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December 10, 2021 - 

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit


Novem Fructus

There are nine of us in this group.  We were child-hood or high school friends at a time of relative innocence.  All of us closer to the end of life than to the beginning of life, with profound insight, a wealth of life experiences with failures, achievements, sorrow, grief, marriages, children, and now grandchildren.  Surely, together and combined, we have embraced the fullness of God's blessings, as well as the heartaches that serve to refine and strengthen our faith.  


Psalm 66:10-12

For You have tried us, O God;

You have refined us as silver is refined.

You brought us into the net;

You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.

You made men ride over our heads;

We went through fire and through water,

Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.


This group, in my opinion is not an accidental or a random gathering of old classmates. Each individual contributes equally their insight, their experience, and their spiritual guidance. Each draws personal strength, confidence and comfort from the others. This "co-op" is a reservoir of spiritual reserves when we need replenished. There is no “weak link” among us, but rather a strong bond held together by our common love of God and our faith in His word. We ARE the “two or more gathered in His name”. We ARE “encouraging one another and building each other up” (1 Thessalonian 5:11), as commanded.


I am a person who looks for inspiration and meaning behind ordinary encounters or events. I follow the “chain” to find transitional moments leading to transformation in our lives. Nothing is by accident. Nothing occurs without purpose. This group of nine is a purpose-driven body.

In keeping with my tendencies, I looked for a correlation that might be found in God’s Word. The number 9 represents the fruits of God's Holy Spirit, which are Faithfulness, Gentleness, Goodness, Joy, Kindness, Long suffering, Love, Peace and Self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).


I will now refer to this group as Novem Fructus Sancto Spiritu (Latin for “nine fruits of the Holy Spirit”)! (my Catholic influence!)


Now go forth and be fruitful (in the spiritual sense!)

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