Rosie: I don’t have any control over the comments Meridian posts. I believe they post all that are civil, but sometimes it takes them several days. I warmly welcome your comment, which I very much agree with. I actually tried to make the same point in this article: “In every aspect of the gospel, including the Word of Wisdom, the Lord teaches us through principles, and we have to rely on the Spirit of the Lord to discern how to apply those principles in our own lives.” The way I feel is right to implement the Word of Wisdom is not “doctrine” for the rest of the Church. It is my interpretation, which I hope I am free to share with anyone else who is interested to read it. My hope is that my interpretation will encourage others to prayerfully study D&C 89 and decide what is best for them and their family. I certainly agree that some people have very extreme interpretations of a healthy diet, but I do not think that choosing to eat wholesome foods is extreme. On the other hand, when it comes to the Word of Wisdom, I think those who look at it closely may well conclude that it says nothing about “moderation in all things.” We are to totally abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks.” Further “all” wholesome herbs and “all” grain are good for our use, whereas the Lord says animal flesh should be used “sparingly” (not moderately) and preferably only in times of need. At least that is my interpretation. I invite and encourage others to read the text themselves before deciding what the Lord is saying. (Thanks also to Byron for his comment!)
SandyFebruary 27, 2015
Thank you yet again, Sister Birch, for another wonderful article on
extra-healthy eating habits by living the Word of Wisdom. I have been eating a plant-based diet for over a year now, and have to say that initially this was not by choice, but rather for reasons of extreme ill-health. Medically it was imperative for me to adhere to an extremely
strict diet - trust me, there was no other choice - and in the early stages I've walked round a supermarket with tears in my eyes at the lack of foods I could actually eat! However, it didn't take long for me to truly appreciate my new-found feeling of well-being, and as the pounds rolled off & I could finally wear clothes I hadn't been able to get into for several years, I started to be much happier with the "new" me. Fifty five pounds later I'm so very appreciative of this new, much healthier way of eating that extreme bad health has forced on me. I'm now down to a size that I never thought I'd ever see again, and have more energy than I've had in years. As a formerly reluctant veggie eater, I've now come to truly love & appreciate my veggies, particularly the cruciferous ones (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts & Cabbage). Lots of fruit too .. and I also eat a small amount of oily fish - sardines have become a big favorite of mine. Yes, it's socially inconvenient at times, but not that much .. and I totally stay away from all the sugary goodies now - it's no longer the
hurdle it used to be since my sugar cravings have long-since left. For me sugar is now a total no-no, as are sodas, caffeine, red meats and most dairy products.. instead I've learned to choose far healthier substitutes to be found mostly in the natural foods stores. My system can no longer support the majority of my old eating habits and as a result I'm happy to say I now feel 100% healthier than I did a year ago. I'm so very grateful for my "adventure in adversity" - it has brought me into a whole new way of life. Truly I count my blessings and give thanks to my Heavenly Father for guiding me throughout.
RosieFebruary 26, 2015
Once again I doubt you'll publish my contrary opinions, but I am tired of the religion within a religion. Promoting word of wisdom adherence according to some individuals personal beliefs and promoting it to fellow members as if it is doctrine for the truly inspired members is spiritually dangerous. Let people get their own inspiration. Family members promoted this dogma and 10 years later after almost becoming anorexic are on to the next trend in eating: raw liver shaved into bone marrow broth with raw egg and fermented beet drinks. I think it's a form of perfectionism and a distraction. Eat better- absolutely. How about moderation in all things....and this area would be one of them.
ByronFebruary 25, 2015
Once again, Jane has provided us with valuable information to help us on our journey of health. One of the things I love about my church is the prophetic direction to discovering optimum health. Thank you Jane ...
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Jane BirchFebruary 27, 2015
Rosie: I don’t have any control over the comments Meridian posts. I believe they post all that are civil, but sometimes it takes them several days. I warmly welcome your comment, which I very much agree with. I actually tried to make the same point in this article: “In every aspect of the gospel, including the Word of Wisdom, the Lord teaches us through principles, and we have to rely on the Spirit of the Lord to discern how to apply those principles in our own lives.” The way I feel is right to implement the Word of Wisdom is not “doctrine” for the rest of the Church. It is my interpretation, which I hope I am free to share with anyone else who is interested to read it. My hope is that my interpretation will encourage others to prayerfully study D&C 89 and decide what is best for them and their family. I certainly agree that some people have very extreme interpretations of a healthy diet, but I do not think that choosing to eat wholesome foods is extreme. On the other hand, when it comes to the Word of Wisdom, I think those who look at it closely may well conclude that it says nothing about “moderation in all things.” We are to totally abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks.” Further “all” wholesome herbs and “all” grain are good for our use, whereas the Lord says animal flesh should be used “sparingly” (not moderately) and preferably only in times of need. At least that is my interpretation. I invite and encourage others to read the text themselves before deciding what the Lord is saying. (Thanks also to Byron for his comment!)
SandyFebruary 27, 2015
Thank you yet again, Sister Birch, for another wonderful article on extra-healthy eating habits by living the Word of Wisdom. I have been eating a plant-based diet for over a year now, and have to say that initially this was not by choice, but rather for reasons of extreme ill-health. Medically it was imperative for me to adhere to an extremely strict diet - trust me, there was no other choice - and in the early stages I've walked round a supermarket with tears in my eyes at the lack of foods I could actually eat! However, it didn't take long for me to truly appreciate my new-found feeling of well-being, and as the pounds rolled off & I could finally wear clothes I hadn't been able to get into for several years, I started to be much happier with the "new" me. Fifty five pounds later I'm so very appreciative of this new, much healthier way of eating that extreme bad health has forced on me. I'm now down to a size that I never thought I'd ever see again, and have more energy than I've had in years. As a formerly reluctant veggie eater, I've now come to truly love & appreciate my veggies, particularly the cruciferous ones (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts & Cabbage). Lots of fruit too .. and I also eat a small amount of oily fish - sardines have become a big favorite of mine. Yes, it's socially inconvenient at times, but not that much .. and I totally stay away from all the sugary goodies now - it's no longer the hurdle it used to be since my sugar cravings have long-since left. For me sugar is now a total no-no, as are sodas, caffeine, red meats and most dairy products.. instead I've learned to choose far healthier substitutes to be found mostly in the natural foods stores. My system can no longer support the majority of my old eating habits and as a result I'm happy to say I now feel 100% healthier than I did a year ago. I'm so very grateful for my "adventure in adversity" - it has brought me into a whole new way of life. Truly I count my blessings and give thanks to my Heavenly Father for guiding me throughout.
RosieFebruary 26, 2015
Once again I doubt you'll publish my contrary opinions, but I am tired of the religion within a religion. Promoting word of wisdom adherence according to some individuals personal beliefs and promoting it to fellow members as if it is doctrine for the truly inspired members is spiritually dangerous. Let people get their own inspiration. Family members promoted this dogma and 10 years later after almost becoming anorexic are on to the next trend in eating: raw liver shaved into bone marrow broth with raw egg and fermented beet drinks. I think it's a form of perfectionism and a distraction. Eat better- absolutely. How about moderation in all things....and this area would be one of them.
ByronFebruary 25, 2015
Once again, Jane has provided us with valuable information to help us on our journey of health. One of the things I love about my church is the prophetic direction to discovering optimum health. Thank you Jane ...
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