Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

Sally Ferguson's worldview informs everything she does, including how she parents. In this Parenting UPGRADE, she notes the pull of the world and suggests some ways we might open our children's eyes to the world in a godly way.

“Our children are exposed to the world’s view of life through television and the internet," Sally says. "I wanted to find a way to help them see God’s view of the world."

I (Dawn) love this approach to parenting. The world wants to open our children's eyes, but not always in the way we appreciate! How much better that parents think proactively and give their children a view of the world from heaven's perspective, especially a view of missions.

Sally continues . . .

Every time I travel to Uganda, I marvel at the joy I see in believers. Our view of trials is vastly different and worthy of note.

We have a lot to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world—their view of possessions does not dominate their view of their wealth.

How can a mom translate that to her children and cultivate a Christian worldview?

Open Your Child's Eyes to the World

1. Explore, Don't Shelter.

My peacekeeper personality has always wanted to shelter my children from the dangers and drama of this world. Instead, the news infiltrates all of society.

If we let it, this becomes an opportunity to discuss a Christ-like response to the events of our day.

Explore ideas. What are some ways you can talk about school shootings and political character assassinations? How can a Christian respond with faith rather than fear?

• Research topics together with reputable organizations like Answers in Genesis and Focus on the Family. (1)
• Take a road trip and visit The Museum of the Bible for perspective. (2)

2. Grab Their Passion.

Missionaries on furlough travel to share their experiences. Contact them ahead of time to fit into their schedule. You have an opportunity to hear their stories over a meal or an outing. You’ll find contagious enthusiasm about the world from their vantage point. (3)

When our missionaries and their four children came to our home for a visit, my kids had a grand time playing and hearing about life in Africa.

We took them to a state park where they enjoyed the lush scenery and hiking paths. It was a win for all.

3. Encourage Their Questions.

Spark your child's curiosity by looking up the location of missionaries on the globe. (4)

• Talk about the details of traveling there, living there, and interacting with the culture.
• What do they eat?
• What language do they speak?
• How do they get to school?

My friend Dani hosts dinners for her children. They:

• research a country,
• wear costumes to imitate the local style,
• eat native foods,
• and practice some words in the language of that country.

Her children are learning to embrace other cultures.

4. Stamp your Passport.

The family that travels together celebrates life!

We are a part of an intricate human race. Open up a world of possibilities to your children by taking them on missions trips. Not only does a team invest in the culture, but it also invests in each other as a support system while together.

Your child will connect with adults who have a mindset to serve and learn.

When you immerse yourself in another culture, you experience it with all five senses on high alert.

People become more than names—they take on the warm flesh of humanity.

One of our church trips to Africa included three family units. They created a lifetime of memories in their travels and made room in their hearts for others. Thirteen years later, those families still talk about the adventure they had together.

5. Lead by Example.

Children imitate what they see us do.

Our involvement with global issues informs their willingness to get involved. Inspire them to think outside the box.

• Could they set up a lemonade stand or mow lawns to raise money for child sponsorship?
• Could they draw pictures or write to encourage a child across the globe?

My friend Debbie includes her granddaughters in visits to shut-ins. They make someone else’s day with their artwork while learning to serve.

As a country, America has been blessed with abundance. In Romans 15:27, Paul says it is right for us to share our material blessings with those who bless us spiritually.

I have seen a wealth of joy come from the most humble of circumstances and realized I am the impoverished one. We could never outgive that gift of joy.

Let your children experience the world with you—in tow.

Let faith inform your conversations and provide a solid foundation as they move toward adulthood.

Instead of raising worldly children, let’s raise world-class Christians.

How will you show your child the world?

Sally Ferguson is a teacher of God’s Word and a student of people. Whether leading retreats or small groups, she loves to see the light shine when hope abounds. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad. Her current project is a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with her at sallyferguson.net.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Alexa's Fotos at Pixabay.

