A Norvell Note

A Norvell Note for March 1, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 09

Plans and Pauses

Spring was coming on with intensity, then the winter storm hit and slowed the process. Fields and lawns were turning green. Trees were budding. Birds were singing. Then, pause.

Tiger was recovering from back surgery and preparing to return to competitive golf, hoping to make an appearance that the 2021 Masters. His automobile accident has put everything on hold as he recovers. His career is on pause.

Twelve months ago, we could not imagine the life changes we were about to experience. Nor could we imagine that we would still be experiencing them.

The Bible is full of stories about people who experienced an unexpected pause in their plans. Poor choices distracted David from following God. Jonah rebelled against God, delaying the message of repentance. Peter’s denials disrupted his leadership of the disciples. Paul’s missionary travel plans had multiple starts and stops. They paused as they dealt with the setbacks.

As I reflect on my sixty-eight trips around the sun, it reminds me of numerous times when I faced setbacks (some my own doing and others beyond my control) that forced me to suspend my plans and wait for me to see and understand God’s new approach.

Without exception, a setback (a reversal or stoppage of progress) irritates and frustrates me. I’m in a hurry, and a long slow train stops my progress. When I need to print a document quickly, the printer decides to misfeed. When I thought I was moving toward accomplishing an important goal, I realize that goal was not what I was needing (or wanting) to do. When I see some light at the end of the financial tunnel, an unexpected expense dims the light.

Does any of that sound familiar?

Almost without exception, the pause (interrupt action or speech briefly) ends up being a blessing. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to say (or write) something, but I hesitated and remained quiet for one reason or another. That train that stopped my progress reminded me that being in a hurry is not necessary. The pandemic and slower pace provided the opportunity to see what’s important and appreciate my blessings. The weird and unexplained rash made me get a couple of days of much-needed rest.

As warmer weather returns, I am confident that the colors of spring will soon decorate the landscape.

Pauses and setbacks are part of life. How we deal with them is our choice. We can fuss and fume. Or we can look for the beauty found slowing down and looking for hidden blessings, as we remember that the Father is on our side, guiding our steps, sees things that are beyond our ability to see.

“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.
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.
You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever.”[1]

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.   

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[1] Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV

A Norvell Note for February 22, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 08 

Lessons in Humility and Gratitude

The truck passed me on the freeway, and ice started flying off his roof and hitting my windshield. I wanted to yell ugly things. Then, I wondered how many times I have unknowingly done the same thing.

As I watched the news reports, I wanted to call him arrogant, selfish, and a horrible public servant example. Then, I remembered times when I’ve been egotistical, selfish, and an awful example of a servant.

I grew restless and frustrated with being confined to home because of the snow and ice-covered roads. Then, I remembered the message repeated so often throughout my life be still, relax, and be where you are.

I was frustrated as the electricity kept going off, and when the restrictions on water usage and said to boil the water before drinking. Then, I talked to folks whose power had been off for days, had no idea when or if the power was coming back on, and had no water at all.

I began to feel gamey and grimy and complained about not having had a shower in five days. Then, I heard a nurse say she was wearing clothes from the facility lost and found and that he had not left the hospital in seven days.

I was almost boastful that have received both vaccine shots very early in the process. Then, I heard someone say they could not even get an appointment for the first dose.

I was thankful that we had candles and cell phones to light the darkness and gas logs in our fireplace to keep us warm. Then, I heard stories of freezing people, and others who were burning furniture to stay warm, and others who had water damage because of bursting water pipes.

Sometimes I whine and complain (my “No Complaints. No Fear. Finish Strong” bracelet broke last week) and think my life is more challenging than I deserve. Then we have a pandemic, a winter storm, a tornado, a hurricane, and images and stories of others who are dealing with much more than I am, and the Lord reminds me how richly blessed I am.  

