My "To-do" list

Have you ever found yourself burdened and short of time to accomplish your tasks? I surely have! Seems like the days get shorter and shorter by the minute! And it has nothing to do with the daylight savings change-of-time or winter itself... In Matthew 24, as Jesus described the signs of his second coming to his friends, he warned them about the days becoming shorter for the sake of those who love him: “If the time had not been made short, no life would have been saved. Because of God's people the time will be made short”- Matthew 24:22, New Life Version.

And the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “So be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish. Make the best use of your time. These are sinful days. Do not be foolish. Understand what the Lord wants you to do”-Ephesians 5:5-17, New Life Version.

Balancing full-time office work, a ministry, church responsibilities and household responsibilities, I've found myself in the need of making a To-do-list in order to use time wisely and accomplish the most urgent tasks in my super busy day. But I find that spending time with my Creator early in the day, enables me to accomplish far more than other days, regardless of the challenges I face. So "Devotional time" remains #1 on my list. Even thou I consider it more of a privilege than a task, scheduling time for it keeps me on track and eases my day. It surely works wonders!No matter what is on my "To-do" list today, setting time aside for my Creator and friend gives me the cutting edge! I invite you to try it! It may save your day too!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006-11-15

Touched... forever!

Memories
The days come and go,
and so do people in our lives.
Some stay by our side;
others, only a little while.

But the memories left behind,
their kindness and loving ways,
the warmth and joy they spread
still speak loudly each new day.
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006

Did you ever know someone, even for a little while, whose memory brings a smile to your face? Teachers, friends, family members and many others... they each have an influence in us, in one way or another. Life is not always perfect, for we live in an imperfect world, disfigured by sin and its consequences. But there are people who touch our lives in ways that impact us forever, in a positive way.

One such person was my dad. Thou his life was shortened by unexpected death, the legacy of love and kindness left behind still stands tall and strong like an evergreen, inspiring my life and making it worthwhile. Truly, his works do follow him. As the apostle John said: “Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!” “Yes, indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them”-Revelation 14:13 (Good News Bible).

Father's day in the USA is celebrated in June. But I celebrate my dad each new day. For him, I thank God and my mom.

Dear Lord: Help me live a life that inspires others in their walk with you; that your name may be exalted, even when I rest from my labor. Amen.
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006-07-06

A virtuous woman-legacy of love

"Her children arise and call her blessed..." -Proverbs 31:28

Reflecting on my mother's love it's hard to point out just one way she expresses her love to her children, for it shows it in everything she does. But one thing is certain: I will always thank God for her attitude in life. If I need to single out just one trait of her character, one memory or one powerful lesson and expression of her love it is that she's remained positive, thankful and singing throughout the most trying circumstances of her life. Life's challenges and struggles seem powerless to undermine her determination to be cheerful and praise the Lord.

As a child, I remember waking up to her cheerful songs. Early in the morning she'd gather her family to praise and thank the Lord, and seek his guidance for the day. Throughout the day, her sweet voice filled the air and, at night, we'd gather again to worship our heavenly Father and sing.

When my father, a healthy man, suddenly passed away, leaving her with five small children, she drew strength from the Word of God and the songs of faith she'd learned throughout her life. Raising us alone, she taught us by example that life and it's toils can never take away the treasure of a cheerful heart.

Though her body shows the wear and tear of years of hardship, her heart remains young, brimming with gratitude that flourishes in a beautiful, contagious smile and a song to praise the Lord. Rain or shine she remains a testament of God's faithfulness. Her presence irradiates peace and a joy that baffles many. Her conversations overflow with love towards others, but most of all, to our heavenly Father.

What better legacy of love? Surely, she's touched my life forever in ways that only time will tell, for she's a virtuous woman, a woman of faith, a woman with a cheerful heart. From her I've learned to look at life and it's challenges with a different perspective, with " heavenly lens". I've learned to praise the Lord whatever the challenge and I've seen him work in my life.

Today and every day I thank God for her legacy of love, and I praise the Lord with a tune from my heart, a tune that no person or challenge can take away!
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006, April 26.

Its all about Love

Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited, or proud"-

I Corinthians 13:6


Love is beautiful. Despite all the troubles around us, love makes life worth living. So let us be instruments of kindness, warriors of love to all those around us! Are you up to the challenge?

Instrument of kindness, warrior of love

To love one another,

to not hold a grudge,

to help those who need us,

to ease someone's pain,

to share the burdens,

to sing a sweet tune,

to make someone happy

to lighten the load...

to share the successes,

to cry with the sad,

to make a child happy,

to point to the stars,

to heal those life wounded

and help mend a heart

to "be there" when needed

and to understand,

is all in the big plan

that God, in His grace,

set out for this nation,

and beautiful land.

But many have wandered

away from His Word,

ignoring His calling

to love and prosper.

So many are needing

a kind word or two...

And many now wander

in darkness and pain.

Won't you let your light shine

and let your love flow

to others in kindness,

and a helping hand?

Be patient, be loving.

Treat others with care.

The joy that you now spread

will come back again.

Reach out to your neighbor,

for you never know

the time when you'll need him

and knock at his door.

Refuse not your kindness

to strangers or poor

for by helping others

you're helping the Lord.

If love makes the world sing

and love heals the heart

rejoice in the blessing

that you may impart

by loving your neighbor

as you love yourself,

for you' re making this earth

a much better place.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006

Above the heavens

"Your constant love reaches above the heavens; your faithfulness touches the skies"- Psalm 108:4 (Good News Bible)

This morning, as I read the Word of God, I recalled a wonderful experience: Flying back home from Puerto Rico, after a tour promoting my ministry, I was amazed by the magnificent view of the clouds. I searched through my pictures and, yes! I have one of that special moment in time. There, above the heavens, I was in complete awe of God's handiwork. Needless to say, peace and gratitude overflowed my already joyous soul.

While enjoying the view, I took mental notes of the blessings this trip brought me, and how God provided for my every need throughout my three-week tour. I'd seen His hand in many ways! Looking at the clouds below reminded me of how uncertain this life is and how much we depend on the loving care of our heavenly Father. What a blessing it is to know Him, my Creator and Savior!

Today I'm facing challenges, but, as I look at this picture, I'm reminded of God's faithfulness. I can put all my troubles, challenges and concerns in His hand and know that He holds the present and the future. I can sing as the psalmist did so many years ago and know that I will not be dissapointed:

"I have complete confidence, oh God!

I will sing and praise you!

I will thank you, oh Lord among the nations.

I will praise you among the peoples.

Your constant love reaches above the heavens;

your faithfulness touches the skies".

Psalm 108: 1, 3-4

Once again, delving into the Word of God brought peace and comfort to my heart, as I relived that wonderful moment while reading Psalm 108. Just what I needed today! What reminds you today of God's direction and care?

Dear heavenly Father: May the faithfulness you've shown me in the past hold me steadfast in the midst of today's trials. May the certainty of your love bring stability in these uncertain times. May the tunes of my heart glorify your name each and every day, bring what they may! Amen.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2006-01-20

A Blessing Renewed

There is a blessing in each new day. It's revitalizing to go out early in the morning and breath in the fresh air of a brand new day. A new day brings the sense of new opportunities, leaving behind the frustrations of the days gone by. No matter how succesful or unsuccesful yesterday was, today I am given a new opportunity in life to reach new goals, to do a better job, to serve others with all my heart and to walk closer to the Lord. Thou I can certainly look back and learn from the past, I can certainly look ahead with optimism and make the most of the blessing of a new day.

The apostle Paul reminds us of this blessing in 2 Corinthians 5:17-"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new".

Now that I've been given a New Year, I am thankful for the renewed blessing it brings. I'd like to breath in the fresh air of the Holy Spirit, that my life will be revitalized and empowered to serve the Lord in a way that glorifies His name. By the grace of God, I aim to be a new creature, one who walks the path ahead hand in hand with Christ, one who'se priority is the will of God, one who'll allow the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose in me.

Thank you, Lord for the blessing of a New Year! Together, You and I can make the most of this renewed blessing!
©2006-01 Rhodi Alers de López