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Our current global financial crisis is taking a toll on people in many ways. Some have already lost their jobs. Others fear that as the world economy continues its downturn, they will lose their jobs too. Others are concerned that they wont be able to afford their house payments and will lose their homes. A substantial number of people fear that the economic situation will spiral down into another GreatDepression.

All of these concerns and uncertainties are contributing to widespread anxiety and despair. Of course, fear and depression are not new to human beings. They are ongoing dynamics that have been around as long as we haveexisted.

The Bible is essentially an owners manual on how to conduct our lives. If we apply it, it assures us of overall peace andhappiness.

Some fears are not bad. Fear keeps us from taking unnecessary chances that might endanger our health or lives. (The proper fear of God is a healthy fear that involves standing in awe of Him and His power to intervene in judgment and ultimately to decide our eternal destiny, leading us to respect and obey His commandments rather than scoff anddisobey.)

However, when normal fears graduate to the point that they interfere with a healthy state of mind or infringe on our ability to function effectively in life, they have becomeproblems.

Lets take a glance at the extent of the problem and consider some ways to combat it in our ownlives.

The numbers of those who suffer crippling fear are surprising. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that in a given year, one in 11 adult Americans suffers from a phobiaa fear so extreme that it interferes with the ability to function normally. One example is acrophobiafear of heights. A person who suffers an extreme form of this phobia might fear even to enter a tall building or be afraid of venturing higher than a fewfloors.

An online search for phobias and fears can easily bring up lists of hundreds of entries ranging from ablutophobia (fear of washing or bathing) to zoophobia (fear of animals). Some of these phobias are relatively common, and some are veryrare.

Far more people suffer from anxietyconstant fearful uneasiness. Though generally less intense than phobias, anxiety can also reach the point of being disabling. In general, any fear that is not God-oriented or healthy presents an obstacle that denies us normal happiness andwell-being.

Unhealthy fear began among human beings when Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Genesis 3:10 Genesis 3:10And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.American King James Version). After they disobeyed Him, they became afraid of God, whereas before they had regarded Him as a friend. Fear and terror are among the curses God said would come on His people Israel if they disobeyed Him (Leviticus 26:16-17 Leviticus 26:16-17 16 I also will do this to you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set my face against you, and you shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and you shall flee when none pursues you.American King James Version).

Like unhealthy fears, depression has also been around ever since man departed from the commandments of God. When Cain and Abel brought offerings to God, the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering (Genesis 4:4-5 Genesis 4:4-5 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering: 5 But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.American King James Version). Though the Genesis account does not state explicitly why God didnt respect Cains offering, 1 John 3:12 1 John 3:12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brothers righteous.American King James Versionimplies that God wouldnt accept it because evil was present in Cainslife.

Its interesting to note Cains reaction after this rejection: So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and dejected? (Genesis 4:5-6 Genesis 4:5-6 5 But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said to Cain, Why are you wroth? and why is your countenance fallen?American King James Version, The Amplified Bible). So the first specifically recorded incident of depression in the Bible occurred in connection withsin.

Fears and depression often go together. Psychologist and author Dr. Archibald Hart explains that you seldom see depression without some anxiety, or anxiety without some depression. They are two sides of the same coin. It just depends which side lands faceup ( The Anxiety Cure, 1999, p.170).

These fellow travelers often make life miserable for many people, so its imperative that we know how to deal with and overcome them. Professional therapy and medication are often used with success, but well here explore five tools and techniques that everyone can use and apply at little or no cost to successfully deal with fear anddepression.

One method many people have found helpful is to record their feelings. Dr. Hart writes: How can you change your thinking habits without engaging in a lifetime of therapy? One way is to get yourself a little notebook to record your beliefs whenever you catch them (p.113).

Mistaken thoughts about life situations or how others feel toward us can lead to depression or anxiety. Perhaps youve never thought about it this way, but the benefit of journaling is attested to not only by health professionals, but also by theBible!

Gods servant David, though generally a man of great courage and sound mind, at times suffered from depression and anxiety. For example, he referred to depression when he said, The Lord shall enlighten my darkness (2 Samuel 22:29 2 Samuel 22:29For you are my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.American King James Version). He expressed vivid thoughts of depression and anxiety in Psalms 22:1 Psalms 22:1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?American King James Versionwhere he wrote: My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? (New InternationalVersion).

Biblical scholars recognize that the thoughts of this psalm presage the anguish of the Messiah, but the psalm also expresses deep emotions that David feltthough we do not know the specific circumstances in his life that triggered thesethoughts.

Davids pen expressed his agonies as he progressed through the psalm, yet at the end his words are exultant (verses25-31).

David is the primary author of the book of Psalms. Through this remarkable collection we can learn of events in his lifes storyin which he often expressed strong emotions. Almost without exception Davids writings end on an exultant note; he worked through his anxieties and sorrows through writing and pouring out his heart to God. We can read his psalms and be encouraged, and we also can write out our own feelings and take them to God to lift ourspirits.

We live in a fast-paced, overstressed world. Stress is one of the causes of anxiety and depression. Counselor and author Rex Briggs writes: There is a lot of external pressure in this type of society and little emotional support. Perhaps that is why anxiety disorders are the fastest growing psychiatric condition for which people seek help today ( Transforming Anxiety, Transcending Shame, 1999, p.39).

