Silk Purses & Sow's Ear

The List

2011-11-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

It wasn’t an unreasonable list. Thomas had asked for only three things - digital luggage scales that could weigh up to 80 pounds, green sauce from Dee’s Burritos and for his dad to help him rig a turkey fryer. Although I have to admit the request to rig a turkey fryer was a little worrisome, the list was doable.

The green sauce was easy. J.B. stopped by Dee’s Burritos in Snyder and ordered a quart of green sauce. The digital luggage scales took more than half a day and a tank of gas to find, but the end of the day we had luggage scales in hand. J.B. and I decided that rigging a turkey fryer wasn’t such a good idea and Academy Sports had them for $49.99. Let’s see - possible explosion and maiming or spending the fifty bucks?

Buying the items on the list was easy; figuring out how to get everything to Italy along with all of the necessary items for a three week vacation was a little more challenging. The luggage scales were no problem; stuff them in the side pocket of the suitcase. How to package the green sauce was a little more troublesome, but after careful consideration and much discussion about whether or not a container of green sauce would explode mid-flight, we decided that a plastic work thermos would do the trick; dump the sauce in, screw the lid on tight, wrap it with duct tape to prevent oozing and put the thermos in a plastic bag.

It was the turkey fryer that got us into trouble. Being the smart girl that I am, I called American and found out that an extra bag would be $60, which seemed reasonable to me. But, J.B. being the tight wad that he is, held on to the belief that there was a cheaper way to get it there. Ok, whatever. First stop was FedEx. Want to guess how much it cost to FedEx a turkey fryer to Italy? The going price for shipping a $50 dollar turkey fryer to Italy is $400! That wasn’t going to happen. Second thought – U.S. Postal Service; the price was right, but it was over the weight limit and there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in July that it would get there before Turkey day. Third thought – admit that there comes a time when some things aren’t worth the trouble and effort and return the turkey fryer. Returning the turkey fryer made the most sense, so back to Academy it went.

By Sunday night J.B. was rethinking the turkey fryer and was willing to pay the extra $60 luggage fee. Why he had to change his mind after he left San Antonio where he had a turkey fryer in hand is beyond me. Finding a replacement fryer in small town West Texas proved somewhat more difficult than finding one in San Antonio, but when J.B. left Texas he left with one large duffle bag, a turkey fryer box with green sauce and burritos (a last minute addition) stuffed inside the cooking pot of the turkey fryer, a back pack and a small carry-on bag. The things we do…

Thomas’ original request and I dare say expectation was simple; help him rig a turkey fryer. He did not ask his dad to buy one and figure out how to get it to Italy. J.B. and I were the ones that came up with the idea, complicated things and wasted a lot of time trying to make something happen that wasn’t asked of us in the first place. The turkey fryer escapade reminds of how we complicate things with God. God’s list, much like Thomas’ is simple. God’s expectation of us is to love Him with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind. While we don’t always understand or believe that what God expects of us is simple and doable, it is comforting to know that God really doesn’t need much from us to accomplish His plan for our life.

I Owe You Two Pennies

2011-09-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Clerk (as she closed the register): I owe you two pennies.
Me: Don’t worry about it (as I look behind me and see six people in line and only one register open).
Clerk: But, I owe you two pennies.
Me (with a look of kind assurance): No, really, don’t worry about it.

I didn’t give that conversation a second thought; until a couple of days later when I read that “66% of U.S. pennies in circulation somehow get lost and never make it back to the central bank (Gregory G. Wood, California State University, Channel Islands). Sounds like no big deal until you learn that by most estimates, there are over 200 billion pennies in circulation. Just in case you haven’t already taken the time to do the math; 66% of 200,000,000,000 is 132,000,000,000 lost pennies. Those lost pennies have a monetary value of $1,320,000,000. I’m seriously reconsidering my “don’t worry about it.”

I know that I’ve lost or hoarded my fair share of those little copper circles. I have some in my change box. I’ve sucked unknown quantities up in the vacuum cleaner. I’ve also dismissed them as insignificant and have let a store add them to their coffers. I suspect that I’m not alone in my undervalued estimate of power of pennies.

When the boys were little we saved loose change; including pennies throughout the year. Whatever change they were able to save was their “free spending money.” Every summer, a week or so before we left for our annual beach trip, we’d spend hours rolling coins. I guess what we were really doing was getting them ready to be returned to circulation. When we first started rolling the coins, it never seemed like there would be enough to split three ways; but it never failed that each one usually pocketed $35-$40 for their trip. The coin box never looked like much, but it always ended up being something more than what was expected.

Have you ever considered what the life of a penny would feel like? Stop and think about it for a minute. Pennies are dropped, sucked up, run over, ignored, flattened in token machines, tossed into a forgotten boxes, thrown away and some are even dropped into slot machines in hopes that something bigger will be gained.

There are times in life when we are a penny; ignored, flattened, tossed, smashed and forgotten. But, unlike pennies, we are returned to circulation through the redemptive grace of God.

Find a penny. Pick it up. Spend it. Put it back into circulation and remember the goodness of God’s grace in our lives.

2011-08-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

The name “Hawkeye” no longer conjures up images of the immortal M*A*S*H character or the University of Iowa football team. This week Facebook, Twitter and the on-line news sites have redefined our image of Hawkeye with the photo of, Jon Tumilson’s loyal Labrador.

Tumilson was one of 30 American troops killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6^th of this year. Family and friends weren’t surprised that Hawkeye attended Tumilson’s funeral; dog and owner had a special bond. Today.com reported that Hawkeye followed Scott Nichols down the aisle and “dutifully laid down near the casket.” A reported 1,500 mourners watched as Hawkeye ‘‘accompanied his master until the end.” The powerful photo showing Hawkeye lying beside Tumilson’s casket is heartbreaking and is without doubt, one that will be remembered for years to come. As I read the short news story that ran with the photo, the phrase “accompanying his master until the end” pierced my thoughts; Hawkeye’s action was compelling definition of loyalty

As i thought about the photo and story a simple question, but profound question rose from the deep recesses of my mind; “What would my picture of loyalty look like to my Master?” I’m afraid that my picture would be so fuzzy and out of focus that you wouldn’t even be able to tell it was me. I’m certainly no Hawkeye.

My friend, Bill Jones, proofed the first draft for me. His reply email included an “I love it,” but he also chastised me for not including “a strong quote from Scripture” in the first draft. So, I went searching and decided that the 13th chapter of Mark best fit what Bill wanted to add.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” —Mark 13:32-37

Allow me to use some creative authorship on the last lines. “…Therefore remain loyal – for you do not know when the master of the house will need you. It could be in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Don’t let him find you inattentive and wandering. Above all maintain your sense of loyalty.

You can read Hawkeye’s story at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44271018/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/dog-mourns-casket-fallen-navy-seal/.

How would you answer the question; “What would my picture of loyalty look like to my Master?”

When all is said and done and my final picture has been taken, I pray that the familiar words found in Matthew 25:23 are the picture of my life; "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'”

Rain for Ditches

2011-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the privilege to attend the Global Leadership Summit. The agenda included big name authors and speakers including Bill Hybels, Seth Goodin, Michelle Rhee, Patrick Lencioni and others. The last speaker on Thursday was Steven Furtick, a young pastor from Charlotte, North Carolina. I had already experienced several aha moments, but Steven’s talk really hit home with me.

I’ve been writing weekly reflections since 2007 and even before the madness of the summer and the move to San Antonio, I had struggled with coming up with new and uplifting ideas. In other words, I was experiencing a creative drought.

I’m not the only one to find myself in the middle of a drought. There are places in Texas that haven’t had rain in over a year. This drought is the worst of the decade and most old timers say it is the worst that they remember. Hundreds of thousands of acres have failed. A friend that works in the agriculture business says that this year’s crop is the most uniform crop that they’ve had in years because everything is brown. Weather forecasters don’t offer much hope of any measurable rain in the near future. The water situation is so dire, that lakes have dried up revealing remnant of Old Bluffton, an 1850’s era Texas community that flooded in 1937 with the opening of a damn.

Last Thursday, even though the temperatures soared into the triple digits, there was a 30% chance of rain for the San Antonio area. Now, 30% doesn’t sound like much, but there was a hope that rain would come. Unfortunately, San Antonio didn’t get rain, but I was spiritually rained on!

Furtick told the story of Elisha, the prophet (2 Kings 3:1-20). The quick version of the story goes like this: The kings of Israel, Edom and Judah set out to do battle with the Moabites. They set out and after marching for seven days, ran out of water. Of course, the initial response was panic but then they remember the prophet, Elisha. The kings reach out to Elisha. Elisha is insolent to the kings, but finally tells the kings what to do. He tells them, “dig ditch after ditch” so that the valley can be filled with water.”

I can only imagine the kings’ responses and questions! How could digging a ditch possibly bring water that was so desperately needed? Because it is in the ditch that hope comes. I was already inspired by Furtick’s message, but it was this line that brought the rain; “If you will dig the ditches, God will send the rain.” What a refreshing reminder that “faith is the reality of what is hoped for, and the proof of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

It was difficult to admit that I hadn’t been digging any ditches lately. So, I found a scrap of paper and started writing. I started the ditch and the rain came.

“God doesn’t call you to have the faith to finish. He calls you to have the faith to get started.”

- Steven Furtick

Copyright©2011 Judith Bell

Game of Life

2011-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Phase 10 is one of my favorite card games. It is described as “a rummy type card game with a challenging and exciting twist.” The challenge is to be the first person to complete the ten phases. The twist is that each has specific requirements (i.e., 2 sets of 3 or 1 set of 3 and a run of 4) that must be completed before a player can move on to the next phase. It is a lot of fun and no matter who plays there is always a lot of laughter, some expressions of frustrations, some mild and not so mild accusations, and more than a few choice words! (And yes, I am usually the most competitive player of the group.) Although the premise of the games stays the same; the rules vary depending on the group with whom you play.

Sounds a lot like life doesn’t it? How are you moving through the phases of your life? Are you laughing? Are you expressing frustration? Are you making accusations? Are you using a few choice words because of your circumstance?

Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes reminds us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity. As we move through the phases of life, it is important to remember that our timing and God’s timing might be in different time zones! Solomon writes: “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Consider the phases of your life and what God’s plans for you hold. Take time to read the following passages of Scripture:
• Psalm 40:5
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Ephesians 2:10
• Philippians 2:13

Life is a journey. Life is a book with many volumes. Life is a game of many phases. Life is continuous seasons. Life is a play with different acts on different stages. Life is what you make it. During the phases of your life be sure to make time for God. How? Love God and love others. Establish your priorities. Engage in activities that fill your heart and bring you joy. Live freely. Enjoy the challenge; making sure that you avoid the twists! There is always adventure in the next phase. Play the game!

Copyright©2011 Judith Bell

You Can't Always Get What You Want

2011-05-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

The presumptuousness of people never ceases to amaze me. One of the hottest sports stories this week is the Carolina Panther’s rookie, Cam Newton’s, wish to wear the No. 2 jersey that is currently in the possession of Jimmy Clausen. I seem to remember something about possession being nine tenths of the law. I wonder why Cam can’t be satisfied with being one of the most highly recruited college players of the year.

I’ve been obstinate a time or two in my life, but probably one of the most obstinate maneuvers I ever employed was refusing to go to school in the fourth grade. That was the year that Mrs. McGinnis, my favorite teacher at Avondale Elementary School, started teaching fourth grade and I wasn’t assigned to her classroom. All of you who have been on the receiving end of my sometimes obstinate behavior can blame my parents because they caved and petitioned to have me moved from Mrs. Harpole’s class to Mrs. McGinnis’ class. In the end, I got what I wanted.

I could have retired and bought my own island if I had a dollar for every time I have uttered or heard the words, “I want.” Let’s see; I’ve wanted a new car, a new pair of shoes, a certain piece of jewelry, straight hair, to be able to do something, to have something change, a new cell phone or whatever new gadget is currently being advertised. I have fervently prayed for others to like me, for a good grade, for a change of circumstance and in general, for things to turn out like I wanted.

But the truth of the matter is that we can’t and don’t always get what we want. We can beg, plead, pout and stomp our feet, but sooner or later we have to learn to be content with what we have, where and who we are. There comes a time when we have to cowgirl up and admit that God knows best. It pains me to admit, but it all comes down to admitting that I’m not the one in control. I somehow have to learn to be in the place where God has me. The place where God has placed me has a purpose bigger than what I want. Recognizing and accepting that is called contentment. Contentment means that we can accept God’s point of view. Being content means that we have learned to trust in God’s promises.

Sadly, there are times when the obstinate fourth grade attitude still rears its ugly head. When that happens and I find myself wanting something more, something different, I wish I could say that the first words of assurance that I remember are the words of Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:13. However, more often than not, it is Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones singing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” that puts me in my place and reminds me that I am not the one in control.

                                                                       Be content with what you have,
                                                                       rejoice in the way things are.
                                                                       When you realize there is nothing lacking,
                                                                       the whole world belongs to you.
                                                                                                                 - Lao Tzu

Insurance

2011-05-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

(written 4/27/ll)

I respect the power and fury of a severe storm system. I used to sit on the window ledge of my 8th floor dorm room and watch the lightning strikes on nearby mountains. I’ve lived in Iowa and have seen the sky turn eerily yellow and then black and I’ve spent a number of hours in a basement waiting for the all clear to be sounded. But, truth be told, I love a good thunderstorm. I’ve never wanted to be a storm chaser, but I’m not afraid the thunder, lightning or all of the other elements of stormy weather.

Tuesday night was an exception. I stood on the front porch and watched as the clouds rolled, the wind picked up and the storm broke loose. That was until a local television station’s radar showed a strip of white embedded in a strip of red bearing down on Swartz, my little corner or the world. It was somewhat alarming seeing Swartz isolated from the larger Monroe community. I didn’t get to fret about that too long, because it was about that time that the power went out.

Lee and I visited by candlelight for a while and then went to bed. I heard several loud bouts of thunder during the night, but nothing that really caused alarm. The power was still out at six o’clock Wednesday morning and I was left to go about the morning routine in relative darkness. I let the dogs out, got my Diet Dr. Pepper and went to get dressed. I was in the back when I heard someone pounding on my front door; a sure sign that something was wrong. When I opened the door I was surprised to see a neighbor from around the corner surrounded by Teak, Flocka and Annie, my three dogs. I must have had a bewildered look on my face because Tyler immediately said, “You have a tree down in the backyard and part of your fence is gone.” Sure enough, sometime during the night, a 15 year Bradford Pear tree had been uprooted and had taken out a large section of the wooden privacy fence. Sensing freedom, the dogs had bolted and were roaming the neighborhood.

I called my parents to arrange for a doggie visit and waited until eight o’clock to call the insurance company. A quick check around the outside of the house revealed only minor damage: the uprooted tree, the destroyed fence, some missing siding, and a few blown off shingles. I had to check my deductible; but came to the quick conclusion that regardless of the amount I was glad that I was covered. Insurance is a funny thing. You know you have it but you don’t think about it until you need it. Too many times that is the same way we think about God; He’s there, but not thought about until something bad happens. The difference is that God’s insurance is free; we call that grace and God’s insurance doesn’t have a deductible; we call him Christ. Because of the cross we are always covered by God’s insurance.

The damage to my home was minor but it took most of the day to get things settled. The dogs were loaded up and taken to my parents. The adjuster came and went and the clean-up will be scheduled. As the chaos of the day wound down, I was able to draw a parallel between the damages and God’s insurance.

• Uprooted tree – It is God in whom I am rooted and firmly held
• Demolished fence – God is my hedge of salvation
• Missing siding – God is always at my side
• Damaged roof – God’s banner over me is love

God is the ultimate insurance policy, but it is his assurance that covers me in peace and hope; “My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62: 5-8

****Deadly thunderstorms have swept across the south from Texas to the East Coast killing over 200 people. Please remember these families and communities in your prayers.

Spring of Relationship

2011-04-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Emily’s first Facebook post of the day was an uploaded picture of a purple iris with the following post: “Hello Spring! Woke up this morning to my first iris of the season.” (Thursday, April 7, 2011) Emily is right - spring has arrived. There are signs of it everywhere. Plants, trees, flowers and shrubs have awakened with the arrival of warm weather, rain and sunshine. The azaleas and roses are in full blossom. Pruned crepe myrtles are showing new growth. Trees are thick with lush green leaves. My dad has tilled his garden in preparation for planting. Friends have spent weekends working in flowerbeds. Lawnmowers and weed eaters (weed whackers for my Northern friends) are common sounds in the late afternoon. The smell of grilling meat wafts across backyards.

Signs of spring? Sure. But there is far more to see than just spring. Look deeper and see God’s glory. See Him in the rustling leaves. See Him in the bright blossoms. See Him in the smell of freshly mown grass. See Him in the tilled soil. Believing that God is present in all things underscores the belief that we are closest to God when we are enveloped in the glory of His world.

As you experience the pleasures that spring brings, also experience the pleasure that is God. There is something about seeing, smelling, feeling and sensing God’s glory that draws us into closer relationship with him. When we commune with nature, we are in closer communion with God. As we physically experience the transformation of winter, we are more open to his transformative power.

The flowerbed at the end of my drive way is a complete disaster. I haven’t given it very much attention in the last two years. I’ve done the basics, but haven’t tended to it with the attention I should have. The bulbs are unearthed, the soil washed away, shrubs are intertwined and weeds have taken over. Lee wants to till it up and start over. I’m hanging on to the belief that it can be transformed, restored back to what it once was.

I can’t ignore the symbolism of the flowerbed. There are times when I don’t give God the attention he deserves. Long periods of time pass without deep conversation. Life interferes. Worries override faith. Our relationship ends up much like my flowerbed, in disarray. Relationship with God requires constant attention.

Lee might be right about the flowerbed; restoring it back to its original state might be hopeless. The soil is hard packed and bulbs, shrubs and whatever else is in there may be unforgiving. But, this weekend I am tackling that flowerbed. I’m going to give it as much attention as possible. As I work on transforming the flowerbed, I’ll also work on transforming myself, allowing God’s restorative power nurture my spirit and create within me a spring of relationship with him.

Hello spring! Hello God!

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth;

the season of singing has come.

The fig tree forms its early fruit;

the blossoming vines

spread their fragrance…”

Song of Songs 2:11-13

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Thanks to my friends Emily Wingfield and Kyra Ebarb for providing the inspiration for this week’s reflection.

