Two events happened recently. One was 350 miles above Earth.The other was very much on the ground, in the middle of America. One was grand and amazing. The other, almost unbearably sad.And, for some reason, I keep thinking about the strange juxtaposition of these events, and I cannot loose them from my mind.Looking UpThe world … Continue reading Of Firsts and Lasts, Discovery and Loss

This Memorial Day, I am remembering my Dad, Roland Norris, who proudly served his country during World War II, as a B-17 training pilot, and later, air/sea rescue pilot in the South Pacific.After the war, he came home rebuilt his life, and was my Dad. He went to work faithfully for 40 years, providing a … Continue reading Remembering Everyday Heroes

I have always struggled to convey my faith to other people. After all these years, I am no better at it than when I started. I am not sure why.The lyrics below, written and put to song by a very talented young woman from the Midwest, express in large part what I have wanted to … Continue reading Awakening

Today is Mother's Day. As I reflect on this, I find that the clearest sign of God's presence and overwhelming love in our family is my wife, and the mother of our girls, Nancy.Yesterday I happened by my daughters' room, and she had the video below playing on her Mac. It says it all. For … Continue reading Mothers Day

I came across the video below the other day, and felt this blog would be the right place to share it. Maybe I need a mental break from The Great Recession and the H1N1 Swine Flu media hysteria. The Hawaiian islands have always been a special place for me, ever since I was a kid. … Continue reading Hysteria Break – Hawai'i Aloha

What is the relationship between a seminary student from Denmark, a day at a desert indie rock concert, and the American church?Asking a QuestionSomething sobering, sad and rather haunting happened to me recently. I asked a simple question, and received an answer I never anticipated.We are friends with a young woman who is getting her … Continue reading Too Many Choices, Shopping, and "We Walk"

Franz Liszt and Joshua Bell at Disney Hall!Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

A year ago, I took my first trip to the desert with my oldest daughter and her friends, to experience the Coachella Music Festival for the first time.This year, I took a trip to the desert again, (daughter in separate car - "Da-aaa-d, driving with you would be soooo uncool!") but I really ended taking … Continue reading Sir Paul in the Desert