The state of our health affects every facet of our life—our feeling of personal well-being, our approach to work, our social interactions—even our service to the Lord. Some people do not feel like themselves unless they have huge reserves of energy, strength, and physical resilience at their disposal. For these individuals, physical vigor is a hard-won way of life, one that they treasure. Although physical ills are a reality of life, in spite of them we should still have joy. The Lord has affirmed this statement by providing us with revealed instructions concerning our health, which, if followed, will increase both the length of our life and the joy in it. Much of what upsets you can be fixed or improved upon; current research on biological aging is very encouraging. Also, the physical component of our journey is intricately connected to all the other components. Our mind, emotions, and relationships cannot be at their peak if our body is not functioning at its best. The Lord specifics both substances that are for our use and those which are detrimental to us. Scientific research has verified the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs—even upon the development of an unborn child. We have been warned both by our prophets and by science of the dangers in the improper and indiscriminate use of drugs, including over-the-counter drugs. Helpful as these remedies are in times if illness, some contain ingredients that if used to excess or in combination with other substances can have dangerous side effects—even dependency or addiction. #RandolphHarris 1 of 6

Each and every manifestation of popular culture purports to be telling a story of how the individual transcends obstacles and the masses to earn recognition, success, and happiness. Though the plot may be about a sultry maid from the wrong side of the tracks working for a repressed rich guy, the story is really concerned with how all of us ordinary people can transcend our limitations; the story is really how you feel, work, live, and love. Teenagers now often attach more importance to the World of commercial popular culture and peer relationships than they do to their family and health. The rewards along the pathway of physical vigor are available to novices as well as experts in the physical arena. Tailor your travels to suit your pace and needs. The measure of your success is how happy you are with the way you feel, look, and perform physically. Most important, is your body willing and able to take you where you want to go? If you are already in terrific shape, do not make the mistake of assuming you have nothing to gain by going down the path of physical vigor. There is more to the physical side of you than simply being in great shape. Life offers all of us the opportunity to enrich our physical experience by becoming more attuned to the unique ways our bodies express their needs. Furthermore, by giving yourself more peak physical experiences, you put yourself on the road to greater mental, emotional, and spiritual rewards. #RandolphHarris 2 of 6

Some people are waiting for their status to be elevated when the rich and powerful recognize how really special they truly are. However, money does not matter; what is inside you is what counts; we are all important in our own special way. The Lord might be making us aware of another law of health—the need of proper exercise. Exercise such as walking and running and other forms of rhythmic action is important in maintaining cardiovascular fitness. In our busy lives sometimes we are prone to excuse ourselves for not getting proper exercise by saying that we have neither the time nor the opportunity. However, it may help to think about the amazing things your body has already done for you. Remind yourself that even the smallest change in how you treat your body can make a difference in the way you look and feel.  We are also counseled to retire early, that we may not be weary and arise early that our bodies and minds may be invigorated. We should also keep our hands clean, the surfaces in our house clean and thing orderly. People who take good care of their bodies and homes and follow a healthy life style, research indicated that it could increase the life of a forty-five-year-old man by 33 years! The results of this research have been replicated many times over, so you can be confident that living a balanced, healthy lifestyle can add decades of well-being and vigor to your adult life. #RandolphHarris 3 of 6

We should be grateful that scientific research and medical practice have resulted in longer life spans, greater health and vitality, and reduction in deaths among babies and small children. One of the touching parts of our past history is the great longing mothers and fathers felt for something to help their sick children get well. Today, immunization against disease is a great blessing. Some of the most hazardous diseases are now almost totally under control because of immunization. With the demise of breakfast comes a decline in energy and a slight weight gain. It is important to find breakfast food you enjoy because it will help you revive your stamina, and increase metabolism, and burn calories. These lofty goals remain a motivating force of all who are involved in this great work. There are some important things to know about aging and the body so we can perhaps counteract some of the issues. The average American loses 6.6 pound of muscle each decade after young adulthood. Without regular exercise to increase muscle-to-fat ratio, the rate of loss accelerates after age forty-five. Without regular exercise, the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently after age sixty-five will decline an average of 30 to 40 percent. Blood pressure increases steadily with age for most Americans, primarily because of the consumption of fat, salt, and alcohol; smoking; and insufficient exercise. #RandolphHarris 4 of 6

The skeletal system loses calcium with age, making bones less dense, weaker, and more brittle. A brisk daily walk can prevent development of osteoporosis. Improving muscle-to-fat ratio and muscle strength also spurs the body to improve blood sugar tolerance, regulate and stabilize its internal temperature, maintain healthier blood pressure levels, and increase its aerobic capacity, because you have more working muscles consuming oxygen. Even more amazing is the finding that adults who exercise their muscles on a regular basis report psychological benefits, such as an increased sense of well-being, youthful vigor, and self-esteem. Some parents even teach their children to come up with questions to ask the doctor when they are going for a check-up. This helps the child gain the doctor’s full attention. It also teaches children that they have a right to speak up, even when they are in a room with an older person and authority figure, it is seen as being perfectly all right for child to assert oneself. In doing so, the child learns to shift the balance of power away from the adults and towards themselves. That way children get used to being treated with respect. They learn that they are special people worthy of adult attention and interest. Socializing is an important part aspect of the church program. People are encouraged the cultivation of friends with happy conversations among our people. #RandolphHarris 5 of 6

Everyone of us has times when we need to know things will get better. We have hope for a better World. For our emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of good things to come. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the light that is endless, that can never be darkened. It is the return of hope. To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, hold on. God loves you. Things will improve. There is a future of better promises. Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for he is the very source of light you seek. God does love you, and he knows your fears. God hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely he matches with his own the tears his children shed. God’s love and power can calm the storm. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Because know that for the faithful, things will be made right soon enough. God is a king; he speaks for the crown; he knows what can be promised. The Lord redeems that soul of his children and none of them that trust him shall be desolate. #RandolphHarris 6 of 6