A Handshake Makes It A Deal for Me 9/22/2026

 Good Morning,

I have at my side a hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee and I am ready to write. 

Matthew 5:37 NKJV But let your Yes be Yes and your No, No. Whatever is more than these is from the evil one. 

I know  the world turns on contracts and legalities' for business. I prefer the old days when your word was your word and you could look another man or woman in the eye, shake hands and the deal was done. And your word was solid. 

I am here to say that even with all the contracts one can sign it still takes an honest heart and and good word to seal a deal. And the deal is not done until the work is completed to satisfaction.I found out the hard way over the last few months that business etiquette  is no longer followed by everyone and a man's word and a hand shake  doesn't mean snot to a lot of people. 

My wife Rene and I learned that even with a 15 page contract for service your chance of hiring someone with integrity  is quite slim. We needed some repairs and upgrades to our home and it took a year to get them done. Through that we were subject to shoddy work, schedules that were never met and excuses after excuses. Not all service was poor, but some companies will not be recommended or used again. I found that a man's word even with a contract is not taken seriously. Sales from large big box supply stores is impossible to claim a warranty without pulling teeth. 

Our roof was recently replaced and we have used this company once before, many years ago. The owner meets with you. He shakes your hand and looks you in the eye and promises that we will be satisfied. He has a short contract with a spot for two signatures, his and mine. Everything and more that he promised came on time and true. His crew was on time and worked for the hours allotted for the day. He will be recommended with high praises and if needed used again. 

How good is your word? Can those you contract with count on you? Beware of the long; long contracts and subcontracting. Ask plenty of questions and of course pray for wisdom before you sign and spend your money. 

Food for thought!

Marty

You Foolish People 9/21/2026

 Good Morning,

I forgot last night to set the coffee maker up with fresh grounds and water. Thus, no fresh coffee for me today was brewing when I hit the kitchen floor. I just poured some of yesterday's Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee into a mug and it was microwaved for a minute.I am at times my own worst enemy.

Galatians 3:1You foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to early Christian churches in Galatia who were turning away from the message of grace. A lot like the Israelites who were rescued from Egypt started to complain about the long walks and the dietary menu during their trek to the promised land. They Israelites mumbled and grumbled and sought to go back to slavery. 

Paul calls the Galatians foolish which is harsh language for the time and implicates them as stupid people who abandoned the message of grace. Paul also uses the term bewitched meaning spiritually misled into relying on human effort rather than faith. 

They were resorting back to works for their forgiveness which was sacrifices, seeking forgiveness through men not on faith. 

My point for the day is this. Have you embraced the love of Christ who provided the way of salvation and living life with grace? A good example would be to still sin and then throw some extra cash into the collection plate at church thinking the cash could compensate for your sins. Or continuing in sin such as gossip and hurtful language, drunkenness or anger and then ignoring it. People often excuse their language as "good for the church" thus condoning gossip. 

So my friends if you long for the days of you controlling your faith and spiritual destiny.  I suggest you turn your eyes upon Jesus and His grace for the day.

Marty

Some Guilt Can Be Useful 9/20/2026

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write with a hot, stiff cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee. The chair is way too comfortable and could make for a lazy Marty. 

I often wonder. When God looks at me what does He see? According to Scripture God sees Jesus in me first before He sees the rest of this shamble of life 

Colossians 3:3 NIV For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

We have been forgiven of our sins and Jesus died and paid the price of atonement with His life. Yet from time to time the feelings of guilt overtake our heart and mind. I believe that not all guilt is a bad thing. God can use a measured amount of guilt to wake us up from sin. 

Max Lucado said, " If guilt causes us to experience indignation, alarm, longing, concern, readiness to see justice done it is God given guilt." 

2 Corinthians 7:11NIV See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 

If we are forgiven, why do we still experience feelings of guilt. I believe God uses measured doses of guilt and regret to keep us from sin and change us. 

On the other hand Satan's guilt attacks are designed to enslave us to a life of regret and shame. 

My thought for today is this. If guilt has shackled you from feeling worthy to be forgiven and claim a clean slate through Jesus Christ, pray for strength and make Satan flee from ruining your days. Resist him and he will flee. Do you trust Christ your Advocate or the Accuser your enemy?

Love you all.

Marty

Remember a little God given guilt can be a good thing. Food for thought. 

What A Breakfast It Was. 9/19/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of  Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee and it is warming me up from the inside out. 

If I could only eat one meal a day it would be breakfast. I don't like eating breakfast alone. It always seems to taste better when I dine with family or friends. 

Yesterday morning i found myself hunting doves and geese with one relative and three friends. One young fella promised us the night before that He would cook breakfast in the field for all of us. The rest of us brought some of the items to make the breakfast menu full. Bacon, eggs, hash browns and fresh jalapeno peppers sauteed with the bacon and hot coffee made up a breakfast fit for a king. The weather was perfect and a man could not but feel blessed for having been there. 

Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. 

My point is this. If at all possible have a meal with friends or family. This breakfast was far from fancy, but it was "heart healthy". Not necessarily in the medical sense. But it did my heart good to be there and tip my coffee cup to a good bunch of fellas. Try breakfast with friends or family. See if it doesn't taste better when it is seasoned with the blessing of someone at your table.  Even if the table is in a ragweed field. We prayed before we hunted and I just couldn't help but think that our small group of hunters was visited by God yesterday. 

Marty

Many Chapters 1 Book 9/18/2026.

 Good Morning. 

I just filled my insulated bottle with Door County Sunrise Roast Coffee and I am ready to write. 

We only get one life. There are many days in a lifetime and sometimes very few days. But it is important to remember in your life every chapter (day) is in itself a part of the story of your life. 

My thought for the day is this. If every day is part of the story of your life, then know this. There aren't any dress rehearsals in the story of your life. Each day is one and done.  Life is not a dress rehearsal and at the end of the day it is added to your story. Was that chapter a bummer or a classic day in your life?

You can know how to handle each and every morning. 

Romans 12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good pleasing and perfect will.

Food for thought!

Marty

Using The Spare Pump 9/17/2026

 Good Morning,

My day began with the need to change out one of the basement sump pumps and as soon as I am finished writing I will pray again and begin the project.

Our sump crock has a spare pump in it and one of them is broken. So we are running on the spare pump. We always keep another new one on the shelf for moments like these. You could say that we have a "back up to the back up.". Once I am finished with the installation of the new pump I will be headed to the supply warehouse and I will pick up another one to rest on the shelf for times like these. 

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

I am supposed to be away in Georgia visiting our daughter. My wife was staying home. This would have occured while I was not home. The back up plan of having two pumps in the crock would have sufficed until I got home. Rene could have called a nephew or two or several friends who can change out a sump pump. All the supplies to do so are in the room where the crock and pumps are housed.  I would have called on family or friends to help her out. Although the plan worked as designed, having only one pump operational would have driven her to worry. There are heavy rains in the forecast for today and tonight. 

Here is my point. God kept me home instead of taking the visit South. Once a plumber always a plumber. We had a plan and it was prayed over and it worked. I will make up that vacation trip as soon as I can. And the old pump will be scrapped, a new one set in place on the shelf . God cares about us being dry, and safe. He watched over us and used one bad situation for good. I was home because my brother was very ill and recovering from a major surgery. That was the bad news that worked for our good. 

Think about it. Do you have plans for emergencies in your home,and life?

Have a great day!

Marty

What's For Dinner? 9/16/2026

 Good Morning.

My mug is now half full with Door County Spiced Apple Pie Coffee and it is time for me to write. 

John 4:34 "My food" said Jesus  "is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work. 

Jesus was explaining to His disciples after they offered Him some food to eat that His true food was doing the will of God and finishing His work here on Earth . In doing that Jesus was finding a deep spiritual fulfillment  and sustenance in serving others rather than eating physical food.

We put a lot of time into planning our next meal, cooking it to perfection and then savoring the flavor of our efforts. When was the last time you skipped a meal or just ate something light, because you want to complete a task that God gave you such as making a meal for  someone else? Is God's will bigger that your own stomach?

Food for thought? What part of the Word of God are you dining on today? What act of service might be on your plate for tomorrow?

Have a great day!

Marty

Tested The New Roof For Sure 9/15/2026

 Good Morning,

My desk and it's wooded chair are way too comfortable this morning My mug is full of Door County Irish Creme Coffee and it is time to write. 

                                                            Photo Credit Allen- Bradley Clock Tower Tour.

Last week we completed the last of the home improvement projects for the year. It was a happy day when the last shingle was in place on the new roof. Last night the roof was tested with a super heavy rain. I am happy to say that the house is dry this morning and warm. 

The roofing company was organized, on time, and someone I would hire again. Being on time impresses me and is a good way to earn my respect. It is the first step in starting any professional and personal relationship. When a date is made and set in stone the owners of the meeting show dignity and respect to each other by holding each other's time as valuable.

Hebrews 10:24 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. 

1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV But all things should be done decently and in order. 

James 4:17 ESV So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is a sin. 

