Jim Downs

INVITING Divine Definitions: (1) Courteously requesting participation; attracting; (2) Opening the way; showing the course; alluring; (3) Eliciting wholesome desire; satisfying, (4) The essence of tact, finesse, and subtlety; (5) The most magnetic personality; charismatic; charming; (6) Able to make Himself evident to us; (7) Engaging; likable Comment: God asks us to allow ourselves to … Read more

When you are tempted to be meddlesome reach for your tender Lionheart and be Mettlesome instead. The qualities which are most often abused need to be balanced the most. Power is very seductive. Bring into play fairness, reasonableness, compromise, and all-powerful love. LIONHEARTED Definition: exceptionally courageous or strong; magnanimous Quote: The truth is like a … Read more

Justice does not stand alone. As Lady Justice demonstrates, balance is essential. We can also include fairness and patience, and even kindness and mercy. As the old clergyman said, “There, but for the grace of God, go I. Thus, adding humility and empathy to the list. JUST Divine Definitions: (1) The Divine arbiter; (2) Conforming … Read more

INNOCENT Definitions: (1) free from guilt or sin <especially through lack of knowledge of evil>; blameless; faultless; (2) without guile or cunning; lacking sophistication; ingenuous Synonyms: clean-handed, immaculate, pure, simple, spotless, undefiled, virtuous Quotes: Innocence is one of the most exciting things in the world. — Eartha Mae Kitt [born Eartha Mae Keith] (1927-2008) American … Read more

ENCOURAGING Definitions: (1) inspiring with courage, hope, and confidence; inspiriting; (2) generating positive anticipation for success; spurring on; stimulating Synonyms: animating, cheering, emboldening, heartening Quotes: A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) American author … Read more

AUTONOMOUS Definitions: (1) undertaken or carried on without outside control; self-contained; self-guided; self-taught; (2) independent; self-governing; self-ruling; (3) acting in accordance with one’s moral duty rather than one’s desires; self-starter Derivation: Greek, “having its own laws” Quotes: Listen to the desires of your children. Encourage them and then give them the autonomy to make their … Read more

CURIOUS Definition: (1) strongly desirous to learn or know; (2) possessing a need to investigate; (3) quizzical Balancing Qualities: Diplomacy, Discretion, Thoughtfulness Familial Qualities: adventuresome, explorative Consequential Quality: understanding Too Far: nosy, prying Note: A person’s privacy should always be respected. Music: “What’s Going On?” {1971}Father, fatherWe don’t need to escalateYou see, war is not … Read more

MYSTERIOUS Divine Definitions: (1) Stimulating wonder; inspiring fascination; hypnotic; (2) Exciting curiosity; intriguing; (3) Beyond our most appealing dreams; unfathomable; (4) So awesomely sacred as to cause speechlessness; ineffable Quote: Mysterium fascinans (fascinating mystery): a sense of something fascinating, desirable, good, caring, and comforting which invites us into its fullness, fulfills us, and in so … Read more

FUN Definitions: (1) lively playfulness; merriment; amusement; sport; recreation; joking frivolity; (2) a source or cause of enjoyable distraction <as a game or an amusing person or thing>; fun-loving Comment: You might tease a friend with a bit of banter, but there is no “fun” in making fun of someone. Quotes:Make space in your life … Read more

KNIGHTLYDefinition: exhibiting those characteristics associated with knights, specifically chivalry, dignity, bravery, honesty, and goodnessNote: Every quality is ultimately manifested uniquely with each individual personality–male or female. Quotes:The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. — Honore de Balzac (1799-1850) French literary artist The stories of Ulysses and … Read more