<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>opportunities Archives - Diana Derringer</title> <atom:link href="https://dianaderringer.com/tag/opportunities/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/tag/opportunities/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:14:35 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-derringer_headshotsm-32x32.png</url> <title>opportunities Archives - Diana Derringer</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/tag/opportunities/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Saddle Up</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[get ready]]></category> <category><![CDATA[God]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heaven]]></category> <category><![CDATA[horse]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life's greatest ride]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mistakes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prepare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prevention]]></category> <category><![CDATA[proper planning]]></category> <category><![CDATA[saddle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[saddle up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=12981</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Before we ride a horse, we usually saddle up. We put the saddle on the horse. Sometimes for competition. Other times for a leisurely ride. A few people ride bareback, but most of us prefer the comfort and control a saddle gives. Saddle up means to get ready. Before we begin any activity, we plan what we need to do and the best way to do it. Then we are good to go. Even with the best of plans, we...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/">Saddle Up</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/Saddle-Up.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12982" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saddle-Up.jpg" alt="Saddle Up--rider mounting a saddled horse" width="337" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saddle-Up.jpg 337w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saddle-Up-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saddle-Up-202x270.jpg 202w" sizes="(max-width: 337px) 100vw, 337px" /></a>Before we ride a horse, we usually saddle up. We put the saddle on the horse. Sometimes for competition. Other times for a leisurely ride.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">A few people ride bareback, but most of us prefer the comfort and control a saddle gives.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Saddle up means to get ready.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Before we begin any activity, we plan what we need to do and the best way to do it. Then we are <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/good-to-go/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">good to go</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Even with the best of plans, we all make mistakes. However, when that happens, we <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/get-back-on-the-horse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get back on the horse</a> and keep going.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Failure to saddle up hurts everyone.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Proper planning results in greater opportunities for success. Lack of preparation leads to disappointment and defeat.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Prepare for life’s greatest ride.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">If we join a trail ride, a leader often calls out, “Saddle up. Let’s ride.” Everyone gets ready. No one wants to be left behind.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">God extends opportunities for this life plus life in heaven. Let’s get ready for both.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Saddle up. Let’s ride!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“Abraham … saddled his donkey… and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3 ESV).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion and to Chelsey Stone 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&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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&linkname=Saddle%20Up" 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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&linkname=Saddle%20Up" 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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&linkname=Saddle%20Up" 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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&linkname=Saddle%20Up" 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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&linkname=Saddle%20Up" 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%2Fsaddle-up%2F&title=Saddle%20Up" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/" data-a2a-title="Saddle Up"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/">Saddle Up</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/saddle-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Play by Ear</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:00:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[encourage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[flexible]]></category> <category><![CDATA[God]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idiom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[improvise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[organize]]></category> <category><![CDATA[piano]]></category> <category><![CDATA[plan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[play by ear]]></category> <category><![CDATA[play it by ear]]></category> <category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rules]]></category> <category><![CDATA[self-improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[success]]></category> <category><![CDATA[talent]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=11575</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>My sister received most of our family’s piano ability. She plays by reading music, plus she can play by ear. If she hears a song, she eventually figures out how to play it. To play music by ear means to play without looking at printed music. I have a hard time playing with or without the written score. Play by ear also means to act without specific plans or rules. We decide what to do as we go. Rather than...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/">Play by Ear</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/2023/10/Play-by-Ear.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11576" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Play-by-Ear.jpg" alt="Play by Ear--hands on piano keys" width="550" height="344" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Play-by-Ear.jpg 550w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Play-by-Ear-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Play-by-Ear-432x270.jpg 432w" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></a>My sister received most of our family’s piano ability. She plays by reading music, plus she can play by ear. If she hears a song, she eventually <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/figure-out/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">figures out</a> how to play it.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>To play music by ear means to play without looking at printed music.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">I have a hard time playing with or without the written score.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Play by ear also means to act without specific plans or rules.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">We decide what to do as we go. Rather than worry about details, we</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Remain flexible.</li> <li>Adapt to the circumstances.