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.

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

Giving thanks… for blessings by the bushel!

It’s that time of the year again: the month in which many think “turkey, apple pie, big dinner, family gatherings, Christmas shopping”, etc.

For many, it is the one-time-a-year when they will actually “give thanks” to the Lord for his blessings.

I’ve learned to thank God each day, for every morning his blessings are renewed. But when I look back, at the beginning of the year, I certainly have blessings by the bushel for which to praise the Lord in a very special way. It’s been a very productive year in this ministry and I thank God for that.

Here I share just a few blessings, which I consider milestones for the glory of God:

-The release of my Cd: “Me faltan palabras” (My words are insufficient to say Thank you).

-The publication of my first book- “Suspiros del Alma… poesía, reflexiones y más” (“Sighs of the soul… poetry, reflections and more”).

-The publication of 10 of my devotionals in the 2005 women’s devotional book-“Voces del corazón”-Voices from the heart.

-Monitoring the prayer request in the Boomer Women Speak forum.

-God granted me the opportunity of presenting a workshop for other women interested in writing devotionals in various churches in MA.

-The creation of my website: www.expressionpublishingministries.com.

-My promotion trip to Puerto Rico was a great blessing, and a dream come true!

-Sharing my testimony there with so many is a plus!

Stemming from my trip to Puerto Rico, I was able to get in touch with my college-days friend. Nothing happens by coincidence. Our heavenly Father has a purpose for everything and I pray it proves to be a blessing in her life.

I was also able to meet the angel who prepared my mother’s baby shower before my twin sister and I were born. What a blessing!

I had the opportunity to give the devotional writing workshop in P.R. About 40 women attended this event. To see their enthusiasm and eagerness to write and share their testimony is a blessing in itself. It is my prayer that the Lord uses them to inspire others.

-Life, family, health, resources, friends, church family, salvation, and the way God cares for each detail of my life are just a few of the daily blessings by the bushel.

-The apostle Paul encourages us be thankful in all circumstances (I Thessalonians 5:18). I also need to give thanks for each trial, each problem, each disappointment and each stone in the way. They’ve become blessings in disguise. I sing to the Lord, because each trouble brought me to the Source of Help: Jesus, the ever present Help in times of need and He's never failed!

None of the blessings received I deserved. The glory and honor belong to my King, my Friend, and my Father, who so lovingly bestows his mercies on me.

For this and more “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done. I will sing with joy because of YOU. I will sing praise to you, Almighty God” Psalm 9:1, 2.
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-11-21

My Lord is the best!

Last night I talked to my heavenly father.
-Dear Lord, my cares seem so insignificant next to what our fellow citizens in the gulf coast are going through, I almost feel ashamed!
-But I take interest in your struggles too. You don’t need to feel ashamed to bring them to me.
-Thank you, Lord. Please, help me rest and leave it all in your hands.
Tears rolled down my cheeks. My pillow witnessed my silent struggle. But God gave me rest.

Today I was facing new challenges. After my personal time with God, I went about my daily duties trying not to think or be overwhelmed with these issues over which I have no control, and trying to focus on the blessings and God's promises.

The day went on, slowly. My mind was stirring up questions for which I had no answers.
-Lord, I need your help. I am not about to give up, but I can’t do this alone.
-You’re not alone. I am with you!

I tuned in to the Christian radio station in Puerto Rico -through the internet-and ... just as I turned the volume dial up, my theme song started to play: its translation says "My words are insufficient as I try to say thank you!” Praise the Lord! I had no choice but to sing along. The words just seemed to flow praising God. My troubles seemed so small!

A few minutes later, at the beginning of one of my favorite radio programs, the Scripture read reassured me that God is in control and that he cares for each and every detail of my life. Praise Him again!

I finally reached a friend on the phone, who heard me trying to sing a tune.
-Are you writing a song or just singing to avoid crying?
This friend seems to know me all too well.

-No, I'm just singing to avoid crying. I can be honest with you.
-Oh, I thought you had a new melody...
-It's been a while since I write a song.

As soon as I hung up the phone I started singing and writing a new song. It was a breeze, for God is great!!! I reached for my Bible and the words that inspired me were highlighted, of course.

I now have it in Spanish and also in English! I just have to praise the Lord over and over.

"I am with you"- is the theme of my song, based on Isaiah 41:13, 43:2.
The Lord is just so great. I am amazed by His kindness and mercy!
No trouble is too small or too great for our Heavenly Father. His love covers all. His arms are strong enough to carry your burden and mine. His ear is listening to each and every cry for help and He is there for you and me. He is there, in the midst of devastated homes and families, and he is with me also. He has time to soothe a broken heart, to comfort the weary, to heal the wounded and to rejoice with those who praise him. He is God, ever present, ever caring, forever bringing joy and hope even in the bleakest circumstances that we may face. My Lord and God is the best!
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-09-08

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... 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

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