So what is the Word of Wisdom? Here is the Church’s definition:

“The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the Word of Wisdom.” (“Word of Wisdom,” LDS.org)

Here is the actual verbiage of Doctrine and Covenants 89, wherein the Lord revealed this inspired counsel through the prophet Joseph Smith. In it, we learn about the harm caused by alcoholic drinks, tobacco, tea, and coffee (known as “hot drinks” during that time).

But the broader application of the Word of Wisdom is to teach mankind to use wisdom in what they take into their bodies. For example, eating dirt is not mentioned in this prophetic counsel, yet it’s fairly obvious that this would not be wise. The point is, throughout D&C 89 the Lord is teaching a broad pattern of wisdom — do not take things into your body which are harmful (and some examples are given) and do take things into your body which are healing and helpful.

What is so fascinating to me is that during the early 1800s when this prophetic counsel was given, scientists did not have the knowledge nor the discoveries that modern-day scientists have uncovered. Though there has long been a debate on the healthfulness of alcohol, one study last year showed that there is “no safe level of alcohol.” One researcher said, “The health risks associated with alcohol are massive . . . Our findings are consistent with other recent research, which found clear and convincing correlations between drinking and premature death, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.”

Wow! Joseph Smith did not know this back in 1833, but the Lord sure did. And He advised Joseph Smith in this revelation against the drinking of alcohol.

Conspiring men’s thoughts weren’t publicly known back then, but during the 20th century, certain corporations were exposed as to knowing their products were harmful and addictive — yet until exposed, they denied these facts. Joseph Smith did not personally have this knowledge back then, but the Lord did. And He told Joseph Smith of it (see D&C 89:4).

D&C 89, otherwise known as the “Word of Wisdom,” is well worth reviewing. If you have your health, you are able to have and do so many other things!

Why not print out and apply the teachings in D&C 89? Your family will be greatly benefitted — I know it from experience.

This article was originally published in December 2007. Changes have been made for timeliness and consistency.

Cindy B

Professor Berners-Lee says: “I’m afraid to say that beef is the world’s highest carbon meat of them all.”

 

He says chicken is better for the environment, but adds “it’s still true to say that all meats are a less efficient way of doing agriculture than humans eating plant-based food.”

The Word of Wisdom

His comment reminded me of the huge ranches in the west. I’ve flown over some in Texas. They have hundreds of thousands of heads of cattle. You can smell the ranch before you can see it. And that special smell (the fart smell!) is methane, a greenhouse gas.

Last year, the Huffington Post reported that an unfortunate Wisconsin farmer and 16 of his cattle were killed by the toxic buildup of methane gas over the manure pile on his property. Methane isn’t something to mess with. When you dig, you’re supposed to get a permit because if you hit a sewer line, the leaking gas can make you and your neighbors all very sick. And in some cases, like that of this farmer, it is fatal.

So I decided to remind myself of the exact wording in the Word of Wisdom.

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

I can tell you why the Lord says meat is helpful in times of cold and winter. I have been suffering hot flashes ever since my hysterectomy a few years ago. And if I eat any meat in summertime, the hot flashes become unbearable! Meat actually makes your body warmer. Try it—skip meat for a day, and the next day you’ll notice the difference. It’s pretty crazy.

Fruits and Veggies

The BBC article continues:

“Fruit and vegetables are almost always good sustainable foods”, says Professor Berners-Lee, “but there are some exceptions.

 

“If a piece of fruit or a vegetable is out of season, you have to ask yourself how did it get here?

 

“If it looks like it has a good robust skin on it like a pineapple or apple or an orange or banana, then it will have gone on a boat which is much cheaper and it has about a hundredth of the carbon footprint of putting it on an aeroplane which burns through hundreds of tons of fuel for one flight.”

 

If you can’t be without strawberries or raspberries in winter, then Professor Berners-Lee says: “By far the best thing you can do is buy them frozen and they’re still delicious. Sometimes people think surely that’s a really high carbon footprint because of the refrigeration — it turns out not to be that big a deal.”

Wait. That’s in the Word of Wisdom, too!

In Season

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

So there is a reason for seasonal fruits and veggies. And a reason for us to avoid meat! It’s not just about our health, it is about the health of our planet. And think about how great it is when you eat fruits and veggies you know are grown locally, or even in your own back yard.

Honestly every year I try to grow a nice garden. But sometimes I feel like the water I use on it is extreme since I live in a desert. But now I realize that if I’m careful, the plants I grow will be a blessing for our family, and our planet.

The Word of Wisdom continues with some great promises and guidance.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

 

15 And these (animals) hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

 

16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

Guidance

I just love how our Heavenly Father made this wonderful world with everything we need right here. He even has guidance about what we should eat, and a reminder about seasonal fruits and veggies. I know in Joseph Smith’s time, everyone heard that and nodded their heads, because you couldn’t get something out of season. But now with air travel, we can get cocoa butter from Kenya on Amazon any time we want. It’s way beyond what the pioneers imagined, and it’s all pretty amazing.

I also have heard that back in Joseph Smith’s time farmers ate what they could grow. And if you were a cattle rancher, you ate a LOT of meat. So I am sure that those who first heard the Word of Wisdom were rather surprised at the “meat sparingly” part. But like the new two hour church, it ended up being a blessing. I remember the Atkins diet (mostly meat and popular in the 90’s) is hard on the liver. But at the same time, a vegetarian diet requires some serious know how to get quality protein in your diet.

I loved the insight from this 1977 Ensign article, The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom, as she discusses living the Word of Wisdom.  When you first read it, it is easy to tell yourself to avoid this or that. But the Lord is always positive. And the Word of Wisdom is actually a guide for healthy eating. The American Medical Association recently acknowledged that food is a form of medicine, as a healthy diet reduces the costs of medical care.  And let’s be honest, everyone wants to enjoy good health.

Variety is vital

After writing this article, I tried to avoid meat. But that lasted about a day and a half, because my diet was seriously lacking protein. So instead, I have adapted my diet by reducing the amount of meat in my diet. I was far from eating meat “sparingly”, so I needed the change. Now instead of my plate having a slab of chicken on it, I will have a salad with pieces of chicken on top. Not a huge change, but I feel better, and love that I am following the Word of Wisdom more closely.

I love the promises in the Word of Wisdom. Every challenge from the Lord is accompanied with blessings.

To read more of Patty’s articles, click here.

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Who doesn’t need every one of these blessings? Personally I really want that destroying angel to pass me by. I want to walk and not be weary and run and not faint. I hope my thoughts haven’t shaken you up too much. I am not shouting “Down with beef!” or anything like that. All animals are here for a reason, and bless mankind. But as we follow the Lord’s guidance in our diets, we will be blessed with treasures of health and wisdom. And now I see that I have some changes to make.

Patty Sampson

Patty thrives on all things creative. You’ll often find her in the garden pretending she is a suburban farmer. She loves meeting new people, and is devoted to her friends and family. In her heart she is a Midwesterner even though life has moved her all over the country. She believes in “blooming where you’re planted” and has found purpose in every place she has been. She has a deep and abiding love for the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And she loves editing LDS Blogs because it is a constant spiritual uplift. Not many people can say their job builds their witness of the Savior.

Our health relies on our lifestyle and our environment. If we make unhealthy choices we cannot expect to have good health. Likewise, if we live in a toxic environment, whether it is mentally or physically toxic, we will be adversely affected.

During the summer months many of us like to work out in our yards, whether it is planting a flower garden, maintaining the lawn, shrubs, and other landscaping, or growing our own foods. Being outdoors is very beneficial, for the fresh air, sunshine, and physical exercise it promotes.  But are we careful about how we affect the environment around us when we are working and playing out of doors?

The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are one of the biggest concerns for those of us who are trying to maintain our health and minimize disease, because what we use in our yards and gardens affects every other living thing around us as well.

There are many connections in the natural world, and nothing that we do is done in a vacuum. A perfect example of this is in the Bee populations around the world.

A Bee only lives for about 60 days. In that time they learn to communicate with others in their hive. Honeybees develop a sophisticated means for locating pollen, and for finding their way back to the hive after finding it. They learn hive keeping skills, feed and care for the young, and make honey.

While many kinds of bees work as pollinators, only the honeybee produces food that can be consumed by humans.

Many people have become concerned about the populations of honeybees over the years and with good reason. Bees not only produce honey, which is a very beneficial food for people, they also pollinate the plants and trees that grow many of the foods we eat. Without them it would be very difficult to produce the quantity of food needed to sustain the world’s populations.

While this is a concern, there are things that even the average person can do to help minimize our impact on the environment and the other living things around us that also rely on clean air, water, and soil to survive.

1. Avoid the use of pesticides whenever possible. They aren’t good for you, and they aren’t good for the environment. Look into natural pest control methods instead. But if you must use them, be careful where you spray. Confine it to the problem area only, and try not to get pesticides on dandelions and clover as these are favorite pollen sources for bees. My kids, and the local rabbits, loved having those yellow and white flowers in our yard, but if it’s not your thing there are other ways to deal with them.
2. Buy non GMO and organic produce whenever possible to not only protect yourselves and you family from these chemically laden foods, but to encourage farmers to use sustainable crops and better methods of cultivation that are more environmentally friendly as well.
3. Buy your produce, during the growing season, from the local farmers who use minimal synthetic pest control. Talk to the owners of the local “pick your own orchards” as well as farmers who come to the open markets to sell their produce. Find out what their practices are for controlling pests on their crops.

There are other methods of pest control, other than using chemical pesticides, which are becoming more widely used. At Weaver’s Orchard in Berks County PA they use what they call an Integrated Pest Management system. With this system they seek only to control, not obliterate the pests.

One of these methods consists of disrupting the mating of the pests so that fewer of them are produced resulting in less crop damage. This is done by tying special twist ties to the trees. These special ties have a species-specific pheromone, or scent, that will confuse that particular pest and disrupts their mating. This can also be accomplished by installing devices called puffers on top of tall poles in strategic places throughout the orchard. These are programmed to release the scent of the pest during mating season filling the area with the scent and effectively confusing them so that fewer of them are able to mate and produce offspring.

So how do they know when they need to use the puffers or other means to control the local pests? They use a pest box which has a sticky substance inside. These are placed around the orchard, and when they begin to trap the pests in significant numbers that is their signal to take appropriate action. This way they control the pests and produce beautiful fruit without doing more than what is really necessary.

Part of the reason for this controlled response is that responsible farmers and orchard growers don’t want to harm beneficial insects like honeybees that pollinate their trees and other plants. Using chemical pesticides kills all insects in the affected area, not just the ones that destroy crops. This natural method is a better option because it controls the pests, it doesn’t kill them, keeping things in balance while ensuring their best chance for a good harvest.

Insects that pollinate our plants are crucial to the environmental ecosystem, but honeybees even more than most. A large proportion of the world’s food plants are pollinated by bees. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization more the two thirds of the most widely consumed crops across the globe rely on bees for pollination.

Food crops like blueberries and cherries are 90-percent dependent on honeybees, while almonds depend entirely on the honeybee for pollination.

Research from North Carolina State University found that plants produced larger fruit when they were pollinated by a variety of bees, not just honeybees.  This makes it even more important that we take protecting our bee populations seriously. Bee colonies have been dwindling in recent years due to the increased use of insecticides, as well as loss of their natural habitats, but we can all do our part to change those statistics.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

Honeybees as well as native bees like bumblebees, and wood bees tend to work well together, but the practice of applying pesticides to large fields of crops like corn and soybean are killing entire bee colonies, leaving us facing a serious situation in the future if things don’t change.

We as consumers depend a great deal on insects like bees to keep our food supply sustainable, and it is in our own best interest, from more than one point of view, to do everything we can to minimize the use of anything that isn’t natural that could be a threat to them, and to us.

References:

http://rodaleinstitute.org/our-work/honeybee-conservancy/honeybee-facts/

https://www.weaversorchard.com/pest-populations-pheromones/

http://rodaleinstitute.org/our-work/honeybee-conservancy/

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/tests-show-most-store-honey-isnt-honey/#.V2WE3xJW4Zw

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

There is a connection in all of the things around us, a connection that affects how we feel, what we think, and even what we do.

It has been said that the 5 causes of suffering are:

• Not knowing who you are
• Being attached to the impermanent
• Being afraid of the impermanent
• Identifying with the socially induced hallucination called the ego
• The fear of Death

One of the goals of being on this earth is to discover who we really are, but our ego’s with all of its emotions, frustrations and ambitions are not really who we are and often get in the way of spiritual revelations that would help us on our journey.

If we believe that we are the sum of our parts, then just what are those parts? Our bodies are the mere physical form in which our spirit resides. It allows us to move throughout a physical world, but it is not who we are.

So what about our minds? Most of what we know is based on what we have been taught either directly or through association by others. So our mind is not really who we are either, but rather a part of us through which we process information gathered from the world around us.

So what is your true identity? It is in your spirit, and if we could get past the fears of what we do not know then we would be able to move forward in developing the attributes of that spirit.

So why are we talking about our spirit in a health blog? Everything we do has an impact on our physical and emotional health. Being negative or positive affects everything from the release of hormones in our bodies to how we physically hold ourselves.

A person who is feeling positive holds themselves straighter and more open while negative persons tend to sit or stand in a more hunched closed position. Our posture, especially if it is a long term condition affects the flow of energy in our bodies which affects our overall health.

When we are scared or upset our initial response is naturally going to be along the lines of either Fight or Flight, or an ego reaction.

When get upset or scared our sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems come into play. We start to perspire, our bodies begin to shut down various hormones and our immune system becomes disabled because our bodies are preparing to cope with the crisis, and need to focus the energy normally used for daily functions into stress mode.

While this is happening cortisol and adrenaline are released into our body, as well as glucagon which raises the glucose in our bloodstream. Our platelets become sticky, while our hearts begin to race and our breathing quickens. And all of this happens within seconds of our minds reacting to a stressful situation around us.

These reactions are very necessary when we are in physical danger, but we have the same reactions when we are emotionally threatened as well, and that can be more of a health hazard since we are at risk of emotional situations in today’s world much more frequently than we are in physical danger.

All of us have 4 basic emotional needs:

We have a need for appropriate attention, affection, appreciation and acceptance.

When these needs are not met, our minds react in ways very similar to how our bodies will react when we are physically threatened. These reactions, the Fight or Flight and the Ego are very real, but there is a third choice known as

Restful Awareness, that we can achieve, which is much more beneficial to our overall health and well-being.  We can choose when to incorporate this into our lives and by choosing to apply this knowledge help ourselves, when we feel we are being threatened, to react in a more positive way.

Whether you are dealing with a stressful situation, or you are in the middle of a heated conversation. Whether you are depressed, sad or grieving over a loss in your life, you can interrupt the negative pattern before it takes a hold of your life by simply making a conscious effort to stop for a moment and focus on something else.

Meditation is a wonderful way to take your thoughts to a better, calmer place and it doesn’t have to be for hours at a time. While daily meditation is a very beneficial practice, you can get very good results from taking a short time out to slowly breathe in and out for 16 seconds to a minute. Breathing in slowly, through the nostrils, and holding that breath for a few seconds before slowly releasing it, then repeating the process a few times focusing on the breathing. Doing this can reverse the negative reactions that your body has automatically put into motion at the onset of your distress. Your blood pressure will lower, your hormones will begin to function again, and your will feel calm and more relaxed.

Prayer and meditation not only puts us in direct connection with our Father in Heaven it has an immediate impact on our minds and bodies and can help us to handle our stressful world in a way that doesn’t compromise our health and our personal relationships with those around us.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

So take time this week to be aware of what is happening around you that may be making you to feel anxious or upset. Disconnect those thoughts from your immediate moment through the short breathing exercise described above. Try to find time for yourself each day to focus your thoughts on positive things in your life, and live with joy in the moment.

In the weeks to come I will be exploring ways that we can bring peace and contentment into our lives despite the stressful world that we live in. Until then be still and know that you are loved.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/sympathetic_nervous_system.htm

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Autonomic_nervous_system

Deepak Chopra – Hay House World Summit

Davidji – Hay House World Summit

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

School lunch was disturbing even in my youth, but things have been changing since then. Most school cafeterias now have better choices than greasy pizza and chicken nuggets, the mainstays of a cafeteria meal when I was a kid, but in some ways things are worse.

In order to give your children the option of a salad bar and or any fruit choice that isn’t a piece of whole fruit, they are going to have to use a variety of preservatives to keep that food fresh, pre-packaged foods are in abundance, and GMOs will also be a problem because there are no labels in a cafeteria.

Unless you live on a large enough property to grow your own food, and unless you have enough left over after eating it fresh throughout the season to can or freeze the remainder, not to mention having the time to do all of that canning and freezing, you and your family will be eating foods that contain preservatives.  It is an unavoidable part of our modern lives, but there are ways to minimize the amounts that we take in.

When they are at home we can control what our children eat, but once they reach school age, unless you are planning on a home education plan such as home schooling, unschooling, or a cyber school, you will need to think outside the box to make sure that your children are eating as healthy as possible when they are away from home.

Your first line of defense is to be an informed parent.

• Take a tour, whether virtual or in person, of your child’s school cafeteria.
• Ask questions about what foods are available and how they are prepared.
• Find out if they can bring their own lunch (in some schools you can’t).
• Look for vending machines that invite junk food consumption.
• Ask other parents or children what they think of the food available to them in school. If there are problems and enough people band together you can get changes made.

If your child is allowed to bring a lunch from home that is probably the best route to go. There are some nice organic breads available for making their sandwiches. Now I know, if your children have been used to white bread until now it may be hard for them to make the switch, we had the same problem at our house when I started learning about healthy eating. But after a period of time, when I didn’t really give them a choice, they got used to it and now my children prefer the multi grain organic bread that I buy for them.

If your children fight the whole grain bread, try toasting it. For many children this makes it more appealing, and after they get used to that you can let them try it untoasted. The same works for the gluten free breads if there is someone in your family with gluten sensitivity. Gluten free breads have improved greatly over the past few years, but I have found that for someone who is making the switch, toasting the bread makes it easier to get used to.

Since we are nearing the end of the school year, it may not make sense to try to change too much at once. Begin by making some small changes at first, and then over the summer when they are at home more you can work on making healthy choices more of a habit for them. Then next year will be easier.

Pack organic carrots, apples, grapes, oranges, sliced peppers, or celery with a natural peanut butter spread on it and raisins or craisins dotted on top to give it an extra burst of flavor.

Make homemade cookies, brownies, or other treats to satisfy their sweet tooth without having to give them processed snacks that have too much sugar and unhealthy fats in them. But make sure that you use healthy ingredients yourself like Omega 3 fats and oils, and organic flour, milk, butter and cane sugar.

Organic foods are a little bit more expensive, but they are better for you, and the prices are going down.

It is all part of the supply and demand concept that we learned about in school when we were kids. If only a few consumers want something the store is going to stock just enough to make those customers happy. It is going to cost the store more to have a small shipment made so they pass that expense on to you. But if more customers begin to demand a particular product, the store will order in larger quantities to meet the demand, and that in turn gives them savings that they will pass along to you in lower prices.

For as long as I can remember it has been almost a competition for whoever does the grocery shopping in the family to keep the food bill within a strict budget.  And while I completely see the need to have a budget and to stick to it, I am less convinced that our food budget is the one that should have the tightest purse strings.  I have known many people who would buy the cheapest foods possible so that they would have enough money left over to go to the movies once a month, or to save up for a new television set, or name brand clothes etc. Maybe it is time to spend more on better food, and less on things we don’t really need.

If you only take the numbers at face value you can kind of see why people have this mind set but it is twisted logic, and if you follow it to conclusion and look at all of the facts from beginning to end, it makes far less sense.

Let’s follow the links in this chain of events and see what we find.

Let’s say we choose the cheapest food we can buy to keep within our budget. We will more than likely be buying canned or pre-packaged foods, processed meats and juice flavored drinks.

What do these foods do to our bodies, and what is the cost of eating this kind of a diet throughout our lives?

Well it is actually true that you are what you eat.

Cheap foods are made with cheap ingredients. Unhealthy fats, extra sugar and gluten fillers, in addition to artificial flavors and colors so that they will taste better. Over time these foods will make you sick.

Depending on your genetic mix it could mean diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, or a host of other illnesses caused by poor lifestyle choices.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

More and more people are beginning to understand the connection between what they eat, and how they feel, so hang in there and it will get easier. There is strength in numbers and the more we are able to get this information out there the more health conscious people will become.

Don’t be short sighted with your health, or the health of your children. Begin now to eat better, and the odds will be better that while you might spend a bit more on food now, you will probably spend a lot less at the doctor’s office and the gym in the future!

resources:

http://www.nettally.com/prusty/formj.htm

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

Eggs are one of the few foods that can truly be called a “superfood.” They are full of nutrients. Some of these nutrients are difficult to find in the modern diets of most people today, making foods like eggs all the more important to your overall health.

10 Health benefits that eggs can offer you

A single egg contains only 77 calories, but contains 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of healthy fats in addition to an extensive list of vitamins and nutrients including:

For years, because they contain cholesterol, eggs were said to be an enemy to heart health, but many years of subsequent study have revealed that this is not true.

Eggs are high in Cholesterol, but it is naturally occurring cholesterol which makes all the difference. Years of study have shown that eggs have many health benefits. Because of the way our bodies work, eating eggs does will not be a problem for most people.

This is due in part to our Liver, which produces cholesterol every day. Cholesterol in the right balance is necessary for our bodies to function properly, and when we eat a source of naturally occurring cholesterol, the liver produces less of its own, balancing it out.

The real enemy to heart health is Trans fats which are in abundance in fast foods, and baked goods that are often made with hydrogenated shortenings, and unhealthy Omega 6 oils.

Eggs raise the High-Density Lipoprotein, or HDL, known as our good cholesterol. People who have high levels of HDL have a lower risk of heart disease, strokes, and other health problems. Eggs help to keep a proper balance between HDL and LDL, which is known as bad cholesterol, enhancing our overall good health.

Choline is an important nutrient that is usually grouped with the B vitamins. Most people don’t get enough Choline in their diets, and many people have no idea what it is or why we need it.

While Choline may be a lesser known nutrient, it plays a vital role in building cell membranes and helping to produce the signaling molecules in our brains.

A single egg provides more than 100 mg of Choline making it a powerhouse source of this critical nutrient.

Eggs also contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, antioxidants that build up in the retina of the eye. These two antioxidants can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

In the past people have been advised to eat only the white of the egg, but there is no evidence to prove that the yolk is unhealthy, and it is in the yolk of the egg that we find significant amounts of these antioxidants.

Eggs are also high in Vitamin A, which is worth mentioning here as a contributor to eye health because Vitamin A deficiency is a leading cause of blindness around the world.

Another important nutrient in eggs is Omega 3 fatty acids. They improve heart health by lowering levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Eggs are high in protein, and proteins are the building blocks our bodies use to make the new tissue that our bodies use for constant daily renewal and repair. Eggs are high in these necessary proteins, with all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need, in exactly the right amounts.

Because eggs are packed with protein, they are also very fulfilling, and are high on the Satiety Index providing a comfortable feeling of fullness, and are therefore helpful in eating less, which may assist those who are trying to bring their weight to healthy levels.

In one study 30 women who ate eggs instead of carbohydrates for breakfast had increased feelings of fullness throughout the day and automatically consumed fewer calories over the next 36 hours.  

The kinds of foods that we eat are imperative for good health, but I believe it is equally important to know where that food came from and how it is raised.

Fruits and vegetables that are grown in soil that is fertilized naturally and without pesticides will yield a higher level of nutrition, with fewer toxins, than its GMO raised counterpart. The same holds true of foods that are produced from animals.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

The chicken that lays that egg, that you had for breakfast, will produce an egg of inferior quality if it was fed low-quality GMO, or pesticide-laden feed, instead of being allowed to eat foods in its natural environment.

The result being that the egg will then have fewer nutritional benefits as well as an increase in the toxins and GMOs being passed along to whoever consumes it.

So enjoy eggs in all of the varieties and ways that you enjoy them . Just be mindful of how you prepare your eggs. Use natural fats and other ingredients when fixing eggs and they can be a healthy and satisfying part of your day!

Resources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC24942/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8120521

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2782876/

http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2163108

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373948

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

Every day we are learning more about the role that diet plays in determining our level of health and well-being. It is a fact that dietary practices cause, as well as prevent a variety of diseases. But as we strive to learn more about the value of balanced nutrition it is easy to become confused by the many conflicting opinions.

This is the Old version of the Food Pyramid

Some of the questions we might ask are:  What constitutes a healthy diet? If food can act as a preventative as well as a medicine, how do we know what foods are best? What proportions of these foods are most beneficial, and for what purposes should we use them to live the healthiest life possible?

What’s a Healthy Diet?

First, let’s talk proportions. Most people are familiar with the food pyramid. This list of foods and the USDA’s recommendation for numbers of servings per day have become a standard taught in school health classes, even influencing the meals served in school cafeterias as well as being promoted by doctors to their patients.

In his book, The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods Dr. Micheal Murray, one of the world’s leading authorities on Natural Medicine, states that the traditional food pyramid is not accurate due to the fact that it does not take into consideration how quickly blood sugar rises after eating certain foods.

It is somewhat deceptive to say, eat so many servings of grains, without specifying what kinds of grains are best to eat. And the term oils is very generic leaving the consumer to figure out for themselves which oils are good and which are bad.

The food pyramid encourages people to eat more grains such as bread, cereals, rice and pasta but these foods can stress our blood sugar levels, especially when they are derived from refined grains. In addition, the oils portion of the food pyramid does not inform consumers that omega 6 oils should be used sparingly while omega 3 oils should be used more widely.

In his book, Dr. Murray suggests using what he calls

The Optimal Health Food Pyramid.

In this pyramid vegetables and oils are at the bottom, and the picture clearly details a healthy ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 oils. Whole grains and legumes are next with the caveat that the grains be low glycemic whole grains. Next are the fruits and high-quality proteins. Dairy is last on the pyramid, supplementation being an option for those who may be dairy intolerant. To the side of the pyramid, it also gives the caution to avoid certain foods that are most likely going to cause our bodies to react in unhealthy ways.

The New and Improved Food Guide Pyramid

Now the question that is on most people’s minds. How do we implement these changes into our diets? We have been used to eating a certain way for a long time, and our habits and those of our families are probably pretty well entrenched.

Yes, it can be a challenge.  I’ve known kids who wouldn’t eat if it wasn’t boxed macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, or a kid’s meal from the local fast food place, but with a bit of persistence, parents can help their families to make better choices.

If you have a picky eater don’t overwhelm them. Introduce one new food at a time, and try to make the food colorful and interesting. If for instance your child likes hard boiled eggs, but will only eat white bread. Try toasting a slice of whole grain bread and using a large cookie cutter, or a knife, turn it into a fun shape. Chop the egg up mixing it with a little mayonnaise and mustard, similar to a deviled egg. Spread it on top of the toast shape, and you have a fun open-faced breakfast sandwich. Add to this meal freshly cut apple slices with a natural, peanut butter to dip them in and you have a well-balanced, fun breakfast.

I understand the appeal of cold cereals, they are quick and easy, and taste good, but try to avoid eating them on a daily basis. Processed cereals are what are called dead foods. Even the best of them are highly processed and have very little real nutritional value while they are packed with refined carbs, sugar, and various preservatives.

Start making changes with foods that your family already likes, fixing those foods in healthier ways, then little by little branch out to include new foods.

For some people, change is hard so try to make the transition as painless as you can and be patient. Remember old habits are not changed overnight and you’ll have better success if you can get your family to participate willingly.

For children over the age of 5, it might be worth it to make it a challenge, perhaps even offering rewards to your children for being willing to try something new. Get some poster board and make a chart. Each time they try something new they get a star or maybe get to pick a fun sticker to put under their name. After receiving a predetermined number of stars/stickers they get their reward. Maybe  a trip to the park, or the promise of a movie night complete with a favorite family treat.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

Another idea could be to have a family home evening where each family member has to look up a new food and present it at the activity telling where it is grown, and how it is used. Give each family member a chance to suggest how they would like to try it at a family meal sometime. Make a game of it, with the one rule being that all suggestions for the new foods must be positive and healthy.

Getting healthier is a family affair, but it doesn’t have to be a grueling tug of war. Our bodies are the home of our souls and should be cherished and well cared for.

Make healthy eating a lifelong habit, and enjoy life to the fullest!

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

I was eating even though I wasn’t hungry, particularly sugary snacks that I don’t normally have trouble avoiding. This overload of sugar inevitably compromised my immune system, and before I knew it I was battling a sinus infection.

I love rain in its proper sphere, but it had rained, more on than off, for nearly two weeks, and I was beginning to feel depressed. The wet brown grass, and dreary skies were uninspiring, and the holidays seemed less festive without at least a light covering of snow.

Then without warning this morning the sun burst forth in all of its glory, and I began to feel in control again.

I am not a sun worshiper by anyone’s standards. I don’t like hot weather, and my pale Irish complexion has made it imperative that I restrict my outdoor activities to certain hours when the sun is less of a threat. Regardless of our sun sensitivity however, we all need sun exposure on some level in order to maintain our health. If we do not have regular exposure of sunlight on our skin, we will begin to show signs of illness and or mental and physical distress.

The medical definition of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is symptoms of depression coinciding with seasons of shorter days, and less sunlight. Other symptoms may include cravings for comfort foods, particularly high carb foods, feelings of depression, and a need for more sleep then you normally require.

Okay, I’m not sure why the medical community feels the need to give all human maladies complex or quippy names, unless it would be to satisfy our modern affinity for turning everything into a clever acronym, but it seems to me that it would make more sense to call this disorder SD (sunlight deficiency) instead of SAD since it is caused by a deficiency of sunlight, not so much by the change of the seasons.

After all, the calendar rolls around the year in Florida just as it does in Maine, or Alaska, but the incidence of SAD is far less noticeable in a place which boasts abundant sunshine, no matter which season we are in, than in a place where sunlight is in short supply several months out of every year.

But regardless of what they call it sunlight deficiency is a real disorder that afflicts untold numbers of people every year.

If we understand that sunlight provides essential elements to our bodies, just as vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients are essential for our good health, then it makes sense that regular exposure to natural sunlight is also essential to our well-being.

But why does it affect some people more than others? That is a question less easy to answer, but I believe it is genetic. Like virtually every other disease of mind or body we seem to come already programmed to be more or less susceptible to different things. So the key is being aware of the symptoms and, if you find that you are affected by decreased sunlight, take steps to alleviate the problem before it slows you down.

In my experience the average Doctor, when confronted with a patient who is exhibiting depression like symptoms, is more likely to reach for the prescription pad then to suggest a more natural remedy. But unless the patient is suicidal this may not be the best approach.

We were fortunate that our pediatrician was a more forward thinker, and while her prescription pad was always there as a backup she was more than willing to explore other avenues first.

When my daughter started showing signs of a mild depression our doctor’s first step was to figure out what was causing it.

It is important to ascertain what the causes of the depressed feelings are before telling someone to start taking some pills. It might be as simple as ridding the body of junk foods or getting more sleep and/or sun exposure.

Our bodies were created with nature in mind. We were not created to get our life and sustenance from processed foods, a handful of pills, or from artificial lighting.

Granted, in some parts of the world at certain times of the year getting enough natural sunlight each day might be a real challenge. If you live in an area of limited winter sunshine, and you are adversely affected by it like I am, then you do need to do something, but there are less drastic alternatives available to you than the mind altering drugs that are often prescribed for depression.

According to Dr. Michael Murray ND, one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine, light therapy is more effective than Prozac in treating major depression.

In his article an effective protocol used in clinical studies used specialized light boxes providing full-spectrum fluorescent tubes instead of regular tubes to simulate natural light. Patients were instructed to sit approx. 3 feet away from these lights for a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 3 hours a day dividing the time between 2 sessions per day, morning and evening.

The antidepressant effect of this light therapy is thought to be due to the full spectrum light which helps to restore proper melatonin synthesis and secretion to the pineal gland which then leads to reestablishment of proper circadian rhythm to the body.

For a full report on SAD and depression, look for Dr. Murray’s feature article at his website.

In his article Dr. Murray specifically recommends three supplements, but as he states, there may be contraindications with St. John’s Wort if you are taking other medications, so be aware.

