GIFTS  “To endow with some power, quality, or attribute.”  “A present.”   Gifts/Presents……who doesn’t like them, who hesitates to open them? As a kid and even as an adult the excitement is there, we can’t wait to see what is inside! Our God gives us gifts all the time and throughout our lives, at Baptism we received wisdom, understanding, counsel, …

JOURNEY “An act or instance of traveling from one place to another.”   I reflect on all travels and the journeys taken in my life, journeys of discovery, new countries, new people, new beginnings, short ones, long ones, ones with joy, some with sorrow, some that I didn’t plan. All of them memorable, but the ones that stand out the …

ASK  “To put a question about, to make a request of, to make a request for.”   I am so, so good at asking for help, input on decisions, directions, recommendations, etc. from people I know and sometimes total strangers. There have been a couple times I rely on myself to answer. Seems like the natural thing to do. Yet, …

LOVE  “A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands our adoration” “Due gratitude and reverence to God”   And all these years I just thought it was that wonderful feeling I got when I looked at my wife! …Ok, John, FOCUS! When was the last time you told Jesus you loved Him? I have asked this …

HOPE “Desire to be accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment”   Part of the trio “Faith-Hope-Love “ To me there are three aspects of Hope in God Hope for myself Hope for others each of which are interconnected with Faith and Love and centered on God. There is much more I could probably ramble on about, but I …

FAITH  “Belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion”  “Belief in and trust in and loyalty to God” There are two aspects associated with faith, one being Religion, that which we profess and the deeper spiritual side our Personal faith. I don’t believe we can have one without the other, we need to know, abide, and believe in the tenants …

GIVE  “To convey to another – to transfer one’s authority or custody.” There is much written about giving, and we are taught at an early age to give, to share. There are times I wonder how well I have done, giving or sharing. It is easy to reflect on what we have been given, but do we realize the many …

LIVE  “To be alive, to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in.” Ok, I will be the first to admit, that not all my days are good days. On those days I’m alive but struggling to find energy or enthusiasm. So I ask, on those bad days do I feel the same with God? Does it show in my prayers? Am …

PRAISE  “To glorify God especially by attributes of perfections.” There were several definitions for praise, but I chose this one as it spoke directly to why I was given this word weeks ago. It is amazing how many times and ways I can give praise to God for all that He does in my life, and in the lives of …

FEAR  “Anxious concern – profound reverence and awe especially toward God.” I am sure like me; we have all been overcome by a significant fear in our lives. I can reflect on one specific fear I had for most of my adult life; the fear of dying. It was always there lurking in the shadows and would step in powerfully …