Browsed by
Tag: relationships

Out of the Blue

Out of the Blue

Comments 5 comments

Out of the BlueA friend recently sent me a gift out of the blue. I was not expecting it. I did nothing to deserve it.

Like lightning striking unexpectedly in a clear blue sky, events sometimes happen out of the blue.

  • They occur suddenly.
  • We receive no notice.
  • They may be good or bad.

Occasionally we understand why events occur out of the blue.

  • Scientists can usually explain sudden weather changes.
  • My friend knew of my interest in her gift.

However, other events remain a mystery.

We may not always understand events in our lives. We can make a positive difference.

Try secretly performing an act of kindness. You may plan it or do it out of the blue. For the other person, it will definitely appear out of the blue. What a great way to start any day!

“You will not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked; for the LORD will be the source of your confidence” (Proverbs 3:25-26 NET).

What are your favorite acts of kindness? Please comment below

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.

Eating Out of Her Hand

Eating Out of Her Hand

Comments 1 comment

Eating Out of Her HandDuring a stop in South Dakota, my friend Ann had this chipmunk eating out of her hand. Because of his appetite, he did what Ann desired.

She offered what he wanted, so he ignored any possible danger. He failed to follow the caution better safe than sorry.

Sometimes people have us eating out of their hands. We do whatever they want. This happens often in romantic relationships. We see it when Olivia Newton-John sings “Hopelessly Devoted to You” in the movie Grease.

In a good relationship, eating out of one another’s hand presents no danger.

We seek to please the one we love.

  • We give gifts.
  • We arrange special events.
  • We spend a lot of time together.

Unfortunately, some people take advantage of that desire to please.

As a result, those eating out of their hands suffer in several possible ways:

  • Abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
  • Neglect
  • Financial loss

Choose relationships wisely.

Seek help when needed. Encourage others to make good decisions.

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever (Psalm 136:12 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.

Push All the Wrong Buttons

Push All the Wrong Buttons

Comments 3 comments

Push ButtonsAs a person challenged by any kind of electronics, I often push all the wrong buttons. Regardless of the gadget, I can mess it up.

  • Cell phones
  • Laptops
  • Notebooks
  • Personal computers
  • Televisions remotes
  • Cameras
  • Microwaves

If it has buttons, I have problems. Nevertheless, I’m learning. I know I need help.

  • I seek guidance from people with more knowledge.
  • I review online tutorials.
  • I read my instruction book.
  • If all else fails, I seek help from the manufacturer – I go to the source.

Sadly, we have the same problem in relationships. We often push all the wrong buttons of other people.

  • We disobey rules.
  • We anger or upset one another.
  • We seek our own pleasure, regardless of who we hurt.

Let’s learn in relationships. Let’s recognize we need help.

  • Listen to wiser, more mature people.
  • Study ways to improve.
  • Read the Bible, the greatest instruction book in the world.
  • Go to our Creator – the source of all wisdom.

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges

Comments 5 comments

Building BridgesSince the beginning of time, people have built bridges to get from where they are to where they want to be.

Or, they built bridges so other people could get to them. Either way, they made connections.

We sometimes forget that the greatest bridges cannot be seen with our eyes.

Emotional or spiritual connections can last longer than the best built physical bridge. Those lasting connections, however, demand work. We must be willing to:

  • Invest time and effort to stay in touch
  • Quickly correct any misunderstandings or problems
  • Accept one another’s imperfections
  • Confront issues that can’t be overlooked
  • Forgive each other’s failures

Building physical bridges can be messy.

Frequent difficulties include:

  • Bad weather
  • Delays in receiving building materials
  • Tired and grouchy workers
  • Unexpected expenses

Building emotional bridges can be far messier.

Relationship challenges include:

  • Multiple responsibilities
  • Limited information
  • Fatigue and bad moods
  • Illness
  • Financial strains
  • Personality differences

So, is the effort worth it?

Absolutely!

I continually give thanks to all who have loved me through good times and bad. I pray that I will always be there for them, as well.

In every relationship, we can learn from the greatest bridge builder of all.

He came from heaven to show us the way to join Him there.

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6).

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.