Lessons of the Dunes

2011-03-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

White Sands National Park is only one of the many reasons New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment." White Sands is part of the Tularosa Basin and is 275 square miles of nothing but white sand. The sand dunes there are "living dunes" because the strong southwest winds continually blow, shifting the dunes from place to place. The dunes are constantly being pulled forward; sometimes in ripples, sometimes in domes, sometimes in hollows, but always moving, always advancing. Standing in the middle of 275 square miles of white sand is an experience that takes your breath away. Sand skims over the surface of the dunes changing their shapes. Walking across the sand leaves a trail of footprints that are immediately swept away; as if one was never there. Standing on the dunes watching the wind blow millions of grains of sand across the landscape makes the phrase “sands of time” very, very real and George Bernard Shaw’s words, “Write your sad times in sand; write your good times in stone” literally came to life.

The hour I spent walking the dunes was refreshing; not because the sand exfoliated my skin, but because there was so much to contemplate. I had the opportunity to think about life; about how change is certain; and like the sand, I will be pulled forward and reshaped because of my experiences. The landscape at White Sands is a journey. The dunes will always change and will never return to what they once were. The dunes are on a journey; always moving but without a known destination. Life, like the dunes, is a journey. Henry Miller wrote; “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Christians are called to look at life with fresh eyes; eyes that are not blinded by the sands of life. I may not always know where I’m going, but God is always pulling me forward.

The wind is constant at White Sands. It is the life force of the dunes. As the winds blow and shift the dunes, the landscape that once was is forgotten. Standing there while the wind blew the sands, I thought about the importance of forgiveness; of letting go and moving forward. I thought about how true forgiveness releases us from what we once were and allows us to be reshaped. To say that the climate of White Sands is harsh is an understatement. There is no fresh water on the dunes. Plant and animal life has adapted over time and both have found a way to survive. Our relationships are much like the animal and plant life of White Sands; they evolve over time and we adapt in order to fully experience relationships with others. As I wandered the dunes, I thought about how God never promised that life would be without its deserts but if we are open and adaptable we always change and always move to a different place in our relationship with Him.

The lessons of the dunes were simple; I am different because of my experiences; life is a journey, forgiveness is important and my relationship with God and others evolve over time. Four simple lessons that are worthy of experiencing over and over again.

Lent

2011-03-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

Every community has them. The south side. The east side. The hood. The other side of the tracks. They are typically lower income, higher crime areas marked by vacant or burnt houses that have been taken over by weeds, trash, vandals and vagrants. Abandoned and condemned houses and shells of houses are unsightly eyesores and are often referred to as blighted areas; neighborhoods that are in destruction and ruin. Unless there is a reason, most folks don’t venture into those areas. I’ve been in and out of a blighted neighborhood off and on over the past couple of weeks. It is a short cut to a piece of property we are looking at for some new programming. One day as I passed through I found myself asking; “Why doesn’t the city do something to clean this up?” It was a rhetorical question. I know the answer. I’ve sat in city council meetings when the razing of houses has been discussed. The answer is simple; bulldoze the thing and move on to the next. It’s the process that is complicated. Owners have to be identified, notices served, etc., etc., etc. The desire to clean and beautify is there, but the process is the cog in the wheel.

Next week we’ll observe Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season and the 40 days before Easter. There is no better time to change something than during Lent. Historically viewed as a time of fasting or sacrifice, Lent is a time of self denial and it isn’t uncommon in the days before Ash Wednesday to hear people ask one another; “What are you giving up for Lent?” While that is a fair question and fasting and self denial are admirable practices, I’m not sure that “What are you giving up for Lent?” is question we should be asking. Just as the razing of a ruined house is a long drawn out process, the process of transforming the spirit also takes time. Lent gives us 40 days to answer the following questions:

• Who I am in Christ?
• What am I willing to do in order to live a transformed life?
• What can I do to prepare myself for the Resurrection?

Lent is more than a liturgical season. Lent is the opportunity to beautify who we are in Christ. It is a time when we can remove the cog in our spiritual transformation. Lent is a time that we can, with spiritual determination, raze the blight that keeps us from fully living in Christ and in doing so, prepare to live in Resurrection that we know is coming.

Name Brand

2011-03-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

There is just something about a name. I’ve always been Judith or when in trouble, Judith Ann. I’ve never been a Judy. My mother was absolutely adamant about that and she immediately corrected anyone who happened to call me Judy. Judith was not my mom’s first choice of names. In fact, my mom didn’t name me; my dad did and the ink was already dry on the birth certificate by the time she knew what was going on. The name “Judith” is of Hebrew origin and means “from Judea; Jewish.” In the Apocrypha, Judith is a heroine, who after beheading the commander of the Assyrian army incited the Hebrew army to victory. I’ve never incited an army, but I’m sure that I’ve incited a thing or two during my life, so I guess the name fits.

Names are important. Name recognition is important. Just ask any marketing or public relations guru. Name brands aren’t called name brands for nothing. I’m not a pure purchaser of name brands because I usually buy store and off-name products to help reduce grocery and household living expenses. However, there are some things that have to be name brand. There is absolutely no way that Great Value or Food Club peanut butter tastes better than Jiff. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese beats the others hands down. And let’s face it; Diet Dr. Pepper can’t be replaced by Diet Dr. Thunder. Other must-have name brands include Campbell’s Tomato Soup, Wheat Thins, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Nestle Quick, Hunt’s Ketchup, Velveeta, Crystal Light Drink Mix, Charmin Tissue, Puffs with Lotion, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Jell-O Instant Pudding.

Moses had a name brand experience at the burning bush. The infamous question Moses asked God was about a name; “…suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them? God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’ (also translated as I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE). This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:13-14)

God, being God and making sure that He has made His point goes on to say, “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:13-14)

My name is mine. I like it. It fits my personality; but doesn’t belong only to me. There are others that share the name, Judith. However, God’s name is like no other name. The words of David are as true today as they were years ago; “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1).

God is God and there is no generic replacement for what or who He is. There are times when He is Abba, Lord, Master, Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Servant, Savior, King of Kings, Deliverer, Creator, Father, Redeemer, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Immanuel, Jehovah, Alpha and Omega.

God is a name brand God; you know what you are getting with Him. He is who He is. Blessed are we that He will always be what we need Him to be. Praise be to God.

The Hole

2011-02-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Lee and Reid have never fought, in fact they have always taken up for one another. So, to say that I was stunned and totally speechless about what happened last week is an understatement.

It all started over a baseball cap; a nasty, stinky ball cap. Never mind that Lee, Reid and David all wear one another’s shirts, shoes, socks and jackets. Someone is always looking for some article of clothing that someone has worn and is now dirty or has been worn and left at some forgotten location.

The cap is Lee’s but, he hadn’t worn it in weeks. Reid found it, ran it through the dishwasher and started wearing it. Naturally, that meant that Lee “had been looking for it.” The altercation on Monday afternoon was two brothers arguing. Tuesday morning - Lee started looking for the hat. Reid had put in on the chair in the computer room without telling Lee. Lee, not knowing that Reid had given up the hat, goes upstairs to get it. Before Reid could tell Lee where the hat was, words were exchanged. Then, more words were exchanged. Bad words were exchanged. Raised voices turned to shouting and yelling. Let me just say; two angry alpha males in one house ain’t pretty.

I decided to stay out of it. My reasoning - they were old enough the work it out themselves. At least I thought they were. I sorely misjudged the depth of their anger. When I walked into the foyer, Lee was yelling at Reid to come downstairs and he would kick his butt (that part has been edited). Reid was at the top of the stairs yelling he wasn’t stupid and he wasn’t going to give in to Lee’s bullying. I’ll say that was one of the few smart decisions he has made in a while since Lee is about six inches taller and 60 pounds heavier than Reid. Before I could say anything to either of them, Lee drew back and punched the wall. I was even more stunned than before. I just looked at him and before I could utter a word, he said, “I’ll fix it.” The only thing I could think of to say was; “You think?”

I worried all day. They had said some nasty and hurtful things to one another. I called to check on both of them at different times. Each one said they were ok. But, being the worrier I am, I didn’t really believe either of them. It’s been said; “the heaviest thing to carry is a grudge” and I was certain that the angry interaction between Lee and Reid would have long lasting implications on their relationship. So, imagine my surprise, when at 4 o’clock, I learned that Reid and Lee are hanging out together. Really? Hours earlier the atmosphere had been “an eye for an eye” rather than “turn the other cheek.”

I asked Reid about it when he got home that night. He looked at me, smiled and said; “Mom, it’s a guy thing; we don’t hold grudges.” I’m pretty sure that I looked at him like he had two heads; those words came from the same person who, 12 hours earlier, was so mad that he was visibly shaking.

I watched as the words of Mahatma Gandhi came to life last Tuesday; “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Lee and Reid had more strength than I gave them credit for having. I’m glad I didn’t interfere because doing so would have deprived them of the opportunity to experience the freedom of forgiveness. It serves us well to quickly let go of past hurts so we are more available to experience the joy of the present.

A Thing Called Love

2011-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

Philosophers, theologians, poets, authors and playwrights have tried to put a definition to the thing we call love. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, women across the United States are hoping that the man in their lives will remember the roses and chocolates. Approximately 189 million stems of roses, most of them red and over 1.1 billion boxed chocolates weighing 58 million pounds will be purchased on Cupid’s favorite day.

What is this thing that we call love? The musical group Queen sang about love.

This thing called love I just can't handle it

This thing called love I must get round to it

I ain’t ready

Crazy little thing called love

Webster defined love as: (1) strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (2) attraction based on affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests (3) unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. Webster’s definition is just that, a definition. Though well articulated, Webster’s definition doesn’t capture the essence of love or its importance to the human race.

Martin Luther King, Jr. defined love as, “…the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.” Rabindranath Tagore said, “Love is not a mere sentiment. Love is the ultimate truth at the heart of creation.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned these words about love; “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are asking of me. I love you for that part of me you bring out.” Love is nebulous and perhaps it is only meant to be accepted and not understood.

Earlier this week I received the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nxWZ6IgqRfY

I believe, after you listen to the words of thirteen- year- old Logan, there will be little doubt as to what true love is. Click now, sit back and wait to be wowed. A thirteen-year-old Nebraska boy defined love for us. Quite simply, God is love.

Punxsutawney Phil

2011-02-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and has all of us looking for signs of an early spring. Not to bust any bubbles, but according to the Stormfax Weather Almanac and a review of the records since 1887 Phil is only 39% accurate. Not such a great record, but there are a couple of interesting lessons to be learned from Phil.

It’s no wonder because the way the whole ground hog shadow works is this: Phil is a kept groundhog. His handlers, known as the “Inner Circle,” remove Phil from his cage in the Gobbler’s Knob library. Phil is given the opportunity to see or not see his shadow and then tells his handler, in a secret language, whether or not he has seen his shadow; after which the handler makes the announcement about the coming of spring. One last bit of lore is that there is one, and only one, Punxsutawney Phil. That means that Phil is 125 years, give or take a couple of years. Phil’s life is extended because he is fed an “elixir of life” that extends his life another seven years. Phil is one lucky groundhog!

The downside of the whole groundhog brouhaha is that in order to see a shadow you have to be looking down. Plus, living life in the shadows doesn’t create a particularly hopeful perspective. Helen Keller once said; “Keep your face to the sunshine and you will not see the shadows.”

Lesson #1: God doesn’t live in the shadows. Psalm 27 reminds us that God is hope for today and tomorrow and our confidence can be found in the light of his love. “The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?”

Lesson #2: There is no fountain of youth or magic life extending elixir. The only elixir of life is the living water of Christ. Remember the story of the woman at the well (John 4:1-26)? Jesus tells the woman; “…but whoever drinks of the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in a him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Lesson #3: You can’t predict when spring will come. The only thing we can be assured of is the everlasting love of God and his assurance that there is a spring.

I don’t have much faith in Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring; but I do have faith that God will be there when spring decides to show up.

I Believe

2011-01-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

I’ve been told my whole life I am “opinionated.” I believe that I was born that way. I spent most of my childhood pushing the boundaries and making sure that what I had to say was heard. I stayed in trouble with my dad because I always had to have the last word. I can’t tell you how many nights my mother kicked my shins under the table trying to get me to keep my mouth shut. I don’t take offense to being labeled “opinionated,” but I have to admit that it carries a somewhat negative connotation. Though there are times when “opinionated” probably applies, I prefer to consider myself as someone willing to say what needs to be said. Sometimes it works out and then there are the times that I end up with my foot in my mouth. I’m still a work in progress.

I have strong opinions about many issues. Believe it or not, there are some opinions that I keep to myself but there are others that I willingly share. One of my strongest and deeply held beliefs is that we have a choice in how we live the life that we have been given. We can choose to live in the light and presence of God, manifesting His love for us wherever we go and whatever we do and take the risks, or we can choose to hide in the shadow of doubt and fear, never risking to venture into the journeys life has to offer. I believe that the only answer is to take the risks.

I believe a lot of things and I know that others have the ability to express those beliefs far more articulately than I. Consider the following “I Believe” statements:

I Believe…

That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words; it may be the last time you see them.
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
That we are responsible for what we do; no matter how we feel.
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and still have the best time.
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
That no matter how bad your heart is broken; the world doesn't stop for your grief.
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.

(Source: Inspirational Email)

I believe that you should find a friend and begin a series of thoughtful conversations around some of the “I Believe” statements. I have and though I have enjoyed the quality and depth of the conversations, I have also enjoyed rediscovering that what I believe not only ads value to who I am, but why I am. I believe in myself,

Resolving Resolutions

2011-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Everyone is talking about them. Yahoo, MSN and Bing wrote about them. Local newscasters ran a story about them. Most people considered them. I don’t like them.

People have started the New Year by making resolutions. The root word of “resolution” is “resolve” which webster.com defines as; “to deal with successfully; to find an answer to; to make clear or understandable.” How is it that we believe that on January 1st of each year that the problems, issues or behaviors that have plagued us for years can all of a sudden be resolved by making a resolution? Interesting. However, interesting as that may be it is even more interesting, at least to me, that “resolution” is defined as “the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones.” Now, there’s a thought…before determining to resolve something perhaps some analysis is called for.

I stopped making New Year’s resolutions years ago. I was one of those people that set unrealistic goals in January, thought about them in February and forgot about them by March. Resolutions didn’t work for me. Instead, for the last couple of years, I have chosen to use the first two weeks in January to spend some time reflecting on the last year, analyzing if you prefer, the events – both the good and the bad – that were significant and meaningful and write a “life lesson” about what I learned as a result of the experience. I still have a week to go, but I thought I’d share a few of my life lessons from 2010.

1. There really is opportunity in everything if I take the time to slow down and appreciate the experience.
2. Life is much easier lived with a “get over it” attitude.
3. Receiving graciously isn’t selfish. Gracious receiving is an act of believing in the giver, appreciating the moment and fully
    enjoying what is given.
4. Asking for help won’t kill me.
5. It is impossible to stay mad at someone if I laugh.
6. Even when I don’t get what I want, I get something.
7. Sometimes a little is a lot.
8. There is always a story waiting to unfold. My job isn’t to write the ending; my job is to enjoy the story.
9. The GPS lady makes mistakes and MapQuest isn’t always right. Knowing where I am going makes for a shorter trip. Updating
    my route is always a good thing.
10. My plan, as good as it may be, isn’t always the only plan before me.
11. Every choice has a consequence.
12. There is a good reason and a real reason for everything I do.
13. If I don’t want to get stung, it is best not to whack the hornet’s nest.
14. There are benefits of letting go of the things I don’t want to let go of.

At the end of the second week I’ll pick the ten most meaningful life lessons, print them on business cards and keep them on my computer desk to remind me throughout the year that a lesson has already been learned. I’ve already been there and learned from it. I recently ran across the following quote. “It doesn’t matter where you have been; it only matters where you are going”. (Brian Tracy)

I don’t believe that. It does matter where you have been. It is an experience that has influenced where you are now and will, more than likely, influence how you move forward. Past experiences, if and when we let them, help move us toward new destinations – both literally and figuratively. Martin Burber got it right when he said, “It serves me well to remember that all journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware.”

Life lessons help prepare me for new journeys and destinations. They help me remember where I have been, what I have already learned and help prepare me to start each day looking for the opportunity that awaits me.

Happy New Year!

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Six Letters

2010-12-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

I love brain teasers. I like word mysteries, puzzles and 3-D and other optical illusions. More likely than not, I have to read the cheat sheet to be able to solve them, but I still enjoy the challenge. Here are a couple of my favorites.

“A cab driver is going the wrong way down a one way street. Two policemen see him but don’t stop him. Why? Or: “In the following line of letters, cross out six letters so that the remaining letters, without altering their sequence, will spell a familiar English word.”

Believe it or not there is reason to my seemingly unrelated thought processes. I was cleaning off my desk when I found my folder of icebreakers. The cross out six letters brain teaser was on top and it made me think about crossing Christ out of Christmas, therefore shortening it to Xmas. It just so happened that on the same day, yahoo.com ran a story about the origins of using “X” to replace Christ in Christmas -- therefore the jump from brain teasers to Christmas.

Admittedly I am one of those who cringe when I see “Xmas.” Not ever having taken Greek, I had not, until after reading the article, made the connection that our “X” is the Greek ‘chi’ which, when combined with ‘rho’ symbolizes Christ. Below is the article from connectamarillo.com.

“In the first story, we look at the abbreviation commonly referred to as Xmas. How did the word Christ come to be replaced by the letter “X”? Turns out it goes back to the very beginnings of Christianity. “Using the symbol “X” for Christ is a tradition that dates far back into the history of Christianity and into the first few centuries. That’s because our letter “X” is identical to the Greek letter ‘chi,” which is the first letter for Christos in Greek, and so early Christians many times would see the letter “X” or combine that with the letter ‘rho’ in Greek to symbolize Christ,” says Father Robert Busch, PhD, Amarillo Diocese Schools Director. Xmas therefore means, “Christ’s Mass,” so in many ways, the “X” stands for Christ. But some people unaware of the Greek origin of this “X” often mistakenly interpret the Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (eks-mas). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas. It’s also important to note that it is a written abbreviation, and should not be pronounced “X”mas, but instead as “Christmas.” Another interesting fact, in olden times when paper and ink were precious commodities, the “X” was used to save space when printing.” (connectamarillo.com))

A little Greek goes a long way but I suspect that most of us, even after a brief lesson in word origin, still prefer to see Christ in Christmas; after all, He is the reason for the season.

