A Norvell Note: The Game Is Not Over

September 20, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 54

If you’re a college football fan, you might have enjoyed watching some incredible comeback games, like Ohio State versus Texas and NC State against Vanderbilt. These exciting moments really remind us of the classic sayings, “stay in the game” and “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” These lessons hold just as much in life as they do in sports, encouraging us to keep going no matter what. 

You might be reading these words and feeling like the game is finished. Perhaps you’ve made many mistakes in your business, accidentally let down your family, or are overwhelmed with regrets, wondering if you can ever bounce back. Please remember, it’s not over yet. Keep going, stay in the game, and hold onto hope. 

Remember, even if you’ve stumbled and fallen more times than you can count, your efforts are truly valuable. Keep trying, because every attempt is a step forward. Don’t lose hope—your perseverance matters!

Job faced tremendous loss but never lost hope. His friends and family urged him to give up and admit to something terrible, but he stayed strong and kept seeking God. In time, he was blessed to see the Lord.

Peter sadly denied knowing Jesus three times during a very important moment in the Lord’s life. He felt like his usefulness to Jesus was over. But later, Jesus kindly told him, “Feed my sheep,” welcoming him back and reminding him of his important role.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Your world might seem a bit grey right now, and you might feel like there’s not enough time to heal. But please remember, don’t lose hope. Your life isn’t finished until it truly ends, and with God, it’s never truly over.  

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note: A Place for Words

September 13, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 34

I just finished filling another journal, and it always feels rewarding. I have a collection of journals on a shelf in my home study, each holding its own collection of stories. A few years ago, I decided to destroy some journals because they are private conversations between God and me. Journaling is an important part of my life—I’ve been doing it in some form for as long as I can remember. It gives my words and thoughts a special place and helps me feel more connected to the Lord.

The leather cover makes it easy to add new pages once I’ve finished the old ones. I love the paper’s special feel, with its soft yellow hue, and I enjoy writing in brown ink. I aim to journal each day, and it took me eleven months to fill this last one. My entries are straightforward: “Father, …” — those three dots represent whatever’s on my mind and in my heart right then. 

Some days I fill a page or two or three, feeling inspired and eager. Other days, I might find myself saying, “I have no words today.” Sometimes, I humbly ask for forgiveness, saying, “Forgive me; I am a sinner,” which I find myself doing almost every day. Some days, I vent with complaints, moans, and whines, while on others, I lift my heart in praise to the Lord for His goodness, kindness, and mercy. And then, there are those peaceful days when I sit quietly with my pen in hand, my journal open in front of me, gentle music playing softly, and my cats sleeping peacefully beside me. I often close my journal with a thankful heart, content with the quiet moments I’ve shared. 

I’m sharing this because journaling is something very personal to me. Some of you might not enjoy it or feel tempted to try, and that’s perfectly okay! I’m not urging anyone to do it. For me, journaling creates a warm, safe space to share my thoughts with the Lord—thoughts that sometimes turn into heartfelt articles, reflections, or even simple to-do lists. You might find that you wouldn’t want to read them because your name might come up in some entries, and perhaps you’d prefer not to hear what I have to say about you.

I’m sharing this because I need a space for my words—words that only God sees and hears. I hope you find a special place and time to share what’s in your heart and mind with the Lord, creating a moment of connection and peace. 

I’m thankful for a place for my words. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved