Humble Gets To Eat 12/21/2024

 Good Morning,

In front of me I have a very hot cup of Door County Naughty Or Nice Grog and it is just what was needed for this cold December morning.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 

For about two years now my wife Rene and I have been feeding the birds that call our front yard their home. We are not bird experts at all. We just enjoy seeing what visits the feeder each day. To be honest we only know what a few of them are. Their patterns however are predictable. When there is going to be a weather change like rain, or snow, or colder temperatures the birds are more aggressive with the feeder. The smaller birds rustle up their food and much of it falls to the ground where the larger birds eat from what is spilled. It is amazing to see the larger birds being fed by the actions of the tiny little birds. 

What's the lesson for today? Well here we go. The larger birds learned to be polite and seem to appreciate an assistance from the wee ones. They never hassle the little workers and glean from their work.  

So as we go through life, let's not get pumped up because of our status or importance. Let's make sure that we appreciate all the work done on our behalf and say thank you to all who make this world of ours a better place. Each person is important to God and should be important to us. Learn to be humble and you just might see the work that goes into sustaining your life. Appreciate others!

Have a great day!

Marty

The First Measurable Snowfall Makes You Think12/20/2024

 Good Morning,

I just visited our meat smoker with a hot cup of Door County Christmas Coffee in my hand. The pork shoulder is done and will be served and some shared with our neighbor. Last night we also received our first measurable snowfall for this winter season. So after I haul in the meat, I will dress up warmly and start moving the snow around clearing our driveway. It was not a major snow storm. But a good practice is to move the first snowfall back far enough to make room for the next ones. Once it is frozen it becomes hard to move. One never knows how much snow will be delivered in a season. I am one of those "just in case guys".

           

Proverbs 1:1-5     The proverbs of  Solomon son of David. king of Israel. 2.For gaining wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight. 3. For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right, just, and fair. 4.For giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. 5. Let the wise listen, and add to their learning and let  the discerning get guidance.                                                                                                          

So I suppose a snowfall makes you think and if you can recall some storm memories in your lifetime, you probably were taught a lesson or two. Experiences come and go, but what good is an experience if you don't learn a lesson from it? I am sure we could come up with a 100 page book on lessons learned from storms, outages, flooding, fires. heat waves and sub zero weather. Now if you think there is a lesson you have learned and it is of value, at least pass it on to family members. Tell them about when the light clicked  on in your brain. 

I learned a long time ago, starting the snow blower ahead of the storm pays huge dividends in saving your back. I am sure my neighbors think I am crazy when I start our snow blower in early September and then once a month until we start using it on a regular basis.  In the spring I drain the gas and change the oil. We are then ready for September once more. 

So my friends, if God has shown you a lesson, be willing to share it with others.  Have a great day!!

Marty 

The Master Builder 12/19/2024

 Good Morning,

The old cup is filled with extra hot Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee and it is time to write.

Hebrews 3:4  For every house is built by someone, but God is the Builder of everything. 

Last night I took a moment to observe what was going on in our home. My wife Rene was busy sewing something for her mother. I was busy preparing a meal for someone to eat tonight. The Christmas tree was shining bright and our two dogs Leo and Gibbs were resting after some great exercise. It was quiet in the house and very peaceful.

We started building our house in 1993 and before anything was started, Rene and I stood on the land and prayed and asked God to use this home and land for good things. I remember that prayer like it was yesterday. We knew that although we paid the mortgage we also knew Who found us great employment. We knew that the freezer was full by the blessings of God and the coffee was hot because of God as well. The doors worked to keep out the cold, yet welcomed people to stay here for as long as they needed. God was the author of our open doors. Eventually the grass grew and it was the padding for some robust volleyball games. Hundreds of biscuits were made here. (That will be explained in another blog.)

What I am trying to point out this morning, is that you might sweep the floors in your house, fix the plumbing, and mow the lawn. But it is God who builds and maintains the hearts within the home. God should be the author of all of the home's policies and procedures. Remember, each stick of lumber that went into the building of the house started with a tree, that was planted by God and nourished until it was harvested. 

So the main shingle within the home, doesn't always need to be written, but needs to be known to all. The light is on, the coffee will be fresh and the door is always open to everyone.  The Master Builder, issues the occupancy permit.

Have a great day!

Marty

Our Words Count 12/18/2024

 Good Morning,

My cup is filled with Door County Jingle Bell Java Coffee and this day shall be started!

Early last night I needed some supplies to make a meal for some friends of ours who are experiencing some health problems and could use a little lift. I had most of the supplies at home but just needed a few other ingredients. 

I went to a store that I frequent very often and while there I watched several customers as they listened to two of the store's workers argue. The argument was only verbal but should never have taken place in the work setting. I watched one customer leave her cart, filled with groceries, walk out in disgust. The anger between the two workers had spilled into a toxic verbal assault filled with vulgar expletives. Usually there is a manager around but last night at that time there wasn't anyone present. 

Another man about my age, piped up and said, "Guys, not the right time or the right place." He was told where to shove his comment. One of them then asked me if I had something to say, almost taunting me to respond. I did reply and it wasn't very nice. A manager did appear just about then and she told the two that the police were on the way and they were fired. For some reason that worked and the two left the store and their anger had switched directions to the manager and then me. 

