The Mother of Little Acts

Kathy Carlton Willis is one of the most encouraging women I know. In this Mother's Day UPGRADE, she has a message for all women about how we can "mother" others through little acts of kindness and love.

"Since I wasn't blessed with children, I never know how to feel on Mother's Day," Kathy says. "But God gives all of us, whether a parent or childless, ways to be a mother to others."

I (Dawn) have always felt a lttle upset for those who must face Mother's Day with sadness. Maybe it's a woman who has no children, or a child whose mother has passed away. I was so glad to read Kathy's positive words. We can all learn to "mother" others and bless them in countless ways.    

It may not take away the sting of loss or sorrow, but it gives us a way to channel our feelings for good.

Kathy continues . . . 

When I look up the word "mother" in my handy thesaurus, it says a mother protects, nurses, tends to, pampers, nurtures, raises, looks after, cares for.

In Hosea, Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke, God or Jesus are described as mother figures. To be godly, we too can take on the character traits of a good mother.

During this pandemic, I've witnessed so many doing amazing acts of kindness. What have we learned during this time about showing love?

All these little things amount to big ways we can help others. Lives were touched from more than six feet apart!

There are also many unnoticed acts of love.

Moms have to do thankless tasks. We can all take up the challenge to be unseen do-ers. Not seeking credit but spreading joy.

It doesn’t take a big action to have a big effect.

God sees every unseen act of kindness or service.

Little Things in the Bible

• The Widow at Zarephath used flour and oil and a few sticks for a fire to make bread to feed Elijah. She had enough for the remainder of the drought. (1 Kings 17:7-24)
  
• The tongue. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. (James 3:5 NLT)
• The mustard seed. (Matthew 13:31-32; Luke 17:6)
• The widow who gave her last two coins. (Mark 12:41)
• The five-loaves-and-two-fish happy meal the mom packed to send with her boy. (Matthew 14:17; John 6:9)
• The sparrow. (Matthew 10:29-31)
• The number of hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7)
• Moses’ rod. (Exodus 4:1-5, 17, 20)
• David’s sling and five smooth stones. (I Samuel 17:40, 49)
• Shamgar’s ox goad. (Judges 3:31)
  
• Samson’s jawbone of a donkey. (Judges 15:14-16)

In any struggle, God can use even the insignificant thing that is already in our hands to give us victory!

When Peter and John saw the crippled man at the gate called Beautiful, asking for alms, they didn’t have money to give, but through Jesus Christ, had something greater.

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)

Unseen Acts

Moms, caregivers, and others constantly perform acts of tiny service that go unseen. Not a day goes by without these little details.

If you’ve ever felt like your day is filled with mundane tasks, unnoticed by others and seemingly unimportant, I have a message for you.

Your affirmation and appreciation won’t always come from the recipients of your loving acts.

But God sees. He knows.

Your acts aren’t unseen, and you—you are not invisible. God not only notices you, He delights in you.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) says:

For the Lord your God is living among you.

He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

I love the idea of God singing songs over me!

He takes delight in us. He notices us.

Think what would happen if we made a commitment to give freely. We’d be enriched by it and others will know they are cared for.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. (Proverbs 11:24 ESV)

Everyday Mothering

1. Notice others. Say their names. Know their hearts. Pay attention to what they love.
2. Do a tiny act of kindness. When we serve others, it’s not insignificant. Sometimes, the simpler the act, the more it touches the recipient.
3. Don’t allow the mundaneness of everyday life to overtake being connected in community.

How will you “mother” others this week?

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Her latest book is 7 Trials Every Woman Faces. Kathy is active as a book industry pro, and her coaching group, WordGirls, propels women toward their writing goals. She graduated with honors from Bible College and has served 30+ years in full-time ministry. Check out her Grin & Grow Break video devotions on social media. Learn more about Kathy here.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pasja1000 at Pixabay.

Gathering Friends in a Post-Pandemic World

Sally Ferguson is the kind of woman you'd want for a friend: Wise, fun, and life-building. In this Friendship UPGRADE, she meets us where we are—post coronavirus and hungry to gather with friends.

"More than ever, we need connection," Sally says, "especially when it's hard with social distancing. But, women are finding creative ways to engage ladies that take us beyond covid limitations!”