Some people are particularly vulnerable, such as those involved in caregiving occupations in which they are providing emotional and/or physical support for others. Research shows that these people suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress about three times as often as non-caregivers. Mothers carry a heavy load of caregiving, especially if no father is present, and thus could fall victim todepression.

Regardless of occupation, those who want to avoid excessive stress must maintain balance. This includes getting enough sleep and exercise. Exercise is a proven method of reducingstress.

Not that long ago, people were usually employed in occupations that involved physical laboror in many cases they walked quite a bit to get to and from work. Today, however, most people either drive to work or take mass transit, and their work is relatively sedentary. Many do not perform chores around the home as earlier generations did, and they relax in front of the TV when they gethome.

One result of this is that too many people dont participate in stress-relieving physical activity. Lack of exercise contributes to a lack of restful sleep, which in turn feeds into the stress-on-stresscycle.

A simple antidote to this is to initiate an exercise program to burn off some of the stress you feel. Research has demonstrated that weight-bearing activities help relieve stress. This includes walking, which most people can do easilyenough.

The Bible was written in a time when people were physically active and didnt need an exercise program like many need today. Scripture does recognize, though, that physical exercise has some value (1 Timothy 4:8 1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.American King James Version, Good NewsTranslation).

Most mental health professionals understand that some foods are beneficial and some are not, especially if eaten in excess. Some foods enhance our natural tranquilizers while some are natural stimulants. Both can be beneficial, but we need to strive forbalance.

Since the Bible is Gods inspired, revealed Word to mankind, its the first place we should look for overall guidance in dietary matters. God gave His people guidelines on what they should eat and what they should avoid, and provided them with an environment in which a healthy, balanced diet would come somewhatnaturally.

The ordinary food of the average Hebrew of Bible times was bread, olives, oil, buttermilk and cheese from their flocks; fruits and vegetables from their orchards and gardens; and meat on rare occasions (Fred Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, 1987, p.43).

The Bible Almanac similarly states: Vegetable products formed a major portion of the diet When meat was used, it was often for the purpose of serving strangers or honored guests. Grains were an important part of the diet Fruits and fish were a favorite part of the diet (James Packer, Merrill Tenney and William White, editors, 1980, p.465).

Mental health professionals who emphasize sound nutrition, in connection with sound mental health, recommend balance from all the major food groups. This includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and protein, as describedabove.

A person who is suffering from anxiety should limit intake of stimulantsincluding caffeine. One who is suffering from depression, if he or she chooses to drink alcoholic beverages, should do so in carefulmoderation.

A feast is made for laughter; and wine makes merry (Ecclesiastes 10:19 Ecclesiastes 10:19A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.American King James Version), but alcohol is also a depressor of the central nervous system. Excessive alcohol consumption will drive someone deeper into depression. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise (Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.American King James Version).

As the English poet John Donne wrote several centuries ago, No man is an island. This brief statement expresses a simple but vital truth: It is not healthy to be alone. In the beginning when God created Adam, He stated, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him (Genesis 2:18 Genesis 2:18And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.American King James Version).

The truth is that we need other peopleespecially when we face various challenges or crises in life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up.American King James Versiontells us: Two are better than one For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help himup.

God intended that we should share our experiences in life. It is especially vital that we have someone to share our burdens with when were laboring under the crushing weight of fear ordepression.

Without having someone with whom we can share our burdens, we may well think theyre insurmountable. But the truth is that no trial is too great if we have divine help and wholesome fellowship with other Christians and with God (Philippians 4:13 Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.American King James Version; 1 John 1:3 1 John 1:3That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.American King James Version).

Other people can help us see the lighter side of life even when things look bleak. Humor is a valuable tool to provide balance to extreme thoughts and feelings and by nature neutralizes fear and depression. Its been said that laughter is the best medicine, and it is one of the vital antidotes for mental disorders. Depression is not just a mental affliction. It involves an imbalance of endorphinsthe good chemicalsin the brain, and humor helps boostendorphins.

The Bible long ago expressed the effectiveness of humor in providing relief for a depressed spirit: A merry heart does good, like medicine (Proverbs 17:22 Proverbs 17:22A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.American King James Version).

Whenever Christians gather together, they can mutually edify one another by the synergistic effect compared to iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17 Proverbs 27:17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.American King James Version). When all is said and done, the best guarantee of a long and healthy life may be the connections you have with other people (Nancy Shute, Prescription: Dont Be Lonely, U.S. News and World Report, Nov. 12,2008).

The most important thing you personally can do to combat and overcome fear and depression is to develop a vibrant relationship with God. Secular research and biblical instruction alike verify itseffectiveness.

At one time psychologists believed that faith in God detracted from psychological wellness, but research has shown otherwise. Modern psychologists predicted that religion would be exposed as a neurosis and outgrown; instead, religious commitment has been shown empirically to be a vital component of basic mental health (Patrick Glynn, God: The Evidence, 1999, pp.19-20).

Further, people of committed religious faith report much higher levels of personal happiness and psychological well-being than do their agnostic or atheistic counterparts (pp.61-62).

The Bible is essentially an owners manual on how to conduct our lives. If we apply it, it assures us of overall peace andhappiness.

Many of its passages assure us that a relationship with God will enrich our lives: Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble (Psalms 119:165 Psalms 119:165Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.American King James Version). God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7 2 Timothy 1:7For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.American King James Version). Love is one of the attributes of Gods Holy Spirit, and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18 1 John 4:18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.American King James Version).

Psalm 19 contains several statements about how the Word of God engenders a healthy mind. It converts the soul (Psalms 19:7 Psalms 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.American King James Version), rejoices the heart and enlightens the eyes (Psalms 19:8 Psalms 19:8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.American King James Version).

Another element of a healthy relationship with God is prayer. Men and women of God in the Bible prayed. Jesus told His disciples to pray, and He taught them how (Matthew 6:9-13 Matthew 6:9-13 9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.American King James Version). Jesus prayed regularly to His Father and on at least one occasion prayed all night (Luke 6:12 Luke 6:12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.American King James Version). He prayed in part because He experienced the same human emotions and temptations we all experience (Hebrews 4:15 Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.American King James Version).

The night before He died, Jesus was very anxious as He said, My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death (Matthew 26:38 Matthew 26:38Then said he to them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even to death: tarry you here, and watch with me.American King James Version, NIV). He countered this by praying earnestly three times to God (Matthew 26:39-44 Matthew 26:39-44 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will. 40 And he comes to the disciples, and finds them asleep, and said to Peter, What, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, your will be done. 43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. 44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.American King James Version), and in so doing was strengthened to face the excruciating ordeal that awaited Him in the hours tocome.

Prayers can likewise strengthen us in times of fear and depression. Both David and the prophet Daniel faced threats to their lives that they overcame through prayer. Both men habitually prayed three times a day (Psalms 55:17 Psalms 55:17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.American King James Version; Daniel 6:10 Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.American King James Version). The New Testament tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17 1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.American King James Version).

Still another tool in our kit for a healthy mind through a relationship with God is meditation. Meditation is focused thinking. No amount of meditating can magically erase the stress of losing a job or a loved one. But it can help people cope (Michelle Andrews, How to Beat Stress and Angst Through Meditation, U.S. News and World Report, Dec. 29,2008).

The apostle Paul urged Timothy to meditate on Gods Word: Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them (1 Timothy 4:13-15 1 Timothy 4:13-15 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all.American King James Version). The author of Psalm 119 said that he meditated on Gods law (verse97).

Meditation enables us to replace unprofitable thoughts with healthy ones. If you find your life burdened with stresses and anxieties, the end of the day is a good time to overhaul your thinking. Dr. Hart advises, This is a good time to do a mental wash when you review anxieties that are cluttering your thinking and dump those that are not important (p.204).

Worry is a form of fear, and excessive worry can also morph into depression. Jesus knew that we are prone to worry, so He said to His disciples, Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on (Matthew 6:25 Matthew 6:25Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?American King James Version). He added: For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:32-33 Matthew 6:32-33 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. 33 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.American King James Version).

The ultimate solution to all of humanitys needs and problems is for Jesus Christ to return, for God to establish His Kingdom and for mankind to receive the gift of eternal life. But God has promised to provide the essentials of life now to those who seek Him, and His unbreakable promise is that those who turn to Him in repentance and obedience will eventually live forever in His everlastingKingdom.

May we all believe God when He tells us in Isaiah 41:10 Isaiah 41:10Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.American King James Version: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous righthand.

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Fear and Depression: Conquer Them With These Crucial Keys

diet

"regular food," early 13c., from Old French diete (13c.) "diet, pittance, fare," from Medieval Latin dieta "parliamentary assembly," also "a day's work, diet, daily food allowance," from Latin diaeta "prescribed way of life," from Greek diaita, originally "way of life, regimen, dwelling," related to diaitasthai "lead one's life," and from diaitan, originally "separate, select" (food and drink), frequentative of *diainysthai "take apart," from dia- "apart" + ainysthai "take," from PIE root *ai- "to give, allot." Often with a sense of restriction since 14c.; hence put (someone) on a diet (mid-15c.).

diet

"assembly," mid-15c., from Medieval Latin dieta, variant of diaeta "daily office (of the Church), daily duty, assembly, meeting of counselors," from Greek diaita (see diet (n.1)), but associated with Latin dies "day" (see diurnal).

late 14c., "to regulate one's diet for the sake of health," from Old French dieter, from diete (see diet (n.1)); meaning "to regulate oneself as to food" (especially against fatness) is from 1650s. Related: Dieted; dieting. An obsolete word for this is banting. The adjective in this sense (Diet Coke, etc.) is from 1963, originally American English.

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Diet | Definition of Diet at Dictionary.com

Epidemiologists have long warned that, in addition to causing obesity, eating too much fat and sugar puts a person at greater risk for colon cancer. Now, researchers at Temple University have established a link that may explain why.

The findings, Epigenetic Differences in Normal Colon Mucosa of Cancer Patients Suggest Altered Dietary Metabolic Pathways, were published in the March issue of the American Association for Cancer Researchs journal, Cancer Prevention Research.

There have always been questions about why things like diet and obesity are independent risk factors for colon cancer, said Carmen Sapienza, professor of pathology in Temples Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, the studys lead author. This study suggests how and why high fat diets are linked to colon cancer.

The researchers compared colon tissue in non-colon cancer patients with normal colon tissue in patients with the disease. In the normal tissue from patients with colon cancer, they found that epigenetic marks on genes involved in breaking down carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids abundant in the fatty Western diet appeared to have been retrained. Epigenetic marks are chemical modifications that serve as on/off switches for many genes.

