A Norvell Note: The Home Stretch

October 11, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 38

The Home Stretch

Phil Ware started Heartlight.org thirty years ago, around the same time I began writing A Norvell Note. Somewhere along the way, our paths crossed, and Phil kindly began sharing some of my Notes on Heartlight.org. I’ve been—and continue to be—so grateful. Thank you, Phil.

During this season of my journey, I’ve been thinking a lot about The Home Stretch, and Phil has kindly shared this article again. I hope you’ll take a moment to follow the links, read The Home Stretch, and explore all the other features Heartlight.org has to offer. 

In every journey there is a time when we realize we are in the home stretch. The miles we have traveled are unimportant. The cost of the journey will not matter. Our only concern is making it home. Keep traveling. Keep looking toward home.

I love you.

Tom

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

A Norvell Note: Grace for Today, Mercy for the Journey

October 4, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 37

Grace and mercy are among the clearest ways God shows His heart toward us. Grace is His undeserved favor—the gift we could never earn. Mercy is His compassion—the judgment we deserve but do not receive. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God doesn’t depend on being perfect, but rests on His faithful love.

We often carry the weight of regret, believing our failures have put us beyond God’s reach. Yet Scripture reveals a God who moves toward the broken. He does not minimize sin, but He meets confession with forgiveness and shame with restoration. His mercy gives us the courage to face the truth, while His grace gives us the strength to begin again.

God’s grace is more than a promise for eternity—it’s a provision for today. It meets us in the everyday moments when patience wears thin, plans fall apart, or fear makes the way ahead hard to see. We may not find every answer we’re looking for, but we’re never without the presence of the One who is enough. His strength shines brightest when we reach the end of our own.

Mercy also gently reshapes how we see others. When we know we’ve been forgiven, it becomes easier to let go of resentment. And when we live by grace, we can offer kindness without asking others to earn it first. Each act of patience, compassion, and forgiveness becomes a small reflection of God’s generous heart.

Today, let us come to God just as we are, with honesty and no need to pretend we’re stronger or better than we feel. His grace welcomes us, His mercy restores us, and His love gently guides us forward. Our worst moments don’t define us, and our weaknesses don’t leave us abandoned. We are held by a faithful God, whose compassion is renewed every morning.

Gracious God, thank You for meeting me with mercy and surrounding me with grace. Help me welcome Your forgiveness, find strength in You, and share Your compassion with others. Gently guide my steps today and let my life reflect Your faithful love. Amen.

I love you.

Tom

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

A Norvell Note: Never in a Hurry

September 27, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 36

Of all the statements and quotes I’ve heard or read, this one may be my favorite—and the most challenging. 

“It is refreshing, and salutary, to study the poise and quietness of Christ. His task and responsibility might well have driven a man out of his mind. But He was never in a hurry, never impressed by numbers, never a slave of the clock.” — J.B. Phillips 

Jesus was never in a hurry. Slow down long enough to let those words sink into your hurried mind. 

I think about when I speed up to make it through a yellow traffic light, and the light turns red as I go through. 

I remember those words when the driver behind me speeds to get around me and pull ahead; then we reach the traffic light, I look over, and there he is, right beside me. 

When I realize I’m following the car ahead too closely, I think about Jesus and remind myself to give them more space and slow down. 

I think about Jesus at an intersection when my light has just turned red. I’ll sometimes speed up to make a right turn before the oncoming traffic starts moving—at least, I hope they haven’t started yet. 

As I reflect on the habits of hurried drivers, I’m reminded that many of us tend to rush through life. We hurry to get to meetings, then rush through them. We hurry to prepare a meal, hurry to eat, and clean the dishes so we can hurry to get ready for bed. Taking a moment to slow down can make these everyday routines feel a little more enjoyable. 

We rush to church gatherings, hoping the sermon won’t run too long so we can enjoy a quick meal at the restaurant. Then we hurry home to tackle our chores and, if there’s time, take a short nap.  

We’re moving at such a fast pace that it can be hard to slow down and catch our breath. So why are we in such a hurry? If Jesus “was never in a hurry, never impressed by numbers, never a slave of the clock,” perhaps we can take a moment to reflect on who we think we are. Will hurrying really make us more productive than Jesus? 

If our goal is to become like Jesus, maybe we should try to live like Jesus.

I love you.

Tom

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

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

A Norvell Note: Be Still  

August 30, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 32

Sometimes, I find it helpful to hold on to these comforting words from the Lord: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11, NIV)

It’s been quite a busy week, and I have to say, I’m feeling a little tired and a bit on edge. Finding a moment of stillness and reminding myself to stay calm, remembering that He is God, truly helps me find a sense of peace. 

Whenever you hear about a new earthquake, flood, tornado, or forest fire affecting thousands of acres and homes, take a moment to find a quiet spot and be still. Remember that the Lord Almighty is always with us, offering comfort and strength. 

When the news feels familiar—much like it did yesterday and like it might tomorrow—you might wonder how some people can act with such cruelty and hatred. It’s natural to feel fear building up inside you. Take a moment to pause, turn off the noise, and find stillness, trusting that God remains in control. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there’s comfort in faith. 

You might find yourself spending more on a tank of gasoline than you expected, your insurance premiums seem to keep climbing, and you could be worried about what will happen if someone loses their job. Take a moment to find a peaceful spot, sit quietly, breathe deeply, and remember that God even cares for the dandelions. 

When your wife’s doctor says they’ve done all they can, take a moment to be still and remember that the Lord will walk with both of you through this dark valley. 

When life feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause and breathe.

When you’re feeling stressed and scared, take a moment to pause and breathe. Remember, it’s okay to feel this way, and allowing yourself to be still can bring a sense of calm and clarity. 

Whenever you feel overwhelmed and feel like crying, take a moment to be still and allow yourself to cry if needed. It’s okay to express your emotions and give yourself the compassion you deserve. 

When this Psalm was written, I like to think that the evening news (if there had been such a thing) back in those days was probably quite similar to ours. The Lord said then, and He continues to say today, be still and know that I am God. 

I love you.

Tom

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

A Norvell Note: Consider the Dandelions  

August 16, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 31

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29, King James Version)

Here’s my paraphrase: Think about the dandelions in the yard. They don’t really do anything except keep showing up in a neatly kept lawn, often uninvited and not exactly appreciated by me. I have fought and lost many battles through the years. 

It seems like God created these tiny plants so that children can blow on them, scattering their seeds across the yard and helping new ones to grow. I believe He finds joy in the sound of children’s laughter as they play with them. 

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matthew 6:30-33, The Message)

I have learned to tolerate dandelions because they remind me that if God will create them, I need to relax and enjoy His creation, knowing He has always taken care of me and always will. 

(Sometimes I even pick one up, blow it, and marvel at God’s creation.) 

I love you.

Tom

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

August 9, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 30

In a message to the Hope Hospice team, Tasha O’Connor wrote, 

“I have a confession.

I hate the sympathy card aisle.

Not because I don’t believe in sending sympathy cards. Quite the opposite. Every time I stand there reading them, I catch myself thinking, “No…that’s not quite right.” One says too much. Another doesn’t say enough. Whoever has the job of writing sympathy cards has an impossible job because there simply aren’t words big enough for the hardest losses.

August is National Grief Awareness Month, and this month’s theme is Connection. One of the hardest parts of grief is feeling like you’re carrying something no one else can see. Sometimes people don’t need us to have the perfect words. They just need a tangible reminder that their grief is seen, accepted, and that they aren’t alone.”^[1]

I appreciate her words for a couple of reasons. 

First, I often find myself standing in the card aisle, searching for the card (birthday, anniversary, or sympathy) that says it just right. On more than one occasion, I chose a blank card with a nice picture on the front and went home to write my own words. 

Second, I appreciate the reminder that what people really need as they go through grief is connection. Someone to be there. Someone to acknowledge their pain. Someone to love and accept them in their lowest moments. 

Several years ago, a friend of ours lost his wife. The first Sunday he returned to a church gathering, he stood in the hallway with folks surrounding him. My wife walked past him, gently reached out, and put her hand on his shoulder for just a few seconds, then moved on. No words, just a touch on his shoulder. He mentioned many times how much that simple gesture of compassion meant to him.

I often pray when I enter a situation where I know someone is grieving: “Lord, help me to be there and be quiet until You tell me to speak.” That requires me to listen to Him and to the person. Sometimes I need to speak; sometimes I do not. It is important that I know the difference. To know the difference, I must be connected to them and to Him. 

Be there. Be quiet. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[1] Rev. Tasha O’Connor, LPC-Associate, LCDC Supervised by Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S, LPC-S Grief Services Manage

A Norvell Note: Guard Your Heart

August 2, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 29

I try to take care of myself, have regular checkups, and monitor my blood pressure. My doctor tells me my heart is healthy. But lately, I have been seeing lots of ads on my iPhone for apps designed to measure my heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Maybe you have gotten one or two of those ads too? Are our smartphones trying to tell us something?

Or maybe the Lord is trying to tell us something:  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)

Those wise words had meaning centuries ago when they were written and still have profound meaning for us today. 

We need to guard our hearts from selfishness and pride.

We need to guard our hearts from anger and rage.

We need to guard our hearts from the unwholesome, vulgar, and impure.

We need to guard our hearts from holding on to the past and trying to live in the future. 

We need to guard our hearts from hypocritical and judgmental attitudes.

We need to guard our hearts so the Lord can use us to care for His people.

If you need an app to check your blood pressure, get and use it to stay healthy. And guard your heart and protect your soul so you can do the good things He created you to do. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved