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The Pits

The Pits

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The Pits-overflowing bowl of cherries and knifeMany in the world have faced difficult circumstances in recent days. A few describe their situation as the pits.

One problem stacks on top of other problems.

  • Illness
  • Storms
  • Difficult relationships
  • Job loss
  • Death

Troubles never seem to stop. Each day people wonder what will happen next and wait for the next shoe to drop.

The pain and uncertainty of life occasionally overwhelm.

People wonder where to turn and what to do. They feel like they are dealing with the worst of the worst. At the end of their rope, they want to give up in despair.

The pits can refer to a situation or a place.

Either way, no one wants to go there or stay there.

The origin of the pits remains uncertain.

Possibilities include:

  • Cherry or other fruit pits
  • Holes in the ground
  • Armpits
  • The service area in a car race
  • Coal pits

 None of these sound like a good place to stay.

Most people eventually get out of the pits.

  • They recover from illness.
  • Storms pass.
  • Relationships improve or they find new ones.
  • Other jobs become available.
  • Faith offers hope for life beyond death.

Whether in the pits or on top of the world, we have access to God who offers hope in every circumstance of life.

“I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” Lamentations 3:55-57 NIV).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion and the photo.

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Nose Runs Like a Sugar Tree

Nose Runs Like a Sugar Tree

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Nose Runs Like a Sugar Tree--maple tree with sap bucketsFor many of us, our nose runs like a sugar tree all year. A related expression says our nose runs like a sieve. However we say it, we feel a little under the weather. Plus, we need tissues all the time for that steady drip.

A runny nose may result from:

  • Colds
  • Allergies
  • Weather changes or smells
  • Swollen sinuses
  • Eating, especially spicy food

Read this Mayo Clinic link for more information and other causes.

My friend Karen had never heard this expression until recently. When she first heard it, she wondered if the person who said it was making it up.

Those of us whose nose runs like a sugar tree wish it were made up. Instead we must blow and wipe … and blow and wipe … and blow and wipe.

However, compared to many other problems in the world, a drippy nose is not so bad. Therefore, we keep tissues on hand and thank God for life’s blessings, great and small.

“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:14 NIV).

Thanks to Brenda Mullins and Karen Richardson Puckett for the suggestion. Photo by diapicard from Pixabay.

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Keep On Keeping On

Keep On Keeping On

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Keep On Keeping On--storm at seaMany times we feel like we are drowning in a sea of responsibility. The storms of life hit. We have too much to do with too little time or energy to do it. Yet, we keep on keeping on.

Storms at sea can arise quickly and cause much trouble.

  • Clouds roll in.
  • Thunder and lightning threaten danger ahead.
  • Rain pounds, and waves toss our boats.

Yet, we have no escape, so we batten down the hatches and keep going.

If we keep on keeping on, we refuse to give up.

Instead, we keep doing what we are doing — what we have to do.

Like storms at sea, life storms can arise quickly and cause much trouble. They may also be slow-moving day-to-day responsibilities with no relief in sight. Either way, we hang on for dear life and do the best we can.

Most storms soon pass.

The sun comes out, and a rainbow appears.

All is well. Our troubles of the moment disappear.

Keep On Keeping On--whales in a choppy seaOther storms remain with us.

Our troubles continue, yet we make the best of a bad situation.

We look for moments of pleasure, like the sudden appearance of whales in a storm-tossed sea.

  • Friends call or visit to offer encouragement.
  • A funny moment occurs in the midst of many not-so-funny moments.
  • We enjoy a brief walk, beautiful music, or favorite foods.

Whether storms come and go or come and stay, we do not have to face them alone.

Other people will help if they know our needs. Jesus promised the presence of His Spirit to all who trust in Him.

When hard times come, keep on keeping on, my friend. May you know God’s never-failing peace.

“I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16 KJV).

Thanks to a 5-3-20 commenter on Upper Room for the suggestion. First photo by enriquelopezgarre from Pixabay.

