A Norvell Note – Page 33 – Thoughts and reflections on God, life, people, and living as a follower of Jesus.

Transform Our Desires

Vol. 20 No. 16 | April 16, 2018

This first line from a longer prayer caught my imagination:

Transform our desires to mirror yours, Lord. (Common Prayer, April 11)

Our desires for control would be transformed into the desire to surrender, submit, and sacrifice.

Our desires for happiness would be transformed into the desire for inner peace, joy, and contentment.

Our desires for wealth, possessions, and affluence would be transformed into a desire for simplicity.

Our desires for information, intellectualism, and knowledge would be transformed into a desire for wisdom and to know Him.

Our desires for having our mental, physical, and emotional needs met would be transformed into a desire for His abiding presence.

Our desires to have other people become more like us would be transformed into a desire for us to see Him in all people.

Our desires to make ourselves look like we have it all together would be transformed into a desire to please only Him.

Our desires to have a good day would be transformed into desires to help make it better for others.

Our desires for more money, stuff, time, and energy would be transformed into using these things to help others.

Our desires for the perfect employer, spouse, parent, and children would be transformed into a desire to be the best possible employee, spouse, parent, and children we can be.

Transform our desires to mirror yours, Lord.

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What Does A Meaningful Life Mean to You?

Vol. 20 No. 15 | April 9, 2018

Through the years I have taught classes on Ecclesiastes several times. Much to my surprise, without exception, the common response from my students has been, “Ugh, this is depressing.” In fact, I don’t ever recall a student stating they loved it or felt inspired. Maybe it’s my ability to teach, or lack thereof. Or maybe it’s the nature of the book. I suppose it makes sense when you read statements like this:

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 NIV)

Solomon, considered the wisest of all men, shared the contents of his journal describing the passions, pursuits and lessons he learned throughout his life. He arrived at this conclusion: everything is meaningless, and life is like chasing the wind.

The Message reads, “But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing.” (Try using that line in your next motivational speech and it may be your last.)

We don’t want to hear that message, do we? Those of us who live in the U.S. grew up hearing a different message. We were promised if we work hard and use our talents, our dreams will come true. We will be rewarded with a great life, be the envy of our friends and neighbors and live happily ever after.

To quote the famous Dr. Phil, “How’s that working out for you?”

As Solomon discovered, the opposite is often true. Contentment and happiness are not necessarily found in doing and having the most. Having more usually only leads to wanting more.

Near the end of his life, Solomon came to another conclusion:

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

The Message conveyed is to fear God and do what He says. Period.

Many prominent voices of our time encourage us to be as powerful as possible in a similar way. Don’t just do your best−be the best. If you accumulate as much as possible and hold on to it, you will be happy.

But Jesus came with a different message. After washing His disciple’s feet, he said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17, NIV) “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NIV)

Jesus told us and showed us a different way to find a meaningful life.

It seems we have a decision to make.

No Turning Back

Vol. 20 No. 14 | April 2, 2018

Friday: A Dark Day

I’ve watched from a distance and wasn’t directly involved in any of it. But I do believe all he has said and that He is who He says He is.

There’s been a lot of focus on Him this week. There was the big celebration and then some smaller gatherings with His closest friends. I actually got a few glimpses of Him when He passed by.

Tragically, those celebrations turned into attempts to destroy Him.

I kept my distance but heard reports on what was happening. They (you know, the powers who always manage to seize control) put Him on trial and decided He was guilty of breaking their laws.

Their attempts to destroy Him worked. They crucified Him. He is dead.

It’s a dark day.

Saturday: It’s a Strange Day

I don’t know what I feel today. I really did believe He was who He said He was: He was the Messiah. He was the King who had come to save us from our oppression.

But now, I don’t know what to think or what to feel. All I know is that this feels painful and strange. For once, I thought, we thought, things were going to change. For once, I thought those in power were going to be shown they could no longer control or take advantage of us.

I feel empty and sad and angry. I feel…I don’t know what I feel.

It’s a strange day.

Sunday: It’s a New Day

There’s a lot of excitement in the air: rumors that Jesus’s tomb was empty this morning. His followers are the ones who started spreading the news. Actually, it was a woman, so some are saying it’s not true. Regardless, the officials are angry. They’re investigating and making disturbing threats.

It’s all too much to believe. But I believe it. And as the day goes on, his closest companions are assuring us it’s true. His tomb is empty! He has arisen! How? They don’t know and don’t care.

Some say He came to visit them. Can you imagine? What an unbelievable experience! He was there, flesh and blood. He has truly risen from the grave.

Jesus Christ is not dead! He has risen.

It is indeed, a new day.

Monday: Decision Day

I hardly slept and thought the sun would never come up. I keep asking myself, can this really be happening, or is it all a weird dream?

A lot of us feel this way…now what do we do? His closest friends are telling us to wait: there’s more to come, but they don’t even know what that means.

But no, I’ve waited long enough. We’ve waited long enough. I don’t know what will happen next, or when or how. But I know I’m going to be part of it.

He is the One I’ve been looking for, we’ve been looking for. He is the promised one. There’s no need to wait any longer or look for anyone else. No matter what happens or how long it takes, count me in.

I have decided to follow Jesus…and there’s no turning back.

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Goodness and Love

Vol. 20 No. 13 | March 26, 2018

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6a).

For the Psalmist, surely means this statement is a sure thing. There is no doubt that goodness and love will follow David all the days of his life. It’s a promise he believes, counts on, one that brings him comfort.

Surely might also indicate some sense of hope with a bit of doubt tossed in. For example, “Surely it’s not going to rain again this weekend.” “Surely we won’t have another snow storm.” “Surely the Lord is going to be good to me…I sure hope He is.”

Are you confident that goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life? Is this a hopeful longing or a statement of complete confidence? You have gone through some difficult times. You have experienced troubles and trials. Are you hoping goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life? Or are you certain because you know God is goodness and love and you know He will provide goodness and love to you?

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

Reminders of God’s goodness and love are all around us. Take a few minutes and reflect on the goodness and love that the Lord has shown you so far in your life. Have you had and are you experiencing a good life? Even with the trials and trouble, can you say your life is good? Has His love been made real to you by in big and small ways? Yes, you have had disappointments and moments of heartache and pain. But when you search your heart, can you see and feel His love?

Need some help remembering His goodness and love? You probably have a fairly nice place to live. You probably haven’t gone hungry longer than a few hours. You may have, or have had, a family that loves you (although some may not). You must have enough resources to at least have access to a computer and other forms of technology. You can look outside and enjoy the beauty of Spring (or another snowfall for some of you).

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.

Based on what you’ve read and experienced, is there any reason to wonder or doubt that God’s goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life? Do you have any grounds to make an argument that God will suddenly stop being good and loving to you? Is there anything about His nature that would lead you to believe He has given you all the goodness and love He is going to give you? Do you think He would tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey! You’ve had enough! No more goodness and love for you. Good luck with your life. I’ll catch you toward the end.”

There is not a chance that will or could happen.

God loves you. He is your shepherd. You are His sheep. You belong to Him. He leads you, He guides you, He provides you with food and shelter and comfort. He will be with you even through the dark shadows of death. (NOTE: Read Romans 8 for more comfort and assurance.)

A suggestion for this week: take notice of the different ways God shows you His goodness and love. Write them down. Hold on to the list and reflect on it. Add to it regularly.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Forgiveness

Vol. 20 No. 12 | March 18, 2018

Here’s a question that might get your attention: Is there someone you need to forgive?

Remember this prayer?

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us.”

When Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet and he came to Judas and Peter, He lovingly washed theirs like all the others, despite knowing they would betray him.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, he prayed, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.”

Forgiveness is not something to be ignored. Paul said, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)

So is there someone you need to forgive? What is stopping you? Are you waiting for them to ask for forgiveness? That could be a long wait, especially if they are not aware they’ve harmed you.

We teach our children to forgive. When another child takes a toy away from them, or bites them, or calls them a name, we are quick to say, “Oh, it’s okay. She didn’t mean to.” When a brother and sister get into an argument or one of them does something that hurts the other, we make them apologize or say, “She said she’s sorry, so you just need to forgive her and let it go.”

