"The first principle is popular sovereignty, the principle that the government’s power comes from the people being governed. “Sovereignty in the people necessarily implies responsibility in the people,” he said. “Instead of blaming their troubles on a king, on a cabal of military leaders, or on some distant group of wise men, citizens who are sovereign must share a measure of the burdens and responsibilities of governing."

As James Madison wrote in the preface to his notes on the Constitutional Convention: “There never was an assembly of men, charged with a great and arduous trust, who were more pure in their motives, or more exclusively or anxiously devoted to the object committed to them.”  Truly, the U.S. Constitution was established “by the hands of wise men whom [the Lord] raised up unto this very purpose.” (D&C 101:80.)

Every September 17 we observe Constitution Day. While it is not filled with parades, barbecues, and fireworks, it is hopefully filled with each of us studying this document more deeply. We are the only nation on earth that has a Constitution over 230 years old. It is the fundamental law we point to that is the foundation of our national life.

Today, tyranny surrounds us and these are times that will require each and every follower of Jesus Christ, to determine where the Lord's side of the line is and where we find ourselves, in mists of darkness or on the covenant path of Christ.

The Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States—rest on the bedrock of the love of the Lord and of liberty, became the foundation of our Republic. From this foundation has come the greatest civilization on the face of the earth.

"Man is a spiritual being, a soul, and at some period of his life everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the Infinite. . . . There is something within him which urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body and all things physical and live in a higher and more beautiful world."

"When the issues are determined, whether we stand with the winners or the losers, of this we may be sure: To make the proper choice on any issue is of far more importance to us personally than is the immediate outcome of the issue upon which we make a decision. The choices we make will affect the scope of our agency in the future. As of now, we have the right of decision. What we will have tomorrow depends upon how we decide today."

Deborah’s greatness lay not in her physical strength but in her moral leadership, in the confidence she inspired that the Lord would aid those who fought for a righteous cause. She spoke the language of faith in all conversations. Can we not follow her example and do the same?

Finding joy in the moment is often heightened by two companion virtues to joy. Forgiveness and love. The depth of joy is found in the feelings that flow through us when we pause and breathe in beauty. It is found in that moment when you release the old baggage you have been carrying around from past mistakes, impressions or self-images that really are not you. It is found in the ability to receive the hand of love.

“The living of one protective principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is better than a thousand compensatory government programs—which programs are, so often, like ‘straightening the deck chairs on the Titanic.’”