Father, thank You for blessing me with life, home, food, water, bed, warmth, family, friends, a spiritual community that knows no boundary, and so many other physical, material, and spiritual blessings. And, Father, please accept my prayer of repentance for the times when I gripe and complain and fail to acknowledge how much You love and bless me.  So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Colossians 3:12-14 The Message) 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.   

A Norvell Note for February 15, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 07

Good Friends Who Love Deeply

In a section of Scripture where the writer (Paul) offers instruction for believers and among non-believers, he writes:

Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. (Romans 12:10 MSG)

I have a few people who fit that description. They have been and are good friends and have loved me deeply. They have loved me through good times, they have loved me through challenging times, and they have loved me through all the mediocre times in between. They have loved me when I have been easy to love and loved me even more profoundly when I have been far from lovable.

They have loved me when I have been sitting on top of the world, in the depths of despair, and I cannot imagine my life today if those friends had not decided to love me deeply. Thank you, good friends, for loving me deeply.

I also have people who have been willing to remain in the shadows while I have been in the spotlight. While I have been the preacher enjoying a level of celebrity status, they have stood beside me and behind me, encouraging me, believing in me, and at times protecting me from unseen dangers. These dear people have been willing to stay close and cheer me on as I have tried to use my communication skills to share Jesus. Thank you for always being near me.

I am thankful for the good friends who love me deeply and inspire me to be more like the Jesus I see in them and practice playing second fiddle.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

A Norvell Note for February 8, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 06

It’s About Focus

Take a moment and focus on your fears. COVID-19? The vaccine – getting it, not getting it. Family problems. Being alone. Money problems. Health issues. Political division. Racial unrest. Not having enough to eat. Death.

Now, close your eyes and take some deep, slow breaths.

Now, read this passage, silently and then out loud.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ^[1]

Do the same with these words.

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you^[2]

What did you notice as you were reading?  Do you see the contrasts in focus? I have two observations.

When I focus on my resources, I am likely to be afraid, I will become anxious and discouraged, I see my weakness, and I may very well fail.

When I focus on God and accept His help, I do not need to panic because He is with me, I do not need to be anxious, I have His strength, and He keeps me steady.

On any given day, you have countless reasons to be afraid, but you just as many possibilities to change your focus away from your fears and toward the One who will be with you, give you strength, and hold you steady.

It’s about focus.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note. 

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Is 41:10.

^[2] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Is 41:10.

A Norvell Note for February 1, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 05

Hope Even in the Haze

Let me introduce you to Haze and Hope. Haze and Hope were three weeks old when we brought them home in late April of 2020. As you can see, they have grown considerably since then. Haze is the larger and fluffier brother, and Hope is the smaller sister.

Haze’s name came from his thick fluffy and hazy smoke-colored fur (and one of my favorite songs from high school was “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix). Hope got her name because last year was the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Hope High School. Little did we imagine when we named them how hazy life would become and how desperately we would need to cling to the hope we have in Christ to get through the year.

They have become a calming presence in our home and have reminded me of these essential truths.

When I am with Him, I can rest.

A regular part of our morning routine is for Haze and Hope to take turns jumping up in my lap while I’m at my desk, curl up in my arms, and fall asleep. Haze often races me to my chair. Once situated, He flops in my arms and dozes. Hope prefers to be rubbed and scratched around her ears and under her chin. If my hands are too busy on my keyboard or sipping coffee, both will look up at me, meow, reach up a paw, and pat me on the chest as if to say, “Hey, I’m here!”

I find rest in the presence of my Master. I at peace when I hear His voice. I breathe with his comforting touch. I need to be as close to Him as I can be. The Master is never too busy for me. I am comforted and refreshed by being in His presence.

When I am afraid, I have a safe place.

A few occasions have been when a loud noise or uninvited visitor to our back yard has frightened our felines. When that happens, they bolt through the pet door and head straight to our bedroom. My wife and I will comfort them as best we can. I will step out the back door, searching for what brought on their sudden terror, and then reassure them that they are safe. After a period of recovery, Hope and Haze will feel brave enough to venture back outside.

Sometimes I get scared by a strange event or sudden shifts in my surroundings. I am grateful that I can run to the One who comforts me, protects me, defends me, and reminds me that I am safe in the His presence. He reminds me that He is my shelter and refuge.

When I cannot see clearly, I have hope.

Throughout the last twelve months, we have been encouraged to stay hopeful, hang on to our faith, and remain optimistic. We have tried to look forward to better days. We have struggled not to lose heart. It has not been easy to stay hopeful, there have been days when doubt and fear have almost consumed us, and yet we, by the grace of God we remain confident.

I offer these words to encourage us to remember that during a pandemic and beyond, our vision can become hazy, life can seem futile, and fear will try to weaken our faith and take away our hope. We can find rest in His presence. We can find comfort in knowing we have One who welcomes us into the safety of His loving arms. We can find peace in knowing He is your shelter in the storm.

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

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note for January 25, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 04

Trust Him and Live

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

 don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

 Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

 he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Message)

Solomon offers us a simple plan for keeping our lives moving along a safe and positive path. Let’s look closer at the wise man’s teaching.

Completely trust God. The New International Version says, “With all your heart.” As you can see above, The Message says, “From the bottom of your heart.” Jesus would emphasize the first commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Give it all to Him.

Accept your limitation. The reason we trust God is that we cannot figure everything out on our own. That is not easy for us to admit. We tend to think we are smarter than we are. We do not want to accept that we need something beyond us. It may be difficult to admit, but wisdom teaches there is One who knows what is best.

Listen to God’s voice. Always listen to God’s voice. All the time. About everything. Don’t just listen but do what He says. Submit your will, your wisdom, and your knowledge, and your abilities to God. Let Him be in control.

Walk the path. You have what you need to do, start walking. Live the life. Trust His plan.

We spend too much time and energy trying to determine what God wants us to do, who we are to be, and how we live. Even in these confusing and stressful times, it is possible to live with confidence and peace. God never intended for us to live chaotic and aimless lives.

Trust Him and live.  

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Norvell Note for January 18, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 03

A Place of Peace

May I suggest that you find a quiet place, take a few deep cleansing breaths, calm your mind, and read these words.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9, NIV)

As reassuring as these words are to read, they are not always easy to practice during these anxious times. So, you may need to read them a second and third time. Be open to the certainty that God is speaking to you. Pause and meditate on words and phrases that resonate with you.

A return to these themes helps me reorder my inner world and return to a place of peace.   

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. When I remember that the Lord is near that I am in His presence; it is easier for me to be gentle. God may appear in the tears of a frightened patient. The laughter of a child may signal His presence. The voice on the phone may remind you that He is near. You may see Him in the eyes above the mask of a co-worker. You may be His face in the mirror. Be gentle with them. Be gentle with yourself. The Lord is near.

Present your requests to God. Give it all to God, write them down, or say them out loud. Whatever it is, He wants to know what you fear and shy you are anxious. When you share it with Him, know that He is not judging you or condemning you. He is with you and is a gentle, loving God. He can handle all your anxieties and request.

Think about such things. Some people have stopped watching the news and disconnected from social media to avoid wrong thinking. If that works for you, do it. Replace the lies with the truth. Focus on people and things noble character. Instead of obsessing over all that is wrong with the world, look for what is right. Look for and practice purity. Search for what is lovely, beautiful, and exquisite. Concentrate on what admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Being in a place of peace may involve a change in your thinking.

The God of peace will be with you. Remind yourself that His near and present. He has promised that when we seek Him, we will find Him. You may hear His voice in a quiet moment or a song from your playlist. Take comfort in His presence, rest in His presence, and find joy in His company.

May you quiet the voices in your head and find a place of peace in the presence of God.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Norvell Note for January 11, 2021

Vol. 23 No. 02

So Much I Don’t Want to Say

Because of last week (the last several weeks, the previous year, the last several years), I find myself struggling for the right words because there are so many things I don’t want to say.

I don’t want to say what we have seen and experienced is unprecedented because the word’s use is unprecedented, and it is unprecedented how tired I am of hearing it.   

I don’t want to say how disturbed I was when I heard the President of the United States of America encourage the rally participants to “show strength” and “fight” shortly before they stormed the U.S. Capital building resulting in five deaths, destruction, fear, and chaos.

I don’t want to say that it is frustrating when elected officials to flip-flop their positions based solely on which way the political breeze may be blowing to satisfy their political ambitions.

I don’t want to say that I am disappointed in our nation’s evangelical Christian leaders for what appears to be a lack of action against some of these matters, and in some cases, the perpetuation of the problems. But I am.

I don’t want to say that I am deeply troubled by the on-going racial inequalities in our nation and world. And in some ways, disheartened by my lack of action.

I don’t want to say that knowing over 40,000 people will probably die today makes me feel helpless. But it does. And it grieves me terribly.

I don’t want to say that I am ashamed that I have not been more pro-active in addressing some of these problems. But I am.

I don’t want to say that I realize that some of you will say that this is too little too late or accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon and that some of you will send me a note canceling your subscription, but you may. But you may.

I don’t want to say that we can do better because that has become an overused and often empty expression of inaction, but surely, we can do better. Indeed, I can do better.

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2021 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.

A Norvell Note 

December 31, 2020 Vol. 23 No. 38

All Will Be Well

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. 

Everyone is vaccinated, and no one had terrible side effects. Those who have been sick are getting well. COVID is a memory only. Hospitals return to typical, and front-line workers are back to working a regular shift.

All the money lost is recovered. Every small business that has closed reopens. Every job is restored and at a higher pay rate than before.

Restaurants reopen for outdoor and indoor dining. 

Coffee shops welcome people to come in, sit, work, read, visit, and enjoy their space.

Stadiums and arenas, and concert venues are full of enthusiastic fans. 

Everyone is pleased with the election results, the relief bill passed quickly and unanimously, and we all get a more generous check than we expected. The transition process is moving forward with total united and unprecedented cooperation. 

Schools reopen completely, parents can go back to being parents, and every teacher gets a big raise. 

Zoom calls are only for the fun stuff. 

Churches start holding in-person services again. 

Masks are no longer needed, and we can hug and shake hands again.

Happy New Year! It’s 2021, and all is well, all will be well. 

If I had the power, that’s what would happen when the clock strikes midnight tonight.

Unfortunately, I don’t have that power, which is probably a good thing. I’m sure I would abuse it and do some dumb stuff. If the only reason you’re staying up until midnight, you might as well go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep because none of the things I mentioned are going to happen on January 1, 2021. 

But don’t give up. Hope is still alive. 

Changing the calendar may not alter world events, heal the sick, transform a personality, or replenish an empty bank account. Still, it does allow you to evaluate how we are living and make needed improvements.

The events of 2020 have reminded us of the importance of staying connected to people we love. That’s a good thing. Take that with you into the new year. Stay in touch. Get reconnected. If you need to express your love and appreciation, say it. Don’t wait until the right time. Now is the right time. 

Living in a pandemic has opened our eyes to the fact that tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, live today. Leave the past in the past. Be present.

The anxiety produced by the Coronavirus, social unrest, and political chaos remind us to be people of peace and calm and discernment. We’ve learned to be careful with our words (some of us). Let’s continue to be cautious with what we say. We’ve learned to listen before we speak (some of us). Let’s keep listening. We’ve discovered how to be gentle and kind (some of us). Let’s continue being gentle and kind. 

It’s a new year. The old year is gone. Struggles will continue, but if we use the wisdom we’ve gained in 2020, then 2021, no matter what it brings, is sure to be a better year.  

“I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: 

I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.”

Happy New Year, and may 2021 be a year of being blessed and being a blessing, of being loved and loving others, of holding on to hope and sharing your hope with others, and of finding peace and being a peacemaker. 

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2020 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved