A Norvell Note – Page 22 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

A Shift in Thinking

Vol. 22 No. 13 | March 30, 2020

Finding myself with a little more time on my hands this week, I started listing things that didn’t seem to matter as much as they did a few days ago.

Email offers for discounted golf balls
Airlines offering great travel deals
Ads like, “Be secluded in the perfect vacation hideaway.”
Road sign: Guardrail damage ahead. (Not Covid-related, but I’ve never understood why we need to know this information.)
Shaving and the need for a haircut
Church leaders who are still pondering: “To Cancel or Not to Cancel: That Is the Question.”
Opinions – mine and yours
Arguing
My ego
Yesterday
Tomorrow

Then I started listing what matters most and always has.

Relationships – family and genuine friendships
Good healthcare
Men and women who have the courage and compassion to use their skills to take care of others
Birds – flying, singing, and just being birds
Words- those that I use to bring joy and encouragement to others, and those that bring joy and encouragement to me
Living in this moment
Being quiet and still
Music
The ability to walk
A nice breeze
Good neighbors
God’s constant and abiding presence

These are just simple lists to keep track of the way I’m adjusting my thinking to stay mentally and spiritually healthy during a time of uncertainty and dramatic change.

In a way, these lists are simply counting my blessings. But they are also helping to calm my soul and remind me of what is really important and what isn’t.

May I encourage you to do the same. Start with your family, friends, faith and God’s faithfulness. Pay attention to the world around you. Clear your head and listen to your thoughts, listen to your heart. Pause. Reflect on what matters.

Then, when you finish making your list, sing these words:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Even in the Valley

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 12 | March 23, 2020

Even in the Valley

Words are plentiful right now. We are hearing words about disease and distress; bitterness and blame; and thankfully, humor and hope. Words are plentiful, yet here I sit, searching for the right ones to comfort, encourage, and bring you hope.

As I search, I remember these words:

Even though I walk

…the valley of the shadow of death…

through the darkest valley

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

So with these words in mind, I pray:

Father, we are in the darkest of valleys, darker than most of us have ever walked through. We confess that we are sometimes afraid, confused, sad, and lonely. And it is sometimes difficult to hear Your words above all the others coming from fear, anger, frustration.

So, Father, we ask You to remind us in very real ways that You are our Shepherd, and as our Shepherd, we are protected and safe. Give us words that comfort, and help us share those words so others can find comfort. Remind us that, even in the dark valleys, we are not alone. And remind us of other dark valleys through which we have walked safely with You before.

Father, thank You for Your words of comfort, for being our Shepherd, and for walking beside us, even in the valley, as we make our way to the other side.

A Different Norm

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 11 | March 16, 2020

A Different Norm

This weekend, I would normally be settling in to watch a full day of college basketball, which would normally be followed by three weeks of March Madness. I might occasionally switch channels to the final rounds of the Players Championship in anticipation of the upcoming Master’s Tournament and I would not be watching the news and press conferences.

Normally, I would have had my hair cut this morning. I wouldn’t be worried about touching my face or making sure I wash or sanitize my hands after touching every foreign object. And I would not have the phrase “social distancing” as part of my vocabulary. And normally, our communities wouldn’t be clearing the shelves of toilet paper and taking such drastic measures to isolate and protect ourselves.

I know we’re all feeling frustrated and anxious, and struggling to remain calm in the midst of all the chaos and fear. So here are a couple of suggestions from a fellow struggler with the hope that they will provide some comfort in these unsettling times.

Be informed, but don’t allow fear to consume you.

Take a break from the news and do something that relaxes or brings you joy. You can stay informed by checking one trustworthy news source. But obsessively listening to the fear-based theories and stories will only create more fear. At this point, less is more

Be cautious, but don’t disconnect.

Practice social distancing and solitude when necessary, but stay in touch with your friends and family. We are blessed to have the technology to call, text, email, and video chat with the people we care about. And since everything seems to be shutting down, you might even have time to write a real handwritten letter.

Be calm and enjoy the downtime.

You can spend the extra time you have at home doing things that uplift and relax you. Watch a movie, read a book, take a walk, or listen to music. And although many churches are canceling public gatherings, you can still find their sermons streaming online.

One of the most positive things I’ve heard that I keep coming back to is this: We are in this together, we will get through this, and God is enough. And we will. By coming together, even if physically separated, and by leaning on God for guidance and comfort, we will get through this.