If it is a mild depression, or if the depression symptoms are being seen in a child, I would suggest a slightly different approach. Make an effort to get outside more, taking advantage of nature’s prescription, and watch the intake of processed and junk foods, especially sweets during the holidays, which have a dulling effect on our whole body system.

If that is not enough then you could supplement with Vit D3, a good quality Omega 3 supplement (for children I recommend an excellent product called Omega Swirls), and for mental calmness Suntheanine.

This approach was recommended to us by our local health food store proprietors and the effect on our daughter’s mild depression was very positive.  

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

As with any supplements you must do your own research and find what works for you, but these are the things that have worked for our family.

Winter weather may at times keep us house bound, but there is no reason to let it affect us in a negative way. So let the sun in, and take control of your health and well-being in 2016.

Happy New Year to All!

**While the word of wisdom gives us basic guidelines for health, it leaves the interpretation of those guideline up to the individual members. This blog is not intended to replace your medical professional or the divine revelation of the Word of Wisdom, but rather it is practical knowledge that I have accumulated over the years in my own pursuit of a healthier lifestyle which I am passing along in the hopes that it will benefit others.**

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

Fats and oils are called lipids and are made up of 3 fatty acids that are linked together to form a molecule called a triglyceride. If the lipid is liquid at room temperature, it is oil, but if it remains solid, it is a fat.

Fatty acids are oils and fats that are composed of chains of carbon atoms of various lengths, bonded with hydrogen atoms. In nature fats are classified according to the length of their carbon chains. Based on the length of that chain you may have a long, medium, or short fatty acid chain. Different fats have different configurations of carbon and hydrogen chains. These differences affect how they work in our bodies.

To simplify a bit, there are unsaturated fats, saturated fats, and fats that are a combination of both.

Unsaturated Fats:

If there is only 1 double bond in the carbon chain, it is a monounsaturated fat.  But if there is more than 1, it is polyunsaturated.

Short chain fats are from 3 to 12 carbons in length and are found in butter, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. These are healthy oils, especially for the brain and gastrointestinal track.

Monounsaturated oils with 14 to 24 carbons are found in Olive Oil, Lard, and Hazelnuts. These have been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What About Saturated Fats?

A truly saturated fat is as hard as wax and cannot be digested. Most fats that we refer to as saturated fat are not truly saturated, but are rather a combination of saturated and unsaturated fat. Animal fat is a prime example of a fat being called a saturated fat when in fact it is actually a combination of both kinds of fat.

Examples of this are:

Beef fat, which is 46% saturated and 56% unsaturated fat

Chicken, which is 30% saturated and 70% unsaturated fat

Pork loin, which is 48% saturated and 48% unsaturated fat

Naturally occurring fats are not fully saturated.

The Dreaded Trans Fats

Most fats are in what is called a “cis” formation with the hydrogen atoms lined up on one side of the carbon chain. But sometimes a lipid has a hydrogen atom on either side of the carbon atom. When this happens, it is called a Trans Fat, or Trans-fatty Acid. Trans Fats do not function well in our bodies and should be avoided since they are abnormal fats and are associated with diseases such as heart attacks and stroke.

Trans Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated vegetable oils that have been partially hydrogenated, a process that adds hydrogen to the carbon chain to make the oil more solid. Trans Fats became popular because they are inexpensive to produce, easy to use and they give foods desirable flavor and texture. But they can have serious consequences for your long term health and should be avoided whenever possible.

The best way to avoid these Bad Fats is to make, rather than purchase, your holiday baked goods to avoid the use of convenience of boxed foods, such as instant mashed potatoes and stuffing. Today I will be giving you some holiday recipes that are easy to prepare, and much tastier than their store bought counterparts.

Deluxe Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cube 8 large potatoes. Cover with water and cook on medium heat until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain water and add ½ cup organic chicken broth and return to stove. While the broth begins to heat, mash potatoes with a hand masher until the potatoes are the consistency desired. Reduce to low heat and blend in 4 Tbs. organic butter and ½ C of sour cream. Sprinkle top with previously cooked bacon if desired for a festive garnish and added flavor.

Depending on personal appetites this will safely serve 6 adults, but when it comes to the holidays I always err on the side of making extra.

Holiday Stuffing

Serves 6 adults                                                                                      Bake at 350° F for approx.. 40 mins.

Prepare separately:

One large bowl of cubed bread

1 medium onion chopped and sauteed in butter

Combine in a medium sauce pan:

The sautéed onion

1 stalk of celery sliced thin

1 Cup dried cranberries

2 Tbs. organic butter

1 Cup turkey drippings, or packaged broth if the drippings are being used for gravy. You may use chicken if you cannot find packaged turkey broth.

Simmer the drippings with ¼ tsp. sage for 2 minutes before adding it to the cubed bread.

It may be necessary to add additional broth if you are using a dense bread so use your best judgment as to the moisture content of the stuffing.

Mix together and spoon into a butter covered baking dish. Cover with foil if the dish does not have a lid.

To read more of Denise’s articles, click here.

These are healthy homemade dishes that don’t really take a lot of time to prepare and taste so much better than anything that comes out of a box. Of course family tastes differ, and you may want to make individual variations, which are perfectly fine. The main thing is to use wholesome ingredients, trying not to rely on prepackaged foods that will be high in refined sugars and bad fats.

If you have children at home, get them involved. Even a small child can help make the stuffing by tearing up the bread into a bowl. It doesn’t matter if the bread isn’t in picture perfect cubes, and what are the holidays for if not to spend with your family?

**While the word of wisdom gives us basic guidelines for health, it leaves the interpretation of those guideline up to the individual members. This blog is not intended to replace your medical professional or the divine revelation of the Word of Wisdom, but rather it is practical knowledge that I have accumulated over the years in my own pursuit of a healthier lifestyle which I am passing along in the hopes that it will benefit others.**

Denise Mastrocola

Denise is a Michigander turned Pennsylvanian, who has been writing stories since Elementary School. Denise won an award at the annual Lansing Youth Talent Show, when she was in 10th grade, for a short story entitled Procrastination is Fatal, but didn’t decide on writing as a career until she was 28 years old. While homeschooling her older children she spent 4 years working through a course from The Institute of Children’s Literature.

Through the years Denise’s children have had a variety of health issues, many of which have been linked to various sensitives; having spent more than 20 years researching and trying different things Denise has a boots on the ground view on healthier living.

Denise currently writes for 2 blogs and has several books in different stages of completion. She is planning to break ground in e publishing, and hopes to have her first Historical Fantasy book which is set during the renaissance, “Lisa, My Lisa?” ready by the first of the year.

This counsel is based on the Word of Wisdom — an inspired list of health recommendations.  It is found in Doctrine and Covenants 89.

But here is an expert:

4 Behold, verily, thus sayth the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.

12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

I am confident that our meat producers are not who the Lord was talking about when He mentions “evil and conspiring men.”  But we know relatively little about how diet affects the human body. And I am sure that as time goes on, we will see more and more of the direct counsel given in the Word of Wisdom proved by science.

Tobacco is also mentioned in the Word of Wisdom.  It is mentioned specifically as “not for the body.” It wasn’t until almost 100 years after the revelation that doctors began to see a dramatic increase in cancer rates caused by smoking.  It took another 50 years before nicotine was finally publicly recognized as a cancer causing agent. Those who followed the counsel of the early LDS church leaders were protected for a full 150 years from the harmful effects of tobacco.  But it is great for treating bruises and it’s good for sick cattle.  I would never have known these two things without the Word of Wisdom.

Another substance mentioned in the Word of Wisdom is alcohol.  The specific words used are “strong drink.” We are cautioned that “strong drink is not for the belly, but for the washing of the body.” Alcohol makes an excellent antiseptic.  And for those living in the 1840’s, whose medical knowledge was slim, this was quite a valuable piece of information.  And we have all learned since then the dangers of drinking alcohol — especially while pregnant, or driving.  I’ve watched many people changed by alcohol.  They aren’t themselves when they are drinking.  Again, those who followed this counsel have been protected.

Some knowledge is had about coffee and tea — further substances we are cautioned against taking into our bodies.  The Word of Wisdom simply states that both are “not for the body or the belly,” but I have seen some great facials made with them.  If you’ll take the time to read and understand the Word of Wisdom, you’ll see there are many good suggestions for the use of various things.  I learn something new every time I read it.  And I’m glad that the medical community is slowly proving to us what the Lord revealed so long ago.

The promised blessings for living the Word of Wisdom are great. To me they far outweigh anything I am giving up in following the Lord’s law.  He promises us that we will receive “health to their navel, and marrow to their bones.”  The Lord also promises that we will “find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.”  Who doesn’t want to know the secrets of the universe?  My mother has been blessed for following the Word of Wisdom by receiving personal revelation that guided her to discover she has a sulfur disorder.  It’s a very rare genetic condition where she processes sulfur very well.  And eating foods, that to most people are very healthy, was making her very sick.  These ‘hidden treasures’ have saved her life.  She had Parkinson’s symptoms before, and now she is healthy.

Keeping our bodies free of substances that cloud our judgment and subject us to addiction, also frees our souls to feel and hear the delicate promptings of the Holy Ghost.  When we are quiet inside we hear the Lord the best.  And when our minds are free and our bodies are healthy, those communications are that much easier to decipher.  As I’ve followed the Word of Wisdom I’ve been blessed to better understand the Lord and His ways, and feel His love for me.

This leads me to my final point.  The final promise of the Word of Wisdom- “And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.” For my mother this promise has become a reality.  She would have died without the guidance of the Lord in finding what was making her sick.  For many others, knowing to avoid tobacco and alcohol have spared them the terrible consequences of addiction.  Their families have been spared the sorrow and pain attached to loosing someone; whether it be in the bottom of a bottle, or to the ravages of cancer.  The Lord doesn’t make promises with such power often.  And I, for one, plan to take Him up on His promises of protection.

To read more of Patty’s articles, click here.

I am grateful for the Word of Wisdom and all the blessings it has brought into my life.  I am grateful for modern day Prophets who guide us, because I am not left wondering what the next medical advancement will find.  In the Word of Wisdom I have guidelines that keep me safe from harmful substances and addiction.  I am grateful for modern revelation that gives me the answers I seek when I have questions and take them to the Lord.  I am also grateful that I have followed the Word of Wisdom, because I don’t have as many concerns for my family’s health.  May you also find comfort and “hidden treasures of knowledge” as you seek to follow the Lord and His counsel more closely in your life.

Patty Sampson

Patty thrives on all things creative. You’ll often find her in the garden pretending she is a suburban farmer. She loves meeting new people, and is devoted to her friends and family. In her heart she is a Midwesterner even though life has moved her all over the country. She believes in “blooming where you’re planted” and has found purpose in every place she has been. She has a deep and abiding love for the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And she loves editing LDS Blogs because it is a constant spiritual uplift. Not many people can say their job builds their witness of the Savior.