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Scarce as Hens’ Teeth

Scarce as Hens’ Teeth

Scarce as Hens' Teeth--a rooster followed by a row of ducksThis photo, with lots of ducks and a rooster, has no hens. Hens are as scarce as hens’ teeth here.

Scarce as hens’ teeth means very scarce.

What we seek is:

  • Rare
  • Impossible or almost impossible to find

We seldom find a:

  • Mud puddle in the desert
  • Polar bear in Kentucky
  • Pessimist at an optimists’ meeting

Hens have no teeth.

That fact emphasizes how scarce an item can be. Finding what we want is like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, as with mud puddles in the desert, we may find them once in a blue moon.

We often give greater value to scarce items.

Supply and demand teach that demand (and prices) go up when supply goes down. We see that with:

  • One-of-a-kind art
  • Antiques
  • Limited editions of anything

Truth frequently feels as scarce as hens’ teeth.

Everywhere we turn, we find people trying to deceive us. Scams appear:

  • On our phones
  • In the mail
  • During business deals

Such occurrences make us mad as a wet hen.

Occasionally, we wonder if truth exists anymore.

However, one truth never fails.

God, who is truth, offers each of us grace and truth through the gift of Jesus. Hang on to that truth and never let go.

 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion.

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Happy-Go-Lucky

Happy-Go-Lucky

Happy-Go-Lucky baby and child on tree swingsChildren on swings usually look and sound happy-go-lucky.

However, like those swings, most of us have our ups and downs. Circumstances often dictate whether we feel:

  • Happy
  • Sad
  • Lonely
  • Mad
  • Scared

Yet, a few people remain happy-go-lucky regardless of their situations. Little, if anything, gets them down.

Happy-go-lucky means always happy.

Such people’s moods remain cheery and good natured. Life never seems to trouble them. They stay happy as a lark and worry free.

Happy-go-lucky people dwell on the positives.

Although they don’t deny negative experiences, they remain optimistic. They treat problems like water off a duck’s back by shaking off any negative reactions.

We may not always feel happy, but we can always experience joy.

God offers each of us the joy of a relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. For many people in the world, that decision leads to persecution and/or death. In spite of the dangers, they continue to share their joy with others. True joy makes that great a difference.

“In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV.)

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion and to Darrin Jenkins for the photo.

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

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Not My Cup of Tea

Not My Cup of Tea

Not My Cup of Tea-tea, Bible, paper and penCoffee is not my cup of tea. I don’t like it. Water, milk, and tea are. I enjoy all three.

Not my cup of tea refers to anything I don’t like.

I don’t want or enjoy:

  • Its taste
  • How it looks
  • Spending time with it

Other items on my dislike list include:

  • Lobster
  • Video games
  • Poison ivy

Something is my cup of tea if I like it.

Items on that list include:

My likes may differ from yours.

That makes life more interesting. Don’t you agree?

Whatever is or is not your cup of tea, I pray your cup runs over with God’s blessings.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite 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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Lock Horns

Lock Horns

Lock Horns--Elk fightingIf you have seen elk or other animals lock horns, you know exactly what this expression means. Two animals fight one another. The fight often results in locked horns (or antlers).

A fight usually begins when the animals:

  • Face one another
  • Dig their feet in the dirt
  • Run toward each other
  • Hit their heads together

Two males often fight over a female.

If we lock horns with one another, we have conflict.

Our conflict may be:

  • Physical fights
  • Verbal arguments

Locking horns may also affect us:

  • Mentally
  • Emotionally
  • Spiritually

Conflict may arise over:

  • Money
  • Jobs
  • Relationships (romance, family, friends)
  • Silly disagreements

Sometimes we must lock horns.

We see wrongs that need to be made right. Our efforts may not be easy. Yet, we must figure out how to make necessary changes happen.

Usually, we want to avoid locking horns.

Much that we fight over is not worth the fight. We end up hurting others and ourselves. We get off on the wrong foot. Then we have to mend fences.

We can disagree without locking horns. That sounds like the better plan.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NIV).

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

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