A Norvell Note

Where Were You

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 36 September 11, 2023

Where Were You

I cannot help but hear Alan Jackson singing, Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).

If you were alive and old enough to know what was happening, you probably remember exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. The fear, the shock, the horror, and the pure sadness of that day linger twenty-two years later.

There are days that we will never forget.

Two years ago yesterday, Norah breathed her last breath. We celebrated her life with family and friends by enjoying a walk, eating chicken nuggets, drinking milkshakes, sharing memories, and trying not to cry.

You have those days as well. Not all are sad memories—the birth of our children. We remember graduations. We remember engagements and weddings. We watch our children walk into their school for the first time and walk out on their last day.

Some days we will never forget. Some people we will never forget.

Remember those days. Enjoy them if you can. Endure them if you must. Move on as best you can. Live each day to the fullest.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Take a Minute

Vol. 27 No. 35 September 4, 2023

Take a Minute

The room is tense. Emotions are running high. Everyone shouts their opinions. Tempers are hot. Suddenly, someone speaks above the noise, “Hey, let’s just take a minute.”

The room goes silent and still. Everyone takes a few deep breaths. The meeting moves forward with respect and civility.

Maybe you’ve been in a similar meeting or family discussion and appreciated someone who dared to speak up. “Let’s just take a minute.”

Maybe it wasn’t a meeting with others, but it happened in your mind. You wake up in the middle of the night with chaos in your mind. One voice reminds you of things you must do today, and another points out things you should have done yesterday. A third shouts about your financial situation, and others scream accusations and criticisms you can’t understand. Finally, a calming voice says, “Take a minute.”

You take a minute. Take some deep breaths. Calm your mind, your heart, and your soul. You fall back to sleep.

I suspect, in one form or another, those scenarios play out in all of us occasionally. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When it happens, take a minute. Take a breath or two. Take a walk. Calm your mind, your heart, and your soul.

Take a minute. Ask the Lord to take the craziness away.

Once, the disciples of Jesus were in a boat when a storm was about to overtake them. Somehow, Jesus was sleeping through it. So, they woke him up. He was calm and said, “Take a minute,” and said to the storm, “Quiet! Be still.” They were amazed.

Today may be the perfect time for you to take a minute. Maybe you’ll be amazed.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

What An Anxious Heart Needs

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 34 August 28, 2023

The Needs of An Anxious Heart

Have you encountered any anxious hearts lately?

Walk into an emergency or hospital room where the doctor just said, “There is nothing more we can do.”

Sit across the table from a man who is confident he is about to be terminated from his job or into the face of the HR person who had delivered that message.

Listen to someone with a relative in the path of a deadly storm, an out-of-control fire, or waiting for word on loved ones not yet accounted for after a storm or fire.

Sit next to someone already afraid of flying when the turbulence increases, and the pilot says, “Please take your seat and buckle your seat belt.”

Look into people’s faces in the Dollar General Store, high school football, or professional baseball games when they hear gunfire.

You may have seen anxious hearts as parents dropped off their children at school for the first time and of the teachers as those children marched into their classrooms. Or the faces of anyone in any location when they hear what sounds like a gunshot.

Anxious hearts are present when a mother and dad walk into the hospital, terrified of what the MRI may show.

If you pass an accident on the highway, the look on the faces of those involved will likely indicate an anxious heart.

Anxious hearts are all around us. In our schools, in our workplaces, in restaurants, in our churches, and our homes.

What do all these anxious hearts need? Solomon says they need a kind word. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)

Here are some suggestions: “You are not alone.” “I’m with you.” “We are going to get through this together.” “It’s okay to cry.” “It’s natural, and it’s alright to be afraid.” “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.” “I will listen.” You don’t have to be a hero or fix anything; just be there. Sometimes, the kindest words you can say are no words at all.

If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will see and hear anxious hearts all around you, and you can provide what they need: a kind word. And don’t ignore that the one with the anxious heart might be you.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

In Season

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 33 August 21, 2023

In Season

“Please turn to page #13 in Heavenly Highway Hymns, and let’s sing.”

