over one thousand years now. Earlier in our relationship the Valentine's Day gifts were a little more extravagant than they are now. After eating a few bad dinners in crowded restaurants where the prices reflected the holiday as well,or get aways that just seemed to lack the hype of the day. We discussed the future observance of Valentine's Days. We decided to keep it simple yet make an expression of love within the day. 

Rene is diabetic and my box of Sugar Free Valentine cookies for her arrived yesterday. My favorite Jello is the lemon or lime flavor. I saw two boxes of lemon Jello in the cupboard two days ago, Guess what my gift will be? 

It is not the extravagance of the gift, it is what comes from the heart. Valentine's Day is a day set aside to express love. But shouldn't every day recognize the love between two people? If we need a reminder to be nice, caring, and loving, we are in a world of hurt. 

Food for thought???? 

Marty

Time For The Weekend 2/13/2026

 Good Morning.

Friday arrived right on time and I can see Saturday just over the top of my spectacles. The Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee is keeping me alert and ready to face the day. 

It looks as if the weather in my part of the world will be making it nice for everyone who wants to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. I have two nephews who will be out ice fishing this weekend and it doesn't seem like it will be too cold to enjoy it. There are a lot of things one can do outside in the fresh air as long as the weather allows for it. It's nice when you can enjoy air that hasn't been breathed before and spend  time with friends and family doing so.

 Job 12:7-10 NKJV. 7. But now, ask the beasts and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you. 8. Or speak to the earth and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. 9. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? 10. In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?

I ask though, for everyone to adopt this policy. Enjoy nature and always leave it as good as you found it, if not better. Leave  nature untarnished with litter or damages to the infrastructure God created. Protect it from harm and preserve it for the next generation. Nature is God's gift to us. Cherish it, guard it, be thankful, use it, and by golly take some pictures and pass them on.

Have a great weekend. You have been prayed for.

Marty

Observing The Olympics 2/12/2026

 Good Morning,

Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee is in my cup and it is time to write. 

Last night I took some time to watch the Winter Olympics and eat a little popcorn and rest up for today. 

                                                               es.headtopics.com

Proverbs 24:17 ESV Do not rejoice when your enemy falls and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles. 

Proverbs 17:5 ESV Whoever mocks the poor , insults his Maker , He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

My observations from the comfort of my chair was this. The world possesses a lot of people with strength, skills and determination. There wasn't one event last night that except for being a spectator, that I could even do. Anyway, I am not sure the world would be ready to see me in a spandex uniform. 

My country, The United States was the obvious team that I was supporting. Note! Supporting. Not once will I rejoice when an opposing team has a miscue or falls while performing. I do not wish for misfortune to fall upon anyone. If the United States loses, I applaud them for trying and giving it their best. It is completely wrong to wish and then worse yet pray against another country's athletes, hoping calamity befalls them,

I do pray before I sit down and ask God to help each athlete to be able to give it their best. I believe in praying this way, I see the best competition that one could hope for. I appreciate all the hard work that is put in at practicing and living a sport that takes hours and hours to perfect. 

This is especially important when observing an event while you are with young children, or grandchildren. Teach them to support others with class, dignity and respect. 

Food for thought! Cheer on world! Enjoy some great sports!

Marty

Don't Make It Bigger Than It Already Is 2/11/2026

 Good Morning,

The day has begun in fine fashion for me. I have a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee at my side and it is time to write. 

Psalm 19:11 NKJV the discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

  Last night in our Men's Bible Study we touched on the subject of minor issues in life. especially the small issues between two people. For instance, your spouse does something like forgetting to turn on the dishwasher again. You were expecting to use one of the dishes inside this morning, I will admit that it is an inconvenience, but is it worth even going so far as to point out the mistake? 

We has humans have a tendency to make big issues out of minor mistakes, which leads to anger over nothing. These minor infractions raise our blood pressure as well as occupying our mind with thoughts of revenge or disgust in the day which is waiting to be a blessing to you.When I am truly irritated with something it tends to consume my thought and then I become unusable by God. 

Too much time is spent making mountains out of ant hills. 

My point is this. Why make a bigger issue into a a truly ugly situation? Gauge the issue and see if it is worth escalating and building it into a point of no return. Most issues are small and could remain that way.

Food for thought.

Marty

Thankful For You 2/10/2026

 Good Morning, 

So nice, so quiet, so warm is how I would describe our den this morning. It is populated with myself, two English Springer Spaniels, and a hot cup of Door County Blackberry Shortcake Coffee. It is time to write. 

Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV "The Lord bless you and keep you; 25. The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. 

The one thing I did not mention as populating my den is all of the readers who read on a daily basis this blog from my heart. Some readers are just passing through and read now and then. I want you to know that I do not make any money from writing this. So if anyone in my name ever asks you to send money or use your credit card to support me It is a scam. There is no need for financial support here. 

I very often pray for all those who read this and do so happily. I ask God to bless the readers in His way as only He can. Today was one of those days when I just needed to say that you all are loved, prayed for and this fella is thankful to be able to share our den, my thoughts and my prayers with you. 

Point for the day is this. I am glad to be here and Lord willing I will be here tomorrow. 

From the bottom of my heart, have a blessed and happy day.

Marty

There Is A Good Reason 2/9/2026

 Good Morning, 

It is time to enjoy my hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee and write down a couple of thoughts.

Psalm 28:7 ESV  The Lord is my strength and my shield; In him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults. 

First let me state that I believe that God has a reason for everything. Since 1981 I have tried to accept all that happens, or is allowed to happen, has a God given reason that it occured. I have been asked many times "why does God allow bad things to happen to good people"? Honestly I don't have a good answer for that. Sin entered the world with the fall of Adam and Eve and nothing short of heaven will ever be right again until Jesus comes back and takes us to heaven where there is no sorrow, no tears and no pain.  

I know that I am to trust in the Lord fully in all things until the day of no sorrow. That is some pretty heavy thoughts to start a week, but as you go through today and the rest of the week, know this, trust in the Lord and know that He will carry you through.

Be kind to each other and pass the meatballs.

God Bless,

Marty

 

There's A Melody That Needs To Play 2/8/2026

 Good Morning,

There is a hot cup of Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee sitting in front of me and it is time to write.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thing are noble,whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, what ever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy , meditate on these things.

Sunday morning arrived right on time. Last night a couple of inches of snow blanketed the area where we live, which means once it is daylight I will need to clean up the driveway and sidewalks. 

I really don't mind cleaning up snow. I actually enjoy being outside with our dogs and every now and then I toss a snowball their way just to see them run and bark at me. There is a song lyric that says "life is a dance that you learn as you go". Well, in order to dance there needs to be some music. Within each person there is a heart and the easiest way to dance is to a tune that you like. Your heart stores the melody within you and the outlook you have for the day. 

Think about a happy time in life , or how you want to rejoice in this day. Let your heart play the melody that surrounds your happiness. Zone into that happy place and let your heart provide the music for you. Be grateful to God for this day and the fact that you reunited with Him this morning and let that melody play loud and clear.

Food for thought,

Marty

A Heart That Speaks 2/7/2026

 Good Morning,

My day is beginning early and it will be assisted by a hot cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee. It is time to write. 

Our heart which often goes unbridled is connected to our mouth which in turn lacks discernment in speech. Our mouth can cause a lot of doubt, anger and fear when not filled with discernment. Our heart does not reflect an alignment with God's truth and love. We forget to slow down and speak only after thinking our statements through and through again.

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

One who practices discernment is considered to be wise and in touch with God. Does your heart spew forth  thoughts in line with God's love and moral compass? Or are you lacking control of heart and mouth?

Food for thought,

Marty

The Sharp Sting Of A Skinned Knee 2/26/2026

 Good Morning,

I am moving kind of slow this morning as I sit down with a hot cup of Door County Raspberry Almond Coffee and write.

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

My mind took a trip down memory lane today and it stopped on a typical hot  summer day back in the 1960, s. The day might consist of a cold popsicle or a drink from the garden hose. It almost always had meeting with friends to play some baseball or some touch football. Chores were worked into the daily routine and almost always were completed before the daily summer olympics started. 

Most all of my activities were held on our school playground or in the sort of dead end street near our house. Later in the 60's I noticed that girls just seemed to be abundant and all of a sudden they were part of the summer escapades. My bicycle was as my mode of transportation and believe it or not we walked most everywhere. 

But somehow, some way, reality set in and at least once a summer or more than once your, knees or elbows were introduced to the concrete of your summer. I can still recall the sharp sting of my knees scraping across some concrete and coming up with a severe case of "road rash". Skinned knees and healing wounds were just some sort of Red Badge Of Courage. Although that fresh wound stung like all get out, you went right back and played on the unforgiving slab of torture. 

My point for the day is this, Even though some days hurt and  the roadway rises to introduce itself to you, sometimes the bruises are worth it. I always found that on a hot day, I would be wearing shorts. And the positive of that was I did not put another hole in my pants. My knees would heal, but the torn blue jeans always needed and explanation to my parents. They didn't seem to mind a little blood. 

Friends, take time to relive those popsicle, hot sunny days, and by now you should be able to afford some knee pads. Most of all,  look for the positive in each day. 

God bless,

Marty

Everyone Needs A Friend. 2/5/2026

 Good Morning, 

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

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

A few weeks ago we made a day trip to an antique shop that was about an hour and a half away from home. I made mention to my wife Rene that I was hers for the day and we could browse antique shops until she was tired. 

By the end of the antique hunting we found ourselves in a shop that had a rest area and a nice couch to sit on. Usually I am the tired one and I need the rest. But Rene was shopped out at the last stop. She spied the couch  and sat down. I was making arrangements to place one large item into our truck with some help, when I noticed a small dog had crawled up on Rene's lap and both were starting to fall asleep. It seemed like these two were long lost friends. Yet they had just met and formed a friendship.

My point for the day is this. We encounter people wherever we go. And sometimes strangers are our new best friends, even if our encounter is for just a few minutes. So don't always shun strangers. A stranger might be a friend you haven't made just yet.

Food for thought.

Marty

Thank You Lord 2/4/2026

 Good Morning,

A hot mug of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee is warming my body this morning and it is time to write.

Let me go down my morning check list. 

1. I woke up. I am not in hell and it is more than I deserve. 

2. I am walking upright.

3. The coffee tastes great. Breakfast iwas simple.

4. Medications taken.

5. Dogs have been outside and were fed.

6.The house is still standing and is warm. 

7. My wife is still asleep and seems to be fine,

I have concluded that I need to be thankful for another day on this planet. As I look at my list of things, all of my duties are blessings that I don't deserve and really can't earn. For sure, I can't buy my way into heaven. I can't earn enough points to be allowed in. I am probably not good enough to be worthy of entry. No one can pray me into heaven. Without God, my life would be short on hope for today and eternity.

Once again, I cannot gain entry into heaven on my own, It is a free gift. God has secured my future.

Ephesians 2:8-9ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing.; it is the gift of God, 9. Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I think I will drink a big glass of shut up juice and just be thankful for today and make the best of it! 

God bless,

Marty

Tough To Chew 2/3/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee and it is going down in fine fashion. It is time to write. 

1 Peter 4:10 ESV As each has received a gift , use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 

                                                            freepik.com

It  has been a long long time since I have made Beef Jerky or jerky from wild game. But I tried it anyway the other day. I used to make some pretty good Beef Jerky back in the late 1980's and I don't know why I stopped. In over 30 years the equipment sat until I started drying apples in the last few years. 

Any how I started a small batch of beef jerky with some new equipment and I have to say that the first batch was terrible. I know jerky is supposed to be a little tough to chew, but this first batch was like plywood and shoe leather in a spicy mixture. I believe where I went wrong was with the temperature and the time. 

My point for the day is this. If you have a skill set and you don't use it, it is bound to whither a little by the next time you need it. In other words, practice makes perfect. I have never claimed to be good at carpentry and I avoid it at all cost. The other day my week skills had me using a saber saw, drill, screw gun and glue. I told myself that my efforts to make a repair to shelving had me looking like a bear cub with boxing gloves on trying to pick up marbles. 

Don't put your skills on a shelf and take the risk of losing them. Use your skills to enjoy having them. If possible use them to bless others. Keep the skill set sharp and usable. It makes for a great day to see your work and someone else enjoying it. 

God bless,

Marty

Charging Ahead 2/2/2026

 Good Morning,

My insulated cup was just filled with Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee and my goal is to drink it while it is still hot. It's time to write.

Our youngest dog Leo has been a hard charger since the day we brought him home a few years ago. He only knows one speed and that is "wide open". Leo had a great competitive career and aced what we had set as goals for him. He could and still can hunt with the best of dogs. 

Isaiah 30:20-21 NKJV And though the Lord gives you. The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore. But you eyes shall see your teachers.

21. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it. Whenever you turn to the right hand . Or when you turn to the left. 

Then the set back came. Leo contracted a dog type of covid and lost his sense of smell for quite awhile. He could walk right by a pheasant on the ground and not smell it. I could tell that losing his sense of smell was driving him crazy. We worked diligently to assist him in recovering from his plight. It took a month or more to get him back to form. During that process Leo had to rely on me for more directions in the field and trust that I was directing him to a bird or practice dummy. I am happy to say that Leo recovered and is doing well once again in the field. 

During the time when Leo could not smell anything he had to trust and know that I was there to help him pull through. For once in his life Leo needed me to show him the way. As his master I did not let him down. 

Friends, there are times when life sets us back right on our butts and we wander around with despair and lack of purpose. It is at theses times that we need to go back to the basics and trust God to lead us, guide us, and help us through the tough times. It is in that trust that we can forge on and run like a champion through the obstacles of life. Our Lord and Master will not let you down. He is there to cheer you on, feel your pain, and show you the way.

Run on my friends and look to God for the directions and soothing care He has for you.

Marty

How Great Thou Art 2/1/2026

 Good Morning, 

I just poured a hot cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Creme Coffee and it is time to write down my thoughts. 

The alarm clock sounded off and the song How Great Thou Art is what was playing to wake me up.I guess you can't ask for a better way to be roused up and out of bed. The coffee is just another added pleasure to the day. 

The music immediately made me think of some of the beautiful things I have seen in my walk around this earth. It also made me feel pretty small to know how great our God is and and how much and how many He has created. And then somehow, He knows my name and yours. It humbles a person to consider it all. 

Then there is the promise "I am with you always." It just adds security and knowledge that we are loved. My desk is a little lonely on some of these very early mornings, but am I really alone? No, I am never ever really alone. 

Isaiah 49:16 See, I have carved you on the palms of My hands. Your walls are continually before Me.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is The Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. 

Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

So friends, take the promise of not leaving us or forsaking us with you today and try to remember just how great God is.  Give Him a wave!

Marty