I (Dawn) have sooooo missed connection with friends. Sally taps into that isolated feeling we've had and encourages ways to gather in the days ahead.

Sally continues . . .

Women’s Ministry mentor, Cyndee Ownbey says there’s a physiological response when women get together. We feel better and interact with life better.

Biblical examples of friendships include Naomi and Ruth, Jonathan and David, and Paul and Barnabas. Each relationship symbolized the camaraderie that comes with traveling through life together, and the lightened load of isolation.

When the covid lockdown began, author Kathy Carlton Willis faced the cancellation of 21 speaking engagements. Kathy pivoted to focus on coaching writers through online retreats.

The result was better than expected, and resulted in the production of a book called 7 Trials Every Woman Faces, as well as one with her WordGirls group, called Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom.

Kathy says, “I had the choice of giving up and giving in when the pandemic hit, or giving God space to reinvent my work. He didn’t change my purpose or my passion, but He gave me time to publish two books and to pour into the lives of others. The changes to my calendar didn’t mean I was closed for ministry.

“One of the special outcomes of the pandemic," she said, "is that more people are familiar with the technology of video groups and more willing to use it. Because of that, I’ve been able to meet with several different groups without even leaving home.

"7 Trials Every Woman Faces was also picked up by some small groups to do either in person with covid precautions or on Zoom.”

Zoom meetings became the new norm this past year.

While we may not be past the pandemic yet, it gave us ways to engage others.

We’ve all learned we need social interaction in order to thrive, but covid limitations continue to urge caution.

How did you swivel to meet changes this year?

We found some gals more willing to participate on Zoom from the security of their own homes. Others preferred to ride it out without the headaches of technology.

In an interview with Marnie Swedberg, Peg Arnold said the forced quarantine gave us the opportunity to reframe our perspective and learn new strategies to stay connected socially.

It reminded me of the car parades organized to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and seniors graduating from high school.

Our church’s children’s pastor planned Scavenger Hunts for families to do around town, from the safety of their own cars.

Jean Brown says, “The first hunt was Easter 2020 and went way beyond our wildest imagination. People found out about it on our Facebook page and signed up to join us, including other churches and a preschool. It became a big hit in our community as they posted enthusiastic and happy pictures.”

While Jean was brainstorming a way to follow up, she saw a shift in ministry focus to reach more than the kids, but to become family oriented with a family service and an innovative drive-thru VBS.

“We began to think outside the box," Jean says, "and now we know we can!”

Going forward, ministry leader Kathy Bruins recommends hybrid events where traditional attendance blends with live-stream viewing.

Her advice for a successful event?

• Have the recording available for 30 days to those who want to purchase it.
• Keep joy forefront (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
• Have a mission statement to guide your event.

Remember our friends from the Bible?

• Naomi knew she needed to get to her hometown support system (Ruth 1).
• David relied on Jonathan’s insight for safety (1 Samuel 20).
• Barnabas brought Paul home to the believers’ fold (Acts 11:25-26).

There’s a common thread that says:

We need others to not just survive, but to thrive.

What will you do for your next event? Summertime brings outdoor options.

One of my favorite from years ago, was a prayer retreat at a local park. We brought sack lunches, lawn chairs, and a desire to dig into God’s Word together.

Whatever you do for your gals, make sure you:

• Follow COVID requirements with sanitizer, distancing and masks;
• Communicate safety, to put minds at ease;
• Pre-box foods and keep wrapped separately for minimal handling; and
• Bring humor.

You can instigate a fun-filled, future for your women’s group in a post-pandemic world, and reach gals who are starved for friendship. You’ll benefit, too!

How will you offer hospitality and reassurance to hurting people, while social distancing?

Sally Ferguson is a caregiver for her dad and her grands, and writing a Bible study for caregivers. She lives in western New York with her hubby of 33 years. Look for her words at EzineArticles, AlmostAnAuthor, and Upgrade with Dawn. Her coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? (Warner Press) and ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat are both available on Amazon. For more information about Sally, visit her website.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Joel Muniz at Unsplash.

When You Face a Problem, Follow Mary's Example

Debbie W. Wilson is one of two women I know who says so much in few words. In this Faith and Obedience UPGRADE, she points to a woman in the Bible who was a perfect example of how we can face everyday problems or problems that seem incredibly daunting.

