At almost 77 years of age, my most significant issues are the aches and pains in my joints and muscles, and the lack of energy that I have. I recently had a new hip put in on my left side and will have one put in on my right side soon. A lot of the pain I was having went away with my new hip. One of the things I read is that muscle strength is essential for maintaining mobility and energy.  I have lost a lot of strength over the years. Sometimes when I lie in bed and look at my arms, I think, Wow, my muscles are much smaller than they used to be. Exercise is the key to maintaining and even increasing muscle strength, but the hip pain I was experiencing kept me from doing much of that. However, now I am exercising a lot and plan on doing even more once my right hip is free of pain. Another key to energy and good health is maintaining a healthy weight. As my muscle tone and strength decreased, my weight increased, which is a bad combination. I started a serious diet about a year ago and have lost 35 pounds so far. My goal is to lose another 20 pounds and reach a weight of 180 pounds, which is what I weighed when I graduated from High School, and then maintain that. Another issue with my health and energy is my diet. So, I have eliminated almost all sugar from my diet, as well as processed foods, additives, and artificial sweeteners. I am also taking vitamins, minerals, and supplements that are recommended for older men who want to maintain their health. So, with 50 pounds less weight to carry around and two new hips, and reasonably good health, I should be able to accomplish a great deal more with my life in the next 20 years. A favorite verse of mine is Psalms 92:14-15: “They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lord is upright.” One of my major life principles over the years is that God guides, gives strength, bestows blessings, and protects. Still, He expects us to be faithful, responsible, disciplined, diligent, and wise in following the fundamental laws of human life and living. God’s grace, love, and care for us are not intended by him to bail us out of the consequences for poor choices and an undisciplined lifestyle.