Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts.  When I think of nuts and bolts, I usually think of the phrase something like "it's the nuts and bolts of ......"  Kind of like, knowing something from the inside out - the way things work.  The details....

In the past, I have resisted detail.  I have tended to get impatient with detail.  Like, writing down what I eat today, in order to lose weight?

Like recording a ATM receipt into my checkbook.....  Knowing the general location of where we are going for an event, but neglecting to find out the exact house number or specific place I need to be.....

What got me thinking about nuts and bolts?

Brian and I have a business, Lincoln Pavement Services.  One of the services we provide is traffic sign installation.  This includes Handicap signs and Stop signs etc.,  in parking lots too.  When the guys install the parking lot signs, they use nuts and bolts to hold the sign to the sign post.   It is winter - time to restock supplies.  Take a look at what has taken up residence in our home over the past week. 




Nuts and bolts that our kids put together for a penny a piece.



There must have been more than 1000!

The complete set of nut, washer and bolt.

What it looks like before it is assembled.

Each box holds 100 (and there were more!)

According to UsingEnglish.com  the following is the Idiom Definitions for 'Nuts and bolts'

The nuts and bolts are the

most essential components

of something.

 Answer.com



Q.   What does nuts and bolts of any topic mean?

A.  The basics how-to's.

Last night, in an attempt to get these things finished, I sat down with James and Madison and we formed an assembly line.  Madison stood the nut up on end.  James put the washer on the nut and I screwed the bolt in place, completing the whole "nut and bolt".  In a matter of 20 minutes, we cranked out 160 sets! So James and Madison earned 75 cents each in 20 minutes time.  And we had fun!  Sitting side by side, working together.  Meanwhile, Corina was helping Daddy fold a load of laundry at the kitchen table.


I am going to do some praying and waiting on God for his lesson in this nut and bolt thing.  Not sure what He wants to show me, but I am thinking it will be good. 


Maybe something like:  The nuts and bolts of family life - working together to achieve a peaceful home environment.  Hmmmm.  Sounds lovely.  I wish I could say that that little 20 minute snapshot was more common in my home- but it is not.  My kids have tended to resist chores....I guess like many kids.


Or could it be something related to home organization and management, since that is what I have been working on.


Or steps to weight loss. 


Or I guess I will wait and see.  Lord, show me what you have for us - show us what How To's you have for us to learn, or what Most Essential Component of something you have to instill in us.


Could it be related to the dining table?  I read last night on homemakersbychoice.org the idea that the kitchen table where our family eats together could be referred to as the center of the universe.  Hmmm. 


Teach me Lord!