Debbie says, "What do you do when you come up against an unexpected or impossible problem? Try to fix it, panic, or call for help? Mary, the mother of Jesus, models how I want to act."

When problems come, I (Dawn) tend to be a "fixer." I say, "I can handle this."

But how many times, I wonder, might Jesus have handled it differently? How many times have I short-circuited what He wanted to do in a situation. He still works, but do I get the glory, or Him? Debbie challenges our perspective.

Debbie continues . . .

At the beginning of His public ministry at age thirty, Jesus attended a wedding at Cana. Mary must have been helping at the wedding. When the wine ran out, she brought the problem to Jesus. You can read the account here: John 2:1-11.

Mary said to Jesus, “They have no more wine.”

That’s it.

No pleading, no explanation of how embarrassing or urgent this was, no pointing out how this might foster faith in His disciples. Just, “They have no more wine.”

To the servants she said, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Jesus told them to fill the ceremonial washing jars with water. They filled six 20-30-gallon jars to the brim.

“Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet,” He said.

I smile when I read this.

Did the servant hold his breath when the host tasted the water?

I picture his eyes sparking with relief when the master proclaimed, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Personal Applications

1. Tell Jesus the problem—not the solution.

When I bring my problems to God, I often suggest ways to solve them.

There is nothing wrong with asking. But did you notice, Mary didn’t tell Jesus how to fix the problem? How could she?

Jesus did something that defied imagination. 

When I focus on how I think He should act, I miss the work He is doing.

2. Follow His instructions and leave the results with Him. 

Mary didn’t supervise Jesus’ actions. She told the servants to do what He said.

I’m sure His directions didn’t make sense to them. Because they obeyed, they experienced a miracle.

Trust Jesus with My Problem

Mary knew Jesus’ compassion. She trusted His love, wisdom, and ability.

• Perhaps Jesus had miraculously multiplied food for His family in the meager years after Joseph died.
  
• Satan knew Jesus could turn a stone into bread (Matthew 4:3).

After Mary told Jesus about the need, she left the problem in His capable hands.

If Mary didn’t feel a need to tell her son how to solve the problem, why do I think I need to come up with the solution for my Lord? I only need to trust and obey Him.

I can’t see His spiritual power at work anymore than I can see the wind.

But when I trust Him, I witness the result.

How can you apply Mary’s example to a problem you’re facing?

Debbie W. Wilson, drawing from her walk with Christ and decades as a Christian counselor and Bible teacher, mixes insight and encouragement to inspire readers to trust Christ with their lives. Her books include Little Faith, Big God, Give Yourself a Break, and Little Women, Big God. She and her husband Larry founded and run Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit biblical counseling, coaching, and Bible study ministry. Find free resources to refresh your faith at debbieWwilson.com.

Photo of Stone Water Jars from Land of Israel Tours.

There's a Frog on the Table

Kolleen Lucariello is one of the people in my life that I wish lived nearer, because I'd love to spend time with her—to laugh and learn. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she shares a humorous story with a profound application. "Mimi, why is there a frog on the table?"

Not wanting to disappoint my grandson’s prank, I replied, "A frog on the table, huh? I don’t know, Mason. Why is there a frog on the table?" 

I (Dawn) think this is such a cute story—and leave it to Kolleen to create a powerful application.

Kolleen continues . . .

"No, really, Mimi! There’s a frog on your table," Mason said.

I chuckled and made my way to the table. "Okay, let’s see this 'frog.'" 

"Oh! There IS a frog on the table." 

'See Mimi! I told you!" Mason exclaimed. "How did he get there?"

With a bit of confusion, I replied, "I’m really not sure." 

After Mason assured me that he did not bring the frog in and put him on the table, I began to consider all possibilities of how he did get there.

Glancing around the room it hit me—the hibiscus tree.

I'd taken my small tree outside to enjoy the warm sun and brought it back inside with the cooler temperatures predicted that night. It never occurred to me that a sneaky little frog would become attached to it; much less find its way to the kitchen table—but there it was.

In a place it did not belong.  

I can't say I blame the poor little critter. The tree was pretty, and the night was going to be chilly. However, the house was not where the frog belonged, so back outside he went.

We placed him by another pretty tree, said our goodbyes, and hoped he'd live a spectacular life free from any harm.

"A frog on the table"—I laughed for days over that.  

Every now and then I think about that little frog that found himself on our kitchen table, because he attached himself to a tree. 

I can relate. I've found myself attached to a few 'trees' of my own. I've hidden myself within devotions to friends and opinions; dreams and expectations—even a few attitudes and beliefs.  Yet, each one, at times, has left me clinging to a place I didn't really belong.

I'm sure we’ve all experienced bonds that have taken us away from where God intended for us to be.   

Mary Magdalene seems like someone who understood attachments. I envision her as a woman just barely holding on when she encountered Jesus.

What a defining moment that must have been for the woman whose life had been interrupted by tormenting demons—seven of them to be exact (Luke 8:2).

The Bible mentions some symptoms of demon possession: 

• speechlessness (Luke 11:14),
• blindness (Matthew 12:22), and
  
• convulsions and foaming at the mouth (Mark 9:17-27).

We don’t know the full extent of Mary's suffering; it certainly isn't difficult to imagine her life was unstable and hellacious.  

Mary was out of her natural element; that place God intended. Until one day she encountered Jesus, and He put her back in the place where life was enjoyable again.

Can you imagine it?  

One day she was attached to a tree of torment; and then, thanks to Jesus, she wasn't.  

What an upgrade Mary experienced when she attached herself to Jesus for the remainder of His days. She traveled with Him, financially supported Him, and she was watching as He suffered on the Cross.

She was the first to see the resurrected King and announce the news to the disciples.

Just as the frog had enough guts to let go of the tree he’d attached himself to and check out his new surroundings, Mary's relationship with Christ brought her the courage to let go of the life she'd been tormented by.

Her gratitude to Jesus is evident by her devotion to Him.  

Often, when we find ourselves attached to something outside of God's will, He sends help to lead us back to the place He intends for us to be.

For the frog, we were the help.

For Mary, it was Jesus.

When she connected with Jesus, she found the courage to jump right into a new identity. He will do the same for us.  

Mary Magdalene’s story instills hope within my own.

She helps me upgrade my thinking by showing me:  

• One encounter with Jesus has the possibility to change everything.  
• He brings power and authority to our relationship. If we allow Him, He will reveal and confront any unhealthy attachments. 
  
• When Jesus delivered her, Mary never looked back. Regardless of circumstance, she walked closely by His side.  

Mary was one of the many women who "went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" (Luke 8:1, NKJV).

Perhaps she related well to David’s words,

"No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope" (Acts 2:26, NLT).

I imagine the women were held captive by her testimony as she shared her story.

Where are your attachments?

If you haven’t fully attached yourself to Jesus, I encourage you to stop hiding where you don't belong. Your heart will be glad; your tongue will shout His praise, and your body will rest in hope! It’s time.

How have "attachments" where God doesn't want you hurt your walk with Him? What can you do to "detach" from those hindrances today?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of the devotional book The ABC’s of Who God Says I Am. Kolleen and her high school sweetheart, Pat, reside in Central New York. She’s a mother of three married children and Mimi to four incredible grandkids. She desires to help others find their identity in Christ, one letter at a time. Visit Koleen's website at www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay.

What Was 'Finished' at the Cross?

As I pondered the meaning of Good Friday, a phrase stuck in my mind—“It is finished!”

Jesus said those words—found only in the Gospel of John (19:30)—as He hung, battered and bloody, on the cross.

When I was younger, I thought those words meant, “I’m finished … I’m dying.” But Jesus didn’t say, “I’m finished.” He said, “IT is finished.”

What was IT? What was finished?

I thought of at least five things that were finished.

1. The sufferings of Jesus on earth were finally over.

In His obedience to the Father’s will (John 5:30; 6:38), Jesus suffered on the cross. It brought not only terrible pain, but also “separation” from God for our sake (Matthew 27:46). The holy Father could not look on His Son as He bore our sins.

But Jesus’ pain was finally over.

His “chastisement” on the cross brought us peace (Isaiah 53:5). The Father “crushed” Jesus for our sake (Isaiah 53:10-11).

