A Norvell Note

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. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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)

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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.  

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved  

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved 

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

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.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

A Norvell Note for October 25, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 42

Peace Be With You.

I opened my journal and wrote, “Father, I am listening.”

I turned to my reading for the day, and He responded, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:21)

I took that phrase, inhaled deeply, and exhaled, saying, “Peace be with you.” I repeated the simple exercise multiple times throughout the day.

What did I learn from this simple mediation?

A meditative pause is healthy. Pausing for meditation throughout the day calms my spirit, heart, head, and body. It works if I am in traffic, eating a meal, drinking a cup of coffee, or taking a walk.

Peace is possible. Even amid chaos and crisis, moments of peace is achievable. The pause can be brief and may not last long, but even a momentary pause makes a difference.

God wants me to have peace. He is the initiator of peace. He modeled peaceful pauses, is the giver of peace, and knows I need these moments of relaxation.

God’s peace is more than just being quiet. His peace involves trust. His peace leads to wholeness. His peace reminds us that we are not alone.

When Jesus spoke these four words, His followers were trying to process His death, then His return. They were about to move into the most incredible adventure of their lives. Jesus knew they needed His presence and peace.

On any given day, we may face death and unimaginable heartache. He responds with, “Peace be with you.” Accept it. Embrace it.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

A Norvell Note for October 18, 2021Vol. 24 No. 41 

I Know You Are Near

Lord, I know You are near because Your word says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

I may not always feel Your presence in a meaningful way, but I know You are near.

I cannot always hear Your voice with other voices telling me what to think, what to do, how to feel, and what to say. But I know You are near. 

I do not always understand what You are saying to me or what lesson You want me to learn from this experience, but I know You are near. 

I am not always aware of what You are doing behind the scenes or why you are doing it, but I know You are near. 

I do not always want to pray, but when I do pray, You find ways to assure me that You are near.

You do not always answer my prayers as quickly as I want You to, or the way I want You to, but You find ways to remind me that You are near. 

I often do not understand why you do what You do, and I don’t always like it, but I always know You are near. 

I marvel at Your love. Your blessings humble me, and I am thankful that you are near.

Lord, I know You are near because Your word says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved  

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.  

A Norvell Note for the week of October 11, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 40

No Longer a Big Deal

When all this started, I wrote Everything Just Changed. Five months later, one of the many things that have changed is that some things do not matter as much as they once did. Let me offer a few examples.

Having car trouble can be very frustrating, but car trouble does not seem like such a big deal anymore.

The outcome of a sporting event was once a big deal. Whether my team wins or loses is no longer such a big deal.

Getting to see the latest blocker buster movie as soon as it hits the theater is no longer a big deal.

Being one of the first to get the latest technology device was once important to me. However, it doesn’t seem worth getting upset about today.

Knowing the inside scoop on a favorite celebrity might seem significant to some people. But, unfortunately, or fortunately, it seems trivial to me now.

Winning or losing an argument might have given me satisfaction at one point, but not anymore.

Staying up to date on a favorite television show once seemed like a big deal. It’s not a big deal anymore.

Many things once seemed worth making a mountain out of a molehill. Fortunately, there aren’t many molehills worth getting upset about anymore.

Oh, don’t get me wrong or give me too much credit for being enlightened or spiritually advanced. There are still things that I still find very important and consider big deals.

Spending time with my family is a bigger deal now than ever before. It has always been crucial, but more so now.

Reminding my children and grandchildren that I love them and am exceedingly proud of them is now a bigger deal than ever.

Staying in touch with and spending as much time with my extended family is more important now than it has ever been.

Communicating with friends who live far away has always been very important to me, but it’s even more critical now. If you are waiting for a call from me, please understand that it is also difficult and very emotional to do right now. I will call. I promise.

Being good of a husband, dad, and Papa, has always been near the top of my list of priorities. However, it seems to be essential now.

These teachings seem more important now.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12 NIV)

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

Some things are not as big of a deal to me as they once were.  Some things are more of a big deal than ever.  

Lord, help me be who I need to be, do what I need to do, and let that be enough.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

A Norvell Note for October 4, 2021

Vol. 24 No. 39

Get Back Up

In this video LE MOULIN JAUNE the dancer starts climbing a flight of stairs, he falls off onto a trampoline, then bounces back up onto the stairs, he falls, leaps up, he falls, and he bounces back up. The dancer reminds us of an important life lesson we learn early: when you fall, you get back up.

When a child is learning to, she falls a lot. Our parents would gleefully say, “Uh oh. Try again. Hop up. You can do it. Keep trying.”

When we first started learning to ride a bike, we crashed more than we cruised. Whoever was helping us would cheer us on with words like: “Ooooh. You almost had it. Try it again.”

Learning a new skill involves trying and failing and trying again.

Any great artist will likely tell you how they tried and tried and tried before they mastered their craft. Likewise, athletes, musicians, writers, public speakers, singers, medical professionals, public servants, and anyone who has ever struggled to achieve their dream have two things in common: they failed a lot and always got up and tried again.

Falling and failing are not fatal. Not getting up can be. Every remarkable comeback is a story of an individual or team who did not quit.

Living as a Jesus Follower is no exception. We try, we fail, we try again. We grow, we fall, we get back up.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. ⁹ We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.¹⁰ Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:8-10, NLT)

There are times when the dancer in the video struggles to reach his goal. Each bounce propels him a little bit higher until he finally reaches the top. That’s what we must do. Keep trying. When you fall, keep bouncing back up.

There will be times when you don’t feel like getting up. There will be times when you don’t want to get back up. There will be times when you are not sure you can get back up. Please, please, please get back up anyway.

[Keep up with Norah’s updates at Tom on Facebook]

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.