Articles written by Missy Bell

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About me - Missy Bell

I have wanted to be a writer since my third grade teacher told me it was a career option after reading my "writer's journal". I was the only kid in the class who had decided at the age of eight that my journal was the perfect place to write a novel. It was

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Arts & Humanities > Performance Dance Humor: Parents' guide to enduring the dance recital: 1 of 15
Ah, the dance recital! The culmination of your little darling's year in tights and Capezios having a great life experience as you shell out the sixty bucks a month to keep the studio in business - but you're having a great time, really! You have submitted the necessary funding to acquire your very own professionally taped vid... More..
Education > Education (Other) Should teens have sex education in schools?: 15 of 139
Teen pregnancy. AIDS. Emotional scarring. Early responsibility. These are just a few of the negative consequences of having sex as a teen. More and more teenagers are having sex at younger and younger ages. Just last year at the high school where I have been teaching since 2002, seven girls were pregnant. One of my closest st... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Positive birth stories: 4 of 35
Five centimeters. This measurement had become my arch enemy. Three weeks ago I had attended my regular, weekly obstetrician appointment and of course had opted to be "checked". I had reached that time in the third trimester when pregnant women will do just about anything to get labor to begin: walking, raspberry leaf tea, sex... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Are hospital childbirth and labor classes worth taking?: 4 of 33
When I saw the double line on the pregnancy test I was scared. And that's putting it lightly. I was excited about the prospect of a new life, but I had no idea what I would be facing in the months to come. More than anything, I was terrified of labor and delivery. After a visit to my physician, I received a booklet full of bi... More..
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama Acting: How to learn lines: 6 of 33
Ah - the bane of the actor's existence - the learning of lines. If only we could have them magically dropped into our heads and get onto the character development! But alas, we must learn them ourselves.As an actor in the community, educational, and professional world, I have had to learn my share of lines. I have also been a... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Doctrine & Issues Is drinking a sin for Christians?: 14 of 61
The very fact that the question "is drinking a sin for Christians?" can be asked among the educated Christian circle is something I find somewhat absurd. While I am a firm believer that alcohol in excess is sinful and shameful under many circumstances, there are a few facts that remain debunking the view of the entire practic... More..
Hobbies & Games > Kids Games & Toys Birthday party games that won't bore the kids: 6 of 24
My father was the master of the party game. I remember friends coming to my house for my birthday parties and expecting the norm: hang out, a few predictable games like "pin the tail on the donkey" and maybe a pinata, cake, and opening presents. Then everyone heads home. At my house, however, things were different, and Dad's ... More..
Education > Education (Other) Should the school year be lengthened?: 5 of 18
I love summer vacation. It has come to be my favorite time of the year. As a high school teacher, by the time Memorial Day rolls around I am burned out completely. My plans are wrapping up, my students are insane, the air conditioning in the school is sputtering and spitting as it grinds its way through yet another sweltering... More..
Arts & Humanities > Theater & Drama How to become a theatre director: 3 of 8
You have vision, creativity, and the ability to pull emotions from the heart of an actor. You are a director of theater. Many theatrical directors began as actors themselves, or as technicians with an eye for stage pictures. No matter how you began, starting a career as a director can be a difficult task, but it can be accomp... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Bible Study Your favorite Bible story: 16 of 42
Jonah was a prophet. In his own town and with his own people he was revered for his great life of prayer and dedication to God, who spoke to him with words of wisdom, reprimand, or encouragement for the people of Israel. One day, as Jonah was going about his business, God spoke to him with a new sort of message."Go to Nineveh... More..