A Prayer for the Class of 1970

Father, 

When we began our senior year in the fall of 1969, we had no idea what lay ahead for us. With your guidance, you led us through difficult challenges and fostered strong leadership within our class, culminating in that day of relief and celebration in May of 1970. For that, we gave you thanks then, and we give you thanks today. 

Since our graduation from Hope High School in 1970, You have walked us through many good times and many very difficult times. Now, fifty-six years later (which is sometimes difficult to comprehend), we come together again…at least some of us to reunite, to share the good times, try to match names with faces, and remember with some sadness those who are no longer with us. 

So, we thank You for those who have planned, organized, and worked hard to bring us together. And as we once again say our goodbyes, we ask Your blessings on us, those who could not be here, until we come together again…whenever that may be. We love You and thank You for bringing us together as a class unlike any other, for the way we have blessed each other and been blessed by each other, and for how our experiences at Hope High School have shaped us into the people we are today. Thank you for the class of 1970.

May we have love, may we have joy, may we have peace, may we have rest, and may we have healing (Ian Cron). Amen.

A Norvell Note

April 12 – Vol. 30 No. 14

Only What Is Helpful

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

I have no idea how many times I have read, taught, discussed, and preached on that verse, but I do know I have felt convicted when I failed to follow its wisdom. Never has it been more difficult to practice what I preach than it is right now. But I continue to try. 

In my everyday conversations, I want to say only what benefits those who listen. When I am speaking to co-workers, I try to be aware of their needs and address them. When I speak publicly and in my writing, I often pray, “Lord, give me words that encourage, words that are helpful, and words that benefit those who read or hear them.”

I will continue to pray that my words will build others up. I hope you will pray the same prayer. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

April 5 – Vol. 30 No. 13

One Shining Moment

Monday night, either Connecticut or Michigan will be crowned the 87^th national champion of college basketball in the finale of the tournament that is known as March Madness. Rejoicing and regret will fill Lucas Oil Stadium and around the nation. The bracket will be complete, the winning team will cut, highlights of the tournament will roll, and the traditional “One Shining Moment” will be played. 

On this Sunday, celebrations will ring out around the world over the one shining moment that outshines all other shining moments: “He is risen!”  That moment, more than any other moment, brought hope of victory and hope to a hopeless world. It still does. It always will. Praise be to God, He is alive! I hope you believe that and live your life as you believe it. 

As we reflect on this season, may the joy and promise of the resurrection fill our hearts and guide our steps each day. Let us continue to share the light of that one shining moment with everyone we meet, living out the hope that Easter brings.

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved