TODAY my dearest grandmother will be 99 years old! Can you believe that; 99. Happy Birthday Ma. She has clearly lived to a ripe old age. For selfish reasons I'd love to see her live to see 100, but that is up to the Lord. Her late husband (bless his soul), my biggest fan, lived to the age of 92. I'm sure that he would appreciate the cricket analogy in her reaching 100, but again, may God's will be done. I don't like to see people suffer or live without dignity, but all life is a blessing. But how do some people live to such a great age? More on this after we visit the Top 20. Soaring to number 1 is Sexy Back, by Justin Timberlake (JT). This joint has many remixes, but the version that is keeping it around for a while is called Jesus Back, which is one of the modern kind of gospel tracks, which try to reach young people with their cool beats, but which have spiritual lyrics.

Down to number 2 is Money Maker, from Ludacris and Pharrell, one of the hottest, smoothest hip hop joints around.

Last week's essential new joint, up to number 3 is Beyonce with her new hit Ring the Alarm, featuring Bermudian Collie Budz, the Bermudian flavour of the fall. Colllie has a couple of banging hits and I'm dying to hear his CD. Falling to number 4 is the single from Janet & Nelly, entitled Call On Me, which has had a pretty good run at the top of the Bermuda Top 20. Falling to number 5 is Déj|0xe0| vu from the reigning Queen and King of Hip Hop, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

At number 6 is Say Goodbye by teenage heartthrob Chris Brown. Improving to number 7 is Take Me As I Am by Mary J. Blige, the current Queen of R&B. On the way up at number 8 is Get Up by Ciara featuring Chamillionaire. Up to number 9 is A Public Affair by Jessica Simpson. Not a bad track. Climbing to number 10 si Paris Hilton with her dance hit Turn It Up, which, surprisingly to some people, kicks. Thank God for studios. Falling to number 11 is Pulling Me Back by Chingy featuring Tyrese. Down to number 12 is I Know You See It by Young Joc featuring Brandy Ms. B Hambrick. Tumbling to number 13 is S.E.X. by Lyfe Jennings.

Improving to number 14 is Jay Z's latest hit, Show Me What You Got. Falling to number 15 is Luther Vandross with his dance hit Shine. However, the best mix is the Freemasons Remix. Slipping to number 16 is Sexy Love by Ne-Yo, one of the hottest new male vocalists in the business.

Up to number 17 is my girl Madonna with her latest hit Jump, from her unbelievably banging CD from earlier this year. This song is hot too. Up to number 18 is Come Around by Bermudian Collie Budz. Down to the number 19 spot is Sean Paul featuring Keyshia Cole, with (When you gonna) Give It Up To Me, still one of the hottest dancehall tracks around. New at number 20 is My Love by Justin Timberlake featuring T.I., this week's essential new tune.

Now back to this week's word — how to live to a ripe old age. My Ma is 99, her hubby lived to be 92, and my maternal grandmother made it to 84. So, DJLT comes from good stock. However, that isn't enough to ensure that you too will live a long life.

I believe that God is the reason why my ancestors have lived long lives. Not everybody in the family is a devout Christian, but it is interesting to note that those who are or were believers lived or are living long, happy, productive lives. That is not a coincidence. It is interesting to note that some relatives who have not been God-fearing and have not lived their lives according to the scriptures, have run afoul with the law; have experienced premature health issues; have not kept their families intact; and have basically not reached their full potential. This speaks volumes about why we should follow Jesus.

Some people, when reading this, will say, "Oh, here he goes again on his high horse about Christianity". However, I can only speak from my own experiences and those that I have observed in others. I have seen first hand God's healing power; in me and in my son. I remember once at university I was sick, really sick for a few days. On the second day, a brother came and prayed for me and told me to go take a shower. I was in the shower and felt God healing me as I cried my eyes out. God has worked a miracle such that I actually do have a living, breathing, thriving child, who many doctors and other health care professionals didn't think would survive. That was the work of God, and God alone. Life has shown me that if you follow Christ, everything will be alright. You'll still have challenges and sometimes it will seem like you have more tough stuff than people who don't follow the Lord. However, that is just a test, for a season and you should remember that, 'this too shall pass'.

The Bible teaches us to live good, healthy, law abiding lives. It teaches us to respect the authorities put in charge over us and to obey the laws of the land in which we live. If everybody obeyed the Ten Commandments, we would be fine. There would be no crime, no sin and life would be better. We wouldn't covet our neighbour's wife or girlfriend; there would be no fornication or adultery; there would be no killing, stealing or physical assaults; nobody would lie or bear false witness against their neighbour; more people would respect and honour their parents; basically the world would be a better, safer place to live and raise families, and we would all live in peace.

Another part of living a long life is what you put into your body. I think about my grandfather who told me he never drank alcohol. His favourite snacks were ginger beer soda and ginger snaps (cookies). That's the closest he ever came to a strong drink. Pa also ate well, exercised, rode a pedal bike to work, walked, gardened, and never ate lots of junk food. Modern generations eat lots of junk, don't exercise and wonder why they have high levels of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc. The answer is in our lifestyles.

I remember some years ago (I think it was BF&M) there was an advertising campaign on moderation. Doing things in moderation is the key. I'm not telling people not to drink. I too like a glass of wine or a beer. But let's not drink a whole bottle of wine and a whole case of beer in a few hours.

In closing, the solution to a healthy long life is a relationship with God, a sensible diet, lots of exercise, doing things in moderation, being on good terms with all people, giving back to your community and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Peace.