A Norvell Note 

May 10 – Vol. 30 No. 18

The Cries of Our Hearts

“Trust in him at all times, O people;

         Pour out your hearts to him,

         For God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)

O God, here are the cries of my heart.

My heart cries for the mother who is pouring out her heart for her children, for the mother who is pouring out her heart for the child she lost, or who is far away, and the mother who is pouring out her heart for the child she never had and never will have.  

My heart cries out for the mother who must endure another Mother’s Day without knowing where her child is. 

My heart cries out for a mother confined to the waiting room as her child undergoes surgery, or another surgery she never imagined her child would need. 

My heart cries out for children, regardless of their age, whose hearts cry out for their mother, who left them long ago. 

My heart cries out for the mother who hugged her child as they boarded a plane headed for a war zone, wondering if she would ever hug them again. My heart cries out for the mother as she anxiously waits for news of the war. And for the mother who greets the flag-covered casket as it is unloaded from the plane returning from the war. 

My heart cries out with joy for the mother who holds her child, regardless of their age, in her arms and hears them say, “I love you forever.”

“Trust in him at all times, O people;

         Pour out your hearts to him,

         For God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note 

May 3 – Vol. 30 No. 17

Forgiving Others

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the kingdom and the power

And the glory forever. (NIV, Matthew 6:9-13)

Like many of you, I have read, prayed, sung, and heard the Lord’s prayer more times than I can count. Surely it is one of the most used in all the scriptures. Please read it again. 

The Lord’s Prayer (NIV, Matthew 6:9-13)

Reflecting on Forgiveness

As I prayed this prayer again, these thoughts surfaced: “And forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who have sinned against me).” Jesus seems to assume that we have already forgiven those who have wronged us. It’s not a matter of someday forgiving or thinking about forgiving; it suggests we already have. 

Then I read those same lines from the Contemporary English Version: “Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.” 

Personal Convictions and Questions

I was convicted in these ways: 

1. When I pray, “Father, forgive me,” am I certain there is not any outstanding or overdue forgiveness I need to offer to others? Am I holding back forgiveness? If so, why? 
2. How have I wronged God? How have others wronged me? Are there wounds or grudges I’m holding that I’m not willing to release? 
3. Forgiveness truly is a big deal. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

April 26 – Vol. 30 No. 16

You Are Not a Problem

The bumper sticker read “I identify as a problem.”

My first thought was, “I’m sorry.” Then, I thought, “Me too. Sometimes.” When I have messed up at work, in a relationship with a family member, or with a friend. And especially when I fail to follow Jesus as closely as I want to. I sometimes identify as a problem, but then I remember that God does not identify me as a problem.

You are not a problem either. If you were in the car with the bumper sticker, you do not need to identify yourself as a problem. And here’s why: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

These words from Matthew West share the same message. 

If grace was a kingdom, I’d stopped at the gate
Thinkin’ I don’t deserve to pass through
After all the mistakes that I’ve made
Oh, but I heard a whisper as Heaven bent down
Said, “Child, don’t you know that the first will be last
And the last get a crown”

Now I’m just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it’s true, You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I’m all Yours

The pages of history, they tell me it’s true
That it’s never the perfect
It’s always the ones with the scars that You use
Oh, it’s the rebels and the prodigals
It’s the humble and the weak
All the misfit heroes You chose
Tell me there’s hope for sinners like me

Grace is a kingdom with gates open wide
There’s a seat at the table just waiting for you
So, come on inside. Broken Things^[i]

Whoever you are, do not identify as a problem. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[i] Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Matthew West / Jason Houser / Aj Pruis

Broken Things lyrics © Highly Combustible Music, House Of Story Music Publishing, Two Story House Music, One77 Songs, Combustion Five, Third Story House Music, Get Ur Seek On, Anthem Highly Combustible Music

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

A Norvell Note

March 29 – Vol. 30 No. 12

Just Two Commands 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

He gave us two commands. Just two. Not a thousand. Not a hundred. Not even ten. Just two. Love me and love each other. Just two commands, and we can’t seem to get them right.

I hear people say, “I’m a follower of Jesus, love God with my heart.” But the next day, I hear them say, “I can’t stand to even see those people in the hallway.” Although I may not say it out loud, I’m ashamed to admit that sometimes I catch myself saying the same or similar things in my mind. 

Two commands. Just two. 

That’s all He asked us to. “Everything else hangs on these.” 

We sit in churches week after week, singing about our love for God and how He loves us. Throughout the week, we praise and admire people who talk down to people, make fun of those who struggle with physical or mental issues, and ignore the poor and homeless. We say we love God, and yet we refuse to associate with people who do not measure up to our expectations and standards.

Two commandments. Just two

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. (1 John 4:20)

Two commands. Just two 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note

March 22 – Vol. 30 No. 11

Take Care of Yourself

In any given week, we experience significant events or challenges in our everyday lives that can affect our emotions and outlook. They range from national and global news to personal and family matters, highlighting both sources of stress and moments of importance. Even if we do not acknowledge these events, they affect us mentally and physically.

We may have trouble sleeping. Our appetite might be impacted. We may feel anxious or agitated. It is hard to concentrate. You feel restless but tired. 

So, what can we? Here are a few suggestions.

Acknowledge the stress and how it is impacting you. Trying to ignore it may increase the stress. It is okay to admit you are stressed. 

Admit you need a break. Our souls are not meant to constantly be under pressure.

Rest. There is no substitute for rest. 

Take a break from all the noise. Find a quiet time and place and enjoy the quiet.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

  “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)

“Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

These are stressful times. Take care of yourself.

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

March 15 – Vol. 30 No. 10

How You Think About You

When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, change happens.  One of the first changes is how we think about ourselves. 

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)

“The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.” (The Message)

Sometimes we forget this truth and take credit for what God has done, what He does. We begin to think it is all about us. We see it in business, in education, in sports, and, unfortunately, as Paul expresses concern, in church settings. 

Thinking of yourself more highly than you ought to be is never a good look, especially for one who claims to be a follower of Jesus. It is a bad look for leaders and for followers. It is a bad look for coaches and for players. It is a bad look for husbands and wives. It causes problems in all relationships. 

Paul emphasizes this as he moves into a section discussing life in the body. Thus, if you are part of the body of Christ, don’t think more highly than you ought.

Be careful how you think about yourself. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

March 8 – Vol. 30 No. 09

Chaos

Chaos really does feel like the only thing we can count on lately, doesn’t it? Everywhere we look, the world seems a little more broken—there’s always something about conflict on the news, people in our neighborhoods can’t seem to agree, and nobody’s sure what’s coming next. Social media just keeps tossing more opinions and arguments at us until our heads are spinning. And at home, life’s busier than ever and worries stack up. Sometimes it feels like we’re caught in a current that’s just carrying us along, way past where we can steer.

Looking for Calm in the Chaos

With so much going on, it’s easy to get down or just plain overwhelmed. But if you follow Christ, there’s some comfort in knowing that chaos doesn’t surprise God at all. Right from the start in Genesis, God steps in and brings order where there was none and turns darkness into light. Jesus, too—He calmed storms with a word and helped people find peace when their hearts were heavy. We’re not promised that chaos will just disappear, but we are promised that God is right there with us in the middle of it, giving us hope and showing us the way, even when we can’t see where it leads.

How Do We Handle It?

So, what can we do when everything feels upside down? We can pause, take some deep breaths, and pray. We can choose to be kind and understanding with others, even when we don’t agree. We can keep our eyes on things that are true, good, and worth celebrating—no letting fear or frustration take over. And most of all, we can trust that God’s still working, putting the pieces back together and even using the chaos to pull us closer. When everything feels out of control, we can hold tight to the One who keeps it all together.

I love you.

Tom

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