Words of Wisdom

Since today was a cold, snowy, windy day Matt and I decided to go on a simple walk. As much as I want to get in shape again, this weather doesn't seem like it wants to help at all! But, like I said in my 15 rules to stay fit, any exercise is better than nothing and I learned how incredibly true that is when we took a day off in the middle of the week and since we took Sunday off. The day after is always really hard to get back into the swing of it, especially when the weather does not match the time of year. 

I love having my husband to run with. I don't think I would be half as motivated if it weren't for him. Since he has seen improvements in his asthma, size, sleeping patterns, and energy, he loves running as much if not more than I do. It has become something that is equally important to us both. One thing that I know from experience is a relationship feels a lot smoother when you both have a love for the same fundamental things, such as religion and health. You're both happier, argue less, have more in common to talk about, and have more similar life styles and hobbies.

I just want to take a moment and talk more about how following the word of wisdom blesses and improves my life. First, to define what it is; it is a law of health revealed by the Lord for physical and spiritual benefit of His children. (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89?lang=eng)

 Our bodies and minds need temporal salvation. The Lord has given us a set of directions He knows will help us best achieve this. They are adapted to the weakest of any saint, so they are easily accessible to any who desires to obtain a greater stature of health. It is a principle of promise, meaning when we obey, He promises to give us the physical health we desire and need. He also gives it to us to help us avoid the evil temptations that we face in the world. Here are the laws that are in the word of wisdom:

1) If a man drinks wine or any strong drink (alcohol) it is not good for your body, neither is it good in the sight of the Lord. 

2) Strong drinks are not for the belly, but for washing or cleaning the body (He says this twice for emphasis).

3) Tobacco is not for the belly or for the body, but to be used as an herb to heal cattle and to only be used with judgement and skill.

4) We are to eat wholesome herbs (fruits, vegetables, wheat, etc) abundantly

5) God has ordained the eating of meat to be wholesome, but to be done sparingly.

6) All grain is to be used for man and all other creatures to be the staff of life.

7) The Lord again says that all grain is to be for the food of man, and also fruits.

In a later chapter of the Doctrine and Covenants, there is more commanded from God in accordance with being healthy and wise. I will add them to the words of wisdom, for they are wise things to do and fit nicely with the other laws. (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88.124?lang=eng#123)

8) Do not be idle, laziness is not of the Lord

9) Take care of your bodies, keep them clean, it shows that you are grateful to have them and that you respect Heavenly Father

10) Stop finding fault with others around you

11) Do not sleep longer than what you need (approximately 8 hours) 

12) Go to bed early and wake up early so that your mind and body can be invigorated

13) Pray always

If we do all these things, the Lord has promised that we can run and not be weary, have strength in our bones, walk and not faint, health in our navel, they shall find that the Lord has given them great treasures of knowledge from heaven, and the destroying angel will pass over them. I know those things to be true. When I follow all these commandments, I feel enlightened and full of energy, able to concentrate and do the things I need to with more exactness. I challenge you to test it out for yourself if you aren't already. After all, what harm could gaining wisdom bring?