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Stinking Thinking

Stinking Thinking

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.

Feet of Clay

Feet of Clay

Feet of Clay--two clay feetHow often do we admire people and think they can do no wrong? Yet, we eventually learn they have feet of clay.

Feet of clay means a failure or weakness.

We have faults. Our heroes have faults. No matter how hard we try to be perfect, everyone falls short of perfection.

This idiom originated in the Bible.

Daniel 2 tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and a dream he could not understand. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, one of the king’s captives. In the dream, a statue had:

  • A head of gold
  • A body of silver, bronze, and iron
  • Feet of iron and clay

A large rock hit the feet, and the statue crumbled.

Daniel told the king his dream meant the Babylonian kingdom would fall. However, God’s kingdom would last forever.

Because we have feet of clay, we find hope only in our Creator.

If we rely on ourselves, we fall flat. However, God’s strength and guidance enable us to stand firm. Like Daniel, may we faithfully follow the one and only true God.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his” (Daniel 2:20 NIV).

Thanks to Meghan Bowker, editor of Missions Mosaic magazine, for the idea. Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash.

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

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Talk the Bark Off a Tree

Talk the Bark Off a Tree

Talk the Bark Off a Tree--Large tree surrounded by smaller trees and plantsI have friends who can talk the bark off a tree. They know how to discuss anything with anyone. A former co-worker could also recall details I never noticed. She made a great storyteller in both fact and fiction.

To talk the bark off a tree means to talk constantly.

I occasionally check to see how long before my friends take a break. They do allow time to:

  • Breathe
  • Eat
  • Swallow

Most enjoy laughter as much as words.

To talk the bark off a tree requires energy.

I tried stripping bark from a tree a few times. Not an easy task! Therefore, I decided to let someone else do it.

Likewise, I would be totally tuckered out if I had to talk nonstop.

My verbal friends are not as tight as bark on a tree with conversation.

They offer their words freely, particularly if they want to:

  • Share exciting news.
  • Recall an enjoyable experience.
  • Encourage others.

I give thanks for all my friends, wordy and quiet. Both make life more interesting and the world a better place.

May all I say and avoid saying honor God and uplift the people around me.

May the same be true for all I write and avoid writing.

Will you join me in that prayer?

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).

Thanks to Carol Edwards 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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Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase--geese in flight formationI have gone on a few wild goose chases. How about you?

A wild goose chase means a pursuit certain to fail.

We waste our time when we chase the impossible. Although a hopeless effort, we try anyway.

The earliest meaning of wild goose chase differs from today’s.

According to The Free Dictionary, “This idiom originally referred to a form of 16th-century horseracing.” It required riders “to follow a leader in a particular formation.” The horses mimicked a flock of geese in flight.

 We love to watch wild geese in flight.

However, we will probably never be able to catch them.

Likewise, we love to dream big dreams.

Seemingly impossible dreams may be possible. More often, we must accept our limits. If we ignore reality, our goose is cooked.

A wild goose chase differs from a God-sized dream.

Both challenge us.

  • A wild goose chase takes us nowhere.
  • A God-sized dream leads us beyond our wildest imagination.

May God, who created the birds of the air, guide us in the dreams we chase.

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense” (Proverbs 12:11 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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

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Cruising for a Bruising

Cruising for a Bruising

Cruising for a Bruising--wrecked car against a treeIf 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 or losses
  • Spiritual: Lack of or a poor relationship with God
  • Financial: Reduction or total loss of economic resources
  • Mental: Decreased abilities

Many people shorten this expression to cruisin for a bruisin.

However we say it, the meaning remains the same. We suffer the costs of the trouble we pursue. If we don’t straighten up and fly right, we must face the music.

God forgives when we repent of our misbehavior.

We receive a new beginning, a fresh start. However, we must choose. Do we want to keep cruising for a bruising or turn to Jesus for healing and eternal life?

“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).

Thanks to Laura Leathers and the ladies in her Women on Mission group for the suggestion. Image by Rico Löb 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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Fruit of Your Labor

Fruit of Your Labor

Fruit of Your Labor--flower and vegetable garden with orchard in backgroundMy dad’s garden and orchard fed our family plus dozens of others. He spent years growing food and flowers as a labor of love. Dad also understood what it means to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

The fruit of your labor means the reward for your work.

Your efforts pay off. Because you refuse to give up, you bear fruit.

Long hours and hard work make you appreciate the fruit of your labor.

  • Farmers harvest their crops.
  • Gardeners enjoy vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
  • Students celebrate graduation.
  • Business owners enjoy profits.

You benefit from your investment of:

  • Time
  • Money
  • Muscle (mental or physical)

The harder the work the more enjoyable the fruit of your labor.

Life may give you long rows to hoe. However, you usually reap what you sow. Greater efforts result in greater rewards.

Make relationships your most important investment.

According to the Bible, the greatest commandments are to love God and love one another. The best fruit does not result from a focus on self. Rather, it grows from love and service.

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson 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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Flip the Script

Flip the Script

Flip the Script--Bible opened to Luke 2 with a wooden Christmas plague--the "t" a red crossGod flipped the script with Jesus’ birth. Rather than an expected warrior king, the Messiah arrived as a helpless baby.

To flip the script means a drastic change.

The tables turn. Circumstances or positions reverse.

  • Little-known sports teams win tournaments.
  • Political unknowns win elections.
  • Weak students outperform strong scholars.

Flip the script sometimes means to lie.

People change their stories to fit their circumstances. They tell one person one story but another person something else. What they say depends on:

  • What benefits them
  • What they think the other person wants to hear

When God flips the script, His word proves true.

The written Word, the Bible, prophesies of the Living Word, Jesus. Although God in flesh did not meet human expectations, Jesus fulfilled God’s perfect plan.

God offers an everlasting life change to all people.

Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, came to replace:

  • Despair with hope
  • Unrest with peace
  • Sorrow with joy
  • Hate with love

Will you allow God to flip the script for you?

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12 NIV).

Thanks to Bobbie Smith Bryant 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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Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in It

Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in It

Wouldn't be Caught Dead in It--puppy in Christmas sweaterWhen we see an ugly Christmas sweater, we might say we wouldn’t be caught dead in it. However, cute puppies can wear whatever they want, including ugly sweaters, and still look cute.

Wouldn’t be caught dead in it refers to at least two possibilities.

  1. Clothing
  2. Places

We don’t always agree on clothing choices.

Styles come and go. However, some of us choose to wear what we like regardless of the latest trend. That includes our favorite Christmas sweaters, shirts, or jackets.

Likewise, we may love places other people would never go.

That holds true for:

  • Expensive versus inexpensive stores
  • Gourmet versus fast food restaurants
  • Resorts versus camping trips
  • High priced versus third world countries

Many of us wouldn’t be caught dead in Jesus’ circumstances on earth.

The creator of the world:

  • Was born to a poor family
  • Slept in a feeding trough
  • Received little respect from the high and mighty
  • Died on a criminal’s cross
  • Was buried in a borrowed tomb

Yet, Jesus offers the world an eternal home in heaven.

Jesus walked out of that borrowed tomb, victorious over sin and death. If we follow Jesus, we share that victory. Because of His humble life on earth, we can look forward to the glory of heaven

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7 NIV).

 Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion. Image by Christiana 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 the Wings

In the Wings

In the Wings--girl in angel wings walking forwardBefore little angels appear in Christmas performances, they wait in the wings. They stay off stage, ready to make their entrance.

In the wings means ready to do something.

Resources, people or other, remain available to help. They prepare to act at a moment’s notice. However, they linger in the background until needed.

The expression has an acting origin.

According to The Free Dictionary, “In a theatre, the wings are the hidden areas to the left and right of a stage, where the actors wait before going on to the stage.”

People may remain in the wings for several reasons.

In addition to general help, they may wait to:

  • Replace someone.
  • Make information public.
  • Offer special services.

At Christmas, we remember that Jesus waited in the wings before coming to earth.

He remained ready to appear, God’s light to the world. Yet, He waited for the right:

  • Time
  • Place
  • Plan

May we follow Jesus’ example by responding:

  • When God calls
  • Where God leads
  • According to God’s purpose

Whether we wait in the wings or step out to follow, we receive what we need under God’s wings,

“When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4 NIV).

Thanks to Cathy Chinn for the suggestion Photo by Ksenia Chernaya with Pexels.

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

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