HEALTHFUL RECREATION

Mark 6:31 “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...”

JESUS CREATED SOCIAL BEINGS

What are we counseled to do instead of competitive sports and games etc.Spiritual Activity1T 503 “The young urge that they need

something to enliven and divert the mind. I saw that there is pleasure in industry, a satisfaction in pursuing a life of usefulness. Some still urge that they must have something to interest the mind when business ceases, some mental occupation or amusement to which the mind can turn for relief and refreshment amid cares and wearing labor. The Christian's hope is just what is needed. Religion will prove to the believer a comforter, a sure guide to the Fountain of true happiness.

THE RESULT OF EARTHLY PURSUITS

The time is not far distant, when the test will come to every soul. . . In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.-

-Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 80,81. {ChS 49.3}

GOD’S IDEAL = BEST RESULTS Time with nature

Ed 211 “In early ages, with the people who were under God's direction, life was simple. They lived close to the heart of nature. Their children shared in the labor of the parents and studied the beauties and mysteries of nature's treasure house. And in the quiet field and wood they pondered those mighty truths handed down as a sacred trust from generation to generation. Such training produced strong men. In this age, life has become artificial, and men have degenerated. While we may not return fully to the simple habits of those early times, we may learn from them lessons that will make our seasons of recreation what the name implies--seasons of true up building for body and mind and soul

HEALTH TO THE SOUL AH 501 “Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave

the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country, to the side of a fine lake, or to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful.”

MH 52 “...He (Jesus) found recreation amidst the scenes of nature, gathering knowledge as He sought to understand nature's mysteries.”

A hiking- Your entire body is at work- Good circulation of Blood. B camping- Healthful Social Gatherings, brings encouragement C swimming- Muscle flexing is crucial to aging well. D canoeing- La Vega- Social Activity E learning names of flowers, trees, etc.- Strengthening the BRAIN F noticing object lessons in nature- ( Consider the Ant thou sluggard)

6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

THE GRAND Scenery

CLOSING EXHORTATION AH 512 “There is a distinction

between recreation and amusement. Recreation, when true to its name, re-creation, tends to strengthen and build up. Calling us aside from our ordinary cares and occupations, it affords refreshment for mind and body and thus enables us to return with new vigor to the earnest work of life. Amusement, on the other hand, is sought for the sake of pleasure and is often carried to excess; it absorbs the energies that are required for useful work and thus proves a hindrance to life's true success.”

Recreation should have the following four ingredients.

l. Refreshing2. Diversion3. Enjoyable4. Instructive