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

Cherish The Quiet 8/31/2026

 Good Morning,

I poured a hot cup of Door County Autumn Spice Coffee a few minutes ago. The aroma from the coffee brewing is a real pleasure today. It is time fo me to write.

Luke 5:16 NKJV So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. 

This morning a woke up to the sound of thunder and rain. The sky held some heavenly fireworks in the form of lightning. The rain and thunder have stopped for now and our home is totally quiet. I used the quiet for my prayer time and Bible reading. Prayer and reading from my Bible for some reason just seems to be sweeter when it is totally quiet. 

I think the appreciation for quiet is just another one of my quirks. But it seems to go even better with a hot cup of coffee added to the peace. 

My thought for the day for all who read this that you can find a place of quiet, pour yourself a cup of coffee, pray and let God whisper to you through some Scripture verses . This is more than a thought for the day. It is a prayer of mine for all the readers. 

Numbers 6:24-26 NIV "The Lord bless you and keep you;

25. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;

26. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. 

Peace, Joy and Love to all.

Marty

A Husband And Wife Need To Work Together 8/30/2026

 Good Morning,

I have a cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Cream with me and it needs to be warmed up. It seems as if this one has grown cold. It is time to write. 

Proverbs 19:21 NLT You can make many plans.  But the Lord's purpose will prevail.

If I were to offer some advice to couples who are planning to wed this year or couples who have been married for a long time, it would consist of two thoughts.

1. Devote yourselves individually to God and keep Him as Lord over your marriage. Your walk is yours and yours alone. If each of you is walking with God, He will always lead you to a stronger marriage even during trying times. 

2. Then as a couple form a plan for now and the future. Let the plan be understood fully. Focus your part of the marriage on the plan. Now and then plans will be interrupted by events that need to be attended to. Sit down together, pray and adjust the plan.. I will give some examples.

1 Continued education. Yes but for how long?

2. Children. Yes or no and how many?

3. Rent or purchase a home. When? Build or buy a finished home?

4. Retire or keep working?

5. Is God still using us and if so what is the plan for ministry service?

Bathe your plan in prayer and adjust only if the two of you agree. 

My wife Rene and I when we were first married planned on building a home in five years. We purchased a small home that was more than affordable and it was PLAN ON. Yet the move in for the home we built took seven years, not five. There was a building boom and every piece of land was snatched up before we could act. We started looking again at newer and bigger existing homes, but yet nothing happened. We stayed patient and we were able to add money to our Building Savings. We followed the plan to stay in that little house and scroll away some more cash. Once committed to build we needed to sell the old home. That home was sold to our neighbor with a hand shake. He gifted his daughter our home. We did not have any real estate commissions to pay. What we saved in commision fees we actually needed for handing unforeseen issues in our building process. 

God was in our plan from conception to finish. We both worked to attain the goal and God has used this home to accomplish His work. 

Back to the plan. Either one of us can call a meeting to discuss the plans. But both of us need to know the plans clearly and and change nothing unless the plan has been saturated with prayer. 

A home without a plan that includes God as the "CEO" is set up to fail. Do you have a plan? Did God stamp the plan as approved? 

Food for thought?

Marty

Getting Ready To Hunt Some Geese Very Soon 8/29/2026

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a hot cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and it is time to write.

Hunting season crept in and it will be here in a couple of days. Our season in Wisconsin starts with doves and geese. Later this morning I will be joining some friends to put the finishing touches on a goose blind that we started a couple of months ago. 

Philippians 1:3-5 I thank my God in all remembrance of you, in every prayer of mine making my requests for you with joy. 

There is nothing like a few hunting buddies getting together to work on anything that has to do with hunting. If you have experienced hunting with a group of guys that you look forward to being with and sharing stories, and shooting fowl. you have been blessed by the Almighty. 

An occasional donut can make it your way while sitting and drinking a cup of coffee. It never fails. The minute you pour that hot liquid into a cup, the geese start coming in. I have had many hot cups of coffee be tossed just in time to shoot. There have also been times that the cup spilled on my leg. Hunting, can sometimes be a circus. 

You get out of bed very early to be there on time. A nap later is a must. Getting out there early affords you the luxury of seeing some mind blowing sunrises. 

My point for the day is this. If you have a hobby that can include others, don't forget to thank God for that blessing. I know for sure that I am blessed to hunt with some great guys and family members. 

And I witness some great hunting dogs work at their craft. Have you ever considered that you are your dog's hobby? The dogs get together like every day is a great day, no matter how many geese we shoot. 

Food for thought!

Marty

Yesterday I Saw A Smile 8/28/2026

 Good Morning,

I am sitting at my desk with a hot cup of Door County Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee and I am very content this morning. The coffee is just what I needed!

Psalm 77:14 NIV You are the God who performs miracles.Y0u display your power among the peoples.

I have been busier than normal lately and it looks like today will be a little lighter on the schedule. I have been working on hauling home some firewood that my brother helped me to cut last week. I have a large amount that needs to be split yet. I have enough already for this winter and I am actually working on the wood for next year. I like to be a year ahead. 

Our nephew and his family live about 15 minutes away from us and they gifted us a tree that had fallen down for the "Let's keep Marty and Rene warm foundation." I will be splitting firewood later in the month when the new log splitter arrives. Yesterday found me hauling the wood home. I was still at their home when my nephew came home from work and had their baby with him. She is just a wee little one. I peeked in at her sitting in her car seat and saw a smile on her little face for the first time. 

I was all sweaty and full of saw dust and I did not realize just how much a little smile from a baby could make a difference in an attitude and impact a heart like that one did. 

I took the wood home and while driving and recalling the smile I found myself smiling as well. Her smile is contagious and God used hers to impact a grumpy old man. God knew what I needed for the day and He delivered it though the smile of a baby.

Today my friends turn your frowns into a smile. It just might have an impact on the world!

God bless.

Marty

Like It Or Not. We Need A Ladder 8/27/2026

 Good Morning,

I just started to drink my cup of Door County Bourbon Vanilla Cream Coffee and it is time to write. 

1 Peter 5:6 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under, God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 

Yesterday I started moving things around in our garage to accommodate the installation of a new garage door next week. Several items have graduated to the "We Don't Need This Anymore List" and either have found a new home or are headed to the town dump. 

In our garage we have three ladders an each one serves a purpose. We actually use all three, so they get to keep thier happy home. I am not very tall and find that 4-5 inches more on my stature would make life a lot easier. But I am what I am. 

Where am I going with this? Every now and then one of our ladders comes into play when I need a lift up to help me with whatever I am doing. I can't get up into the rafters of our garage to obtain some hunting equipment without the use of a ladder. I can stretch and jump all that I want, but nothing goes up into the rafters or comes down without the help of a ladder. 

As I age, the need for a little assistance now and then for things I used to be able to do without help gets to be more and more every year. Emotionally what never bothered me before, but now gets to me is more every year as well. 

On those particular days when my mood is pensive or withdrawn I find I use my Bible more and more to give me a spiritual lift. I guess I need a spiritual ladder to keep me headed in the right direction and not become a lump of uselessness to others.

I believe we all can use a spiritual lift at times and should never stay low and forlorn when a lift is there at our fingertips. Friends use the spiritual ladder God gave us to assist us on those days when we seem to be low enough to play handball with a curb.

Food for thought!

God bless, Marty

Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor On The Bed Post Overnight? 8/26/2026

 Good Morning,

Door County Irish Cream Coffee is steaming next to me in one of my favorite mugs  and it is time to write. 

Hebrews 13:16 ESV Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  

In 1959 the novelty song Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It's Flavor On The Bedpost Over Night? was released to the public. And for a short time it was high on the charts. 

Yesterday I heard the song on the radio while working in the garage. It made me smile and chuckle. Why you ask? Well there was a time when a stick of chewing gum was a real treat for me. Or better yet a big wad of Bazooka Bubble Gum was a downright delicacy. I actually recall getting two days out of one stick of gum. Or breaking it in half to share with my sister. The custom of placing the gum on the bed post came to an end when I woke up with gum in my hair. 

But just the thought of sharing a stick of gum with that three your old nuisance makes me smile and say. "Ah the good old days!"

What's my point for today? We all have done what some folks would say is crazy. Or you have worked some crazy just to make it in this world. But whatever the reason for being wise or frugal, it made you stronger and it taught you to share with others. 

Have a great day and share a piece of gum with someone. Comment if you have a story to tell about being frugal or sharing. 

God bless,

Marty