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On the Same Page

On the Same Page

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On the Same Page: Grandmother reading to grandson, his mouth open in surpriseWhen we read a book together, we want to be on the same page. To read the same words and see the same pictures gives us mutual understanding.

On the same page means we agree.

We share the same:

  • Viewpoint or opinion
  • Attitude
  • Goals
  • Perception

By staying on the same page, we avoid confusion.

We begin and proceed with a similar mindset. As a result, we achieve far more than if our plans or ideas clash.

This remains true whatever we do.

  • Work
  • Sports
  • Academics
  • Investments

However, we want to stay on the same page for the right reasons.

Will our choices:

  • Honor God?
  • Serve the needs of others?
  • Challenge us to be the best we can be?

For the best life, go by the best book, the Bible. In it we learn the source of true joy and the challenge to share that joy with others..

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2 NIV).

This idea came from a post by Amy Walsh with Wisdom, Whimsy, and Wordsmithing. Thanks to Tracy Crump for the photo.

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Pickin’ and Grinnin’

Pickin’ and Grinnin’

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Pickin' and Grinnin'--dulcimerMy dad and a few friends often gathered in our kitchen on Friday or Saturday nights for pickin’ and grinnin’. Instruments included guitars, banjo, fiddle, and an occasional mandolin. They made music with laughter as well as instruments.

Pickin’ and grinnin’ refers to playing musical instruments while having a good time.

Instruments usually have strings such as guitar or banjo. Musicians may not play the best, but they play with enthusiasm. Favorite songs fill the air.

The 1969-1997 television show, Hee Haw, made pickin’ and grinnin’ a more common expression.

Hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark frequently said it. All the performers looked and sounded happy as a lark.

The dulcimer makes me grin.

Jean Ritchie is one of the best-known dulcimer musicians. She has traveled the world playing and singing Appalachian music.

My dad and I shared an appreciation for the dulcimer. We made the one in the photo above. (Actually, he did the work while I did whatever he told me to do.) He made and gifted several others.

Music makes our world a better place. Enjoy and share!

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19 NIV).

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Keep Your Hair On

Keep Your Hair On

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Keep Your Hair On -- Girl with hair blowing around her faceHave you ever been in a windstorm where you felt like your hair was lifting off your head? If you wear a wig, the results can be disastrous and hilarious. You want to keep your hair on. Therefore, you hope the wind calms so your hair can do the same.

To keep your hair on means to stay calm.

People say this if you are:

They often say it as an order. They want you to get a grip.

You hear this expression primarily in the UK.

An American equivalent is to keep your shirt on. Both expressions caution you to regain control.

Keeping your hair on helps you be your best self.

Remaining calm and patient leads to a better:

  • Attitude
  • Blood pressure
  • Relationship with others

I pray you stay settled and at peace.

“I have calmed and quieted myself” (Psalm 131:2 NIV).

Thanks to Victor S E Moubarak for the suggestion. Image by Petra from Pixabay.

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Hit the Roof

Hit the Roof

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Hit the Roof: Fist up through shattered glassPeople rarely hit the roof physically. However, they frequently hit the roof emotionally.

To hit the roof means to become extremely angry or upset.

According to The Idioms, the expression refers to “being so enraged that you could actually bang your head on the roof (or ceiling) … because you feel like exploding.” Similar expressions include:

People lose their temper.

Reasons people hit the roof vary.

For example, they get angry when they:

  • Fail to get their way
  • See rules broken
  • Experience loss or injury
  • Discover betrayal

Hit the roof also refers to sharp price increases.

  • Goods and services grow more expensive.
  • Stocks rise.

If people invest money, they enjoy those increases. If they make purchases, they want the costs to remain low.

It pays to invest emotions and finances wisely.

Maintain control and do what’s right. Spend time and money productively.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31 NIV).

Thanks to Lindy Pierce for the suggestion. Image by wendy CORNIQUET from Pixabay.

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Dirt-poor

Dirt-poor

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Dirt-poor--wildflowers among grass and leavesAlthough I did not know it, our family was close to dirt-poor during my early childhood. In addition to our share of my grandparents’ farm, Dad bought surrounding farmland.

Dirt-poor means extremely poor.

Since we had the basics for survival, we were not extremely poor. However, we had little cash and few luxuries.

Yet, who needed luxuries? The farm provided:

  • Woods and fields to explore
  • A large yard for play
  • Animals, a garden, and an orchard for food and milk

We also enjoyed lots of books (We were book poor too!), games, and family time.

Our financial resources grew over the years, but I would take nothing for those early lean years.

Rather than dirt poor, many families today are house poor.

They may not have much land, but they buy large houses with large mortgages to match. Like our young family, that leaves them little extra money.

Evidence fails to support a popular internet story that dirt poor relates to dirt floors.

Although it makes an interesting story, it offers no proof.

Financial wealth holds no eternal importance.

If all we do is hoard our money, it does no good. Remember, you can’t take it with you when you die.

Whether poor as a church mouse or filthy rich, let’s use the resources we have to make our world a better place.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3 NIV).

Thanks to Gail Gosser for the suggestion.

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Snail’s Pace

Snail’s Pace

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Snail's Pace--a snail on a leafA friend recently told me she has slowed to a snail’s pace after a major health episode. However, she has not given up. She keeps on keeping on.

A snail’s pace means a slow speed.

If we watch a snail, we understand the connection. It moves so slowly it almost looks like it stands still. However, that snail does move. If we watch it on a plant, we see that it likes to eat as it goes.

Life often moves at a snail’s pace.

Like my friend, health issues make us slow down. Life also feels like it crawls when:

  • Work takes longer than we like.
  • Study requires long, difficult hours.
  • Favorite activities are delayed.