I shall not, I shall not be moved

Oh I, shall not, I shall not be moved
I shall not, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree planted by the water
I shall not be moved

“Now let’s read Psalm 1.”

1 Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!

They are like chaff

that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 1 (GNV)

Verse 3 in the Good News Version reads They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time.

In all my years of reading the Psalms (obviously always starting with Psalm 1), my eyes and mind focused on this line “They are like a tree planted by streams of water.” Assuming the message God wanted me to get is to be firm, steadfast, solid, and unmovable, I have put my trust in God and tried to follow him. I know this is part of the message.

This time I saw a different message. Maybe my new insight is because of the heat and dryness in Texas. Perhaps because the grass struggles to stay green (or has already given up and turned brown), the leaves hang limp on their branches, and air conditioners work overtime. Maybe it is because of the heartbreaking scenes of loss and destruction in Lahaina, Maui. Or perhaps it is simply because of where I am in life that enabled me to see something new.

This time the phrase that emerged from the text is that the trees planted by the waters will “bear fruit at the right time.”

I get impatient with the weather. I’m ready for rain. I will be glad when the grass begins to look healthy again. I will welcome a cool breeze. And I will be delighted when the leaves on the trees are healthy and green. I know in due time, that will happen. I understand that even when the grass is brown, it does not mean it’s dead. It’s just the nature of grass to lay dormant. Something is going on that I cannot see. It will come back. And it does. I remember the first year we lived in Texas, mowing thick green grass on Christmas Eve. (I didn’t particularly appreciate that.)

I get impatient with my life. Sometimes, I get bogged down thinking I should have accomplished more with my life. I should be doing more with my life. I should be seeing more results in my life. What kind of results? I am not sure.

So, I find comfort when I realize that the trees represent us, and I read they will bear fruit at the right time. I slow down, feel less restless, and remember that I do not and cannot always recognize or understand how the Lord works around us, within us, and through us.

He reminds us that we will bear fruit at the right time.

But I will bless the person

who puts his trust in me.

8 He is like a tree growing near a stream

and sending out roots to the water.

It is not afraid when hot weather comes,

because its leaves stay green;

it has no worries when there is no rain;

it keeps on bearing fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

He reminds us that whether we know it or not, we keep on bearing fruit.

Thank You, Lord.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Leader or Boss

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 32 August 14, 2023

Leader or Boss

“A leader makes people feel safe. A boss makes people anxious.”

We can assume that the person who penned those words was either an observer or a victim of leadership failure.

We hear disheartening stories of bosses who make people not only anxious but miserable. We can find abusive bosses in business offices and financial institutions, and they seem to thrive in our political system. Some may call them teachers, coaches, team leaders, parents, or spouses. It is not as surprising to find anxious people due to difficult bosses in those arenas.

However, it is deeply disappointing when the stories emerge from churches, especially when you consider the one who showed us how to lead.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:1-8)

Surely we can do better.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

When I Feel Stuck

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 30 For the week of August 7, 2023

When I Feel Stuck

In one of His teaching stories, Jesus said, “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18-19) I realize that not only does the word become unfruitful, but so do I. I lose focus. I lose direction. I lose sight of what’s essential.

I begin my day wondering what I am supposed to be doing today. I end my day wondering if I accomplished anything today. I have difficulty focusing on what I read, which diminishes my desire to read. I lack motivation. My energy level is low.

Often when I find myself in this state of mind, I return to a few key passages of scripture that help me refocus and reengage.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5)

So, today I’m trying to be still, focus on what I can do, the things I can change, do what good I can, and let that be enough.

Would that be helpful for you?

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

I Am With You

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 30 For the week of July 31, 2023

I Am With You

When you wake in the morning, I am with you.

When you eat your breakfast, I am with you.

When you get ready for work, I am with you.

When you go to work or school, I am with you.

When you go through your daily activities, I am with you.

When you interact with your family and friends, I am with you.

When you take a walk, I am with you.

When you nap by the ocean, I am with you.

When you are on top of the mountain, I am with you.

When you are on top of the world, I am with you.

When the bottom falls out of your world, I am with you.

When your heart is full of joy, I am with you.

When your heart is breaking, I am with you.

When you are in a crowd, I am with you.

When you are alone, I am with you.

I am with you wherever you go, whatever you do, whatever is happening.

I hope you hear me, I hope you believe me, and I hope you always know that I am with you.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

A Sparrow and A Grasshopper

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 29 For the week of July 24, 2023

A Sparrow and A Grasshopper

As I approached my car in the parking lot, I noticed a sparrow diving over the top of the car and down the side back and forth. I asked, “Little bird, what are you doing on this hot afternoon.” I noticed a hefty grasshopper on the roof’s edge just above the passenger door when I got nearer. This yellow and green grasshopper looked very tasty to the little bird; however, he (or she) was almost 3 inches long. Not much smaller than the sparrow. “Little sparrow,” I said, “You sure are brave!”

The sparrow felt very confident in its hunting ability, and I imagined it saying to itself, “Wow! Wait until the other birds see what I’m bringing for lunch.” The scenario continued until I started the engine and pulled away.

As I exited the parking lot, I wondered if the sparrow had heard someone quote Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” And thought, “Lord, you’ve outdone Yourself today!” And if the grasshopper had heard the same thing and thought, “I’m not worried.”

Then, I thought about the car I drive, the food I eat, the water I drink, the salary I receive, the house where I live, the medical care I receive, and the community of family and friends who love me. I thanked Him.

I realized that, like the sparrow, sometimes I bite off (or try to) more than I can chew. The Lord gives me the confidence to try. Like the grasshopper, sometimes I am confronted with danger (often, I’m not even aware of it), but the Lord protects me and keeps me from harm.

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

That’s Enough for Today

A Norvell Note

Vol. 27 No. 28 For the week of July 17, 2023

That’s Enough for Today

Some days I look at all the tasks I have added to my schedule with confidence that I will accomplish everything. Then, I look at my week, and all the days with all the tasks, and with self-assurance, I take a deep breath, knowing I get it all done.

At the end of the day, I look at the list of tasks left undone, and disappointment fills my worn-out mind. In that quiet moment, I hear Jesus say, “That’s enough for today.”

As the days become a week and that nightly ritual repeats, I reflect on what I did and did not accomplish. I hear I again hear Jesus say, “That’s enough for this week.”

As you begin another week of activity, make your schedule, and list the duties for the day. Be confident that you will complete most of them. But if you review and discover you did not meet some obligations, be kind to yourself and listen for Jesus to say, “That’s good enough for today.”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

Vol. 27 No. 27 For the week of July 10, 2023

Where Is the Sting?

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. ⁵⁴When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

⁵⁵“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

⁵⁶The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1Corinthians 15:53-58)

I have read this passage to provide comfort and consolation to many people, including myself, facing the victory and sting of death as a reminder that when this life ends, it really isn’t the end. I know it is true. I know that through Jesus, there is victory. Yet sometimes, I think death has won the victory, and I feel the sting of death.

I feel that death has won the victory when death keeps taking people I love. I feel that death has won the victory when there seems to be no end to death. I think death has won the victory when there is another cancer diagnosis or one has lost the ability to remember, speak, comprehend, or recognize the face of a loved one.

I feel the sting of death every time I see the tears of a daughter as she says goodbye to her mother and a mother who says goodbye to her daughter. I feel the sting of death when I hear a grown man describe his father as “He was the best man I’ve ever known.” The sting of death is in the tears of a spouse as she says, “I miss him so much.”

Sometimes, death appears victorious, and the sting feels natural, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tom

To follow updates on Junie, go here: welovejunieblue

For past articles, go here: A Norvell Note.

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