Author: TomNorvell

Vol. 21 No. 50 | December 16, 2019

I am not sure why, but this sentiment and the images that often accompany it make me CBNOL (Chuckle But Not Out Loud). Although I do find some humor in it, I also know that the struggle is real for many, especially during the holidays.

The struggle is real for the parents who received a call informing them that their son has been arrested for driving under the influence; or the father of three who just lost his job; or the woman with her children on the corner and a sign that says, “Homeless. Anything helps.”

The struggle is real for the family spending their first holiday without their dad or mom or child, or the man sitting alone in a restaurant while Joy to the World plays on the radio. 

We all probably know someone who is struggling, and we all have the ability to help, even if it’s simply calling up a friend who just got divorced, taking a neighbor out to eat, or sending a “thinking of you” card to a friend or relative you haven’t heard from in a while. 

And, please, if you are struggling, answer the call or respond to the text from your friend, accept the invitation to dinner, or invite your neighbor in when they ring your doorbell. 

For all of us enjoying a  “holly jolly” Christmas, be grateful and enjoy. Just remember, someone near you may be going through the bluest Christmas ever. So keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to God’s nudging. He may need you to be their reminder that He is near and they are not alone. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

Vol. 21 No. 49 | December 9, 2019

I pulled my car in the garage and started unloading my stuff. I put my computer bag over my shoulder and reached for my water bottle and hot latte I’d just purchased. Then, I saw an empty plastic bottle and some papers that needed to be recycled, so I sat my hot latte on the top of the car like I have done several times. Except for this time, I’d forgotten that I’d opened the sunroof. 

Yep, you guessed it… 

Not the whole cup- somehow the lid stayed on and only a little splattered across the seats, the steering wheel, the dash, and the console. 

I cleaned up the mess as best as I could, muttering something to the effect of I wish that hadn’t happened (in words I will refrain from sharing here). 

Why am I telling you this? 

Because it made think about how much we depend on things and people to be where we expect them to be and do what we expect them to do. 

For example, when I’m in my car and a hot latte is not raining down on me, I depend on the features to do what they are designed to do- when I put my foot on the brake pedal, the car will slow down; when I turn my blinker on, other drivers will know that I’m going to turn (In case some of you were wondering, that’s what it’s for… Yeah, I’ve driven behind you). And yes, when I open the sunroof, I expect it to stay open until I close it. 

In my relationships, when I have become accustomed to people being there, I expect them to be there and behave as they always do- when I really need to talk, I trust they will listen; when I need their advice, I trust they will give it, etc.

I think it’s natural to get frustrated or disappointed sometimes when things don’t work or people act differently than we expect them to. We rely on the predictability of things to maintain some sort of sanity, and it throws us off when things change without our knowledge or permission.

But what if this is how I approach my relationship with God? 

The truth is, we can’t predict how God will respond. And He may not always answer us when we’d prefer. That can be frustrating and confusing. 

But I know, without fail, He will always hear my prayers, and He will always answer. I know He is there, and I know He will never leave me. When He came to earth, He promised to be “with us” (Matthew 1:23) and “never leave us.” (Hebrews 13:5) 

Maybe I can extend similar mercy to my family and friends and give them the benefit of the doubt. They will not always respond the way I want, but I know they want what is best for me. Maybe I can lower my demands and try to accept the fact that they are imperfect just like me, and they will sometimes miss the opportunity to help and come up short of my expectations. 

Because I know they love me. I know they will do anything within their power to do what is best for me. And when they don’t, I can move beyond my frustration and disappointment and be thankful that they love me and tried. 

And who knows, maybe I can give myself some grace over a spilled latte.

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

 A Norvell Note 

Vol. 21 No. 48 | December 2, 2019

As I pulled our Christmas decorations from the attic this week, I thought about how predictable this activity has become the day after Thanksgiving. At the same time, I thought of how unpredictable some events have been over the past few days. 

Sometimes the unexpected comes as a welcome, pleasant surprise. And sometimes, unexpected events are neither pleasant nor welcomed. 

My thoughts brought me to this somewhat predictable observation: the unexpected happens at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. 

This observation led to another: how we handle unexpected events shapes who we are. 

Your company’s decision to eliminate your position was totally unexpected and couldn’t have come at a worse time.  

The last thing you expected was the routine doctor’s visit to be followed by a life-threatening prognosis. 

The family never expected their estranged son to finally come home for Thanksgiving. 

The anonymous check in the mail came as a complete and utter surprise. 

The baby they were told would never be born showed that miracles are possible.

Some of us will handle unexpected events in stride with grace and confidence. Some of us will crumble under the sudden shift in our plans. Regardless, no matter how hard we try to predict the unexpected, it will always come. And how we choose to handle it is very important. 

Here are a few suggestions that have helped me manage my response to unexpected things that happen.

Give yourself time to take it all in. Don’t panic. Ask the Lord to help you understand what is happening, what He wants you to see, and what He wants you to learn from the experience.

Wait before you jump to conclusions about the outcome. What appears to be horrible news may actually be a blessing. And, at times, what we think is the answer to our prayers could prove to be a huge disappointment or heartbreak. Just know that God has a bigger plan and ask Him to give you wisdom and clarity. 

Stay in the moment. Don’t rush ahead into the unknown. Don’t revert to the safety of the past. Just have faith and remember that God is always with you. 

I did not expect some of the things that happened to and around me this past week. And I’m sure there will be things that happen next week that will require me to shift my thinking and actions. 

But one thing I do know. God will be with me no matter what happens. And that I can predict with absolute certainty. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

Vol. 21 No. 47 | November 25, 2019 

Here is my list of things for which I’m thankful.

I’m thankful for my family, memories we have made together, and the memories that are yet to be made.

I’m thankful for my friends…especially the old friends…and especially for the new friends.

I’m thankful that a beautiful sunset still takes my breath away.

I’m thankful (when I get up early enough) to see the sunrise.

I’m thankful that I still get excited over the possibility of a snowfall.

I’m thankful that I see a tree of many bright colors I still pause to capture the image in my mind and sometimes with my camera.

I’m thankful that when I hear a child laugh or cry it still touches me deep in my soul.

I’m thankful that I can share thoughts and feelings with people all over the world within a matter of seconds.

I’m thankful that I deliberate over my thoughts and feelings for more than a few seconds before I share them with people all over the world.

I’m thankful that when I share my thoughts and feelings with people all over the world some people read them, some people appreciate them, and some people act on them.

I’m thankful that I’ve lived long enough to learn that not everyone wants or needs to know my thoughts, feelings and opinions.

I’m thankful when I see a character in a movie who reminds me of a person who has had a major impact on my life I am still moved to tears because I miss them so much.

I’m thankful for the material possessions I am blessed to own, and for the increasing desire to own less.

I’m thankful for music and the power it has to energize me, to calm me, and to soften my heart.

I’m thankful for bright blue skies and warm (not too warm) sunny days, and I’m thankful for cold rainy days.

I’m thankful for the creative people and their ability to tell a good story and tell it really well.

I’m thankful that I’ve taken the time to remind myself of these things for which I’m thankful, that I have the opportunity and ability to share them with you, and you have taken the time to read them.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15, NIV)

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

Vol. 21 No. 46 | November 18, 2019 

The holiday season- what’s supposed to be: “the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s the season of gift-giving, thanksgiving, and finding joy and peace. Then there are countless parties,  travel, shopping,  gift-wrapping, more shopping, and eating, eating, and more eating. 

That’s all fine and good. However, this year, there is one person I‘d like to suggest you pay special attention to. 

You. 

In the midst of all the festivities and making sure everyone else is taken care of, don’t forget to take care of yourself. 

What good is it if every member of the family is well-fed, gets the perfect gift, and feels special if you’re so worn-out and frazzled you can’t enjoy time with them. 

I understand that you might feel guilty about taking time for yourself, or you might get fussed at if you skip one event or don’t make someone’s favorite pie.   But, I promise you, they will survive. They most likely will not starve and their world is not going to end their big present doesn’t arrive on time. 

This year, give yourself a gift. Rest. Relax. Sleep. Find a quiet place and take a few minutes to recover from all the activity. Take a walk, not around the shopping center in search of the ultimate gift, a nice slow walk through a park or the neighborhood. 

You will not be good for everyone else if you are not good to yourself. You cannot take care of them if you don’t take care of them. 

So, here’s an early Christmas gift from me. (Yes, I know it’s not Thanksgiving yet). By the power vested in me, as a fellow human being, I hereby give you permission to be kind to yourself and actually enjoy the holiday season this year. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

A Norvell Note 

Vol. 21 No. 45 | November 11, 2019 

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. (Matthew 7:12, The Message)

These are some of the most well-known and quoted words in all of Scripture. But I often wonder what our lives would be like if we actually put these words into practice. 

