A Norvell Note

August 3, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 28

He Is Our Hope

Solomon’s words ring true on any given week. 

 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,

     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

If we pause and reflect on the last seven days of our lives, we have experienced a little bit of everything. 

Some saw a baby take their first breath, and some saw a loved one take their last.

Some settled into their new homes, while others uprooted their families and headed to a new one. 

We heard about killings, and we heard about healings.

We have wept and mourned, and we have laughed and danced for joy.

Some have gathered our belongings, and others have scattered them.

We have embraced our loved ones, and others could not embrace the ones they love. 

Some have searched for what was lost and eventually given up the search, while others have found what they were looking for.

Some of us sorted through our belongings, kept certain items, and either gave them away or threw them away. 

We have torn some things and mended others. 

We have been silent, and we have spoken.

We have loved some of what we’ve seen and hated what we have seen.

We have seen the tragedies of war and have enjoyed times of peace.

That was not just last week or the coming week; that is each week. That is life. How do we do it? How do we survive? How do we flourish in life with so many ups and downs? 

I know of only one way: We put our hope in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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

A Norvell Note

June 29, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 24

Rest. Refresh. Restore.

No alarm set. Nothing on the schedule. A short walk for breakfast. Clean up a stack of mail. The car stays in the garage—no reason to go anywhere. Ahh. A day of rest. 

There have been times in my life when I acted like I didn’t need to rest. Once in college, I took an exam after pulling an all-nighter to study for it. I could not keep my eyes open while taking the exam. I flunked the exam. 

I worked for a home insulation company. Due to the heat in the attic, we often worked at night. I recall one night when I drove from the work site to the next, about twenty miles, and didn’t remember anything about the trip. 

I’ve changed. I sometimes find that when I sit still after a full day of work, I cannot keep my eyes open. There have been occasions when I’ve been pulled into a shady space in a parking lot and enjoyed a short nap. However, I have not yet reached the stage in life when I can no longer sleep late. And I rarely go to bed before 11:00 or 12:00 o’clock. 

I no longer pull all-nighters unless it is truly necessary. If I fall asleep while watching a game, I rewind to catch what I missed. I’ve realized that genuine rest doesn’t come from extra sleep or going to bed early; instead, it comes from knowing and following Jesus. 

“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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

I accept the fact that I need days that are low-key, calm, and unscheduled. I appreciate that Jesus took time away from the crowds so He could rest, reflect, and find refreshment for His soul. He needed time away from the arrogance and power-hungry leaders who plotted to kill Him. 

We live in a similar world of power and arrogance. We need the rest that comes from the gentle and humble heart of Jesus. I need that rest. Like it or not, you need it too. 

Our world needs us to be examples of Jesus’ gentleness.

Our communities need us to demonstrate Jesus’ humility.

We cannot do that if we are always weary and heavily burdened. Rest. Refresh. Restore your spirit. Then live like Jesus. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

June 22, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 24

It Is Well

As I almost always do when I start to write a Note, I prayed these words: Lord, what would You have me say in this Note? As a sinful man, what words do they need from me? Amid all that is going on in the world, in our nation, in our communities, and in our churches, what do people need? Immediately, these words came to mind. 

It Is Well with My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.^[1]

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[1] The story behind the song: https://youtu.be/i5ZqcIGaKuo?si=DjaXsrLaOozNphFt

A Norvell Note

June 15, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 21

Father’s Day Memories 

Happy Father’s Day to all my fellow fathers!

I was nineteen when my dad died. I cannot conjure up a single childhood memory of him on Father’s Day. For that matter, I cannot recall a single childhood memory of Mother’s Day with my mother either. Before you judge me, can you? 

However, since I became a father, my two children have given me many fond Father’s Day memories. 

I have received coffee cups, shirts, phone calls, a surprise visit or two, meals together, and cards with hand-written notes ending with, “I love you, Dad.” There have been Father’s Day, when my children and my wife have graciously given me space to watch most, if not almost all, of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament. 

My favorite memory of being a father/dad has occurred on ordinary days other than Father’s Day. That’s the image of seeing my son and my daughter and their spouses together, loving each other, caring for each other, laughing with each other, and being there for each other. Is there a greater gift a child can give to a parent?

I love Father’s Day. I am blessed to have two wonderful children, their spouses, and grandchildren, and I thank God for the blessings they are to me. 

If you are fortunate enough to be a father, I hope you feel blessed by them, encouraged by them, and celebrated by them. If your father is still living, please take the opportunity to express your love and appreciation for him. Spend time with them. Call them. Send them a note.

And most importantly, tell them you love them. They may try to convince you that they don’t need that mushy stuff. Don’t believe them. They do need to hear those words. 

It’s Father’s Day. Make a memory. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

June 8, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 21

This Too Shall Pass

I came across this saying, “This too shall pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”

That’s how life can be at times. 

Pain or sadness can come upon us swiftly and unexpectedly, altering everything in an instant. Well-meaning individuals try to comfort us with words like, “You’re going to get through this.” Some will even add, “You’re strong. You can handle this.” You hope you can get through it, and you pray you are strong. However, it is more difficult than I could have imagined. 

You were diagnosed with a frightening disease, and your doctor assures you that “It is not fatal, but the treatment and recovery will be difficult.” She is right. You do get through it, but it was not easy or pleasant.

You are struggling mentally and emotionally, and some days, you feel like you are losing your mind. Your therapist reminds you that you didn’t arrive here overnight and you won’t get through it overnight. He is right. You see improvement, but it’s a slow and grueling journey. 

You and your spouse are going through a rocky patch—experiencing sleepless nights, intense emotional conversations, and long silences. Neither of you can believe the words you are saying or hearing. After one tough “discussion,” you look at each other and agree, “We are going to get through this no matter how hard it is.”

Your job is tough. You drag yourself there, spend the day in misery, and dread returning tomorrow. Your supervisor notices the change and points out the good work you’re doing, telling you, “Just don’t give up. I’d hate to lose you.” You agree to persist but realize it’s not going to be easy.

When we go through times like this, we do well to remember: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed.” (Romans 8:18)

Max Lucado’s words were helpful to me several years ago when I was going through a difficult time that eventually passed, like a kidney stone. 

You’ll get through this.

It won’t be painless.

It won’t be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don’t be foolish or naive.

But don’t despair either.

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

From You’ll Get Through This, by Max Lucado

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

June 1, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 20

Cherish Every Moment

I knew the news was not going to be good when I went in for the diagnosis. There were signs of decline, but I hoped it was just my imagination. It was not my imagination.

I sat with the Specialist as he looked at the screen. He looked up, and the conversation went like this.

Specialist: “I’m afraid it’s not good news. There is nothing we can do.”

Tom: “Oh, it is? I was afraid of that. Is there anything we can do?”

Specialist: “No. I’m sorry.”

Tom: “How much time do we have?”

Specialist: “Hmm. It’s impossible to know for sure.”

Tom: “What is your best guess?”

Specialist: “Hmm. Maybe four months. Maybe less.”

Tom: “How much less?

Specialist: “Well, the best we can hope for is four months. It could be four weeks, or two weeks, or a week. It could be a couple of hours.”

Tom: “So, we’re at the end, right?” 

Specialist: “Correct. There’s nothing more we can do. Your Apple Watch is dying.”

I appreciate that the Apple specialist was kind and compassionate as he explained the problem and the eventual outcome. But as he gently explained that I would need to replace my Apple watch, I was laughing on the inside because the conversation sounded like we were discussing a human being, not a piece of technology.  

As I processed the finality of the Specialist’s words, I reflected on the fleeting nature of technology and the impermanence of the devices that accompany us through life. The end of my Apple Watch was a reminder that while gadgets may fade, our memories and experiences endure. I resolve to try to cherish every moment, no matter how brief, and to live fully in the present.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved