Since I was young, I liked going to church because it made me feel peaceful. I enjoyed sitting in the church to visit God and Jesus. During my Confirmation classes, I learned about the Holy Spirit and its gifts. It was exciting to discover these 7 gifts that God gives us to become better people and show His love.1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David.109 ( Catechism of the Catholic church)

Wisdom helps us recognize the importance of others and the importance of keeping God central in our lives.

Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God's message.

Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God's revelation, and also to recognize there are mysteries of faith beyond us.

Counsel is the ability to see the best way to follow God's plan when we have choices that relate to him.

Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right.

Piety helps us pray to God in true devotion.

Fear of the Lord is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present, and whose friendship we do not want to lose.

I wiIl never forget my Confirmation day. I felt very excited. Waiting at the entrance of the church to go in and eager to receive God's gifts, I could hear the organ music starting. Once I walked into the main part of the church, I heard the choir sing, "Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart." I knelt in front of the tabernacle and sat down in the pew. It felt amazing! I realized God was reaching out to me at that moment. I understood that God was guiding me towards something important. I didn't realize then that it would be to become a Secular Franciscan. The gifts we get from God aren't just for one time and we shouldn't hide them away. We should use these gifts every day! I ask the Holy Spirit for help daily. The Holy Spirit supports me through the daily noise of the world. He helps me stay focused on God and Jesus. He reminds me constantly of how much we need to depend on God. As I write this, I asked the Holy Spirit to help me find the right words and I hope that those who read this will also pray to Him daily.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.

Peace and Grace.