Parents might listen to their children more intently and with more respect for their children. 

A husband might try to be more accepting and kind when his wife has emotions or moods he can’t understand and doesn’t want to talk about.  

A wife might just sit and listen to her husband without trying to explain, defend, or fix what is going on. 

A politician might respect his constituents more, work harder to make their lives better, and give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re not just out for personal gain.  

A church leader might be more sensitive to a member who is frustrated and hurting because she feels inadequate to do what God has called her here to do. 

A customer might demonstrate more grace and kindness toward a cashier, even when he isn’t receiving the kind of service he expects.  

A writer might be more concerned about using his words to encourage and inspire his readers. 

I think I’ll give it a try, and I hope you will too.

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

A Norvell Note 

Vol. 21 No. 44 | November 4, 2019 

Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8 NIV)

I remember hearing these words when I was a child sitting in a church pew. I envisioned a man sitting at his pottery wheel, shaping something from a glob of clay, and it took me decades to understand what these words really meant. 

God is the potter. He created us, taking us from an idea to what He imagined we could be and then shaping us into something beautiful. 

We are the clay. We aren’t in control of how we are “shaped” or how long it will take for God to complete His creation. We are at His mercy, but His mercies are beautiful.

We are all the work of His hand, and we are all in his hands. Even when the work He does is painful and lasts longer than we want, the end result is always beautiful. 

Some days I recognize that He is still shaping me, even in my sixth decade, and I wonder why. What else needs to be changed? 

On these days, I have to remind myself that I won’t always understand what He is doing or why. But what I do know is this: He is the potter, shaping me into the image of His Son. 

And that is a beautiful thing. 

 ______________________________ 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

   Vol. 21 No. 43 | October 28, 2019 

On any given day, I might pray…

I feel lost. Show me the way. He does.

I feel empty and alone. Fill me with Your Spirit, Your love, and Your wisdom. He does.

I feel broken. Put me back together so I can serve you. He does.

I feel sinful. Cleanse me. Forgive me. Restore me. He does.

I feel weak and powerless. Remind me that You are my strength. He does.

I feel useless. Show me what I can do to live my purpose. He does.

When I pray, the response isn’t always what or when I want. But I know He does hear me, He cares, and He will always respond.

______________________________ 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

A Norvell Note 

   Vol. 21 No. 42 | October 21, 2019 

Getting rid of clutter has long been an objective of mine. At least once a week I feel the compulsion to clear my desk and car of clutter. Oddly enough, this topic has been trending on social media and in personal conversations recently and has set off alarms. (Minimalist)

Keeping our physical space simple and uncluttered is a constant challenge, but keeping our minds uncluttered is an even greater challenge. For example, I’ve switched over to my mailbox, text messages,  and calendar multiple times since I started this paragraph. 

But mental clutter doesn’t always translate into negative or unhealthy stuff. Some of it is just stuff. But it will still distract you from what you are trying to do. So, to keep my mind focus,  when I’m writing in my prayer journal, I often pause and take several deep breaths to regain my focus and process what I am thinking and feeling. And I often pray, “Lord, clear my head of all the noise that is getting in the way of me hearing Your voice.” 

Jesus was a master of simplifying things. When the law keepers quizzed Him on the most important commandment, He condensed them all into one. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.” 

As the disciples struggled to understand His teachings and the essentials of being a follower, He simply said: “Love one another. This is how people will recognize you and belonging to me.” (John 13)

When Peter compared his actions with another disciple, Jesus simply said, “You must follow me.” (John 21)

Paul (an apostle of Christ) did a similar thing when he said:

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,…” (1 Corinthians 15)

We live in busy, noisy, complicated world. If we do not take intentional action to declutter our lives and minds, we will become overwhelmed, overcommitted, and unprepared to live the life God wants us to live. 

Some of the wisest counsel on this matter comes again from the pen of Paul: 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His  good, pleasing and perfect will.”(Roman 12)

No one can unclutter your mind for you. No one else can prioritize or set boundaries limits on what you do, what you think, and or how you think. Renewing your mind may be a daily thing, or it may be something you have to do several times a day. But it is well worth the time, and you will notice how much more of it you have. 

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved