Virtue
I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did.
~Benjamin Franklin
1. “TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
2. “SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”
3. “ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.”
4. “RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”
5. “FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.”
6. “INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.”
7. “SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”
8. “JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”
9. “MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”
10. “CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.”
11. “TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”
12. “CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.”
13. “HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
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Virtue Series | Week 7 – Sincerity

Sincerity is truth lived from the inside out—the alignment of thought, word, and deed. Franklin’s call to “use no hurtful deceit” becomes a daily act of courage: to live unmasked, to speak with grace, and to let the heart and tongue tell the same story. Continue reading
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Quote to Ponder ~ Thomas A Kempis
”Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish yourself to be.” ~ Thomas A Kempis (On humility) Continue reading
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Quote to Ponder ~ Ryan Holiday

“We know that between every stimulus and its response, every piece of information and our decision, there is space. It is brief space, to be sure, but one with room enough to insert our philosophy. Will we use it? Use it to think, use it to examine, use it to wait for more information? Or Continue reading
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Virtue Series | Week 6 – Industry

Industry is more than busyness, it’s purposeful work that redeems the hours. Franklin saw it as the soil of every other virtue. Roosevelt called it “work worth doing.” True industry aligns effort with meaning, balancing diligence and rest, so each day builds toward usefulness, service, and quiet strength. Continue reading
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Virtue Series | Week 5 – Frugality

Franklin’s virtue of Frugality is about stewardship, not stinginess. This week I saw how much time and energy I waste—and how simplicity restores joy. Frugality directs resources to what matters most, frees us from clutter, and makes generosity possible. It’s not less life, but more. Continue reading
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Virtue Series | Week 4 – Resolution

Franklin’s virtue of Resolution is about keeping promises to yourself and others. This week I confronted procrastination, fear, and inconsistency, but also saw the strength of persistence and small wins. Resolution is not rigid willpower—it is integrity, trustworthiness, and the courage to follow through on what matters most. Continue reading
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Virtue Series | Week 3 – Order

Franklin confessed Order was the hardest virtue for him. This week I found the same. From cluttered papers to unguarded afternoons, disorder creates stress. But even small routines and victories bring clarity. Order is not perfection—it is peace, agency, and the freedom to live with purpose. Continue reading
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Virtue Series | Week 2 – Silence

Silence is more than holding your tongue. It is listening with intent, thinking before speaking, and honoring space in a noisy world. Inspired by Franklin, Scripture, and the Stoics, I spent this week practicing restraint in speech and awareness in presence. The result? More clarity, less noise, deeper listening. Continue reading

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