References in the article:

(1) https://answersingenesis.org/,  https://www.focusonthefamily.com/culture/

(2) https://www.museumofthebible.org/k-12-programs

(3) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2022/4/12/how-to-champion-your-missionaries.html

(4) http://upgradewithdawn.com/blog/2021/9/10/helping-your-children-dream.html

Ignite the Spark of Your 'Marriage Bed'

Kathy Collard Miller is a woman of courage. She's an overcomer in Christ who now shares with others how to overcome obstacles in their own lives. In this Marriage UPGRADE, she encourages women to have courage in an unlikely place—the "marriage bed."

Ahhhh, June. The month of weddings, honeymoons, and the celebration of love," Kathy says. "God is love yet we often don’t take full advantage of God’s empowering for a great marriage."

When I (Dawn) think of all the June brides, I get excited! But I also know there will be some disappointments on their honeymoons, and maybe long into their marriages. Good counsel here.

Kathy continues . . .

After 53 years of marriage, Larry and I are still amazed at the delight of God’s gift of sexual intimacy.

Hebrews 13:4 commands that the “marriage bed” be held in honor and undefiled. Yet this aspect of marriage can face many trials and misunderstandings.

Ideas for sparking your marriage bed

1. Have realistic expectations.

For our wedding night, I anticipated all the fulfillment and thrill I’d seen in the movies for years. Yet, after we left the reception, we realized we were exhausted. Plus, we realized how little we knew.

Years ago there was a song with words something like, “love comes naturally.” Not true! This area of marriage may require the biggest learning curve ever.

Don’t become discouraged if you think your husband should know everything you want.

You must communicate without demanding what you prefer. And be patient knowing you both are learning.

2. Sexual intimacy is a mystery.

Solomon—who had lots of wives—wisely wrote,

Three things are too wonderful for me;
    four I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the sky,
    the way of a serpent on a rock,
the way of a ship on the high seas,
    and the way of a man with a virgin. (Proverbs 30:18-19 ESV).

Don’t you hear the delight and yet the challenge of a couple getting to know each other?

The wisest man on earth says four things are “too wonderful for me” to understand, and one of them is “the way of a man with a virgin.”

Sexual union is a wonderful thing and yet something that is unique to the husband and the wife.

There’s no magic formula.

One of the most curious commands in the Bible is about honeymooners. Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 24:5:

“When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.”

Sounds to me like God didn’t say, “I expect they’ll learn everything about each other in a month or two.”

No, He knew first of all, a military man would think a lot about his new bride at home and be distracted on the field. But also, being away from each other is not good for their new relationship, and God wanted to set them up in the best way for a lasting marriage.

Unfortunately, not every newlywed couple can have unlimited time together, but at least they can return home daily (in most cases).

3. The wonderment never has to subside.

The possible wonderment includes those married for a while, or a long time.

God has made the sexual union so vast in variety, that the connection can be a unique one each time.

Don’t ever think you have arrived or that you are bored. With some imagination and a desire to learn new things about your beloved, your delight can continue.

And be sure to read to each other The Song of Songs—it’s about sex!

4. You and your husband are not alone when experiencing obstacles.

No, I’m not saying you should include others.

I’m pointing out that your past, the way you were raised, the belief system you were taught, and what you’ve heard in the media are other “participants” in your marriage, especially in the marriage bed.

All of those truths and lies are swirling in your brain and body and becoming obstacles or blessings.

Unfortunately, any kind of abuse, especially physical or sexual harm, can block the freedom God wants you to enjoy with each other.

Fear of being treated in the same way you were in the past can destroy the trust that is needed to abandon your body to your spouse.

This is an area where a counselor may be needed. Know that God wants to help you and your spouse enjoy intimacy because He made your body capable of great pleasure.

Whatever struggle you have is weak in comparison to your Heavenly Father’s power. You will feel intimidated but be courageous to share with your spouse about your desires and preferences.

What struggle seems too strong to ask for help from God?

Kathy Collard Miller has continued to be in awe of God’s ability to use her through writing over 60 books and speaking in 9 foreign countries and over 30 US States. Her memoir, No More Anger: Hope for an Out-of-Control Mom (available in print, Kindle, and audio) is her story about overcoming anger and being a positive parent. Kathy and her husband, Larry, of more than 50 years, are parents, grandparents, lay counselors, and live in Boise, Idaho. Visit her at www.KathyCollardMiller.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Victoria Regen at Pixabay.

