problems Archives - Diana Derringer

If Push Comes to Shove

October 19, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

Children (and some adults) enjoy pushing games. If push comes to shove, the game becomes more serious. Pushing gets harder and rougher. Fun turns to fights.

If (or when) push comes to shove, the situation becomes critical.

It gets so bad that extreme action must be taken.

Surgeons remove an arm or a leg to save a life.
Storm damage forces families to move.
Job loss requires selling property to survive.

Circumstances leave no choice. Tough times require tough actions.

When push comes to shove, we cannot delay.

Everything else failed, and we must act immediately if not sooner.

Critical situations often require help.

We reach out to friends and family for aid and support. However, we want people willing to put feet to their prayers. When we are in hot water, we don’t need anyone with cold feet.

We want to offer others the encouragement and assistance we desire.

We all face hard times from time to time. May our words and deeds offer encouragement when they occur.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18 NIV).

Thanks to Judy Corbin for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Tama Fortner’s Autographed Book Giveaway Reminder

On 10-21-26, I will randomly select the name of one person on my mailing list to receive a free autographed copy of Tama Fortner’s book, Serah and the First Christmas. Please encourage your friends to join my mailing list for a chance to win. Email me if anyone signs up and receive an extra chance to win.

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

Putting Out Fires

October 12, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 2 comments

Please welcome my friend Tama Fortner as today’s guest writer. Tama is an Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) award-winning and bestselling author with more than sixty titles to her credit. Her latest releases include Serah and the First Christmas; Prayers for Each Moment; God, I Feel Scared; and Easter Is Coming! She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Christian publishing to create inspirational books for all ages. But her greatest accomplishments happen in a happy little home on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, with her family and a feisty little pup who is convinced she’s people too. You can receive Tama’s latest bookish news, giveaway opportunities, and more when you sign up for her newsletter.

Too often, I allow the “dings” of alerts to drive my day. I end up putting out fires and getting dragged away from what most needs to be done.

Ding! An email with an urgent request. Ding! A text with another. Ding! A missed call. There’s even a ding to take the dog out. (Though, admittedly, I probably need this one.) Every ding feels like a fire that needs putting out.

That expression—“putting out fires”—has its roots in actual firefighting.

Firefighters rush to put out fires before they spread or cause more damage. Over time, this expression came to describe addressing urgent problems before they spread or cause damage. Sounds good, right?

Its modern meaning is a bit different, though. Cambridge Dictionary defines it this way: “to spend time on problems that need to be dealt with quickly, instead of working in a calm, planned way.” Ugh.

Real fires demand real attention.

But not every ding is a fire.

So when the next ding comes, instead of plunging headlong into firefighting mode, pause and pray. Ask God to show you what is urgent, what can wait, and what was never your fire to put out in the first place.

Because while you may be “worried and upset about many things,” Jesus reminds us only one thing is needed: Him. (Luke 10:41–42).

Image by Enrique from Pixabay.

An Autographed Book Giveaway from Tama

On 10-21-26, Diana will randomly select the name of one person on her mailing list to receive a free autographed copy of Tama’s book, Serah and the First Christmas. Please encourage your friends to join Diana’s mailing list for a chance to win Tama’s book. Email Diana if anyone signs up and receive an extra chance to win.

The Patience of Job

September 21, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 14 comments

Do you know people with the patience of Job? Those I admire include:

Parents with a houseful of children
Teachers with rowdy, disrespectful students
Doctors with full waiting rooms who take time to answer questions

The patience of Job refers to people with great patience.

They stay calm in the middle of chaos. They treat others with kindness — even those rude to them.

People with the patience of Job endure through every circumstance.

They rarely waver despite:

Illness
Financial problems
Relationship struggles
Work overload

The patience of a saint means the same.

We often wonder how those people stay cool as a cucumber while others sweat bullets.

They rarely:

Yell
Act frustrated
Blame others

Instead, they:

Speak quietly
Do what needs to be done
Take responsibility when they do anything wrong

This expression refers to Job, a man in the Bible, who lost almost everything.

His losses included:

All his children
Possessions
Health

Job could not understand his suffering but stood firm in his faith.

Although he received little support from people, he relied on God.

Eventually:

Job’s health was restored.
He had more children.
His possessions doubled.

One constant for Job: Through all his ups and downs, God was always there.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:25-26 NIV).

Thanks to Jessi Gowen for the suggestion.

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

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Back to Square One

September 7, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

Did you ever play hopscotch? We enjoy hopping through all those squares. However, we don’t enjoy having to go back to square one.

Back to square one means we must start over.

We made a mistake and have to begin again. Not fun in games. Not fun in relationships or work. Yet, no one is perfect. We all fail.

Back to the drawing board is a similar expression.

Back to square one can be a positive.

If we learn from our mistakes, we try not to repeat them. Instead, we take advantage of the opportunity to improve. Works well in games. Works well in relationships or jobs. We rise from the ashes of our mistakes.

A common saying encourages us. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Jesus offers second chances.

Sometimes our failures are our fault and sometimes not. Either way, Jesus loves us and wants to give us a fresh start. Even when we feel like we can’t win for losing.

Jesus will always lead us in the right way to go. He will “guide our feet into the path of peace” (Luke 1:79 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion. Image by Abby Haukongo from Pixabay.

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

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Cut from a Different Cloth

August 31, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 10 comments

My grandmother taught me to sew. We made most garments from one cloth. However, we cut some from a different cloth.

Literally, cut from a different cloth means garments made from different fabrics.

I made the top of one dress from velvet. The bottom was satin. Although unlike one another, the two cloths worked well together.

Figuratively, cut from a different cloth means people or objects differ.

We may vary in:

Personality
Culture
Interests
Backgrounds

Being cut from a different cloth can cause problems.

If we refuse to accept anyone unlike us, life becomes difficult.

Everyone suffers from:

Inability to get along
Lack of understanding
Poor support

Often, our differences matter little.

We may compromise or change our minds on:

Decorations
Menus
Entertainment

Other times, we must stand firm in our convictions.

We never want to waver on:

Eternal matters
Harmful behavior
Honesty

Whether cut from the same or a different cloth, let’s learn to get along.

Disagree in agreeable ways.
Respect one another.
Listen and learn.

“Show proper respect to everyone” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion.

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

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Don’t Know If We’re Afoot or on Horseback

August 17, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

Often caregivers don’t know if we’re afoot or on horseback. We are spread so thin, we meet ourselves coming or going. However, we are not alone. That happens to many people.

When we don’t know if we’re afoot or on horseback, we don’t know what we’re doing.

We are so confused we can’t remember:

What we have done
What we are doing now
What we need to do next

We lose our sense of direction and awareness of our actions.

Not knowing if we are afoot or on horseback often results from feeling overwhelmed.

Causes include:

Overwork
Exhaustion
Too many irons in the fire

Too much to do and too little time leave us bumfuzzled.

A day away does our bodies and minds good.

Whether we sit, walk, or ride, we need to rest and relax. A trip through the countryside refreshes and restores me. What helps you?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV).

Thanks to Lori Carol Maloy for the suggestion.

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

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Cooking with Gas

August 10, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 10 comments

One of my husband’s caregivers and I were dealing with a difficult situation. When we finally had everything working well, she said, “Now we’re cooking with gas!” That was a new expression for me.

This saying originated when gas stoves began replacing wood burning stoves.

My caregiver friend explained that gas stoves were considered a wonderful invention. Although wood burning stoves made delicious meals, they required hours of work.

Chopping wood
Starting a fire
Deciding when to start cooking
Wiping sweat during hot summer months
Cleaning ashes from the stove after cooking

Plus, cooking temperatures were hard to control.

Gas stoves were easier to use and resulted in fewer mistakes.

Cooks were more likely to achieve the results they desired. My mom loved her gas stove.

Cooking with gas means we achieve success.

Like a cook who prepares a gourmet meal or bakes a perfect cake, we get something right.

We successfully:

Solve a problem.
Correct an error.
Receive a promotion.

We do our work well.

If we are cooking with gas, people may think we work wonders.

Whether we create perfect meals or the perfect ball team, those who share our success love it.

Whatever we do, let’s encourage one another to do our best.

If we want to take the cake, we can’t use half-baked ideas. Neither can we do half-baked work.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8 NIV).

Thanks to J.D. Wininger and Rita Smalley for the suggestion.

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

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Chew on

June 29, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 8 comments

Babies like to chew on whatever they find. Human babies keep teething rings wet with their efforts. Puppies often chew shoes and other non-food items. Their gnawing may last for hours.

To chew on something means to think about it.

We consider it from different viewpoints. Our thinking, like puppy gnawing, often lasts a long time.

We rarely like to chew on tough circumstances.

Although we enjoy chewing the fat with friends and family, we don’t want to think about problems.

Life’s struggles come from all directions.

Difficult relationships
Illness
Death
Work stress

We do enjoy chewing on positive situations or possibilities.

Special events with family and friends
Vacations
Births
Promotions

When we chew on all God has done, everything else fades in comparison.

We know our current concerns will not last forever. However, God will. His faithfulness offers hope for now and eternity.

“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12 NIV).

Thanks to Sarah Burns Hampshire for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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At Your Wits’ End

June 22, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

Have you ever been at your wits’ end? Like a train conductor with no track, you wonder, What now?

At your wits’ end means you have no idea what to do.

You have tried everything you can think of, but nothing works. You feel:

Confused
Bumfuzzled
Helpless
Upset

At your wits’ end may result from your problem or someone else’s.

A difficult project or repair
An unruly child
Unexplained delays in services

You run out of patience, and frustration grows.

Your distress often affects other people. They see your negative reaction, or you hurt them with your words or deeds.

This idiom has a long history.

The Free Dictionary says it “appeared in Piers Ploughman (c. 1377).” We also find it in the Bible.

When at your wits’ end, seek guidance.

Someone else may be able to help you figure out an answer. With both major and minor problems, two heads are usually better than one. Turning to God for peace and direction is even better.

What joy when we finally understand what to do.

“They were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress” (Psalm 107:27-28).

Thanks to Meghan Bowker, Editor, Missions Mosaic for the suggestion. Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay.

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Split Hairs

May 11, 2026 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

Do you remember sky-high teased hairstyles? Or have you seen pictures of them? Can you imagine all the split hairs that caused? Worse damage occurs when we split hairs with our words.

When we split hairs, we fight about minor details that make no major difference.

We focus on the petty or unimportant.

This metaphor “was first recorded in the late 17th century,” according to The Free Dictionary.

Most of us have split a few hairs.

Yet why let anything that is neither here nor there steal our attention? No need to stress. No need to waste that time. If it will not matter six months from now, let it go.

Let’s focus on the worthy.

Do what needs to be done.
Forget what makes little or no difference.
Never let trivial matters get our goat.

A single hair should not overtake the rest of our body. Neither should one small detail overtake our minds, emotions, or relationships.

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen” (2 Timothy 2:14 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion and to Misty Durham for the photo.

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

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