A Norvell Note: When Trouble Comes

June 21, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 23

When we commit to following Jesus and serving the Lord, there is a temptation to think that the rest of our lives will be trouble-free and smooth sailing. Sometimes it. Sometimes it is not. 

When troubles come, there is a temptation to think we are failures, that we are doing something wrong, or that God is unfaithful. Our confidence might be shaken, and our closeness to the Lord may have faded.

In those times, we must remember that missteps and mistakes do not disqualify us. Regardless of how we live our lives, God is always faithful and will not leave us. We can trust Him. He is always faithful. 

If you find yourself in one of those low and dry spaces, maybe these words from Psalm 34 will encourage you. 

The Lord will deliver you from your troubles, and he will rescue you when you take refuge in Him.

The righteous person may have many troubles,

but the Lord delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones,

not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked;

the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The Lord will rescue his servants;

no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:19-22)

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note: Returning to Work After Vacation

June 14, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 22

Coming back to work after a restful vacation can feel daunting. The transition from quiet mornings and leisurely days to meetings, emails, and deadlines may stir up stress or even reluctance. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our work is not separate from our faith. Colossians 3:23 encourages us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Vacation is a gift—an opportunity to rest, reflect, and reconnect with God and loved ones. But the return to work is also a gift, a chance to live out our calling in the everyday. Just as Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray and then returned to minister (Luke 5:16), our own rhythms of rest and work are meant to glorify God.

As you step back into the office or log in from home, carry the peace you found on your vacation. Let it shape your attitude toward your responsibilities and interactions. See each task, whether big or small, as an offering of service to the Lord. Approach coworkers with patience and kindness, reflecting the refreshment your soul has received.

Pray for a heart that embraces the work set before you, trusting that God can use even routine tasks for His purposes. Remember, your labor is not in vain when done in His name (1 Corinthians 15:58). I pray I can return to work with gratitude, renewed energy, and a perspective that keeps Christ at the center.

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note 

June 7, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 21

Fifty Years of Memories and More

Kim and I celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary in January of this year. Together, we strolled through fifty years of memories. We shared the good, the bad, and the ugly, and agreed that there have been far more good than bad or ugly. We talked about how God brought us together, has sustained us, and has kept us together for these fifty years. 

This week, we continued the celebration by gathering with our children and their families on a beautiful beach near Kualoa Regional Park on the island of Oahu. What a blessing it has been to spend time with them, to stand among them, and to express our love for each other and for them.

We also spent time talking about life’s ups and downs and the state of the world, watching the children play in the pool, and seeing our oldest granddaughter, Isabel, perform with her band, Paper Tiger Riot. God has blessed us again.  

But it hasn’t all been about looking back. Celebrations – anniversaries and birthdays – are about reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future. How many more anniversaries will Kim and I celebrate? How many more times will we, our children, and our grandchildren blow out the candles on a birthday cake? What will these grandchildren become? Where will we be a year from now?

Those are all questions worth pondering, but not tonight. Tonight, I thank God that Kim and I have been blessed by so many, have hopefully blessed a few along the way, and will continue to do so for as long as we can. We have been and are richly blessed. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved