About the Book
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be one of the disciples who walked with Jesus during his time on the earth? How would I react when He gathered the little children around Him? How I would have felt if one of the others got the seat next to Jesus at a meal? How did it feel when Jesus took the water and towel and washed my feet...my dirty feet? Would I have stood with Him when He was arrested? Where would I have been when He was being beaten and crucified? I have wondered about those things. I still wonder about those things. I wonder more about how I will react while I am walking the earth with Jesus as my model. How will I treat those who are tired, broken, weak, sick, and struggling to get through life? How do I react when I am mistreated, when my dreams fade, and how will I handle the most difficult circumstances in my life? Will I remain faithful? Will I stand strong? Will I crumble under the pressure? In Until Hope Returns I entertain some of those thoughts, share some examples of what I've seen, heard, and experienced. And, as much as anything, I try to offer hope where there is none, or where hope has been overshadowed by pain, disappointment, and loss. Drawn from everyday ordinary life experiences Until Hope Returns is a reminder that sometimes we have to smile through the tears, we have to endure the darkness of night in order to behold the beauty in a sunrise, and we have to hold on to the One who created us until hope returns to remind us that in Him is life...the abundant life.
Review :
Praise for Until Hope Returns
"Tom Norvell has created a pitch perfect collection of stories, insights, and biblically based teachings that reflect years of observation on the human condition and the ways of God. Each is short enough for a quick read, and long enough for a consistent take-away. You will find Tom a great companion day after day." - Andrew Reese, PE LEED, Vice President, AMEC Foster Wheeler Americas - Environment & Infrastructure; Author of Bleats 365 (2015) and Co-Author of Freedom Tools: For Overcoming Life's Tough Problems (2015)
"Until Hope Returns is a work born of faith, love, and hope. The devotional thoughts contained in these chapters reflect years of walking in the footsteps of our Savior and wrestling with real life issues. You will find authenticity, reality, and genuine brokenness within these pages. You will also find yourself and your spiritual journey woven within the tapestry of this very transparent and relevant work by Tom. I highly recommend Until Hope Returns. It will challenge you, stretch you, comfort you...and always leave you with a deep sense of hope...for the remainder of your own journey in this life." - Rick Fancher, Business Development Specialist, PAX EQUITY
"Tom Norvell writes with the heart of a pastor and the mind of a father. In his writing presence you feel safe and hopeful. Read this book and trust that God is as good as Tom suggests." - Josh Graves, Teaching Minister, Otter Creek Church of Christ
"My friend, Tom, is a wordsmith, much more than a good writer. And his latest collection of words has been carefully shaped by him into a wonderful spiritual travel guide. The pages lead us on a quest - a mutual quest beyond tradition and orthodoxy. Read with a pen in hand; you will write your own book as you read. Each chapter takes us to a reflective vista, a musing spot. His warm and penetrating questions force us to look again, to unlearn, and rethink. Together, we begin with something familiar and end up unpacking the unexpected. So, take your time...enjoy the journey. Along the way you will get to know my friend, Tom...and another side of yourself." - Ron Rose, Founder, President, Faith Coaching Network
"Until Hope Returns brings together a collection of insights, brief and pointed, as sensitive culturally as they are rich spiritually. Tom Norvell, pastor and counselor, speaker and writer, teacher and friend, draws on a lifetime of ministry, of service to the hurting, of experience as a gentle and attentive friend to those who face life's deepest, most troubling dilemmas. Tom shares out of his abundant time in prayer and study, from countless hours as a listening companion, and from his own personal encounter with tragedy and disappointment. He emerges as a faithful and wise resource for those of us who would follow Jesus. His special gift as author and pastor is a ready grasp of the culture, the ability to understand intuitively the intersections of contemporary life with the mind and spirit of the Christian believer. To read Until Hope Returns is to enjoy intimate conversation with one who discerns the loving and majestic hand of God in the small matters of life, and who knows how to encourage people of faith on our journey with Jesus. It is to enjoy a much-needed coffee break with a thoughtful and reliable confidante. I'll turn to this book often in the best of times and the worst of times." - Mark Tucker, Professor Emeritus, Purdue University
