Monthly Archives: August 2014

Happy 90th Dad!

DSC04527August 19th, Fred Bell, Dad, the patriarch of our family celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at a reception held a few days earlier at his church, First Baptist Church, Harrison, AR. It was a lovely event with much fellowship and relationship experienced and expressed.

Interspersed with all the hugs and best wishes were a couple presentations. One of those was a citation presented by a Commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission honoring Dad for the significant and lifetime role he played in restoring Arkansas wildlife from their post-depression danger levels to the numbers we enjoy today. Many success stories were mentioned including black bear and elk, which Dad had a major role in reintroducing and protecting.

There was also a citation presented by State Senator Randy Laverty, retired, authored by the Arkansas House of Representatives honoring Dad for service to the State of Arkansas. Randy who was in Dad’s Boy Scout troop growing up said, “ Fred Bell was probably the most respected man in Newton County.”

IMG_9497Your family certainly thinks so Dad! Your three children were there, your six grand kids from all around the country. And five great grandchildren, some very recent! 🙂 We’re proud of you, the life you’ve lived in front of us and your peers, and we’re glad to call you Dad! We love you!!

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY!!!

For photos click here.

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1–3)

““Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” (Psalm 16:6)

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In the Rockies with Friends

DSCN1960August 7th, about noon, a good friend called and asked if I wanted to go ride motorcycles in Colorado for a week. I said, “Sounds fun  and I’ve always wanted to do that! When would we leave?” “Tomorrow” he replied. 🙂

After a little nervous laughter, I tell him, “My 39th anniversary is in a couple days and I have a mountain lodge booked with dinner reservations, how do you think that would work out for me?”

DSCN1972After just a moment of silence, but not really missing a beat, he replies, “OK, we’ll leave Monday.”

I can’t believe I’m seriously considering this on such short notice, but I tell him to let me check my calendar for the week and I’ll call him back. My wife reminds me I have Dad’s 90th birthday party the day after we’d return, but other than that the calendar is remarkably clear!?

DSCN2095So? I call him back and say, “Let’s do it!” It’s a brother thing, a friendship thing, a celebrate the beauty of the earth thing. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years, but never slowed to free up the time. Because everyone else I know is too busy to consider such a thing, I moved it to the “maybe someday” list?

But not Steve! He realizes life is short and to be lived and enjoyed, a gift from a magnificent Creator and Father, Who likes to give His kids good gifts, and likes it when they take time to notice it and enjoy it.

DSCN2369I asked Steve, “Can I ask my brother Gene? It’s been on my bucket list to take a long motorcycle ride with him.” “Sure,” is his reply.

I’ll write a little more later. I’ve got to check the air in my tires, wash my bike, and pack!

Did I mention that I like adventure too? When is the last time you did something for the first time? We get so conformed by our culture. We’re not suppose to conform, but to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” That’s what the Scripture says. This, for me is another step in the right direction. To get outside, out doors, experience the beauty of creation,  meditate and think random thoughts for awhile. To listen to the still, small, spiritual voice of a mighty Creator while enjoying his creation. Should be a Rocky Mountain high experience for sure!

DSCN2553I may need a motorcycle jacket, and yes Colby, even a helmet, for a 1200 mile ride where it can be cold in the mountains and warm in the valleys. Plan for rain. Pack light. Get to crackin’!

Gene said yes too! We leave Sunday after church!

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Well, we did it! 1280 miles in four days of motorcycle riding. Plus twelve hours of fellowship and sharing while driving out there and back in our pickups with trailers. Amazingly beautiful, restful, relational, and spiritual! Thank you Lord for such an experience, and for great brothers to share it with. Amen.

DSCN2169 For photos click here! 🙂

“The generous man will be prosperous,And he who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,The world, and those who dwell in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

“Who establishes the mountains by His strength,Being girded with might;” (Psalm 65:6)

 

Camp Hope 2014

DSC03986Last week I volunteered for the second annual Camp Hope for Kids,  July 23-26, 2014, at Shoal Creek Camp near Subiaco, AR. The camp for at risk kids is a ministry of City Christian Fellowship, Fort Smith, AR, with help from Jubilee Christian Center in Van Buren, AR and other area churches providing volunteer staff and assistance. This year 60 children, ages 5-13, attended, more than twice as many as last year, along with about 40 adult staff. DSC03057Camp Hope provides kids a safe place to enjoy the outdoors, camp activities, fellowship with other kids their age, and an opportunity to hear the message of Christ through the teaching of Bible stories and worship.

Enjoy the photos by clicking here.

This on-going ministry meeting the first three Sundays of each month is welcoming volunteer help transporting Hope Kids in the afternoon and early evening to and from the church, or help in other ways. If you’d like to help or serve kids, the next generation, contact me from the contact page and let’s discuss it.DSCN1799

There were amazing activities and instruction provided for the kids by a giving, loving volunteer staff. May the seeds planted grow in these young lives, and may the Lord bless and keep them all, as they continue to grow in some pretty tough places

“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,Until I declare Your strength to this generation,Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

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