The Meaning of Christmas Day

“Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased”- Luke 2:14.

It’s the happiest time of the year again: Christmas! But what are we celebrating? What and where is our focus? Are we focusing on ourselves or in those around us? Do we even take time to reflect upon the meaning of Christmas? Are we honoring and glorifying God or ourselves?

Christmas is more than lights, gift-giving, get-togethers and scrumptious meals. On that first Christmas day heaven gave the most precious gift of all. Because of Christmas we now have the blessed hope of eternal life. We now can enjoy real joy and genuine peace.

As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, let’s not forget its meaning. Let us thank God for loving us so, that he gave his only son for you and me and all who accept his grace and salvation.

Let us spread joy and cheer and help those less fortunate around us. And may the love and good will prevalent in the holiday season prevail in our hearts all year long!

The Meaning of Christmas

The happiness of Christmas lies not in receiving,
but in giving.
The satisfaction of Christmas lies not in self complacency,
but in sharing.
The peace of Christmas lies not in the lack of conflict,
but in forgiveness.
The joy of Christmas lies not in partying, but in helping.
The purpose of Christmas is not separation, but unity.
The motive of Christmas is not the gifts, but “The Best Gift”:
Eternal life.
The Reason of Christmas is Jesus!

© Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

A Belated Thanksgiving Reunion- A Double Blessing

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is” Psalms 103:2

Holidays are special family gathering times. It's a time my family looks forward to; a time to share with our loved ones and catch up with each others' acomplishments, future plans, etc. Good food is a plus.

This year, on "Thanksgiving Day", we were unable to have our family reunion as such. For us, a family reunion is a time when all our relatives in the area get together. Our three sons were home and we were excited about that, but my cousin and her family were to celebrate "Thanksgiving" with her husband's family for a change. So my family and I were invited to spend the evening at another cousin's house and gathered with some others who would've had a lonely "Thanksgiving" otherwise. My sister was there too. We had our "Thanksgiving meal" and shared with all, but I knew that for my sons, this was not their "Thanksgiving family reunion".

To make things worse, I had been facing several health issues lately and "Thanksgiving day" was not an easy one for me. Although I cooked, I was unable to enjoy the meal and cater to my loved ones as usual. We were all looking forward to the weekend, and praying I would feel better by then, when we would have "our family reunion".

This weekend was special in another way too. On November 27th, my husband and I would be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary!

My cooking plans for our Saturday get-together were disrupted by having to spend most of the friday at the urgent care ward. By the time I got home, there was very little time and energy left, but I did the best I could to prepare for our special day.

Sabbath, after a beautiful "Thanksgiving Program" at church, we all huried home to greet our loved ones. Dinner was great, and the company, delightful! I was thrilled to have my three sons home, my sister, and my cousin with their families, together at last. We spent the time catching up with each other and sharing beloved memories.

Time flies. Even thou my cousin lives only about 45 minutes away from my sister and I, and with teenagers in our households and a couple of them in college, our schedules are hard to coordinate. It was last year, on "Thanksgiving" that we had our latest "family get-together". Yes, we've seen each other a few times in-between, but only a couple of us here and there.

I was feeling much better and I'm thankful God allowed me to enjoy this get-together so much. Even when the meal was simple and uncomplicated, it was special. I also thank God for the love my husband and I share and for keeping us together through life's ups-and-downs. Having all our kids plus other relatives home to share a belated "Thanksgiving get-together" was a double blessing this year. It is all albout the bountiful blessings God has bestowed upon us and the love we all share as a family.

Do we miss all the others who live too far to come? Indeed! But we cherish each opportunity we get to praise the Lord as a family and thank him for his goodness, "Thanksgiving day" or not! We have learned to thank our heavenly Father even for each others' ups-and-downs, for they help us grow and learn.

I"ll always cherish moments like this family gathering and look forward to the day when we all get together at Jesus' table, to feast in heaven and thank Him, face to face, for all the wondrous things He has done!

© Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

“Thanksgiving”

What is “Thanksgiving? Is it merely one day each year in which we gather with family and friends to eat, drink and celebrate the pilgrims’ arrival from England to the coasts of Massachusetts, USA and their survival? Is it the day in which we show our gratitude to God? What are we teaching our children and those around us regarding such celebration?

The Word of God bids us be thankful. Are we showing gratitude towards God and those around us? Gratitude isn’t something we express in a day set by men. It isn’t something we do by requirement or obligation. Gratitude is a s spontaneous expression from the heart towards our benefactor. For those who know the Lord and follow his steps, thanksgiving is a way of life, because they recognize the mercies of God Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer. From a heart, humbled by so many undeserving favors, springs gratitude’s sweet aroma and, like the psalmist he exclaims: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”(Psalm 103:2).

Psalms 26:6-7 reads: “I will wash my hands to show I am innocent and march in worship around your altar, I sing a hymn of thanksgiving and tell of all your wonderful deeds”. According to the psalmist, “thanksgiving” is to testify, express gratitude to God for every one of his favors. Psalm 100:4 invites us to come to the house of the Lord and express our gratitude: “Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving; go into its courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise him”. Let us express our thankfulness to God with our voices, giving testimony. Let us sing hymns of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord (Psalms 13:6, 96:2, 105:2). Let us express gratitude in prayer (Colossians 4:2). Let us express gratitude in sharing what we have received with those who are needy, which “causes through us thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11, 12).

In I Thessalonians 5:18, Paul admonishes us: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. Let us be thankful, not only for our earthly possessions, but for our salvation, God’s priceless gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). Let us be thankful to God for those around us (1 Corinthians 1:4, Ephesians 1:16). Let us be thankful for the victory he has promised (1 Corinthians 15:57). And let us be thankful with every one. May we learn from Christ, the King of the Universe, who always showed gratitude to his heavenly Father. While learning to be thankful and expressing gratitude, we are getting ready to, one day very soon, thank our loving Savior, face to face, for each and every one of his precious blessings.

My prayer for today:
Dear heavenly Father: I praise you and thank you for your countless blessings and the loving way you care for me. Give me an attitude of spontaneous thanksgiving towards you and with those around me. Help me notice the many reasons I should be thankful for. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 1999- translated 2004.

Thanksgiving... Every Day

I Want To Be Grateful


Oh, Lord, I want to be grateful
For great and little things alike:
For morning breeze and yellow daffodils,
For darkness, as well as for light.

Oh, Lord, help me to be mindful
Of all the things that others do
To brighten my life in big and small ways,
For they are blessings from above.

Oh, Lord, I want to be thankful
Regardless of what this day brings.
For I have trusted in your mercies, Lord,
And I know that you are with me.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

The day the songbird couldn't sing

It's a beautiful, bright summer day, but I don't feel so beautiful myself. As I tackle the tasks before me, thick clouds of nostalgia are quickly setting in. The birds are singing, but this songbird can't seem to find its tune today. I wish I'd had a warning!

Wow! No singing today? That's totally odd. I sing every day regardless of what's going on or how I feel! Something must be bothering me, but I can't pinpoint it. I feel tired, lacking energy and motivation, much like the prophet Elijah after the incident on Mt. Carmel.

Where did all my energy go overnight? Could it be the so called "mid-life crisis" already peeping in, uninvited? Could it be the stress I've been through lately? ...Too many tasks pending? Yesterday was such a busy day!

"Lord, sometimes I wish someone were here for me too"-- I said to myself. " I don't even know what I need, but you know. I could use some rest, get away from it all... if only I could go hibernate for a bit... I'm sure it'll help. Lord, please renew my strength", I sigh.

The phone rings. My wandering mind hits home quickly. I recognize the name on my caller ID feature and immediately ready myself to minister to this person as needed. Much to my surprise, a cheerful voice speaks the sweetest words I've heard for a while: "I know you're busy today, but I'm just calling to let you know I'm praying for you and I appreciate you greatly. You're so special to me. God bless you and your ministry. I'm also trying to follow your example by picking up the phone and calling, and I wanted to start with you!"

"Oh, dear, you just made my day! Thank you so much! I do need your prayers and appreciate them immensely!"

As we chat a bit, another surprise! She proceeds to recount how she's told this dear old lady at the nursing home, where she works, about me and the handmade greeting card I recently sent her with my own poetry. It turns out her patient is also a writer and wants to meet me. So my friend is trying to arrange for us to exchange pictures, and promises to make plans so we can meet.

