A Norvell Note

Not Too Seriously

A Norvell Note

February 27, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 09

Not Too Seriously

According to the Enneagram, my personality type is an improver (some call it perfectionist). As an improver, I believe there is a right way to do things and a wrong way. Since I discovered this about myself, I have tried to be aware of these tendencies, and I think I have improved on trying to make everyone do things my way instead of the wrong way.

However, there’s much work when it comes to me. I am very aware of my mistakes and failures. And daily, I ask what I can do to live better, be better, treat people better, and be a better follower of Jesus. Admittedly it can be wearisome, but I am learning that it is okay for others to see and do things differently.

One practice that is helping me is reading this passage often. I’m sharing it here from TheMessage because of the simple and plain language and because it reminds me that although I can continually improve on how I practice it, I really cannot improve on what God wants me to do. So when I read it, God says, “Tom, relax. You know what to do. Just do it.”

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
    what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously. (Micah 6:8, The Message)

After reading it multiple times, I always sense Him pausing before the last two lines and saying, “Tom, don’t take yourself too seriously—take Me seriously. Yes, life is serious, but you’ve got this.”

Maybe you need to read those words too. Perhaps you take yourself too seriously and think it is your responsibility to keep the world spinning. Or perhaps you don’t take yourself or God seriously enough. Maybe you should hear the Lord say, “Don’t take yourself too seriously—take Me seriously. Be fair and just with your neighbor be compassionate and loyal in your love. You’ve got this.”

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Just Be Kind

February 20, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 08

Just Be Kind

We talk a lot about kindness. We chose kindness as their word for the year, printed it on shirts and hats, plastered it on our car’s bumper, and tattooed it on their body. Galatians 5 lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit. We think about kindness and talk about it, but is it part of who we are? Here are a few situations where I need to be kind or wish others would be kind.

When you tell someone, you will call them, call them. It’s the kind thing to do. However, be thoughtful when someone tells you they will contact you and they don’t.

Show up when you say you will meet with someone, be there. It’s the kind thing to do. If you can’t make it, let the person know. Likewise, be kind when someone tells you they will meet you at a specific time but miss the appointment.

Do what you say you will do. Keep your promise. Keeping your commitment is a kind thing to do. If you can’t keep your promise, let the person know and apologize. Be kind when someone fails to keep a promise they made to you. Remember the times you have been unable to keep a promise.

Listen first. If someone is talking, listen first. If you walk into a room in the middle of a conversation, listen before you speak. You may not know what the people are talking about, and they may not want or need your input. It is a kind and wise thing to do. It may keep you from appearing or sounding silly. When someone is talking, listen. Don’t interrupt. It is a kind thing to do. When you interrupt someone, apologize. Let them talk. It’s a kind thing to do.

Acknowledge people. When you are on the phone and someone needs your attention, you don’t have to stop your conversation but acknowledge them. Let them know you will be with them as soon as you can. When you need to speak to someone, but they are on the phone, wait patiently (another of the fruits of the Spirit), and don’t interrupt the person. Be kind if you feel ignored (visualize being in a restaurant). Leave if you need to, but don’t make a scene. Just be kind.

Kindness costs us nothing and requires little other than getting past our ego and pride. Yet, we all need kindness and compassion. If you are a follower of Jesus, it is not optional.

Just be kind.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Hard Times and Small Potatoes

A Norvell Note

February 13, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 06

Hard Times and Small Potatoes

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, New International Version)

I was reminded of these words by a man wasting away and his physical world falling apart. I read more.

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, The Message)

I believe these words, I have taught these words, and I have preached these words. I have written about these words and shared them with many of you. However, sometimes I find it challenging to live as if troubles are “light and momentary” and the “hard times are small potatoes.”

Hard times do not seem like small potatoes when I talk with a husband who watches his wife slowly wasting away, and she feels like his world is falling apart.

Troubles do not feel light or momentary to the couple trying to keep their marriage together when they feel like their world is falling apart.

It’s hard to convince the young lady that being single and pregnant is all small potatoes. It’s equally difficult to convince her parents.

Light and momentary troubles do not seem to fit a friend who has lived a long, good life but now wonders if his life has any real meaning.

The daughter caring for her aged mother is not likely to say, “Ah, this is small potatoes.”

If you listen to parents in NICU, you are not likely to hear parents saying, “No worries. These are light and momentary troubles.”

Hard times and troubles come to all of us. There are times when we can focus on the things above, realize that our crisis is temporary, and live confidently that better days are ahead. But, unfortunately, there are other times when it is not so easy. Either way, we hang on and do not lose heart. We do not give up.

Here are two suggestions for helping people get through hard times.

First, remember that the person going through difficult times may be unable to view them as small potatoes. Listen to them. Do not tell them to get over it, it’s no big deal, or it could be worse.

Second, when you’re going through troubles, be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace. There is a reason they are called hard times. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Then, listen to this song and watch this video by Matthew West. It may help you keep going one more day. Wonderful Life

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

What Happened Last Week?

A Norvell Note

February 6, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 06

What Happened Last Week?

Junie came home!

Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, notes, and all other expressions of love for Junie and our family.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Beyond My Understanding

A Norvell Note

January 30, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 05

Beyond My Understanding

It makes no sense to me why people in the west and northwest have floods and landslides, people in the southeast get tornados, people in the southwest are experiencing drought conditions, and those who live in the northeast deal with frigid temps and snow and ice.

I don’t know why some people are impoverished and live on the street; others have more money than they can ever spend.

I cannot comprehend how some people can endure unspeakably horrible childhood trauma yet live to praise God with unimaginable joy. But unfortunately, others with similar experiences develop callous, resentful, and ungrateful hearts.

It makes no sense that professional athletes and movie stars make millions of dollars, and police officers, teachers, social workers, and other public servants often struggle to pay their bills.

How churches lose their way and become more about power than loving like Jesus is beyond my understanding, but I see it all too often.

And, of course, I am not sure if I will ever understand why children die of cancer.

There may be reasonable explanations for everything I mentioned. But my finite mind is incapable of understanding these perplexities. But, should there be a time when the Lord decides I need to have a complete understanding of how He works, He will enlighten me. But, until that time, I will trust Him.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9)

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

The Land of What May Be

A Norvell Note

January 23, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 04

The Land of What May Be

I have been on a little journey in recent days. It’s not a journey I particularly enjoyed, nor is it one I can recommend. It is a journey I’ve tried to avoid and have cautioned many others about making. Nevertheless, against my better judgment, I have traveled into the land of what may be.

You don’t need to remind me of Jesus’ words, “Take no thought about tomorrow,” I understand that today has enough trouble of its own. But Jesus’ words did not stop me from veering off the path of living in the.

My journey away from living here and now was not one of wringing my hands in worry, severe panic, or paralyzing fear. Instead, my expedition took me to a place where I was trying to prepare for what may happen.

The following may or may not be examples of where my wondering took me.

How will I respond if another friend dies?

What are we going to do if our car breaks down?

How am I going to handle it if she does not get well?

Where will we get money to pay the bills?

The list could go on and on. How will I deal with this? What am I going to do if this happens? What am I going to do if this does not happen? What about this? What about that?

I acknowledge that I’ve been on a journey to the land of what may or may never be. That’s the first step to getting back to reality.

The next step is to accept that no matter how much I think about and dwell in that distant land, I have no control over what may or may not happen. All I can do is live in the moment and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Easy to say.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

A Simple Answer

A Norvell Note

January 16, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 03

A Simple Answer

Have you ever asked a question, and by the time you got an answer, you were sorry you asked? I have. I’ve also been on the other side of that. Sometimes, someone asks me a question, and I want to impress them with my answer, so I go way overboard with too much information. You know you’ve over-answered when the questioner’s eyes glaze over, or they fall asleep.

Sometimes, a long, drawn-out, and detailed answer is appropriate. However, I’ve discovered that simple answers are an excellent place to start.

Psalm 15 is an example of a serious question that got a profound but straightforward answer.

God, who gets invited
to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?

²“Walk straight,
act right,
tell the truth.

^3-4“Don’t hurt your friend,
don’t blame your neighbor;
despise the despicable.

⁵“Keep your word even when it costs you,
make an honest living,
never take a bribe.

“You’ll never get
blacklisted
if you live like this.”

The Lord didn’t overwhelm the questioner or make him feel dumb for the asking. Instead, he gave a sincere, respectful answer to an honest, from-the-heart question.

A simple answer. That is a good idea.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Family

A Norvell Note

January 9, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 02

Family

We look forward to times when we can be together. Then, finally, the time arrives, and we squeeze as much as possible into the few days and nights we can. We eat more than we should. We stay up later than we ought. We watch movies and games and take pictures. We get up earlier than we usually do, we talk, and we listen. We share our stories, laugh, cry, work through our differences, and appreciate our histories. We are a family. We sacrifice time, energy, and money to be with our family.

Why are we willing to plan, travel, change travel plans, adjust our schedules, and do all the things we do to be together?

Why? Because we are family.

Are there things we would change? Possibly. Are there things we regret? Probably. Is it hard work? Sometimes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Why? Because we are family.

Thank You, God, for our family.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

In the Beginning

A Norvell Note

January 2, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 01

In the Beginning

It is my understanding that there are six basic emotions.

Sadness
Happiness
Fear
Anger
Surprise
Disgust

Add to that list these emotions.

Disappointment
Grief
Hopelessness
Joy
Contentment
Satisfaction

We feel many, if not all, of those emotions daily. Now add these self-imposed demands.

Review of last year’s New Year’s Resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions.
Plans for improving yourself.
Commitments.
Hopes for the new year.
Dreams you are waiting to come true.

Put all this together, and you have a formula for an emotional overload, emotional exhaustion, and perhaps an emotional breakdown.

What if you tried something different this year?

Just do one thing, one day at a time.

If you want to lose weight, focus on eating healthier for one day. Then, work on it again the next day.

If you want to work on your relationship with God, read from the Bible and reflect on one passage a day. Then, read another passage the next day.

If you want to spend less money, spend a little less one day. Then, spend a little less money the next day.

Remember, in the beginning, God. On the first day, He created the light. Then, on the next day, He created day and night. He did one thing a day. He did not do everything all at once, so why should you?

So, do it one day. That is enough for one day.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Now What?

A Norvell Note

December 26, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 42

Now What?

We waited and waited for Christmas morning, and finally, it came and went. So now it’s the day after Christmas, we opened the presents, the wrapping paper has been bagged and placed in the trash, and soon the tree will be taken down and stored until next year. Now what?

The searching, shopping, purchasing, and wrapping paid off once we exchanged gifts and devoured meals. We cleared the table, washed the dishes, and vacuumed the floor. Now what?

Christmas and New Year’s week are a microcosm of life. We start with hopes and dreams of where we want to go, what we want to happen, and how we want to end. Then, we make plans; we work on the projects; we wait and wait; we pray and dream and hope. Eventually, the dreams come true, or they fade. And we ask, now what?

So, now what?

It’s pretty simple. We start over.

By this time on the day after Christmas, you may already be making plans for next Christmas. What foods worked well, and which ones didn’t? What decorations will you keep, and which ones will you discard? What gift did you not get this year that you hope you get next year?

When one dream ends, we start over with new goals. When we reach one goal, we start over with another. When one year ends, we start over with new plans or recommit to achieving the goals we didn’t reach last year.

It’s the day after Christmas and the last week of the year. Now what? Reflect, regroup, and restart. Don’t quit. If it’s been a great year, are there ways to improve? If it’s been a challenging year, what can you do to make next year better? If it has been a horrible year and all you can do is be grateful that it’s over. Then, do that. But don’t quit.

Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14, NIV)

Whatever goal you have set for today, this week, or next year, keep moving forward. Don’t give up.

Oh, one last thing. If you need help, it’s okay to ask.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note

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