The First Day Of March 3/1/2022

 Good Morning,

I am sitting in the quiet of our home enjoying a cup of Door County Lighthouse Blend Coffee and putting my thoughts together for my blog.

Today as I survey our property I see that the winter ice storms have made a mess or two that will require tending to very soon. The grass will need some tender loving care to get going in a few spots. This time of year is hard to deal with sometimes. It isn't really spring and it isn't really winter. Each day could bring a warm, sunny day or 12 inches of snow. I like to call the month of March "Mr. I Am Not Sure" 

Making choices as to support something (a cause) or not support it can be very difficult for some people. This reads them as unpredictable and easily swayed, which might be the truth, or far from the truth. For me I base the choices I make on the grounds of Biblical truths. In other words I check my Bible to see if what I am choosing to do or what I am saying is backed by the Bible. In doing so, my actions can be clear cut and able to withstand my own doubts. It makes for easier sleeping!

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 

Joshua 24:15 But id serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves whom you will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

I believe that for me the first and most important decision is to know whom I serve and love. Once that was established, my doubts and fears of any further decisions are clearer and easier to make. 

So as March rolls in and is anything but stable, I know for us in this home our status with God will always be the same. 

God bless,

Marty

Sitting In The Sunshine. 2/28/2022

 Good Morning,

The new week is here and the and tomorrow will be the start of a new month. I just poured myself a hot mug of Door County Highlander Grog Coffee and now it is time to write. 

I have said it more than once that our two Springer Spaniels have some peculiar habits. Yesterday while writing my blog, I was sitting in our second story den and as the sun was coming up in the East. It illuminated the room with a full dose of daylight. I wish I would have had a camera to capture a photo. Both dogs positioned themselves in the bright light coming through the window. The were absorbing the sunshine and the heat generated from the sun and the glass. Both of them cuddled next to each other and just took full advantage of the sunshine. 

My goal for today is this. Many people walk in spiritual darkness. Now both dogs have full access to everywhere in the house. But they had to make a choice to move from a comfortable bed in the living room to the den to sit in the light and bask in it's warmth. They went up a flight of stairs and sought out the best spot in the house for sunshine in the morning. 

We all too often walk in the darkness of life, just hoping that someone will lead us to the light. But, in many instances, even when having someone lead us to the way, we continue to stay in the darkness and not move toward that light.

James4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Our two dogs chose to bask in the sunshine and they were not disappointed. They slept content on the floor. I did however observe that as the sun moved the dogs moved with it. Once the sun was in the West they were repositioned to receive the warmth and comfort it brought. They desired to be in the sun. They made sure to travel with it. 

Do you desire to be in the light today? God promises that when we seek Him out and draw near to Him, He draws nearer to us. Make that first move and experience God, knowing that He desires to be close to you. You are as close to God as you choose to be. 

Marty

The Light Has Begun To Be Seen. 2/27/2022

 Good Morning,

The sunshine is coming in through the window to our den. The Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is filling the room with a sweet aroma and it is time to write.

Last night I attended (led) the monthly prayer meeting at our church. We hold it after the church service every last Saturday of the month. It was very well attended and of course the Ukrainian people were prayed for in abundance. We also followed Scripture and prayed for Russia. Those of you in Russia who might read this, please note that you were prayed for also. 

One prayer request that was taken, I felt was more like a praise to God. My good friend who has battled one ailment after another for two years now, raised his hand to voice his prayer request last night. As with all situations like this we have been praying non stop for this fella. He has been unable to work during these last two years and because of the ailments, and he lost his job. As he raised His hand and began to speak, his request was for himself. This is out way off normal for him. Most of the time he requests prayers for others and now and then would request prayer for his situation. My friend was requesting prayer to find a job. He is at the point where he feels he can go back to work and perform a job and do it well once more. I listened to the request but in my heart while listening, I was saying a short prayer of thanks. This has been a long time coming, and it was awesome to hear that our prayers for him were answered. To God be the glory. 

Luke 17:11-19 Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border of Samaria and Galilee. As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and cried out. "Jesus master, have pity on us."

When He say them he said, "Go show yourself to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back and in a loud voice was praising God. He threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him This man was a Samaritan. 

Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed and healed? Where are the other nine? Has no one else returned to give praise God, except this foreigner?" Then He said to him, "Rise and go. Your faith has made you well.". 

In my mind and heart it was very important to show an attitude of gratitude. It would have been wrong for us to go on to his request without being grateful for him being back in a place of seeking employment. The Saturday night flock was smiling and grinning, more than happy to have heard the good news and move on to that employment request. My friend was humble as well as the rest of us. He was very grateful to God, giving Him the glory and honor for bringing him to this next step. 

Prayers sometimes take a long time to be answered. I will be the first to admit that there were times during this battle where I thought our prayers were not being heard. But God, in his own time decided the when, and where, we would hear a request like this. I am not sure what my friend learned during this time of pain and anxiety, I might not ever know. But I know this, for sure, it was a privilege to be able to be there and turn the chapter to a new request. 

Friends, when heaven is silent and we don't see light at the end of the tunnel, we still need to keep praying and then pray some more. I always welcome comments to this blog. You can leave prayer requests in the comment section anytime and I promise you they will be taken seriously and prayers will be lifted up for you. Please, always to remember to thank God for your request and what He does on that request. 

