Where I live, there’s only a few hours left of Christmas Day. I spent it with family, which was the best part of the day. Sure, the gifts we exchanged were fun, and something to look forward to, but at the same time, I am disappointedin the rampant commercialism which makes it seem that a happy Christmas is conditional upon buying the “right” things. We need to always remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

For some time now, I have known that colas are bad for the body. It’s not only that caffeine is a drug which one can become addicted to. It’s not just that caffeine raises the blood pressure and heart rate. For a woman, colas are especially harmful. And for a woman in menopause, they are even more dangerous. Colas leech calcium from the bones. If a person drinks many colas for a number of years, then that person is going to have lost precious calcium. When a woman gets older and goes through changes, the bones can and do, become brittle. One can be at high risk for fractures. Such a person absolutely must not drink colas! They have NO nutritional value. I finally gave up soda pop months ago. I only wish I had done so years ago. I am in the unenviable position of approaching middle age and having osteoporosis. I regret having drunk colas, even the caffeine-free ones. I didn’t need to. I have finally won the battle of having the spirit be stronger than the desires of the body. I will never slip up again. I am sure that my Heavenly Father is pleased, but I wish I had exhibited more strength a lot sooner. In section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, we have the wonderful gift of the Word of Wisdom. It also contains wise words warning us of “the hearts of conspiring men.” I cannot believe that those who manufacture soft drinkas are ignoran of their adverse effects upon the body. We don’t have to do damagwe to our bodies by taking in unhealthy substances. We can be strong and exercise our free agency in our favor. Conspiring men don’t have to win the battle.