I can hardly believe my ears! As if the gloomy clouds were simply wiped away, my heart is now jumping with joy, not because somewone would like to meet me, but because I'm amazed to see and experience the wonderful and mysterious ways in which my Lord works. For some time now I've been ministering to her in more than one ways. A little while ago the Lord met the need of my heart and ministered to me through her! What a blessing!

A simple, unexpected call from a caring friend can work wonders! Today, it came like a glass of ice cold water on a warm, summer day; like a spark that lit my motivation and helped me continue my work in spite of my self doubt and uneasiness this morning. It initiated a chain reaction, prompting me to reach out to others in my usual way and continue to minister as needed. It even caused this silenced songbird to sing its cheery tune again!

I thank God for the wonderful gift of friendship and the difference small things can make in someone's life. What a difference it made in my life today!

Lord, you are always my inspiration and my song. You've assured me that my work for others is never in vain, and that you take care of my needs too. I praise you with all my heart. Help this songbird bring glory to your name.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

A Tribute To Friendship

Many times I’ve thanked God for friends and the opportunity to be a friend! Many times I’ve replied “that’s what friends are for”. Today, as I ponder the purpose of friendship I’d like to acknowledge its value. Though a difficult task, I’ve intended to describe in simple words some of what friendship entails, as a tribute to this precious gift from heaven and the many friends I’ve been blessed with.

What are friends for?

To laugh, to cry, to lend a hand
To help you sometimes understand
That not all choices are as good,
But that they’re always here for you.

…To make you giggle and forget
Your troubles and your cares on earth;
They help bring out the best in us.
They share the load, never charge us!

Friends know you more than next of kin
And understand your moods and swings.
They hear you out and never judge,
They share your triumph or your crush.

Friends are a blessing and at times,
A friend’s an angel in disguise
To guide, inspire you and to cheer;
They’re light that casts away your fear.

Much like a mother, a friend loves
Regardless of your gain or loss.
When others judge and criticize
A true friend stands right by your side.

So friends are treasures: silver, gold,
Or diamond stones to be held close.
Cherish your friends. Be a true friend.
Make sure good friendships never end!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

What motivates Michael Phelps and other great athletes?

Paul recalled the Olympiads when he wrote: “Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever” 1 Corinthians 9: 24, 25.

Athletes put forth a great deal of effort and discipline to keep their bodies in shape and train for the competition. Endurance and perseverance go hand in hand with these. It takes commitment to carry on, overcoming the obstacles in the way. When not so motivated, focusing on their goal surely ignites the spark of energy that takes them through the rigorous training.

Whether or not an athlete wins gold, silver, bronze, or no medal at all, they’re on a quest for excellence. They are committed to do their best. To win one gold medal is an achievement in itself. But American athlete Michael Phelps won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals in the 28th Olympiads, the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. What an achievement! He has definitely represented well our country and brought more attention to the swimming sport!

A young lady, Kirsty Coventry, won gold, silver and bronze medals representing Zimbabwe. Another great Olympian, Justin Gatlin, saw his dream come true by conquering the 100 meter final race in 9.85 seconds. He is now considered the fastest man in the world. It’s awesome to see these and so many other fine athletes give their best under so much pressure!

Their example of commitment, perseverance and focusing is worth imitating in our daily lives. And I ponder: Am I doing the best I can sometimes or always? Do I try harder because of the recognition anticipated after a big accomplishment or is my quest for excellence obvious even in the smallest, unnoticed tasks? In everything I do, I want to do my best. The prize of doing each task to the best of my abilities might not be a gold, silver or bronze medal, but there’s great satisfaction in a job well done.

Another thought strikes my mind: Regardless of our physical abilities we too are all athletes, competitors in the Olympiads that decide our eternal future. There is a goal most worthy of our commitment and daily focus: Heaven; and a reward more enticing than gold itself: the crown of eternal life.

In this race, we are called to bring attention to Jesus Christ, not ourselves. Are we on a quest for excellence in our walk with the Lord? Are we focused and motivated? Are we persevering or wavering before the obstacles? Each trial endured will strengthen us and make us fit to reach our goal. Our heavenly coach is right by our side each step of the way. His grace made provisions to ensure our own victory and he did not give up, even under the pressure of death. We must not give up! We must focus!

The Apostle Paul’s advice is: “As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds unto us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (Hebrews 12: 1, 2). When facing trials and difficulties our coach’s words bring encouragement: “…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Michael Phelps’ name is forever linked with great swimming. I'd like my name to be forever linked to Jesus Christ. It took commitment, effort, patience, great discipline and sacrifices for Michael Phelps and all the other athletes to get to Athens and compete. In the end it is well worth it! It comforts me to know that when we get to heaven we will not have to compete. There will not be one prize better than the other or competitors without a crown. And the trials and sorrows endured will be dimmed by the glory and splendor of heaven and the joy of living with our father. Will you be counted with the achievers? Will your name be forever linked with Jesus? Victory awaits! Are you running to win?

I long to see Jesus face to face, thank him personally for what he's done for me and feel his loving embrace! He is my motivation to run and win!

My Prayer

Dear Jesus: Please, help me represent well The Kingdom of Heaven. Help me stay focused and run to win, and bring glory to your precious name. Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

Heaven Sent Rx

Dear Friend: Smile! God loves you!
Imagine you are looking at a prescription bottle label, heaven sent.
_______________________________________________

Rx #: 7774Ever........................................................Dr. Jesus Christ

Your name goes here_____________________

Take 1 capsule Prn= (as needed) throughout day or night.

HUGS... 777 mg. each capsule.....................................Qty. 144,000

No expiration date. Unlimited Refills

Please, feel free to share this prescription with those you care for.
______________________________________________

Warning:
Be advised that the world will be a better place if this Rx is shared.
Common Side effects may include, but are not limited to joy, enthusiasm and overall sense of belonging. Tender expressions of love are common among patients using this prescription.

Do not stop medicine without your Dr's consent.
Adverse reactions may occur if discontinued suddenly.

Note:
Need a hug today? I've included the link so you can get a hug whenever you need one. They are free, just like all the good things that come from our heavenly father.

http://inkspirationsbyrhodi.blogspot.com/2004/06/so-precious-yet-so-scarce.html

Hope this brightens your day!

Lots of love...

©Rhodi Alers de López 2004

The empty nest

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. We should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God’s gift”. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 12-13.

It seems only yesterday I was changing diapers. I remember the toddler years, the first day of school, the report cards, the walks in the park, the games… Life goes by so fast! Now, the teenage years are here and sooner or later, the kids will move on. In a short time, they will spread their wings and fly away.

Some kids are more anxious than others for that moment to arrive. In other instances, parents may be vehemently wishing for that day. Whether kids and/or parents look forward to that day or not, we must face it: a season has passed, another begun; and with it come unavoidable changes.

While the father is also affected, changes usually have a more intense effect in the mother, as the primary caregiver. Suddenly, she faces an empty nest, and what now is her reality sinks in: There is no one to care for, no one to look after for, and no one to need her. Sooner or later the question hits hard: What am I here for? What am I supposed to do?

Depending on my overall attitude toward life, I can look at the glass and find it half empty or half full. I can choose to get nostalgic, depressed, and lonely or I can look at this situation in a positive way, “throw a party” and make the best of my days.

As hard as it is for me to see them go, there is a “season for everything”. I must not stop living! An empty nest doesn’t need to be the end of my motivation. It can fuel and fire me up and help me reach new heights left unexplored. For couples, it can be a time of renewal, a time to grow closer to each other, a time to “fall in love” all over again.

I believe at this stage mothers need to take more time for ourselves and pursue our own goals too. Yes! We too need to fly again, why not? With all the expertise that raising and caring for a family puts under our belts, we have much to offer. Why not use it positively, to help others in some way? That alone, will take our mind off the loneliness that may be lurking around to cloud our days.

I'm sure my kids would love to see me succeed in whatever I decide to invest my energy in. Why not reach for the stars and dare to live some more? Why not learn some new skills, pursue my own dreams (whatever they may be), and share the love inside me with others around me? Why not surround myself with friends and reach out to make a difference in someone’s life?

I have the power to choose. My glass is not half empty, but half full. I can fill it with productivity or I can fill it with grief.

The empty nest is just a part of the cycle of life. And a mother will always be a mother. Thou for some it may be easier than for others; we can plan ahead and strive to continue to live a positive and meaningful life that inspires others and our own kids too!

Are you preparing for the empty nest? Are you experiencing it already? Each day is a new challenge, a gift from God. Greet it with thanksgiving! Make the best of it and fly! See the beauty of it all? Now, that wasn’t so bad after all, was it? Wondering why it took you so long to spread YOUR wings and fly?

Dear heavenly father: I know you care for my children, no matter what the season may be. Each season has a beauty of its own. I am thankful for the time you have given me to nurture my family. As they spread their wings and fly I know that you will keep them safe. Help them reach new heights that bring them closer to you. And may I too soar, for the glory of your name.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

"Be Still"- A sweet reminder

“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10.

As a woman, I consider it a privilege to be a mom. Have you seen the energy the kids have? They can go on and on for the longest time, without realizing they need some kind of rest. Many a parent has told a child: “Please, be still.” It’s the plea of parents all over the world. But mom… why? -is their usual whine. Parents know best! We understand it is beneficial for kids to stop for a while and be calm; not because activity isn’t good, but because we all need some time to relax, to recuperate from the strenuous activities that wear us down.

Our father knows what is best too. He knows how much we need solitude and rest, even when we are not willing to recognize it. In the constant hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our heavenly Father calls for us to be still: He calls us to be still, that we may know him better and understand that he is in control. He calls us to sit at his feet and listen to his words of wisdom and encouragement. He invites us to be still and rest in him, to rely on him and to trust him. He asks us to be still to let the Holy Spirit work in our lives; be still, that we may praise him and exalt his name.

Bring unto him your concerns, worries, your questions without answers, your needs or anything that troubles you. Accept his invitation to be still and trust him. You will see that he, lovingly, cares for you in a very special way. Alone, in the stillness of God’s presence, you will get to know him so well, that your doubts and worries will vanish. In the stillness of his presence you will be safe from the troubles around you. Be still and know that God is with you. The Captain of the heavenly host is on your side. He is your refuge. Praise him in the stillness of his presence and your life will be renewed and strengthened. Give honor and glory to his name and testify that he is Lord! Your life will never be the same, for the Lord is your God. He knows you and you know him.

“Be still and know that I am God…” what a sweet reminder of his loving care for me!

My prayer: Thank you, dear Father, for loving me and reminding me to take time to know you better each day. Thank you for reminding me that you are in control of my life. All my cares I leave in your hands. You are my refuge, my Savior, my God and I praise your name. Amen

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

Just a note of praise!

“The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live in it are his” Psalm 24:1 (Good News Bible- Today’s English Version).

How often do we stop and meditate about this truth? Do we realize that we exist only because God chose to create us? We are not here today as a result of evolution. Our heavenly Father created the universe. This earth was designed with humankind in mind. It was lovingly prepared step by step. When everything we needed was in place he, fearfully and wonderfully, created man.

Life itself is a wonderful gift that we enjoy without stopping to consider. He provides shelter, food, work, friends, our abilities and so much more! He gives us all we have. Yet, many times, we choose to live as ungrateful children, who think they don’t owe much to their parents. We often fail to acknowledge God’s involvement in our everyday life and don’t recognize his many blessings.

The psalmist reminds us: “Praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is” (Psalm 103:1-2). Only when we fully understand and recognize that all we have comes from our heavenly Father’s hand, will we be able to, wholeheartedly, praise him as he deserves. So, praise the Lord with a cheerful heart! His blessings are without end.

Prayer and Praise:
Father, today I want to praise you! Thank you for creating me and giving me life. I understand that all I have is a gift from you. Above all, I thank you for the privilege of knowing YOU and the salvation you provided through Jesus Christ. I thank you for the Bible, the Living Word, which helps us know you better.

Although I am so undeserving, every morning you renew your many blessings upon me. And I praise you with all my heart. Help me to be aware each day of your kindness and share it with others for the glory of your name. Give me a thankful heart I pray, precious Lord. Amen.

©Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

Why?

Why are you weary and thus, heavy laden
When Jesus has promised to carry your burden?

Why are you saddened and living in sorrow
when Jesus has promised a better tomorrow?

Why are you fearful and walking in darkness
When Jesus is light and in Him you’ll not wander?

Why are you hungry and needy and thirsty
When He provides water and bread, everlasting?

Bring Him your burdens. Believe in His goodness.
Come, walk in His light and you’ll feast in His mercies.

For His Word has promised to those that’ll trust Him
That all things work out for the good of His children.

Sing out your praises for He is trustworthy!
The Lord is your guide-light. Rejoice in your journey!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2002

A Basket of Praise-2

“Delight yourself also in the Lord: and he shall give you the desires of your heart”. Psalm 37:4

Have you started making a list of blessings or reasons to be thankful and praise God for? How long is it? Do you find yourself constantly adding to it? As we realize God’s never-ending blessings, we learn to praise him more and request less. As we praise our heavenly Father, we make ourselves fully aware of his greatness, his power, his love and kindness.

Now, Matthew assures us that God already knows our needs before we ask him (Mat. 6:8, 32). So, what about the Prayer Request Basket? Is there really a need for it? Why does God invite us to ask, seek and knock? (Mat. 7:7-8). By asking, waiting and having our request fulfilled, we learn to trust God day by day. That, in turn, will cause us to praise and thank him even more. And on goes the cycle of praise!

Now, remember: God invites us to ask! That is why he gave us so many promises. He wants us to ask and trust that he will answer! But he also reminds us to be thankful and not take his many blessings for granted!

While the praise basket gets heavier, the request basket seems to get lighter! How is this accomplished? We learn to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We trust Him to supply all our needs (Mat. 6: 33). Our priorities are now in order and our main concern is to please our Father. He takes care of your request basket for he knows your needs. He will give you the desires of your heart! Not because you praise him, but because you surrendered to him in praise and thanksgiving. You chose to trust him and he is a trustworthy, loving and wonderful Father.

How do your baskets look today? Are you “delighting yourself in the Lord”? Consider his wonders and rejoice in his goodness. Fill your basket with praise and thanksgiving for God is good!

My prayer: Father, I worship and surrender myself unto thee. I praise you and exalt your holy name. I thank you for all the wonderful things that you have done and what still is to come. Help me be an instrument of praise unto your name. This I ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

©Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

A Basket of Praise-1

“How good it is to give thanks to you, O lord, to sing in your honor, O Most High God, to proclaim your constant love every morning and your faithfulness every night”. Psalm 92:1, 2.

An old legend says that one day God gave an angel two beautiful baskets. One basket was to be filled with prayer requests of his children on earth; the other, with their gratitude. At the end of the day the basket of requests was full to the brim, heavy with requests. Not so with the other basket. This one was light, with only a few notes of thanksgiving and praise. Needless to say, our heavenly Father was greatly disappointed. So many blessings he bestows upon us, yet, we are slow to recognize and thank him for them.

The book of Psalms is full of invitations to praise and thank our Lord! Why the constant reminder? We often overlook God’s many blessings to us. When we take time each morning to rejoice and praise the Lord, He will open our eyes to the wonders of his love. We will constantly have a reason to be thankful and praise God! Our basket of praise will be filled with beautiful notes of thanksgiving, and sweet tunes of praise, giving God honor and glory for the wonderful things He has done!

Do you have a prayer journal? Why not have a praise journal? In the evening, why not take some time to meditate in his goodness? Take note of how God cared and provided for you this day, how faithful he is. Your basket of praise will soon be overflowing.

My Prayer: “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth will make known thy praise” Psalm 51:15.
(To be continued)

© Copyright Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

Wrinkles Away!

“… In order to present the church to himself in all its beauty- pure and faultless, without spot or wrinkle, or any other imperfection”. Ephesians 5:27

Ironing… on a hot summer day? I wished not! But there I was, with a load of sparkling clean shirts before me, waiting to be ironed. My husband and sons needed their shirts ready, as we were to attend church early, the next morning. So without giving it much thought, I tackled the task. One by one, I carefully ironed the shirts; using steam as necessary, to smooth even the tiniest wrinkles away. Then, I hung them neatly in a rack. While I too was partaking of the heat and steam applied to the garments, I knew my family was worth it!

As I reached for a white shirt, carefully arranging it on the ironing board, I thought about our own spiritual garments. They certainly have been washed in the blood of the Lamb; for we have invited Jesus into our hearts and accepted His sacrifice in atonement for our transgressions. But that is only the beginning of our preparation. In order to be ready for his second coming, our garments must also be ironed; our characters, transformed.