Am I a Samaritan?

Susan K. Stewart is a practical, biblical woman. She takes a no-nonsense approach to life, but with a tender heart. In this Compassion UPGRADE, she asks a thought-provoking question: Am I a Samaritan?

“My goal that Sunday morning was to slip into the last row of chairs after the service started, then leave quietly during the closing hymn,” Susan says.

“But God has a way of thwarting our plans for His.”

My heart (Dawn’s) was so touched by Susan’s story; and the lesson she drew from this tough life experience is life-impacting.

Susan continues . . .

The week before an anonymous reporter told the sheriff’s department our seventeen-year-old son had been beaten by his father.

On Sunday, our son was still at a Child Protective Services shelter. We would not know when he could come home until a hearing still ten days away.

To compound the pain of this situation, my husband had been arrested for those allegations.

The small-town weekly newspaper reported all arrests. So, there it was for all the public to see.

When child abuse is reported, not only do the officials treat the accused parent as guilty, so do others. Although I was able to make the required bail, it was still agony to go in public.

Even knowing the falsehood involved, there was no bandage to cover people’s reactions.

A Hurting Heart on Mother’s Day

We tried to quickly sit down while the worship team slowly gathered on the stage and congregants took their seats.

Those who didn’t know us well made sideways glances at us and left the chairs next to us empty. Those who knew us only gave distant greetings. Maybe they believed the report; maybe they didn’t know what to say.

I felt even more alone.

Then Nora walked across the auditorium to give me a hug.

While that may not seem significant most Sunday mornings, on this particular Sunday it was a balm I needed. Not only due to the situation we found ourselves in, but it was also Mother’s Day.

It would have been easy to have stayed at home. After all, we all know what Mother’s Day at church is like.

Moms proudly standing with adoring children, various moms receiving special recognition—the mom whose child is in protective custody or in jail isn’t invited to stand—and the Proverbs 31 sermon.

But the Holy Spirit shoved me out our front door. He knew there was a living sermon for me.

An Unlikely Samaritan

This lady who went out of her way to share love with me was not a close friend. Nora and I had differences. Honestly, she wasn’t someone I expected to approach me. If I had given it any thought, I would have expected her to be one of those who might stand nearby and whisper.

In spite of our sometimes less than cordial relationship, Nora recognized my breaking heart, sought me out to show Christ’s healing love, and became a Samaritan to me. It would have been easier for her to pass by on the other side of the road.

Instead, she publicly acknowledged I needed healing.

Am I a Good Samaritan?

Even though the charges were ultimately dropped by the court, we continued to face some dark hours. During the time in the valley, I was focused on our family’s pain.

As the Shepherd brought us through, I began to look outward more.

• Was I passing on the other side of road when someone was hurt? 
• How did I react to negative reports about others?
• Had I become like the priest or the Levite who moved away from the injured?

I’ve not always followed Nora’s or Christ’s example.

I’m too quick to be concerned about appearances or believing the “news” about someone’s struggle.

Had it been another mother that morning going through inner pain, I may have been one of those whispering and sitting in a different row.

Also like the Samaritan, Nora moved on with her life.

She and I didn’t become friends. In fact, after that one hug, she only asked a couple times how things were going. She’s not the one I asked to be at the court hearing with us. Our lives didn’t converge beyond the soccer field. She’s not even a Facebook “friend” now.

It isn’t necessary to be BFFs to share a healing hug or note of love.

Jesus’s parable (Luke 10:25-37) uses a Samaritan and Jew; people who hated each other. These men wouldn’t not have talked to each other under different circumstances.

The Samaritan followed what was right, not what was expected.  He was “the one who had mercy” (Luke 10:37).

I don’t imagine they had coffee together after the incident. Showing God’s love is for everyone, not just the people we like.

Nora is forever my Samaritan, who crossed the road to offer healing and comfort. She is the Samaritan who made sure my heart was cared for that morning.

She continues to be an example I now try to follow.

Who has been your Samaritan? Are you a Samaritan? How can you strive to be a Samaritan to the unloved?

Susan K. Stewart, Managing Editor with Elk Lake Publishing, teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. When she’s not tending chickens and donkeys, Susan teaches, writes, and edits non-fiction. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions. Her latest book, Donkey Devos: Listening When God Speaks, is a devotional based on life with her donkeys. You can learn more at her website www.susankstewart.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Natalia Navrilenko at Pixabay.

What Do You Have Apart from Jesus?

In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, I want to share the blessing and power of not doing anything apart from Jesus.

February 1, 2022, when I couldn't sleep in the night, I started thinking about what life would be like apart from Jesus. In that long night, the Holy Spirit was my Comfort and Peace, but my mind turned to my Savior.

I thought about all He had done for me. I thought about Him praying in Heaven for me. The more I meditated, the more I realized how He touched every part of my life, and that I, in fact, had no life apart from Him.

Here is what I reminded myself about that night.

Nothing Apart from Jesus

1. Apart from Jesus, there's no PATH to eternal hope and heaven.

In other words, there's no salvation. Jesus said,

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

Apart from our Savior, we have no hope for eternity; but with Jesus, we have "a living hope" (1 Peter 1:3).

2. Apart from Jesus, there's no PURPOSE for spiritually-meaningful life and legacy.

We all have personal goals—some made with much prayer and in seeking God, and others planned without Him.

The best way for a Christ-follower to live is to prayerfully ask God for direction.

Why?

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

God planned works for us to do. He had jobs, careers, and responsibilities in mind when He created us.

I've thought about this a lot. I believe:

• God gifted me and He empowers me.
• He knew I would be a wife, mother, and grandmother.
• He knew I would be a writer, speaker, and love to sing in the choir.
• He has provided all I've needed, in my weakness, to be strong in Him.
• He designed me to love truth and show mercy.
• He gave me the desire to live for His glory.

He did all of this for me and in and through me as I am "in Christ"—and I am so grateful!

Perhaps you might review your own life. Consider how God has prepared the way and used you in ways you never would have imagined.

Perhaps you are like me. Without the Lord, I have no spiritually-meaningful life. Without Him, my legacy would be shallow. But with Him . . .

3. Apart for Jesus, there's no POWER for godly choices and change.

We may be able to overcome some issues with sheer will power, but godly choices requires knowing God. When we have the "mind of Christ," we will think differently (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Also, because Jesus stands in victory, we do not have to sin! As a popular song says, "sin's curse has lost its grip on me." * I have both the desire and the enabling to overcome temptation in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57) and through the Word of God (1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 119:11).

I am being transformed through the "renewing" of my mind (Romans 12:2). God is changing me to become more like His Son (Romans 8:29).

Without Christ, we can do nothing, but with Him—when we abide in Him, when we live in His strength—what a difference!

4. Apart from Jesus, there's no PROVISION for spiritual growth and godliness.

God gives us great grace. It is the grace of God that He chooses to bless us instead of give us what our sin deserves.

Paul reminds us that nothing good dwells in our flesh (Romans 7:18). How can that which is not good do good? Even our so-called goodness is as "filthy rags" before God—tainted by sin or wrong motives.

Oh, how we need Jesus!

In Jesus, God made a way not only for eternal life, but blessings as well. In Christ, we are given many spiritual blessings and we are able to live "to the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:3-14).

God give us "grace gifts" (spiritual gifts) to help us "bear much fruit" (John 15:8) as we serve Him and pursue God-given goals.

• Father God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-17).
• He gave us the Holy One, Jesus, to enable our holiness (John 6:68-69).
• And Jesus prayed the Father would send the Holy Spirit to guide us into righteousness (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16).

Clearly, it is God's will that we be holy; but we cannot be godly apart from our Savior.

5. Apart from Jesus, there's no PEACE in the world's confusion and chaos.

Just listening to newscasts for one day is enough to either make us angry or make us afraid. We rightly ask, "What in the world is going on?"

We may be tempted to panic. We crave peace in all the confusion and chaos. 

Yet, as Christ-followers, we know there's more going on than earthly headlines.

• We know Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is coming back to set things right.
• We know that—whatever happens to our earthly bodies—sin, circumstances, and the evil one cannot destroy us.
• We know that apart from Jesus we might panic, but in Him, we have peace that the world cannot understand.

Jesus desires to give us HIS peace, far beyond the peace promoted in this world (John 14:27). It's the kind of peace that enables us to not be troubled or afraid in the scary circumstances of life.

Apart from Jesus we may feel hopeless, purposeless, powerless, helpless, and restless. But all that changes when we are alive in Him.

"No guilt in life no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me.

From life's first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny." *

How grateful I am that I do not live apart from the One who loved me enough to die for me, the One who has provided all I will ever need.

Is there some area of life where you are apart from Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? What do you have that has not come from Him?

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, 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.

* Lyrics from "In Christ Alone" by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Matteo Vistocco at Unsplash.

When Mom Is in Heaven . . .

In this Mother's Day UPGRADE, Dawn reminds us to honor our moms for as long as we can. Why? "When Mom is in heaven," she says, "a big piece of our heart is there too." This is my first Mother's Day without my mom; and my husband's mother went to heaven in late 2021.

A few days after I wrote this post, I received news that a dear friend's elderly mother was in transition. Family members have gathered, and they will likely experience Mother's Day without their mom too.

The simple fact is, Mother's Day looks a lot different when a loving Christian Mom is dying or already in heaven with Jesus.

It's just so hard!

My sister was my mom's caregiver for so many years. I know she is hurting too. While there is relief when our loved one is out of pain, caregivers also experience great sorrow.

People speak of "losing" someone in death, but I haven't lost my mom. I know exactly where she is.

Knowing Mom is safe and well in the place where she lives forever helps me deal with the pain.

More about that later.

Perhaps someone reading this is struggling. I hope this will encourage you.

Five things to remember when facing Mom's earthly absence on Mother's Day:

1) It's normal to grieve.

I watched a television commercial promoting a lovely Mother's Day necklace. A tear slipped from my eye. Never again this side of heaven would I be able to give my mom a gift of any kind. Not even a Mother's Day card.

We can change the channel when the commercial comes on and avoid the card aisle at the drugstore, but that won't bring her back.

Grieving is natural, and no one can tell us when to stop grieving.

We can look at old scrapbooks of special events with our mom in the photos, but suddenly we realize there will be no more photos. We close the scrapbook. It's just too hard.

In time, a new awareness sets in.

In grieving, we eventually realize that great grief means great love.

If we did not love our mothers so much, we would not grieve them so deeply.

So what helps?

• Pause for a while and feel the depths of your grief.
• Then take your pain to Jesus—totally human, totally God—the One who understands how you feel. He is intimately acquainted with your situation (Psalm 139:b NASB). You are not alone. He does not stand back, avoiding your pain. He wants to comfort your heart through the watch-care of the Holy Spirit.

2) Some memories are sweet, others are hard, and some are funny!

After pausing to feel grief, allow your thoughts to drift to happy days when your mother was still on earth. Ask God to help you remember some sweet memories.

It's OK for tears to flow.

Memories can still be sweet, even when difficult or painful.

We can know that, as Bible-believing believers, someday all those tears of grief will be wiped away, and death, mourning, crying, and pain will end (Revelation 21:4).

In the midst of grieving your mother's death, perhaps you will recall some funny memories. That's OK!

Some of my favorite funerals and celebration services included funny stories of the deceased. Loved ones laughed through their tears.

Stories are reminders that the one we love was completely human and will be missed.

So what helps?

• If you feel comfortable, pull out that scrapbook again, or look at photos on social media or on your phone.
• Try to remember the place and time for each picture. Choose joy, and thank God for the memories.

(Bob's mother, left, and mine — when they were young.)

3) It's God-honoring and mom-honoring to remember her legacy.

All moms leave some kind of legacy. This is hopefully doubly true in Christian families. There is Mom's legacy in family traditions, and her legacy in Christ.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants (Psalm 116:15 NIV).

If your mom lived even nominally for Jesus, that's more than the vast number of moms have done around the world—moms who have never trusted in the Lord. It's not that those other moms don't love their children. It's only that they could not show the love of God to their children.

If your mom walked closely with her Savior, however, she will likely have left a profound "heartprint" in your life—transformational truth, and inspiration to follow her heart as you follow in Jesus' steps.

So what helps?

• Your mom may not have been perfect, but thank God for giving you life (Psalm 139:13) and the legacy of her love. If she taught you about the Lord, His Word, and His ways, praise God for that (Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 1:8-9).
• Thank God for her influence in your character and your understanding of Father God (Proverbs 31:25-27).

4) Life now is about more than trying to "make Mom proud."

Proverbs 17:6b (NLT) says,

Parents are the pride of their children. *

It's natural that children take pride in their parents. That's why we have special days to celebrate them—Father's Day and Mother's Day. God tells us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12); and the scriptures go one step further with moms: We must never "despise" (neglect) them when they are old (Proverbs 23:22b).

Yes. It's good to take pride in our parents.

Children also normally want to make their parents proud.

It's suggested that Mom is glad when we're making wise choices.

May your . . . mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!" (Proverbs 22:25).

Most parents are happily proud of their children, even if they don't communicate it. Parental pride and gladness are often linked. I remember telling one of my sons after he displayed an act of kindness, "I'm so glad you were born. I'm so proud of you."

You may hope that you made your mama proud; and that feeling may continue after she's in heaven.

But your mother would want MORE for you.

Your mom would want you to live a wonderful, fruitful, God-blessed life. She would want you to live for more than simply making her proud.

She would want you to make God smile.

Turns out, that's a biblical concept.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor. . .  (Numbers 6:25-26a NLT)

God smiles when He sees His children looking to Him for wisdom and direction. When we seek Him out for the right way to live (Psalm 119:35 Msg), He pours out His favor in our lives.

Your mom wouldn't want you to become a sour, legalistic Christian. But she would want you to walk in submission, faith, and obedience to God because that's the way to a blessed life.

So what helps?

• Why not write a note in your journal or to post on social media to celebrate your Mom's life—rise up and "call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:28). Your mom may be in heaven, but you can still share part of her story or why you loved her.
• Ask God how you can make Him smile. What would that look like? What would move God's heart to bless you? The Bible gives some insight: Hosea 6:6 NLT; Psalm 147:11 ESV; 1 John 5:3a NIV; Matthew 6:33 NIV)

5. We know we will see our Christ-following Mom again.

Only God knows our hearts, but if your mother has genuinely received Jesus as her Savior (trusting in His death, burial, and resurrection; and repenting of sin and asking for His forgiveness) — and you have genuinely done the same — you will see your loved one again.

Again, what helps?

• Praise God for your mother's salvation. ** (She's not only your mom. If you both know the Lord, she's your sister in Christ!)
• Be sure you know the Lord too. (How do you know—how can you be sure—you know Jesus? Here is a presentation of the good news of salvation in Christ; and here are some evidences of salvation.)

I cannot wait to see my mom, my husband's mom, and a few precious adopted "moms" I've loved along the way. What a wondrous day that will be!

Let me offer a prayer for those who hurt this Mother's Day.

Father God,

I ask you to encourage those who have mothers in heaven. Comfort them and bring them peace.

Remind them of sweet memories so they will have tears of joy mingled with their grief.

Show them how they can best honor their mothers this Mother's Day and in the years to come. Amen.

Is your mom in heaven? Could you try some of these suggestions to face this Mother's Day with peace, and a "heavenly" perspective?

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, 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 Vlanka at Pixabay.

* Note: Most versions say "father" rather than "parents."

** I know that some moms give no evidence of receiving Christ. We cannot, however, see into their heart and mind. Perhaps they had a conversation wth God before they died. We just do not know—but God does. We can take comfort in the biblical truth that God is loving, kind, and just. And we can thank Him for the years He allowed our Mom to care for us.