Life Recovery Ministry | Using the Bible for recovery and significant life changes

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your words. Your words influenced my decision.

I am leaving this evening on a train to go to Ohio to share some time with my son as he is going through his difficult challenges. I will be traveling for 4 days, so I will not be able to communicate except by phone (808-497-6920). I will help him remodel his home so he can sell it. If there is any hope to make the marriage work, then it is time for a change. She needs to get away from the men in the town she is presently living in. She has already filed for a divorce and my son never desired to see his son's see this happen. He saw it in his own life when his mother left me. He thought he could control his wife, but now he sees reality. But God can change all things and maybe my presence can change things, too. If the Holy Spirit is really in me, then others will see Him and may desire Him.

I am planning to stay at his house, unless his wife kicks me out, until May 31st. I hope to be back in Hawaii June 1st if God has a new place for me to operate out of. I am presently homeless. Check out the web sites www.waikikibeachoutreach.org and http://www.thehawaiianportal.com/db_clients/613.php to see what is happening. I just revised them today, so if the web master approves them today, they will be updated. I will try to keep these changed to reflect what is going on weekly.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for considering others that might be willing to help the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry. Thank you for sharing the Word of God. This is what I am sharing with you based upon what God is showing me.

The Christian supporters of the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry have been giving the United Methodist Church on Beratania the food contributions that Sam's Club and the local radio station have been donating each week to WBOM since March 8th, and now until June 1st (God bless David and Cheri). The H-5 leader never offered to help other than to continue to provide meals every Wednesday to Waikiki homeless as they have been doing for years (they inspired the inseption of WBOM) and to tell me to keep doing what I am doing. I expect to be staying with family and friends until June 1 when I come back and do what God wants me to do. I will be staying with my son, R.E., in Ohio, hope to visit my daughter,Angelena, in Ohio, and visit my younger son, Ryan, in Virginia.

In times of trouble, may the LORD respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm. (2) May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. (3) May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. (4) May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. (5) May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. (6) Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. (7) Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the LORD our God. (8) Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. (9) Give victory to our king, O LORD! Respond to our cry for help.

The psalmist counted on God's presence at all times to protect him, especially when his problems were most intense. The Bible is full of stories of people who were helped by God in times of trouble: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Peter, Paul. If God helped all these people when they needed Him, He can also protect all of us. Knowing we need His help, we must remain steadfast in our decision to turn our will and our life over to His car.

God is more than able to give us our greatest desires - even recovery from the consequences of our past mistakes (see Ephesians 3:20). Unlike those who trust in their own power to overcome their problems, we can place our trust in God. As a result, we have hope in th future because God will help us when we call out to Him.

This psalm is a prayer for the kings of Israel, but with relation to Christ.

Even the greatest of men may be much in trouble. Neither the crown on the king's head, nor the grace in his heart, would make him free from trouble. Even the greatest of men must be much in prayer. Let none expect benefit by the prayers of the church, or their friends, who are capable of praying for themselves, yet neglect it. Pray that God would protect his person, and preserve his life. That God would enable him to go on in his undertakings for the public good. We may know that God accepts our spiritual sacrifices, if by his Spirit he kindles in our souls a holy fire of piety and love to God. Also, that the Lord would crown his enterprises with success. Our first step to victory in spiritual warfare is to trust only in the mercy and grace of God; all who trust in themselves will soon be cast down. Believers triumph in God, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. Those who make God and his name their praise, may make God and his name their trust. This was the case when the pride and power of Jewish unbelief, and pagan idolatry, fell before the sermons and lives of the humble believers in Jesus. This is the case in every conflict with our spiritual enemies, when we engage them in the name, the spirit, and the power of Christ; and this will be the case at the last day, when the world, with the prince of it, shall be brought down and fall; but believers, risen-from the dead, through the resurrection of the Lord, shall stand, and sing his praises in heaven. In Christ's salvation let us rejoice; and set up our banners in the name of the Lord our God, assured that by the saving strength of his right hand we shall be conquerors over every enemy.

Dearest Bob,

We're very sorry to hear what happened to your ministry in Waikiki.....it is very hard for you ...but please hold on to your faith in our lOrd Jesus Christ....

how about going there now and get some help from your fellow ministers there?...go back to Methodist Church and perhaps they will help you....my friend Jovey's brother is a pastor of the First United Methodist church and she said The First UMC will always help you...please go...try also finding the Assemblie of God there...we're members of AAOG here but aside from prayers we cant give you much help....Jovey suggests that you get in touch with the mustardseed foundation...try http://www.msfdn.org God bless you richly.....psalms 20 is our prayer for you.....

Luz

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for your letter. Thank you for asking me about what God said about Daniel's eating habits.

Genesis 2:16
But the LORD God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden

Genesis 9:4
But you must never eat animals that still have their lifeblood in them.

But shortly thereafter, God did intend us to eat meat when He allowed Isaac to eat meat.

Genesis 27:25
Then Isaac said, "Now, my son, bring me the meat. I will eat it, and then I will give you my blessing." So Jacob took the food over to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him.

But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief official for permission to eat other things instead. (9) Now God had given the chief official great respect for Daniel. (10) But he was alarmed by Daniel's suggestion. "My lord the king has ordered that you eat this food and wine," he said. "If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded for neglecting my duties."

(11) Daniel talked it over with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief official to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (12) "Test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said. (13) "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's rich food. Then you can decide whether or not to let us continue eating our diet." (14) So the attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days.

(15) At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. (16) So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the rich foods and wines.

When authority figures or powerful personalities try to squeeze us into their mold and get us to compromise our values, the easy thing to do is give in to their wishes. The healthy response, however, and the one that indicates progress toward recovery, is to conurageously set boundaries as Daniel and his friends did by not eating food contrary to God's laws. With proper boundaries set up, we will be less tempted to compromise.

There is much more I could share, but I don't know what your objectives are in knowing about food God has allowed us. God bless you and your family.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for sharing scriptures to me. I have decided to respond only to one of them, Philippians 4:6. This is a continuation of the email you have already sent me.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

This verse really emphasizes the need for prayer. Don't worry, talk to God and be thankful. True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control. Because Christ is with us and His return is certain, we can act calmly in pain and difficulty. Peace and joy come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life. The more we commit ourself to knowing god's will through prayer and study of His Word, the better prepared we are to help ourself and others in the process of recovery. I will alway take action to pray and thank God for the peace and joy He has given me as I am pursuing His will for me. I must continually praise Him and give Him all of the glory. I expect all of us are or will in the near future. Praise the Lord, now.

I think this is a good place to take a break to contemplate what these words mean in our lives. Thank you for sharing these mighty strong scriptures. God bless you and your family.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you, Luam, for sharing this scripture. I am being led to see it being used in a 12 step program of recovery. We can be sure that God is on our side when we turn our will and our life over to God as we understand Him at that moment.

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He thrusts out the enemy before you; it is he who cries, `Destroy them!' (28) So Israel will live in safety, prosperous Jacob in security, in a land of grain and wine, while the heavens drop down dew. (29) How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will bow low before you, and you will trample on their backs!"

Here is another promise of God's saving help. He provides His people defense from their enemies and fights on their behalf. He assures them of ultimate victory. When our life is in disarray, it is comforting to know that God has genuine concern for our welfare. As we see recovery from our addictions and deal with significant life changing experiences, we can be sure that God is on our side.

Strength to believers.

All shall be sanctified to true believers; if our way be rough, our feet shall be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. As our days, so shall our strength be. Scripture tells us to deal with the events of the day with God; it is a promise that God would graciously and constantly support under trials and troubles, whatever they were. It is a promise sure to all the spiritual seed of Abraham, those of us who know the God of the Bible. Have we work allotted? We shall have strength to do it. Have we burdens appointed? We shall have strength, and never be tempted above what we are able to bear.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for being my friend and sharing God's Word as He leads you to do so. As I read your message again, I believe God is leading me to write some commentary on Proverbs 2.

My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. (2) Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. (3) Cry out for insight and understanding. (4) Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. (5) Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. (6) For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (7) He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. (8) He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him.

Wisdom is like a hidden treasur that is found only by those who search fo it. God will grant us wisdom and good sense. He will also protect us and instruct us on how to make good decisions. We may not have made great decisions in the past, and now we may be suffering the consequences of those decisions. But when we put our trust in God, He will guide us in the decisions we should make in order to experience a full recovery.

Promises to those who seek wisdom.

Those who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom, will never complain that they have lost their labor; and the freeness of the gift does not do away the necessity of our diligence. Observe who are thus favored. They are the righteous, on whom the image of God is renewed, which consists in righteousness. If we depend upon God, and seek to him for wisdom, He will enable us to keep the paths of judgment.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

Greetings IN THE NAME OF JESUS !

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls., for my yoke is easy; and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28, 29, 30

Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man will hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to them, and sup with him and he with me. Revelation 3: 20

Nicodemus came to JESUS by night and said unto him, Rabbi we know that thou art a teacher come from GOD; for no aman can do these miracles that thou doust except GOD be with him. JESUS answered and said unto him, verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, he can not see THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter into his mothers womb and be born?

JESUS ANSWERED and said unto him verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born of water, and of the spirit, he can not enter into THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.

THE SINNERS PRAYER

Dear GOD, IN THE NAME OF JESUS I come to thee, miserable, wretched and undone. I want to be saved and I can not help my self.

I realize that you are the only one that can help me.

Dear GOD please forgive me for my sin, wash me, cleanse me, LORD I PRAY. I surrender my will to you; come into my heart, live, rule and reign in me. I am tired of sin, and the price that it pays. I WANT YOUR PEACE, YOUR LOVE and YOUR JOY.

I want to spend ETERNITY with thee LORD.

I THANK YOU JESUS,

LORD teach me thy ways, lead me , guide me all the way.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

AMEN

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for sharing scriptures and allowing me to contemplate them in my life as I am processing my life in a Life Recovery Ministry.

Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. (14) For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. (15) Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. (16) She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. (17) She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. (18) Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.

Godly wisdom leads to great benefits in life. As we seek wisdom, we will find the other things we desire. As w change our focus and begin to seek after wisdom, we will find our life more fulfilled and secure. Godly wisdom will aslo help us avoid the destructive paths we have previously taken as we treied to fulfill our unmet needs and desires.

To piety, and to improve afflictions.

There is not a greater enemy to the fear of the Lord in the heart, than self-conceit of our own wisdom. The prudence and sobriety which religion teaches, tend not only to the health of the soul, but to the health of the body. Worldly wealth is but poor substance, yet, such as it is, we must honour God with it; and those that do good with what they have, shall have more to do more good with. Should the Lord visit us with trials and sickness, let us not forget that the exhortation speaks to us as to children, for our good. We must not faint under an affliction, be it ever so heavy and long, not be driven to despair, or use wrong means for relief. The father corrects the son whom he loves, because he loves him, and desires that he may be wise and good. Afflictions are so far from doing God's children any hurt, that, by the grace of God, they promote their holiness.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. God bless you and your family. Thank you for being such a good example of how God wants women to behave. Thank you for being such an excellent example of Christ in a woman. Thank you for taking the time to share any time with me. Thank you for being my friend. You have had a dramatic impact in my life. You are the example of a woman I desire for God to lead me to become my future wife. I will put God and the cross before all things. I deserve to be the one on the cross. I do not even deserve to have such a privilege to know such a wonderful woman such as yourself. Your words still touch my heart. Your words are still impacting the direction I am taking. Your words of teaching are moving me to different levels of understanding that has brought me to new awareness of the spiritual world and I expect more as I move upward in my new beginning.

I do find that many times scriptures are given to me in a backward manner as God has shown you these verses in Proverbs. Proverbs, as you know, are my guiding blocks in beginning all my readings in the Bible. I still use the chapter that is the day of the month most of the time. And then I see what God has in store for me. Today, He is showing me to review Proverbs 4 as He has shown you to show me.

My children, listen to me. Listen to your father's instruction. Pay attention and grow wise, (2) for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my teaching. (3) For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child.

(4) My father told me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my instructions and you will live. (5) Learn to be wise, and develop good judgment. Don't forget or turn away from my words. (6)Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. (7) Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. (8) If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you. (9) She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."

Some people grow up in a family where they received wise advice and where wisdom was modeled and taught by their parents. But if we haven't, we may feel like the rest of the human race has passed us by. some of us feel anger, resentment, and shame because we had little guidance and never learned how to make wise choices. We may ask ourselves, Shouldn't someone have shown me the way? Ideally, all of us should have had wise and godly instruction. The book of Proverbs records a father's godly instruction to his son. For those of us who were neglected and given little or no guidance by our parents, it's not too late. We have a father in heaven who is eager to give us the wisdom we need. James advised: "If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him, and He will gladly tell you" (James 1:5). Our heavenly father loves us tenderly, as a parent should. He is always there for us, waiting to give us the wisdom we need whenever we ask for it.

Exhortation to the study of wisdom.

We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God! Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking, and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling.

I will respond to more of your letter in future letters. I am sharing this with others. God bless you and your family.

GOD BLESS you BROTHER BOB today as always,
and I thought you'd like these, AMEN

A time to be born, and a time to die...

Yes, even CHRISTIANS must die, and be RE-BORN ,,,,,,,, AMEN

When we are RE-BORN and BAPTIZED IN THE SPIRIT, and not just the water,
we die daily to ourselves ON THE CROSS ................

