"Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom."
Patrick Henry
"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Thomas Jefferson
"In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent Measure should be taken to ward off the impending Judgements... All confidence must be withheld from the Means we use; and reposed only on that GOD who rules in the Armies of Heaven, and without whose Blessing the best human Counsels are but Foolishness--and all created Power Vanity...."
John Hancock
A number of years ago at a men's conference I heard a presentation that changed my life. Dr. Gary Smalley spoke about "honoring your wife." The perspective he gave allowed me to see the relationship with my wife in a healthier manner. Love must be a decision. You must see your wife as the most valuable thing on the planet. You must cherish her. When you do, the rewards are tremendous. Your love becomes unconditional, without expectations. Your demeanor softens and you become less critical and more forgiving. Your focus becomes your wife and your needs are met by her. You find the distractions of other women as an insult to her. You see her as the beautiful person you fell in love with.
As a result my wife loved me the same way. Our time together became as precious as the first day we met. To further appreciate Dr. Smalley's wisdom read:Honor - The Fuel that Runs a Healthy Relationship and Love is a Decision.
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
Thorton Wilder (1897-1975) playwright, novelist