TomNorvell – Page 12 – A Norvell Note

A Weekend of Remembering

A Norvell Note

September 12, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 28

A Weekend of Remembering

Ours was a weekend of remembering.

Queen Elizabeth

Elizabeth became the Queen of England seventy years ago, one year before I was born. Not being a subject of the Queen I have never known the true significance of her role in the world, but I also do not have a memory of the world without the Queen.

9/11

Like you, I remember exactly where I was when I learned of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. I remember the shock. I remember the confusion. I remember the sadness. I remember the realization that the world will never be the same.

Norah

It has been a year since we said goodbye to Norah. Friday, September 10, 2021. Over the weekend we gathered in the garden created by her parents and friends in her honor to remember her. I remember almost detail of that day. She lived only seven years, but it is difficult to remember our world before her. A year later it is difficult to accept that she is gone or comprehend our world without her.

The Lord

Like many of you, I spent time on Sunday remembering the Lord and what He has done for me, and how much He loves me. I cannot and do not want to, imagine my life without the Lord. Without His presence and guidance, I would not have survived my years on the earth and would not know the life blessed by people and experiences that provide me with the opportunities of remembrance like this past weekend.

I hope your life provides you with people, places, and events that are worth remembering and enjoying.

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For past articles go here: A Norvell Note

A Norvell Note

September 5, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 26

A Refreshing Pause

Some of you noticed I took a break from writing A Norvell Note for a couple of months, some of you didn’t. As I took time to rest from writing and spent time reflecting on life, God reminded me of a few realities that I sometimes ignore.

God reminded me that writing is something that is something I enjoy.

This is not a discovery, taking a couple of months off reminded me that writing is a blessing, not a burden. I enjoy the challenge, and the reward, of taking thoughts in my head and putting them on paper or a computer screen. Sometimes they are shared, many times they are only for the Lord and me.

God reminded me that writing is something I need to do. If the words help someone else, that’s good. If no one else ever reads my words, that’s okay. I write because I need to write. Writing helps me understand life, gives me occasional insights into who God is, and how He is shaping me to be like His son, and it helps me understand me, the people around me, and the world.

God reminded me that sometimes I need to take a break. Coca-Cola© once used the phrase “The Pause that Refreshes” to advertise their product. From time to time, we all need to pause, reflect, regroup, and get refreshed. When I experience the rejuvenation, restoration, and refreshment that comes because of time away from the routine makes me wonder why it’s so hard for us to surrender to taking a pause.

After all, it was Jesus who said, ^“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When was the last time you took a refreshing pause from tasks that you love to do? Maybe you don’t need two months. Maybe you just need an afternoon, or a weekend away? Maybe you would go crazy if you took a long break, but would the world fall apart if you took a lunch break? Are you weary? Have you lost passion for something you once loved? Maybe you need a refreshing pause.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: A Norvell Note

On Pause

A Norvell Note for July 11, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 26

A Norvell Note will be on pause for a while. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: A Norvell Note

Lord, Help Me. I’m Tired

A Norvell Note for July 4, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 25

Lord, Help Me. I’m Tired

Lord, help me. I’m tired of trying to understand things beyond my ability to understand. So, allow me to accept that I will probably never understand them.

Lord, help me. I’m tired of trying to fix things that I cannot fix. So, allow me to accept that I can’t fix some things; they will need to be fixed by someone else, or fine as they are.

Lord, help me. I’m tired of trying to do things I cannot and do not need to do. So, please help me realize sooner rather than later that some things will need to be done by someone else, and that’s okay.

Lord, help me. I’m tired of thinking that I must do everything perfectly. I should have realized this a long time ago, so help me. Even at this late stage in my life, I can do what I can do as well as I can, and that is good enough.

Lord, help me. I’m tired of thinking that my sins are beyond Your ability to forgive. I know better, so help me accept Your love, mercy, and grace.

Lord, help me. I’m tired. I remember that You said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So, Lord, I’m coming to you weary and burdened. Please give me rest.

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You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Man of Grace

A Norvell Note for June 27, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 24

A Man of Grace

During the last and most recent months of craziness and confusion, I failed to acknowledge the passing of Lynn Anderson. As a result, I am only one among thousands who were able to sit at Lynn’s feet and listen to him talk about his relationship with God and his longing for us to know that same love.

Lynn had a remarkable ability to memorize Scripture. Still, his ability to help us move from the written Word to the understanding that Word is alive, hope is real, and faith is worth searching for that touched me so profoundly. With Lynn’s help, I understood and appreciated that “The Word did become flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

Lynn could make you think about God and the Scripture in new and fresh ways. Passages I had read hundreds of times took on new meaning and gave me a clearer understanding of Jesus.

As I watched the recording of Lynn’s memorial service, I heard his students, friends, and family share how Lynn made them feel like they were the most significant person in the room when they were with him. He made me feel that way. He could see into our souls and remind us of our goodness and beauty.

I remember one occasion when sitting with Lynn and sharing my heart about life and soaking in his wisdom when he opened his Bible and said, “Here’s a verse that will haunt you and wake you up in the middle of the night.” Here is the passage: “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44) After several restless and sleepless nights, I sent him an email early one morning and said, “Lynn, thanks a lot!”

I recall another time when a friend and I were frozen in silence as he stood at Signal Point on Signal Mountain, Tennessee. With arms raised in worship, he gazed across the mountains, the sky above, and the valleys and river below us. He did more than simply recite the words of Psalm 8. He prayed the words as he poured out his heart to the Creator.

Many people were closer to Lynn and knew him more intimately than I did. But no one appreciated his grace-filled words and unconditional love more than I did. Lynn was a man of grace. I’m thankful for knowing him, the grace he preached, and the time I shared with him.

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Tom Mathis

A Norvell Note for June 13, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 23

Tom Mathis

I would prefer not to write these words. There is a void in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, community due to the passing of Tom Mathis, a very dear friend, brother in the faith, and a servant of the Lord. Tom has fought his fight, finished his race, has kept the faith, and received his crown of righteousness.

We moved to Chattanooga in September of 2000. I met three men and knew my life forever changed as soon as I met them. Tom was one of those men. To think of Tom not being there to call, text, visit, listen to, or read his writings is beyond my mind’s grasp.

When I first met Tom, it was hard for me to believe he was real. He seemed too good, too spiritual to be true. I observed him, listened to him intently, and searched for flaws. His wisdom was beyond his years. I admired his depth of understanding of the Scripture and his ability to communicate it to others. His compassion for people was beautiful to watch.

Through the years, Tom and I taught classes together, shared the stage in worship events, and grieved, comforted, and celebrated with each other. We enjoyed meals with our wives and friends and time in each other’s homes. We prayed for our children, prayed for our friends, prayed for our marriages, and prayed for our church. We sat and struggled through multitudes of meetings, encouraged each other, confronted each other, advised each other, and loved each other deeply.

Kim and I were blessed to watch up as Tom and Ginger found each other, fell in love and were there when they married. We were blessed to be with them on a chilly colorful fall evening when they exchanged their vows and declared their love for one another. I was the officiant. Kim was the witness, the photographer, and the designated crier for the event.

I share those memories, acknowledging that I am only one of the hundreds of people who have their memories. Tom Mathis was an extraordinary man who had a supernatural ability to communicate his love for the Creator and demonstrate his love for his family and friends.

I don’t know how to close this tribute to my friend except to say. Tom, I love you and miss you terribly, and share some of your words.

THE MOUNTAIN CALLS ME HOME

Psalm 61 Meditation for Day 61 (3/2/2021):

“The mountain calls me home. The rocks and ravines beckon me back to the security of my favorite hiding places. The cool springs invite me once again to quench my thirst and refresh my spirit with pure water.

“In my mind I know this to be true, but my heart—dulled by too frequent wanderings in the far-off plains of distraction and valleys of despair—has somehow drifted out of tune with the frequency and rhythm of God’s voice. And so I have projected my failure to hear onto Him—as if my Mighty Rock, my Strong Tower, is too weak to hear and understand my cries for help, too busy or disinterested to respond.

“If I promise (once again) (oh, how many times have I promised?) to listen to You, to be faithful to You, will You hear my prayerful pleas and draw me back, guide me back, carry me back to You?

“How I long to be close to You again, to rest safely in You and have You tabernacle in me. How I yearn for the Rock that is higher than I, the security of Your powerful presence and protection, the refreshment of Your mercy and grace manifested in patience, forgiveness, and sanctification.

“‘Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.’ (Psalms 61:1-4)”

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My Anxious Thoughts

A Norvell Note for June 6, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 22

My Anxious Thoughts

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.^[i]

When You search my heart and test me, You will see that my anxious thoughts are many.

I have anxious thoughts due to the current circumstances in my life and the lives of those dearest to me. Almost all the events are beyond my control and are things I am trying to accept that I cannot change.

Some anxious thoughts are of my own making. Things I did that I should not have done, something I should have done that I did not do, things I said that I should not have said, and things that I should have said but did not. I am working on correcting and improving what I can.

Many of my anxious thoughts stem from actions and events far beyond my circle of influence. The instances of gun violence and mass shootings are alarming. The anger and divisive spirit among the political leaders spread into other areas of our society, and the divisions grow wider.