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Too Many Irons in the Fire

Too Many Irons in the Fire

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Too Many Irons in the Fire--Anthony SalyersAnthony Salyers demonstrates the work of an old-time blacksmith shop during Greg Lawhorn’s Molasses Day a few years ago. Anthony knows not to put too many irons in the fire. If he does, he will probably ruin part of his work.

Many of us have not learned that lesson. We fail to limit ourselves. Instead, we stay busy as bees with too many activities at one time.

Too many irons in the fire means we try to do more than we can handle.

A blacksmith must limit the number of irons in the fire when making horseshoes or other items. We must also limit what we do, if we want to do anything well.

Although we know better, we still try to do too much.

We overload ourselves with:

  • Work commitments
  • Family responsibilities
  • Community events

Often vacations get overloaded as well. We cram as much as we can into the short time we have. As a result, we return to work exhausted.

With too many irons in the fire, something will eventually fail.

  • Our work becomes less than the best.
  • We get sick.
  • Our families struggle.
  • No one’s needs get met.

Rather than overdo, why not do what we can do well?

Focus on the most important. If we have time and energy, we can add more. If we see we cannot do it all, let someone help.

“You’re going to wear yourself out—and if you do, what will happen to the people?” (Exodus 18:18 TLB).

Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion.

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The End of Your Rope

The End of Your Rope

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The End of Your Rope--climber hanging from a rope“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” –Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Many can identify with the former president. Hard times hit, and you hurt. You wonder:

  • How will I survive?
  • Who can help?
  • Why did this happen?

When you reach the end of your rope, you feel out of options.

Like a person hanging from a cliff with no more rope, you feel desperate. You have no:

  • Strength
  • Hope
  • Patience
  • Desire to continue

You are ready to give up. You want to throw in the towel.

Problems may be as simple as no time to do all you need to do. However, problems may also be life threatening.

Whatever the problem, hold on.

Tie a knot and hang on for dear life. Help may be on the way. Many people want to help, if you let them know your need. Once you receive what you need, pay it forward by helping someone else.

When you get to the end of your rope, remember two words: “But God.”

You may not know the answer, but God does.

  • Troubles may not stop, but God walks with you through them.
  • Uncertainty may remain, but God gives you peace in the midst of it.
  • Life may look hopeless, but God offers hope for this life and the life to come.

When trials around you cause stress within you, look up.

“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand” (Psalm 10:14 NIV).

Thanks to Ann Knowles for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

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In the Nick of Time

In the Nick of Time

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In the Nick of Time--planes flying toward a setting sunOn a trip to Minneapolis years ago, I caught a plane just in the nick of time. My first plane had engine trouble, so I had to change flights. That made me late for my second flight. As a result, I had to run through the airport about 1:00 a.m. to board my plane on time.

In the nick of time means at the last moment.

  • Doctors perform surgery just in time to save a life.
  • Basketball players make winning shots in the last seconds of games.
  • Parents grab children before they run into traffic.

Any delay beyond the nick of time is too late.

  • I would have missed my flight. (I did miss the boat later on that same trip.)
  • Doctors’ patients would die.
  • Basketball teams would lose.
  • Cars would hit children

Each situation goes down to the wire but is saved by the bell.

A good plan helps avoid the nick of time.

  • Prepare for the unexpected.
  • Stay organized.
  • Focus on the most important.
  • Never put off what needs to be done today.

“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.

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Saved by the Bell

Saved by the Bell

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Saved by the Bell--a small glass bell with a humingbird and flowerSaved by the bell means we escape a difficult situation at the last moment.

A bell rings to end each round in a boxing match. If a boxer is knocked down, he may be counted out. However, if the bell rings first, he can continue the match.

Few of us have been boxers. However, many of us have been saved by the bell.

We escape trouble by the skin of our teeth.

Saved by the bell sometimes applies to embarrassing situations.

  • We fail to write a paper for class. The class ends before the teacher asks for it.
  • We have food on our face. A friend tells us before we meet our new boss.
  • We almost fall in front of a crowd. Someone catches us before we hit the floor.

Saved by the bell also applies to serious situations.

