Sauld

We'll start off out of order with a quote from Sir Francis Bacon. "The joys of parents are secret; and so are their griefs and fears. . . Children sweeten labors, but they make misfortune more bitter". Within every parent-child relationship stands a tug and pull affect. This is natural and good. One person's decision directly impacts the other. And as we push and pull, learn and grow our parent-child relationship grows ( I would go out on a limb and say this applies to the entire family unit, i.e. siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.). On a personal note I am grateful to you for all you have done for me. I feel like Nephi when he writes the first line of the Book of Mormon "I Nephi having been born of goodly parents". Thank you!

Elder Dawe, McMillan, and I felt it pertinent to purchase month passes to the local recreation center for early morning workouts. This facility is equipped with the finest modern exercise equipment including treadmills, dumbbells, an ab workout thingy, and other materials created for the betterment of the body as a whole. We'll all attest that our daily exercise has intensified which directly affects the rest of our day. It is amazing how much the body effects the mind and spirit.

Think about Daniel shortly after Kind Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took over the Israelite homeland. The king told Ashpenaz to find "children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace". Daniel was one of many chosen to compete in this intense environment. But he found an advantage that helped him and his buddies stand out. 

The King gave the entire group the same menu items to eat. Daniel looked at the food he was about to eat and felt if he continued he would "defile himself". Instead of eating the usual meal he decided to eat other foods that would help him. The results were quick, "at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat". Not only did he feel better physically, but he and his friends performed better intellectually. "God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom".

Having a health code has blessed the lives of God's children throughout time. For example under the law of Moses God administered a strict health code which helped the children of Israel not have disease and stay healthy. I am grateful God continues to bless the earth with a health code. He revealed to Joseph Smith this law of health "given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints".

This health code includes strict abstinence from Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illegal or harmful drugs. It also shows which foods are meant for the body including wholesome herbs, every fruit in its season, flesh of beasts and fowls used sparingly,and grain as the staff of life. I'm grateful you taught me this law from a young age. It blesses me and will bless generations to come. 

I love the promise given to those who remember to keep and follow this health code. "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; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures".