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	<title>choices Archives - Diana Derringer</title>
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	<title>choices Archives - Diana Derringer</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Cruising for a Bruising</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/cruising-for-a-bruising/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/cruising-for-a-bruising/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[behavior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consequences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cruisin for a bruisin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cruising for a bruising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forgive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hurt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[misbehavior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[repent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suffer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trouble]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12963</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>If we drive a car too fast, we are cruising for a bruising. Possible results include: A speeding ticket A wreck Injury or death Cruising for a bruising means headed for trouble. Our behavior works against us. Parents, teachers, or others in authority punish us. People we insult or bully injure us. Natural or logical consequences cause temporary or permanent pain. Cruising for a bruising hurts in several ways. Physical: Actual bruises or other injuries to our bodies Emotional: Conflicts...</p>
<p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/cruising-for-a-bruising/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text">  Read More</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/cruising-for-a-bruising/">Cruising for a Bruising</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cruising-for-a-Bruising.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12964" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cruising-for-a-Bruising.jpg" alt="Cruising for a Bruising--wrecked car against a tree" width="450" height="299" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cruising-for-a-Bruising.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cruising-for-a-Bruising-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cruising-for-a-Bruising-406x270.jpg 406w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a>If we drive a car too fast, we are cruising for a bruising. Possible results include:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A speeding ticket</li>
<li>A wreck</li>
<li>Injury or death</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Cruising for a bruising means headed for trouble.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Our behavior works against us.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Parents, teachers, or others in authority punish us.</li>
<li>People we insult or bully injure us.</li>
<li>Natural or logical consequences cause temporary or permanent pain.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Cruising for a bruising hurts in several ways.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Physical: Actual bruises or other injuries to our bodies</li>
<li>Emotional: Conflicts or losses</li>
<li>Spiritual: Lack of or a poor relationship with God</li>
<li>Financial: Reduction or total loss of economic resources</li>
<li>Mental: Decreased abilities</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Many people shorten this expression to cruisin for a bruisin.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">However we say it, the meaning remains the same. We suffer the costs of the trouble we pursue. If we don’t <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/straighten-up-and-fly-right/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">straighten up and fly right</a>, we must <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/face-the-music/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">face the music</a>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>God forgives when we repent of our misbehavior.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We receive a new beginning, a <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/fresh-start/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fresh start</a>. However, we must choose. Do we want to keep cruising for a bruising or turn to Jesus for healing and eternal life?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="https://lauraleeleathers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laura Leathers</a> and the ladies in her Women on Mission group for the suggestion. Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/rico_loeb-1646421/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2161956" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rico Löb</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2161956" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.</p>
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]]></content:encoded>
					
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tipping Point</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/tipping-point/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/tipping-point/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[critical moment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisive moment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[great change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small actions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small actions result in great change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tipping point]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[turtle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12861</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This turtle has reached a tipping point. Small movements will pop him out of the water pan and onto the ground. Tipping point means a critical moment when small actions cause great change. That change may be in: Ideas Behavior Words It may affect one person or thing, or it may affect many. Tipping points occur in all areas of life. Businesses Governments Homes Churches The change may be gradual at first. This turtle inched his way to the edge...</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/tipping-point/">Tipping Point</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Tipping-Point_edited.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12862" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Tipping-Point_edited.jpg" alt="Tipping Point--turtle climbing over the edge of water dish" width="446" height="383" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Tipping-Point_edited.jpg 446w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Tipping-Point_edited-300x258.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Tipping-Point_edited-314x270.jpg 314w" sizes="(max-width: 446px) 100vw, 446px" /></a>This turtle has reached a tipping point. Small movements will pop him out of the water pan and onto the ground.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Tipping point means a critical moment when small actions cause great change.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">That change may be in:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ideas</li>
<li>Behavior</li>
<li>Words</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">It may affect one person or thing, or it may affect many.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Tipping points occur in all areas of life.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Businesses</li>
<li>Governments</li>
<li>Homes</li>
<li>Churches</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>The change may be gradual at first.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">This turtle inched his way to the edge of the pan. Little happened when he started. However, he has now reached a decisive moment. What happens next is <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/up-in-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up in the air</a>. Will he continue forward or go back?</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Some tipping points result fr</strong><strong>om the choices of others.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">They may or may not seek input from those they affect.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong><strong>Other tipping points result from personal choices.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Everyone has influence, whether small or great. Everyone also lives with the results of their choices.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Stay <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/on-the-right-track/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on the right track</a>. Choose well the direction your life will take.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve &#8230; But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="https://tracycrump.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tracy Crump</a> for the suggestion and the photo.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.</p>
<p><a class="a2a_button_facebook" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&amp;linkname=Tipping%20Point" title="Facebook" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&amp;linkname=Tipping%20Point" title="Twitter" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_pinterest" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&amp;linkname=Tipping%20Point" title="Pinterest" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&amp;linkname=Tipping%20Point" title="LinkedIn" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_button_email" href="https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&amp;linkname=Tipping%20Point" title="Email" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share_save addtoany_share" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fdianaderringer.com%2Ftipping-point%2F&#038;title=Tipping%20Point" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/tipping-point/" data-a2a-title="Tipping Point"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/tipping-point/">Tipping Point</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Right Off the Bat</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/right-off-the-bat/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/right-off-the-bat/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Oct 2024 23:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[immediate. without delay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[instantly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[off the bat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opportunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[right off the bat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[speed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spontaneous]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wait]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12736</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When a batter hits a ball, that ball flies right off the bat. While the ball soars through the air, the batter runs toward first base without delay. Right off the bat means immediately. We don’t hesitate. Instead, we act: Instantly First thing Rather than sit and ponder the possibilities, we move almost spontaneously. We value first responders who act right off the bat. Their speed often makes the difference in life and death. Fire fighters Law enforcement Medical personnel...</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/right-off-the-bat/">Right Off the Bat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Right-Off-the-Bat.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12737" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Right-Off-the-Bat.jpg" alt="Right Off the Bat--Batter hitting a ball" width="450" height="378" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Right-Off-the-Bat.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Right-Off-the-Bat-300x252.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Right-Off-the-Bat-321x270.jpg 321w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a>When a batter hits a ball, that ball flies right off the bat. While the ball soars through the air, the batter runs toward first base without delay.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Right off the bat means immediately.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We don’t hesitate. Instead, we act:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Instantly</li>
<li>First thing</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">Rather than sit and ponder the possibilities, we move almost spontaneously.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We value first responders who act right off the bat.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Their speed often makes the difference in life and death.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Fire fighters</li>
<li>Law enforcement</li>
<li>Medical personnel</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We don&#8217;t want precise workers to act right off the bat.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Their speed results in costly errors or conclusions.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Scientists</li>
<li>Accountants</li>
<li>Builders</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">For them, <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/haste-makes-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">haste makes waste</a>. If we demand their work <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/immediately-if-not-sooner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immediately if not sooner</a>, we suffer in the end.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>May we always choose wisely between patience and speed.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Much in life is worth the wait. Yet, we never want to postpone decisions that require an immediate response.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Without delay [Jesus] called them, and they &#8230; followed him (Mark 1:20 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion and to Richard Robards for the photo.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
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		<title>Burn Boats</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/burn-boats/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/burn-boats/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 23:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[burn boats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[burn the ships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[don't look back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[for King and Country]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hernán Cortés]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[look forward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[no retreat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opportunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12677</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Burn boats is another expression more common among the British. In America, we usually refer to burning bridges or burning our bridges behind us. The two expressions have the same meaning. Burn boats (or burn the ships) means to destroy all means of retreat.  We leave no way to return to our previous situation. According to U.S. Dictionary, this idiom comes from “the story of Hernán Cortés, who, upon arriving in Mexico in 1519, ordered his men to burn their...</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Burn-Boats.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12678" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Burn-Boats.jpg" alt="Burn Boats--a burning ship at night" width="450" height="300" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Burn-Boats.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Burn-Boats-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Burn-Boats-405x270.jpg 405w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a>Burn boats is another expression more common among the British. In America, we usually refer to burning bridges or <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/burn-our-bridges-behind-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">burning our bridges behind us</a>. The two expressions have the same meaning.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Burn boats (or burn the ships) means to destroy all means of retreat.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong>We leave no way to return to our previous situation. According to <a href="https://usdictionary.com/idioms/burn-boats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. Dictionary</a>, this idiom comes from “the story of Hernán Cortés, who, upon arriving in Mexico in 1519, ordered his men to burn their boats, making it clear that there was no turning back.”</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>When we burn boats in our lives, our commitment forces us to go forward.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We can only move toward the goal or battle before us. As with Cortez and his men, our decision is both brave and risky.</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It is difficult or impossible to reverse.</li>
