I know I feel much better and function just fine taking care of myself in all aspects and staying away from these things.

I think in order to appeal to a certain audience, they use the shock value of the extreme example. I think images like the spider web are meant to appeal to younger generations. I was intrigued by it. That doesn’t mean I will equate distressed spider with my own physical and spiritual well-being, but I think young people might. Especially when it’s presented that way. I think the Ensign carries specific weight because it is a church publication, even if it’s not “scripture.”

Kirsten, I had the thought that many of the Savior’s teaching methods involved fiction, or parables. And, I think food storage is a prophet’s message.

Douglas, according to my stake president, they must be. Maybe only the spider ones.

G, I could not finish that video. Bleh! I hate spiders.

FoxyJ, the other messages were on sustaining our leaders, and making sure that if we don’t get the same answer as the prophet, we need to pray again.

Amber, who constitutes the proper authorities? Is it only the first presidency or the twelve, or is it only the Bible, BoM, etc., or are other publications like the manuals also scripture?

You know, I tend to think that the best message I’ve learned from the church is moderation in all things, and everything has it’s time and season (as pertaining to these types of issues). I do think it’s appropriate for the church to give such “public health notices.” Some people may not get the message any other way, but I have a hard time when it’s presented as scripture, and my spiritual standing is jeapordized if I don’t go home and immediately implement the proscription.

I DO agree however with the article about energy drinks, and I think it is something that should be addressed (its about time IMO). Its mind boggling to me that so many people think its okay to guzzle these down. I think they are wrong for any reason (including when my husband tries to justify it on a long road trip!) and we teach our kids they go in the “never” bag during our WoW FHE lesson.

I am not “letter of the law” on caffeinated drinks in general, and do enjoy a Barqs Root Beer every now and then, but I have seen too many people addicted to Coke/Pepsi/Dr Pepper who have tried for years (unsuccessfully) to quit. I dont buy it or keep it in my house, and I encourage my kids to drink water, juice or milk. Soda is only for special occassions. Its not just the sugar, its not just the carbonation, its not just the caffeine, its not just the fact that you are replacing hydrating water with dehydrating liquids…its all of it combined and its not healthy, especially in these high energy drinks!

I love the wording of D&C 89: “judgment and skill” and “prudence and thanksgiving” especially. The scriptures themselves give me a perspective on the WoW that I feel is lost in the “don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t use tea or coffee” meme.