Will post winner around 9pm.
Friday, July 22
What Will You Teach Your Children about Alcohol?
Pastor James McDonald has a great discussion in the link above. Alcohol is continually a hot topic question among Christians today. Would love to hear some discussion about it!
My Story
I am so thankful for my parents talking to me about alcohol when I was in middle school.They didn't just talk to me about it.
They practiced what they preached.
Alcohol was never in my home. Never used on vacations. Never used period.
The COST Abstaining from alcohol cost me popularity in high school. It labeled me as a, "holy roller." It kept many people from befriending me. As an adult, in the business world, it caused others to label me, "different" or cause some to quietly in the mind consider me a "religious fanatic." Ever want to immediately alienate yourself from a crowd- deny a drink in front of others and watch people scatter away like ants. I knew it cost me and I never cared. I was confident in my beliefs and why I held to them. I never felt like I had to explain or make a scene. But asking for a diet coke at dinner instead a glass of wine makes it quite obvious to everyone around the table that you aren't a social drinker.
Abstaining from alcohol changed the way I dated. It closed many doors through the years. I'll never forget the time as a single adult I wanted this fellow to ask me out on a date so bad. The one time when he did call to ask me out on a first date was to a wine tasting!!! Yep, for real! I kindly thanked him and declined right then. He never called me back. Imagine that! Abstaining from alcohol was one of the main qualities I was looking for in a husband. One of the discussions my husband first talked about before we dated was that we both didn't drink alcohol. When we became engaged we addressed the fact that we never wanted to have its presence in our home. It never has.
Some Good Thoughts about Alcohol
I love what Dr. Billy Graham had to say in one of his books. This explains my belief. He said, "I don't drink because I believe one drink leads to another and then another. I don't want any spirit to have a hold of me other than the Holy Spirit." This has become my answer when asked specifically why I don't drink by other believers. As the product of alcoholic grandfathers both my parents were quite aware of one drink leading to another. That was one of the reasons why they were so strong in preaching to me as a young teen to avoid alcohol's seduction. But they knew that something happened to a person when they let one drink lead to another drink. Their personality changed. Both their father's personality changed while under its influence. They would talk different and act different than what they normally would behave. For a child, that makes a lifelong lasting impression.I don't mind people having differing opinions from me about drinking. Believe me, there ARE varying opinions. I don't try to get into debates about why to not drink or convince believers to not drink. Because scripture never says not to drink. People drank wine in the bible. Jesus drank wine! But I don't drink because I believe drinking alcohol hinders my witness and could cause me to not guard my witness to others.You could argue with me that gossiping, malice toward others, a bad temper and lying could hinder out witness too. YES I agree. They ALL do. But just like I try to keep myself from falling into those temptations that would hinder my witness, I believe alcohol falls in line with them for me as well.
Alcohol and Parenting
For my son, I will teach him my beliefs and pray he holds to the same. But even more, I will show him by example. Think about it. If a parent says, "don't drink" to their teen in high school but their teen sees them drinking a glass of wine at home or at a restaurant, what is their teen to think? It's conflicting to them. They hear their parent "say" one thing and "do" another. More than likely the message the teen hears is that its OK to drink and will be more likely to try alcohol when away from the family. I believe if you truly don't want your children to drink then words aren't enough. Actions tell the true belief.
I am not telling anyone what to "do" or "not do." I am simply sharing with you how I came to that belief and how I have been able to hold to it. The debate over whether or not to drink or not drink is one between you and God .If you are struggling over the question, seek scripture and talk to other believers. Seek out pastors beliefs and pray for God to give you clarity.
Just like Pastor McDonald shares how alcohol is the elephant in the room when it comes to believers, I too think that parents must have to take a stand and be able to openly share it with their children. To not talk about it to their teens is to let their teens fall prey to pressure. It is to send them out into battle without any weapons. Teaching our children before they are presented with the situation makes it easier for them to stand strong and stay confident in a world that is trying to bring them down.
Decide your belief.
Take a stand as a family.
Openly talk about it to your children.
They will be glad you did.
Thursday, July 21
Free Art Friday this FRIDAY!!!!
It's back! Free Art Friday is back! Must be a follower of Joy Treasure to be eligible for the painting. Check out the blog on how to join by reading the sidebars. Also can follow under Facebook by clicking on "Follow on Facebook" blue box at the left hand sidebar.
To enter Free Art Friday, leave your name in the comment box and follow its promptings. Winner will be chosen by my son picking out names!!!! He is honest I promise! And a good helper I might add!
Free Art Friday begins today Thursday July 21st at 4pm and runs to Friday July 22nd at 4pm. Winner will be announced Friday evening of July 22nd.
The painting: The words: Christ Follower- 8X10 in size Mixed Media.
Wednesday, July 20
Uncovering Idols
It occurred to me recently that idols don't necessarily look bad.
In fact, they look really good.
Precious to be exact.
That's why uncovering idols can be difficult for us to uncover inside our heart. Because the idols we cherish can be the things we hold dearest to our hearts like our family or our home. We love our family. They are precious to us. And the home we live in becomes even more precious because that's where memories are established. So the home and material possessions we hold dearest to our hearts can even keep our heart from treasuring Jesus. Gulp. That's a hard one to swallow.
The reason it's so easy to place "good things" before Jesus is because they are good! Most of us think of idol worship as depicted in the bible where pagans set up an altar to worship a deaf, mute idol. As followers of Christ, we would never do that, but we actually do that when we place all our energy, all our desire, all our confidence, and all our worth to worship the good things in our life. This thought pierced my heart when I considered how I can place my affection toward "good things of life" before adoring my LORD. Even these, no matter how good they are, are not supposed to take the place of my LORD.
Idolatry is simply anything or object we adore before adoring God. It's placing our heart's devotion toward other things besides being devoted first to God. Maybe you worship your kids or the things you get to do through your kids. Maybe you worship your husband or your boyfriend. Maybe you worship your home or your vacation getaway. Maybe its your hobbie, or sport, or your appearance. Perhaps its your job or a skill you have mastered. What is it that you are worshipping and adoring more than God?
Just because believers aren't worshipping fertility or nature gods or any other kind of god doesn't mean we don't fall into worshipping idols.We do. The problem is we can't see it sometimes because what we worship doesn't look bad. Be careful and examine who your affections run toward. Ask God to give you eyes to see and a desire to love Him and know Him more. When we place the good things before God, we miss knowing Him more and serving Him. We miss being able to love Him with our, "whole heart" (Deuteronomy 6:5).
The bible says God is a, "jealous God" (Exodus 20:5).
Isaiah 42:8 says,"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.
It's time to uncover those idols that are "good things" and place them back where they belong- after God not before Him.
Sunday, July 17
Manna Monday- Running To Nowhere
So, I'm back! Thanks to ALL who have continued to look for me here at Joy Treasure.
I have been on a much needed break, had some computer trouble (laptop had to go to the doctor!) enjoyed vacation and time with my family. But there's nothing like being back here with you here on the JT blog. It is a true joy of my life to share Christ in everyday life with you all!
I have been dying to write this post!!! Hope you enjoy!
Every Sunday morning, with praise music playing in the background, I ride through an ideal suburban neighborhood with a long smooth sidewalk- perfect for exercising. You can bet your bottom dollar you will always find walkers, runners, or pet owners walking their dogs on the sidewalk near the street. They look so intense and committed to their morning walk or run. And as I journey through on my way to church, I think, " How ironic! They are running to nowhere."
Running for nothing.
Running for a body that will break down.
Running for things that pass away.
The are convinced excercising on Sunday morning is "the life." A good sunday morning jog instead of church will give them a better day. The priority they place on excercise over knowing Jesus will give them more years to live with their family, go on more vacations, or take less medicine. But their quality of life is inwardly dead. No matter how much they excercise it will never give them true life, new life, or life for eternity. So their running, although exercise is good for the body, is leading them to eternal death. Their priority to place this earthly life above seeking Christ will never satisfy their inner longing to know true love and true purpose.
As I cruise through the neighborhood, I begin to pray for them to know Jesus. I pray they would come to see that exercising or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning isn't what will give them a better life. I pray they would see their need for Jesus and that Jesus would draw them close to Him.
Who is it you know that's running to nowhere? Is it a family member who is looking for the next person to date to make them "complete"? Is it a friend who is chasing after a bigger, better job? Is it a neighbor who is working toward having a nicer, bigger home? Is it a teen who is searching for the next party or the next drug to make them feel better? Who is it? Who do you know that is running to nowhere?
The bible says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Matthew 24:35
This life will pass away but God's Word will remain forever. God will remain forever. And we will live with Him in Heaven.
Take a moment to write down the name of a person who is running to nowhere. Pray for them. Commit to continue to pray for them. When you see them, pray for them silently as you see them. Don't give up praying for those around you who don't know Jesus. Keep on Praying- no matter how long it takes to get an answer. Just don't give up!
(I believe exercise is very important. Please do not mistake my belief on exercise!)
Friday, May 6
Free Art Friday Winner
Sorry everyone, I had some things come up today that had to get done and along with that, my new SD disc had a broken prong and wouldn't let me take pictures this am. So after a new SD disc and lots of errands I finally have everything working again! Just when you think technology is reliable, it's not! HA!
Tonight before bed, my son wanted to put the names in his train. So I said, "we haven't tried that before...give it a go!"
Picking a winner........
Congrats DeDe and your mom or mother-in law!
Thanks to everyone who entered the Mother's Day drawing and like I always say....keep trying! I appreciate all of you who entered and who continue to support the blogging ministry of Joy Treasure by reading and sharing it with your family and friends! It's a joy to serve and encourage you through the written word of God.