To me agreeing to a time and then greeting the other person with a handshake is the beginning of a contract. Leaving the the meeting with another handshake is acceptance of the work or sealing the deal for another day. 

We hand out resumes and forty page contracts for work that could be spelled out with 1 page. When I was in a position to hire and the candidate was late, I would still read their resume but being late without calling with a good excuse did not lead to being hired  most of the time.

So when looking for a contractor to hire, see if at your first meeting they are on time. They offer a handshake. They can look you in the eye and then thank you for your time. 

So let your yes be yes and your no be no. Your punctuality leaves a lasting impression. 

God bless,

Marty

Send Me 9/13/2026

 Good Morning, 

Hey that cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee is tasting mighty fine this morning.

I am rested and ready to face the day. I have been extremely busy with personal things, family, and ministry. I plan on taking a rest very soon and making up for some lost time. 

Many years ago after I found Christ as my Lord and Savior and while reading through the Bible for the first time I found that  many verses were exhilarating and spoke volumes of truth. 

One particular night I was reading from the book of Isaiah and it changed my way of life instantly. 

Isaiah 6:8 NIV Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send ?And who will go for us?" "And I said here I am send me."

Since then I have been busier than busy for  45 years with my personal life and my different ministries and callings. I will always answer the call, but I feel the Lord might stop calling as much. Maybe I will hear "well done good and faithful servant". I make no promises but I know the winds of change are blowing. Let's see where they lead or do not lead. I gave my life to God in 1981 and He took me in when I was at the end of my rope. I always say that He still leads me as I grow white in the face. 

Thank you Lord. I have become all things to all people. 

Love to all. Answer the call!

Marty

Grilling The Corn Serving Together 9/13/2026

 Good Morning,

I  started this day with prayer and a hot cup of Door County Wisconsin Harvest Blend Coffee. 

Proverbs 18:24 NKJV A man who has friends must himself be friendly. 

Later this morning I will be joining with some of the men and women from our church to roast corn, and grill burgers and hot dogs for  our annual church picnic. We have ben grilling the corn for about ten years now and the only complaint has been about the salt. "The salt is too salty". We take complaints seriously but if one puts less salt on their buttered corn it might taste less salty. Just a thought.

My short message for this morning is this. If you are a church going type of person and you want to be involved at your church, seek out someone and ask to join in on what they are doing and join in to honor and serve. There are sooooo many ways to serve at a church and make friends that it is impossible not to find a way that fits you. 

I really don't like to eat roasted corn, but I like to see the smiles on the faces of the folks that do. You are as lonely and unplugged as you choose to be. 

Have a great day!! And pass a napkin please!!

Marty

Praising God For His Faithfulness 9/12/2026

 Good Morning,

I am watching the level in my Coffee cup go down and I might need to brew another pot of Door County Maple Coffee. Let's write.

Yesterday morning had me at a hospital with my younger brother. He had a heart attack and was in need of open heart surgery later yesterday. I am here to say that all went very well and he is on the road to better health. 

I was in prayer for most of yesterday and now want to say that God came though for us and to Him be all of the glory and honor. It was a long day!

Psalm 118:5-7 I called on the Lord in distress;

The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

6.The lord is on my side, I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

7.The Lord is for me among those who help me.

The care provided by the hospital staff was world class great. Than you all for the prayers and concern.  

God Bless, 

Marty

A Positive Attitude Goes With Everything 9/10/2026

 Good Morning, 

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

I am not one for having a lot of clothing that matches and I don't get "dressed up" much anymore. Blue jeans and a shirt or sweater are usually the wardrobe of the day. I can dress up for a funeral or a wedding when needed. 

Every shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater is capable of matching up with some blue jeans. 

I was reading a book of quotes the other day and in it I found one from Dolly Parton. She has been quoted many times and this one stood out for me.

A positive attitude 

and a sense of humor 

go together like 

biscuits and gravy. 

Dolly Parton

When you can laugh or smile during tough times and present a positive attitude at the same time you are richly blessed. To me there is nothing like a plate of biscuits and gravy for breakfast. The combination makes the morning or evening dinner a dance on your palette. 

Having a positive attitude in today's world is a blessing. But taking on the world with a positive attitude combined with a sense of humor is a strong combination that should always be together. 

When going through the rough waters of life and taking them on with a can do, will do positive attitude and being able to see some humor within tough situations tells me one thing. You have partnered your heart with God and are walking through life with Jesus.

Your merry heart is a blessing to those around you and shows strength despite the circumstances. 

Psalm 103:2-4 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, 3.who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. 4. Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. 

Be positive today and don't forget a smile, or laugh along the way. Share your heart and attitude with others. 

God bless, 

Marty

New Roof 9/9/2026

 Good Morning,

A hot cup of Door County Hazelnut Coffee is waiting on me to finish writing today.

Yesterday we started the project to replace our roof. It is the last project on the list for this year. As of this morning it is 75% completed. A few more hours and the job will be old news. 

So today my thoughts turn to the roof and how it keeps us dry, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It never leaves the house and is always over our heads. Until there is an issue it never falters. 

That thought turned me to think about God and how He provides for us and takes care of us. He is like a roofer and has us covered at all times. 

Psalm 121:5-6 NIV The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 

Food for thought! God bless. 

Marty

The Day Is Beginning Without Me 9/8/2026

 Good Morning.

This is unusual for me. I am asking you to excuse me today as my heart just isn't in to writing this morning. If I were still working and not retired I would be calling in and taking a personal day off today. I need a day to get my heart and soul back to writing. 

Pray for me as I have prayed for you.

Thank you and God bless.

Marty

Life Is A Series Of Choices 9/7/2026

 Good Morning,

There is a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee next to me and it is time to write.

This morning I made the choice of what flavor coffee I would enjoy as my morning cup of wake up juice. I made some choices yesterday on what we would be eating for a picnic today. Later I will dress for the day and a choice will be made as to if I wear shorts or long pants. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are my ways your ways declares the Lord. 9. As the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

None of these choices or decisions has a huge impact on my day. They are simple and  low in priority.

But there  are decisions that come our way,and not always on a daily schedule that require more thought as to what to choose. Our roof is being replaced tomorrow and a few months ago when it was apparent that we needed a new roof the process began. 

So the weight of that decision took some time to ponder and consider. That is the type of decision that needed some prayer. After interviewing a few contractors there was only one choice that gave me any peace. I prayed and the choice of roofers was made. 

There are bigger decisions that need to be made in the near future and prayer with fasting will be used to deliberate the choice and the timing of it. 

The choices in life are easy to make and you can go it alone. But, why would you when God is clearly here and will consult on a decision so that your choice is the right one? Your timing can be perfect and  you can have peace before and after the choice has been made.

You choose who helps you with your choices and to choose God's advice is a winner every time. 

God bless your day!

Marty

When One Hurts We All Hurt 9/6/2026

 Good Morning.

I have poured for myself a hot cup of Door County Pumpkin Spice Coffee and it is time to write.  

Now and then every family, or work group.,will experience a set back or an emotional breakdown. Church groups are not exempt from pain and sorrow as well. A group that is close to one another emotionally will experience the pain and sorrow that another in the group is going through. When one hurts, we all should be able to sympathise  and feel the hurt of your loved one.  

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

God built us to be social and caring at the same time. Be that type of family member or friend who hurts when you hurt and is there despite the inconvenience.

Food for thought.

Be the blessing you can be all the time and pass it onto someone else.

God bless,

Marty

A Trip Down Memory Lane 9/5/2026

 Good Morning,

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

We have some guests staying with us for a few days. They are from California. While planning dessert for our evening meal last night we decided to show off a Milwaukee ICON known to us as Leon's.

Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes I will remember your miracles of long ago.

Leon's is an emporium of fine frozen Custard. There isn't anywhere to sit inside. You stand outside and place your order then you either eat it standing by your vehicle or sitting inside of it. Leon's is open all twelve months of the year. They have a robust business even in January when people show up for a frozen treat on a frozen night!

Last night found my mind wandering back to the days when we went cruising down 27th street and parked our old jalopies in the parking lot at Leons. We would then speed down to the Bog Boy restaurant for an order of fries and a Coke. Music was  blaring and you couldn't hear it anyway due to the Thrush Glass Paks on your exhaust system.

Those were the days of long ago. I am thankful for the memories and for those who were with me. 

A walk back in time?

God Bless,

Marty

Give Me A Reason Please 09/4/2026

 Good Morning.

My insulated bottle is full of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and it is time to write.

Genesis 9:3 ESV Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants., I give you everything. 

I will be hunting doves today with some of my buddies and my dog. I am not looking forward to the barrage of mosquitoes I will encounter. 

It is that time of year when getting out of bed earlier than normal becomes the actual rise and shine time. 

I really don't need a reason to hunt. I just enjoy it so much that I will endure cold rainy or snowy mornings and spending time listening to the reasons why we missed a game bird. 

It is the one sport that never grows old or boring. Quality time with our dogs flushing and retrieving  game is another reason to get out of bed and endure some real hardships now and then.  Watching those dogs is like watching poetry in motion.

My point for the day is this. Get out and do something for yourself and embrace the day God has given you. Enjoy time away from the grind and thank God for giving you more time outdoors.

Something to think about. 

Marty

Learning To Drive 9/3/2026

 Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Salted Caramel Whiskey Coffee and it is no time to write. 

Matthew 7:12 ESV"So whatever you wish others would do to you. Do also to them.  

I entered the work force when I was in the ninth grade. I was hired for work at  Texaco Gas Station as a "Gas Pump Jockey". Yes, back then we pumped the gas for the customer. We gave the car windows a good wash, checked the oil level if the customer requested us to do so and added air to the tires after we checked the pressure. 

Wyatt Kaenel's Post Photo Credit

The place where I worked also changed oil and performed repairs and preventative maintenance to the cars of what I would say were some pretty loyal customers. 

Now after about three days of just pumping gas I was told to start the 1947 Willys Jeep and learn how to drive a vehicle with a manual shift. I was given a quick lesson on how to shift after I figured out that the starter button was on the floor. This I found out was needed because my duties included snow removal on the property in the winter. My driving was restricted to the Texaco property and the drive approaches from the street. I also had to jockey vehicles in and out of the garage.

It took me a few hours to be able to move the Jeep without hopping all over the property and not stall out when I was taking off from a full stop. I pretty much did all my "learning"in first gear and reverse. "Stick Shift" was still popular beck then and was a cheaper option than an automatic transmission 

I worked for a very patient employer and so after mastering the stick shift I graduated to oil changes, tune ups, muffler work, tire changes and sales. The sales included loading the customers cars with 24 bottles in wood crates of Coca Cola products. This included removing the empty crates. We also sold cigarettes I cleaned the bathrooms once, and sometimes twice in a day. Yes I sold cigarettes and did all the money exchanges without a calculator. W carried the money needed to make change after selling the gas and other items. in my pocket.  You did the math in your head! 

Your hours were adjusted to accommodate attending school and allowed for time to play in sports and study. But once summer hit and school was out it was full time work. Weekends during the school year were spent at the Texaco station. 

The owner of the Texaco Station invested some time in me and it paid dividends for both of us. He took a chance on a goofy kid and the kid gave an hours work for an hour's pay. 

My point is this. You might be in a position to hire someone especially a young person. Don't let age stop you. Invest some time in a young kid if he has a good hand shake, looks you in the eye and shows up on time, every time. And lessons can be learned in the parking lot!

Food for thought!

Marty

Bend, Stretch, But Don't Break, 9/2/2026

 Good Morning,

One steaming hot cup of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee is making it's presence known and I am ready to write.

Photo Credit Magnific and Freepik

In the past year we have had to replace the siding on our home. We have had to repair the chimney, repair the generator and then the air conditioning. We will be replacing the overhead garage door today. On Friday of this week we will begin replacing the roof. The first floor inside the house needed painting. New carpeting was installed . One electrical breaker went bad and had to be changed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not despairing. 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down, but not destroyed. 

You could say that we have been busy for a year and it looks like it is coming to a close very soon. 

What's my point for the day? It is this. Project after project we never failed to pray and ask God for patience with the contractors, the building supply emporiums, weather, and there were days that were very stressful. There were times when we both could have easily flown off the handle. But after all is said and done we are still married and looking forward to spending  some time away in a couple of weeks. 

Prayer was the key in holding us together during some tense times. We bent and never broke. Prayer adds elasticity to relationships and situations and should be in every marriages tool kit for survival. With God and prayer, the relationship can bend or stretch successfully, and never snap. 

Food for thought.

Marty

Saying Goodbye To The Mosquitoes 9/1/2026

 Good Morning,

I have sitting next to me a hot mug of Door County Toffee Pretzel Coffee and it is time to write. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. 

September 1st starts off my favorite time of year. I will be hunting in the next few weeks and will still have to contend with an overabundance of mosquitoes. This has been a long spring and summer fighting with the pesty bugs from hell. I am looking forward to October and a few frosty mornings and not being covered in bug repellent. 

One thing you can say about a January deep freeze is that you won't see any mosquitoes. Give me the cold weather any day! 

My point for the day is this. It's going to be a hot one where I live. I just returned inside from feeding the birds and I rejoice because I am one day closer to living mosquito free for a few months. So here it is. Each day that goes by we are one day closer to something else in our life. Changes within a year are numerous and not always welcome. But the point is, whatever season you are in, a change is right around the corner. Hang in there and never quit. 

May God bless you and keep you as you wait on Him.

Love to all. 

Marty