P.S. Let me know if you can’t figure out why the cabbie wasn’t stopped.

Evil Momma

2010-12-10T09:46:00.000-08:00

They finally did it! They pushed me too far. They have to learn that “every choice has a consequence.” They of course are those young men living in my house.

I’ve been on a tear for the last two weeks. It all started with a sink full of dirty dishes. I thought I could wait them out. I was wrong. The same dishes sat in the sink Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I was patient. I asked repeatedly who left the dishes in the sink only to learn that a fourth person going by the name, “I don’t know”, had moved in without me knowing about it.

I didn’t get mad. I didn’t threaten certain death if they weren’t washed and put away. I did decide there were consequences. Friday morning I got up, cleaned out the gun closet and outside freezer and put all the dishes, glasses, pots, pans, forks, spoons, bowls, knives and cooking utensils in one or the other. I locked the doors and hid the keys. I left paper plates, plastic cups, plastic forks and spoons, one cookie sheet, one small pot, one small pan, a wooden spoon and a spatula. I figured they had everything they needed to survive. Yup, every choice has a consequence.

Needless to say they are not very happy right now. Lee got mad and wouldn’t talk to me. David asked if he had to wash the paper plates. Reid left challenging messages on yellow sticky notes in the cabinet and refrigerator. The one in the cabinet read “Bring it on big dawg” and the one in the refrigerator read “Evil momma is back.”

Of all the notes that he left, the most meaningful was “Evil momma is back.” During their elementary years, while other mom’s were referred to as Ryan’s mom or Mrs. Dee Dee, Reid and all of his friends called me “Evil Momma.” Evil Momma was special; it set me apart from the other moms; and let me say, that was a name I wore with honor. There was something about that label that let me know that somewhere along the way I had done what I was supposed to do. It set me apart from the other moms.

The name Evil Momma means something and so does Christmas; “…She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

Back in the Manger

2010-12-10T06:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas always takes us back to the manager; to the night when Christ was born.

One of the most familiar reminders of that night is the nativity. Nativity scenes have served as a reminder of Christ’s humble birth since the Dark Ages. However, it‘s Saint Francis Assisi that gets the credit for popularizing the most treasured display of Christmas. Though it was undoubtedly rustic in design and construction, scholars believe that it was a live nativity and most likely biblically correct, portraying on those that were present in Luke’s telling of the birth. Luke’s account is vague, giving no specific details about the setting of Christ’s birth, other than it was a structure used for stabling animals and that only Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the shepherds were present. The details weren’t important to Luke because the focus was totally on the birth of Jesus.

I have several nativities, but my favorite is a very simple wooden scene of the first Christmas. The last three years the set has been missing a piece because three years ago Lucy, the Airedale puppy from the dark side, ate baby Jesus. One night the baby was lying in the manger and the next morning it was nothing but splintered pieces of wood.

It has taken three years, but my Dad has finally managed to craft a replacement; baby Jesus is back in the manger! I felt a sense of completeness this year as I removed the cherished pieces from the box and placed them on the table. As I put the baby in the manger I was reminded, as I am each year, that Christmas is a time of preparation and anticipation. It is a time to purposefully prepare our hearts to receive God’s perfect gift of love.

Nativities have undergone drastic changes since 1223. Regardless of how extravagantly or garishly crafted today’s nativities are, they serve to remind us that the focus of Christmas remains on the baby lying in the manger.

Tonight as I look across the room I see a complete nativity. The scene is complete. The splintered pieces have been replaced and baby Jesus is back in the manger.

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Not Enough Stars

2010-11-21T18:33:00.000-08:00

Between 1840 and the mid 1950s, polio was a worldwide epidemic. At the height of the polio epidemic in 1952, there were nearly 60,000 cases with more than 3,000 deaths reported in the United States alone. Polio often resulted in partial or full paralysis and common treatments included the use of body casts and other supportive devices.

In his Thanksgiving sermon, entitled Deep Thanks, Dr. Don Webb recounted a story told to him as a young man beginning his first pastorate in Ohio. The pastor had spent time visiting a young girl hospitalized with polio. She spent her days and nights in bed, strapped to a board with little else to do but to gaze out the window. When the pastor asked her what she did to pass the time, the girl replied, “I play with the stars.” She went on to tell about how she picked out a star and then said what she was thankful for; she picked the brightest star for her mother and the twinkliest star for her brother. She also thanked the stars for the flowers, the trees, family and so on. When she finished listing what she was thankful for, she looked at the pastor and said, “God didn’t make enough stars.” Considering there are over 30 billion trillion stars in the observable universe; that is deep thanks.

I have much for which to be thankful; family, health, work, friends, and quality of life. If I were to stand outside tonight and begin labeling stars, those would easily be the brightest and easiest stars to point out and whisper a silent prayer of gratitude. However, as I go through my list, I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians; “…be thankful in all circumstances.” The part about “in all circumstances” makes the task of thankfulness somewhat more difficult. Yet, a thankful spirit is what I am called to offer unto the Lord.

Tonight I plan to take some time, stand in my front yard and play with the stars. I plan on thanking God for the times I’ve laughed until I’ve cried. I plan on thanking God for the time I’ve spent with loved ones. I plan on thanking God for the long line at the grocery store that made me slow down, take a deep breath and realize that there was no need to rush. I plan on thanking God for the challenging week that I’ve had and that I’ve been able to move through it without a complete emotional breakdown.

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, I plan on thanking God.

Psalm 100

A Psalm for grateful praise

Shout to the Lord, all the earth

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

*Story written with permission of Dr. Don Webb

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

God's Canvas

2010-11-10T13:46:00.001-08:00

Opening the text message with the attached photo was one of those “take your breath away moments.” I immediately sent back the reply; “Beautiful! It is now my new screen saver.” My immediate thought was “God’s canvas.”

My next thought was that of a preschool classroom. One of my fondest memories of being a preschool teacher is that of watching two- and three-year-olds stand at an easel with paint brush in hand. They always approach the blank piece of paper the same way; wet paint brush palmed and held at one of the top corners of the easel. When they are ready to make the first colorful stroke, they use their entire body as the paint brush; making broad, slashing strokes as they fill the paper with color. Their enthusiasm for creating is contagious. If I close my eyes and let my imagination go, I can picture God, the Creator, dipping His brush into the majestic colors of the universe and using the sky as His canvas, and using broad, slashing strokes to fill the sky with color.

I went searching for Scripture that captured the essence of the sunset and found Psalm 19 verses 1-6 -

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.” (Psalm 19: 1-6)

The photo and the words of David reminded me of three very important things.

1. At the end of the day, regardless of what happens, God is going to be there.
2. God has made my life a canvas and it is my responsibility to create something.
3. God has a plan for me and all I have to do is follow the course.

This is a day that the Lord has made!

The Spirit of Aggie Land

2010-11-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

First things first; it is absolutely imperative that I include the following disclaimer: I’m writing this fearing exile from the Razorback nation; but please note - I’m not trading in my cardinal for maroon and white and while I love the fact that Texas A&M’s war hymn includes a verse about sawing varsity’s horns off; there is no way it beats thousands of Razorbacks calling the hogs!

Two Sundays ago, my fortune cookie read; “You will experience something different this weekend.” I laughed when I read that strip of paper because I knew, without a doubt that it was going to be true; I was College Station bound on Friday. For an Arkansas girl this was a major trip; cheering on the Aggies for the weekend was definitely different and I wondered if I was going to be able to pull it off.

Visiting Texas A&M is an experience. I say “experience” because there is no other way to describe it. Before I left for College Station, I looked up and memorized the words to the A&M fight song, I bought a maroon shirt and I swore that I wouldn’t talk about Arkansas’ win over the Aggies earlier this year. I did all of this because I wanted to fit in; to be accepted as part of the group. All of my prep work paid off. I had a great time, felt welcomed and no one held my Arkansas allegiance against me. I’m officially declaring myself impressed by the Aggies.

I’ve always known about the traditions of Texas A&M, including their total disdain of the Texas Longhorns, the Corp of Cadets, the 12th Man, dates kissing after each A&M score and the precision marching of the band. Entering the world of Texas A&M, particularly the quad, home of the Corp of Cadets, is like entering a different world. How does one explain to an outsider Fish Spurs, chants and shouts, tall boots, creased and non-creased hats and the “Howdy?” The world of Texas A&M is so unique that if you aren’t Texas A&M bred, there is no way for you to understand. They even have a saying about it; “From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. From the inside looking out, you can't explain it."

But, the problem is this; I want to explain it. There is something special about Aggies that needs to be teased out. There is something in Aggie Land that the rest of us need to know, experience and embrace.

The explanation is two fold. I believe that in part, the following line from the “Spirit of Aggie Land” explains most of what it is: “We are the Aggies - the Aggies are we; True to each other as Aggies can be.” That one line is the explanation - there is an unquestionable self and group identity. Aggies know who they are and what they stand for and they hold true to that identity and that pride is immeasurable. However, the rest of the answer is about experience. Aggies aren’t just Aggies because of their university; they are Aggies because of how they experience the it. Some refer to it as brainwashing; but it seems to me that Aggies choose to experience life in such a way that it culminates in the belief that life is bigger than self.

As I watched alumni gather and rejoin ranks, friends visit, cadets do whatever it was they were doing and the 84,000+ fans at Kyle Field saw varsity’s horns off, I couldn’t help but wonder what our world be like if each of us possessed the unquestionable identity as God’s children and held true to the spirit of God; allowing ourselves to truly experience His love.

Hullabaloo, Caneck, Caneck

Get the Umbrella

2010-10-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

The drought was relentless. They watched the skies; hoping for rain clouds, but none appeared. The ground was parched. The crops were dying. There wasn’t much they could do but wait for the rain to come. So, they waited and still no rain. Then someone suggested that they gather in the school house to pray; after all it wouldn’t hurt if the community gathered for a prayer vigil. The school house was full, adults and children alike. As the preacher greeted everyone and the group settled down to pray, a little girl ran from the school house. The startled adults called after her and asked where she was going. To which the little girl replied; “To get my umbrella.”

It is easy to live a faith-filled life when burdens are light and spirits are effervescent. Fear, worry and insecurity wear us down leading to the erosion of faith. Faith erosion drives most of us to the comforting words of scripture.

• Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about the things we cannot see.”

• Romans 5:1-4 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us to develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment.

• Ephesians 2:8-9 “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

• Mark 11:22-26 “…Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

• 1 John 5:4 “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

• John 14:1 Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me.”

• Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Faith – a simple word that is influenced by the complexities of human nature. Webster defines faith as “firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust.” But what does that really mean? Faith means different things to different people. Consider the following:

• To Oliver Wendell Holmes faith was, “When in doubt, do it.”
• Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
• John Burroughs writes, “Leap, and the net will appear.”
• Albert Camus offers this insight, “In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.”

For some faith and belief are transposable words. For me faith is more than belief; faith is knowing that deep down in your soul that all is well. Faith is running to get an umbrella because you know the awesome power of a steadfast God.

*Thanks to Billy Hance for telling the story that inspired this week’s reflection.

Just Eat The Whole Cookie!

2010-10-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I attended a retreat -- not the spa kind of retreat where body, mind and spirit are pampered in the poshness of a world class resort; but a work related retreat deep in the woods of Robert, Louisiana. The retreat center has no televisions, radios or telephones and cell phone reception is almost nonexistent. However, there is one perk; every afternoon at two o’clock there are fresh baked cookies.

Monday afternoon the kitchen staff placed a tray of chocolate chip cookies in the refreshment area. As the afternoon passed, the number of cookies on the tray dwindled. Several people, not wanting to take a whole cookie, broke off a piece of a cookie and left the remaining portion on the tray. Breaking cookies seemed like a reasonable thing to do if you didn’t want to eat a whole cookie.

During the closing session on Monday, the facilitator asked if there were any questions, comments or concerns. Bud Snowden, of the Greater Baton Rogue affiliate, was frustrated as he addressed the group. His question: “Who is breaking the cookies?”

There was a lot of eye cutting and shoulder shrugging but no one owned up to being a cookie breaker. Thinking that Bud’s frustration was germ related, a couple of people asked if it would be more acceptable if the broken cookies were placed on a napkin and put to the side instead of putting it back on the tray. Obviously frustrated, Bud’s answer was an unquestionable, “No.” Someone then asked: “Bud, what would you have the people breaking the cookies do?” Bud’s answer was awesome and was truly the only possible answer – “Just eat the whole cookie!”

I later asked Bud why eating the whole cookie was so important. Again, Bud’s response was insightful and the only possible answer – “Enjoy the cookie.” Bud’s philosophy on cookie eating is a lesson in living. Life is there for us to live to the fullest and to enjoy the pleasures that are ours to claim. Yet, so many times we fail to embrace what is right in front of us. The next time you have the opportunity – eat the whole cookie and remember, “Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”

Original 4/24/08 Judith Bell 10/15/10
*Quote attributed to Mark Twain

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Do It Anyway

2010-10-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Most of us grew up learning the Ten Commandments as a pretty straight forward list of eight “thou shalt nots” and the two directives; “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy” and “Honor thy father and thy mother.” The Ten Commandments weren’t intended keep us from a life of fun and frivolity. Instead, they serve to remind us that with love, honor and respect for others creates for us a life of fulfillment. Personally, and for the most part, following the Ten Commandments hasn’t been a challenge. Ok, there was a period of time, especially during adolescence, that I might have forgotten the part about honoring my parents and I’m sure that I’ve coveted something, most likely a pair of shoes. And, admittedly, I have worked on Sundays.

Tougher yet, is wholeheartedly embracing the whole notion of the “greatest commandment” - loving your neighbor. Let’s be honest, there are just some people out there that are totally unlovable; especially those fiends that do us wrong. Really? And God’s answer: “Really.” In 1968, Dr. Kent Keith, penned a list of “Paradoxical Commandments;” a list of life rules that are contrary to human nature. Following is Dr. Keith’s list of Paradoxical Commandments:

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. © 1968, 2001 Kent M. Keith

If those words sound vaguely familiar, they should. The revision of Keith’s list is better known as “Mother Teresa’s Prayer” or “Do it Anyway.” The following words are slightly different from Keith’s earlier version and are supposedly inscribed in a children’s home in Calcutta, India:

1. People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
2. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
3. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
4. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
5. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
6. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
7. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
8. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
9. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

Considering those lists, the original list of Ten Commandments is looking pretty good right now. There is some serious “love” your neighbor” personal responsibility and accountability in both Keith’s and Mother Teresa’s lists of commandments. While loving, forgiving, being kind and happy and doing good and giving your best can be challenging, perhaps the most difficult challenge lies in loving ourselves enough to love others. Jesus could have stopped with “love your neighbor,” but he didn’t. Instead he added the caveat, “as yourself” to the commandment. Why? He knew that we would struggle with the act of self love. Loving self requires us to believe in who we are. How can you truly love others without truly loving you? When we love self, we truly accept who we are in Christ and therefore, can conquer “the do it anyways.”

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

“Crisis in the Gulf”

2010-10-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Boudreaux suddenly quit drinking, took a bath, quit chasing women, quit his poker games and stopped laying around. He started cutting the grass around the church, even painted it and was faithful to be the first to attend on Sundays! Father Thibodeaux asked him what about dis wonderful change that had overtook him. Boudreaux explained, "I heard 'Crisis in the Gulf' and if He’s dat close, I wanna be good to go!"

It seems that Old Boudreaux was padding his good works resume and had obviously had forgotten Paul’s words in the second chapter of Ephesians; “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (New Living Translation).

Salvation isn’t a solo act. As Christians we are called to help, extend kindness, to love everyone, and serve others. Being in service to others comes because of the transforming love of Christ. It is important to remember that while grace has personal benefits, it also comes with the responsibility to edify God and to extend His kingdom here on earth.

Accepting God’s gift of grace is the unwrapping of faith. Faith, once unwrapped, is to be shared. Faith sharing isn’t about building a heavenly resume; it is about revealing the love of Christ. Faith sharing isn’t about being “good to go” it is about doing good so that others will be “good to go.”

If Boudreaux had been working purposefully for Christ and not only working to make sure that he was “good to go,” perhaps Marie would have had something else to add to his obituary.

"Mrs. Boudreaux went to the local newspaper and said she wanted to put in the obituary column that Boudreaux had died. They told her it would be $1.00 per word. She said, "Here's $2.00 - put in dere dat BOUDREAUX DIED. They said, "Mrs. Boudreaux, surely you want more dan dat." She said, 'Mais, no, ust Boudreaux died." The editor said, "Well, you're a little upset. Bring yourself back tomorrow and you will probably tink of somethin else." She came back the next day, and said, "Yeh, I taught of somethin else ---
BOAT FOR SALE."

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Character of the Game

2010-09-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

I’m an avid football fan, preferring college ball over pro ball, but with a house full of young adult males, football reigns supreme, so I watch both. I spend Saturdays watching my beloved Hogs, cheering for underdog teams that I don’t have a particular interest in and rooting for any team playing against the LSU Tigers. On Sundays I multi-task, only half-way watching a game, relying on the boys to holler (that’s “call” in Arkansas speak) at me when there is a replay of some spectacular play. This past weekend I watched Arkansas beat Georgia, Texas beat Texas Tech, LSU beat Mississippi State, Michigan State beat Notre Dame and bits and pieces of other games. Sunday, I watched the Bears beat the Cowboys and I held my breath Monday night as the Saints pulled of a last second victory over the 49ers. Without a doubt the networks had plenty of film for their highlight reels; but what caught my attention more than the big plays and bone crushing hits, were the scenes that captured the humanness in the violent game of football.

I watched Jason Witten, tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, leave the game dazed and confused after his head slammed into the turf during a tackle. The cameras zoomed in as Witten vehemently argued with Cowboys’ medical staff that he was fit to play and I could almost feel the intensity of Witten’s plea to be put back into the game.

I agonized as the Red Raiders of Texas Tech played their hearts out against the Texas Longhorns. It was obvious that the Red Raiders were out manned and even though Tommy Tubberville tried to keep his defensive line rested, making frequent substitutions whenever possible, his two safeties had to play the entire game because there wasn’t enough depth on the bench to give them a breather. I was impressed by the young safety’s composure as the Longhorns marched down the field. It was obvious he was exhausted – hands on hips and chest heaving for breath; but when Texas broke huddle and lined up on the ball; he was one of the first players to get into position.

