Not Enough Stars

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

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!

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

The Spirit of Aggie Land

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

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Get the Umbrella

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.

Copyright © 2010 Judith Bell

Just Eat The Whole Cookie!

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

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”

"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