</li> <li>Take <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/one-step-at-a-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one step at a time</a>.</li> <li>Deal with events as they arise.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;">We <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fly by the seat of our pants</a>.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Some of us do well playing by ear. Others desire more organization.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">We want to know:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>What are we to do?</li> <li>When are we to do it?</li> <li>How do we do it?</li> <li>Who will help us?</li> <li>What happens every step of the way?</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Whether we prefer to plan or not, we can make beautiful music with our lives. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Every day offers opportunities to:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Do our best.</li> <li>Encourage one another.</li> <li>Worship God.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;">“I will sing and make music to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6 NIV).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Cindy Shoemaker for the suggestion and to Gail Gosser 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&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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&linkname=Play%20by%20Ear" 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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&linkname=Play%20by%20Ear" 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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&linkname=Play%20by%20Ear" 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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&linkname=Play%20by%20Ear" 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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&linkname=Play%20by%20Ear" 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%2Fplay-by-ear%2F&title=Play%20by%20Ear" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/" data-a2a-title="Play by Ear"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/">Play by Ear</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/play-by-ear/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>10</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Start from Scratch</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bake]]></category> <category><![CDATA[biscuits]]></category> <category><![CDATA[desires of your heart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[from scratch]]></category> <category><![CDATA[grandmother]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Happy New Year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homemade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[homemade biscuits]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[in with the new]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[made from scratch]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mother]]></category> <category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[out with the old]]></category> <category><![CDATA[plans]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shortcuts]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[start from scratch]]></category> <category><![CDATA[starting line]]></category> <category><![CDATA[success]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=10257</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>My mother and grandmothers made the best homemade biscuits. Instead of store bought, they would always start from scratch. To start from scratch means to start from nothing. Begin at the beginning. Take no shortcuts. From-scratch cooks would never bake: Biscuits from a box Cake from a mix Meat from a can Instead, they began with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and shortening. Made-from-scratch food makes a mouth-watering difference. It tastes so much better. However, my mom did use mixes...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/">Start from Scratch</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/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10258" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch.jpg" alt="Start from Scratch--hand on biscuit dough, with rolling pin and sifter" width="550" height="389" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch.jpg 550w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-300x212.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-382x270.jpg 382w" sizes="(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /></a>My mother and grandmothers made the best homemade biscuits. Instead of store bought, they would always start from scratch.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>To start from scratch means to start from nothing. </strong></h3> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Begin at the beginning.</li> <li>Take no shortcuts.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10259" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-2-282x300.jpg" alt="Start from Scratch--cutting out biscuits" width="282" height="300" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-2-282x300.jpg 282w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-2-254x270.jpg 254w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-2.jpg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px" /></a>From-scratch cooks would never bake:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Biscuits from a box</li> <li>Cake from a mix</li> <li>Meat from a can</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;">Instead, they began with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and shortening. Made-from-scratch food makes a mouth-watering difference. It tastes so much better.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">However, my mom did use mixes part-time as she grew older.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Start from scratch began as a sports phrase. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Someone would scratch a starting line on the ground for a race to begin. A runner would <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/toe-the-mark/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">toe the mark</a> in order to begin at the beginning. According to <a href="https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/start-from-scratch.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Phrase Finder</a>, people have used this expression since the 18<sup>th</sup> century.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Start from scratch now relates to most activities. For example, in the business world, it refers to a person who begins a new project.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>As the New Year approaches, look for new opportunities.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10261" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-3-220x300.jpg" alt="Start from Scratch--ready-to-bake biscuits in a skillet " width="220" height="300" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-3-220x300.jpg 220w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-3-198x270.jpg 198w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Start-from-Scratch-3.jpg 330w" sizes="(max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px" /></a>Whether you continue with the old or start with new, I pray all your plans go well. I also hope you enjoy a few made-from-scratch biscuits.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed” (Psalm 20:4 NIV).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion and to Jeri Stone for the photos.