"Loving Pleasures"

 "Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 8:15 KJV)

  "Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:1-5 NLT)

 Now, let's think about this for a moment, as we ponder the things which are acceptable, alongside those things that are not. Is it okay to laugh and enjoy times with families? There might be some who say it is not, as if the thought of having a good time is wrong, because brothers and sisters are being persecuted all over the world; so, what gives you the right to be merry? 

 Let me tell you something that I enjoy, more than anything else under the sun, (besides fellowship at church), having meals with my family, with at least 12 or more people sitting at the table. We have a great time of sharing with one another; not that everyone is a believer, but because we are all family. There is hardly a time when the whole restaurant doesn't notice us, because we spend more time sharing and laughing, then we do, eating our food.

 Things seem to be even better when Marianne is also seated at the table. That might be because she is there; giving everyone a reason to enjoy life, while it can still be enjoyed! If you like gatherings, then you would know what I am saying. There is nobody there on their phone, ignoring what is going on, because if they were, they would just feel convicted. Not to say that doesn't ever happen, because there are a few of the family that just want to be alone. 

 If you don't mind, Solomon is, in a strange sort of a way, is making a toast to those times we can be together, celebrating the life God has given us, under the sun...

"Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT)