A Norvell Note

I Just Want to Go Home

A Norvell Note

October 3, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 31

I Just Want to Go Home

I’ve said those words many times. As a child, every time I tried to stay away from home overnight, about the time it started getting dark and I missed my Mama I’d say, “I just want to go home.” Usually, I followed that up with “I have a stomachache.” I said those words when I went to Boy State as a teenager. And I said those words on mission trips to Ukraine during the first forty-eight hours of our trip, and after we had completed most of our mission.

I’ve heard those words a few times our children were small and one of their overnight guests would get homesick. I’ve heard it when college students were not doing well in their classes, had their hearts broken, or received bad news from home. “I just want to go home.”

I’ve heard from an elderly man who had lived a good life, worked hard, and lost use of most of his physical abilities and bodily functions. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I’m so tired. I don’t want to live like this anymore. I just want to go home.” I’ve heard it from the widow who lost her husband and best friend and now must face life alone. I hear it said when a person has reached the end of life and been told there is nothing left that can be done. “I just want to go home.” And I hear it in the voices of the caregivers who are exhausted from too many hours and too much sickness and death.

I think I read those words in my four-year-old granddaughter’s eyes as she lay in her hospital bed attached to tubes and monitors. I know I saw it in the eyes of my daughter and son-in-law as they prepared for another night in a hospital room.

I still say it some days when it starts getting dark, I’m tired, feel helpless, and miss my Mama. I just want to go home.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: A Norvell Note

Living the Dream

A Norvell Note

September 26, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 30

Living the Dream

As I entered the facility, I greeted the two ladies behind the desk and asked, “How are you ladies today?” With a less than enthusiastic response, one of them said, “Living the dream.”

Later that day in a different facility I greeted another group of ladies who were taking a break with, “How are you all today?” One of them quickly answered back, “Just living the dream. Just living the dream.” The others in the group laughed. I told them about the other group, and they laughed again.

I left wondering about their dream, is it a good dream, a nightmare, or maybe somewhere in between? Are they living their dream, or dreaming about a dream they wish they were living? As I reflected on their somewhat sarcastic response to my question, I appreciated the fact that they believe there is a dream to live.

We all have a dream that we long to live. At least I hope we do.

On any given night you can watch multiple talent competition shows where each contestant is hoping to live their dream of being a singer, a dancer, a chef, or a corporate executive power broker. Some dreams come true, and some do not. Every athlete lives the dream of becoming the best. Every team lives the dream of winning the championship.

Sometimes we live to see our dreams to their happy ever after ending. Unfortunately, sometimes our dreams are cut short, and we are left with the agony of dreams that will never come true. Then, we must search for another dream.

I’ve had some dreams that have come true, and I watched others fade and die. I’ve let go of some dreams and I’ve revived others. Some were big dreams, some were impossible dreams, and some I learned were not worth pursuing.

Here are a couple of dreams that I believe are still worth pursuing that I am trying to live.

“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

When someone asks you how you are doing, I hope you say, “I’m living the dream” and mean it.

Start living your dream and keep living it.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: A Norvell Note

Some Things Do Not Fit Together

September 19, 2022 – Vol. 26 No. 29

Some Things Do Not Fit Together

Those who know me well know that I tend to like things to be done a certain way. If something does not work or serves no purpose, I am ready to get rid of it. If you move something, put it back where it was. Furniture sometimes needs to be rearranged just to see if it works better in the new location. Recently I’ve noticed a few things that just do not seem to fit together.

It is sad to see couples eating out and both looking at their cell phones the whole time.

It is even sadder to see dads having breakfast with their children but being more focused on checking their messages than what their children are saying.

It is my opinion that men with big bellies should not wear tight jeans.

I do not understand why some people have garages full of stuff and their cars sitting in the driveway.

It seems strange to see people walking their dogs and yelling at them the whole time.

I have learned that wearing contact lenses and shedding tears do not work well.

Maybe the most puzzling and disappointing is when I see followers of Jesus (including me) acting with pride and pursuing power.

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Matthew 23:12, For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

James 4:6, But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

James 4:10, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Some things just do not fit together. Most of the inconsistencies that I have mentioned are nothing more than my opinion or preferences. However, if we are trying to live like Jesus, pride, a haughty spirit, and the desire for control and power cannot co-exist.

We can do better. Let’s do better.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: 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.

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles go here: 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.

Follow Junie’s Story: welovejunieblue

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.

Follow Junie’s Story: welovejunieblue

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

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)”

Follow Junie’s Story: welovejunieblue

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

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.

Follow Junie’s Story: welovejunieblue

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

^[i] Psalm 139:23

^[ii] Philippians 4:6-7

Subscribe to A Norvell Note