How to Live a Long and Healthy Life

(The short answer to this post is apple cider vinegar, but the long answer is a little more complicated.)

I met a new member of our local church congregation last week. Her name is June and she is an extremely upbeat and energetic 84 year old. When I went to visit her she had been working on her Spanish. She also showed off her large garden and told me about all of the things she still wants to learn. She's proud of the fact that she does all her own gardening and even continues to mow her own lawn. I was amazed when June told me that the only pill she takes is a calcium supplement for her teeth. When I asked June how she manages to stay so healthy, she exclaimed quite simply that she owed her health to the Lord and Apple Cider Vinegar! She then enthusiastically brought out her vinegar and showed how she applies it directly to any aches and pains she may have. My friend, who had been complaining of cracked feet from her own gardening work, came with me to visit June. June told my friend that the vinegar would soften her cracked feet and then took off the girl's shoes and began massaging her soles with the vinegar! (Now that, is service!)

I had to share this story because I have been thinking about June all week. What an amazing woman! My own grandmother is an inspiriation as well. She will be turning 90 this year and is still actively involved in the community. She was recently honored by the Springville Museum of Art for all of her charitable contributions over the last 25 years. She has been purchasing paintings for donation each year and the collection has built up to fill an entire wing of the museum. The picture above shows a James C. Christensen piece that I love from her donations.

My grandma and June have much more than old age in common. They are both farm girls that really know how to work hard. They both do gardening that gives them good exercise. They're actively involved in their communities and churches. They stay social and they keep their minds active by continuous learning. Here's hoping we can all live to such a ripe and happy age!