Last, but not least, I watched the last second on the road wins of the Arkansas Razorbacks and New Orleans Saints. Both teams had early leads, but ultimately found themselves behind in the final seconds. For both teams it was “do or die” in a seemingly impossible situation; on the road with only seconds remaining. As the teams broke huddle for the last play of the game, they did so with composure and confidence, believing the impossible was possible.

I watched as teams celebrated victory and I watched as teams suffered disappointment and defeat; but I saw far more than winning and losing. I saw determination and passion as Witten pled his case. I saw patience and fortitude as the Cowboys’ medical team stood their ground. I witnessed selflessness in the Red Raider safety as he gave more than he had to give. I felt the composure of the quarterbacks and sensed the confidence each had in their team to get the job done regardless of the circumstances.

In the midst of a game that is all about winning; I saw humanness. I saw discipline. I saw passion. I saw selflessness. I saw willingness. I saw confidence. I saw composure. I saw teamwork. I saw Christ. I saw all that is life. I saw what I am called to be.

Copyright © Judith Bell 9/24/10

One Foot on the Brake

2010-09-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Christol is the most scaredy-cat driver I know. She chooses to say that she is “cautious.” Trust me, she is a scaredy-cat. She doesn’t drive in the rain, panics when she drives long distances and absolutely freaks if she has to drive over water.

So, imagine my shock when she tried to kill me a couple of weeks ago! I promise; this is the honest to goodness truth. She will try to deny this but, I couldn’t make this up if I tried. My car was in the shop and she offered to be my chauffer. We had run an errand and were on the way back to the office. Unexpectedly, there was the loud blaring of a train whistle. Before I could even locate the train on the tracks, Christol was asking; “Do you think I can make it?”

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve taken the chance and crossed the tracks after hearing the train whistle. So, it wasn’t that I opposed her thinking about it. My indignation is that when I finally located the train, it was on MY side of the car and was less than 500 feet away! And, to make matters worse, she had her foot on the brake as she was asking the question!

In order to keep to the truth, I admit that I didn’t handle her action, or should I say inaction, very well. I know that there was at least one expletive that was uttered because the second thing out of my mouth after a shouted and basically hysterical “NO!” was “Oh the heck NO! This coming from the person who was just griping about having to have her bumper replaced but was willing to have the whole right side of her car smashed in? I don’t think so!” (Ok, maybe, but just maybe, I didn’t say “heck.”)

The Bible is full of people, Biblical role models, who took risks; Abraham, Rahab, Ester, the disciples, just to name a few. What did all of those risk takers have in common? Faith. They answered God’s call and willingly stepped into the role that they were called to assume. They knew without question that if God was in the equation, they could do what it was that had to be done. There are risks that have to been taken. I love what Usuguk, a character in Lincoln Child’s book, Terminal Freeze, says about risk taking; “If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance.”

Christol was seriously considering trying to beat the train while she had her foot on the brake! There is a moral in this; you can’t move forward if your foot is on the brake. There are times in our personal, professional and spiritual lives that we have to let go and go for it. We have to be willing to move forward without hesitation and to “Choose with no regret” (Mary Anne Radmacher), knowing that if God is part of the equation, we can do what it is that has to be done.

Judith Bell

Copyright © Judith Bell 2010

Separation Anxiety

2010-09-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Shoe leather must be one of my favorite things. It seems that I’m always opening my mouth; taking one foot out only to put the other one in. You’d think by now that I’d know how to tame my tongue, or at the very least, know when to keep my mouth shut. Obviously, I don’t because I’ve done it yet again.

My two month custody of JJ (the red metal flying pig) ends today. I started preparing for JJ’s departure last week. I moved her from my office because I wanted to get used to the empty spot on my filing cabinet and I wanted time to explain JJ’s absence to others. JJ’s co-owner showed up and I’m all ready to hand her over, and lo and behold he presents me with Flower (a pygmy pink metal pig with wings), JJ’s new sister and says that I can keep JJ! Yea for me!

I should have left well enough alone; but I didn’t. I sent a bragging email to a mutual friend letting him know JJ was mine to keep and as I bonus I also now had Flower. That would have been the perfect place to stop; but I didn’t. What I did was call JJ’s co-owner a “sucker” and “that by batting my big brown eyes, I had managed to get what I wanted – sole custody of JJ.” I should have stopped there; but I didn’t. I had to mention the email and it appears that I won’t have sole custody of JJ until pigs fly!

Now, I’m back to where I started; not wanting to share JJ. Three weeks ago I said that I had learned some lessons from JJ, including,
• You can’t always assume that what you want is what you will get
• Life is full of compromises
• There are benefits to sharing even those things you don’t want to let go of
• Life is a story that unfolds a little bit each day

… Well, I might have believed those lessons then, but as her imminent departure approaches, I’m having separation anxiety. Actually, this week with JJ was the source of another life lesson – God never moves. In fact in Malachi 3:6 there is the bold proclamation; “I the LORD do not change.” The desire of God’s heart is to be with me, to be one with me, to fill me with all that He is and express all that He is through me. God doesn’t change positions; I’m the one that moves away from Him and the desires He has for me.

I’m the one who has to do the soul searching to determine if my heart’s desire matches God’s desires for me. And though God yearns to be close to me, I am the one that experiences the angst during times of separation. What I am forced to acknowledge is that I can’t keep the desires of God’s heart first and foremost when I fill my heart with things, thoughts and activities that cause me to move away from him.

Perhaps the anxiety of separation creates within me the need to evaluate whose desires have priority. Removing self and replacing God’s desires for mine lessens the anxiety. God is always there; a place of refuge, peace and security. He will not separate Himself from me; therefore I will not be anxious.

Judith Bell 9/2/10
Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

True Grit

2010-08-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Note: Normally I wouldn’t have noticed the remaking of an old movie. I’m not wed to the belief that movie remakes are heresy; however, there are just some movies that Hollywood should just leave be.

It’s a travesty I tell you; a travesty! A black dot on the film industry. Marion Morrison, better known as John Wayne or The Duke, is rolling over in his grave. How can Hollywood even consider remaking one of John Wayne’s films? But, that is exactly what is happening. The Coen Brothers are producing a remake of True Grit. The remake is supposed to follow more closely with the Charles Portis novel, True Grit, but come on, who in their right mind can picture Jeff Bridges as Rooster Cogburn? You have to be kidding me! After all, John Wayne won an Oscar for his performance in the movie and the 2009 Harris Poll listed him as one of America’s top 10 actors. I don’t have anything against Jeff Bridges, but there is no way he can come close to The Duke as Rooster Cogburn. And to make matters worse, Matt Damon, who is playing a Texas Ranger in the remake, actually admitted that he had never seen the original movie. Really??

As I was tirading (yes, I just made up that word) around the office, it became really clear that others did not value True Grit or John Wayne, for that matter, the same way I do. In fact, no one in the office has ever seen True Grit. Now that is just un-American. Ok, so here is the thumbnail sketch of the movie plot: Mattie Ross, a teenage girl, hires the one-eyed, drunken, hard-core U.S. Marshall to help find her father’s murderer.

The Duke was 62 years old when True Grit was filmed in 1969. He had one lung and was in such poor health that he couldn’t do his own stunts. Let’s face it; John Wayne had as much grit as Rooster Cogburn during the production of the award winning film.

True grit. Determination. Resolve. Tenacity. Doggedness. Those are definitely words I’d use to characterize John Wayne and the characters he portrayed in 100 or so movies. However, there is something to be learned here.

Stop for just a moment and think about the meaning of those six words. They are the same words that should describe our journey with Christ. Discipleship requires sacrifice and sacrifice requires total commitment. Total commitment comes from true grit, determination, resolve, tenacity and doggedness. The words Jesus said to his disciples 2000 plus years ago still ring true today; “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Although John Wayne was a movie icon, his life was not without controversy and neither is our call to discipleship. Time and time again, God places us in situations where we are called to proclaim our faith. God’s movie is one that can never be remade, but isn’t it wonderful that he rewrites our role so that we can learn the script, become a practiced player and develop the true grit that makes us fit for service in the kingdom of God. Thanks be to God!

Judith Bell 8/27/10

Copyright © Judith Bell 2010

Opening the Door

2010-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

J.B. is the baby of his family and has assumed primary supervisory responsibility of his 91 year-old mother. I’ve never met Mrs. V, but apparently she is something else! She lives by herself, has a cell phone that she knows how to use, still drives and generally is the queen of the house. I repeatedly tell J.B. how much I admire his unflappable patience with his mother. I usually laugh when J.B. tells me a Mrs. V story, but last night’s story though worrisome, gave me pause and caused me to seriously consider how I invite others to Christ.

Sunday afternoon a white pick-up pulled up to the curb in front of Mrs. V’s house. A man knocked on her front door and when she answered told her that he was from Texas State Technical College and was painting house numbers on curbs. She talked to him through the screen door for a while, but quickly tired and invited him in. He told her that he had been in prison for 17 years, but she shouldn’t worry, because after all he hadn’t hurt anyone to get there. In between hearing about how she asked him if he was on drugs and him starting to “use cuss words” my mind went to the ugly place. My heart was racing as J.B. told this and I assure you that my positive intent meter had dipped into the extremely low range for Mrs. V’s Sunday visitor.

After my outburst and tirade of all of the bad things that could have happened, J.B. casually said, “I really can’t be too upset with her; after all, the only perfect human on this earth opened the door to everyone. “ Those calmly uttered words stopped me in my tracks and demanded that I pay attention. There was a message that I needed to hear.

