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.