Temperance is a word seldom used nowadays. Perhaps we think of the temperance movement which focused on banning or controlling alcohol with laws, much the same as M.A.D.D of recent times. But temperance is actually the ability to exercise moderation or self-control in thought, word, and deed. Self-control requires willpower not lawmakers.

Temperance is a virtue which frees a person from being enslaved to their own desires and passions or those of the world. Although some worldly pleasures seem innocent enough, in excess they have the ability to derail our loftier goals.

An athlete understands the importance of temperance since proper diet, rest and exercise is required to be at the top of their physical performance. The athlete further understands he must hold fast to these rules or he may be replaced by more disciplined counterpart.

Interestingly enough our emotional development has much to do with our self-controlling abilities. As children we are not capable of making tempering choices with our food, television, games, etc. and sadly as we move beyond middle age we again experience those same shortcomings. We think of ourselves as our own bosses and often make less than desirable decisions. Perhaps we eat too much, stay up too late, and watch too much television, or perhaps we stay in bed too many hours, gamble or shop too excess or drink or smoke enough to jeopardize our health.

Sadly we have been so trained to believe alcoholism, gambling and other addictions are a disease but how can this be true if it is contracted by an act of the will? I believe the powers that be (whether it’s government, insurance or medical driven) have willfully attempted to victimize individuals who lack self-control. When someone who behaves in a compulsive, obsessive or habitual manner believes they are victims they have abdicated their responsibility and become a statistic to enhance some organizational agenda.

How can we strengthen our self-control? Just say no…not all the time but daily we should strive to deny the body and/or add a challenge for the body. Perhaps you may consider joining a support group that teaches us how to apply self-discipline techniques or offer constant encouragement, such as Weight Watchers, Alcoholics Anonymous or the Moderation Movement but we should also humbly acknowledge these groups would not exist if we had temperance.

It seems especially in our retirement years we want to indulge like we had never been able to before. In fact, the world actually markets to senior citizens by enticing us into discounts, free admission or all you can eat buffets. Having been taught the value of a dollar we can quickly be drawn in to the “something for nothing” or “take as much as you can get” mentality. For our well-being we must guard against becoming self-centered and acting like a spoiled child that thinks the world owes us. Nor should we allow governmental enticements to under mind our responsibility and commitment to our family, community and society. We must continue to remain rooted in our strong Christian values and prefer to give rather than receive.

Upcoming events:

Tonight is the final performance of the summer season which was sponsored by Towne & Country Players and their contributors. The Swing Era Big Band will be performing from 7– 9 at the fountain square, unless it rains in which case the event will be moved to the St. Denis Church basement.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming Versailles Community Garage Sales which will be held July 30-31. More information can be found online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/VersaillesCommunityGarageSales/.

Birthday wishes to Angel Borchers, Doug Myers, Rev. Ray Haley, Issac Routt, Michelle Moore, Dick Heft, Teri Unger, Irene Gehret, Jared Lyons, Lisa Berning, Ron Poling, Diane Schrader, Mary Buxton, Barb Hart, Judy Pepple, Emily Barton, Brandon Koverman, Kane Epperly, Kaleb Miller, Jayden Delancey, Bethany Ahrens, Krista Jones, Laura and Sonya Frantz, Aaron Moran, Karen Dues, Jane Smith, Magdalena Richard, Lisa Voisard, Colleen Post, Judi Grow, Clinton Randall, Gary Pierron, and Deb Barhorst as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes Carrie and Bruce Borchers (8), Karen and Dave Friar (15), Beth and Doug Borchers (25), Sonnie and Bob Rhoades (40) and Linda and Mike Rhoades (43).

I’d like to extend a special hello to Mary Gigandet, Stephen Youngker, Margery Jones and Florence Neargarder, also best wishes to the Coomer Family and Best Bites Grill which opened Tuesday of this week.

Healing prayers and get well wishes to the Joe Bailey, James Youngker, John Klipstine, Evelyn Bernholt, Juanita Gerling, Marilyn Swallow, Freda Banks, John Weidener, Catherine Brunswick, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Thelma Schultz, Madeline Rickett, Kathy and Tom Hamilton, Andrew Kunk, Michelle Ullom, Kyle Rutschilling, Isabella Yakos, Lisa Coate, Brian Voisard Barb and Jon Agne, Mary Wehneman and all those dealing with life’s challenges, as well the hospitalized or home-bound in need of our prayers but not mentioned by name.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Carolyn Long, also remembering the lives of Jackie Barlage, Mary Jean Wehrkamp, Dylan Williams, Nancy Brandt, Ruth Platfoot, Bud Bergman, Marie Kauffman, Bob Hahn, A.L. Smith, Sally Amspaugh, Harold Apple, Jack Wood, Nelson Barga, Red Elson, Don Beam, Alma Ehlers, Fredona Rethman, Viola Voisard, Florence Paulus, Esther Cordonnier and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.” ~Plato

“Rule your mind or it will rule you.” ~Horace

“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” ~Aristotle

“Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.” ~Seneca