J.B. was right; Christ wasn’t selective with his invitations. He opened the door to those who were imprisoned, to those who were addicted, to those who were without, to those who had made poor choices and to those who were different.” He invited in the poor, the unclean, the unsavory, the sick, the lonely and the unfamiliar. Christ wasn’t choosey when it came to inviting others into a relationship with him.

Far too often, I not only close but also lock the door on people that threaten the safety of the world I have created. I avert my eyes from the homeless man on the corner begging for money. I cross the street to avoid greeting the woman that is unclean and grubby looking. I tsk, tsk the objectionable body art and piercings of a teenager. Far too often, I practice selective discipleship by inviting only those who are similar in status, appearance and culture to experience the love of Christ.

Mrs. V’s invitation of hospitality to a stranger reminded me that Christ is available to everyone, not just to those with whom I am comfortable. Patrick Patterson from Volunteers of America Michigan says it best; “He set the standard and didn't provide any exceptions.”

And because I have already been invited in and have experienced His grace, I am to unlock the door of my heart and invite others in, as well.

Judith 8/20/10

Copyright © Judtih Bell 2010

The Zombie Plan

2010-08-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

There really are times that I’m convinced that Lee Bray is not my child and was in fact swapped at birth. There is absolutely no way that this now 24 year-old belongs to me. Yes, I’ve always known that he marches to his own drummer and lives to the far left of what most people consider normal. The fact that my genius child is a struggling tattoo artist and believes in zombies is still something that I’m grappling to accept.

Where Lee comes up with some of the stuff he comes up with is beyond me. I’ve always - and I mean always - wondered about how his mind works. He is the most eclectic, free-thinking person I know. He can talk knowledgably about anything from ancient history to urban legends to pop culture and is the only person that I know for sure who has actually read Dante’s Inferno.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he has immeasurable information about zombies. Don’t ask me because I couldn’t even begin to explain why, but for years he has talked about how zombies are going to take over the world. For the most part, the zombie conversation is brought up after he has watched some horror film or has seen some obscure program on late, late, late night television. I admit that I usually don’t give him my full attention when he starts talking zombies. I listen with one ear, nod my head and utter a “really” every now and then for good measure. That was true until he laid out his escape plan for when Haitian zombies invade.

He was dead serious (no pun intended) when he laid out the master escape plan in detail. His entire plan is based on the theory that when the Haitian zombie invasion begins, it will be in our best interest to leave the city and head for the country. He gave Reid, Evan and me specific instructions about where to meet, where we are to stop for gas and supplies and where we are to go—to Sarepta, Louisiana and my parents’ house. I won’t bore you with the details, but trust me; he has a plan to survive the zombie invasion. Like I said, there are times when I’m absolutely convinced that there is no way in this world that the boy belongs to me. I am telling you the honest truth; he has a plan for evading zombies but doesn’t have a clue about what he is going to do with the rest of his life. Go figure.

There are certain things in life that make you go “hmmmmmm” and Lee’s zombie plan is one of those things. Regardless of how farfetched and unrealistic the need for a zombie plan seems, I am reminded that having a plan helps provide direction, reach goals and unravel the future. Coming up with a plan is the easy part; putting God in the plan--not so much so. Though I hate to admit it, I have repeatedly found myself ignoring God’s plan for my life and am continually having to find ways to out-maneuver the zombies.

While I don’t always see God’s overall plan, it is comforting to know that God really doesn’t need much from me to accomplish His plan for my life. He needs my mind, heart and spirit to open to His presence. He needs my willingness to let go of where I want to go and how I want to get there. He needs to me to allow Him to be the fiber of my very being.

Unless I allow God to be the designer of my life plan, I might as well be planning for the zombie invasion.

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Judith Bell 8/13/10

"Skip-a-dee-doo-dah"

2010-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am about to date myself and at the same time reveal just how country I am. I was driving home the other day and for some reason had the radio dialed to a Country Oldies station. I have always listened to country music and really did put peanuts in my coke, just like Barbara Mandrell sang about in the early 1980s. I went barefoot, ate watermelons straight from the field, and ate bologna sandwiches on white bread, moon pies and Miracle Whip sandwiches for snacks.

Unfortunately, I can go back even further than Barbara Mandrell in the early 80s. I can go all the way back to 1972 and Donna Fargo. So, when her 1972 hit, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” came on the radio, I sang right along with her and didn’t miss a word of the lyrics.

After the song ended, my brain started processing happiness. I began creating a list of the things in life that bring out my happy feelings and take me to my happy place. Of course family and friends topped the list, but I filtered the given and started thinking about the little things; those things that bring a smile to my face and make me laugh. I thought about fireflies, puppies, purses, shoes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, watching college football (as long as my Razorbacks are winning), chocolate milk, wild flowers, rushing streams, jumping in the lake, sitting with my toes in the water, watching old television shoes like Dragnet, Adam 12, and Hawaii Five-O, ice cream cones, Sunday drives and listening to it rain on a tin roof.

The timing of the song can only be described as a “God thing.” Just let me say…it has been a long seven days! My car has been in the shop since last Thursday because rats ate through the electrical wiring, the water pump died and there was a coolant leak. The air conditioner at home decided to go out on the exact same day. I suffered through the three digit temperatures until a new unit was installed Sunday afternoon, but my car is still in the shop. And believe it or not, I was able to remain remarkably calm and maintain a fairly optimistic outlook. Each time I thought about having a pity party, and let me say, I could have had several of them, I would stop and sing the line in Fargo’s song: “I’m the happiest girl in the whole USA.”

One of my favorite pictures of Jesus is the one of him with his head thrown back in laughter. It reassures me that God enjoys a good laugh every now and then. That picture also reminds me of Mike Dooley’s thoughts about the fun loving nature of God. Dooley writes, “God prefers to go barefoot, laughs a lot and is always happy. Loves orange, wears blue jeans and has read every book ever written. Skips stones, plays in the rain and rocks out. Remembers birthdays, forgets arguments and every day visualizes me smiling even more.” God is truly a God of joy and laughter.

Happiness is a state of being. It is a choice and I am in control of embracing my state of happiness. I keep a quote by Martha Washington taped to my computer screen that reads: “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”

I am the only one that can make me happy. I am the only one that can willingly share my happiness with others. I am the only one who can share the happiness that Christ brings. I am the only one that can make it a Skip-a-dee-doo-dah day and claim the title of “happiest girl in the whole USA.”

Judith Bell 8/5/10
Copyright © 2010

Lessons From JJ

2010-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a dinner and live scholarship auction in San Antonio. It was a fun and lighthearted experience. Let me say, Texans sure spend a lot of money on some very interesting “stuff.” Jim Bob Solsbery, comedian and motivational speaker, was the auctioneer and he kept the dinner guests and bidders entertained and can be credited for the $6000 dollars raised for scholarships.

The first item up for bid was a red metal “flying pig.” Let’s see…red metal pig….Arkansas Razorback fan…I had to have the pig. A friend started the bidding at $20 and after several minutes of back and forth bidding, goaded by Jim Bob, JJ was securely snuggled under my chair. JJ was one of the most interesting items of the evening and it quickly became obvious that my ownership of her was in question. While it is true that I didn’t personally fork over the $55 for JJ, it was clearly understood that she was mine. By Sunday morning I was in a bitter custody battle for JJ. Long story short, I share joint custody of JJ. She is in my possession until August when she’ll have to go back to Texas to spend time with her co-owner. The story of JJ is a storyteller’s dream; a little truth, a little fabrication and a whole lot of exaggeration!

JJ is a uniquely interesting piece of work. Her outside body is red, while the underneath side is yellow and pink. She has flat orange ears, green wings and blue hooves and snout. JJ is welded together from pieces of unidentifiable scrap iron and is a little rickety. I have to be careful with handling her or her co-owner may demand immediate custody, but all in all, JJ has character and a certain charisma.

JJ sits on top of my filing cabinet and each time I look at her I have to smile or at least laugh just a little. But, more importantly JJ, and her evolving story have made me pause and take note of some very important things that I had started to take for granted. Over the last four days, JJ has reminded me of the following:

• Even the most unlikely of us have a purpose
• Odds and ends / bits and pieces come together to make the whole
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
• You can’t always assume that what you want is what you will get
• Life is full of compromises
• There are benefits to sharing even those things you don’t want to let go of
• You are never too old to laugh, make new friends and have a good time
• Never pass up an opportunity to make new friends; you never know who you will meet
• Life is a story that unfolds a little bit each day

I never cease to be amazed by how God works. It took an oddity of art and a weekend in San Antonio to remind me that I have a full and blessed life. Thanks be to God.

Judith Bell 7/28/10
Silk Purses and Sow’s Ear
Copyright © Judith Bell 2010

Why Silk Purses and Sow's Ear

2010-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone and I mean everyone has been bugging me to start a blog. But, before that could happen I had to have a name. A friend referred to the old adage: "You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear." A little Internet research gave me what I to know. You can make something out of nothing. Silk Purses and Sow's Ear is pretty descriptive of me as a person: a little bit of "girly girl" and a little bit of "something else."

So here it is Silk Purses and Sow's Ear. Here are my thoughts about life. Most people find them interesting and relevant. I hope you do too.