Month: January 2026

Wait for God. Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again. Wait for God. Psalm 27:14 The Message

This past week most of us have adopted the wait and see attitude concerning the threat of ice and snow for our area. The meteorologists are having a field day with all this information, and whether they are right or wrong, most of us just have to wait and see if it affects us.

In the early years of my teaching career, the technology of predicting storms was not nearly so sophisticated, so teachers and students had to wait until the morning of a school day to find out whether or not we got a “snow day” at home. It was always a surprise!

The first year of our marriage, Randy and I lived in the upstairs apartment of an old home in Decatur, Georgia while Randy attended Emory University and I taught near by. In January of 1973, a major ice storm hit Atlanta producing some four inches of ice, and we were two of the 300,000 without power.

The storm hit on a Saturday, so Randy suggested that we hop in his VW and set out on an adventure. When I asked “Where will we go on these icy roads,” he replied, “Wait and see!” There was obviously no one else on the road, so we ended up a little while later at Lookout Mountain Park in Tennessee. Not surprisingly, the park was closed, but not to be deterred, Randy was determined that we should get in. He found a six foot wall that looked easy to get over, hoisted me over first, and then he joined me on the other side.

We toured the park on our own! The battle above the clouds was fought here during the Civil War, and we walked in the ice as I listened while Randy described each detail of the battle. There were cannons, statues, historical markers, and monuments. The view of Chattanooga from above in the snow was breath taking. At the end of our adventures, I asked, “Do you think we can we make it home?” Randy replied, “Well, I guess we will have to wait and see!’

A wait and see attitude is defined as a situation in which one is not sure and decides to wait before taking action. It is pretty hard for most of us to wait and see these days. We simply don’t have the patience to sit around and wait for answers to the problems or situations that are weighing heavily on us. We want a resolution, and we want it now!

During the wait and see times of our lives, God uses these periods to build character, strengthen faith, and align us with His perfect timing. He works behind the scenes rather than acting immediately, but while we are waiting to see what happens, He provides us with peace in place of anxiety and a promise that those who wait won’t be disappointed.

The scripture above assures us that those who wait patiently and don’t act hastily will not be disappointed. He works behind the scenes to renew our strength, and He uses this time to help us mature in our faith. To wait and see is not a waste, but rather a time to prepare for what He has planned.

Years ago in Scotland, the Clark family had a dream! Clark and his wife had worked and saved for years to fulfill their dream of taking their nine children with them on a trip to the United States. The time had come, and they had their passports and reservations on a new ocean liner headed to the U.S.

They were so filled with anticipation and excitement; however, seven days before their departure, their youngest son was bitten by a dog. The doctor stitched up the boy, but he hung a yellow sign on their front door as he left. Because of the possibility of rabies, the family was quarantined for fourteen days. They would not be able to make their dream trip.

The father filled with rage and disappointment went to the dock and watched the ship sail without them while shedding tears of anger. He cursed his son and God for this misfortune.

Five days later, the tragic news spread through Scotland – the mighty Titanic had sunk taking hundreds of lives with it. The Clark family would have been passengers on this voyage. The things that sometimes seem hard to bear can turn out to be a blessing.

When we wait and see there are blessings in our patience. When the Holy Spirit guides our lives, the blessings of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control will be evident in our lives! Wait and see!

It appears the meteorologists got close this time!!

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint. Proverbs 17:27

This past week, Randy and I met another couple in a restaurant for lunch. As usual, the place was crowded and of course, loud!. When we sat down in our booth, I was immediately aware of the two men who were having a conversation behind us. I was aware because one of them was very loud, and he controlled almost all of the conversation!

I quickly deduced that this was a business, probably job interview, meeting because one man asked a question and for the next ten minutes, the other guy answered. He was not able to answer in a few words!

My mind went back to my high school days, my English teacher, and my time on the declamation team there. A declamation is a formal rhetorical speech or recitation usually memorized and delivered with dramatic passion and flair. The goal of the speech is to passionately express ideas and to persuade the audience to connect with your message. We were judged on the delivery of the message and the content.

As a presenter, we got one minute to introduce the work, the author, and the circumstances under which the work was written. When the actual speech began, we were allowed five to seven minutes to deliver around 650 to 800 words. The pace of the speech had to be adjusted according to the presenter.

I figured that this guy in the booth behind me must have spoken at least 1600 to 2000 words just to answer one question! Not only did he lose me, but I’m pretty sure he lost the interviewer as well!

We’ve all been a part of a conversation or presentation where one person seems to take over and dominate. It can be frustrating to those involved because there’s the issue of trying to be polite while finding yourself and others totally manipulated by the person speaking. One almost wants to ring a bell and call “time out”!

There’s a lot of merit in being able to express ones self using a few words. Jesus knew the value of being a man of few words. He taught with powerful, concise words often using short commands or memorable phrases such as “Follow Me”. He got His message across using parables, storytelling, miracles, or asking questions of His followers. He told of God’s love through His actions and experiences. The crowd was always engaged.

With only a few words, Jesus could speak with a quiet gentleness or with an authority that thundered in its confidence. He took the deaf and mute man from the crowd, touched his ears and tongue, and with two words, “Be opened”, He brought healing. Jarirus’s daughter heard the voice of Jesus call her back to the living with two gentle words, “Arise child.” From the cross, Jesus raised His voice and uttered three words, “It is finished.” These few words still ring down to us today.

Modern day has its own share of men and women of a few words. Martin Luther King was a man of few words, and we remember the few words today from his speech, “I Have a Dream”! We remember John F.Kennedy’s few words where he challenged each American to”Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

Oprah Winfrey used a few words when she said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” Amelia Earhart said, “Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” We can learn just as much or more from those we know who are adept at being a person of a few words.

Being a person of a few words offers benefits such as an increased impact, deeper listening, and perceived wisdom because concise communication often signals thoughtfulness and confidence preventing misunderstandings and making listeners more receptive to valuable contributions.

There are so many phrases of a few words that offer just what we need to hear sometimes. For example, I love you; I forgive you; Congratulations;Thank you; You did a great job; Thank you for your service; This too shall pass; God is with you; God bless you; I miss you; I am praying for you; God has this; Get well soon; I’m here for you; I’m so proud of you; and You don’t have to do this alone; just to name a few.

The hymn Wonderful Words of Life by P.P. Bliss conveys the message of the power of words in a few words. Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life. Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life. Words of life and beauty; teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.

This week offers each of us the opportunity to tell others what they need to hear in a few words.

Don’t panic. I am with you. There is no reason to fear for I am your God. I’ll give you strength. I‘ll help you. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10 from The Message

This past week has been a football fan’s dream! Not only, did we have some exciting college games, but the pro games as well. If you know us, you know that this house yells, “Go Dawgs,” but, ironically, we find that these days, the majority of our family now yells, “Hotty Toddy!”

The University of Mississippi football team has weathered a lot this year, and most folks can’t help but admire the strength they have shown during their uncertain times. The players, coaches, and fans were caught off guard when their head coach accepted another position right before football playoffs.

The good news is that this team became an example of how we can turn uncertainty into strength. Rather than throw in the towel, the players bonded togehter, the other coaches stayed to see the team through the rest of their exciting season, and the fans have shown enormous support.

Although their season ended with the close loss to Miami, they have remained strong, committed, and supportive of each other. The quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss, is a strong Christian, and he stated “As Christians, this is how we are called to be, not just in the victories, but in the defeats. It’s not just about putting our arms around each other, it’s also about allowing someone to give us that support without flinching.” It’s about turning the uncertainties in life into strength.

It is impossible to go through life without uncertainties. When we are uncertain about something, we aren’t confident or sure of it. These can be things that are undecided, unknown, or doubtful in some way. If we aren’t certain, it’s usually an uncertainty.

We’ve all been in situations akin to the Ole Miss Rebels. There’s the uncertainty of the consequences of a bad choice, the uncertainty of a j0b loss or financial pressures, the uncertainty of why bad things happen to good people, the uncertainty of a dilemma we didn’t plan, the uncertainty of planning care for a loved one, or the uncertainty of not having anyone you can lean on, just to name a few.

These uncertainties in life sometimes allow us to forget our God given strengths and just say, “I’m done!’ The best news is that God replies to us, “Good, now I can begin.” He begins by offering reassurance, His presence and strength, and HIs support during times of fear and adversity.

In the above verse from Isaiah, God promises five things to those who face uncertainties. First, He says I am with you, and that promise is His personal, constant presence removing the need to fear loneliness or abandonment.

