Roger Meyer

One proverb I read early in life was titled, “For Want of a Nail.” It shows the difference a little thing can make. A little thing can make the difference between life and death!

Numerous stories, proverbs, and wise sayings teach that small things can bring serious consequences. There are various versions of the “For Want of a Nail” proverb, but a basic version is as follows:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For want of a horse the rider was lost.

On Saturday, January 13, Hawaiian residents received the warning on their phones: “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.” Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency sent this false alarm in error when someone “pushed the wrong button.” Nevertheless, it caused widespread fear and panic!

Imagine yourself receiving a similar message! What would you do?

The expression “by the book” is an English idiom that means to exactly follow the rules and regulations; to follow given directions explicitly, without deviation, or to act in an officially approved manner.

Some think the expression originally referred to the Bible, the well known book from ancient times. This certainly makes sense, as the God of the Bible required His people to exactly follow His commands.

The tiniest spark of fire can grow quickly into a raging inferno, consuming thousands of acres of forest or whole blocks of buildings. Likewise, a few ill-spoken words can escalate into a quarrel or all-out brawl, damaging a person, a family, or a business.

Many people love the Christmas holiday, with its decorations, cookies, treats and parties. Some recognize that these trappings have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, most of the observance is a lie.

Dozens of Christmas stories and Hollywood movies about Christmas concern magic characters, magic trees, magic ornaments or magic stockings. Frosty the Snowman “comes to life” when a magic hat is placed on his head. The magical Santa Claus character has the supernatural power to know if children have been “naughty or nice.” Both are big, fat, jolly lies!