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Category: Self-Improvement

Milktoast

Milktoast

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Milktoast--milktoast on a plate on a table with flowers in the middleI don’t want milktoast for breakfast or any other meal. Although I like milk and toast, I prefer them separate. I also want more flavor. Even with sugar, cinnamon, or other spices added, it remains a bland dish. Give me eggs or cereal with fruit and nuts.

Neither do I want to be a milktoast person or give milktoast responses. However, I have been guilty of both.

Milktoast means weak or ineffective.

It can be a noun or an adjective. The person or response is:

Milquetoast mean the same.

According to The Free Dictionary, the character description refers to H. T. Webster’s comic strip character, Caspar Milquetoast. Like edible milktoast (or milk toast), Caspar had a bland personality.

Milktoast is easy to digest.

With so little flavor, it does not upset the body’s system. Neither do weak people upset their social systems of:

  • Business
  • Government
  • Religion
  • Families

They value the status quo above truth or progress.

God seeks boldness in service.

Certainly, quietness and meekness are often appropriate. Yet, God expects and provides courage when the time comes to speak up and stand tall.

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29 NIV).

Thanks to Gail Johnson for the suggestion and to Jeri Gumm Stone for the photo.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm Matin Wiles book
Version 1.0.0

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Stinking Thinking

Stinking Thinking

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Stinking Thinking-skunk behind a logJust as we avoid a skunk’s stinking spray, we want to avoid stinking thinking. We accomplish nothing when we focus on messages like:

  • Woe is me.
  • I’m awful.
  • You’re awful.
  • The whole world is awful.
  • Life is awful.
  • Nothing will ever get better.

Do you see a pattern here?

Stinking thinking means negative thinking.

We see only the wrong, never the right. Everything and everyone ruffle our feathers.

Rather than happy-go-lucky we remain:

Focused on problems, our outlook grows progressively worse.

*Stinking thinking can lead to emotional problems.

After long stretches of negative self-talk, we have a tough time changing. Our thinking, feelings, and actions grow worse. As our stress level increases, tolerance decreases.

God offers a better life.

The one and only God who created the world created us. God also:

  • Loves us
  • Has a special plan for us
  • Forgives us when we repent of our wrongs
  • Gives eternal life and a home in heaven to all who follow Jesus

That should give us a positive outlook on life. Don’t you agree?

“Their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21 NIV).

Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion. Photo by Jack Bulmer on Pexels.

Do you have other examples of stinking thinking or an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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*Seek professional help if needed to overcome extreme negative thought patterns.

Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public

Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public

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Air Your Dirty Laundry in Public--laundry basket overflowing with dirty clothesPlease don’t air your dirty laundry in public. Unfortunately, that has become a common practice. All too often, people share more information than necessary or desired.

If you air your dirty laundry in public, you discuss personal information that should remain private.

Similar expressions include:

  • Wash your dirty laundry in public.
  • Wash your dirty linen in public.

When you air your dirty laundry in public, you risk embarrassing yourself and others.

People remember such information, and it can cause problems for years.

Social media makes airing dirty laundry easy and widespread.

Even if you delete a post, the information remains out there. People copy, save, and share it. If you don’t want it spread, don’t say or write it. Keep private information private.

A wise teacher suggested asking yourself three questions before saying anything.

Although often applied to busybodies who spread gossip about others, they also pertain to personal information.

  1. Is it true?
  2. Is it kind?
  3. Will it glorify God?

If you can’t give a positive answer to all those questions, leave it unsaid. Don’t discuss it or argue about it in public. Too much negative information already exists. When you blow off steam around others, you simply add to the damage.

“Your daily lives should not embarrass God but bring joy to him who invited you into his Kingdom to share his glory” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:12 TLB).

Thanks to Jeri Stone for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Foot in the Door

Foot in the Door

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Foot in the Door--leg and foot with jeans and cowboy boot entering a doorMy friend Collin White recently got his foot in the door for a lifelong dream. He performed on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. For anyone, that is quite a feat (pun intended). For a young man still in college, it’s nothing short of amazing.

Foot in the Door--Collin White with guitar, jeans, jacket, and cowboy hatTo get a foot in the door means the first step toward a goal.

Collin wants to sing professionally. He already sings in community, school, church, and multi-state events. He has released two songs. Both fit the Christian country genre. His dream is falling into place, one step at a time.

To get a foot in the door occasionally refers to a pushy person.

Such people use aggressive tactics. Door-to-door salespeople who stick their feet in doors so homeowners can’t close them come to mind. Their behavior often proves self-defeating (another pun intended). Instead of reaching their goals, they turn people against them.

That does not describe Collin. Instead, he puts his best foot forward.

The greatest door of opportunity remains open for all.

Jesus extends an invitation for:

  • Forgiveness
  • Salvation
  • Guidance
  • A home in heaven.

Never pushy, Jesus waits patiently for our response. It’s up to us to invite Jesus into our lives and to follow Him.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump and Beckham Wilson for the suggestion and to Jill and Steve Floyd and Collin White for the photos.

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Keep Your Hair On

Keep Your Hair On

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Keep Your Hair On -- Girl with hair blowing around her faceHave you ever been in a windstorm where you felt like your hair was lifting off your head? If you wear a wig, the results can be disastrous and hilarious. You want to keep your hair on. Therefore, you hope the wind calms so your hair can do the same.

To keep your hair on means to stay calm.

People say this if you are:

They often say it as an order. They want you to get a grip.

You hear this expression primarily in the UK.

An American equivalent is to keep your shirt on. Both expressions caution you to regain control.

Keeping your hair on helps you be your best self.

Remaining calm and patient leads to a better:

  • Attitude
  • Blood pressure
  • Relationship with others

I pray you stay settled and at peace.

“I have calmed and quieted myself” (Psalm 131:2 NIV).

Thanks to Victor S E Moubarak for the suggestion. Image by Petra from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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In My Wheelhouse

In My Wheelhouse

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In My Wheelhouse--wheel in wheelhouse on a boatMiguel Mendez said when he was a child, he and his dad worked on cars together. When Miguel asked how he knew certain things, his dad would say, “It’s in my wheelhouse.” He was familiar and comfortable with what he did.

In my wheelhouse means something matches our skills or interests.

Miguel’s dad understood cars. Other people understand electronics, agriculture, or additional specialties.

What’s in my wheelhouse differs from yours.

We vary in our skills and interests. Many situations fall outside my ability to deal with them. I’m thankful for talented people who help when my:

  • Laptop has problems
  • Car needs service
  • Roof leaks

These and more require the aid of specialists in those areas.

However, if we study, our talents grow.

With hard work, we increase our expertise.

A wheelhouse is a pilothouse on a boat.

 A pilothouse includes the wheel, compass, and other navigation equipment.

According to Miriam Webster dictionary, a wheelhouse also means “a place or center of control or leadership.”

In addition, it refers to “the section of the strike zone where it is easiest for the [baseball] batter to hit the ball well.”

We can use our wheelhouse to help others.

 We grow as we:

  • Gain new experiences
  • Study
  • Read our Bibles
  • Tackle new challenges

When those we know need help, our gains become theirs as we share and encourage.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV).

Thanks to Miguel Mendez for the suggestion. Image by Michael Drummond from Pixabay.

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Dressed to the Nines

Dressed to the Nines

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Dressed to the Nines-an old photo of couple with four children in dress clothesYears ago, on Easter and other special occasions, people dressed to the nines. They wore new or favorite old dress clothes. Women often wore hats and men wore ties. Children squirmed in their stiff fancy attire.

Many people still dress up for special days. Others skip new clothes and donate the money they save.

Dressed to the nines means to wear formal or stylish clothes.

The clothing usually:

  • Draws attention
  • Meets the latest fashions
  • Looks elegant and glamorous

The origin of this expression remains uncertain. The Free Dictionary and The Phrase Finder offer possible explanations.

Dressing up occasionally feels good.

When life overwhelms, and people need relief, an improved appearance often leads to an improved mood. Grubby clothes feel good physically, but dress clothes often feel good emotionally. Dressing to the nines helps people feel like they are on cloud nine.

Regardless of outer appearance, always dress to the nines inwardly.

The description “beautiful inside and out” directs attention to people’s inward beauty. As another expression explains, pretty is as pretty does,

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).

 Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Brush Up

Brush Up

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Brush Up--cluttered deskI frequently need to brush up my desk and my online skills. Both take time, but both are worth the effort. If I don’t clean my desk, the clutter becomes unmanageable. If I fail to refresh or improve my online skills, my writing suffers.

To brush up has at least three meanings.

  1. To clean with a brush.

This might include:

  • Crumbs from a table
  • Dirt off the floor
  • Dust from a porch

  1. To clean or improve something (with or without a brush).

In addition to my desk, I need to clean or update the rest of the house. I have no problem with getting the house clean as a whistle.  However, I don’t like change, so I update only when necessary.

I also need to occasionally update my:

  • Medical information
  • Résumé
  • Contacts

  1. To improve personal knowledge or abilities.

I learn new information or review what I already know. That refreshes my memory and improves my abilities as a:

  • Writer
  • Caregiver
  • Bible study leader for middle school girls
  • And other roles

What about you? Where do you have to brush up? Please comment.

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

Thanks to Melissa Bright for the suggestion.

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Wishy-washy

Wishy-washy

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Wishy-washy--A thick pot of soupOn cold winter days, our family loves thick soups and chilis. They fill and warm our bodies and delight our taste buds. No wishy-washy soups for us.

Wishy-washy means lacking strength, flavor, or other positive qualities.

It applies to both food and people.

Wishy-washy food is thin, watery, and flavorless.

Such dishes are:

They need seasonings, meat, vegetables, or pasta to add flavor and nutrition.

Wishy-washy people are also weak.

They show little strength of character. Instead, they act:

  • Indecisive
  • Incompetent
  • Lacking in character
  • In need of courage
  • Unstable

Because of those weaknesses, they inspire little confidence and make poor leaders.

Overcome weakness with boldness.

  • Stand firm and strong.
  • Show strength of character
  • Make informed and effective decisions
  • Live with honor and integrity
  • Act with courage

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion. Image by wildhearts from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Woolgathering

Woolgathering

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Woolgathering--Sheep being shearedI have never witnessed anyone shearing a sheep. I think it would be a hot, tiring job for both sheep and shearer. Perhaps they get through it by woolgathering, letting their thoughts roam.

Woolgathering began with a literal meaning.

According to Miriam Webster dictionary, woolgathering originally meant “gathering loose tufts of wool … caught on bushes and fences as sheep passed by.” That would have taken a long time with few results and little income. Those gathering wool probably appeared “to wander aimlessly.”

Eventually woolgathering developed a figurative meaning.

It meant minds wandering aimlessly and foolishly.

Occasional thoughts with no purpose help us relax.

We enjoy time to:

  • Sit on a porch and shoot the breeze
  • Daydream under a shade tree
  • Listen to waves lap against a beach

Too much woolgathering gets us in trouble.

We want to pay attention when we:

  • Work
  • Drive
  • Complete paperwork

A word to the wise:

Work when we need to work. Woolgather when we have time to relax.

“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground” (Proverbs 14:18 MSG).

 Thanks to Jeri Stone for the suggestion. Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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