God bless,

Marty 

Don't Be On An Island Alone 2/26/2022

 Good Morning,

The air here is cold and crisp . Last' night's fire in the hearth still had some embers glowing this morning and the house is still pretty warm. A very hot cup of Door County Chocolate Cherry Coffee is warming my insides and now it is time to write. 

Yesterday was a busy day for me professionally and besides that, winter gave us some snow to deal with. I am blessed to have a wife who doesn't mind getting out in the cold to shovel some snow with me. A few of our neighbors were also out of town and it was my turn to remove snow for them. They have always helped me when I needed it. So you could say that the law of the harvest was applied yesterday.  God is good. It didn't take too long to clean up the snowy mess. 

During my day I was able to chat with a young fella who let on that he is struggling personally. At that moment, snow removal became last on my mind. This young guy needed to talk. While he was talking about his thoughts I was listening and praying at the same time. My heart was hurting for this guy. At the same time it was rejoicing in the fact that we could talk candidly and I could show that I truly cared. 

I will get right to the point today. Everyone struggles now and then and each struggle is different. For men, who are wired to be able to fix things, we often go through struggles alone and keep things to ourselves. It can get pretty desolate on the island we place ourselves. I have been there. And when you try to fix all that life throws at you alone, the more we get convinced that we can't succeed. We should try to have one person that we can confide in who will listen, offer biblical help, prayer and not be offended if called upon at 2:AM. We then should be that type of person in return. 

Friends, sometimes the troubles of life stick to us like glue and we need a little help in removing them. Like a liquid spill in the oven might need some abrasive cleaning to get rid of the mess, we might find that we need to be sharpened in our relationship with God, family, and others. The best sharpener I have found for my pocket knife is an iron hone. It removes the nicks in the blade and sharpens the steel.

A chat with another person who loves us and will tell it like it is, does the same for a heart and soul. When we place ourselves on an island of "I can do this alone" we take a pass on the resources God has placed here for us to use.  

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 

Genesis 2: 18. The the Lord God said. " It is not good for man to be alone." 

Proverbs 18:24 A man my have many friends, but there is one who sticks closer than a brother. 

I truly believe that all men need someone who is in their circle of friends who can be trusted to give advice, counsel, point them to God, and hold them accountable.

May God bless, your day! 

Marty

A Day To Reflect. 2/25/2022

 Good Morning,

I was up early and starting to remove a little snow. The Door County Mocha Mint Coffee is just what I needed to kick start this old body. 

As I start this day I also want to reflect on the last week. It was filled with blessings and a few disappointments. Each day in the week brought one or the other. It ended with war in Europe and to say the least as much as I hoped it would not happen, it did.  I am in prayer for many people and many different things. I found that my prayer list is mostly filled with requests for others. My list of blessings in the last two weeks has been more than I deserve. I truly mean that. I am grateful for the good news we received on my wife's health. It was a situation we did not want to face, but had to. The outcome was excellent. Praise God for that.

My point for today. We might allow ourselves to be consumed by grief, yet within the grief if we look hard there is a blessing we might see. Each day is filled with something. At times we need to look beyond the grief and see God at work further off behind the grief. He can use the bad things for good. 

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. 

God Bless,

Marty

Prayer For Ukraine and Europe 2/24/2022

 Good Morning,

It snowed a little last night in my part of the world and the wind is quite brisk. Not too much clean up is required. So for now I will stay inside with my cup of Door County Jungle Bell Java Coffee to keep me warm.

Last night the local television was interrupted to bring us news that an invasion of Ukraine had begun. Russia has been massing troops along the border with Ukraine and now it looks like they have shown their true intent. Why am I writing this, when just about everyone knows about it? 

Here is what I can tell you about this war. People on both sides will die. Young, old, military, non military. A beautiful country will be torn up and hatred will grow. I never thought we would see a conflict like this in Europe that mimics World War Two in my life time. 

I mentioned the deaths that will occur on both sides and as governments seek a peaceful solution and sit in disbelief as I do and as many of you do, we have one action that we can all take. And that is to pray, and pray and then again pray some more. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intersessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2. for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way. 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts in every way. 

I am in prayer for all of you to stay closer to God now and forever.

Marty

Sounding Off 2/23/2022

 Good Morning,

It has been an icy night and the house is a little cold this morning. I just poured a hot mug of Door County Cherry Creme Coffee and now it is time to write.

Our youngest dog Leo has a few weird habits. I want to zero in on one of them. At night my wife Rene gives each of our dogs a piece of rawhide to chew on. When Leo receives his, he runs off and barks like he is announcing that he has one. He does this every night. He just feels the need to sound off and be heard. 

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgement on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 

Sometimes in life we run into people like Leo. They just talk and spout off for no reason whatsoever. I have tried to figure out why Leo does what he does, because his action makes no sense at all. My point is this, his little antics are not really a problem so we overlook the action and just let him be Leo. There is no harm in what he is doing. I don't see a need to correct it. 

So now and then as we run into Leo like people who like to be heard but really have nothing to say, we should be nice and just let them speak. Sometimes we just need to be tolerant of the funny little quirks that other people possess. So before you point out the quirk of another person, be kind and check yourself out. Maybe you have strange habit or two. 

Marty