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In a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

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In a Nutshell--a cluster of pecansNot much fits in a nutshell.

Look at the size of pecans, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, or any other nut. Little fits in the shell other than a nut.

Few written words would fit in a nutshell. Therefore, when we ask for information in a nutshell, we want that information:

  • Short
  • Simple
  • Easy to understand

In a Nutshell 3--shelled nutsWe find the most important part in a nutshell.

The shell is useful. Yet, most of us throw away an empty shell. We want the best – that little bit of nut inside.

The same is true for our words. Why use 50 words when we can say what matters most with five? We want the main point – the bottom line.

Too many words put us to sleep or make us tired. If we don’t need them, why use them?

Of course, we sometimes want more detail.

  • We read or talk for fun.
  • We need to learn all we can about a subject.
  • A small amount of information makes us desire more.

Jesus’ message to the world, in a nutshell, is:

  • Love God.
  • Love one another.

To learn more about that message, we read the Bible.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27 NIV).

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

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Music to My Ears

Music to My Ears

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Music to My EarsRain on a tin roof sounds like music to my ears. So do waterfalls and ocean waves. Water from each of those refreshes the earth. Their sounds refresh my soul.

What sounds like music to your ears?

• A child’s laughter?
• A teacher’s praise?
• A loved one’s voice?

Like beautiful music, they fill us with joy.

If we long for those sounds, why don’t we create them more often?

• Give a child or adult a reason to laugh.
• Praise others when they do well.
• Speak words of love.

At the same time, let’s avoid harmful sounds.

• Abusive language and actions
• Gossip
• Words of hatred

In a world filled with negatives, let’s offer something positive. May our words, actions, and attitudes fill the hearts of everyone we meet with the sound of music.

“I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin” (Psalm 39:1 NIV).

What sounds like music to your ears? Please comment below.

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A Little Bird Told Me

A Little Bird Told Me

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A Little Bird Told MeWhen people don’t want to reveal their source of information, they may say, “A little bird told me.”

Sometimes they share positive news that gives the listener joy. At other times, their negative words cause great pain.

The information source may never be known. Yet, with modern technology, the origin can usually be found. We hear and read daily of politicians, entertainers, and even working class people who get embarrassed by what they have said or done. They didn’t think anyone heard or saw them. They were wrong.

If we don’t want our words repeated, we’d better not say them.

If we don’t want our actions shown, we’d better not do them. Who knows what little bird may be listening or watching, waiting to reveal what we say and do.

“Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” (Ecclesiastes 10:20 NIV).

Thanks to all who suggested this and other expressions. Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

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