A time to be inspired, and a time to inspire!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven-Ecclesiastes 3:1. 

It seems forever since I've posted on this blog. What a shame!

I can't believe how fast time flies! Day by day... the challenges come, situations arise, oportunities come and go... and life continues its unstoppable journey. Why is it that we allow ourselves to be distracted and not continue a work in progress? Why stop and let it slip by, seemingly, unattended? "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven", the wise man wrote a long time ago.

But, wait! LIFE DOES NOT WAIT, my friend.  It constantly moves on, leaving behind every second wasted, each hour carelessly spent, every day unresponsibly lived and each and every opportunity inadvertently missed. No one can bring time back. To sit down and cry, what good will it bring? To mourn time lost is a greater loss of time. Move forward!

I have been busy, occupied with ministry: writing, singing, sharing the Word of God, praying for others and helping many in need, but it is time to continue moving forward in each area of my multi-faceted ministry, which includes this blog too!

I just pray that even while I have not been constantly posting here, my life and the work the Lord has appointed me to do has continued to bless and inspire others and glorify the Lord, even in ways I may not be aware of at this moment and time. Let us move forward with the lessons learned along the way. Let us share that our Lord has been good and blessed our efforts (even with our may shortcomings!) and let us praise Him, for each new day is a new opportunity to do His will and give Him the opportunity to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

 What have you started that is now aside, unfinished? What project or ministry did you start that is now waiting for completion? It might be that you started out to reconcile with someone, but got sidetracked along the way. Or, did you put God "on hold" in your life by not following his call and guidance? Did he put a desire in your heart that will enlarge His territory, but you were afraid and stopped along the way?

 There is a time for everything...a time to pray, a time to reflect, a time to share, a time to write and a time to be aware of the blessings withheld by not sharing God's continued care and love throughout our struggles and journeys. There is a time to be inspired and a time to inspire!There is a time to work and a time to rest. But now is not the time to put aside the Lord's calling or His purpose for you, whatever it entails.  It is now the time to move forward pressing toward the goal! Time is of the essence! The Lord is soon to come! It is a time to trust Him and give Him everything, for everything we have is His. 

May the Lord bless you and yours as you take time to reflect in His many blessings, His steadfast promises, and His calling for you, no matter what life's challenged you with! It is time to be inspired by His faithfuness and to inspire others to be faithful!
(c) Rhodi Alers de Lopez, 2015 -06-28

Master Designer

I marvel when I look at God’s handiwork. Nature speaks constantly of a loving Creator who, not only created earth, but the entire universe. God’s creation is a testament of his might, his character, his interest and his loving care for each of us individually, and collectively. The twenty-four hour cycle of day and night, the rhythm of life, the changing seasons with it’s individual and unique splendor, the song of the waves, the breeze, the gurgling brooks trickling to sea, the migration of fish and birds, the colors of a sunset, the tiny flower in the meadow and the delicate aroma of the lilies, all speak without words of a master designer indeed. Scientists are baffled by the complexity of the human body, the nervous system, the organs, the human brain with it’s enormous capacity… We did not come about by chance or change! We were wonderfully and fearfully created by the hand of God with a purpose to our lives!

Nature is an open book that reveals to us the love of God. As we go about our daily tasks, let us look up to the heavens, let us look at nature and read God’s silent, yet clear message of his unconditional love for you and me. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that our Creator is in tune with our every need and willing to satisfy not only our physical needs, but our emotional and spiritual needs as well. Let us unite our voices to the psalmist and say: ¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. ² Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. ³ They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.^{[a] 4} Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. ⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat-Psalm 19:1-6.

I thank God for his infinite love and wisdom. I am not a product of chance. I was created by a master designer. Nature shows how much He cares for me. He created the perfect environment that I may thrive and excel as I grow closer to Him and allow Him to lead my path. When I live responsibly and care for nature and the environment I please my Creator and show my gratitude for all He has done for me. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Inkspirations... by Rhodi: The unrecognized heroine!

Inkspirations... by Rhodi: The unrecognized heroine!

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!

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