Next, He says, I am your God, and that promise emphasizes a special covenant or relationship which assures us of His personal care and ownership.

His third promise says, I will strengthen you. God promises to provide us with an inner fortitude and courage, and the ability to overcome difficulties and prevail.

He says, I will help you. He promises divine assistance and intervention to help His people at their point of greatest need.

Finally, He promises to uphold us with His righteous right hand. God is reminding us that He offers us powerful, just, and faithful support by holding us up and not allowing us to fall.

In this game of life as in the Ole Miss situation, there are victories and losses, ups and downs, good times and bad, and times to celebrate and times to mourn. Rather than leaving the field after the loss, the team stood shoulder to shoulder as their coach praised them all for their resolve, loyalty, accountability, pride and identity. A time that began with uncertainty began a time of strength. It can be that way for us as well.

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm in your life and give you strength to make it. copied

May the God of peace, who brought again our Lord Jesus from the dead, equip you with all you need to do His will. Hebrews 13:20

Today we are five days into the New Year of 2026! We are on a new adventure, and every day will bring something new. The very essence of an adventure is that we don’t know what’s going to happen, so how can we possibly be prepared or equipped for it?

A wise person once said, “Life is a continuous process of getting used to things we hadn’t expected!” Sometimes we find ourselves in predicaments without an apparent answer. We have problems with no apparent solution. We are on an adventure, and we realize it when we are not equipped to handle it!

When we are ill-equipped, we don’t have the necessary skills, qualities, resources, or equipment for a particular task or situation. Essentially, we are unprepared or inadequate to handle whatever it is.

Randy and I were fortunate to spend some time last week with some friends at their lake house. We came prepaared for everything we thought we would need on our adventure; however, we learned that one isn’t always as prepared as you think you are!

It was New Year’s Day 2026, when we loaded up Randy’s truck to set out on our adventure. Everyone was ready, and we piled into our respective vehicles. Randy got in, pressed the start button on the truck, and there was no response. He realized he didn’t have the key fob, so he went in to retrieve it! After an exhaustive search ( which included everyone looking through everything), we realized we were ill-prepared to remedy this situation at this time.

We finally transferred all of the items, to another vehicle and went on our way, but everyone was obsessed with how to get that truck started without a fob. Improvisation is part of the adventure, so we began to do just that! When we are ill-equipped for whatever happens, and we improvise, we are making the best of whatever situation with what we have!

Should we have brought our spare fob? Yes, but we didn’t. Should we have it towed to a dealership? No, too much money. Should we go home and get the fob and drive back? Yes and no, but only if it is the last resort. The final decision was since we had three cars that would crank, we would take the paper work to the Ford dealership the next day and have them help. Improvisation for folks who were ill-equipped.

As we were settling down for the Sugar Bowl, Randy left to change clothes, and when he came back, he had found the fob in one of his pockets. Problem solved, and we watched a great game even though we were ill-equipped for the ending, but that’s another story!

Our story is a minor irritation compared to those of us who have experienced instances of being so ill-equipped for the situations facing us. This past year, there are those of us who have suffered the loss of loved ones, those who feel the helplessness which comes with the sickness of a child, those who deal with the everyday stress of sickness, and those of us who feel lonely and abandoned.

God offers us a new year in which we can feel our strength being renewed as God prepares us to mount up and soar into new dimensions of His love and His plans for us. We are assured that we can walk in bold faith into this new year with God by our side. God has taught us a lot about how to handle blessings as well as trials.

The Bible says a lot about planning- when we can. Yet, on the other hand, we must be flexible and spontaneous because life has many surprises to which we must adjust. There are times when we find ourselves ill-prepared for the predicaments, tragedies, loss, sorrow, sickness, and heartache which seems to have no answer. Yet, with God’s help the answers come as long as we do not give up and keep trusting Him.

This new year brings a new beginning, and a new time to reflect on things we gained from the last year. Hopefully, many of us have grown and learned through the blessings and the trials.

Our scripture tells us that God will equip those of us who feel ill-equipped if we will just be patient and do His will.

O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come; Our shelter from the stormy blast, and Our eternal home. Under the shadow of Your throne, Your saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is thine arm alone, and Our defense is sure. Issac Watts