What does the bible say about long life?

It is my desire to live a long, happy, healthy life so that I may fulfill the work of the Kingdom. Many people believe that long life (80+ years) isn't for everyone. I firmly believe that a long life is God's best for all Christians. I do recognize that there are cases of untimely death but I do not believe that it is God's doing.

For example, we live in a fallen world where demonic forces are at work which can contribute to an early demise (1 Peter 5:8). Is it God's fault when someone willingly yields to evil and commits a murder? Absolutely not!
We also live in a world of natural laws which God placed here on earth during creation. For example, someone can't jump out of an airplane with no parachute, fall to their death, and the family blame God because he didn't suspend the law of gravity.
We have a lot to do with how long we live and the quality of life in which we live. It is not God's fault if someone eats a slab of bacon and dozen eggs for breakfast everyday, gaines excessive amounts of weight, never exercises, and dies from a heart attack. We do have a responsibility to keep up with the precious temple God has given us.

And then there are cases where it seems we have no answers to why believers die early...especially in the case of young children. Still the Scriptures are full of texts that point to God wanting his children to live, not only a long life, but a full life.

We've compiled a list of scriptures that support the idea that longevity can be obtained by every believer.

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” Deuteronomy 30:19
 
“For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:11

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

“My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

How to keep your children healthy‏

(The girls and I at Stone Mountain getting some exercise!)

This article is meant for parents who have children that practice a semi-healthy lifestyle as well as those who may be teetering on the brink of an unhealthy lifestyle but are currently healthy. For the families who have overweight children, severely underweight children, or children with any medical condition, consult a physician for an exercise and diet regimen.
I've compiled a list of tips on how to raise healthy children so they'll grow up to be healthy adults.

1. Start early. My daughters recently asked me why they like eating vegetables and other healthy foods more than their friends. Obviously, I'm not in their friends households to know intimate details but I provided them a blanket statement. 'Vegetables were the first solid food you ate so you developed a liking for it.' When they were about four months old and being introduced to solid foods, I started with vegetables. I first introduced green veggies (i.e. green beans), then orange vegetables (i.e. carrots or yams), and finally yellows (i.e. squash). They acquired a taste for veggies because it was their first solid food. I gave it to them regularly EVEN if they spat it out the first couple of times. As I introduced fruits and starches, I kept vegetables as the main course. Fast forward, 7-8 years, we still eat at least one vegetable at every meal. And fruits are a regular in-between-meal snack.

Don't worry if your child is school age or even a teenager. It is never too late to begin practicing a healthier lifestyle. Whatever don't shock your kids by switching from fast food every night to a vegetarian diet. It'll cause tension and unnecessary stress which may lead to them totally writing off your efforts. Be realistic. Start by introducing a vegetable (News flash. Corn is not a vegetable!) at every meal. As they become accustomed to the new foods, eating a well-balanced meal will become more natural with time. Season the vegetables with chicken broth or Asian seasonings to make the flavor of the vegetable more appealing to your family's taste buds. Most kids like the taste of ranch dressing so the addition of a spinach salad drizzled with a little ranch dressing to any meal is quick, easy and nutritious option.

Also, ensure your child is drinking an adequate amount of water. This is especially important if he/she is involved with sports. For pointers on how much water is enough, visit our earlier article about Water Intake.

2. Take vitamins daily. I want to be clear. Vitamins are absolutely not meant to substitute for a healthy diet. Vitamins are supposed to be 'insurance' and a 'supplement' to ensure a healthy immune and digestive system. When I grew up, the only nutritional supplement was Flinstone vitamins. Although, they're still around there are more kid-friendly, tastier options. My kids, for example, like gummy vitamins. Just be sure that the supplements are from a reputable company and do not contain absurd amounts of sugar. Also note that it may behoove you not to cut corners and go to the dollar store to purchase any type of vitamin; especially not children's vitamins. Invest a small amount in your children's supplements now and save on doctor's visits and colds later.

3. Be consistent. During the beginning of the year, we go through the ritual of making 'resolutions' or 'goals'. We have great intentions but we aren't planning for long term success. So how do you ensure you and your family will win? Get organized! There is no way this change won't work if you're not organized. Jot down a list of goals that you wish to obtain from being healthier. Write out a grocery list BEFORE you go to the store. Having a well thought out grocery list will prevent you from spontaneously making unhealthy decisions. Promise yourself that you'll stick to your grocery list or you'll be defeating the purpose of this step. Have a schedule when you get home from work or the kids get home from school to ensure that you'll have time for exercise and preparing a nutritious meal.

4. Set an example. Make a healthy diet and exercise a family affair. Your kids mimic your behavior and eating habits. This lifestyle will only work if you are being honest with yourself and your kids. 'Cheating' at work or once the kids go to sleep will only result in you becoming lax on your new healthy lifestyle and you'll begin making excuses for why you, and ultimately your kids, don't have to stick to it.

Don't just send your kids outside to play...join them! The more they see you becoming ACTIVE and having fun, they'll be more willing to join in. Go for bike rides or invest in some roller blades (including safety gear). This is a low cost super fun activity to do.

5. Visit the pediatrician and dentist regularly. Children ages 4-18 need to complete a physical assessment by their pediatrician regularly. A day or two before their check-up, make a list of any questions or concerns you may have concerning their health.

Your child should visit the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and cavity check. In between visits to the dentist, practice good oral hygiene. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and floss every day.
 Final Words
The health of your child now will have lasting affects for the rest of their lives...for better or worse. It is my prayer, of course, you and your family is experience the former.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Raise Your Hand to Stop Diabetes This November

Mary Ann, from Bound Brook, NJ, has witnessed the ravages of diabetes firsthand, but she will not let it get her down. “My mother and grandmother both died from diabetes. It is a killer, attacking about every organ you have,” she said.

Now Mary Ann and her brother both have diabetes. “People need to know about diabetes and how they can prevent developing type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications,” she said. “I want to stop diabetes, so I manage my disease well by taking my medicines, checking my blood glucose regularly, watching what I eat and staying informed,” she said.

During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging people to join Mary Ann by taking action and raising their hand to Stop Diabetes. There are many ways to becoming involved by visiting facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation, stopdiabetes.com, calling 1-800-DIABETES, or texting JOIN to 69866 (standard data and message rates apply).

Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States, including 608,000 in Georgia. An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the U.S. could exceed $218 billion.

Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications.

Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes. We need to rally together, raise our hands, and pledge to end a disease which puts a serious emotional, physical and economic toll on all those affected.

For more information in English and Spanish call 1-800-DIABETES or visit stopdiabetes.com.  Also, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AmDiabetesAssn).

Content provided by: www.diabetes.org (11.12.11)

The World's Fastest Workout Video

Do you only have five minutes to workout? This is the perfect video for you. This exercise routine has been shown to increase your metabolism for 12-24 hours. I personally do this exercise and I feel energetic and less stressed every time!

Editor's note: Before beginning any new exercise regimen, always consult with your physician.

Increase Water Intake...Improve Your Skin.

Water Intake

Most physicians will agree...an adequate intake of water is essential to overall health and wellness. Water purifies the body in and out.  Want an undeniable glow? Increase your water intake! Want to improve the tone and texture of your skin? Increase your water intake! Okay...okay....you get the point. LOL!

Another reason why drinking enough water is so important is because water aids in the removal of waste from our body. Not only does water remove waste but it helps carry the vitamins and minerals we ingest (through food, drinks or supplements) throughout our body and ultimately your SKIN!!!

So how much is enough? It depends. What type of climate do you live in? Do you exercise regularly? Visit the following website for an estimate on the amount of water to drink:

http://www.espring.com/English/WAC/WaterCalculator.aspx?pgid=125

After determining how much water you should consume each day, divide the amount over 10-12 hours.

(Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication. Also, be careful of drinking too much water. Especially if you have kidney or adrenal problems.)

*Information displayed on Total Life Prosperity is intended for informational purposes only. As always, consult your physician before implementing any new regimen.