Happy Mother's Day to everyone!
Free Art Friday Winner
Please bear with me today. Something has come up and I cannot post the winner until later today. Please keep checking in to see when I post the Mother's Day winner.
Tuesday, May 3
Free Art Friday- A Mother's Heart
How to Enter
To be eligible to win, you must be a follower of the Joy Treasure blog and then enter your name in the comment section of this post. (Join the Joy Treasure blog through Facebook, yahoo, twitter, or google. Read Sidebars for more information.)I will be having my son draw from all the names entered in this post out of a bowl Friday morning. The result will be posted on Friday, May 6th at 9:30am.
When Does it Begin?
Free Art Friday begins today, Tuesday May 3, at 9am and will run through Thursday May 5th at 9pm. Eligibility for this drawing will be closed at 9pm Thursday May 5th.
Inspiration for this week's giveaway focuses on the secret of great mothers- having a heart for Christ.
One for you......... Scripture says, "And these words which I command you this day shall be written on your heart." Deuteronomy 6:6
The Secret to great mothers is that they are Godly mothers. Anyone can be great, but not anyone can be Godly. A Godly mother instills eternity into the hearts of her children. She leads by example. Her actions tell the story of her heart. She is humble like Christ and seeks to place others needs above her own. She takes responsibility for her own actions and doesn't blame others for her own mistakes. She loves continually, prays like crazy and can laugh at tomorrow.
My mother loves the LORD with all her heart and it has made all the difference in my life. Without her first love for Jesus, I wonder where I would be today? She has taught me to love God's word, obey God's commands and align my life accordingly to God's truth. The bible was more than something she read on Sunday mornings. It guided her everyday life, her marriage and mothering, her actions, her attitude. It has been a privilege for me to have such a mother like this. Her faith proved to me she believed what she spoke about Jesus for there never was any disconnect between her belief and life actions. This is the kind of mother I want to be for my child. I don't want to just "go to church" or "be a giver to to the needy." Non-believers can do that. I want to be a Godly mother, a woman whose heart surrenders daily to Christ and seeks for HIS truth to penetrate deep into every cell of my heart making me different from the inside out.
Without a heart changed by Christ, I am nothing but lost.
Without Christ in my heart, my mothering would be worldly and full of good intentions.
Thank you God for saving me.....for bringing new life into this dead heart!!!!!!!!
The secret to being a Godly mother is Christ-first (Matt 6:33).
Everything else in life will fall into place if He is the first priority.
What has your mother shown you about Christ?
Monday, May 2
Newly Added to Favorite Song Page- "Just to Be with You" by Paul Baloche
Love this song written by Paul Baloche!!! I got the fortunate opportunity to sing with him when my church choir backed him up at the Southern Baptist Convention three years ago. His heart for the Lord is so inspiring by the music he writes. This song is like a love song to Christ- to express our hearts desire to be close to Him. To hear the entire song go to Favorite Song of the Week right under the Joy Treasure heading.
Manna Mondays: God is Still on His Throne
There has been so much going on in the world in just one week. But yet God is still on His throne.
Although I do not live in the tornado ravaged area of Tuscaloosa, AL, I used to work there for almost eight years. It is like a home to me in some respects. While rummaging through the pictures online of the damaged areas in the city, I came across one that I wanted to share with you.It hit straight to my heart. Below is the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby and Big Lots. This is a side view of it. The buildings (what's left of them) are behind this picture so you do not see them. Yet, I know that little yellow house still left standing in the pictures. I used to park on the side of the lot facing that little yellow house during my lunch hour... some days. I worked as a salesman in this town and most days I would have lunch appointments with doctor's offices, but on the days when I did not sponsor a lunch with an office, I needed a place to camp out close to my next appointments after lunch breaks. This is the parking lot where I would park, eat my lunch, read my bible and pray. It is a special place to me.
To see this picture breaks my heart. This area of the town was so densely populated and now it is gone. It's hard for me to wrap my brain around the devastation and I don't even live there. As I continue to look at how much of the part of Tuscaloosa is completely devastated, it reminds me that we truly have nothing in this world. All our material possessions are nothing. All the things we hope for, work for, and pine over can be gone in 60 seconds.
For those of us who live in Alabama and the south, there is an outpouring of neighbors helping neighbors that is so inspiring. So what really matters? Eternity. Jesus is all that will remain. Even despite all this destruction, God is still on His throne. I am praying for more hearts to come to see that Jesus is all they need.
With this post, I wanted to share with you a way you can help the tornado victims in Alabama.
1. Pray
2. Give
3. Never forget the needs when the media moves on to new stories. This is a longtime commitment to bring these areas back to life.
Grace's Kitchen, an organization started by two women in my church, is working to help the tornado victims by providing warm meals. If you cannot help personally, please consider how you can give. For more info check out the following link:
Hebrews 1:8, "But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom."
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"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."
Matthew 25:23
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