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

So please, be informed, be cautious, and be calm. And remember He has you and the whole world in His hands (sanitized and germ-free)

A Prayer to Tennessee

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 10 | March 9, 2020

A Prayer for Tennessee

Father, You are the only One who can truly understand the tremendous amount of pain and suffering the people of Tennessee are experiencing-within seconds, homes were leveled, lives were lost, and families were forever changed.

I lift them up to You, Lord, asking You to provide for their needs.

Countless people no longer have a place to sleep, a vehicle to drive, water to drink, clothes to wear, or food to eat.

Many more need help dealing with trauma and new fears they might not even be able to name, including those who weren’t directly impacted.

And almost everyone knows someone who needs comforting and time to grieve the deaths of their children, parents, relatives, and friends.

Help them to know how they might help others.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, regardless of our circumstances, every single one of us needs and deserves the healing love of Your presence.

I lift them up to You, Lord, asking You to provide for their needs.

Another way to help: One Generation Away

Choose Love & Fear Doesn’t Stand a Chance

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 09 | March 2, 2020

Most of us know the famous line from the horror film, The Fly, “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” Although the film came out in the ’80s, this line keeps popping into my head, because it seems to be the place we are all operating from.

Each political candidate warns us about how dangerous their opponent is. We’re so afraid of mass shootings, we avoid going to public places. We’re afraid of Coronavirus. We’re afraid of not being able to afford our medications. Or if we can afford them, we’re afraid they won’t work. We’re afraid of not finding a job, then when we find one, we’re afraid of losing it. We’re afraid we won’t have enough money, then when we have enough, we’re afraid of running out.

“Be afraid. Be very afraid.”

It’s true, we live in a culture saturated with fear. I get frustrated when I find myself letting it control my life. Because deep down, The only way I know to avoid being controlled by fear is to stay focused on the One who is watching over us.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

he sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121)

We live in scary times and can’t avoid being impacted by some of the threats we face. But we also live in times that are good and exciting. So instead of focusing our attention on what scares us, why not focus on the things that inspire and bring us peace.

God did not put us here to walk around in a constant state of fear. He is love, the opposite of fear, and we are His creations, which means we are made of love. We have a choice- we can choose to consume media that reminds us of all the death and gloom, or we can focus on the positive stories and events that are happening in our lives.

This doesn’t mean we have to live with our heads in the sand. We can just choose to approach our day from a place of love, look for it and find ways to share it- with ourselves and others- through our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. If we do this, we are letting God work through us- the greatest source of power there is.

Look to God, focus on His source of love, and the things you fear don’t stand a chance.

^[1] https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/be-afraid,-be-very-afraid.html

Transitions

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 08 | February 24, 2020

Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

Transitions are inevitable — some good, some bad; some gratifying, some regrettable; some deliberate and some unforeseen.

In life, we transition from birth to childhood, adolescence to adulthood, and eventually, to the next life.

In work, we transition from one job to another, from being the newbie to a veteran employee.

We transition from winter to spring to summer to fall. And as the day transitions to night, we go from being fully conscious to drifting into a deep sleep, then back to being fully awake.

To survive life’s transitions, we need something to keep us balanced and help us maintain some sense of stability. Reminding myself that God is real, that He is always with us, and that He can be trusted provides that stability for me.

But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands;

(Psalm 31:14-15)

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised e confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Most likely, you are in some transition at this very moment. Keep your eyes on Jesus, trust in God, follow His guidance, and live in His presence. His love is constant, and that will never change.

God Moves

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 07 | February 17, 2020

“God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform;”

These first two hymn lines, written by William Cowper in 1774, are often quoted when an amazing, unexpected event is happening, has happened, or is about to happen.

A couple prays for years to be blessed with a child, but nothing happens. They finally stop all the tests and procedures and accept that they will never have a child of their own. A month later, she finds out she’s pregnant.

Every night, the parents call their estranged son, praying he will answer. They finally decide to start clearing out his room, believing he will never return. That night, he calls them and asks to come home.

The church congregation is making great strides in building a large community of rich fellowship, despite one influential leader’s efforts to spread gossip and negativity. But eventually, the leader’s toxicity spreads. And just as he is about to succeed at pitting one group of members against the other, he’s unexpectedly transferred to another state for his job.

After a long dry season, the man wonders if God is hearing his prayers. He tries desperately to hang on to hope, but the despair continues. The uncertainty and frustration escalate to the point of unbearable, when suddenly, the unexpected happens; the door opens, letting in light and opportunities beyond what he could have ever hoped for.

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.

God moves in ways that we can’t always see or understand. But let there be no doubt, He is always moving for you.

If you are enduring a season of disappointment and discouragement, remember, God still moves. If your prayers seem to be unheard and unanswered, remember, God moves and His wonders He will perform.

Present Your Requests

A Norvell Note 2020

Vol. 22 No. 06 February 10, 2020

I know, I wrote a piece about peace a couple of weeks ago. But it seems like an appropriate time to reapply the wisdom and comfort of these words.

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. (Philippians 4:6,7, NIV)

The challenge: Do not be anxious about anything.

If I could write an article that provided a fail-proof plan for how to accomplish this, I would be set for life. Instead, all I can do is offer my suggestions for dealing with our anxieties.

The action: Present your requests to God.

This part is relatively easy for me. I have plenty of requests to present to God: Give me wisdom to make good choices. Give me the strength to use the wisdom You give me. Show me who I should pull for in the upcoming election. Lead me to the job you want me to accept. Help me be a good husband, Dad, Papa, and friend. Give me insight to understand people’s fears and struggles and the ability to guide and encourage them.

I think there is a lot of flexibility in how these requests are presented to God. I don’t think the method is as important as the act of simply presenting our requests to God, whether through tears of joy or sadness. Sometimes I present them in my journal, sometimes in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep, and sometimes in my car or a coffee shop. I also think it’s helpful to make a list of positives and negatives, in both good times and bad. Just say: “Lord, here they are. I give them to you.”

The result: The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The key for me is to leave my requests with Him and trust that He will give me peace. I have experienced this when trying to make a decision, sorting through my hopes and dreams, or weighing possibilities and options. I don’t understand or know how to explain it (He said I would not be able to), but I know when it happens. There is a feeling of serenity and relief. And it is real.

This peace is from God and it is real peace. Present your requests to God and enjoy the results.

Too Lofty for Me to Attain

Vol. 22 No. 04 January 27, 2020

This thought came to me recently: There are a lot of people in the world.

I know, not terribly profound, but what else do you think about when you are stuck in traffic on the freeway?

Here’s what it looks like to me

Population of the world: approaching 8 billion people: 331,002,651 live in the United States. (Worldometer)
28.7 million people live in Texas
2 million live in the Austin metropolitan area
43,480 in Kyle, Texas
1294 people who have claimed me as a “friend” on Facebook (some of those are family)
11 people in our immediate family
2 of us are living in our home

Who are all of these people? Where are they going? Where have they been? What is it like in their part of the world? Are they happy, or are they sad?

Beyond the numbers, there is something even more amazing: God knows every one of us, and He knows us completely.

I have been very blessed to have met a lot of people. I have become acquaintances with some, become close with others, and grown to love and be loved by a select few.

But, even if I could figure out a way to count everyone who has touched my life in some way, the number would be minuscule in comparison to the 8 billion living in the world.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV)

In Psalm 139, David describes the relationship God has with us in terms that are more intimate than my mind can comprehend. He has known us since before we came into being; He knows what we’re thinking before we think it; and He knows where we’re going before we go there.

Not only does He know us completely, He loves us completely and is always working to do what is best for us.

When I consider the numbers, it’s easy to feel insignificant and small. But when I consider His love and kindness, I cannot help but feel extraordinary.

I agree completely with David’s observation in verse 6 of the Psalm:

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”

______________________________

His Peace

Vol. 22 No. 03

January 20, 2020

His Peace

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)

Jesus made several statements like this to remind us that there is peace amidst all the chaos we see going on around us.

There have been many times in my life that I believed I would only find peace when…I had all the things I thought I needed; all the conflicts between nations cease; churches practice the teachings they preach; all turmoil within and around me has calmed; and I am evolved enough to consistently reflect the image of Jesus more than my own.

Guess what? That hasn’t happened.

I still have days when I think I’ll only have peace when I reach a certain status, have and accomplish enough, and there is less turmoil in the world.

But on a deeper level, I know it is still possible to have the peace Jesus promised. Even when the chaos and uncertainty directly impact me, I know that Jesus overcame the world, and that thought calms me. That gives me peace.

And I’m pretty certain that when I arrive at that place of peace, Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit must surely smile.

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