These foods are changing the methylation patterns on a persons insulin genes so that they express differently, pumping out more insulin than the body requires, said Sapienza. In people that have colon cancer, their glucose metabolic pathways and insulin signaling pathways are running at completely different levels than people who dont have colon cancer.

Sapienza said that cancer cells love insulin and studies have shown that tumors feed off of insulin. Insulin is only supposed to be expressed in your pancreas, so having this extra insulin is bad, he said.

Sapienza pointed out that people dont usually get colon cancer until the age of 50 or older, so it is unclear when the epigenetic modification of the genes begins.

The hypothesis is that the changes in the metabolic pathways happen first, and once they occur, if any kind of mutation happens that causes a cancerous polyp, you are going to feed it through this excess insulin, he said.

There have always been questions about why things like diet and obesity are independent risk factors for colon cancer. This study suggests how and why high fat diets are linked to colon cancer.

-- Carmen Sapienza, professor of pathology, Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology

Sapienza said this study provides the first evidence of widespread epigenetic modification of metabolic pathway genes occurring in healthy colon tissue.

The researchers theorize that if the modification found in healthy colon tissue could also be found in other healthy tissues in the body, they might be used to diagnose or determine the likelihood of colon cancer by through a saliva or blood test in addition to a colonoscopy.

In addition to Sapienza, researchers om the study included Matthew L. Silviera, Brian P. Smith and Jasmine Powell of the Fels Institute for Cancer Researcher and Molecular Biology in Temples School of Medicine.

The study was funded through the National Institutes of Health and Temples Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology.

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Study shows how high-fat diets increase colon cancer risk ...

Youve made a New Years resolution to lose weight in 2013, but should you favor zero-calorie drinks or water as part of your diet? Or does it matter at all which of these beverages you choose for weight loss?

Thats what researchers at Temple Universitys Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) and the University of Colorados Anschutz Health and Wellness Center are hoping to discover as part of a year-long study comparing the effects of zero-calorie drinks and water in the context of weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration defines zero-calorie drinks as those having five or fewer calories per eight-ounce serving.

Water has long been the recommended beverage in any weight loss/maintenance program, yet dieters frequently turn to the more flavorful diet or zero-calorie beverages as a replacement.

Since both of these drinks are calorie neutral, you should be able to lose the same amount of weight regardless of whether you consume zero-calorie drinks or water while dieting, said Stephanie Vander Veur, program director for clinical research at CORE. On the other hand, some think that non-nutritive sweetened beverages may increase a persons preference for a sweet taste that may lead them to consume additional calories. No one has really tested this to date.

Temple is seeking to recruit up to 150 people to take part in the study, which is being led by CORE Director Gary Foster. The first Temple group of 18 already began participating in the study in November. The University of Colorado will also study 150 participants.

Those who are selected to participate must be regular consumers of zero-calorie or diet beverages (currently consume a minimum of three per week) and above ideal body weight. They will participate in a weekly 60-minute group weight loss program during the first 12 weeks of the study and then 10 monthly 60-minute group weight loss/maintenance meetings thereafter.

Participants will be required to drink a minimum of 24 ounces per day of either a zero-calorie beverage that includes a non-nutritive sweetener such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, diet ginger ale, diet Snapple, and Vitaminwater zero or water, depending on which study group they are randomly assigned. Those who are in the water group will not be able to drink any zero-calorie beverages, and must also refrain from using non-nutritive sweeteners in other drinks such as coffee or tea. Foods that contain non-nutritive sweeteners are permitted.

The study will be conducted at CORE, located on Temples Health Sciences Campus in North Philadelphia, Jeanes Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia and Temples Center City campus.

The study is being funded by the American Beverage Association.

Anyone from the Philadelphia region interested in participating in the study should contact Temples Center for Obesity Research and Education at 215-707-3292.

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Study will compare zero-calorie drinks versus water in ...

Africa has been held in reserve by the Lord, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in an October 2010 visit to Burundi. Africa will someday be seen as a bright land full of gospel hope and happiness.

Africa is one of the fastest growing areas of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with some 320,000 members, the majority of whom have joined the Church over the past 30 years. They have found that hope and happiness spoken of by Elder Holland by embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

To accommodate such rapid growth, many are needed in lay leadership roles to maintain more than 900 congregations across the continent. As a native of Nairobi, Kenya, Elder Joseph W. Sitati served in many lay leadership positions and now is serving in the Quorum of the Seventy, a senior leadership body of the Church where members are given the title of Elder.

His first knowledge of the Church came through a 1985 business conversation. The meeting agenda turned from engineering to religion, and Elder Sitati discovered an entirely new approach to life in the message his colleague shared.

I understood who I am as a child of God, a new concept for me. I knew why I was here on earth, where I was going and why. I saw a new perspective on the family that it was the central doctrine of the Church. That information helped me reorder my priorities. I had thought that success in the world would apply in my family, but its really the other way around.

Elder Adesina J. Olukanni, serving in a leadership position over West Africa added,

The Church makes our members better fathers, mothers, sons and daughters with the knowledge of who they are and their potential the great potential to do good.

Early converts such as Elders Sitati and Olukanni possess a unique perspective on the growth of the Church in Africa. Theyve observed small congregations in a handful of countries increase until today the Church has a presence in 32 countries.

Now is a time of great transition across Africa, Elder Sitati said. Cultural traditions are breaking down; people are migrating to the cities. In a new and unfamiliar environment with very little to hold on to, they become more responsive to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are, overall, a religious people, very receptive to the Spirit, and they find a sure hope in the teachings of the Church. They join the gospel culture.

Elder Sitati described positive changes in the lives of a pair of fellow Africans who also became members of the Church:

Isaac worked as a gardener but was unable to support his wife, who, of economic necessity, lived 2 hours from Nairobi. After his baptism and following Church teachings, Isaac broadened his understanding of his personal potential. He worked hard, volunteered for additional training and found a new job. The new Church member eventually upgraded from an embassy drivers job to his own business.

Shem lost his job shortly after he joined the Church in 1989. His wifes experiences in Relief Society, the womens organization of the Church, helped them start a food business. They now have a thriving catering business based on the skills they learned in Relief Society, Elder Sitati explained.

The Churchs presence in Africa began with missionaries in South Africa in the early 1850s. It was not until the late 1970s that membership noticeably increased across the continent of Africa.

Nigeria, for example, had an entire congregation join the Church in 1978, many of whom had learned about the Church years before and were patiently waiting for an approved organization. In less than 10 years, there were nearly 10,000 members and the first stake (a geographic division) was organized. By 1999, membership increased to nearly 43,000 and stands at approximately 100,000 today.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Thousands of new members have joined the Church with more than 4,000 becoming members in 2010 alone. Mozambique had 40 members in 1999 and has increased to more than 5,000 today. Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Ivory Coast also have sizeable congregations. There are a total of 102 stakes and districts, 18 missions and nearly 320,000 members across the continent. The Church presently owns or leases 725 meetinghouses in 34 African countries.

While these numbers are significant, they dont tell the complete story of the Churchs impact in Africa through such efforts as humanitarian aid, education, spiritual edification and teaching self-reliance to improve the quality of life.

A pipeline installed under the supervision of the Churchs humanitarian aid outreach transports clean snowmelt from Mount Kenya to villages miles away. Water is a precious commodity here and many people dont have access to clean water, Elder Sitati said. One woman covered five miles each day for 40 years to collect water. The new pipeline to her village now dramatically reduces her journey. The first time she got water from the pipeline was the first time she had ever tasted clean water ( see video on clean water projects ).

This clean water initiative is only one of several African humanitarian efforts implemented individually or in partnership with other relief organizations. The Church is also helping to eradicate measles. According to the Red Cross, millions of African children have been immunized against measles, leading to a 92 percent decrease in measles-related deaths across the continent between 2000 and 2008. More than 50 thousand medical personnel have been taught and equipped to perform neonatal resuscitation, which translates into thousands of infant lives saved. Wheelchairs have also been provided for tens of thousands of African residents ( see video on wheelchair initiative ).

Another outreach, the Perpetual Education Fund, is a Church loan system that facilitates university and technical education. The program is funded through contributions of Church members and others throughout the world that support its mission to help families become more self-sufficient. It is a revolving resource in which money is loaned to an individual to help pay for training or advanced education. With better skills, the student then pays back the loan to the fund at a low interest rate. Since 2001, around 3,000 people have benefited from the program in Africa.

Educational opportunities come to African communities in a variety of ways.

A cooperative food initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, trained local farmers to produce a successful crop of cassava, an important nutritional element in the diet of the residents. Local Church leaders supervised the project that began in 2006.

The people had to learn new agricultural practices: better preparation of their fields, appropriate irrigation and even plant spacing, explained Wade Sperry, field operations manager for the LDS Charities Food Initiative. In the first year, the newly developed plants and the new farming techniques produced 900 tons of the much-needed food supply, a 50 percent increase over other methods.

This project offers local self-reliance at its best, said Ferron Squires, director of the program. These subsistence farmers have increased their production, improved processing and marketing. They have given back to those in need with their surplus. Its a great success story.

Success and change comes in small steps for Church members in Africa, but the steps continue despite enormous challenges in physical, political and cultural environments.

The African people are a kind and patient people, said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve after a recent visit with members of the Church in Mozambique and Nigeria. They dont have a lot of income or resources that allow them financially to do things, so they just do them out of sheer effort. They will walk miles and miles and miles to accomplish something that they are prompted to do by the Holy Ghost to further the work.

It is that will coupled with hope, Elder Sitati maintains, that makes transformation possible. The teachings of the Church give them hope. People can climb from adverse circumstances; they embrace those teachings and their lives are blessed. The Church arrived in Africa at the right time. Its not a quick fix to all the problems faced by people in these lands, but it is a sure fix.

For more on the Church in Africa, see these additional stories and resources :

Mormons in Africa: Church Humanitarian Initiatives Give LifeAfrica Clean Water Initiative InfographicMormons in Africa: Ugandan Latter-day Saints Moving the Church ForwardMormons in Africa: The Perpetual Education FundMormons in Africa: Church Helps Preserve Family HistoriesMormons in Africa: Stories of Hope and FaithMormons in Africa: Africa Fact SheetAdditional Stories on the Church in Africa(Video) Clean Water is Happiness(Video) From the Darkness to the Light: Church Wheelchair Initiative in Africa(Video) We Did Not Stand Alone: Church Aid During Sierra Leone War

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Mormons in Africa: A Bright Land of Hope

Filming wrapped near Springville, Utah, for the second season of the Book of Mormon live-action video series. The multi-year project is being produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to bring the stories of ancient-American civilization to life and share the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Downloadable video: B-roll | SOTs

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. of the Seventy, who heads up the projects steering committee, says, What we are producing through the videos and the still images that are being captured are tools that can be used in helping to introduce people to the Book of Mormon.

