Browsed by
Tag: wisdom

Stinking Thinking

Stinking Thinking

Stinking Thinking-skunk behind a logJust as we avoid a skunk’s stinking spray, we want to avoid stinking thinking. We accomplish nothing when we focus on messages like:

  • Woe is me.
  • I’m awful.
  • You’re awful.
  • The whole world is awful.
  • Life is awful.
  • Nothing will ever get better.

Do you see a pattern here?

Stinking thinking means negative thinking.

We see only the wrong, never the right. Everything and everyone ruffle our feathers.

Rather than happy-go-lucky we remain:

Focused on problems, our outlook grows progressively worse.

*Stinking thinking can lead to emotional problems.

After long stretches of negative self-talk, we have a tough time changing. Our thinking, feelings, and actions grow worse. As our stress level increases, tolerance decreases.

God offers a better life.

The one and only God who created the world created us. God also:

  • Loves us
  • Has a special plan for us
  • Forgives us when we repent of our wrongs
  • Gives eternal life and a home in heaven to all who follow Jesus

That should give us a positive outlook on life. Don’t you agree?

“Their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21 NIV).

Thanks to Becky Nash Rowe for the suggestion. Photo by Jack Bulmer on Pexels.

Do you have other examples of stinking thinking or 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.

*Seek professional help if needed to overcome extreme negative thought patterns.

Feet of Clay

Feet of Clay

Feet of Clay--two clay feetHow often do we admire people and think they can do no wrong? Yet, we eventually learn they have feet of clay.

Feet of clay means a failure or weakness.

We have faults. Our heroes have faults. No matter how hard we try to be perfect, everyone falls short of perfection.

This idiom originated in the Bible.

Daniel 2 tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and a dream he could not understand. God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, one of the king’s captives. In the dream, a statue had:

  • A head of gold
  • A body of silver, bronze, and iron
  • Feet of iron and clay

A large rock hit the feet, and the statue crumbled.

Daniel told the king his dream meant the Babylonian kingdom would fall. However, God’s kingdom would last forever.

Because we have feet of clay, we find hope only in our Creator.

If we rely on ourselves, we fall flat. However, God’s strength and guidance enable us to stand firm. Like Daniel, may we faithfully follow the one and only true God.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his” (Daniel 2:20 NIV).

Thanks to Meghan Bowker, editor of Missions Mosaic magazine, for the idea. Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Saddle Up

Saddle Up

Saddle Up--rider mounting a saddled horseBefore we ride a horse, we usually saddle up. We put the saddle on the horse. Sometimes for competition. Other times for a leisurely ride.

A few people ride bareback, but most of us prefer the comfort and control a saddle gives.

Saddle up means to get ready.

Before we begin any activity, we plan what we need to do and the best way to do it. Then we are good to go.

Even with the best of plans, we all make mistakes. However, when that happens, we get back on the horse and keep going.

Failure to saddle up hurts everyone.

Proper planning results in greater opportunities for success. Lack of preparation leads to disappointment and defeat.

Prepare for life’s greatest ride.

If we join a trail ride, a leader often calls out, “Saddle up. Let’s ride.” Everyone gets ready. No one wants to be left behind.

God extends opportunities for this life plus life in heaven. Let’s get ready for both.

Saddle up. Let’s ride!

“Abraham … saddled his donkey… and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3 ESV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion and to Chelsey Stone for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase

Wild Goose Chase--geese in flight formationI have gone on a few wild goose chases. How about you?

A wild goose chase means a pursuit certain to fail.

We waste our time when we chase the impossible. Although a hopeless effort, we try anyway.

The earliest meaning of wild goose chase differs from today’s.

According to The Free Dictionary, “This idiom originally referred to a form of 16th-century horseracing.” It required riders “to follow a leader in a particular formation.” The horses mimicked a flock of geese in flight.

 We love to watch wild geese in flight.

However, we will probably never be able to catch them.

Likewise, we love to dream big dreams.

Seemingly impossible dreams may be possible. More often, we must accept our limits. If we ignore reality, our goose is cooked.

A wild goose chase differs from a God-sized dream.

Both challenge us.

  • A wild goose chase takes us nowhere.
  • A God-sized dream leads us beyond our wildest imagination.

May God, who created the birds of the air, guide us in the dreams we chase.

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense” (Proverbs 12:11 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Cruising for a Bruising

Cruising for a Bruising

Cruising for a Bruising--wrecked car against a treeIf we drive a car too fast, we are cruising for a bruising. Possible results include:

  • A speeding ticket
  • A wreck
  • Injury or death

Cruising for a bruising means headed for trouble.

Our behavior works against us.

  • Parents, teachers, or others in authority punish us.
  • People we insult or bully injure us.
  • Natural or logical consequences cause temporary or permanent pain.

Cruising for a bruising hurts in several ways.

  • Physical: Actual bruises or other injuries to our bodies
  • Emotional: Conflicts or losses
  • Spiritual: Lack of or a poor relationship with God
  • Financial: Reduction or total loss of economic resources
  • Mental: Decreased abilities

Many people shorten this expression to cruisin for a bruisin.

However we say it, the meaning remains the same. We suffer the costs of the trouble we pursue. If we don’t straighten up and fly right, we must face the music.

God forgives when we repent of our misbehavior.

We receive a new beginning, a fresh start. However, we must choose. Do we want to keep cruising for a bruising or turn to Jesus for healing and eternal life?

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19 NIV).

Thanks to Laura Leathers and the ladies in her Women on Mission group for the suggestion. Image by Rico Löb from Pixabay

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Fruit of Your Labor

Fruit of Your Labor

Fruit of Your Labor--flower and vegetable garden with orchard in backgroundMy dad’s garden and orchard fed our family plus dozens of others. He spent years growing food and flowers as a labor of love. Dad also understood what it means to enjoy the fruit of your labor.

The fruit of your labor means the reward for your work.

Your efforts pay off. Because you refuse to give up, you bear fruit.

Long hours and hard work make you appreciate the fruit of your labor.

  • Farmers harvest their crops.
  • Gardeners enjoy vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
  • Students celebrate graduation.
  • Business owners enjoy profits.

You benefit from your investment of:

  • Time
  • Money
  • Muscle (mental or physical)

The harder the work the more enjoyable the fruit of your labor.

Life may give you long rows to hoe. However, you usually reap what you sow. Greater efforts result in greater rewards.

Make relationships your most important investment.

According to the Bible, the greatest commandments are to love God and love one another. The best fruit does not result from a focus on self. Rather, it grows from love and service.

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours” (Psalm 128:1-2 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in It

Wouldn’t be Caught Dead in It

Wouldn't be Caught Dead in It--puppy in Christmas sweaterWhen we see an ugly Christmas sweater, we might say we wouldn’t be caught dead in it. However, cute puppies can wear whatever they want, including ugly sweaters, and still look cute.

Wouldn’t be caught dead in it refers to at least two possibilities.

  1. Clothing
  2. Places

We don’t always agree on clothing choices.

Styles come and go. However, some of us choose to wear what we like regardless of the latest trend. That includes our favorite Christmas sweaters, shirts, or jackets.

Likewise, we may love places other people would never go.

That holds true for:

  • Expensive versus inexpensive stores
  • Gourmet versus fast food restaurants
  • Resorts versus camping trips
  • High priced versus third world countries

Many of us wouldn’t be caught dead in Jesus’ circumstances on earth.

The creator of the world:

  • Was born to a poor family
  • Slept in a feeding trough
  • Received little respect from the high and mighty
  • Died on a criminal’s cross
  • Was buried in a borrowed tomb

Yet, Jesus offers the world an eternal home in heaven.

Jesus walked out of that borrowed tomb, victorious over sin and death. If we follow Jesus, we share that victory. Because of His humble life on earth, we can look forward to the glory of heaven

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7 NIV).

 Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion. Image by Christiana from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

In the Wings

In the Wings

In the Wings--girl in angel wings walking forwardBefore little angels appear in Christmas performances, they wait in the wings. They stay off stage, ready to make their entrance.

In the wings means ready to do something.

Resources, people or other, remain available to help. They prepare to act at a moment’s notice. However, they linger in the background until needed.

The expression has an acting origin.

According to The Free Dictionary, “In a theatre, the wings are the hidden areas to the left and right of a stage, where the actors wait before going on to the stage.”

People may remain in the wings for several reasons.

In addition to general help, they may wait to:

  • Replace someone.
  • Make information public.
  • Offer special services.

At Christmas, we remember that Jesus waited in the wings before coming to earth.

He remained ready to appear, God’s light to the world. Yet, He waited for the right:

  • Time
  • Place
  • Plan

May we follow Jesus’ example by responding:

  • When God calls
  • Where God leads
  • According to God’s purpose

Whether we wait in the wings or step out to follow, we receive what we need under God’s wings,

“When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4 NIV).

Thanks to Cathy Chinn for the suggestion Photo by Ksenia Chernaya with Pexels.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? 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.

Have Something Up Your Sleeve

Have Something Up Your Sleeve

Have Something Up Your Sleeve--hand with ace of diamonds sticking out of sleeveHave you ever had someone say you have something up your sleeve? Or maybe that you always have something up your sleeve?

To have something up your sleeve means you have a secret plan.

That hidden goal will work to your advantage. It remains ready for use at the right time.

This phrase often relates to cheating while playing cards.

You hide a card, often an ace, up your sleeve. When you need it, you play it.

According to The Free Dictionary, this expression “dates at least from the sixteenth century, when clothes generally had no pockets, and sleeves were a usual storage place.”

You may have something up your sleeve other than cards.

Secret plans often exist in:

  • Business schemes
  • Legal tactics
  • Military maneuvers

You keep people in the dark. Most relationships hold potential for such secret moves.

Rather than have something up your sleeve, why not stay honest and open?

When you plot against one another, everyone loses. Instead, roll up your sleeves and work together. If you must keep secrets, be sure they help rather than hurt.

“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence” (Psalm 90:8 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion.

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

In the Thick of It--He Meant You to be You book coverSubscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.” Congratulations to Karen Radjunas, whose name was randomly drawn from my mailing list for a free copy of J.J. LeVan’s book, He Meant You to Be You

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