Sunday Morning Bacon 7/6/2014

Good Morning,

I awoke to a very mild morning, the sun is shining, a slow breeze is blowing through the house and there are birds chirping everywhere. The quiet is something I am enjoying along with a big cup of Door County Red Velvet Mocha Coffee.

 

We attend church on Saturday's at Faith Bible Church in Greenfield Wisconsin. Very often my wife is working at the medical center on Sunday's. Today is an exception. We are both home and our grandson who has been with us for about a month must fly home to Florida later today. Most of the time we are cereal type people at breakfast time. Dom Likes Lucky Charms. Rene is a big Cheerios fan and I eat oatmeal. A few times this month however when we have been traveling and were able to eat breakfast at a restaurant I noticed that Dom likes bacon with whatever he orders which was usually pancakes and chocolate milk.

So today Papa is making bacon (Neuske's maple smoked)and pancakes. This has caused me to go back in my memory bank of Dominick and recall breakfasts with him when he was a little boy. The days of Mickey Mouse pancakes or Krispy Kreme doughnuts with sprinkles seem to be gone. I hear he now frequents Starbucks not for what I would call coffee but one of their "coffee malts".

You see the little boys has grown. He has a way to go yet but he actually needs and wants meat. I also recall watching him slip ham into his pockets so he could toss it later because "he was not a fan of ham". This was his way of saying I really don't like ham. I think that if he stuffs bacon into his pockets now it will be for a snack later.

Friends we are all expected to grow in our faith too. If you are satisfied with just attending church and listening to a message once a week, you are really only drinking milk and are stuck on your faith growth chart. By now you should desire more. More time in God's word (Bible) learning to feed yourself, more time in prayer, and by now seeking to serve others in love. No one can really grow with a sugar coated meal once a week. You need the meat that comes with growth.

1 Corinthians 3:2 CEB

I gave you milk to drink instead of solid food, because you weren't up to it yet.

Hebrews 5:12 CEB

Although you should have been teachers by now, you need someone to teach you an introduction to the basics about God's message. You have come to the place where you need milk instead of solid food.

 

Friends, it is time to put on your big boy and big girl pants and grow in your faith and love for the Lord. It's amazing, you might even get to extend your bedtime and stay up later. LOL.

 

God bless,

 

Marty

Antique Telephones and You. 7/5/2014

Good Morning,

Happy Saturday morning to all of you. My coffee this morning is Door County German Chocolate Cake. I am not moving to fast this morning. Yesterday was a day filled with activities for us and today will be the same. Our grandson Dominick has been staying with us this past month and he returns to Florida tomorrow. So there a few last day things we want to experience yet so grandpa will really need a nap tomorrow after Dom's flight takes off for home.

My wonderful wife Laurene (Rene) is a lover of antiques. Lucky for me that she is because at my age I qualify for antique status. On the mantel of our fireplace sits this antique telephone. It never rings, never delivers a message, nor does it receive any. It just sits there and looks old.

I was sitting in my chair last winter and it was looking at me and I was staring it down, wondering in my mind about all the calls that might have been made with that phone many years ago. Did it ever deliver a message of hope or cheer to someone? Or has it always just stood still adorning a shelf or for practical purposes just been useless? I guess you can already tell that my deepest thoughts are not too deep.

This message is to encourage those folks who are "shelf sitters". We are all one of a kind, designer made originals created by God. Not made to sit on the side but to contribute and be part of the world outside of the shelf we have made for ourselves or the shelf you were placed on by others.

Psalm 139:13-14New International Version (NIV)

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

None of us were made for a shelf. We are all made differently with different gifts or talents. That old phone never asks me "how was your day", or sends a message of "sorry to hear about that, how can I help?"

No matter the age, race or gender we can be involved in making a difference for others. Do you know that every face can smile? A smile can be aimed at any person in any direction. I had a dear friend who while dying from cancer made it a point to call people and ask them what prayer they might need prayed for. He would say, "while I am laid up I want to be useful". He did this right up until his last day. 

We are not made to sit on a shelf. My heart goes out and breaks for those who have for one reason or another been placed on that shelf of hurt and loneliness  by others. You don't belong there. It's time to come down and be assured that you are a "Child of the King'" who made you and has given you talents that can be used.

Here are some ways to get involved. Find a volunteer organization that fits what you like to do. Maybe the local animal shelter? Maybe a hospital or nursing home? How about a youth organization that assists kids or teens? Maybe you are gifted in health care, I know some countries or local cities where you could assist for ten days.  Maybe you can knit or build things. Knit away, then give away. Many a child around the world could use a hat or mittens for the cold winters. Build useful things and donate them. There are many disabled veterans that could use a wheel chair ramp for their homes. Babysit for a mom who is trying to make ends meet and finish school.

Have you ever sat on a street corner on a super hot day and handed out cold bottled water  to the homeless? I have and was I popular!!!! But better yet I supplied a need and a lot of great conversation and encouragement. There was more to that day than just water.

Easier yet, send notes of encouragement. Make calls to others.  This list could go on for hours upon hours. You were made to be part of this world and to make it a better place. Age, race, gender, shyness are no excuses. You will find that coming off the shelf will make you feel alive and well, despite any circumstances you are experiencing.

Matthew 25:40New International Version (NIV)

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Get off the shelf and quit gathering dust. You can make a difference to others and yourself.

God bless,
Marty

United States Independence Day 7/4/2014

Good Morning,

I am indulging a weakness this morning. I am one of those nuts that can't wait until Christmas. I prefer the colder weather to summer. I am happiest in the fall and winter. Deep within the kitchen cupboards in our home I have a small supply left over (hoarded) of some of the Door County Coffee Company's fall and holiday coffees. So this morning I am drinking a few cups of Door County White Christmas Coffee. I can see the Christmas tree right now.

In the United States we are celebrating our Independence Day today. In 1776 we declared independence from England and a long war was fought to obtain our freedom and to govern ourselves with democracy. Many have fought and died to keep that freedom secure over and over again. For that I am truly thankful. I know that some of you who read this are in other countries where your freedom is limited. My heart goes out to you. Some of you who read this are in countries who have named the United States as "enemies". It might not even be legal for you to read this because of it's Christian basis. Me heart is extended to all of you also.

But I would like to talk about another freedom everyone has. The right to choose who you worship. God in heaven does not force Himself on us. He extends the gift of Himself through Jesus Christ His only Son. He sent Jesus to be the atonement for our sins. Never ever does He force us to believe that our worship Him. It is a choice that he gives. This is open to every person of every nation. Every color, every gender, every age can come to God through Jesus Christ, or not. This is true freedom. I am blessed to be in a country where I can express my choice openly. I do not need to hide my choice, nor do I wish to do so.

Joshua 24:15King James Version (KJV)
¹⁵ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I made that choice many years ago on July 7th 1981. It was that day when my heart was lightened from a load that I could not carry. But it was my choice, No gun or threat was held to my head, just an offer of love, forgiveness and acceptance was made. An offer that I found hard to refuse.

Today many people are still without Jesus in their life and heart. They lack assurance of eternal life with God the Father in Heaven. Please accept this gift, or if possible tell someone about our loving God who extends His love to us through Jesus Christ.

Have a great day.

Marty

Be At Peace 7/3/2014

Good Morning.

It is Thursday and I can see Friday just over the top of my glasses. I am starting the day with a cup of Door County Heavenly Caramel Coffee. I will also be taking a thermos filled with the same for later today.

Peace, is very hard to define. I see a foggy marsh with the sun coming up in October, ducks quacking in the dark and I am at peace. I see the flag of surrender after a long war and both sides agreeing to stop a conflict and I see peace. I see a small baby asleep in the arms of a parent and I see peace. I see to elderly people sitting together watching the fireplace glow and I see peace. I see someone passing from the life with the saving assurance that they have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and I see peace.

God loves all of us and expects us to try to live at peace with one another. We all know that this is a choice and that evil has crept into the world and intends on staying until God calls the end to evil. It is the evil within the world and within the human race that causes conflict. But yet God does not allow us to use evil as an excuse. We are to live at peace with each other. And as for us individually we are to strive for peace even if the other party does not want it.

Romans 12:18New International Version (NIV)
¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

So today as hard as you can, try to bring peace to your part of the world by showing the love of Jesus to others through you.

God bless,
Marty

Sympathy 7/2/2014

Good Morning,

Today is a great day to be alive. It is the middle of the week and there is Friday just waiting ahead of me. My coffee this morning is Door County Peanut Butter Crunch.

Yesterday morning I received some news about someone I hired while in another position within the company I work for. I was told that this young lady had passed away unexpectedly in the night. Her new manager was very shaken and I can say that the news floored me also. I prayed for her family after the phone call and for her co-workers.

Later last night as I was thinking and praying and her co-workers were on my mind. Those guys reported to me for a long time. I did not know what to say to them that could help. But I made a few phone calls anyway. We chatted and it was good. School never tells you what to say at times like these. But we can have compassion and just pass it forward. Being visible or making a phone call to others is about all you can do sometimes. Don't let people go it alone. Let them know you care. They don't care about how much you know until you show them how much you care.

Practice compassion.

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

It is one of God's ways of revealing Himself to others who hurt.

Love to all.

Marty

Working Hard 7/1/2014

Good Morning,

My eyes are a little heavy this morning. The coffee is just finishing. The flavor of the day is Door County German Chocolate Cake. Normally I have the coffee pot set and it automatically brews at 4:00 AM. But last night I worked into the night and returned home in a storm. To say the least I am a little tired this morning.

Friends I am not complaining about work. I am blessed to have a very good job. From time to time though a long day will need to be done. I am sure you all have those days also. It is during those times and through just normal days that we need to remember who we represent while at work.

Colossians 3:23New International Version (NIV)
²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

We are God's representatives where we work or play. You might be the only example of Jesus anyone sees. So when you are about to slack off like everyone else. Remember the verse above.

God bless,
Marty

Ending June 6/30/14

Good Morning,

My coffee this Monday is Door County Cherry Crème. This will be a short week. In the United States we will be celebrating our Independence Day on Friday July Fourth. It will be a nice three day weekend.

Can you believe June is over after today is finished? Where did the time go? I was recapping the last six months in my mind as to all that has happened and what I have been through. It has been a busy six months. There are a lot of things that I set as goals for 2014 and even with 6 months left to the year I don't see me finishing a few of them.

But today is the last day of June. I want to finish today strong. I have some work that has to be finished. I also want to make sure that those around me are told that they are appreciated and loved.

I think that this is a good goal and can be accomplished. So to start the day off, if you are reading this, please know that you are loved.

Philippians 3:13-14        
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Have a great day. Pass it on.
Marty