Bracing For The Cold Weather Decisions. Decisions. 10/10/2019

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee had my attention for a little while this morning. In a little bit I will be making my wife and I some breakfast. But for now it is time to write.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

I  watched the sun come up this morning and by all indications it will be a nice fall day for us to enjoy in our part of the world. But from what has been predicted for the weather in the next couple of days my attire and habits will have to change quickly. Snow brushes will be placed in the car and truck and warmer clothes will be a must. We play a little game each year to see how long we go before firing up the furnace in the cold weather. I think we will try it for another day or so, but I believe we will cheat a little and light up the fireplace. The firewood I worked on so diligently all spring will come in handy over the next few days. Our menu will start to include more soups and stews as they seem to provide comfort and warmth once the weather brings a chill to us.

My point is this. I can't stop the weather from changing and for me I wouldn't want to anyway. I enjoy the cold and and at times frigid weather. Contentment is key to be less of a "complainer." When we fail to even try being content we open ourselves up for trouble. For instance, you might want a new vehicle because the new model came out and you think you would look pretty good behind the wheel of that flashy new sedan. But then you live where we do and snow is not an option. It is a reality. You might not be able to afford two vehicles and the sports car you purchased goes really fast on dry pavement but doesn't travel too well in snow. The flashy sedan doesn't make much sense when you have to get to work in a snow storm and it introduces you to the ditch along the highway. Contentment and common sense run hand in hand. A flashy four wheel drive SUV would have been a better choice. Or if the flashiness causes you to have to eat stew without meat or vegetables because of the cost, well, a stripped down version would be best.

Lack of contentment has broken up many a family just by wanting someone else to be with. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. But the grass needs to be mowed and tended to just like any other lawn. And what looks like green grass from a distance might have weeds that choke the life from the lawn.

I can give examples of the cause and effects of lack of contentment all day long. I believe you all get the picture. We need to examine our needs against our wants and ask ourselves "is this best for us?" But there is one more step I want to recommend.

Before you leap into decisions that can impact you for a long time, ask God to show you the best choice. He hands out free advice, no appointment necessary, and it is always in your best interest. He will show you desires verses needs and give you peace of mind which seems to be lacking for many people.

Marty

Finding Your Way In The Dark 10/9/2019

Good Morning,

A cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee is steaming next to me and I have a Springer Spaniel at my feet. It is very quiet in the house and now it is time to write.

Did you know that the top two accidents within a home are #1. falling objects, followed up by trips and falls at #2?

I was not surprised to find this fact out. As one who travels through swamps and forests in the dark on my hunting excursions I can see this as a reality. I actually fell a lot more and was introduced to a splash down in icy cold water when I was younger compared to now. The difference I believe is this. Headlamps and flashlights have come a long way especially since the LED lights came on the scene. I have a headlamp that can illuminate a river like a big spotlight.

But where do I stub my toe or stumble the most? In my own home, because I tend to travel at night through the house without turning on any lights. I rely on my memory of where things are or were in our home. Recently Rene put out some decorations to have the house look more like Fall than summer. She likes to do this. She likes to do this after I go to bed. She didn't finish her project and left a small ladder out in the middle of the walk from the bedroom to the kitchen. No! I did not have another accident in the home. I did however want a drink of water at about 2 AM. Naturally I am spoiled and just had to have ice in the water. Learning from my past experiences told me to turn on a light as I crossed the arid desert of our home to soothe my parched throat at the well known as the kitchen. Sure as shooting there was the short ladder in my pathway. Without lights there would have been a small collision near the kitchen sink.

Friends, life was never meant to be navigated without the light of God leading us through it. We need not travel through wondering which way to turn or how we will get through the dark times. Much better than any LED floodlight is God's Word to guide us. I have an old railroad lantern in my garage. It was my grandfather's when he worked for the railroad many years ago. It still works. The lantern was used to signal the train engineers at crossings or to notify them of a change in the tracks as well as for the track man to be able to see at night. They relied on the lantern's signals and the one holding the light to guide them correctly.  In the 23rd Psalm,  David states that God leads us like a shepherd leads sheep by still waters and makes us to lay down in green grass.  God also has given us His word to direct our paths, especially when things look grim or dark to us.