Therefore, with the iron of the Holy Spirit, and through the heat and steam of trials, God carefully soothes away each and every wrinkle that our character might have. Diligently, he is preparing us for His kingdom. Every time heat is applied, a wrinkle is smoothed away. Each trial and heartache that we withstand says how important we are to our heavenly Father. He calls us to be “perfect- just as our Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:38).

Jesus himself holds the iron in his hand. He too is partaking of the heat, so that you and I can be ready, pure and faultless, without a wrinkle or any other imperfection!

Next time you feel the heat of trials or tribulation, praise God. Cry: "Yes, Lord… smooth all my wrinkles away!"

My prayer: Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, which prepares my character for your kingdom. Please help me, trustingly, endure the heat while you smooth all my wrinkles away! Amen

© Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

So precious, yet, so scarce...

It doesn’t cost a cent but it’s worth millions,
It can bond two hearts forever into one.

It is easily received and, just as easy to give;
It brings smiles to young and old, alike.

It can save a life; it can dry your tears instantly.
It only takes a moment, but may be cherished eternally!

You need it, I need it, and everybody needs it.
Poor and rich desire it; many never had it.

It can warm the coldest heart and lighten any burden.
It brings joy, laughter and smiles to hearts longing understanding.

It’s a cure for loneliness, the nudge you need to carry on,
It’s light that shines on foggy nights, a soothing balm of love.

It heals better than medicine, it feels like heaven down on earth.
It casts away your fears, it helps you love and give and learn!

It builds bridges of understanding among those that are hurting,
Caressing the soul with friendship and caring.

Needless to say: it’s hardly seen, for hugs are just so scarce…
So please, receive a hug today, down from the bottom of my heart!

Yes! ...HUGS are coming your way today,
Wishing a blessed and very happy day!

© Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2004

You called my name

Thou I might never fully comprehend
Your endless love and precious saving grace
I come before you with a thankful heart,
And I adore you Master, Savior, Friend.

When I was bound, in sorrow and despair,
You broke the chains and gave my life new hope.
You gave my life a reason to believe.
You gave me joy and peace from up above.

You called my name, embraced me and restored
My troubled, weary, broken-hearted soul.
You called my name and gave me a new song.
You gave me love, most precious, lasting love.

And you chose me, oh Jesus, precious friend,
To love and cherish and to make me whole.
Make me a vessel of your love and joy,
Vessel of blessings, Lord, vessel of love!

© Copyright, Rhodi Alers de López, 2003

In the Garden

“Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said, in Hebrew, “Raboni!” (This means “Teacher.”) John 20:16

I woke up tired and worried one morning, after a long, sleepless night. I said a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the new day and the opportunity to serve Him. Having a positive attitude and singing praises to God while doing chores helped. But my heart was aching, burdened with questions without answers, longing for assurance that the Lord was in control of each member of my family. My husband’s words were no comfort. When my family left, I sought refuge in my Friend. At last, alone with Him, I needed not be strong anymore. So I knelt, wept and poured my soul before Him.

Mary was anguished. Tears streamed down her cheeks; her heart broken by the death of her Master. And now… his body was not in the grave! Immersed in her sorrow, she was unable to recognize the voice she heard. “It must be the gardener”, she thought. Mary was in the very presence of Jesus, without perceiving it! But Christ, who notices every teardrop and understands the longings of our hearts, saw her anguish and suffering. He spoke and called her name! When Mary realized she was in the presence of her beloved Master everything changed. He turned her tears into joy and new hope.

Like Mary, often times and for many reasons, comfortless, we cry. Although in the presence of our Master, our soul groans in pain and suffering. But the moment when we hear his voice and listen to his words he fills our heart with peace, assurance and joy! There is power in His words!

That morning, in the midst of my tears, wonderful promises from God’s Word came to me, bringing the much needed assurance of his guidance. I lay all my burdens in his hands and felt great comfort and peace.

If in the midst of sorrow we learn to listen to His voice, everything will change. We have a loving Savior who weeps with us. But also offers us his grace, his strength and his peace. Even when we don’t perceive him, He is always by our side. Every day he calls our name, longing to comfort us. No matter the reason for our sorrow and anguish, when we seek Him in the garden He wipes our tears. What a wonderful Savior!

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for You are my Comfort in time of need! May I seek you in the garden at the start of every day so that we may walk hand in hand along life's narrow way. Amen
© Copyright Rhodi Alers de López, 2003