A slower pace allows time to enjoy the moment.

We frequently move so fast, we forget to relish life’s simple pleasures. Instead of constant motion, why not:

  • Watch the snails, butterflies, and other sights in nature.
  • Take deep breaths and look around at all God gives.
  • Stop and listen to family and friends.
  • Learn to relax.

Sometimes we need to adjust our pace for the benefit of others.

Small children or the elderly may need more time. We want to match our movement to theirs. Whether fast or slow, let’s help others enjoy their moments too.

We will follow slowly, at a pace that is comfortable for the livestock and the children” (Genesis 33:14 NIV).

Thanks to E. Pearl Anderson for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

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Good Taste

Good Taste

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Good Taste--table decorated in front of two stained-glass windows

What qualifies as good taste? That’s a great question, but it has no single correct answer. We vary from one another and so does our description of good taste. Yet, we can agree on two general definitions.

Good taste means a sense of what is proper and pleasing in social activities.

Acceptable behavior in some settings causes great discomfort in others. Wise choices and tactfulness outweigh personal preferences.

Good taste also means wise beauty, art, and intellectual choices.

We know how to make ourselves and our surroundings attractive. We find examples in:

  • Housing
  • Decorations
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Music
  • Books

Yet, what we consider refined or sophisticated, other people consider snobbish or laughable. We may be dressed to the nines for our neck of the woods. Yet, the same attire would be inappropriate or highfalutin in other settings.

Love and respect for others are always in good taste.

Jesus set the perfect example in word and deed. May we faithfully follow.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him “ (Psalm 34:8 NIV).

Thanks to Joe and Ann Klotz for the suggestion and to Jeri Stone for the photo.

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In My Wheelhouse

In My Wheelhouse

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In My Wheelhouse--wheel in wheelhouse on a boatMiguel Mendez said when he was a child, he and his dad worked on cars together. When Miguel asked how he knew certain things, his dad would say, “It’s in my wheelhouse.” He was familiar and comfortable with what he did.

In my wheelhouse means something matches our skills or interests.

Miguel’s dad understood cars. Other people understand electronics, agriculture, or additional specialties.

What’s in my wheelhouse differs from yours.

We vary in our skills and interests. Many situations fall outside my ability to deal with them. I’m thankful for talented people who help when my:

  • Laptop has problems
  • Car needs service
  • Roof leaks

These and more require the aid of specialists in those areas.

However, if we study, our talents grow.

With hard work, we increase our expertise.

A wheelhouse is a pilothouse on a boat.

 A pilothouse includes the wheel, compass, and other navigation equipment.

According to Miriam Webster dictionary, a wheelhouse also means “a place or center of control or leadership.”

In addition, it refers to “the section of the strike zone where it is easiest for the [baseball] batter to hit the ball well.”

We can use our wheelhouse to help others.

 We grow as we:

  • Gain new experiences
  • Study
  • Read our Bibles
  • Tackle new challenges

When those we know need help, our gains become theirs as we share and encourage.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV).

Thanks to Miguel Mendez for the suggestion. Image by Michael Drummond from Pixabay.

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Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death

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Kiss of Death--statue of Judas kissing JesusA kiss of death means something that causes failure or ruin.

It may be:

  • Actions. Poor attitudes or behaviors often result in the loss of jobs, friendships, or other positions.
  • Relationships. Associating with troublemakers frequently leaves people in trouble.
  • Events. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can destroy plans.
  • Poor timing. Failures frequently occur because people begin too early or too late to accomplish their purposes.

A kiss of death may look good but result in great harm.

Damage often occurs even if intentions appear helpful. A handshake or endorsement from the wrong people kills countless business deals and reputations.

This expression relates to Judas Iscariot’s kiss that betrayed Jesus.

When religious leaders wanted to rid themselves of Jesus, they enlisted Judas, one of Jesus’ followers, for help. Matthew 26:48-49 records it. “The betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him” (NIV).  A kiss of death has also been called a Judas kiss.

Not every kiss of death ends in permanent harm.

Although Jesus died on the cross, He arose from the dead on the third day. His death and resurrection conquered sin and death. All who place their faith in Jesus also receive victory over sin and death. That’s the message of Easter. Jesus offers everyone a fresh start, a new beginning.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6 NIV).

Thanks to Terrie Wilson for the suggestion. Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash

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A Fine Kettle of Fish

A Fine Kettle of Fish

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A Fine Kettle of Fish--An iron kettle filled with fish boiling over an open fireWhether we know it or not, we have all probably ended up in a fine kettle of fish. Life gets messy, and we suffer as a result.

A fine kettle of fish means a difficult situation.

It may be:

  • Awkward
  • Worrisome
  • Frustrating
  • Puzzling
  • Confusing
  • Unpleasant

A pretty kettle of fish means the same.

A fine kettle of fish applies to a variety of circumstances.

A few examples include:

  • Special plans suddenly fall apart.
  • People who dislike one another must work together.
  • Car trouble occurs in the middle of a long trip.
  • Unexpected bills exceed a family’s ability to pay.

This expression probably originated from a Scottish custom.

According to The Free Dictionary, a riverside picnic was called a kettle of fish. Freshly caught salmon were boiled in a kettle over an open fire. The picnics were messy, because everyone ate out of their hands.

People later applied the expression to other messy situations.

When we end up in a fine kettle of fish, we don’t have to stay there.

Our messes may be blessings in disguise. Look for the opportunities they offer.

When possible, let’s turn our messes into ministry.

We often learn the most from our hardest circumstances. In the process, we:

  • Grow stronger.
  • Discover new and better ways to live.
  • Learn how to help others who encounter similar problems.

“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV).

Image by shumkovpro from Pixabay. Thanks to Laurel Blevins and Karen Hart 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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