  • We get trapped in a burning car. A policeman pulls us from the car before it explodes.
  • We cannot pay a past-due bill. Unexpected money comes in the mail.
  • We will soon be homeless. Friends ask us to stay with them.

Years ago, a few people put bells on coffins. They thought anyone accidentally buried alive could ring the bell. However, according to The Phrase Finder, saved by the bell relates to boxing, not coffins.

Bear Our Cross: a cross with crown of thornsOur greatest salvation comes through Jesus’ death on a cross.

Jesus died for our wrongs. After three days, He rose from the grave. If we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation, we receive eternal life and a home in heaven. We don’t have to wait to be saved by the bell at the last moment. Jesus offers salvation now.

“He died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God” (Romans 4:25 TLB).

Thanks to Carol York Patterson Brangers for the suggestion.

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In a Jam

In a Jam

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In a Jam-young woman making jamEating jam is fun. Getting in a jam is not.

Amy, a former Campbellsville University student, learned how to make jam during one of her visits to our home. We enjoyed an afternoon of fun.

Eating jam cake made by my husband’s mother and other relatives became a family tradition. We had fun as we talked and ate.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts from my mother was homemade raspberry jam and jelly. What fun my sister and I had when we opened that special gift.

If we get in a jam, we get in a difficult situation.

We have a problem and cannot find an answer. As a result, we feel like we are beating our heads against a wall.

Some jams are not our fault. However, we often end up in trouble because of our poor choices, such as:

  • Doing what we should not do
  • Going where we should not go
  • Wanting what we do not need

In a Jam--jam cakeDuring Christmas or other holidays, we can easily get in a jam. We plan too much to do with too little time to do it. We forget to have fun.

Slow down. Cut back on activities. Focus on what really matters. Take time to remember the reason for this joyful season.

Merry Christmas! May all your jams be edible.

 “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3 TLB).

Thanks to Shanon Camille O’Banion and Cakes by Camille for the jam cake photo.

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Shake Off

Shake Off

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If dogs get wet, stand back. We don’t want to be too close when they shake off the water. However, we can learn from their actions.

We try to shake off what bothers us.

Problems we might want rid of include:

  • Dirt, bugs, and other yukky stuff
  • Sickness
  • Bad moods
  • People
  • Fear

Some problems are easier to shake off than others.

  • Dirt washes off easier than mud.
  • We get over a cold easier than the flu.
  • Grief over a lost game hurts less than grief following a loved one’s death.
  • An annoying child upsets us less than an abusive adult.
  • Bugs don’t scare us as much as bears.

Many of us need to shake off stress.

We become worry warts over:

  • Mistakes from the past
  • Difficulties we face today
  • What will happen in the future

Perhaps we should pay more attention to ducks and dogs.

Like water off a duck’s back or water off a dog’s body, let that stress go. Shake it off.

  • Get some exercise.
  • Take a walk.
  • Sing.
  • Make a list of what bothers us and then rip the list to pieces.
  • Let go and let God lead.

“Shake off your dust;  rise up” (Isaiah 52:2 NIV).

Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion. Photo by Katrin B on Pixabay

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Out of Whack

Out of Whack

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Out of Whack-- dark, snow covered trees with sun shining throughSome days everything gets out of whack.

Nothing works right.

  • Snow and ice make travel treacherous.
  • The car won’t start.
  • Our laptop freezes.

We don’t feel well.

  • A cold keeps us coughing and sneezing.
  • Muscles ache.
  • Our head hurts.

Life gets crazy.

  • We have too much to do and no time to do it.
  • No one offers to help.
  • We see no hope for improvement.

Days out of whack put us down in the dumps. We become emotional wrecks and can’t get a grip.

Most of us face times like that.

 That’s life, but how do we deal with it?

We can:

  • Complain. That usually makes us and everyone around us feel worse.
  • Pretend nothing is wrong. As a result, we never make anything better.
  • Do the best we can. That way, something gets done.
  • Ask for help. People usually don’t know we need help, unless we tell them.
  • Pray for guidance and peace. Even if circumstances never change, our attitude can.

On the darkest days, let the light of God’s hope shine through.

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:5 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion.

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