Yes, my anxious thoughts are many.

As I confess those anxious thoughts, I hear you saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.^[ii]

So, Father, I present all these anxious thoughts and request the peace that passes understanding to guard my heart and mind in You.

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^[i] Psalm 139:23

^[ii] Philippians 4:6-7

Life in a Whirlwind

A Norvell Note for May 28, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 21

Life in a Whirlwind

Our daughter-in-law was inside the school our two older granddaughters attend while we waited outside, doing our best to entertain the two little girls. It was a windy day in Brooklyn. A small whirlwind began to form in a cove just outside the school’s door. I stood there gently rocking the stroller back and forth, watching the whirlwind.

The wind picked pieces of debris that had collected in the area. Leaves, bits of grass, candy wrappers, and a plastic bag spun them in the air. Occasionally the wind would calm, the trash would float to the ground, then it would start up again, adding a few and dropping others. I stood there watching the cycle repeat itself and thought, this is life right now.

Life in a whirlwind is real. We stand in the middle as the events of life fly around us. Jobs, friends, children, grandchildren, sickness, church, health, vacations, life, death, weddings, funerals, failures, victories, and some things we do not recognize spin around us faster than we can comprehend and manage. But somehow, we survive.

Life in a whirlwind surprises us. I’m not sure why it’s surprising, but it is. Should we expect it? Shouldn’t we know by now that things will change, and life will batter us from all directions? Maybe we should, but we are shocked when the winds pick up, and the debris starts whirling around us.

There can be peace in the middle of a whirlwind. We hear meteorologists talk about the calm that exists in the eye of a storm. If I were somehow to stand in the middle of the small whirlwind, I suppose it would be a relatively peaceful place. Maybe this is what Paul had in mind when he talked about the “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

It doesn’t make sense, but somehow God assures us that we can have peace during the storm. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39). “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (Mark 24:36)

I don’t understand it, but life in a whirlwind can be peaceful. I see it in others. I experience it myself.

You give us peace even in the whirlwind. Thank You.

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Everything Changed — Again

A Norvell Note for May 23, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 20

Everything Changed – Again

Another child with a brain tumor does not make sense. The news came two weeks ago, but it still doesn’t make sense. We’re all still reeling from what has happened during the last twelve months. How are we supposed to deal with this? Again, it does not make sense, it hurts beyond description, and it has changed everything – again.

So, what do we do? What can we do?

We wake up in the morning, hope it was only a horrible dream, then face reality. Take several deep breaths and move into the activities of the day.

We watch as those under the most pressure trudge through the demands that cannot wait. We watch, and we listen for ways to help.

We pray, or we try to pray, for wisdom, understanding, and strength to get through the next hour. We pray for signs that things are improving, and we watch for signs of answered prayers.

We do what we can, hoping that doing what we can is enough. Then, finally, we reach the end of the day, reflect on what we have done, and try to accept that we have done all we can for one day.

We try to rest. The nights are short, the days are long, and another day begins before we are ready. We start with the same realization that everything has just changed – again.

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In the Morning

A Norvell Note for May 9, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 19

In the Morning

Listen to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
    my King and my God,
    for to you I pray.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:1-3)

In the morning, I usually feel strong. It may take a coffee or two to get me going, but I feel strong and ready for the day.

In the morning, optimism does not come easily, but I can usually face the day with more hope after a few moments of quiet meditation, confession, prayer, writing in my journal, and spending time in the Word.

In the morning, I pray that I will be a better man than yesterday. I lament the actions, the words, and the failures of the previous day. I lament the things that did not go the way I wanted.

In the morning, I ask (sometimes cry) for God to help me be that better man and do good things during the day.

In the morning, I am confident that He hears my voice, and I find comfort knowing that He listens and hears my voice.

In the morning I lay out my requests before Him. Somedays, my list is short. Somedays, my list is long. Yet, I find comfort in knowing that He never tires of my asking.

In the morning, I wait expectantly. But, as I said earlier, sometimes optimism and expectancy take a while. And, on some days, I feel that I’m asking too much – expecting too much. And, on some mornings, I don’t wait. Instead, I get impatient and try to force things to go the way I want.

In the mornings, when I ponder that He is listening for me and to me, when I cry out to Him and layout my requests and wait for Him to act, my day goes better. When I rush into the day thinking it’s all up to me, it’s a different story.

In the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly, wait expectantly, wait, and wonder.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Author: TomNorvell

A Weekend of Remembering

A Norvell Note

On Pause

Lord, Help Me. I’m Tired

A Man of Grace

Tom Mathis

My Anxious Thoughts

Life in a Whirlwind

Everything Changed — Again

In the Morning

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