We put OURSELVES ON THE CROSS................ AMEN

As men of a house are suppose to do with their WIFE !

They are to put theirself last,

That's why THE WORD says

Husbands love your wives as CHRIST LOVES THE CHURCH !

CHRIST PUT HIMSELF ON THE CROSS FOR THE CHURCH !
                                               HIS BRIDE !

and women are to do the same for their husband........

Submit to one another remember?????????

Yet, we have a society that trys to tell the husband to be first, be full of pride etc.

We need more of ourselves ON THE CROSS , and then you get UNDERSTANDING.

Remember in Proverbs it says in all your getting get understanding. AMEN

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.
PROVERBS 4: 7

Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
PROVERBS 4:5

HAPPY IS THE MAN THAT FINDETH WISDOM, AND THE MAN THAT GETTETH UNDERSTANDING.
PROVERBS 3: 13

For THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
PROVERBS 2: 6

Then shalt thou understand THE FEAR OF THE LORD, and find THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
PROVERBS 2:5

(Brother Bob , isn't interesting how THE HOLY GHOST LEADS ME TO THE ORDER OF THE SCRIPTURES? ? )          Smile !       LOL

                                             GOD BLESS YOU
                                             YOUR SISTER IN CHRIST
                                                       CHRISTINE SISTER

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

Greetings IN THE NAME OF JESUS !

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls., for my yoke is easy; and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28, 29, 30

Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man will hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to them, and sup with him and he with me. Revelation 3: 20

Nicodemus came to JESUS by night and said unto him, Rabbi we know that thou art a teacher come from GOD; for no aman can do these miracles that thou doust except GOD be with him. JESUS answered and said unto him, verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT A MAN BE BORN AGAIN, he can not see THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Nicodemus said unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter into his mothers womb and be born?

JESUS ANSWERED and said unto him verily, verily I say unto thee, EXCEPT a man be born of water, and of the spirit, he can not enter into THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. It is past 4 AM and I believe God woke me up to plant some seeds in your mind as He has in mine.

New national organizations to consider registering in Hawaii (and something to keep us busy for the rest of our lives doing something more than just making a living for ourselves, but doing what Jesus might do):

Some immediate concerns that we have discussed is updating the Articles of Incorporation for the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry with you as a director and updating the By-Laws reflecting the pastor and leadership as it will be when it becomes a 501(c)(3) with your help and other tax exempt organization that might support the process. The Hawaii laws require annual updates and it was registered March 1, 2004 as a non-profit church in the State of Hawaii. Something to keep in mind, since WBOM is a church without walls under the skys of Waikiki, if all of the Christian churches were full, only 20% of the US population could go to church to learn about Jesus; therefore, WBOM could theoretically serve the remaining 80%. Something to think about.

I would also like you to consider doing the annual updates to Spiritual Properties And Maintenance, LLC, so I can keep that current (it also needs update by March 1st). You may also include your name as a director if you so desire to use it as a vehicle to provide legal services to those who own property. I am willing to pay for your time to make this happen.

Founder and CEO of 123 Law Hawaii, LLC, a legal logistics service for the legal profession and paralegal services for the public;

Founder and CEO of Foundation to End American Homelessness and Mental Illness (FEAHMI formed in 2005), a tax exept organization to help use resources from those who desire to do something to end homelessness and mental illness in the United States of America, and to transform programs into action;

Founder and CEO of the Institute for the Rights of American Homeless as Citizens (IRAHC registered in 2005), a non-profit lobbying organization that is rallying the supporters of homeless rights and becoming the leader in voicing the cries of the homeless begging for thier equal rights promised in the US Constitution;

Director of the Life Recover Ministry (LRM organized in 2005 under www.liferecoveryministry.org as a blogging site {to do in 2005}), a non-profit ministry spreading the Word of God through the internet to help those suffering from addictions using a 12 step program supported by scriptures,

Director and Midnight Lawyer of the Waikiki Beach Outreach Ministry (WBOM founded in 2003 with web www.waikikibeachoutreach.org), a non-profit ministry providing food, drink, clothes, shelter, health care, and legal services to the homeless and poor who live on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Director and Legal Advisor for Spiritual Properties And Maintenance, LLC (SPAM organized in 2004), a service to provide jobs and funds to move homeless off the street with departments of labor for computer services, interior decorating services, recycled products, travel services, construction services, legal support for property owners, and other services identified that the public needs and are willing to pay for to help the less fortunate succeed.

These are just some of my thoughts I believe God just planted into my head, so I decided to share them with you.

God bless you and your mother. I pray all works well with your visit with your mother, finding someone to share your downtown office space, and moving into your new condominium near Waikiki. I have also shared this letter with my friends.

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Thank you for sharing scriptures to me. I have decided to respond only to one of them, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This is a continuation of the email you have already sent me.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

This reminds me of a song that was popular many years ago (in the 60s). I think it was done by The Byrds called Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season).

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

Analyzing each of these "times" would most likely miss the Teacher's point. These are figures of speech that present two opposite extremes and include the entire spectrum between them. For instance, ther is a time to be born and a time to die, but the emphasis is on the lifetime in between. There is a time for everthing because God has set the times. All of life is part of a welll-orcestrated symphony for which God has written the music. An essential part of recovery is seeking out God's plan fo us and then following it.

i. Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"

. It challenges you by causing you to grow through the trials and tribulations of life.

1 - A time to die This was apparently the time that faced Solomon when he wrote this.

5 - A time to embrace This has a deeper meaning in connection to developing families.

These familiar words from Ecclesiastes resonate deeply with so many of us because we too have experienced these seasons along the journeys of our lives. We remember the times of birth and death, times of weeping and laughing. As we grow, we find ourselves in times of seeking or losing our sense of meaning, identity, relationships, and divine love. With each turn, some things are kept, while others are thrown away.

There are so many changes, so many seasons, so many times. But where does the season of play fit in? Should we be expected to play during seasons of laughing and dancing, but denied those moments during times of weeping and mourning? I hope this short meditation provides a space for personal discernment regarding your own understanding of appropriate times to play.

Our most enjoyable seasons are the ones filled with laughter and dancing. We abound with energy, are excited about life, about God, and excited about this world. Spend a few moments with Psalm 150. Remember those times when your actions shouted out "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!" (v. 6). As you continue to meditate, think about those moments when you've been filled with laughter or a spirit that joyfully dances around the room and the role of play in those seasons.

There are other seasons of mourning and weepingtimes when you've felt alone in the world, as if the crashing waves of responsibilities for work, family, and friends were overwhelming you. Spend a few moments praying through Psalm 88. Think of moments in which you've cried out, "I am like those who have no helplike those whom you remember no moreO Lord, why do you cast me off?" (vs. 4, 5, 14). How do you express yourself during these periods of mourning and pain? Is there space for play?

Are there times when we laugh and weep at the same time, when we lament and praise within the same breath? Spend a few moments to meditate on Psalm 42. Have you ever wondered like the psalmist, "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted with me?" while holding fast to the promise of "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." (vs. 5-6a). What was your attitude toward play then?

The reasons why and how we play are diverse. Sometimes we play because we're filled with laughter and want to celebrate. Other times we play because we need to let off some steam or take a break from the pain that surrounds us. Still other times, we play because we're seeking a way to push the boundaries of our own lives and the world around us. During these times of seeking, we hope to be transformed, in order to see the world and ourselves in a new wayto enter into a world of new possibilities. Sometimes we play simply because it provides us with a way to physically express our inward spiritual reality. When we lack the words, our play can communicate our joy, our pain, our laughter, and our sorrow.

Regardless of the reasons or seasons, at the center of true play, we provide ourselves with an opportunity to enter a new world. We're given a chance to experience something that becomes a re-creative, life-giving act. It's done not only to escape the bad times or celebrate the good, but rather in hopes that we might encounter the fullness of God.

Though we can encounter God through play, we cannot force this encounter. Only God chooses when and how to be revealed to us. Furthermore, we cannot force others to play. We can encourage others, especially our youth, to join in our moments of play, but we cannot force them.

As we hear the words, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Eccl. 3:1), we must realize that times of play shouldn't be limited to seasons of laughing and dancing. In a season of weeping and mourning, different forms of play may provide us with opportunities that allow us to encounter God in new ways, transcending all seasons and times.

What seasons are you going through right now? How will we in different seasons react to playing?

What are some examples of alternative ways to play for us during different seasons of life?

When do we think it's okay for someone not to play with the other groups? What would we do instead?

If some of our youth are having a rough day, will this time of play provide them with a new way to work through their troubles? Will it create additional tension?

If you're unsure how we are feeling, how can a time of play help us connect with others' needs?

Will this time of play provide for a re-creative space for everybody, or will it create a spirit of angry competition and divisiveness?

Have we experienced times of play as being emotionally or spiritually transformative? How can we share these experiences with our youth? How have they shared these experiences with you?

I think this is a good place to take a break to contemplate what these words mean in our lives. Thank you for sharing these mighty strong scriptures. God bless you and your family.