This allows us to put a face to the names and the stories and allow you to see these people who really lived, adds Bill Elliott, media director of the project. They breathed, they walked the land and these stories are real.

The second season production focused on select chapters in the early pages of the Book of Mormon and highlighted ancient prophets Nephi, Jacob and Enos.

What is happening with the videos is very meaningful to me because of my Lamanite heritage, said Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk of the Seventy, who is on the projects steering committee. When I see what is happening with the Book of Mormon being made into videos, I think about those powerful Book of Mormon prophets that thought and prayed about the days that we live in today.

The new location for the second season shoot took place in Hobble Creek Canyon near Springville, with new sets depicting settlements out of the Book of Mormon, including an ancient temple.

I have been in small towns in Latin America, and I just feel like I'm in one of them, said Sister Reyna I. Aburto, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency. So many details reminded me of family members like my grandma, my aunts, my mom. And I think they did a great job in setting the tone here for the filming of the videos.

Much of the cast from season one, made up of a diverse group of men, women and children, returned this season.

[It was]great to have everyone back together, said senior producer Aaron Merrell. Kind of like a family reunion of sorts.

Portions of the project are being filmed in various locations in North America. The Church began filming the project in June 2017 near the Churchs Jerusalem movie set in the central Utah community of Goshen.

The biggest difference between this season and last season is last season's story is one long story. It was the story of Nephi's journey. This season we have several different eras and characters, Merrell explained.

Hes my hero, said Jackson VanDerwerken, an 18-year-old young man who plays Nephi, a prominent figure in the Book of Mormon.

To play Nephi in his 30s, VanDerwerken spent two and a half hours with the makeup crew every day to glue his beard on.

Its important to know that the Lord uses young people for his purposes, said the actor, who is preparing to serve a two-year full-time mission in Brazil when the filming for his role is over. This is just a part of my life that is preparing me for the future, for my mission.

VanDerwerken bulked up for the role. When I auditioned I weighed about 165 [pounds]. And I weigh about 180-ish now, and that's kind of been steady. I gained that weight in less than two months on a really strict regimen, one that I kept up, but also the weight gain was not purely the diet nor the working out, but [I] certainly had heaven's help in it because there's no way that I would've been able to gain that weight. So I give all that credit to God.

Actor Mace Sorensen considers it an honor to play Laman, who is often regarded as a villain in the Book of Mormon. Im hoping that people see him differently and sympathize a lot more. He was complicated and had his virtues as well.

Sorenson said the stories are being shared in a way that theyve never been shared before. The work that were doing here, you know, will be seen for a long time after and so its no small thing what were doing.

Kymberly Mellon, who portrays Lehis wife, Sariah, said Lehi and Nephis family had a strong family unit, but they faced some of the same issues contemporary families are experiencing today.

I think showing women as powerful coleaders in the home has been a huge focus of this unit of production," said Mellen who highlights her character's strength as a women through non-verbal storytelling because of Sariah's limited diologue in the Book of Mormon.

Women always have a very strong influence in their spouse, their family, their communities, said Sister Aburto. It is beautiful to see the work that the actors and the scriptwriters and directors and everybody have done in really showing how important women are and the important role that they have played in this history.

Church leaders hope that those who watch the Book of Mormon videos will also want to read the scriptures contained in the book.

What we're trying to do are take key doctrinal scenes that will help to bring these characters to life and to illustrate the stories and the doctrines of Christ that the Book of Mormon teaches us, said Elliott. It's another testament of Jesus Christ.

Elliott continued, Everybody has, in their own imagination, an idea of what these characters look like. But really, it doesn't matter what our Nephi looks like or what our Laman looks like or what any of these characters look like; it really matters what they're saying and the spirit that you'll feel when you hear the words.

If we can help people just really get engaged with these people, with the stories, then they're going to be able to understand the teachings that much better and be able to personalize it and apply it into their lives that much better, said Merrell.

This will be something that adds to the written words of the Book of Mormon to help people feel the power of the teachings of the Book of Mormon, said Elder Echo Hawk. This is a priority effort for [the Church] to bring this message to the entire world.

The new videos will be similar to The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos that were completed in 2016. The series is being filmed in English but will eventually be distributed in additional languages.

The videos will be available on a new Book of Mormon Videos YouTube channel, LDS.org, Mormon Channel platforms and existing Book of Mormon and Gospel Library apps. In addition, casting needs are being posted online.

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Book of Mormon Videos Wrap Second Season of Filming

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to be a good steward of the environment, to conserve and manage energy appropriately, to utilize water resources for the benefit of food production and beautification, to minimize or reduce pollution and waste, to be a good neighbor and to maintain its properties in a cost-effective and sustainable way.

Green Building Initiatives

The Church owns and operates a significant number of buildings worldwide. The Church also constructs many new buildings each year, including temples, meetinghouses, welfare facilities, Church Educational System (CES) facilities, family history centers and other structures. As a property owner, the Church recognizes that constructing, operating and maintaining facilities can impose a significant impact on the earths resources and on the environment. For this reason, the Church has implemented a green building initiative in which sustainable design and construction principles and practices have been researched and, where possible, incorporated to increase energy efficiency, lower operating costs and make the facilities easier to maintain.

The application of this initiative can be seen in many of the Churchs recent projects, including the Conference Center, the Family History Library, City Creek Development, a number of newly constructed meetinghouses and several urban meetinghouses that have incorporated green roof technologies. Many of the facilities have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in various categories from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Also, the Church utilizes the expertise of its staff including architects, engineers and other professionals who are LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) in an effort to be more sustainable. These professionals have been trained and accredited under the direction of the USGBC and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) as qualified green building experts. The Church also has organized the Church Environmental Coordinating Committee, Green Building Committee and other related groups made up of employees from various departments.

The Church recognizes the importance of conserving energy and natural resources; not polluting the environment; preserving the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of its facilities; and complying with the local laws and ordinances as outlined in current green building codes and rating systems. Green building strategies vary from location to location and require site-specific application.

Energy and Water Conservation

Recent efforts have been made by the Church to reduce its energy footprint and conserve water and other natural resources.

Projects have been undertaken to manage heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and install more energy efficient lighting. At Church headquarters, 11 lighting projects, many involving LED lighting, were completed between October 2012 and June 2014. The total annual energy savings is more than $282,000. Additional projects are planned for 2014.

The Church seeks to follow environmentally friendly practices in landscaping and water conservation. Best management practices are utilized for all new landscape designs and remodel projects of meetinghouses, welfare facilities and seminary and institute buildings. They include the conservation of water and natural resources, reduction of maintenance, long-term cost savings, neighborhood beautification and natural enhancement of Church buildings.

At Church headquarters, the irrigation system has been upgraded, using more efficient smart controller technology to reduce water usage. Thirty-two controllers have been installed at the properties maintained by grounds crews. A water savings of at least 30% is anticipated as the new controllers are brought up to their full capacity. The Church is also investigating applying for a rebate from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District for installing these controllers.

The Churchs guideline for soil is to utilize existing material as much as possible and amend it as needed. The importing of soil occurs but is discouraged. Using soils in place helps landscape projects more easily integrate with native soil and plant conditions and thus conserves natural resources.

The Church has embraced the adaptation of eco-regions from the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation and then created suitable prototypical landscape plans for its facilities. These landscape and irrigation plans were created to consider regional and natural limitations. Hotter, drier areas, for instance, have significantly reduced water-consuming lawn areas. Irrigation conservation efforts include use of smart controllers, hydrometers, rain sensors, drip irrigation, head-to-head coverage, high distribution uniformity and secondary or reclaimed water.

The Church has assembled an extensive database of plant materials that are found to thrive in certain soil types, which allows suitable plant selection based on appropriateness of the region, aesthetics, resistance to cold temperatures and the amount of sun exposure and water needed.

Church orchards are utilizing mating disruption pheromones to reduce pesticide sprays and reduce the amount of diesel fuel that would have been required to apply the pesticides. Crops are rotated on Church farms generally on a four-year rotation to prevent disease, which reduces the need for pesticides.

Recycling and Land Management

Recycling is another example of the Churchs overall conservation effort. In 2013, the Church headquarters campus recycled about 180 tons of cardboard, 65 tons of paper, 26 tons of plastic and 2 tons of aluminum. That same year, the LDS Printing Division recycled about 4,400 tons of paper, 180 tons of plastic, 130 tons of cardboard, 56 tons of metal, 30 tons of leather and 250 gallons of used oil from machinery. Similarly, in 2013, Beehive Clothing recycled about 24 tons of rags, 24 tons of cardboard, 25,000 plastic pallets and 2,000 wooden pallets. In 2013, Salt Lake Distribution Services recycled about 1,000 tons of paper, 150 tons of cardboard and 1,000 pounds of metal.

In 2013, Deseret Industries recycled about 13,000 tons of clothing, 870 tons of shoes, 3,100 tons of household goods, 3,400 tons of books, 5,500 tons of metal and 4,000 tons of electronics. Humanitarian aid donations included about 3,800 tons of clothing and 350 tons of shoes.

Additional examples of conservation efforts by the Church include no-till dry farming and the use of new tillage equipment that is more efficient in reducing erosion and retaining moisture, as well as good range management practices to avoid overgrazing. Public lands are also used for grazing.

Community gardens in the western United States are sponsored to give people an opportunity to grow nutritious foods and reduce costs. In Utah, there are volunteer farms that produce crops for the bishops storehouses and local community food kitchens.

In addition to offering aid, the Church works to promote self-reliance for those it helps. The LDS Charities organization targets families living in urban and rural areas and teaches them sustainable techniques for food production, nutrition, diet and home food storage. Through demonstration gardens and hands-on workshops, families learn to grow vegetables and fruits or raise small animals appropriate to their circumstances. In 2013, 43 projects were initiated to improve food production in local community settings in 20 countries around the world.

In conclusion, the Church actively seeks to remain informed and engaged about matters of environmental conservation, and steps have been taken to make its facilities more sustainable.

See more here:
Environmental Conservation and Stewardship Efforts

Downloadable video: SOTs | B-roll

How can the rising generation live more happy and meaningful lives? President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told a group of young adults in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, February 17, 2018, the answer can be found, in part, from a parable describing the importance of avoiding distraction and temptation.

