The unrecognized heroine!

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land"-Ephesians 6:1-3, (ESV).

Mother's day was soon approaching. Our church's radio program team was getting ready for the celebration and special broadcast. —Can you, please, have the devotional for the mother's day broadcast? —one of the programmers asked. — I'm willing! But please pray for me!
—What shall I speak about, Lord? — was my immediate prayer. — So much has been said about motherhood! Guide me, dear Lord.

Almost instantly, I remembered a sermon I'd started working on, but had on "hold", unfinished.
—That’s it! Thanks, dear Lord. Thanks again!

I aim to share some highlights of this year's Mother's Day's broadcast, for their relevance in our lives:

Motherhood is a call from God that entails immense responsibility... for "Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD"-Psalm 127:3, (CEV).

Motherhood imprints its mark in the soul for good or bad. The poet, William Wallace Ross, eloquently emphasizes a mother’s high calling and great influence in his poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world”.

A mother’s love is greater than any other! Some learn to value it still young; others, need a little more time. But many did praise their mother and recognized her labor of love.

Motherhood is risky business! It comes without a warranty. But, thank God for prayer! A mother’s prayer is sweet fragrance to the Lord. God values and answers a mother’s prayer (See Matthew 19:14, ESV).

Dear mothers: Be not afraid to be unrecognized. Dare to be a hero before the Lord! To be recognized should never be your motivation to reach new heights in your challenging task. Whether others understand and appreciate your task or not, if you raise godly children, women and men of valor and dignity, they will thank you under the tree of life!

Let prayer be your mighty sword to complete your heavenly appointed task. King David and many others are among those whose mothers’ name may not be known right now; but what a task they completed for the Lord! You may feel unappreciated, but He who bestowed upon you the gift of motherhood, does recognize and appreciate your work, your perseverance, your sacrifices and love! Thou your children go astray, never give up! Never stop praying for your children. And God will answer your prayers on their behalf (See Isaiah 49:25, CEV).

On mothers' day I sent her flowers. But each day I thank heaven for my godly mother. Nothing shaped me like her love, nothing guides me like her faith, and nothing strengthens me like her prayers. Nothing can replace her, and nothing I do will ever repay her. Her reward is in heaven. For now, I cherish and love her, thank her and often tell her how much she means to me.

Motherhood is a gift from heaven; and the children, a blessing from above: one for which our Giver, will soon, ask about. May God continue to bless each mother's dedication and labor with his wisdom and infinite love.

Love me tender...

Another year, another celebration of love. Once more the calendar marks February 14th- Valentine's day.

My lips, softly and tenderly kissed my loved ones this morning, wishing them a blessed day, as they awoke. I made sure they enjoyed a warm breakfast, before heading out in the bitter cold to face another work day.

Now, alone with my thoughts in the refuge of our home, I reflect on the moments and days gone by... the blessings, the challenges, the difficult situations I've encountered along the way and the resolutions to be more loving, more like Jesus. I reflect on the many instances I've not accomplished my goal, and the countless times I've faltered. The scene is not as bright as it ought.

In the wee hours of the morning I spoke to my friend, Jesus.
—Oh, how I wish to be more like you!—I whispered.
—I'm willing to help!
—Please do, Lord! I need you desperately or I'll fail.

Ever felt like you try and you try but you fail? If so, you get the picture.

I ponder the countless hearts that are out there... in the cold winter of their life, longing for love and tenderness, hungering compassion, searching for a helping hand, for a word of hope. I'm sure you've noticed them too. It seems unfair to learn about so many in dire need of the bare necessities of life. Multitudes are homeless; others face illnesses. Some have no hope for a better future. While you and I might not be able to change the lives of many, I'm certain that, by the grace of God, I can help at least some.

Each time I treat others with respect and dignity, each time I pronounce an encouraging word, every time I give the best of me to those I encounter on my path, I'll be spreading love, and joy and cheer and hope. The words of the Master and Savior, the Author of love, come to my mind: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'-Matthew 25:40.

—Love me tender, my child. Love me tender... —I hear him reply.

So, all I need to do is love Jesus, love him with all my heart, mind and soul! For when I do, I'll see him in each person too: in the children, the young, the adults, the elderly, in the needy, the accomplished, the survivor, the struggling one, the friends and the unfriendly, the caring and the cold, in those who love me, and in those who've wronged me...

May I see Jesus in every person crossing my path today, for only then will I have accomplished the task and learned to love the way you do, dear Jesus, I pray. For then, each day, we'll truly have a happy Valentine's day!

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

Reflections on a mother's day

It was back in 1907 that Ana Jarvis started campaigning to celebrate mother's day as a national holiday. In 1914, president Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second sunday of may the national day for such celebrations.

But why do we celebrate mother's day and when do we celebrate? Do we celebrate because everybody else does? Do we really celebrate what ought to be such an important date in our calendar?

Mother's day is just one of the days to celebrate a mother's love, compassion, perseverance, longsuffering, etc. I celebrate my mother every time I have the opportunity to call, write or see her. My mom is a precious gift from God and I cherish her dearly. I don't wait for mother's day to come, for mother's day should be every day of the life God grants her. I try to stay in contact often. (She lives in Puerto Rico). I always try to thank her and let her know how important she is and how much I appreciate her ways, her special touch, her love and understanding.

As for gifts... what her heart desires is to be appreciated and loved. No fancy gift will ever replace the joy a grateful and loving child can bring to her heart. All she wants is our gratitude, our love.

As I recall days gone by, I thank God for a mother who has put her trust in the Lord and, thus, shown me by example that it is better to put my trust in Him than in silver or gold. I can truly priase God for giving me a virtuous woman, a woman who serves the Lord with gladness and unwavering faith.

May God bless each mother in her wonderful and challenging task!
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-05-08

Love is in the air!

“Dear friends: let us love one another, because love comes from God”.

I John 4:7 (Good News Bible).

The month of February is dedicated to promoting love and friendship in all sorts of ways. The most precious gifts that human souls can share are extremely commercialized. By January, the stores put away all decorations and accessories related to the holidays and stack their shelves with all kinds of giftware, greeting cards, flowers, candy, fancy gift wraps… anything that will entice buyers to show someone how much they care. Even the little ones in school are prompted to give valentine cards to their classmates. Co-workers often do the same. Sadly, for many, Valentine’s Day becomes a show-off day instead of a “show your love” day. Still, some go to great lengths to find that special gift, the right moment and the special words to show their feelings.

But often, as soon as February 14th slips by, so do those expressions of love, kindness and friendship. Many lonely hearts await a word or an act of true love and/or friendship. Countless family members yearn for the affection of their relatives. Couples, families, friends are busy with the hustle and bustle of every day life and rarely stop to smell the roses and enjoy and nourish what they take for granted. Some quiet their conscience by getting expensive gifts on that special day and do very little the rest of the year to show they care; thus the loneliness in this world, and the longing for some real love and understanding.

Yes, it’s great to shower our loved ones with gifts and all kinds of goodies on Valentine’s Day. But it is often the little things done on a regular basis that matter the most. Often a smile, a hug, a simple call, helping with simple chores or just a loving note can cheer them up and let them know how much we care. Love is the greatest gift of all and it is meant to be shared. Never take it for granted. Never leave for tomorrow the good you can do today. Never underestimate the power of the simple things. They can brighten someone’s day, even save a life. They will brighten your life too, for the love and friendship you give out multiplies somehow and will go round and round!

Let love fill the air… on February and all through the year! Let love be your weapon to combat loneliness and despair. Be a love warrior today and every day and show someone you care!

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005

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