It’s amazing how well this works with children and it sounds easy enough. “You just need to forgive her and let it go.”

But then we grow up, and it’s not so easy, is it? The offense is usually something more damaging than losing a toy or being called a name. The offense might cause physical, mental or emotional pain. It might involve the loss of money, or damaged property, or the suffering of a loved one.

You hear those words again, “You just need to forgive her and let it go.”

You hear Jesus’s words again, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us.”

Forgiveness is not always easy. In fact, it can sometimes feel impossible. Or we may say, “I’ll forgive them, but I’ll never forget what they did.” There is some truth in that. There are some offenses that leave scars that may never be erased. But even if we never are able to forget, this does not release us from our responsibility to forgive.

That’s right. It is our responsibility to forgive, whether or not the person asks for forgiveness or even cares if we forgive them. Forgiveness heals both us and them.

So, how do we do it? How do we forgive? It seems to me the ability to forgive another human being has to do with the amount of love we let ourselves experience and give to another human being. That is the only explanation for how Jesus was able to wash the feet of his betrayers and ask God to forgive those who had beaten, cursed and mocked Him while He was dying on the cross. He loved Peter and Judas so much, He freely offered them forgiveness. He loved the people surrounding the cross and those of us who have lived through the ages so much, He freely asked and continues to ask God to forgive us.

If we come from a place of love, then we can love people, even those who hurt us deeply, and use that love to forgive them. When we are confronted with wanting to or needing to forgive someone, we are also confronted with whether or not we are going to give love to another person.

Do you love them? Can you love them even after they have hurt you or your loved one? If you choose not to forgive them, who will it really hurt?

Living this life as a follower of Jesus always comes back to loving people, doesn’t it? “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16, NIV)

Let me ask you the original question again: Is there someone you need to forgive?

Think about it. Pray about it. Sometimes we need help walking through the process of forgiving. If I can help you, let me know.

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Things I Need to Tell Myself Regularly

Vol. 20 No. 11 | March 12, 2018

You are probably the only human being on earth who really cares what your hair looks like.
Be kind to yourself. You are not nearly as bad as you think you are.
Be honest with yourself. Are you acting like the person you want to?
Dress comfortably.
It is alright to take a nap if you need to…just not while driving!
When you mess up, and you will, chances are it’s not the end of anyone’s world.
When you do something well, it’s okay if you’re the only one who notices.
Watch less television, read more (preferably something that helps you be more like Jesus.)
Write, even if it’s just a little.
Listen more than you talk.
Making the world a better place begins with you being the best you can be.
Show more grace to people than you think they might deserve. (God shows you more than you sometimes deserve.)
Be gracious, humble and kind.
Be content with what you have.
Wherever you are, be present.
Take advantage of every opportunity to say, “I love you” (and say it like you mean it, not just a quick, “Love ya.”)
When you hear a nice piece of music, turn it up and really listen.
Slow down. That red light will still be red by the time you get there.
Close your eyes. Relax. Take some deep breaths. Mediate.
You don’t like it when people ride your bumper, so don’t ride theirs.
Find at least one thing or one person to be grateful for.
Accept every offer you are given to hold a baby.
When you finish a project, stop. Take a deep breath, give yourself credit, and be grateful.
Spend a little time every day in quiet reflection.
Remember someone, somewhere would like to hear from you. So, let them- a text, email, phone call…actual handwritten note. You will make their day.
If the weather is nice, sit outside- to eat, to read…to take a nap.
Say “please” and “thank you.”
Be kind and gentle.
Be safe, but don’t be controlled by fear.
Before saying something to someone or posting anything on social media, ask yourself, “Will these words build people up and encourage them?” If not, don’t.
Physically touch someone (if it’s okay with them, of course!)
If you can, use fewer words.
When it is time to shut up, shut up.

Those last two remind me…I’ve probably said enough.

Thank you for reading.

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Spring is Finally Here

Vol. 20 No. 10 | March 5, 2018

It’s finally spring! At least for some of us. The trees are budding, grass is turning green, daffodils and buttercups are popping up, Bradford pear trees are in full flower, tulip trees have turned their pinkish-purple colors. The temperatures are warmer, and in some places, the rains have raised the rivers to overflowing.

Even if the signs of spring are still weeks away, when it arrives, it will bring most of us relief and rejuvenation. Spring brings with it the return of nature’s colors and a reminder that the earth is in a constant process of renewal. In some ways, perhaps even more that the beginning of a new year, spring awakens us to new possibilities, new adventures and restored hope.

Depending on your circumstances, spring cannot come soon enough. It’s been a rough few months. The darkness of the short days and long nights have drained you of energy and weakened your faith that things will ever be different. Maybe the decisions and actions of others have created a seemingly impossible situation. Or, health issues have brought frustrations and challenges and are forcing you to face new realities about your life and future.

So whether spring is exploding all around you, or you’re still shoveling snow and sliding on the ice, hang on. There is hope.

I cannot promise that your health issues will improve or go away completely. I cannot promise that your marriage will survive, or you will get your dream job, or your knight in shining armor will ride in on a white horse. But, I can promise you, if you are still breathing life, God is not finished with you yet.

May these words encourage you and offer support as you long for and hopefully embrace renewal, rejuvenation and hope.

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. (Romans 8:21-28, The Message)

Remember, God is always working and always doing something good.

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. ⁹Whatever 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 4:8-9, NIV)

Remember, how we think and what we think about are keys to how we live.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:4-6, NIV)

Remember, God has already done the hard part.

When life piles up on me and it is difficult to believe that spring will ever arrive, this statement reminds me to not give up.

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” (Charles R. Swindoll)

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Souvenirs of Reflection

Vol. 20 No. 09 | February 26, 2018

It has been a week of reflection. Spending time in reflection is fairly normal for me, but this week my meditations proved to be more deliberate.

I’ve reflected on things that are going on around me at any given moment: people that cross my path, the sounds I hear, the changes in the weather and seasons, the coffee in my cup, and the next task on my ‘to do’ list.

I’ve reflected on the events happening in the lives of my family, especially the two new grandbabies about to make their first public appearances.

I’ve reflected on the changes that are taking place in and around me, with and without my input or approval.

I’ve reflected on the blessings I’ve received and receive daily. And I’ve reflected on what often feels like a distant silence from God.

All of these times of reflection have left me with souvenirs and also with the realization:

I am in control of almost nothing.

This is a good reminder for me. You see, there are times when the effort to control consumes me- not necessarily to feel powerful, more to not feel powerless.

The outcome of my decisions and plans I make are dependent on me. Or are they? The weather is beyond my control. What people do is beyond my control. Tragedies and illnesses are beyond my control.

The truth is, knowing I’m not in control can actually be liberating. I have learned to appreciate the statement I first heard from a young co-worker: “Not my circus; not my monkeys.”

But at the same time, I often have the desire to run the circus and make sure the monkeys behave.

So, I have to remind myself, the world can and will carry on without my interference.

I’ve discovered there are two sides to this. I am glad that the earth continues to spin when I’m healthy and when I’m sick. I’m glad the world around me is not dependent on my wisdom, knowledge and strength. The world was created long before I arrived. And unless the Lord chooses to stop it, it will continue to operate after I am gone.

However, in times of reflection, I wonder what I’ve contributed and if anyone has noticed my presence. And without fail, when I start to dwell in the land of what about me, the Lord always sends a pleasant reminder at just the right time, in just the right way: my life does have meaning.

I can do nothing to change the past; I can do nothing about things that may or may not happen in the future; and living in the present, doing what I can to make the world a better place, is all I need to be concerned about.

This simple yet profound truth, at least for the moment, relieves me from the pressure of controlling circumstances and people and the future. It helps me accept the fact that I’m not the center of the universe and helps me remember: “There is a God and I am not Him.” (Father Cavanugh to Rudy)

This frees me to do what I can to make the world a better place. I can love people as unconditionally as possible. I can listen to people. I can live a simple, quiet life. I can be kind and gentle. I can write a few words each week and pray they find their way into the heart of someone who needs them. I can gain as much wisdom as I can and share it when it is appropriate. I can change the things I can change and accept those I cannot.

This week of reflection has come to a close. And as I relish in my collection of souvenirs, I realize that another time of reflection will begin.

In the meantime, it’s time to live the abundant life I’ve been given, to love my neighbors and to serve the Lord faithfully to the end.

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Breaking Through the Clouds

[Please excuse and disregard previous submission. I had some strange technology issues.]

Vol. 20 No. 08 | February 19, 2018

I gazed out the window as we made our final descent. All I could see were clouds spread out in every direction- dark, dense, ominous clouds.

I became slightly anxious as we cut through them, waiting to see the ground. Within minutes, I saw the first glimpse of where we were headed, and soon after, a full view of my hometown’s familiar terrain.

This made me think of other occasions in my life when the clouds were so thick, I couldn’t see what was ahead of me. I was forced to trust that someone was guiding me through the darkness toward a safe place. Or, as Paul reminds us, ^“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

As soon-to-be parents, we travel through the clouds of uncertainty, waiting for the first glimpse of our child, knowing the pain and discomfort of pregnancy will be replaced with joy and gratitude.

As our child grows, we navigate the sometimes dark clouds of parenthood by hoping and praying we will do the right things, love and nurture in the right way, and share the right wisdom and knowledge.

Once our child reaches adolescence, a new cluster of clouds appear. At times, it seems our child has drifted off into the darkness of another realm. All we can do is pray, try to be patient and have faith that this too, will pass.

As our children become adults, they, like us, will inevitably experience times of trouble and distress, trials and pain, disappointments and loss. There will be times when these challenges seem too difficult. We’ll become engulfed in the clouds, the darkness will overtake us and brokenness will consume us.

The only thing that can sustain us during these times is faith. Because we know and trust the One who is piloting our course. We know we will break through the clouds and land safely on familiar terrain once again.

If you find that you are surrounded by dark clouds and wonder if you will ever break through, keep believing. Keep trusting. Should you get anxious or have doubts, maybe this short prayer will help.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:10, NIV)

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My Help Comes from the Lord

Vol. 20 No. 07 | February 12, 2018

A Pilgrim Song

I look up to the mountains;

does my strength come from mountains?

No, my strength comes from God,

who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won’t let you stumble,

your Guardian God won’t fall asleep.

Not on your life! Israel’s

Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God’s your Guardian,

right at your side to protect you—

Shielding you from sunstroke,

sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,

he guards your very life.

He guards you when you leave and when you return,

he guards you now, he guards you always.^[1]

I’m not exactly sure what a moonstroke is, but when Eugene Peterson calls this a pilgrim song, I know exactly what he means.

When you think of pilgrim, try not to think of a person wearing a black suit, peculiar shoes with big buckles, and a strange looking hat. Think instead of traveler, tourist, wayfarer, or visitor.

Maybe you can also relate to a bumper sticker I saw recently:

All wanderers are not lost.

I’m not lost, but I certainly feel like a wanderer- moving along, often at a rapid pace, on my way somewhere to do something with and for someone, constantly trusting that God is with me.

Some will remember singing these words: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passin’ through.” It’s never been one of my favorites necessarily, but the sentiment often resonates with me as I work my way through life. I am a pilgrim. I am a visitor in this world, and I am a wanderer in this land.

Psalm 121 offers a couple of adjustments that may help us keep our wanderings on course.

First, be aware of where you’re looking for help and direction. Where are you looking? The Psalmist says, “My help comes from the Lord.” When I find myself wandering off course, I can usually trace it back to looking for help, hope, and guidance from my own wisdom or from the wisdom of other people. But real wisdom, real hope, and real guidance comes from the Lord.

Second, remember the Lord will provide us with protection even when we are wandering. Although we can’t always hear what God is saying to us and see where He is leading us, this doesn’t mean He has forgotten or is ignoring us.

I have no way of knowing where you are on your journey through this life. But I hope these rambling words will give you comfort that you’re not alone on your pilgrimage and you’re not forgotten. Not by the people who love you and not by the Lord.

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^[1] Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005), Ps 121:1–8.

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