A Norvell Note

A Norvell Note for February 28, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 09 – Vol. 26 No. 09

A Light in the Darkness

In 1992 several Christians from Virginia and across the United States made a trip to Ukraine. That first trip was to Kyiv. I made four more trips into Ukraine over the next six years. We flew into Kyiv and traveled west to Zhytomyr, and I made one memorable excursion to a small village north of Zhytomyr. The work in Zhytomyr grew and expanded to Rivne, with teams making regular visits until very recently. 

The heartbreaking scenes of the invasion bring back many memories. Although it was almost twenty-five years ago, and some of the details escaped me, one memory still shines brightly in my mind. 

A significant part of every trip involved us going into schools to teach the Bible. We were in Zhytomyr, and it was a frigid, snowy day, and we were late getting to the school. To our surprise, even though we were very late, the teachers and children waited for us and rejoiced when we arrived.

We gathered in the gymnasium, and the electricity had gone out, so one of the teachers stood on a chair holding a single candle to light the room as the children sang. The children sang, and the candle continued to burn. As the candle grew shorter and shorter, the teacher kept adjusting how she held it. Eventually, she had nothing to hold, so using the melting wax, she stuck the candle on the tip of her finger to bring light into the darkness. 

Our purpose for Ukraine was to bring light into their dark world. As it turned out, the innocent faces, sweet voices, and determined spirits of the Ukrainian people brought light into our hearts. 

As the citizens of Ukraine fight for freedom, they continue to bring light into this dark world. Please light a candle pray that the darkness of oppression will not overcome the light, and be a light in the darkness.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:15)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for February 21, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 08

Are Things Better?

I seem to have more questions than answers. Questions that may or may not have answers. For instance, are things better?

It feels like things are better. It feels like life is getting back to what we once knew as routine. But are things better? 

More people are traveling, but air travel and gas prices are higher than most have ever known. More people are shopping and eating out, yet almost every business you enter is short-handed posts a sign saying, “We’re hiring.”

Churches are open and functioning, but attendance is lower than in years, and people seem to be fine without it. 

Our world is anxious due to the threat of war. There is a new story of hatred, anger, and violence every week. Fires, floods, snowstorms, and tornados are more prevalent than we have ever known. 

Are things better?

I reflect on these words from the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah:

They dress the wound of my people
    as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
    when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:13)

Are things better, or are we just so tired of the way things are that we have adopted the philosophy of, “Fake it till you make it?’? 

Last week a very dear friend reminded me of the words on a bracelet I gave him and the one I’ve worn on my right hand for years: “No complaints! No fear! Finish strong!” His message took me back to the reason I had for creating the bracelets in the first place. 

I do not want to live in fear. I do not wish to live in fear of what is happening around me or what might happen in the future to control how I live. I desire to live with confidence and courage, not fear. 

I try not to complain, but sometimes I do. Things pile up, I get stressed, I’m in a hurry, and something blows my plan. The reminder on my wrist challenges me to do better. 

I am trying to finish strong. There are days and nights when I feel finished, but not very strong. There are days when I wonder if I have anything left to offer, and I rely on the truth in these words: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27).

Are things better? I don’t know. Are they going to get better? I don’t know. But, I know this, if I can live without fear, restrain from complaining, and focus on finishing strong today, things will be better for me, and maybe that will make things better for a few of those who live within my circle of influence.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for February 14, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 07

A Good Friend

Good friends are hard to come by, take time and effort to develop, and are painful to lose. Unfortunately, I lost a good friend last week. 

I met Carlis and Charlotte Tucker while preaching for the Cameron Avenue Church of Christ in Colonial Heights, Virginia. In August 1993, a major tornado came through the area, causing significant damage to Colonial Heights and Petersburg. Shortly after the storm, Carlis and Charlotte started attending our church were (to use Charlotte’s words), “You baptized Carlis and recaptured me.” That began a beautiful friendship that would last for eternity.

Carlis and Charlotte became hospitality personified by opening their home to our family and the church family for the next seven years. They hosted men’s breakfasts, ladies’ events, birthday parties, Easter Egg Hunts, and more homecooked meals than I can remember. Their “veranda” became a refuge filled with love, laughter, tears, encouraging conversation, and always a good cup of coffee.

Sometime after we moved from Virginia, Carlis and Charlotte sold their country home, bought an RV, and traveled all over the United States, making friends and spreading love and kind-heartedness wherever they went. We were grateful when their explorations brought them near us to share a meal and renew our friendship. Our last visit with Carlis was in a Cracker Barrel (of course) in Lubbock over the Christmas holidays. 

Even as a retiree and an immaculate landscaper, Carlis was a hard worker. He was a quiet man but did not hesitate to offer his opinion. At times, I sensed a sadness in Carlis that seemed to come from a feeling of regret that I never completely understood. However, his desire to help others, genuine love, and laughter revealed his true nature. He had a great laugh!

Carlis was never one to seek the limelight, but he was there if there was a fellowship meal to be prepared at church. But, of course, he did it his way, and he did it well. He was willing to help when someone was in need. And he always had a word of encouragement when he sensed someone needed it. 

Carlis loved God our church family, and he loved and encouraged our family. He was a good man and a good friend. I miss him. 

I loved Carlis Tucker. And I love Charlotte. 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)

If you would like to read a few of the particulars of Carlis’ life and share a message with Charlotte, go to the link below. 

Carlis A. Tucker

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for February 07, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 06

Unplanned Slowdown

Like many people in our area, I spent part of last Thursday sitting in my chair looking out the window at the ice collecting on the grass and trees and listening to the falling sleet. Unfortunately, the icy roads and frigid made travel dangerous, so most altered their work schedules, schools and businesses were closed, and we experienced an unplanned slowdown. 

An unplanned slowdown may be an ice storm, a snowstorm, or a flood. The unplanned slowdown may occur when a family member becomes ill dies. An unplanned slowdown occurs when you get the flu, the power goes out, or the Internet is down. 

An unplanned slowdown can be annoying, frustrating, inconvenient, and distressing. Or, it can be relaxing, inspirational, and refreshing. Like most of life, it depends on our attitude. 

We do not know when another unplanned slowdown will come because they are, well, unplanned. But as sure as we live, there will be another. So the only healthy way I know to survive an unplanned slowdown is by coming to terms and reminding myself that I cannot control what happens, but I can control how I respond to what happens. 

If I get stuck in traffic or forced to wait for another reason, I can spit and spew and cuss and cry. Or, I take a deep breath, listen to my favorite music, call a good friend, or remind myself that: 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:1,2, 10)

I am not expecting the Lord to wake me in the morning by saying, “Tom, I’m tired. I need you to take over for the day.” So, when another unplanned slowdown comes, I think I will try to be still, enjoy the break, and know God is in control. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for January 31, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 05

You Did it!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Kim and I found a spot near the finish line as our daughter, and her best friend ran a Half-Marathon through the streets of Austin. We monitored their pace and location on the app provided by race promoters.

As runners approached the finish line, the announcer called their names and congratulated them. As the runners came to the finish line, some would give one last push as they crossed the line. Others would struggle to take one more step to make it to the finish line. 

As the runners glanced up, they saw the words “Finish Line,” their facial expressions changed dramatically from struggle and pain to relief and joy. “I did it!”  

When we found Laura and Mel, they had these big smiles on their faces and said, “WE DID IT!” Of course, we were very proud and excited for them, but the fact that they weren’t even breathing hard made me feel old. 

They talked about how there were times along to course when they struggled, and there were times they felt the “runner’s high” and could have run all day. But then, it got hard again. Eventually, they reached the point where they realized the end was in sight, friends and families cheered for them, and they could see the finish line. 

That’s when the words above came to mind, “I have fought the fight. I finished the race!” 

As I reflect on these two young ladies reaching their goals, these thoughts come to mind. 

When people we love move toward the end of their lives, I hope we can be with them as they get a glimpse of the finish line and celebrate for them and with them. If you are with them as that time approaches, you may see a change in their facial expression as they realize they will make it. Celebrate with them and say, “You did it!”

Our workdays sometimes feel like a test of our endurance. Another phone call, one more email, one more unnecessary question might send you over the edge. But, then, you see that the clock is moving, and the day is almost over, and you say, “I did it!” 

Life itself gets us down and wears us out, and we wonder what else can go wrong. There are times when you want to quit. But you don’t because you know people are cheering for you at the finish line. So keep your eyes on the finish line, and shout, “I did it!”

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for January 24, 2022

Vol. 26 No. 04

Plans. What Plans?

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.” If that’s true, God must get a real kick out of me. 

I planned to play basketball for the Boston Celtics when I was growing up. No doubt God chuckled. Little did I know how big, fast, strong, and talented you must be to play in college, not to mention the National Basketball Association. 

When I started college, I planned to be a pharmacist. Why? Because I had a couple from the church I attended in high school, he was a pharmacist, lived in a lovely home, and seemed to have a good life. God giggled. Little did I know being a pharmacist involved studying chemistry, zoology, and so much other stuff that I could not handle. 

I laugh also. 

I could fill several pages of single-spaced, 12-point font plans that certainly made God laugh, and me to be grateful that those plans never came to pass. However, the list has grown considerably over the last two years. So, I’ve changed how I plan. 

For the most part, I now make plans one day at a time. Sometimes a half-day at a time. Sometimes an hour at a time. I’m getting better at tolerating interruptions. I’m learning to look for blessings when the plan changes. I remember that God’s ways are higher than mine, and His thoughts are not my thoughts. And I’m trying to be at peace with that and live in the moment.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow 

come down from heaven, 

and do not return to it

without watering the earth 

and making it bud and flourish, 

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: 

It will not return to me empty, 

but will accomplish what I desire 

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”    (Isaiah 55:9 – 11)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

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. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.