<li>Yet, we strive harder to achieve our purpose.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">The song, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOVrOuKVBuY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Burn the Ships</a>,” by for King and Country is based on this expression. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M1jtGsyYe4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn the reason for their song choice here.</a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Sometimes we must turn away from our past in order to follow the right road ahead.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Rather than look back, we pursue the good God offers before us.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong>“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="https://www.jjlevan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jonna J. LeVan</a> for the suggestion. Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-burning-ship-at-night-9129534/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Klub Boks on Pexels</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
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		<title>Butt Heads with Someone</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/butt-heads-with-someone/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/butt-heads-with-someone/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Aug 2024 23:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[argue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[behavior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butt heads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disagree]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disrespect]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[name calling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12633</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When we butt heads with someone, we cause and receive pain. No fun. Literally, to butt heads means to hit heads together. We often see this when animals lock horns. They fight to determine who will lead their group. Figuratively, to butt heads means to strongly disagree or have an intense argument. This causes problems in any relationship: Families Friends Neighbors Political parties Social organizations  The tactics in such arguments aim to hurt rather than heal. Name calling Disrespect Physical...</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Butt-Heads-with-Someone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12636" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Butt-Heads-with-Someone.jpg" alt="Butt Heads with Someone--two boys with heads together and fists clenched" width="384" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Butt-Heads-with-Someone.jpg 384w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Butt-Heads-with-Someone-256x300.jpg 256w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Butt-Heads-with-Someone-230x270.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a>When we butt heads with someone, we cause and receive pain. No fun.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Literally, to butt heads means to hit heads together. </strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We often see this when animals <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/lock-horns/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lock horns</a>. They fight to determine who will lead their group.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Figuratively, to butt heads means to strongly disagree or have an intense argument.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">This causes problems in any relationship:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Families</li>
<li>Friends</li>
<li>Neighbors</li>
<li>Political parties</li>
<li>Social organizations</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <strong>The tactics in such arguments aim to hurt rather than heal.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Name calling</li>
<li>Disrespect</li>
<li>Physical or verbal fights</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong><strong>Rather than butt heads, we need to learn to get along.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We can disagree in an agreeable way. If we explain our differences in a calm, respectful manner, everyone wins. <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/two-heads-are-better-than-one/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two heads are better than one</a> applies even when the two heads disagree.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong><strong>“</strong>What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="https://tracycrump.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tracy Crump</a> for the suggestion and to Megan Wollman for the photo.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
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		<title>It&#8217;s Your Nickel</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/its-your-nickel/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/its-your-nickel/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 23:00:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consequences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[invest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[It's your nickel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nickel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12600</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>How often do we see people throw away money? They may not actually throw cash in the trash, but they waste it. In frustration, we say, “It’s your nickel.” Many times, money burns a hole in their pocket. They fail to save for a rainy day. It’s your nickel means people can spend their money as they please. We may: Disagree with their choices. Wish they budgeted better. Caution them about their purchases. However, they choose. It’s your nickel expresses...</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Its-Your-Nickel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12601" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Its-Your-Nickel.jpg" alt="It's Your Nickel--wooden bowl of change" width="450" height="337" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Its-Your-Nickel.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Its-Your-Nickel-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Its-Your-Nickel-361x270.jpg 361w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a>How often do we see people throw away money? They may not actually throw cash in the trash, but they waste it. In frustration, we say, “It’s your nickel.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Many times, <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/money-burns-a-hole-in-their-pocket/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">money burns a hole in their pocket</a>. They fail to <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/save-for-a-rainy-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">save for a rainy day</a>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>It’s your nickel means people can spend their money as they please.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We may:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Disagree with their choices.</li>
<li>Wish they budgeted better.</li>
<li>Caution them about their purchases.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">However, they choose.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>It’s your nickel expresses concern but recognizes the other people’s ownership.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Since the money is not ours, neither is the decision. If they choose to:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Spend money before they get it, we can’t stop them.</li>
<li>Buy luxuries rather than necessities, they live with the consequences.</li>
<li>Ignore responsibilities, regret may lie <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/down-the-road/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">down the road</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Like everyone else, our financial decisions affect us and others.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">As we save, invest, and spend, we profit or lose. We also set an example with our words and actions. With all our nickels, let’s remain <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wise-as-an-owl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wise as an owl</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?&#8221; (Isaiah 55:2 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Laurel Blevins, Karen Hart, and Judy Glen Corbin for this suggestion.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
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		<title>Whale of a Time</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/whale-of-a-time/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/whale-of-a-time/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2024 23:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Animals/Nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cape Cod]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enjoy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[excitement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale of a time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12583</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>My husband and I had a whale of a time watching whales off the coast of Cape Cod. What a thrill. I thought we might see one or two whales, but they were everywhere. Whales surrounded our boat. That may sound like a whale of a tale, but it’s true. My pictures don’t begin to capture all we saw in spite of a light rain. A whale of a time means an exceptionally good time. The experience is: Enjoyable Fun...</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/whale-of-a-time/">Whale of a Time</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Whale-of-a-Time.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12584" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Whale-of-a-Time.jpg" alt="Whale of a Time--two whales diving" width="500" height="281" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Whale-of-a-Time.jpg 500w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Whale-of-a-Time-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Whale-of-a-Time-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></a>My husband and I had a whale of a time watching whales off the coast of Cape Cod. What a thrill. I thought we might see one or two whales, but they were everywhere. Whales surrounded our boat.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That may sound like <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/tall-tale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a whale of a tale</a>, but it’s true. My pictures don’t begin to capture all we saw in spite of a light rain.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>A whale of a time means an exceptionally good time. </strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">The experience is:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Enjoyable</li>
<li>Fun</li>
<li>Exciting</li>
<li>Huge (like the size of a whale)</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">Occasionally we add an adjective to the expression and say we had a whale of a good time.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We differ on what makes a whale of a time.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Some of us enjoy sports. Others enjoy arts. Many of us appreciate both.</li>
<li>Some of us enjoy mountains. Others enjoy ocean. For many of us, it’s <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/six-of-one-and-half-a-dozen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six of one and half a dozen of the other.</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Will we choose to enjoy whatever this day offers?</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Certainly, some days challenge us more than others. Nevertheless, our outlook makes a tremendous difference in our degree of enjoyment.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:1-2 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>On the Same Page</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/on-the-same-page/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/on-the-same-page/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[agree]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[avoid confusion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[confusion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grandmother and child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honor God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[like-minded]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[on the same page]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[one in mind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[one in spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12508</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When we read a book together, we want to be on the same page. To read the same words and see the same pictures gives us mutual understanding. On the same page means we agree. We share the same: Viewpoint or opinion Attitude Goals Perception By staying on the same page, we avoid confusion. We begin and proceed with a similar mindset. As a result, we achieve far more than if our plans or ideas clash. This remains true whatever...</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/On-the-Same-Page.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12509" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/On-the-Same-Page.jpg" alt="On the Same Page: Grandmother reading to grandson, his mouth open in surprise" width="314" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/On-the-Same-Page.jpg 314w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/On-the-Same-Page-209x300.jpg 209w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/On-the-Same-Page-188x270.jpg 188w" sizes="(max-width: 314px) 100vw, 314px" /></a>When we read a book together, we want to be on the same page. To read the same words and see the same pictures gives us mutual understanding.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>On the same page means we agree.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We share the same:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Viewpoint or opinion</li>
<li>Attitude</li>
<li>Goals</li>
<li>Perception</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>By staying on the same page, we avoid confusion.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">We begin and proceed with a similar mindset. As a result, we achieve far more than if our plans or ideas clash.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>This remains true whatever we do.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Work</li>
<li>Sports</li>
<li>Academics</li>
<li>Investments</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>However, we want to stay on the same page for the right reasons.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Will our choices:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Honor God?</li>
<li>Serve the needs of others?</li>