</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="http://ow.ly/XX0U50JTr3Z" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&linkname=Start%20from%20Scratch" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&linkname=Start%20from%20Scratch" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&linkname=Start%20from%20Scratch" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&linkname=Start%20from%20Scratch" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&linkname=Start%20from%20Scratch" 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%2Fstart-from-scratch%2F&title=Start%20from%20Scratch" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/" data-a2a-title="Start from Scratch"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/">Start from Scratch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/start-from-scratch/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Happy as a Lark</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2022 23:00:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Animals/Nature]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bill Ellis]]></category> <category><![CDATA[birds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cheer up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[happy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[happy as a lark]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[joy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kentucky Monthly]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lark]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Song of the Lark]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tchaikovsky’]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=9610</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Nothing compares to the sound of birds singing. Hearing their music makes many of us happy as a lark. Listen to the songs of a western meadowlark here. For six-year-old William Zhang’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Song of the Lark, Op. 39 No. 22, listen here. Happy as a lark means very happy. Little things often give us joy. A child with a toy Time with family and friends A walk in the park We increase our happiness when we make...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/">Happy as a Lark</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/2022/05/Happy-as-a-Lark-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-9612 size-full" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Happy-as-a-Lark-1.jpg" alt="Happy as a Lark--skylark on a fence" width="525" height="350" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Happy-as-a-Lark-1.jpg 525w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Happy-as-a-Lark-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Happy-as-a-Lark-1-405x270.jpg 405w" sizes="(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px" /></a>Nothing compares to the sound of birds singing. Hearing their music makes many of us happy as a lark.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Listen to the songs of a western meadowlark <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRgU4xS06sM">here</a>. For six-year-old William Zhang’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Song of the Lark, Op. 39 No. 22, listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJKsUo2BkG8">here</a>.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Happy as a lark means very happy.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong> </strong>Little things often give us joy.</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>A child with a toy</li> <li>Time with family and friends</li> <li>A walk in the park</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We increase our happiness when we make others happy.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Causing them to smile makes us smile too.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Look for opportunities to make others happy as a lark.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">We get so busy we often fail to notice needs around us. Instead, we can:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Babysit for a tired mom, <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/swamped/">swamped</a> with responsibility.</li> <li>Run errands for a sick neighbor.</li> <li>Take children to sing for a senior citizens group</li> <li>Cheer up someone <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/down-in-the-dumps/">down in the dumps</a>.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;">Enjoy the songs of birds. Share your songs of joy with a hurting world.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches” (Psalm 104:12 NIV).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Bill Ellis, whose May 2022 <a href="http://www.kentuckymonthly.com/">Kentucky Monthly</a> article, “Though I’ve Never Played a Violin, I’m Fit as a Fiddle,” led to this post. Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/johnnys_pic-21062476/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6316885">Johnnys_pic</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6316885">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="http://eepurl.com/xP7HL">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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&linkname=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" 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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&linkname=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" 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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&linkname=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" 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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&linkname=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" 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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&linkname=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" 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%2Fhappy-as-a-lark%2F&title=Happy%20as%20a%20Lark" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/" data-a2a-title="Happy as a Lark"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/">Happy as a Lark</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/happy-as-a-lark/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Ups and Downs</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Problems]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bad times]]></category> <category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[good times]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mountains]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[problems]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ups and downs]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://dianaderringer.com/?p=8163</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>We all have our ups and downs. Good and bad times Positive and negative relationships Happy and sad days Successes and failures That’s life. Like a hike up a mountain, our journey through life often feels like an uphill battle. However, once we reach the top, the view takes our breath away. When we look down, we see how far we have come. A look around reveals the possibilities on every side of us. If we look up, we realize...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/">Ups and Downs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-8164 alignright" src="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ups-and-Downs.jpg" alt="Ups and Downs--Grand Tetons behind the Snake River" width="339" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ups-and-Downs.jpg 339w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ups-and-Downs-226x300.jpg 226w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ups-and-Downs-203x270.jpg 203w" sizes="(max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px" />We all have our ups and downs.</strong></h3> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Good and bad times</li> <li>Positive and negative relationships</li> <li>Happy and sad days</li> <li>Successes and failures</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://dianaderringer.com/thats-life/">That’s life</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Like a hike up a mountain, our journey through life often feels like an uphill battle. However, once we reach the top, the view takes our breath away.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">When we look down, we see how far we have come. A look around reveals the possibilities on every side of us. If we look up, we realize we have hope for future mountains.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We choose whether to focus on the good or the bad. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">The choices we make determine how we feel.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">When hard times hit, we can dwell on the negatives. Or, on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/the-other-side-of-the-coin/">the other side of the coin</a>, we can focus on the positives and hope for the future.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Ups and downs occur in every area of life, including:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Marriage</li> <li>Work</li> <li>School</li> <li>Parenting</li> <li>Social activities</li> <li>Health</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>All our experiences offer opportunities to grow. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Through each one, let’s <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/keep-on-keeping-on/">keep on keeping on</a>. Remember, like a mountain climb, our hardest times often teach the greatest lessons.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights” (2 Samuel 22:34 NIV).</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Thanks to Laura Lee Leathers for the suggestion.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/xP7HL">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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&linkname=Ups%20and%20Downs" 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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&linkname=Ups%20and%20Downs" 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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&linkname=Ups%20and%20Downs" 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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&linkname=Ups%20and%20Downs" 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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&linkname=Ups%20and%20Downs" 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%2Fups-and-downs%2F&title=Ups%20and%20Downs" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/" data-a2a-title="Ups and Downs"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/">Ups and Downs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/ups-and-downs/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Fall Flat</title> <link>https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/</link> <comments>https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:00:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Problems]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-Improvement]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[devotion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diana Derringer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[difficulties]]></category> <category><![CDATA[failure]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall flat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fall flat on our face]]></category> <category><![CDATA[get up]]></category> <category><![CDATA[idioms]]></category> <category><![CDATA[keep trying]]></category> <category><![CDATA[learn from mistakes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Life Lessons from English Expressions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mistakes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[opportunities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[problems]]></category> <category><![CDATA[success]]></category> <category><![CDATA[try again]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Words Wit and Wisdom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Yellowstone National Park]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://temp.dianaderringer.com/?p=3200</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park may fall on flat land. Yet, they never fall flat. They never fail to amaze us. When we fall flat, we fail. We fail in a big way. Often, we say we fall flat on our face. We all fail. We may wish for a failure-free life, but that will never happen. Sometimes our failures are small. Other times we fail in a big way – we fall flat. We feel like we can’t win for...</p> <p class="read-more"><a class="btn btn-default" href="https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/"> Read More<span class="screen-reader-text"> Read More</span></a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/">Fall Flat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3201 size-full" src="https://temp.dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fall-Flat.jpg" alt="Fall Flat--Yellowstone waterfall" width="347" height="450" srcset="https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fall-Flat.jpg 347w, https://dianaderringer.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Fall-Flat-231x300.jpg 231w" sizes="(max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px" />Waterfalls in <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell">Yellowstone National Park </a>may fall on flat land. Yet, they never fall flat. They never fail to amaze us.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>When we fall flat, we fail. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">We fail in a big way. Often, we say we fall flat on our face.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>We all fail. </strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">We may wish for a failure-free life, but that will never happen. Sometimes our failures are small. Other times we fail in a big way – we fall flat. We feel like we <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/cant-win-for-losing/">can’t win for losing</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Since we all fail, what will we do with those failures?</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Will we stop trying?</li> <li>Will we blame others?</li> <li>Or will we learn from our mistakes?</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>Why not turn failures into opportunities?</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Failures teach us what does not work. Each failure moves us one step closer to success. We may find that success when we:</p> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Make small changes to what we did before</li> <li>Take a short break to rest our brains and bodies</li> <li>Ask other people to help us</li> <li>Spend our time on something different</li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong>If we learn, we have not failed.</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: left;">Therefore, when we fall flat, let’s get up and try again.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">“You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence” (1 Corinthians 10:12 MSG).</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="http://eepurl.com/xP7HL">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%2Ffall-flat%2F&linkname=Fall%20Flat" 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%2Ffall-flat%2F&linkname=Fall%20Flat" 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%2Ffall-flat%2F&linkname=Fall%20Flat" 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%2Ffall-flat%2F&linkname=Fall%20Flat" 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%2Ffall-flat%2F&linkname=Fall%20Flat" 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%2Ffall-flat%2F&title=Fall%20Flat" data-a2a-url="https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/" data-a2a-title="Fall Flat"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/">Fall Flat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dianaderringer.com">Diana Derringer</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://dianaderringer.com/fall-flat/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>