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My Hat’s Off to You

My Hat’s Off to You

My Hat's Off to YouTo show honor, respect, or admiration, I might say, “My hat’s off to you.” Years ago, men would often remove their hats and bow in a lady’s presence. They would also remove their hats before people in authority.

These ladies were part of a volunteer team that worked in our church’s recent Vacation Bible School.

  • The work was tiring.
  • The children were active.
  • The workers could have spent their week doing much easier tasks.

Yet, they love children and understand the value of that time.

The children sang, played games, made crafts, ate snacks, heard stories, and more. In the process, they learned eternal life lessons.

After their week’s work, this group selected a day for fun. Their destination: Martha’s Tearoom at Emerald Acres in Glendale, Kentucky.

Martha told everyone to choose a hat before the tea. Once seated, the workers feasted. They laughed. They told stories. They shared concerns.

We need more people like these wonderful women who make our world a better place. Ladies, my hat’s off to you.

How can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God? (1 Thessalonians 3:9 NET).

Who has influenced your life? Please comment.

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Out on a Limb

Out on a Limb

Out on a LimbHave you seen the cartoon of a man sitting out on a limb? He’s sawing off the limb between himself and the tree. We laugh because we know that when the limb falls, so will he. Yet, he remains unaware.

The bear cub in this photo may not be out on a limb yet. However, we know if he tries to crawl out any of those tiny limbs, he too will fall.

We often fail to see the dangers around us.

Like the man and the bear cub, we cause many of those dangers ourselves.

  • Marriages fall apart because of harmless flirting.
  • Addictions result from trying just one drink or drug.
  • Bankruptcies occur when we can no longer pay all those little charges.

If we never take that first dangerous step, we don’t have to worry about falling.

Let’s take preventive steps instead.

  • Weigh the good and bad.
  • Make well-informed decisions.
  • Set reasonable limits in every part of our lives.

Let’s not put ourselves at risk. Let’s choose not to go out on a limb.

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40 NIV).

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Bottom Line

Bottom Line

Bottom Line-SaleThe bottom line on a financial statement shows the net profit or loss.

Therefore, when we ask, “What’s the bottom line?” we want to know the final cost or gain.

Businesses often advertise a low cost per month rather than the total cost. Two good questions to ask:

  1. What will this cost if we pay the total now?
  2. How much extra will this cost if we make payments?

Most of us like to buy items on sale. However, if we use our credit card, we need to pay the total bill when it arrives. If not, we may pay more than the item’s original price. Our bargain suddenly becomes a burden.

The bottom line applies to more than finances.

What are the costs and gains in our:

  • Behavior
  • Relationships
  • Jobs
  • Education
  • Spiritual life

Many choices are not worth the cost. Others are worth any cost.

In some countries, a decision to follow Jesus may involve great loss:

  • Rejection by family and friends
  • Denial of educational opportunities
  • Job loss
  • Imprisonment
  • Death

Yet, many people choose to follow Jesus anyway. They refuse to deny their faith. For them, eternity with God outweighs any temporary problems during this short life.

In every decision, count the cost. What’s the bottom line?

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26 NIV).

Thanks to Emily Akin for suggesting this expression.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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What a Hoot

What a Hoot

What a Hoot

Isn’t that funny? “How amusing.” “That makes me laugh.” All these are nice, polite ways to say, “What a hoot!”

In my mind, what a hoot implies extra energy and fun.

Can’t you imagine the following?

  • Deep belly laughs
  • Body doubled over
  • Hands thrown in the air
  • Tears rolling
  • Embarrassing snorts

This group of ladies did not create the expression what a hoot. However, they certainly know how to live it. They understand that fun and laughter are not luxuries. Everyone needs them for a healthy and happy life.

Because their work involved a constant flow of problems, they took occasional breaks.

  • Sometimes they talked.
  • Sometimes they cried.
  • Sometimes they laughed to keep from crying.

They learned to look for those funny moments that happen every day. I know, because I worked with them.

We all need to laugh more.

Consider the benefits.

  • Laughing at ourselves and with others helps us through difficult situations.
  • Remembering fun times provides comfort in our sorrow.
  • Laughter gives us energy to finish a tiring job.
  • Playing harmless jokes on one another makes friendships stronger.
  • Laughter is contagious. If another person laughs, we usually laugh too.

Just thinking about this makes us smile, doesn’t it?  Now, that’s a hoot!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NIV).

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Horse of a Different Color

Horse of a Different Color

Horse of a Different Color

Have you ever talked with someone and their response had nothing to do with what you said? They were talking about a horse of a different color.

Have you ever bought something you thought you liked? However, later you realized it was not what you bought before? You bought a horse of a different color.

Has anyone ever invited you to a gourmet meal but took you to a fast food restaurant instead? That meal was a horse of a different color.

The traditional Swedish Dala in this photo is definitely a horse of a different color. We also find one in a brief scene from the Wizard of Oz movie. Both provide fun reminders of the totally different items and experiences our world offers. Both also remind us that different does not necessarily mean bad — simply unrelated.

The following may help us adjust to every difference, whether good or bad.

  1. Listen well.
  2. Observe carefully.
  3. Expect the unexpected.
  4. Don’t stress.
  5. Accept what helps.
  6. Reject what harms.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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My Cup Runs Over

My Cup Runs Over

My Cup Runs OverTea, coffee, milk – whatever the beverage – my cup runs over quite often.

I fail to pay attention, and I pour more than my cup can hold. I can make some big messes.

My cup runs over in other ways as well.

With these, I don’t make a mess. Instead, I find I’m abundantly blessed with:

  • More than enough to meet my daily needs
  • The love of friends and family
  • The opportunity to share that love and those resources with others

Often, we apply this expression to big moments or benefits. I find, however, that my cup runs over more often from the little things, such as:

  • Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets
  • Children’s laughter
  • Fresh garden vegetables
  • Hugs, with arms or words
  • Quiet moments alone or with someone I love

During hard times, when my cup’s almost empty, I recall those experiences.

I also rest in the knowledge of God’s love and care. Now, that makes my cup run over!

This phrase comes from Psalm 23, one of the best known psalms (songs) in the Bible.

“My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever” (Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV).

What about you? What makes your cup run over? Please comment.

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Get Your Goat

Get Your Goat

Get Your GoatIf I get your goat, I make you angry or upset.

Although Jenny and I both got a goat in this photo, we were definitely not angry or upset. What fun we had with Paul and Janet Hert at Green Hall Farm, feeding, holding, loving, and learning about goats.

I wish we would all relate to one another that way. Why do we choose to:

  • Annoy one another for no good reason?
  • Hurt others when we hurt?
  • Make fun of people different from us?

Why don’t we:

  • Seek the best for one another?
  • Help one another through good times and bad?
  • Celebrate our differences?

Like Jenny and I did with the Herts’ goats, let’s:

  • Feed one another when we’re hungry.
  • Hold one another when we hurt.
  • Love one another unconditionally.
  • Learn from one another’s life experiences.

“In that day the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace. Calves and fat cattle will be safe among lions, and a little child shall lead them all” (Isaiah 11:6 TLB).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps

Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps

Pull Yourself Up by Your BootstrapsTo pull yourself up by your bootstraps (bootlaces) sounds impossible. With your boots on your feet, how can you lift yourself by the straps?

You can’t. Yet many people lift themselves from what appear to be impossible circumstances every day.

My parents and many of their generation:

  • Grew up poor
  • Had parents die young
  • Received little formal education

That sounds like the perfect formula for failure. Nevertheless, most of them live happy, productive lives. They pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and:

  • Did what they had to do to make a living
  • Loved and provided for their spouses and children
  • Returned to school as adults or became self-taught
  • Spent what they had, not what they hoped to earn

They never whined about their losses. Instead, they did their best each day and helped others do the same. No one picked them up and carried them. They did it themselves, as they said, “with the good Lord’s help.”

Life’s not always fair. They accepted that reality. They made the best of their circumstances.

I salute them, one and all.

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23).

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Straighten Up and Fly Right

Straighten Up and Fly Right

Straighten Up and Fly Right 1When my parents told me to straighten up and fly right, they were not telling me I had poor posture. Neither were they saying I should suddenly sprout wings or buy a plane ticket. Instead, they were ordering me to improve my behavior … now!

If they were extremely upset, the full sentence was usually, “Young lady, you’d better straighten up and fly right … and I don’t mean maybe!” I knew I was in trouble as soon as I heard, “Young lady.”

I had pushed all the wrong buttons or become too big for my britches. My parents would tolerate no further misbehavior.

  • I knew what rule had been broken.
  • They knew my actions were no accident.
  • Humor, hugs, kisses, and innocent looks would not help.

I needed to obey, the sooner the better.

Their warning usually achieved its goal. I tried to straighten up and fly right. If I succeeded, I avoided their wrath. If I ignored them, I suffered. What I failed to understand at that time was that my parents were trying to teach me:

  • How to succeed in life
  • How to avoid difficulties and danger
  • How to get along with others.
  • How to be my best

As adults, we may not have anyone telling us to straighten up and fly right. That does not mean we don’t need to do so.

It’s never too late. Listen and learn.

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (1 Peter 1:14 NIV)

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Push All the Wrong Buttons

Push All the Wrong Buttons

Push ButtonsAs a person challenged by any kind of electronics, I often push all the wrong buttons. Regardless of the gadget, I can mess it up.

  • Cell phones
  • Laptops
  • Notebooks
  • Personal computers
  • Televisions remotes
  • Cameras
  • Microwaves

If it has buttons, I have problems. Nevertheless, I’m learning. I know I need help.

  • I seek guidance from people with more knowledge.
  • I review online tutorials.
  • I read my instruction book.
  • If all else fails, I seek help from the manufacturer – I go to the source.

Sadly, we have the same problem in relationships. We often push all the wrong buttons of other people.

  • We disobey rules.
  • We anger or upset one another.
  • We seek our own pleasure, regardless of who we hurt.

Let’s learn in relationships. Let’s recognize we need help.

  • Listen to wiser, more mature people.
  • Study ways to improve.
  • Read the Bible, the greatest instruction book in the world.
  • Go to our Creator – the source of all wisdom.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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