He began his address using a parable to emphasize that your ultimate safety in this life lies in never taking the first enticing step toward going where you should not go and doing what you should not do.

The prophet explained that as human beings we all have appetites necessary for our survival. These appetites are absolutely essential for the perpetuation of life. So, what does the adversary do? He asked. He attacks us through our appetites. He tempts us to eat things we should not eat, to drink things we should not drink, and to love as we should not love!

President Nelson told hundreds of young adults, participating in the fireside in four Las Vegas Mormon meetinghouses, that they should learn to have purpose in this life, know who they are, why they are here and how to master the divine laws.

Personal Identity

One of the most important things you need to learn in life is to know who you really are, President Nelson said. He encouraged his audience to learn about their parents, grandparents and other forebears down their genealogical lines. Most importantly, he said they should know their ultimate identity.

Know that you are an elect son or daughter of God, created in His very image, President Nelson said.

Sister Nelson, who also spoke Saturday night, said, It's time that we stop comparing ourselves to others. "When you let the Lord know that you are serious about doing exactly what you came to earth to do, watch what happens. He may change many things dramatically. So hang on for the ride of your life, the ride that you were born to take.

Purpose

President Nelson reminded those present that everyone was made for a reason and answering the "why"of their lives is essential.

When you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees you and what He is counting on you to do for Him, your life will never be the same, said President Nelson.

Divine Law

President Nelson said his experience as a heart surgeon taught him that divine laws are discoverable, predictable, dependable and repeatable. This, he explained, is true in science and religion. For example, there are laws of science that govern a beating heart and those of religion that govern revelation.

One size really can fit all who are here tonight, said Sister Nelson. Whatever is said over the pulpit can fit each one of you perfectly because the Holy Ghost will tailor-make whatever is said to fit you. I don't know what you need to hear, but the Lord does.

Sister Nelson recalled calling off an engagement when she was 24 years old after receiving inspiration while listening to general conference.

President Nelson said, The more of Gods laws you know and more importantly, live the more effective your righteous leadership will be.In that vein, President Nelson encouraged those present to follow Jesus Christ by living a life of prayer, service and careful study of Gods laws.

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Advice From President Nelson to Millennials Living in a ...

ElderRussell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of TheChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Wendy L. Watsonwere married today in the Salt Lake Temple. This is the secondmarriage for Elder Nelson and the first for Wendy Watson.

Elder Nelsons previousmarriage was to Dantzel White Nelson, who died 12 February 2005.Their family includes 10 children, 56 grandchildren and 18great-grandchildren.

Ordained an Apostle on 12April 1984, Elder Nelson received his B.A. and M.D. degrees fromthe University of Utah and his Ph.D. from the University ofMinnesota. A renowned surgeon and medical researcher, Elder Nelsonserved as the former president of the Society for Vascular Surgeryand also as former chairman of the Council on CardiovascularSurgery for the American Heart Association.

Wendy L. Watson, originallyof Raymond, Alberta, Canada, is the daughter of the late LeonardDavid and Laura McLean Watson. She is a professor of marriage andfamily therapy in the School of Family Life at Brigham YoungUniversity (BYU) and will retire 1 May 2006. She received her R.N.in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, her B.A. from the University of Hawaiiin Honolulu, her M.Sc. from BYU, and her Ph.D. from the Universityof Calgary. She served as chair of BYU Womens Conference for 1999and 2000, and is the author of several books and addresses recordedon CD, including Rock Solid Relationships and Things AreNot Always as They Appear.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.

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Elder Russell M. Nelson Marries Wendy L. Watson

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missionary program is one of its most recognized characteristics. Latter-day Saint missionaries can be seen on the streets of hundreds of major cities in the world as well as in thousands of smaller communities.

The missionary effort is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ (see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts).

More than 70,000 full-timemissionaries are serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most missionariesare young people under the age of 25, serving in more than 400 missions throughout the world.

Missionaries work with a companion of the same gender during their mission, with the exception of couples, who work with their spouse. Single men serve missions for two years and single women serve missions for 18 months.

Missionaries receive their assignment from Church headquarters and are sent only to countries where governments allow the Church to operate. Missionaries do not request their area of assignment and do not know beforehand whether they will be required to learn a language.

Prior to going to their assigned area, missionaries spend a short period of time at one of 15 missionary training centers throughout the world. There they learn how to teach the gospel in an orderly and clear way and, if necessary, they begin to learn the language of the people they will be teaching. The largest training center is in Provo, Utah, with additional centers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, England, Ghana, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa and Spain.

Male missionaries are addressed with the title Elder and women are addressed with the title Sister.

A typical missionary day begins by waking at 6:30 a.m.* for personal study.The day is spent proselytizing by following up on appointments, visiting homes or meeting people in the street or other public places. Missionaries end their day by 10:30 p.m.

In some parts of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other specialized missions. Those missionaries do not proselytize.

Missionary work is voluntary. Missionaries fund their own missions except for their transportation to and from their field of labor and are not paid for their services.

Contacts with family and friends during this time of service are limited to letters and occasional phone calls to family at special times. Missionaries avoid entertainment, parties or other activities common to this age-group as long as they are on their missions, so they can focus entirely on the work of serving and of teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ.

*As of January 2017, missionary schedules and rules are more flexible depending on the culture of the country where missionaries are serving.

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Latter-day Saint Missionary Program - Missionaries Serve ...

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