A Norvell Note – Page 14 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Creative Communication

A Norvell Note for January 17, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 03

Creative Communication

Interpersonal communication is difficult when conditions are ideal. The pandemic, social distancing, and the wearing of masks make it even more challenging. Masks silence our voices. Masks hide our facial expressions. Our mouths are covered. It is difficult, but we can communicate.

Consider these words from For the One.

Help me to love with open arms

Like You do

A love that erases all the lines

And sees the truth

Oh, that when they look in my eyes

They would see You

Even in just a smile, they would feel the

Father’s love

Our options may be limited, but we can communicate His love.

We love with open arms. We may be limited or hesitant to touch another human physically, but we can demonstrate God’s love by accepting and being receptive to people. We can open our arms and pretend to hug from a safe distance. We can listen to them with an open mind and heart.

We can erase the lines that divide us. With or without, masks lines have been drawn. In some cases, the mask has become the line. Jesus erased all the lines. He welcomes all people. If we are following Jesus, we erase lines that divide us.

We can love with our eyes. Our eyes can speak volumes. If we look closely and intently, we can often tell if a person is happy, sad, bored, or disgusted. With our eyes, we can speak to others. Let our eyes reveal our love and God’s love to those we see.

We can express love with our smiles. Communicating from behind a mask may mean our smiles need to be bigger, brighter, and bolder. Even if our smiles are not visible, our eyes can reveal our feelings.

During these stressful times, the people around us need to experience God’s love as much as ever. Because our ability to communicate is limited, we must be creative to overcome the obstacles so people can see and feel God’s love in and through us.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Opportunities Will Come

A Norvell Note for January 10, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 02

Opportunities Will Come

On a lazy, relaxed, drizzly Saturday morning, I scanned through images on social media and reflected on the week that had just passed. Both have reminded me of people I love, places I have visited, experiences I have had, and some things I might like to do. The year behind, the year ahead, and today.

I see photos of young people and college students who now have families of their own, and many are caring for their aged parents.

I see images of friends enjoying vacations, describing their latest move, celebrating their children’s achievements, posing with their grandchildren, and scarfing down food at their favorite restaurants.

I read stories of family members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, holding memorials for loved ones, posting pictures of our ancestors, and sharing childhood memories.

It’s easy to hang out too long in what was and what might be, but eventually, we must come back to where we are.

A New Year comes with built-in expectations of being better at the end of the year than we are at the beginning. That doesn’t happen all at once. It happens over time by taking advantage of opportunities as they come. Consider these examples.

You will have an opportunity to encourage someone today. Don’t miss the opportunity.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)

You will have an opportunity, maybe more than one, to treat someone, not in your immediate community with kindness. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5, NIV)

You will have an opportunity to do good to everyone you interact with today. So don’t miss the opportunity.

Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10, NIV)

You will have the opportunity to live wisely today. Make the most of that opportunity.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17, NIV)

Are you hoping to be a better person a year from now than you are today? You can be, and you may help others to be better along the way. So take advantage of the opportunities.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Here We Go Again

A Norvell Note for January 3, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 01

Here We Go Again

I wrote this at the end of 2020.

“Here’s the plan. When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2020 (that’s tonight), everything that has been wrong with this year will be made right.”

So much for being able to predict the future.

Here we go again. The year ended with as much confusion and chaos as it began. The new year starts with more of the same. So, how will we do it again?

Be as calm as possible. We are stressed and anxious and often afraid. It would be easy to panic. It would be easy to lose our composure. Be as calm as possible and help other people to remain calm. “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” (Proverbs 29: 11)

Be as patient as possible. We hear that a lot, don’t we? Being patient is not easy for any of us under the best circumstances. Being patient as we move into the second year of a pandemic seems unreasonable. We’re tired of the restrictions. We’re tired of people being sick and dying. We’re tired of masks, vaccinations, and waiting in line. But we’re not through it, so let’s be as patient as possible. Be patient with others and with ourselves. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

Be as kind as possible. Be kind to your medical caregivers. Be kind to those who serve you. They are stressed, over-worked, under-appreciated, under-staffed. They need your appreciation. They need your understanding, and they need your kindness. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. You are probably feeling stressed, maybe feeling over-worked, under-appreciated, and maybe doing the work of two or three people. Be kind to yourself and others. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Be as gentle as possible. We all need a little gentleness. Be gentle with yourself, your spouse, your children, parents, friends, and your team. I am reminded of these words, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5) .“The Lord is near. Let your gentleness be evident to all.”

Two years ago, we had no idea that we would still be experiencing the disruption to what we once called normal, but here we are. The longer this goes on, the more likely we will get frustrated, angry, confused, and on the verge of losing it and exploding at someone. When it happens, try to calm yourself, be as patient as possible, be kind and gentle with others and yourself.

God is still with us. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Endure

A Norvell Note for December 20, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 50

Endure

The anticipation for Christmas begins months before December 25. For some, the anticipation for next Christmas starts on December 25 as soon the gifts are opened. The roller coaster of emotion surrounding Christmas begins, builds, becomes more intense until it peaks on Christmas morning, and within a few minutes, it’s over.

Even under ideal circumstances, the Christmas season could be a template for life.

We have a dream. The dream begins to grow. With the passing of each milestone, the anticipation builds. It is like a low section on the roller coaster track when you fail to reach a goal. In these challenging times, it is easy to get discouraged and depressed. However, it’s the belief that better times, and better things, will come that keeps us going through the low times when progress is slow.

Some might say these cycles of ups and downs make life exciting. Others might prefer that life move along on a more consistent and even keel. I’ve not known life to be such a smooth journey.

So how do we manage it? How do we navigate the ups and downs and the ins and outs as we look forward to the day when dreams come true? And what do we do when we realize the downturn will not go back up? What do you do when you realize the plan will not work and the prayer will be unanswered?

I wish I could offer the perfect after-Christmas end-of-the-year sure-fire plan of action to adopt as a New Year’s resolution, but I can’t. So all I can offer is to say persevere.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5, NIV)

Persevere.

So much of life involves the process of endurance. They are enduring another day alone and enduring another night without goodnight hugs. You much survive another holiday with an empty place at the table. You are enduring the pain, the heartbreak, and the emptiness. You must endure the sadness and the loneliness.

You when endure all you can, and you get to the end of your day and say, “I did it.” Let that be enough. Rest well, knowing you have done the best you can.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

God Is With Us

A Norvell Note for December 20, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 49

God Is With Us

‘Listen! The virgin shall conceive a child! She shall give birth to a Son, and he shall be called “Emmanuel” (meaning “God is with us”).’”

It was a simple pronouncement of only four words (or three in other translations). “God is with us.” But what powerful words they were. After centuries of confusion and questioning the silence, the angel from God that, “God is with us.”

When the baby was born, assurance came to all the world that we are never alone. God is with us. God is always with us.

No matter where we are or what we are doing, God is with us.

God was with us even before we were aware of our existence. (Psalm 139)

When life is going well, God is with us.

When we are confused and questioning the silence of God, He is with us.

When we struggle to find focus and direction, God is with us.

May I encourage you to take these four words and make them personal? These words are not a one-time announcement of the arrival of the King for the world. God gave us you, me, all of us.

These words are to comfort you when your heart is breaking. The phrase, God is with us, provides strength to walk through the dark valley of death. The words calm us when it appears that our world is crumbling around us. These are the words that help us get out of bed in the morning when we’d prefer to pull the covers over our heads because we are too sad and depressed to put our feet on the floor.

These are words not just for this season but also for every season. So, as you go through this week, the highs and lows, make sure these four words are a regular part of your conversation. Make them a consistent part of your mediation and reflections.

God is with us.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

December 10, 2021

A Norvell Note for December 13, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 48

December 10, 2021

On September 10, we said goodbye to Norah Lee. She was seven years old. That was three months ago.

On December 10 in 1964, we said goodbye and buried my mother. She was forty-four years old. That was fifty-seven years ago.

I realized a long time ago that my emotions take a nosedive every year just before or on December 8. So if I’m thinking clearly, I will remember it’s coming and prepare as much as possible to feel a little blue, some years very low-spirited, and experience some level of depression.

This year was no different. I kept an eye on the calendar. The emotions came as expected, and then came Friday the 10^th. Memories flooded my soul—images of my childhood and those of my granddaughter.

I was sinking lower and lower until I thought about them being in heaven. Of course, I do not claim to know what heaven is or is not like, but I saw them sitting together on a bench by a peaceful stream in my imagination. Norah looked up at my mother, and my mother looked down at her. They were holding hands and smiling.

I found peace as I sat quietly with those thoughts.

I take comfort in these words.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Sometime It’s Hard to Be Thankful

A Norvell Note for November 22, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 46

Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Thankful

During my visits with the people under my care last week, I read Psalms of Thanksgiving. My reasoning was simple: It’s almost Thanksgiving. If I read these Psalms, they will remember all the reasons they should be thankful. However, after each visit and as the week ended, I realized that my explanation might have instead been to remember the reasons I have to be thankful because sometimes it is hard to be thankful.

Speaking only for me, sometimes it is hard to be thankful. The seasons of un-thankfulness are rare but real.

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for the many warm days and blue skies of Texas when I miss the cooler, colorful and rainy days of Autumn in Tennessee and Virginia. Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m learning to be thankful for the light sweater weather of this Texas Autumn, and as I walked recently, the temperature was lower than usual, overcast, and I did see a yellow leaf.

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for all the freedoms we have in America when I see the abuses of our liberties and injustices suffered by so many simply because of the color of their skin, their spiritual beliefs and practices, and how they choose to identify themselves. Sometimes it is hard, but I am thankful I have the freedom to speak and write and maybe bring about some small change.

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for the seven years and seven months we had with Norah when I know she won’t be with us at the table on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas morning. Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m trying to be thankful for the seven years and seven months.

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful and say, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it” when I try to relive the past or try to leap into the future.” Sometimes it’s hard, but I’m trying every day to live in the moment.

I ended some of my visits by reading Psalm 136, where the writer lists reasons for being thankful and follows each statement with His faithfulness endures forever. Or, as The Message reads, “His love never quits.”

Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful, but when I take a moment to be still and know that God is God and His love never quits, the feelings of gratitude return, and I give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

May your week be filled with reminders of God’s goodness and that His love never quits.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

When You Do Speak

A Norvell Note for November 15, 2021Vol. 24 No. 45

When You Do Speak

There is a time to be silent, and yes, there is a time to speak. But, when you do talk, here are a few things to consider, which come from Ephesians 4:29, when the New Testament writer, Paul, shared his guidelines for living the Christian life.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. (The Message)

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. (NRSV)

Think about what you are going to say.

For many years when I read these words, I assumed the writer was saying, “Quit your cussin’ and don’t tell dirty jokes!” I have come to understand that there is a deeper meaning. Many words and expressions can be more destructive and damaging than curse words, such as hate, harmful, judgmental, abusive, and useless language. Read what you have typed out loud before hitting send on that text, email, or social media post. Do you want to say that? Before you drop that angry letter in the mail slot at the Post Office (Do you remember where the Post Office is?), read it out loud. Do you want to send it? Think about what you are going to say before you say them.

Think about your purpose for speaking.

The text says: “but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Are you trying to say something helpful for those who listen? If not, why say it? Are you speaking to impress people or build them up? If so, be quiet. Just because you want to say something does not mean you should say it. Think about your purpose.

My intent for writing is not to shut anyone down or keep anyone from talking. Instead, my purpose is to say things and encourage others to say something worth hearing.

Let’s use our voices for good. Let’s think about what we are saying and why we are saying it.

Father, whether we are speaking to our spouse or partner, children or parents, employer or employee or co-worker, student or teacher, stranger or friend, or self, give us words that help and build up, then remind us to use those words.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Time to Be Silent

A Norvell Note for November 8, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 44

A Time to Be Silent

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.

The wisest of men said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” As I reflect on each season (with one exception), I think, “Been there. Done that. And I am weary.”

The statement that appeals most during this season is “there is a time to be silent.”

The wisest of men later said, “A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.”

He also said, “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God. (Ecclesiastes 5:3,7)

During this season, I have often said, read, and heard, “There are no words.” And yet, I search for words.

Sometimes, when I listen to those who claim to have the answers to what ails the world and troubles the soul, I wish they would move into a season of silence.

Some radio and television talk show hosts and podcasters would do well to be silent and let their guests speak.

Silence is what is needed when in the presence of the Lord. Silence is appropriate when comforting a friend or family member standing near the bed of one struggling to breathe. Silence is better when with one who is grieving and preferred when attending a concert.

Though I may wish for silence from others, the silence most needed is my own.

Yes, there is a time to speak, but I find that being silent is often the better choice.

In my search for words, I find peace in being silent.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

Serenity

A Norvell Note for November 1, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 43

Serenity

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change

the things that I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Most of the frustration, disappointment, discouragement, and anger I experience result from trying to change the things that I cannot change. So here is my partial list of things I cannot change: People. The past. Life events. Weather. Who lives or who dies. Other people’s attitudes, actions, words, or thoughts. People (Oh, I already mentioned people).

The longer I live, the longer my list.

The list of things I can change is much shorter: Me.

I can adjust my attitude, actions, words, thoughts, how I treat people, how I respond to other people, how I react to life events, and how I arrange the furniture in my study.

I can change myself.

Just in case you have similar lists tucked away in the back of your mind, here are a few attitudes I need to apply as I begin to change myself. Maybe these will help you too.

Be kind to yourself. Change is hard. Some changes take time. If I mess up, I need to forgive myself (not make excuses) and start over. I am my worst critic.

Trust God to help you make the changes. I must trust God to help me accept the things that I cannot change, to change the things that I can change, and the wisdom to know the difference. Trusting God is the key to everything. As we used to sing, “Without Him, I can do nothing.”

Ask for help when I need it. I am not very good at this. I tend to think that I can, or should be able, to handle anything that comes my way. I have learned and trying to accept that sometimes I need help. That word trust shows up again. I must trust that it is okay to ask for help.

Repeat this prayer often.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change

the things that I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

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