A Norvell Note

July 27, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 27

What Do They See?

According to Mark 8:27, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” In a similar vein, at times of introspection, I find myself wondering, “What do others see when they look at me?”

When people look at me, they see a unique blend of characteristics that define who I am. Each person perceives me through their lens, influenced by their experiences, beliefs, and emotions. This perception can vary widely, but certain common threads often emerge.

Firstly, people see my physical appearance. This perception includes my height, build, facial features, and the way I carry myself. My style of dress, grooming, and overall presentation also play a significant role in how I am perceived. These external attributes can convey a lot about my personality, confidence, and even my mood on a given day.

Beyond the surface, people also see my expressions and body language. A smile, a frown, or a look of determination can speak volumes. My gestures, posture, and eye contact can reveal my level of engagement, openness, and approachability. These non-verbal cues are powerful indicators of my inner state and can significantly influence how others see me.

People also see my actions and behavior. How I interact with others, my manners, and my responses to different situations all contribute to the image I project. Acts of kindness, patience, and empathy can leave a lasting impression, just as negative behaviors can. My consistency in actions and words helps build trust and credibility over time.

Moreover, people see my achievements and contributions. Whether in my personal or professional life, the things I accomplish and the impact I make are visible markers of my capabilities and values. These achievements can inspire respect and admiration, and they often shape how others view my potential and worth.

Ultimately, what people see when they look at me is a complex interplay of my physical presence, expressions, actions, and accomplishments. Each of these elements contributes to the multifaceted image that others perceive, reflecting both who I am and how I choose to present myself to the world.

Beneath all those possible perceptions, more than anything else, I hope people see a man who wants to live like Jesus and help others see Him and live like Him. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

July 20, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 27

A Place for Us

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

As I stood in front of a family gathered to say their final goodbyes to their mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and spouse. We discussed her life and legacy, and I shared that she is now enjoying the place that Jesus had prepared for her. Heads nodded in agreement, and her spouse shed tears as he grieved her passing and longed to be there with her. 

We can also find comfort in knowing that He has a place prepared for us.

When we travel, we often make a hotel reservation to ensure that, upon arrival at our destination, we have a place to stay and a bed to sleep in. If we call to confirm our reservation, the hotel clerk will say, “Yes, your room is ready for you when you arrive.” We feel relieved, and our hearts are not troubled.

When our time on earth comes to an end, we have the same assurance knowing that we have a place waiting for us. We cannot choose the location of our room or the furnishings, but we don’t need to because it is being prepared for us. Jesus assures us, “I have your place prepared for you. Just follow me. I am the way.”

Thank You, Lord. We look forward to seeing the place You have prepared for us

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

July 13, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 26

Grief is Real

As you drive to work, you’re thinking about your to-do list that is waiting for you once you get to the office. It is a pleasant morning. Then you hear a song on your playlist. Not just any song. You hear that song. Your mind goes back to the hospital room, you hear the doctor’s voice, and you are at the graveside. You may be experiencing grief.

You are having a great day. The best day you’ve had in a while. You are thanking the Lord for a good night’s sleep and waking up to a new day. Suddenly, it feels like a dark cloud has completely engulfed you. What is going on? You may be experiencing grief.

It’s another sleepless night. You use every relaxation and meditation technique your therapist has taught you, but nothing works. You get up, get a drink of water, and try to read, but you cannot focus. You lie back down but still can’t sleep. You may be experiencing grief.

You don’t have much of an appetite. Nothing tastes good. Friends bring you food and invite you over for dinner, and you take a few bites, but you have no desire to eat. You may be experiencing grief.

You make a trip to the ocean. The beach has always been a place of peace and consolation. You walk on the beach, then step out into the surf. You stand there enjoying the ocean breeze and feeling the waves lapping against your legs. Seemingly from out of nowhere, a big wave slaps you off your feet and throws you for a loop. Leaving you disheveled and confused. You may be experiencing grief.

If you have experienced a loss – a death, divorce, any loss – the grief is real. You may not see it coming, or recognize it when it hits, but it’s real and you need to let it do what grief must do. You do not need to go through it alone. Help is available. Please take advantage of the grief support resources in your area. If you need help, please seek it and accept. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

July 6, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 25

Father, I Pray

NOTE: As of 11 pm on July 5th, the death toll from the Texas flooding has risen to at least 43 — including 15 children; 27 girls from Camp Mystic are still missing. 

Father, I pray for those who have lost loved ones due to the recent floods in Central and South Texas. I pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one who did not survive the flood. I pray for those who are holding on to the hope that their loved one is still alive. 

Father, I pray for the little girls who were at camp sleeping in their cabin when flood waters swept them away. The suddenness of what happened must have been horrific. I pray that Your Spirit was with them to hold them close and comfort them. I pray for the parents of those little girls that Your Spirit will provide them some level of comfort as they grieve the loss of their girl. 

Father, I pray for the families who traveled to the area to enjoy the holiday and awoke to the reality that lives were about to end. 

Father, I pray for the families who are anxiously waiting for good news that their loved one is alive and well. 

Father, I pray for those who have lost all their earthly belongings and are now wondering where to start. 

Father, I pray for those who have lost businesses, those who have lost property, and those who have lost their livelihood.

Father, I pray for the First Responders, Rescue workers, medical personnel, Coast Guard personnel, volunteers, Police, firefighters, and everyone else involved in the search, recovery, and cleanup efforts. Give them energy, strength, and hope to continue. Give them rest when they need it. Give them peace and comfort for what they have seen and done. 

Father, I pray for all who are providing food, shelter, clothing, and whatever else is needed to help the people impacted by the storms and floods in our area and across the nation. 

Father, I pray that you will help the searchers find the lost, that medical personnel can heal the sick and injured, that the homeless may find shelter, that the fatigued may rest, and that the grieving may be comforted.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved