Have Fun!

 Ch. 22: Wholesome Family Recreation: Building Strong Families 

“Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” Pg. 1050 We live in a world today where it is not hard to find something fun to do. There are many distractions! When it comes to technology, we have the television, video games, smart phones (social media), and tablets! The choices are endless. However, we also have to take into consideration the choices and the quality of these different recreational activities and how they will impact our lives and the lives of our families. How are we choosing to spend our time? I know I could get on my Instagram account and scroll of hours being fully entertained, but what gain is that bringing to my life or that of my family? I have now become the consumer of technology and that has stolen my time. In fact, by searching to find connections online, I have physically and emotionally disconnected myself from my family. Some of the recreational activities we like to do as a family include: hiking, camping, watching movies/make milkshakes, and going to the beach. These activities have helped us connect as a family. We have the opportunity to talk to one another and have fun together. We get to create memories that will last forever. “When families take the time and make the effort to go hiking, camping, and backpacking, and engage in other outdoor pursuits, they learn to cope with new and diverse environments as a family. These types of wholesome family recreational experiences promote family members' beliefs in their ability to resolve conflicts at home (Wells, Widmer, & McCoy, 2004).” Pg. 1072 I have experienced this within my own family. I have learned so much just by going out with my family and experiencing new things. I never would have had that opportunity if I was just sitting home on my phone all day or watching T.V./ playing video games. I know that by going out and experiencing these types of wholesome recreational activities will help your family grow mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 

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