The List

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

I Owe You Two Pennies

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

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!'”

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Rain for Ditches

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

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

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

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Insurance

(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

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

****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

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

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.

Copyright©2011 Judith Bell

Lent

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Name Brand

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

The Hole

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

A Thing Called Love

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Punxsutawney Phil

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.

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

I Believe

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,

Copyright © 2011 Judith Bell

Resolving Resolutions

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