Possibly even worst of all, there are also many who are needlessly (and often unknowingly) attempting to take the easy way out once their health begins to decline. We are all exposed to crafty commercials that attempt to convince us that we shouldn’t be required to deal with any kind of pain or discomfort, (our body’s intended communication). They normally promote some potentially dangerous drug (seldom discussed) that you just can’t do without. In my opinion, they are seldom (if ever) necessary. They are basically toxic chemicals, foreign to our body, which is obvious from their many potential side effects (and the fact that our liver attempts to eliminate them). They also deplete many important nutrients critical to our health. They are aggressively promoted directly to your doctor, as well as to you by the media (especially TV commercials). When they suggest that you ask your doctor if their drug is appropriate for you, you can rest assured they have already provided your doctor with the answer.

The question we must all ask ourselves is: In whom do we place our trust? Maybe we should take a moment and consider God’s creations versus man’s. In the scriptures we are told that the foods and herbs were created for man’s benefit. God loves us (His children), and thus is concerned about our welfare. All His creations are extremely complex yet organic, and thus both safe and beneficial for our body. They are also inexpensive, as well as plentiful. Drugs in turn, are much more simple inorganic chemicals (foreign to the body). They are normally very cheap to produce in large quantities, yet sold at a tremendous profit!

Just as Joseph Smith went to the Lord in prayer, to learn which church might be the true church, you can also do the same regarding your health. I constantly pray for, and continually receive guidance from The Holy Ghost during both my research and my writing. I pray daily for the power of discernment that I might know the truth, as I constantly encounter many diametrically opposed opinions regarding different health issues. One morning several years ago, the Holy Ghost revealed to me what my mission in life was to be. It was quite unexpected, and became a turning point in my life. I have tried ever since to follow His promptings. I have experienced a tremendous amount of help in finding answers during my research. As we become more in tune with the Spirit, the promptings we receive will become more apparent. I am totally amazed at the things I have been able to accomplish the last few years, by following His promptings.

I might add that the Word of Wisdom has been a tremendous blessing in my life, especially during my youth as a young merchant seaman traveling around the world over 55 years ago. If I hadn’t been LDS and living the law of the Word of Wisdom, I would likely have taken up smoking and drinking, as most of my shipmates had, and thus would be very unhealthy (or no longer alive) today. Instead, I attempt to live what I consider the spirit of the law (avoiding anything harmful to my body). I have been blessed beyond measure, with unbelievable health at 72 years, as a result. I take no medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and see absolutely no reason for ever doing so. Taking care of my body and my health has been a top priority ever since I first learned of its importance 44 years ago, and began my research. God willing, I plan to live many more productive years, (possibly another 50 – maybe till the millennium)!

We can do a lot of good in many different ways, and yet if we don’t show our body the respect it deserves, we will still suffer the consequences (both physically and mentally). I have known many dedicated members over the years, who lived exemplary lives in so many ways, and always avoided coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco, yet had poor health habits, and thus poor health. In my book A Drug-Free Approach To Healthcare (2005), you will learn why you can’t possibly resort to a lifetime of symptom suppressing medications, and still maintain your health, and exactly why. You will also learn that there are many different natural alternatives, and that disease prevention should always be our primary objective, (even if it’s not always stressed by many doctors). Taking medications “in my opinion,” is not preventative medicine!

An important issue regarding the Word of Wisdom is in relation to both coffee and tea. I believe that many members assume that we are to avoid them due to their caffeine content, (which I also thought at one time), although that is not the only reason. Some people thus assume that drinking “decaffeinated” coffee and tea should resolve any concern. In my book, you will discover that the tannic acid they both contain is a major contributor to arthritis. Tannic acid actually removes the oil from the joints, which is important for their lubrication. The English are the largest consumers of tea in the world, and also have the highest rate of arthritis. There is a natural way to reverse arthritis pain, joint deterioration, and inflammation. The very first step is to stop drinking tea, and in my book I explain how to remove the accumulation of toxins creating the pain and inflammation, as well as how to again lubricate the joints. Even decaffeinated soft drinks containing either sugar or artificial sweeteners are unhealthy, and in my book I explain exactly why. Even if we ignore the problems associated with the sweetener, they are still a major contributor to osteoporosis. It was also discovered from studies that those who drink 5 or more cups of coffee a day have a three times greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer (normally a fatal form of cancer), and it’s not due to the caffeine content of the coffee. There are obviously many important reasons to avoid both alcohol and tobacco, and anyone that questions the wisdom in doing so is unquestionably just rationalizing in order to justify their use.

I could quite easily write an entire book just on the many problems associated with both alcohol and tobacco. In regards to alcohol, the problems people experience are not just physical, mental, and emotional, but also behavioral. Alcohol has destroyed many family relationships, as well as careers, (something I have written on in the past, but never published).

WHAT DOES “LDS” STAND FOR?
AND EXACTLY WHAT IS THE BOOK OF MORMON?

For those of you who might have arrived here by accident, or just out of curiosity, maybe I ought to explain that “LDS” refers to “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” although we are better known as the “Mormons”. Even though we believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God, we believe the Bible to be as well. In Ezekiel 37:16 of the Bible, we find a reference to the Book of Mormon (“the stick of Joseph”), and in John 10:16 the “other sheep,” which are not of this fold, is also referring to the descendants of Joseph on the American continent.

The Book of Mormon, (just like the Bible), is a collection of ancient writings, although by those who came to the American continent. It tells of their struggles, and at times the battles between two different tribes, known as the Nephites and Lamonites. It also chronicles their relationships with each other, as well as with God, and explains who the Native Americans (American Indians) really are, about their ancestry, and how they actually arrived at this continent. It describes many of the ruins, discovered in Central and South America, (after the Book of Mormon was translated and published). It even tells of Christ’s visit to the Americas following his resurrection. Christ stayed for a time and taught the inhabitants many things during His stay. I believe that might possibly help explain some of the humanly impossible feats that took place during that time. One example was in Cuzco Peru, where we saw a quite amazing ancient stone wall, which was constructed on a hill near the city. Some of the stones were huge, weighing hundreds of tons, and were somehow moved there from a distant location. They were intricately carved so they all fit perfectly. Just how they got there, and then shaped and contoured, defies any logical explanation, although I can verify first-hand that the wall definitely exists as described.

My wife DeVon and I traveled to various cities in both Mexico and Guatemala 25 years ago, and saw many of the ruins, which were exactly as described in the Book of Mormon. The archeologist who guided one tour explained how they built fortifications around their cities for their protection. He also explained that at the height of their civilization, for some unknown reason, they suddenly abandoned their cities. Although he was not LDS, and thus didn’t understand the reason why, the Book of Mormon explains exactly where they went, and why.

Although there aren’t many books I would recommend over mine, the Book of Mormon is definitely an exception. It can change your life, although in a different way. If nothing else, perhaps it can at least satisfy your curiosity regarding the ancient inhabitants of this continent. Although it’s similar to the bible in some respects, (a compilation of ancient writings), I find it easier reading than the Bible, and actually quite fascinating, as well as informative. One thing we learn from the Book of Mormon is when the people were righteous, they prospered, and when they forgot where their blessings came from they were reminded.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO ORDER THE BOOK OF MORMON

You definitely can’t beat the price anywhere (it’s absolutely free), and at 779 pages, that is definitely a bargain. To request a free copy, just call the toll-free number at (888) 537-7111, (even the call is free). There is absolutely no obligation.

Once you receive your Book of Mormon, I would recommend the following:

1. First, read the introduction to better understand how the Book of Mormon came about, and why it is important.

2. Next, read Moroni 10: 3-5 on page 529. You will learn how you can find out if the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

3. Then, read Nephi 11: 1-41 (pages 427-430), which I consider the highlight of the Book of Mormon. It is the actual account of Jesus Christ’s visitation to the American continent, following His resurrection.