Christmas Shopping, An Appointmemt?

Good Morning,

How can I be awake at this time and not have a cup of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee yet? Well here's how. I forgot to set the timer on the coffee maker. Arg. Now I have to wait.

Last night after Bible study I rushed over to the local mall to purchase a Christmas gift for Rene. I went to the store that I usually go to and by chance the young lady who has been assisting me with my inability to shop for years happened to be there. I usually see her on the day after Thanksgiving or just before our anniversary. She smiled and said that she had wondered where I was on that Friday. I explained that a funeral had detained me but just by chance I came in tonight and that I considered it a blessing. She already had a hunch what I was going to purchase for my bride. She was correct!

As we were closing the deal and finishing the paperwork she asked if I remembered the last time I shopped for Rene. I had already recalled the last visit and replied "yes I remember".  On that last visit my clerk was going through some very rough times. I prayed with her in the store and left her with some Bible verses and the phone number for a lady counselor. She looked a lot better than on my last visit.

She went on to tell me how much better her life is now and that she appreciated the help I had given her. I asked her what the difference was and she laughed and said "I believe you already know." I said "Try me. But I bet it has something to do with Jesus". She grinned and said "You bet"!  Her life had been changed by an encounter through a Bible verse I had recited and then wrote down for her.  Here's the verse.

1 Samuel 12:22New International Version (NIV)
²² For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.

My shopping took over an hour to finish. I am usually in and out in about twenty minutes. She went on to tell me all about her encounter with Jesus, her church membership, and how she is growing in the Lord and no longer feels alone.

Now all that from a shopping trip! You see folks I did nothing but reach out with a couple of Bible verses and a prayer. God was in the mall and went to work. His Word being all powerful cut right to the heart. I now see that God took a shopping trip and made it an appointment. Only God can do that. He rearranges schedules. He wrote the Word. He gave me the urge to shop last night. I needed a happy story and she told it just as God wrote it for her. God is good all the time. Is shopping ever just shopping? Is a car repair just ever a car repair? God makes appointments for us. We just need to keep them.

Now that's a Merry Christmas,

Marty

Always Your Child 12/7/2016

Good Morning!

Tuesday is always a busy day for me. This one is no different.  So to help me enjoy the busy day I have chosen to brew some Door County Christmas Coffee.

Back in 1978 we were blessed to welcome our little girl Kristy Marie into this world. She has grown into a fine woman and has a family of her own now.  No matter how old I get or how old she gets, Kristy will always be my little girl. Nothing has changed. I still pray for her, worry about her, cheer her on, and at times tell her to rest. I loved her then and I love her more every day.

I remember when she started her teen social life. She would go somewhere and then Rene and I would pray for her and her friends. I have one regret about this. What we should have done was to pray with Kristy before she went out. Kristy still tells us about the family plans. We always remember to pray for them while they are having family adventures as well as our normal daily prayers for them. There are times when I wish I was there to pray with them. The many miles between us keep that from happening.

Matthew 19:13-15New International Version (NIV)
¹³ Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there

So here is what I learned. If you can make it happen.  Pray with your kids before they leave for an outing. Cars go fast, temptation abounds, the world gets crazy. Have them pray with you. Invite their friends in for prayer. Teach them to pray. Let them know you pray.

You never really stop praying for them. After all they are still your baby and always will be.

God bless.

Marty

A Long Walk On A Snowy Day 12/5/2016

Good Morning,

I am hitting the ground running. This week has a whole lot going on before it ends. I for one need my mug filled with Door County Candy Cane Coffee.

I anticipated this upcoming week and knew that it is going to be hectic to say the least. So yesterday afternoon I went with a friend, our dog Gibbs and a shot gun to do some hunting. The day was snowy and slippery. The cold air mixed with snowflakes felt good on my face. We walked for about an hour and a half and bagged a few game birds. The dog worked in close by, so the walk was at a leisurely pace. The cold fresh air and exercise had both dog and man sleeping very early last night.

The walk was just what I needed and the fresh air that forced me to sleep well, was God sent. As we were hunting, my mind led me to pray a little. The prayer was for this week, a friend's health, and a couple of other things. There was just two men and a dog out there, but I knew that I was walking with more. God used the weather, a walk, and some snow to calm my mind, make me tired and also to fill my freezer. I was humbled to know that God was walking with us. What a nice day it was, one I will remember for a long time.


Micah 6:8New International Version (NIV)

⁸ He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

 

When was the last time you took God walking with you? Isn't it about time?

 

Marty

Christmas Caroling, A Ministry of Diversity 12/4/2016

Good Morning,

This cup of Door County Jingle Bell Java is going down smoothly this morning. Nothing like a hot cup of coffee while you are waiting on the fireplace to start throwing some heat off. The fire will be glowing soon!

Last night our Men's Ministry Annual Christmas Caroling outing took place. We visit two homes for the elderly and sing songs and distribute gifts. The carolers return from their singing, and ministering to the residents in the homes to our house. When they get back to our home we all share in a dinner of different soups, sausage, cheese, crackers, candy, coffee, hot chocolate and dessert. We were blessed to be able to offer four different kinds of soup to our friends. Two of our dear friends brought soups to help us round out the menu. Although soup and munchies are a very simple and plain dinner, it seemed like a pretty good feast. Those that wanted to, could take some soup home for today.

In our group we had young children and plenty of adults. It was a diverse group of ages. So that is where I am headed today. Christmas and the blessings of serving one another does not discriminate because of age. Everyone participated in bringing smiles and blessings to people who are now considered to be shut in. One member of our little team is just fresh out of surgical repairs for his shoulder. He made it and used his voice to sing, laugh and minister. No one who wanted to be here was not used to bless our neighbors.

Saturday nights only come once a week and with all that there is to do in life these folks took time out to do ministry. Yes we feasted later and the night went pretty long, but they had an impact on other lives. This impact cannot be done with just sending good tidings by thought. They put their faith into practice and the results were huge. Our pastor gave us Bibles to give away with our gift bags of slippers, socks and lotions. One of the attendants at the nursing home received one and replied. "I was just wishing that I had a Bible the other day". Her Christmas wish came true.

My point is this. I saw the diverse ages work together, practice their faith, dine on the same menu, and enjoy a couple hours ( or more) the company of church family. Faith does not discriminate from serving. There is always room for all ages to work and bless others.

James 2:14-26New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴ What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

So, can you take some time out of this busy month to go out and bless others and share the "Good News of Jesus?

Marty

Invitation To A Warm Fire 12/3/2016

Good Morning,

I am sitting in a warm house. Our fireplace has a small fire burning, just enough to make a difference in the temperature. My mug is filled with Door County Frosted Cinnamon Buns Coffee and our Springer Spaniel is curled up in a ball by the fireplace.

An invitation to eat and warm up sounds good to anyone on a late night venture or coming home from a hard days work. It might be that it was a hard week and the fire and a bite to eat is there just to slow you down so you can regroup.

Jesus knew the importance of greeting people with not only himself but with an opportunity to get the chill out and eat a little bit.

John 21:1-14

21 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: ² Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³ “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴ Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
⁷ Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸ The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. ⁹ When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” ¹¹ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead

The apostles had been fishing all night and it was early in the morning. No matter what the temperature outside was, I know for a fact that they were on the water, tired, it had to be damp and they were going to need to eat. Jesus knew exactly what they needed besides the Spiritual encounter they would have. In reality they were also confused and still in shock over His death, burial and resurrection. There still had to be some doubt and fear in their minds and hearts. Jesus met their needs in the moment. It wasn't a church service or scheduled prayer meeting. Now friends, those are also important and we need to attend. But Jesus met them where they were. They were fishing.

Jeremiah 29:13New International Version (NIV)

¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

The Holy Spirit is with us always. Jesus sent Him to comfort and instruct us. We need to seek Him and He will be there. For me this morning, it was over hot coffee and a small fire.

We also need to use our homes as a place where others can rest from time to time, and seek the Lord. We can offer a warm blanket, fire, some coffee maybe some soup or crackers. But we should always be the place where those weary from life can stop by and seek refuge.


Where's your campfire? Do you need to visit and rest or bring someone in so they can rest? In either instance we have no excuse for not doing what Jesus so clearly set the example of and the apostles willingly partook of.

God bless,

Marty

Haiti On The Christmas Tree 12/2/2016

Good Morning,

Friday came at last. I knew it would. The countdown to our open house and Christmas Caroling is down to 36 hours. I filled a cup with Door County Christmas Coffee and now it is time to write.

Last summer while on a short term mission trip to Haiti our team made toys for the little children out of buttons. Instead of them being used as spinning tops, many of the kids wore them as necklaces. Some of the wee ones wanted to make necklaces. So we let them make their own and I tied a few knots for our little busy bees. One little boy decided that he wanted me to wear one. I graciously took the gift he made for me and wore it. Just recently while going through my suitcase I found my treasure from my little friend.

Rene and I like to decorate our Christmas tree with garland made from buttons. Not being one to wear necklaces I decided that I could weave this button into our garland. It matched perfectly and it warmed my heart as I thought about the trip and the little guy who gave me the button. I decided that it was a good idea to pray for him and thank God for the trip and now the memory. The thought of that little fella and his willingness to give me something when I could buy as many buttons as I want, taught me a lesson. This little man lives in an orphanage and has nothing. Yet he wanted to share, not hoard, what we had brought for them. He shared out of the abundance of his heart. He was looking for some companionship and love that day. What he will never know is how he touched my heart. He made me think about how Christmas should be for sharing. Only I know where the button is woven into the tree. But God knows that the button was woven into my heart and that this old man could learn a lesson from a four year old boy.

Luke 6:38English Standard Version (ESV)
³⁸ give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Will you weave the button of sharing this Christmas into your heart? Will you do it to love others without any expectations?  I hope so.

Hey 23 days until Christmas!

Love to all,

Marty

A Captive Audience 12/1/2016

Good Morning,

December is here and I have just brewed a pot of Door County White Christmas Coffee. I might have to wear a Christmas tie just to get in my Christmas groove.

Our living room has an open concept to the second floor. Rene decorates all the spindles in the railings with snowmen. At times I find it kind of creepy to have all those eyes staring at me when I turn the lights off and head to bed. The snowmen don't get to move and their view of life is behind bars. They are a captive audience to anything below. The snowmen remind me of people behind bars. Not necessarily the bars in a jail but the type of bars that people put up to protect themselves from being hurt again. They have loved, and trusted and have been betrayed by lovers, family or friends. So they put up walls and become captive observers to life. Their hurt and inability to forgive and move on has them held captive from experiencing life.

How does one move beyond the self erected bars of captivity? The answer is to trust Jesus and learn to love and forgive like He does.

Romans 5:7-9New International Version (NIV)
⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
⁹ Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

Jesus was despised in His own town, laughed at and mocked. Yet He went to the cross to die for those same people. He could have said "They aren't worth it. They have hurt me". I will refuse to love again. I am thankful that He didn't. He sent us His love without any expectations. But how He rejoices when that love is accepted and returned. We can tear down the walls of hurt when we trust Him and experience that love. The experience teaches us how to love  and want to love again.  Don't let this Christmas go by with bars guarding your heart. A heart beats best when it beats for others.

Only 24 days until Christmas. Why wait?

Marty