Throughout His ministry He sought and taught the lost (Luke 19:10). He lived a sinless, righteous life (1 Peter 2:22). And Jesus said He had “finished the work” God gave Him to do on earth (John 17:4).

Jesus left no doubt why He hung on that Roman cross, and when He cried out, it was a final shout of victory.

Done. Accomplished. No unfinished business.

2. The debt of sin was cancelled for those who believe.

There is no more sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 10:1-18). When Jesus said, tetelestai—“It is finished”—He signaled to the Jews the end of temple sacrifices, because His work on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of all the Jewish sacrificial system foreshadowed (Hebrews 9:12, 26).

Tetelestai is an accounting term. It means “paid in FULL.” It’s a Greek word, perfect tense, that speaks of an action completed in the past, but with results that continue into the present and future.

Jesus died for us "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8-9). The debt we owed God because of our sinful rebellion against Him (Romans 8:7)—rebellion that rightfully incurred His wrath—was wiped away.

Completely.

Forever.

Because God is holy and just, He had to respond to sin with punishment. Yet He also loves sinners and desired reconciliation.

It’s been said that the cross of Christ was the place where God's wrath and love met. When Jesus died for us, it saved us from the wrath of God.

Jon Bloom wrote,

“The death of Christ was real, and it was really terrible. He was an object of wrath.”

Jesus knew His mission (Luke 9:22; John 12:27), and He suffered the Father’s wrath—for us. At the cross, God could redeem mankind without compromising His character. And His mercy and grace were lavished upon us.

We must never forget all that Jesus suffered. And why.

2. The bondage to guilt was broken.

Our Lord’s death was the payment for our forgiveness. His righteous life and substitutionary death satisfied the Father.

We don’t need to beat ourselves up over past sins. We can come to God and confess our sins—admit them to God—but know they are “under the blood.”

They are forgiven! Totally! Never to be brought up again.

The Father looks at the sacrifice His Son made for us, and He is satisfied.

I love these words from the Getty song, “In Christ Alone”—

"Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied;

For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—Here in the death of Christ I live.”

We may feel our sins are too great, but the truth is, no sin is too great for His mercy. Feelings of shame and guilt may try to creep back into our mind to condemn us, but we are forgiven. We are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1).

(Friend—If you struggle with joy-robbing guilty feelings, look in the mirror and say, “Jesus died for my sins and I am forgiven. My guilt is ‘finished’!” Repeat it until that great truth sinks in.)

3. The first-coming Messianic prophecies were fulfilled.

It’s said there are more than 300 specific biblical prophecies that pointed to the coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One.

Many of these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus—a great number of them on the cross. (See "How Many Prophecies Did Jesus Fulfill?")

4. Satan’s power was broken.

Genesis 3:15 prophesied the coming of the “seed” who would crush the serpent’s head. On the cross, the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 dealt a death blow to Satan’s power.

Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

No longer would mankind have to endure the “flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16). Satan knows he is on borrowed time, and he tries to intimidate the saints.

5. Death no longer reigned for the believer!

The Old Testament believers looked forward to the cross; we look back to it.

Jesus came to draw all people to Himself (John 12:32)—a reality made possible at the cross. He died to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and become the “propitiation” (atonement) for our sins (1 John 2:2).

His finished work on the cross was the beginning of new life (2 Corinthians 5:17) for all who were “dead in trespasses and sins" ... now made “alive in Christ” (Ephesians 2:1,5).

His resurrection is our guarantee—Jesus told His followers, "because I live, you also will live" (John 14:19).

Praise God, death no longer reigns for the believer.

Christ-followers pass from the grave to glory in the presence of their Savior! Death has no more "sting" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). We rise victorious from the grave!

When Jesus said, "It is finished," His words embodied a profound truth—all the Father intended for the Son on the cross, Jesus accomplished.

"It Is Finished!"

Our Lord’s words final words are precious.

They are words to treasure—a statement that continues to have great power and purpose for all who believe.

What does "It is finished" mean for you today? Can you take a moment to thank Jesus that He left nothing undone at the cross?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, at Revive Our Hearts, a blogger at TrueWoman.com, writes wiki-type posts at  Christianity.com, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Forgiven Photography at Lightstock.