<li>Challenge us to be the best we can be?</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">For the best life, <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/by-the-book/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">go by the best book</a>, the Bible. In it we learn the source of true <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/burst-with-joy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joy</a> and the challenge to share that joy with others..</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This idea came from a post by Amy Walsh with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1950515718473169/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&amp;multi_permalinks=2224675417723863&amp;__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVnwTMGIM-16zp0Lp1nQ1lpeIltcjEnNW38LxApYeuX3vM1hViQJgy6g07c6hI_HXpbI7SgynAmpf_D6p__ELNsy5cvm1656PVHe9nqFPJAW_zk1UrW9eW4V2DupH1iS-HS8ugXRHwVviY_-Aj8JH2DDZSl3NJwPI2ZXGBgfcsNCeYirfklFm5teTnUsFQ-ribcXgMJX_MK3FBH9vIKcpg8UmfLzco7-AKP376nW1eSGQ&amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisdom, Whimsy, and Wordsmithing</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://tracycrump.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tracy Crump</a> for the photo.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=11983df7ac45be83499003741&amp;id=1797662da7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email</a> and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Have Your Cake and Eat It</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/have-your-cake-and-eat-it/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2024 23:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choose wisely]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decisions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[desires]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encouragement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's guidance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[have your cake and eat it]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[have your cake and eat it too]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wedding cake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12394</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>To have your cake and eat it refers to two things you can’t have or do at the same time.  A less puzzling earlier version of the expression is to “eat your cake and have it.” You can have cake and then eat it. However, if you eat the cake, you no longer have it. When my husband and I married, we froze the top layer of our wedding cake until our first anniversary. The first year, we had our...</p>
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]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-Your-Cake-and-Eat-It.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12395" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-Your-Cake-and-Eat-It.jpg" alt="Have your cake and eat it--young woman holding the top layer of a wedding cake." width="450" height="348" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-Your-Cake-and-Eat-It.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-Your-Cake-and-Eat-It-300x232.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Have-Your-Cake-and-Eat-It-349x270.jpg 349w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>To have your cake and eat it refers to two things you can’t have or do at the same time.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong>A less puzzling earlier version of the expression is to “eat your cake and have it.” You can have cake and then eat it. However, if you eat the cake, you no longer have it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">When my husband and I married, we froze the top layer of our wedding cake until our first anniversary. The first year, we had our cake. At the beginning of the second year, we ate it. We could not enjoy the benefit of keeping and eating our cake at the same time. Each year, we made a choice.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>You may want to enjoy both, but you can’t. </strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">For example, you can’t have:</p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Government benefits without tax payments</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Good grades without study time</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">A new house without a financial investment</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>You must choose between your desires.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you keep your cake, or do you eat it?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">All of life requires choices. Seek God’s guidance and choose wisely, since <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/we-reap-what-we-sow/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you reap what you sow</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose” (Psalm 25:12 NIV).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Lam DeBrot for the suggestion.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
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		<title>Wishy-washy</title>
		<link>https://dianaderringer.com/wishy-washy/</link>
					<comments>https://dianaderringer.com/wishy-washy/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[character]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chili]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[courageous]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encourage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flavor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[incompetent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indecisive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[integrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[problems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength of character]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wishy-washy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=11983</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>On 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: Weak on spices Watered down They need seasonings, meat, vegetables, or pasta to add flavor and nutrition. Wishy-washy people are also weak. They show little strength of...</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wishy-washy/">Wishy-washy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11984" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy.jpg" alt="Wishy-washy--A thick pot of soup" width="450" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy.jpg 450w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wishy-washy-270x270.jpg 270w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></a>On 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.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Wishy-washy means lacking strength, flavor, or other positive qualities.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">It applies to both food and people.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Wishy-washy food is thin, watery, and flavorless.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">Such dishes are:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Weak on spices</li>
<li><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/water-down/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watered down</a></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">They need seasonings, meat, vegetables, or pasta to add flavor and nutrition.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Wishy-washy people are also weak.</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">They show little strength of character. Instead, they act:</p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Indecisive</li>
<li>Incompetent</li>
<li>Lacking in character</li>
<li>In need of courage</li>
<li>Unstable</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">Because of those weaknesses, they inspire little confidence and make poor leaders.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Overcome weakness with boldness.</strong></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/stand-firm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stand firm</a> and strong.</li>
<li>Show strength of character</li>
<li>Make informed and effective decisions</li>
<li>Live with honor and integrity</li>
<li>Act with courage</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;">“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).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion. Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/wildhearts-20323744/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=8388432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildhearts</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=8388432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pixabay</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.</p>
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