Psalm 119:105 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 

Friend,s don't stumble through life. Lean on God to direct you, guide you, and keep you from causing harm to yourself in mind and deed. Experience a daily devotion time and spend it in prayer and reading your Bible.

God bless,

Marty

Clobbered From Above 10/8/2019

Good Morning,

My day began with watching the sunshine peer onto our  property  awhile ago. A great cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee awaits me after I finish writing. I would like to share a humorous adventure with all of you and then make a short point before closing today.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Last  Sunday afternoon my wife Rene let me know that somehow she had plugged the laundry chute while dropping bed sheets and towels through it to the basement. Her chores were on the second floor and when you include the basement it is a three story linen subway to the washer and dryer.

She explained that she had tried everything she could to retrieve the dirty sheets and towels. " I guess I should not have sent them down bundled together" was her statement of the day. So I assessed the situation and devised a plan that would make any man proud. The way the chute is constructed, the only way to do this if the objects are not within arms reach is to push them back up from the bottom. We have lived here since 1994 and this has only occurred  one other time. It happened right after we moved in and it was a construction miscue where the carpenter accidentally installed a screw into the metal of the chute. Clothing was snagged on the screw and it held up the laundry from making it to the basement. It caused quite a ruckus last time and had three of us trying to figure out where the cheerleader uniform could be hiding.  That problem was corrected by the contractor under the new home warranty and it has been fine ever since.

So from what Rene told me I figured out that the the laundry plug was between the 1st and second floor out of arms reach from the chute door on the first floor. So I went to the basement armed with PVC pipe that I had in the garage for another project. Working from the basement allowed me to shove ten feet at a time into the plugged artery of soiled linen. I had just added a another length of pipe to my laundry ram rod when I heard Rene exclaim that she could see the linen.

Then it happened. While I began to remove the pipe the stoppage started to drop to the basement like a cannon ball. Expecting to only get bombed with sheets and towels I looked up to quickly grab things. But nope!!! I was hit with something hard and heavy, right square on the head. It was a good pop on the old bean.  Rene forgot to tell me that her last attempt at fixing the situation was to throw a super heavy, very large book at the stoppage form three stories away from me. The book hit me like a wrecking ball.

The point I am making is this. In my long ramble did you hear or read that I said I prayed before tackling this mess? No you didn't, and I sit here ashamed to even be writing about this. I should have prayed before I started and asked for wisdom and safety. Rene should have joined me in prayer. This could have been worse if that book bomb had it me in the eye. I wasn't expecting it and I sure was not covered by prayer and wisdom. Safety should always be prayed for. Prayer is the first step in safety.

So friends, we are to be praying people. Learn from my mistakes. It is a lot safer for you!

Marty

Breathing Air That Hasn't Been Breathed Before 10/7/2019

Good Morning,

Fall hit this morning and the season is most welcome by this guy. A cup of Door County Peanut Butter Crunch Coffee helped me to welcome in some nice cool crisp weather today.

Psalm 23:1-2 The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

There were days while I was working at the medical center that I couldn't tell you what it was like outside for up to ten hours. I didn't have the time or a reason to go outside. The climate and air flow inside the buildings was controlled at all times for the safety and comfort of the patients and staff. But with hundreds of people inhabiting the space it was easy to understand that the mechanical systems that brought in fresh air and circulated it were just that, They were mechanical systems. Not a cool fresh breeze coming in off of a lake. In some departments where there were many desks I used to think to myself, "I am probably breathing some air that has already been used once."

So when I would get home one of the first things I would do is to take our dog out and let him run in the yard and have a hot or cold drink at the patio which ever one was most appropriate for the climate of the day. It was a luxury to be outside "Breathing air that hadn't been breathed before". Most weekend mornings  find me at the table outside with a mug of coffee or in my truck headed to an outdoor activity. Fresh air just seems to be chicken soup for my soul.

I have read where being outdoors helps to improve the immune system, is heart healthy, good for the blood pressure and supposedly helps in digesting food. So here is my point. It's nice to be at home. We all find comfort in being there, But get outside and see what God has given you to see. Take notice of things, Breath air that is fresh and expand your lungs a little. Let a little sunshine warm your nose or let the snow fall on your face for a minute. Being able to get outside is a gift. Do it while you can.  Enjoy!!

Marty

Apple Syrup Instead 10/6/2019

Good Morning,

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you; and be gracious to you. I was thinking about how to address all of you this morning while drinking my cup of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and I recalled this verse from Numbers 6:24-25. There is no better way to say good morning than to ask God to bless all of you.

Isaiah 30:21 Your ears hall hear a word behind you, saying; "This is the way. Walk in it."

Our apple harvest started a few weeks ago and to describe it as poor would be very accurate. The apple trees endured a super bad winter last year. The blossoms were pounded with frost in the spring and the baby apples had to fight off another frost later. Then came the heat waves that baked the apples before they ever hit the pie tin.  The end result showed us some very poor apples and there weren't as many as we are used to harvesting.

We made a couple of pies so far and were able to also salvage some applesauce to eat later this year. We shared one box of the apples which is usually multiple boxes with a friend of ours. Yesterday while picking that box full I began to pray because throwing out the apples just seemed to hurt. I asked God if there was anything we could do.

Well, a thousand years ago God gave to me my wife. My help mate and partner often hears from God and she suggested we try making apple juice out of the poor battered apples. Rene said "you like apple juice and cider, maybe this is a juice year." That sounded like a way not to be wasteful so my spirit was renewed and picking the apples was easier.

Last night I was poking around on the internet and prayed about the apples again. Besides a pie which is Rene's favorite what could I surprise her with out of the apples. I was led to try making apple syrup. Now if you ever want to see a happy lady, watch my wife's face light up when I make and serve her some apple pancakes or some French Toast. So I went to work last night juicing and starting my first ever batch of apple syrup. To thicken it I needed to boil it off slowly. I placed the mixture in a small crock pot and let it cook down through the night. I awoke to the awesome aroma of hot apple syrup this morning and can't tell you how much better it makes me feel that the apples can be used. My relatives and family used to make maple syrup out in the woods when they were younger. My little syrup production made me recall those loved ones I miss so much. My next batch will be made outside over a fire, just to honor them and make me feel good.

Two things happened here. My wife and partner was used by God to suggest an alternative. The alternative led to another alternative. Not wanting to be selfish God gave us the ability to have something we can share and my wife will have a treat that will last until the fall harvest next year, Lord willing there is one. God took a poor harvest and helped us to make something out of it. I guess the trees needed a break.

In January I will prune the apple trees heavily and I will save the apple wood trimmings to smoke meat with. The whole time I am doing this I will see those spring blossoms in my mind and hope I see them again in the spring like I have for that last 25 years.

So the lesson learned is this. Listen to your spouse. God uses them to direct you. And when things don't work out as planned, turn to the Great Planner and ask "what do we do now?"

Have a great day.

Marty

A Quiet House. Something Isn't Right. Or is it? 10/5/2019

Good Morning,

I just came in from our patio. I had a cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee outside today. It was a bit chilly out there this morning. The fresh air did me good as I heal up from illness and injury.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

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

This morning our home is unusually quiet.  And as much as I like peace and quiet, it is almost a painful silence. I have to put the finishing touches on a sermon for tonight and the quiet will help.

A month ago we brought home a new English Springer Spaniel Puppy "Leo". Our mornings since then have been charged with puppy chaos and high energy. There has been the need to house break (Potty Train) the puppy which is going quite well.  But there have been some mad rushes to get him outside to avoid a "situation" or three.  Now there are two dogs in the home and the playing that goes on is very noisy now and then. But even that is going much better. They are bonding!

I have been down with an illness which had to get worse before it got better.  During this time I also twisted my foot which has me walking more than gingerly. So the puppy training for hunting and obedience has been set back a little too long. We needed some help. Our good friend and kennel owner was able to squeeze Leo in for a two week boarding and training camp experience. We took him up to the kennel which is located North of where we live. Leo was born there and it didn't take much for him to run to the other dogs on the grounds. He didn't realize yet that he was staying there. He looked back and it hit him that we were going to leave. He back pedaled but was encouraged by our friend to go into the shelter. Needless to say that our drive home was very quiet. We have grown attached to the little guy and he is now "family"

Once we were back in the house our older dog Gibbs greeted us but he was looking for Leo. He looked and looked. Now the older guy is somewhat depressed today and is walking around like his world ended. He must not remember the little guy pouncing on him and disturbing his sleep all the time. He has no one to fight  and play with.

Now, we have kenneled dogs before, but as we grow older I have become painfully aware that I am getting soft and sappy. Leo is in good hands and will be better for having had a lot of training attention. But I found myself saying a small prayer for the little guy last night, that he will adapt to his temporary surroundings. I had to spend more time with the older guy last night and actually play with him like Leo would.

Friends don't leave me here. The point of the day is this. As hard as it was to admit that I needed some help and as hard as it was to leave Leo for two weeks, it had to be done. There are times when a decision is difficult to make because of emotions or old age sappiness. But the decision and right one at that, has to be made and followed through on. God will and does help us with the knowledge of what decision to make.

Children are the same way. As much as people love their kids and sacrifice for them there are times when more is needed. Private schools are expensive and at times they are the only choice in an attempt to set a child on the correct path. Summer church camps or short term mission trips are expensive but might be just what a child needs. In some instances it requires some time away from home. Single parents working their butts off to make it go, just might need some help but the thought of the child being away just eats at their heart. But before a child goes too far astray a decision or choice might have to be made for the good of the child. The consequences of doing nothing has too many parents claiming their child's body from the morgue after a suicide, drug overdose, or an accident that could have been avoided.

Leo has been bred to hunt. I can see that within him already. He loves to chase the birds in our yard. But if I took him to a field with pheasants he would chase them and think that he could catch them. Birds tend to flush near roads. If a bird came up and I missed the shot, Leo would follow it and head right across a road. You get the picture. Our older dog stops on command and waits for instructions. So as uncomfortable as this quiet house is today, it is for his and our own good that we conceded to needing some help.

There is just a little more here and I will close. Friends, some of these single parents need help financially and if you can help send a kid to school, camp or a mission trip please pray as to how God can use you. Our friend is very busy with many puppies, but he agreed without hesitation to help provide us with a safe and great hunting dog. He made accommodations for us.  You might need to volunteer to help a family with your time.

Pray today for your children and grand kids. They are worth more than you know.

Marty

When The Job Gets To You 10/4/2019

Good Morning,

The day began a little while ago for me and I see the sun is pushing the clouds away like someone peeling an orange. My mug was just filled with some Door County Black and Tan Coffee. It is time to write.

I just retired from work at the medical center a a few weeks ago and to be honest with you I do miss heading in every morning. Most of all I miss seeing the people I worked with. Retirement I hope doesn't last too long. I am convinced that I will find some type of job that is less stressful and less demanding of my time. A steady 40 hour job will still be a retirement for me. I decided that the intensity and the long hours were just too much after 36 years. But I am grateful for every moment I spent serving others and providing my share of a healing environment to those in need of care.

There were plenty of days when the job seemed to be more than I could handle. The days seemed to be 30 hours long and all packed into 16 if you can get my drift here.  Yesterday a very dear friend of mine was having one of those days. On a break he notified me that he needed prayer to sustain him through the day. I prayed immediately as well as his wife. I have news for him though. That prayer started long before he went to work. I was able to petition God for some wisdom and He pointed me in the direction of Scripture. I was led to send my friend some verses he could read at lunch. Later he told me that they helped to sustain him through the long and arduous day. Thanks to God, he made it.

My thoughts took me in this direction. If I had days like that over 36 years of employment and my friend is having them, it it a safe guess to say that other people have stressful jobs that from time to time seem like more than one can handle.

So today I want to share some verses for the working men and women who might need them today or next week.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous to be moved. 

Proverbs 12;25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Psalm 118:5-6 Out of my distress I called on the Lord. the lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Friends, I trust in God's Word to soothe souls and ease the pains of a work life. If you know someone who's job has them beat down and tired, Pass this on. Keep it for yourself in a safe place. You just might need it some day yourself.

God bless,

Marty