They sped away and later as I left with my supplies, I was disgusted to say the least. But I was mostly disgusted by myself. My response which wasn't very nice at all only fueled the flames of stupidity. I was at a point where I actually wanted to place a boot on the back side of those two guys. My actions did not do a thing to make the situation better, they only made it worse.  

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 

I went home and proceeded to work on the meal for friends, but the incident still bothered me. Nothing went right with my small project and it was due to me having anger that just overflowed all night. 

The words of Psalm 37 raced through my mind. "Cease from anger and forsake wrath, it only causes harm." 

Food for thought!

Marty

Bacon And The Baby 12/17/2024

 Good Morning,

I am truly enjoying a hot cup of Door County Mistletoe Mocha Coffee as I write. The coffee is cutting a path of comfort right to my bones today. 

Galatians5:22-23 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness, 23. gentleness, self control, against such, there is now law. 

In 1978 on this day I was rabbit hunting with my dad. Much to my surprise the daughter we were told would probably be arriving about two weeks later decided that she had enough of the womb and it was time to be born. It was one hectic morning that led to a baby arrival later that day. 

My observations of what I used to know as solid foundations and what you could count on changed. A baby has a way of melting hearts and what once was a hard fast rule changed just because of a cute bundle of joy. Those babies hold all the power. 

Fast forward a about a year or so and I will prove my point. We went to visit my aunt Betty. She had a heart of gold, yet could chew you out and make your path straight in a heartbeat. Our little bundle of joy was eating solid foods at the time and knew her way around a slice of bacon or five.  Now at that time this little one was already a dog lover. My uncle, was a little more on the mischievous side and was showing the wee one how to throw pieces of bacon to the dog, a chubby beagle. Our saintly daughter would laugh and squeal each time that dog sat and then jumped for a piece of bacon.  On that morning, I learned that common sense was gone and tossed away when my aunt over ruled us as to throwing food to the dog.  She actually fried another pound of bacon just so  the "baby" could enjoy feeding the dog. 

There was no arguing with my aunt and she continued as years went by  to bend the rules for her great nieces and nephews. It made me think back to when I was a child. That same aunt played Etch A Sketch with me for hours. My point for the day is this. The little ones in our lives are only little once, enjoy them while you can and just now and then a small rule can be broken. Go out of your way for the little ones and let them know you love them. The best way to do that is by giving them your time and now and then let nonsense rule the day!

Happy Birthday Kristy. I hope your bacon is crisp!

God bless,

Dad

Treat Yourself Nicely Today 12/16/2024

 Good Morning, 

A hot cup of Door County Candy Cane Coffee awaits me when I am finished writing for today. 

Normally I write about being nice to others, considering them to be more important than yourself. And I have not abandoned that ideal for living.

But today I want to remind you that you are also important and it is a good idea to treat yourself nicely as well. Do something nice for yourself. Maybe you are away from your family on business. You could eat another cold sandwich tonight for dinner in your hotel room or you could venture out and eat a decent meal. You could take in a short nap if time permits. Actually carve out some time just for a nap. You are worth it. Maybe extend that hot shower an extra minute or two. A second cup of of coffee??? How about a little extra time in prayer and don't forget to pray for yourself. 

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts, you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14. I praise you for I am wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. 

God loves you so much that He filled this world with good and wonderful things, Take some time to treat yourself to something nice today. I think my treat will be some extra time with a book I am reading and then a giant meatball. 

God bless,

Marty

What's In It For Me? 12/15/2024

 Good Morning,

I just started drinking my hot Door County Mistletoe Mocha and it is time to write. 

This day is rainy and dreary and I have a small project ahead of me. It can either be an easy one or can turn into a longer drawn out affair, I am hoping easy comes my way. 

In my message to the folks who attend our Saturday evening church service, I used this verse as part of the message. Mark 10:45  For even the Son Of Man did not come to be served. but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

This passage laid heavy on me yesterday and today. I believe that many Christians have started listening to a new radio station. WIIFM This station describes the hearts of many as they look for the church to provide their fellowship, funerals, weddings, and a feel good message or not feel good message. WIIFM stands for What's In It For Me?.  You can tell where their heart is just be listening to their complaints. "It's too cold in here. When will we sing this song? Why are we having a Christmas Eve service so early on the 24th.? Who chose that color for the carpeting?" They never seem content with what is scheduled, but yet they attend, and never help with the process. "That message did not feed me."

If you attend church, do you serve there? I am content with what I receive from my church. Because I attend not to be served but to serve. When I attend on Sunday's which is rare for me (I attend and serve on Saturdays.)   I come also to serve. I pray for the pastor who is delivering the message for the day. I pray for those who the message is to touch. If needed I do whatever is asked of me. 

Jesus as the Son of God, could have expected to be served wherever He went. But, NO he served others for three and a half years. The King left heaven to serve, not to be served. So today if you are about to say "I really don't get much out of church, that is because you attend for you, you do not attend for others. Time to change the radio station Of Your Life. Try WIMM What Is My Ministry? When your heart beats for others, It always beats best. 

Marty